It's My First Race...How Do I Prepare Myself?

When I first began to run, I had to ask myself "Why am I doing this?". At first, it was all about losing weight. I thought, "Running would really help me to lose weight". After I ran my first 5K in September 2011, I then realized that running would mean much more to me than losing weight. Signing up for a race is a huge commitment. Because I am a goal-oriented person, I had to challenge myself to not just walk a 5K,I had to run it... the WHOLE time! The first 5K I ran was slow,and I hurt all over afterwards. But I did it! It took me eight weeks to get to victory. Even after the pain, I wanted more. I am a person that finds interest in many things, but I quickly get bored if I find that the activity fails to continuously stimulate me in some way. I love running because you can always set the bar higher. If I want to run faster, I need to speed and hill train. If I want to run longer, I need to work on my breathing and aim to increase my distance weekly. If I get bored running on the track or treadmill, I can take my run out on the open road. I could set my pace, I could run my race. The only person I was competing with was the person with unleashed potential to be better, myself.

So, how do you begin? First, you should definitely sign up for a race at least two to three months ahead. Even if you are not sure you can run the whole race, you should have plenty enough time to train. Most races cost money. Once you hit the send button after entering your payment information, you have bought that race. It is yours and you need to work for it! If you are anything like me, you don't like wasting your money.

Second, you should find a running program that works for your lifestyle.I wish I could tell you I was a master of the couch to 5K/10K program. I wish I could share with you that I followed a specific training regimen exactly to a tee. I didn't. Life wouldn't allow me to follow a specific regimen. I work full time as a physical therapist. I am a mom and a wife. I got in runs when I could, loosely following a couch to 5K program I found at my local gym. I made sure to run at least 3 days a week, increasing my distance and time as I could. I started off running on the in-door track in the gym. When I built up enough confidence, I took my runs to my neighborhood early Saturday mornings. I found solace during the Saturday runs because it was so quiet and cool. I learned to control my breathing and pay attention to how my foot hit the ground. I did what was essential for me to survive the first race.

Third, find people who will help you achieve the your goals. Several athletic stores in the area have running groups on various days. Link up with one or two people who may be at your fitness level or slightly more advanced and be accountability partners for one another. Commit to meeting with each other to run at least once a week. My local church also has a running group. I literally found out about Black Girls Run! a week before my first race. A girl from my home town who relocated to Atlanta told me about the Atlanta chapter. She suggested I look for one in Charlotte. I was baffled; "You mean to tell me, there are a group of chicks, Black chicks, running together in an organization?" This was certainly unheard of in my community. It was such a blessing to find these women.I did my first run with them the Friday before my race, and I remember the run coordinator coaching me the whole time, helping me pace myself along the hills and staying with me even though I was probably the slowest one out there. After finishing my first run with these ladies, I knew I could get through my race. And, I knew I would join these ladies again to run in the future.

Well, I didn't give you a "How to Run You First 5K and 10K" manual, but I think you are now equip with some practical ways to at least begin your training. I have been in quite a few races over the past two years, and I will say that the 10K I ran with Black Girls Run! last year has been the most memorable to date. A lot of us trained for that race together, and we finished together. We have gone on to feed the desire to stay fit by pursuing more 5ks, 10ks, half marathons, marathons and triathlons. I am looking forward to seeing many of you at this year's Black Girls Run! "Sweat With Your Sole" Conference and Race Weekend Sept 6-8 in Charlotte, NC.

We've got three months to get it together...Let's Do It!

***Registration is now open for Black Girls Run! "Sweat With Your Sole" Conference and Race Weekend. The race is co-ed, all are welcome to participate!***