How I Trained for a 10k in 72 Hours

When I signed up for the 10k last December, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The plan was to spend four months training. But, that plan quickly went down the tubes. It came down to the wire and I decided to do some last minute preparations. Here’s how I trained for a 10k in 72 hours.

I’ve heard about great websites with information on how to train for a 10k. But between, work, exams, and taking care of two little ones, I had no time to follow a workout routine. There were a few nights that I came home from work and went for a jog on the treadmill. Then there was that time when my hubby and I took the kids to the park, and I ran around the field a few times. I also walked around the track a couple days before the race – as if that would help.

Despite the lack of preparation, I chose to think positive. “I got this in the bag,” I thought to myself. I used to run six miles in my sleep, so 10k should be a cake-walk. Boy, was I wrong.

Being a first time marathon runner, I didn’t know what to expect. I got a crash course from some of the veteran runners. One guy told me to take an enigma about 24 hours beforehand. Another told me to load up on carbs 48 hours prior to the race, and have something light the morning of the 10k. I was also advised to start off slow and save my energy for later.

I also learned about eating more protein a week or two before the race, which was pretty much pointless considering the race was just a couple days away. I did, however, load up on carbs Friday and Saturday before the big day though. But, my biggest mistake was not having something to eat the morning of the race.

Before I left the house I took a banana. But getting stuck in a traffic jam and lack of parking distracted me, leaving me to forget all about it. I didn’t want to risk eating too late out of fear of cramping during the race, so I didn’t bother having a bite. But, I did drink a ton of water and drinks from https://www.sqwincher.com/kitchen-hydration/ leading up to the race to stay hydrated.

I finally found parking with minutes to spare, and made my way to the start line. Once the announcer yelled go, I began a light jog. Not stopping was my only goal. Even though there were a ton of people passing me, including those old enough to be my grandparents, I stayed focused.

After about 6k, I wished I had taken an enigma like the runner advised. But I wasn’t going to let that stop me. After a few minutes, the sensation went away. I don’t know if it was just nerves or the thought of using a porter potty that made me feel better. Either way, I was good to go.

After about a half hour, I felt my body beginning to give out and then I made the biggest mistake ever! I asked someone, “How much further to the finish line.”
“We’re about half-way there,” he responded.
“WTF,” I thought.

I felt myself slowing down soon after. I then began walking for about a mile to regain my energy and composure. Then a moment of clarity washed over me as I thought about why I decided to run. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. With about 3k left, I started to jog before sprinting through the finish line.

I did it, and I felt a sense of accomplishment, but that feeling was soon replaced by dizziness. The medical team immediately came to my aid. I later found out that running on an empty stomach caused my light headedness. I was taken to a nearby tent and given a banana and Gatorade. Within 10 minutes, the dizzy spell went away. However, my journey was far from over. I still had to walk back a couple of miles to meet my hubby and the kids.

Despite the lack of training and a few hiccups along the way, I’m so glad that I ran the 10k. I finished the race in an hour and twenty two minutes, which is much better than I thought I’d do. I’m looking forward to training properly next year. Who knows, maybe I’ll try for the half marathon.

Have you ever ran a 10k? How did you do?