10 Tips for New Runners

I love info-graphics because they’re a quick and easy way to pick up a few facts. By design they are brief and do not cover all of the details.

In the next few posts, I will expand on a few of the items in the info graphic below.

HOW TO CHOOSE A RACE

Price, time and location are all important considerations. When I look at races and plan my year, I schedule most of my races within 50 miles of home. I usually plan one or two as my destination races for the year.

Time. Before you schedule any races make sure you know when the weddings, family reunions, work trips etc. are. You can’t tell your boss or spouse that you can’t go to an event because you have a 5K that day.

I use a spread sheet to keep track of these important dates and plan my races around them.

Price. If this is your first 5K you should know that 5K registration fees range from $15 to $50. The “reasonableness” of the price depends on the charity the race supports and what you get for the money.

A big race with lots of street closures, a fancy medal and a big post race party will cost a lot more than a smaller race put on by your local YMCA. The Y has many volunteers and often has donated food and water.

Large or small, most races support local groups such as the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club or the local high school track team. Many races also raise money to fund medical research and to support families in need.

Many people run their first 5K in memory of a family member and to raise funds for research. If you find a race that is eight weeks away and supports a cause dear to your heart, sign up and start training.

I’ve paid $50 for a 5K and I’ve even run a few free 5Ks. A higher price does not always equal a better experience.

Many low cost 5Ks do not provide a finisher’s medal. Something to consider if this is your first 5K race.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FIRST 5K

If you are new to running the primary consideration should be – when is the race?

If you are new to running, your fitness level on race day depends on how long you have to train for the race.

The Couch to 5K program is an 8 week program. If you are looking to run your first 5K, this program or something similar is a great way to start.

Eight weeks is a reasonable amount of time to train for your first 5K. With this in mind you can look for your first 5K.

There are many places to look for local 5Ks. Cool Running and Active.com have extensive listings. Local timing companies also list all of the races they are involved with.

Google “5K Boston” but insert your town. You are sure to find a long list of races. It is easy to get excited looking at all of the races and the great causes that they raise funds for.

Before you register for anything, make sure the race is at least 8 weeks away. It’s also a good idea to see if any friends are interested in going with you.

Even if they aren’t running, the moral support is invaluable. You also need someone to park the car while you go get your number!

If your friend wants to run the race also, you can train together!

My next post will look at,
3. HOW TO CHOOSE A GPS WATCH.

Run well my friends,

Andy