Training for a 5k race

Completing Nipper Mile

After months of training with Fleet Feet Montclair running group twice per week, I completed my first two professional races in one day. The first race was the nipper mile. People of all ages participated. Their were school-aged children, parents pushing strollers, and those considered elderly. I think the oldest person to run through the finish line was in their 90’s. Moreover, I am told and have witnessed professional runners use 1-mile races as a warm up for 5K (3.1 miles) and longer races.

Being a newbie runner, I did not know what to expect by participating in two back-to-back races, so I conserved my energy and mostly walked the route. The excitement was electrifying as people lined the sidewalks and cheered with applause and music. I was amazed at how people whisked by me during their second lap while I hadn’t yet completed my first lap. I don’t recall where I placed in the race, but I know I completed the race under 16-minutes. I also know I did not place last in the race either despite my walking pace. The experience of the Nipper mile was fun and I received my first participation medal!

After a 20-minute break, I needed to make my way to the starting line to participate in the second race. The Lager Run was just as fun as the Nipper mile, but more tiring given the longer distance. I completed the race at 35:38:7. That’s the baseline time I aim to beat the next time I participate in another race. I learned from my experience of running in these races. I’ll share some tips at a later date on what one should avoid to maximize their running time. One tip for now is if you’re going to run with headphones make sure they don’t fall out of your ears or off your head. The time required to locate them or readjustment will slow you down.

However, I must say, even if I did not have issues with my headphones, there was no way that I would have finished as one of the top three runners, who won cash prizes or as the first 100 runners, who won a beer glass. Notably, the first runner completed the race within 10-12minutes. There are folks out there who can run a 4-minute mile. At this time, I am not one of them, but I delight in the athleticism and dedicated speed/strength training of those who defy time and speed.

My goal was the finish both races. I did! The next race I may participate in is scheduled for October in Hoboken, NJ.

Stay tuned for updates!