Hey Y’all! Welcome back to Falling In Love With Fitness! I am so excited for my new blog post! Today, I will be recapping everything from my first 10k race experience.
The Training
After running my 5k back in May of 2025, I took a break from the running scene and focused on other forms of exercise. Then in November, I decided that I was just going to run and see what happens. In that moment, was when I realized how much I really missed running. I tossed around the idea of running the Nashville Rock & Roll Half Marathon after completing my 5k, but I wasn’t committed. But after that run in November, I knew I wanted to get back into racing.
That night, I went home and started researching the Nashville Half Marathon. I needed to know how long I had until the race. As well as how long I should train before running this race as a beginner runner. Multiple online running coaches recommended 14 weeks at a minimum to prepare. So with the half being on April 25th, I marked my calendar for January 19th for the start of my training block. Leading up to the beginning of official training, I started running 1-2 miles every week to dust off the cobwebs.
Once January 19th rolled around, I was so eager to start my training. I was so excited to run my half-marathon, but I didn’t want to skip right to it. So I decided to run an official 10k race during the training block. After seeing when I would be running 6.2 miles according to my plan, I decided to run the Hot Chocolate Run 10k. It was coming to Nashville the same weekend as my 10k for training, so it was perfect. I also knew people who had run this race in the past and had nothing but great things to say.
Leading up to my race, I used the Nike Run App for my training plan. There are so many different plans to choose from. They have a plan for any distance, skill level, etc. The plan I am following is a 14-week plan that gives you 5 runs to complete each week for optimal results. Since I was new to running and enjoyed other types of workouts, I decided to only focus on 3 runs per week. This way, I am able to still prioritize lifting weights and maintaining muscle while distance running.
As a morning gym goer, I usually do my recovery and speed runs on the treadmill. Mainly because of the colder months at the beginning of the year, and it is chilly in the mornings here. Luckily, my school gym opens at 6 a.m., so I have time to get my workout in before my 8 a.m. class. I do, however, always do my long runs on Sundays outside. This way, I can practice in the climate I will be running in for race day, and our school gym opens later on Sundays. I added the split I am currently using below with my lifts and runs. I followed this plan all the way up to my 10k and am now continuing until my half-marathon.
My Weekly Training Split
Mondays – Lower Body Lift & Steady State Cardio
Tuesdays – Recovery Run & Abs
Wednesdays – Upper Body Lift & Steady State Cardio
Thursdays – Speed Run
Fridays – Full Body Lift & Steady State Cardio
Saturday – Rest Day
Sunday – Long Run
Race Day
After 5 weeks of training, it was time for my race. Now I’m not going to lie to you, I was so nervous. My training plan had me gradually increasing my miles every week, but I was still scared I wasn’t ready. Which, looking back, is so silly because I trained so hard, I truly had nothing to be worried about.
The night before my race, I packed everything I needed for the morning. I set out my outfit, shoes, race bib, running vest, breakfast, and my race day bag. That is where I put my AirPods, race fuel, jacket, snacks, extra hair ties, safety pins, etc. After I got everything ready for the morning, I got to bed early so I could get a good night’s sleep before the big day.
My alarm went off at 5 a.m., and I was so excited. I immediately started getting ready and listening to my hype music. Once my hair and makeup were done, I put my outfit on, ate breakfast, and I was out the door. I met my friends at 6:15 a.m. to head to the race. After we finally got to the race location and got parked, we walked over to the start line. I stretched, warmed up, took some before pictures, and got in my corral. I made my way to the starting line, and at 7:30 a.m., the race began!
I made sure to start the race at a nice, comfortable speed. I didn’t want to lose steam too early in the race. My goal going in was to run the entire race and complete it in under 1 hour and 15 minutes. With the training times I was seeing, I had little doubt that I wouldn’t be able to reach my goal. After the first 2 miles, I was feeling great, but mile 3 was where things got a little rocky. This mile was mainly uphill, so it was tough. By the time we started going downhill again, I felt my second wind.
Halfway through the race, I was coasting. There was no pain, no soreness, just me and the road ahead. I was listening to my running playlist and was truly feeling the runner’s high. Miles 4 & 5 passed with ease, and once I got to the last mile, I knew I was going to do it. I was feeling great, running the best I ever had, and was ready to cross that finish line. After I passed the 6-mile sign, I knew my friends would be waiting for me right around the corner. I gave everything I had left for the last .2 miles of the race and ran across that finish line with my hands held high.
My official time was 1 hour and 9 minutes, and I ran the entire race without stopping. I completed both of my goals, and I could not be prouder of myself. The moment I crossed that finish line was the moment I knew my half-marathon in 2 months was going to be a piece of cake. This race showed me that you truly can do hard things if you put in the work. I trained my butt off for this race, and it all paid off.
What’s Next?
As of Friday, March 6th, I am 8 weeks out from my half-marathon. I am continuing to train my hardest every day and unlocking new PRs! This Sunday, I will be running 9.3 miles for the first time, so I am excited to check that distance off. Now that I have been consistently running for 2 months, I am starting to finally feel like a runner. I used to think that I couldn’t call myself a “runner” until I had the medals to prove it. But I realized it’s not about the hardware from crossing the finish line that makes you a runner. It is the joy you get from running that does. Every time I take the first step of my run, I am overcome with a happiness that only runners understand.
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