This is my 3rd summer running. I’m still doing 5Ks!!!! I’m done 37 5k races and 3 3.5 mile races. The farthest I’ve run is 5 miles and that was with A LOT of walk breaks!!
Even those who just started are working toward 10ks and even 1/2 Marathons!!!
Should I run longer?
Pros:
- It’s cool.
- More prestige
- finisher medals
- others are doing it
- I can use my giveaway prizes (Nathan handheld, GU…)
- harder as you get older so do it now
- it would be exciting
- it would be a CHALLENGE
Cons:
- there are more 5ks locally
- I know I can run 5K
- I can win an age group from time to time in 5k
- I still want to improve my 5k pace
- need to have a new training plan
- need more time to train to run a longer distance
- more chance of injury
- don’t have a running partner to motivate me
- need to carry stuff (water, energy gels, etc)
- will I have stomach issues?
- hard to schedule longer training runs (I work, I play tennis, I go boating on the weekend…)
- 5k is nothing to be ashamed of…better than staying in bed
Any advice would be appreciated…
Happy Running!
My First 5K and More... 
I’m all about going for the next challenge, I think you would surpise yourself if you trained for a 10k. Find a fun one, like a Turkey Trot, that way you have plenty of time to train.
thanks for linking my giveaway!
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I love 5K’s. The speed is fabulous and I don’t have to plan as much to train for them. The time for the race itself is minimal as well. Lots of fun.
That said, I love long distance. Its definitely not my best running thing, but I do like the idea of a good 14 miler. Maybe its the stopping at the end. Not sure.
I would find yourself a nice 10K and give it a try and see how you like it. If you can train for a 5K and win age groups, you can easily do a 10K.
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I think if you go longer you can also improve your 5Ks. Keep doing lots of 5Ks but throw in a longer race. Find one in the distance that gives you time to train for it.
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I worked up to a half marathon just for the challenge of it. Maybe you could find something a little longer than 5K, like a 10K and just try it out. Even if you don’t do that regularly, it’s always good to mix things up from time to time and prove to yourself that you can rise to the challenge.
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My advice is ti try a 10K and see how it goes. I’ll bet that your 5K time gets better with the extra mileage. If you don’t like the 10K, you don’t have to do another. If you like it then you’ll know. Try it out and see what you think.
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If you feel like you’ve mastered the challenge of the run and are doing 5ks more for the cause and culture, maybe it is time to step up to the next level. You will still be able to enjoy the cause and culture, but can also feel the exhilaration of pushing yourself. I think it is a great idea to push forward.
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Thanks evryone for your advice. I haven’t made a decision yet but I may do a 10k in October.
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