52 in 52, Episode 12: My First 5K Run

Last Updated on March 24, 2022 by Polly Dimitrova

For those of you who have been following the 52 in 52 series for a while, Episode 12 might come as a surprise. Today we are not embarking on any new hiking adventures, instead, it details my First 5K Run! Though I will not be sharing the best first-hand insights on a local jaunt, this article is more of a personal achievement to include why did I sign up for a 5K Run, the plan that I followed as a beginner and the actual experience of my first 5K (3.1miles). Keep reading if you are wondering if you should take the step and start running yourself! Also, yes – I checked the rules, this absolutely counts as my 12th for the 52 in 52 weeks!

Why Run a 5K?

I want to mention that I have never been good at long-distance running. Back in the times when I was much younger, I was much more of a sprinter and I never really had any actual desire to run a 5K. My husband Alex, however, loves running. Not only has he run a half marathon, but he is also currently training for his first full marathon.

While we both love sports activities such as playing tennis, working out, and hiking, he has had an additional passion for running for years. A few months before last Christmas, he shared one of his wishes for 2022 – to run a full marathon. Later on, as I was getting Christmas gifts ready, I decided to get him a small present to encourage this endeavour! 

Though I know nothing about gear or preparation, I stumbled upon the San Diego Bubble Run almost as a miracle. The registration was already running and the run was going to take place on 12 March, 2022. I have to admit that it was the bubbles that got me and I knew I had to register him and myself as well. It sounded so much fun and I knew Alex would really like it if we can share this experience together. 

Note: Alex might have been a bit surprised by this random Christmas gift, but I think he was extremely excited. Almost every week from January to March he would ask me if the Bubble Run was the upcoming weekend!

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My Running Program As a Beginner

Let’s be fair here, ‘running program’ is probably an exaggeration because I did not fully know what I was doing. One thing that I am grateful for, though, is Alex and his encouragement and motivation throughout my preparation stage – even when I kept thinking that I am not going to be able to make it. He gave me a lot of good advice – some of which I was trying really hard to implement.

Most running programs suggest that 4 weeks are enough to prepare for a 5K, even as a beginner. I actually started training 2 months beforehand, and I strongly suggest you do the same if you are just starting out! Having the additional time means you can fully listen to your body, because, believe me, there will be days when you are not going to want to run. Moreover, you will have the extra days to build up to that 5K!

If you are a beginner just like me and you plan a 2-month preparation, I suggest starting with 2 running sessions a week for the first 2-3 weeks before adding an additional one for the rest of your program. We also hike every weekend, but I also work out approximately 3 times per week. Never during my preparation stage was I able to run more than 3 times per week, however, we all have different bodies and goals. The most important thing is to come up with a program that works for you and your body and will still take you to your final goal.

San Diego Bubble Run

Before I knew it, the day was upon me – San Diego Bubble Run!

I think that it is important to mention what my goal was – I wanted to run the full 5K without any walking. Throughout my entire program, I challenged myself and would never combine walking and running, even though this is normal and there is nothing wrong with it!

Soon after we arrived I realized that the goal of the San Diego Bubble Run (and, as a matter of fact – any 5K) was to have fun. There was a diverse grouping of people of different ages – some old enough to be grandparents and those young enough to be their grandchildren! People with strollers and small children and those who just wanted to enjoy the bubbles throughout the course.

All of this gave me peace of mind and I stopped worrying about the race. After a quick stretch, we found ourselves at the start. My husband, Alex, runs much faster than me, but he was determined that we are doing this together for the fun experience and he would run with me throughout the entire course.

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We started at a slightly faster pace than what I am usually comfortable with. I was doing good and we were enjoying the sun and the bubbles throughout the race. Just after we hit 1 mile/1.6km, however, I started feeling a bit of abdominal pain (which I have had during some of my training days as well, and is actually fairly common). At this time, the trail was also going uphill and I could not keep running – so I started walking! And so were a lot of other people and that is okay! After a short interval of walking, and trying to balance my breathing, I went back to running and after another good distance and two more bubble stations, I managed to finish the race!

Funny fact, as soon as we finished the line, I looked at my watch and it was only saying 1.8 miles/2.8K. I wanted to feel happy and proud, but I was promised a 5K and I was training for a 5k! All it took was a look at each other and we both understood what was desired, and It did not take us long before we found ourselves at the start again! The second time – we each went at our own pace and I was able to find what worked best for me and I ran without stopping or having to walk. It was when I was crossing the finish line for the second time that I actually felt like I have achieved my goal. I am fully aware that there was a gap of a few minutes between our two running sessions – but I was just so happy that I have completed my first 5K!

We went to enjoy the bubble pit and pretend that we are little children for a bit longer before heading back home! This may not seem like a big achievement for many, but it was for me! I had never been a long-distance runner, but I pushed my body through the preparation stage and I managed to complete my goal. I do not know if a 10K run would ever be a goal of mine; I have found that I feel most comfortable between 1.5 miles – 2 miles (2.3 – 2.8 km). Though I do have a boost of energy and feel so good after a short morning run. That is why running is now something that I am planning on adding to my weekly workout routine. At the end of the day, it is not always about goal setting and achievements but finding something that you enjoy and works well for you! 

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Tips for Training for a 5K Run

Lastly, before we put an end to this “slightly different” episode of the 52 in 52 Series, I want to share a few tips that I have for you if you are also planning on signing up for a 5K Run:

• Start early. Yes, 4 weeks might be enough, but you would thank yourself for having the extra time!   

• Be consistent. Consistency is key for any goal achieving!    

• Rest Days. I did not mention this earlier, but you need to have rest days. Be     realistic – it is not feasible to run every day!    

• Stretch!!! My husband absolutely insists upon this before and after running, but he has the experience to know how it helps prepares you for the run and prevents injury! 

• Listen to Your Body. There might be days when your body does not feel like it and that is okay!        

• Steady Pace. A steady Pace is equally important for both running and hiking. Find your pace and stick to it. There is no need to race anyone else!   

I also want to mention two things that I experienced while training for a 5K and want to share them with you:

• Abdominal Pain – feeling a bit of discomfort in your stomach is quite common when running long distances. I have found out that I need to have some food, but also give my body enough time to digest it before going for a run. Have some plain food, such as bananas or oats, and wait at least 40 minutes before running. If you do not give yourself enough time, you risk getting that unpleasant abdominal pain, and the possibility of your meal coming back up!

• Running is a workout – as I mentioned earlier I would normally work out 3 times per week. I might have been too optimistic at the beginning – thinking that I can both go for a run and do a 30-minute strength workout in one day. Going for a run is a workout in itself. Once you start hitting that 2 – 3 mile mark, you will realize this is enough of a workout!

I hope you enjoyed this little experiment of an article and personal goal! I am curious – have you done a 5K Run? What about a 10K? Do you enjoy running or do you prefer moving at a more leisurely pace? Let me know in the comments section below! If you enjoy our hiking guides more, make sure to come back next week when we are back with another hidden gem in San Diego County!

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