Congrats on your running. I’ll add in a few tidbits that I’ve learned.
Biggest one? DON"T STOP no matter what. It’s ok to take a day off here or there, but never let more than 2 days go past without running at least some (baring injury recovery of course).
I took a few months off due to travel, and work, and vacation, and now it’s very very hard for me to get back in the swing of things. I went from 4-5 miles a day, down to barely 2.5
If you’re doing treadmill, work out a routine that varies what you’re doing a little. This give you a definate goal, and breaks down your run into smaller segments. For example. I might start out running at 6.0mph (a 10 minute mile). Every .1 of a mile, I increase my pace by .1mph. So that when I get to a half mile, I’m running at 6.4 mph. This lets me get used to an increased pace, and breaks down each mile into .1 segements. That makes it a little easier for me. Instead of telling myself I have an entire mile to go, I just break it down into those .1 sections. Helps me a lot mentally.
Your first race you’ll want to go out really fast. Try to hold yourself back some, it’ll make the rest of the race easier. Don’t worry about people passing you, or what your time is. Just try and keep your pace consistant if you can. I’ve found it’s much easier for me to keep a slower pace for a long period, than to go out fast, have to stop, and then force myself to start running again.
Set a specific time of day for your run, and always do it at that same times. I think I read someplace that after you do something for 30 days straight, it becomes a habit. Make running your habit.
I also tend to stretch more after I run, than before. YMMV, do what you have to in order to avoid injury.
5K races can be a blast. Try to pick ones that have interesting courses, so that you have something to look at that takes your mind off how tired you might be. We have a jingle bell run here that’s a blast, because not only are people dressed up, with bells on, it’s a wonderful run through a local botanical garden.
All in all, enjoy yourself. Runnings difficult for me, because I loath it. But after you’ve gotten used to it, you’ll be amazed at what your body is capable of. And the expression on most people’s faces when you tell them that you did your 10 miler on Sunday is well worth the pain and effort.
