How do you feel after 5KMs?

[T.A.R.S]

Hi all, 

I'm preparing for my first IH trek and did a 5KM run today. I don't usually run but am fairly regular with my workouts. 

While I was able to do about 4.6KM in 38 mins on first day of prep but I feel EXHAUSTED. Is this normal and gets easier with practice? Or do you folks feel differently after your 5KM runs. 

I only have about 2 weeks to prepare (Phulara Ridge stargazing trek 21st Nov) so any other running tips/suggestions are also welcome 🙂

Thank you!

 

 

[Mahendra]

Hey

If this is your first run without any prior cardio workouts, then what you felt is normal.

I'd say start with 3 km runs. Do 3 of them at a comfortable pace for three days, then up the mileage. It definitely gets better with more and more runs. For e.g.: I used to struggle to bring my pace down below 6:00 mins per km for 5 km runs without running out of gas. But now I cloak 5:20/km pretty comfortably for 10k runs. A good goal for you would be to run 5 km in under 35 minutes for now without getting exhausted. Give a rest day between two 5km run days!

Don't over exert, just practice and you get better over time. As for Phulara Ridge, I am fairly certain (you said regular workouts) you are fit enough to do that trek comfortably.

In the mountains, I always go with the mindset of "embrace the misery". Even when shivering, tell yourself that and it shifs the perspective to one from total misery to "type-II fun".

Good luck!

[T.A.R.S]

3 hours ago, Mahendra said:

Hey

If this is your first run without any prior cardio workouts, then what you felt is normal.

I'd say start with 3 km runs. Do 3 of them at a comfortable pace for three days, then up the mileage. It definitely gets better with more and more runs. For e.g.: I used to struggle to bring my pace down below 6:00 mins per km for 5 km runs without running out of gas. But now I cloak 5:20/km pretty comfortably for 10k runs. A good goal for you would be to run 5 km in under 35 minutes for now without getting exhausted. Give a rest day between two 5km run days!

Don't over exert, just practice and you get better over time. As for Phulara Ridge, I am fairly certain (you said regular workouts) you are fit enough to do that trek comfortably.

In the mountains, I always go with the mindset of "embrace the misery". Even when shivering, tell yourself that and it shifs the perspective to one from total misery to "type-II fun".

Good luck!

This is very reassuring, thank you Mahendra! 

 

5:20/km sounds impressive! \m/

Edited November 8, 2022 by T.A.R.S