Memories From My First 10K
I still remember the smell of sunscreen at the start line and the absolute certainty, at mile 4, that I had started too fast. I finished anyway — muddy, grinning, hooked for life. If your first 10K is coming up, here is what I wish someone had told me.
Start Slower Than You Want To
Adrenaline lies. Run the first mile at a pace that feels almost embarrassingly easy. You will pass dozens of fast starters by mile 5, and passing people feels wonderful.
Eat Like It Matters (It Does)
A normal breakfast two hours before, a gel or banana 20 minutes before if you are nervous, and water at every station even if you feel fine. Your stomach is part of the team — brief it early.
Look Up At Least Once
My biggest regret from race one? Staring at my watch the whole way. Pick one moment — the crowd at mile 3, the bridge, the finish chute — to look up, breathe and take a mental photo. The medal is metal. The memory is the real prize.
Nervous about your first start line? Come run with us — group runs are free to try and full of people who remember exactly how you feel.
