[SarahE]

Having spent years running on and off "for fun" I've finally decided to enter my first 10K race in 3 weeks time. I just wonder if there's a respectable average finishing time ? I certainly don't think I'll be anywhere under 55 minutes but don't want to come in last! :eek: I've run the distance many times but my route usually includes lots of off road hill work and I tend to take it quite easy. Yesterday I thought I'd do the run on the road and finished in 1hr 12 mins 41 sec (this did include a short stop to put an injured bird out of its misery mind you!) My training so far this year has been quite intermitant due to an ongoing knee problem which thankfully seems to be pretty much sorted now. Can anyone give me any tips on how I can increase my speed with only 3 weeks left to go (I'd really like to do it in under an hour ... am I going to completely embarass myself with my current time?

[Steve]

Whatever you do will be respectable Sarah.....even if you finished last....as you need to think of the good the run is doing for you and the fact that not everyone can run 10k.

Probably not a lot you can do to pick up speed in 3 weeks...but do try to do some sprints between lamp posts and find a hill to run hard up...you'll get stronger and that will help with speed on the day.

Good luck.

[Dave]

There will be no embarassment Sarah.

There will only be well earned pride when you cross the finishing line.

And you wont be coming in last.(not that it matters if you did).

All the best.

Dave.

[Slowsteve]

I agree completely with Steve and Dave. You certainly won’t embarrass yourself, whatever your time - unless you start elbowing old ladies out of the way and screaming obscenities at any one who dares to beat you ... But, as you’re the kind of person who would interrupt a training run to help an injured bird, I really don’t think that’s likely.

Enjoy the 10k and don't forget to smile for camera when you cross the line

Slowsteve

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Slowsteve

elbowing old ladies out of the way and screaming obscenities at any one who dares to beat you

Slowsteve

...that's what I do? What's wrong with that?

[richardsimkiss]

You'll be quite a way off the back of the field with a time of about an hour... though there'd be no shame if you were at the back of the field! Best of luck

[Nat]

When I do my first 10k (or first proper 5k even) I won't be ashamed to come last, just wouldn't want to come last by a long way!

Have a look at the previous years race results if you can and see where you might sit.

[roadrunnerrob]

Just running a 10k is respectable!

A few weeks ago I was getting frustrated because my times weren't improving quite as quickly as I liked.

Compare that to being sidelined and not even knowing if I will reach the starting line for my next (and only second) race... And I would be happy to trundle around 10k in an hour and a half at the moment!

[Trinity]

Originally Posted by Steve

...that's what I do? What's wrong with that?

erm.... I hope you're not planning on doing that on Saturday

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Trinity

erm.... I hope you're not planning on doing that on Saturday

Been sharpening my elbows all day...did I not tell you about my ******* Tourettes problem?!