I Ran My First 5K, Here’s What Surprised Me Most

When I RW+ Membership Benefits in November of 2024, I had my sights set on eventually running for 30 minutes non-stop. I never anticipated the same week I accomplished that milestone I would also be running my first-ever 5K race.

My running began by using what Runner’s World has dubbed its “Best Beginner Running Plan,” a 12-eased my mind a bit. I told anyone who asked me what my. It starts by alternating 30-second run intervals with four-minute walk intervals for 30 minutes. I had tried to get into running once or twice before in the past, but I could never find my groove in order to stick with it. Instead, my fitness routine included walking my dog about 75 minutes each day and enjoying low-impact Pilates workouts. The only finish line I envisioned when I started the beginner program was one where my running intervals outlasted my walking.

In January, when I was exactly six weeks into my training, my brother-in-law, Matt, invited me to join him in a local St. Patrick’s Day 5K. I had no idea if this would be possible for me—mostly because I was still on stage four of my plan, alternating three-minute run intervals with three-minute walk intervals for 30 minutes. I knew I had a long way to go. Despite that trepidation, I said yes and immediately signed up.

One thing I didn’t expect when I agreed to this? Just how motivating the race would be in getting me through the second half of my program. I mapped out what my next nine weeks would need to look like in order to finish the plan strong and get me to my 5K. But just barely. The holiday season slowed some of my initial momentum, so I really had to ramp up the work I was putting in. At times, having that race on my calendar was the only thing that got me out for a run despite Pennsylvania's frigid temperatures and icy conditions. In late February, when I finally had two runs with just a single one- to two-minute walk break sandwiched in the middle of the 30-minute outing, I began to believe running this race could be possible for me.

The Monday before the 5K, I reached the end of my plan and ran for 30 minutes straight—the first time ever. At many points throughout my journey, this felt like an impossible feat, but reaching the end showed me that anything is possible by How to Fuel for Your First 5K. It took me 15 weeks to get here. I found myself wishing I had just one more week left to really assure myself I was ready, but I was out of time.

On Saturday, March 15, I ran my first 5K. Here’s what surprised me the most.

I Was More Intimidated Than I Needed to Be

In my nine weeks of training since committing to the race, I really built up its magnitude in my head. Sure, I knew it was a smaller St. Patrick’s Day-themed event that would attract kids, dogs, and adults in costumes, but that didn’t deter me from making grand assumptions about my race-day performance.

While working on Runner’s World’s How to Master the 5K program, let me step back and evaluate my goals outward. I had worked for 15 weeks building my data released in 2023 by RunRepeat. Toward the end of my training, I averaged a 10:30 pace.

Maybe a monster hill I’d never run before would eat me right up. That, and a sprinkle of I learned the average 5K time for women is a little over 41 minutes, according to. But knowing my typical pace and the average time How to Master the 5K goal was that I wanted to finish in under 40 minutes.

That translates to a a little under 13 minutes per mile. The math wasn’t math-ing (my brother-in-law told me this), but I was certain race-day conditions would throw me some curveballs to slow me down. Maybe I’d struggle running with a crowd. Maybe after weeks of training in the cold, I wouldn’t be able to handle the heat. Maybe a monster hill I’d never run before would eat me right up. That, and a sprinkle of imposter syndrome let me step back and evaluate my goals outward. I had worked for 15 weeks building my running base, and, still, I assumed what I was doing in my training wasn’t really running.

To my surprise, I finished the 5K in 29 minutes and 44 seconds. It turned out, race day had fewer curveballs than it did fortuitous factors that would ultimately work in my favor.

Race Pace Is Real

When discussing race-day mistakes with others and for our How to Master the 5K series, going out too fast is always at the top of the list. I had heard how common it was to fly and die. I knew that almost every runner has experienced it. I told myself, then, the key to completing the race would be not starting at an unsustainable pace.

I was racing without a watch or fitness tracker, so when my brother-in-law told me we completed our first mile in 9:00, I thought I was toast. There was no way I’d be able to finish without stopping or with a decent time now.

It turns out, I had no idea what my threshold actually was. And I hadn’t accounted for the intangible variable that was the magic of race day. There was so much excitement, and I was absolutely buzzing. I started the race with a smile plastered on my face, and I’m not sure if or when I shook it. Being part of a group and running by neighbors with signs and bells cheering us on gave me a bigger boost than I could have imagined.

My final pace was 9:34. Because I was using a beginner plan—and not a 5K plan based on a specific time goal—my training didn’t include the typical speedwork that runners would normally rely on when preparing for this type of event. I was used to operating almost entirely in zone 2, so the race gave me a sense for what could be possible in the future if I keep building upon my base. Looking back, I wonder if I could have pushed myself even more. When I reached the finish line, I felt as though I still had another mile in me.

A Running Mate Really Helped

Another intangible? The benefit of running with a partner. I’m sure this did wonders for my pace. Even if I didn’t notice it in the moment, I was forced to keep up with someone who was faster and more experienced than me.

He also knew the course. As a first timer, this was a godsend. Rather than running blind, I had someone who was able to warn me of hills, twists, and turns, and coach me through slower portions of the race. He also motivated me when I needed it most, like at the very end, when he told me I had just 30 seconds left to finish in under 30 minutes.

Having someone who believed in me by my side every step of the 3.1 miles was invaluable.

How Tired I Was Afterward

Following the race—and a celebratory beer with family and friends—I was tired in a way that stunned me. It wasn’t instant, though. I felt energized as I dashed across the finish line.

The exhaustion hit me later that afternoon, and I rejoiced in a postrace nap. It was a fatigue I hadn’t experienced during my training. After all, I had run my own three miles the Monday prior and was completely unphased. But the adrenaline and the accelerated pace drained me.

If you’re racing for the first time, please be warned: You will be tired. Before we even arrived home that day, my husband had ordered me The Stick massage roller on Amazon with next-day delivery, as my shins were notoriously sore during training. I immediately put it to use. This, along with regular foam rolling, has become my best friend. Of course, in addition to that glorious postrace nap, I knew a good night’s rest would be the most crucial in my recovery.

The Freedom I Felt During My First Postrace Run

Leading up to the race, every time I ran, I was focused on leveling up in some way. When I went out a few days later, I couldn’t believe how freeing it felt to just run. I didn’t have to worry about hitting a new milestone or if I’d be ready to advance the following week based on today’s performance. All I had to do was run. And, actually, I didn’t have to! I wanted to.

Finishing my first race also alleviated a lot of the imposter syndrome I had been experiencing. Somehow, I felt more cemented as a “runner.” No one could question me as I made my loop around the neighborhood, I had proven it to myself (and therefore any of the judging onlookers who lived in my head) on Saturday.

I’m Ready to Start Training Again

The only thing that surprised me more than the freedom I felt during my first postrace run was how quickly I missed training. I really enjoyed Mark Zuckerberg Just Ran Another Strong 5K would be the most crucial in my.

While I don’t have another event on my calendar just yet, I’m focused on building upon my base by slowly adding volume How to Fuel for Your First 5K.

let me step back and evaluate my goals outward. I had worked for 15 weeks building my next race be? I’m sure it will surprise me.