ran my first 10k - here's what i learned

✨Hello zesties ✨

This ended up being quite a long post - I was originally going to write a short one, but I asked myself what I would tell my younger self about running a 10k, and it turns out it's quite a lot 🤣

Earlier today I crossed the finish line at the GE Women's Run, for the 10km category. This marks my first 10km run event in recent memory (the previous one was probably 10 years ago), and here's everything I did and learned on this journey.

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Setting goals

Beginning this January, I had a small goal of adding 1km to my "comfortable mileage" each month, and to motivate me to build towards that goal, I signed up for a 5km run in May (month 5) and a 10km run in October (month 10).

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Finding my Why

I've talked about this on here before - I ran a lot as a kid but hated it, and quit when I was a teen. I picked it up again in the past year to rebuild my relationship with running, and also to build trust and a stronger relationship with myself. It's not about being fast, it's about showing my younger self that we can do it while loving the sport, and while loving ourselves 🫡 🤝

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Training

If you've been here for awhile you might have seen me talk about the Nike Run Club app. I think it's super beginner friendly, and I used NRC's 10K training plan to help prep for this 10K. To be honest I didn't manage to finish the training plan (yet), because I kept falling sick in the past few months, but I listened to my body and did what I could. 👍🏻

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Week before

The organisers released the route details, and I went out to recce the environment. I'd normally trial the route, but for this 10km specifically I couldn't actually do that because a good chunk of it was on highways and roads. At minimum it's always good to read the itinerary, figure out how to get to the starting point, and be comfortable enough with the target distance.

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Day before

1) Cut your nails

Especially toenails - helps avoid bruising and friction-related injuries. I also cut my finger nails so I don't poke myself in the eye when I'm wiping my sweat away LOL

2) Pack and prep

I am not a morning person, and I want to wake up as late as possible on race day (today I woke up at 5am), so the night before I'd lay out my things so I can get up and go.

(More details in the photos - swipe to read)

3) SLEEP EARLY

As a night owl this is so hard for me, but know that things will be a lot more manageable on race day if you are well rested. You're better off both mentally and physically if you sleep early.

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Race day

1) HYDRATE AND EAT SOMETHING

Fueling up is so important. This is a big big part of runner's safety - know your needs! I at minimum always have a piece of bread, a banana and a bottle of water before flag off. During the run, I also try to hit all the water stops to keep me far from dehydration. I also bring gummy bears in case my blood sugar falls too low.

A side note: I had a migraine a couple days ago, so I brought panadol *just in case* anything happens (thankfully I was perfectly fine! 😎)

2) SUN PROTECTION

Yall know what the Singapore weather is like ☀️☀️☀️ WEAR SUNSCREEN and a cap or sunglasses if you need to. I find it's more comfortable to run with sunglasses and cap so I always bring mine along.

3) Build a good playlist and yap yap yap 😌

The right songs can be so motivating! Also I went with a friend, and we yapped almost the entire way (definitely means we were going at an easy, conversational pace)

4) Be aware of your body and figure out how to best cooperate with yourself

Every km I checked in with myself on how I was feeling, and asked what I could do to carry myself through the next km - sometimes that meant focusing on how I was landing each step, or how I was breathing.

5) The conversations you have with yourself are the realest

When it gets hard, go back to your why. In the last 2km I really wanted to start walking, and that's when the self-talk came in.

- You know you're strong enough to do this

- If you finish strong, it's yours forever

- Running is a beautiful privilege, enjoy the journey

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After race

Chill, hydrate, explore the race village, walk it off, do cool down exercises, go home and shower, have a good meal, take a nice nap, order an ice cold bubble tea and thank your friend for being fantastic company.

And last but not least, thank yourself.

You did that!!!!

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Afterthoughts

I'm actually quite happy that at large, the running community in Singapore has grown so much. The space has grown to be so welcoming and accommodating, and there are now so many resources out there to help anyone get started. I know it can be quite intimidating at first, but if you intend to take that first step, I hope this post would be at least a little bit helpful for you.

Best of luck, zestie! 🫶🏻

#MyFreeTime #GEWomensRun2024 #running #RealTalk