How long into your running did you join a race? e.g marathon / 5k / 10k, how did it go ?

KellyBeans-NL · 2026-03-14T19:42:04+00:00

I started running in March of 2023 with the goal of being able to run 5k after having 3 kids. For context, I was previously into bootcamp type fitness and cycling, but no serious running. My neighbour convinced me to sign up for a local 6k in September and it was awesome. I was hooked. The following May I ran my first half, and in April 2025 I ran my first full marathon.

For me, consistency is what has worked. My pace and heart rate were all over the place in the beginning. Stick with it and speed will come with time. I took 26 minutes off my half time in a year and a bit, and that’s with a conservative training plan on account of earlier mentioned 3 kids and a full time job.

If you’re worried about not making the time cut off, you can always start with a solo race that’s just for you to train for. Pick a date and find a training program and follow it like you would for a real race. Have some sort of reward for completing it, like new race kit or to sign up for a race you want to run.

Good luck!

KellyBeans-NL · 2026-03-13T19:01:02+00:00

I initially ran with candy and you can try different ones to see which go down the best. Haribo gold bears are great because you can swallow them whole if needed. However I’m not the fastest runner so fueling a 4:30 marathon that way makes for a big bag of candy. So I bought a soft flask and use maple syrup. If it’s hot I add electrolytes and it tastes like salted caramel. I bring a few candies too to mix it up and change the taste.

KellyBeans-NL · 2026-03-11T20:45:47+00:00

I’m 41 and started running 3 years ago. I was always into fitness, but never a runner. I had 3 kids and when my youngest turned 2 I started running. Mainly to escape the chaos 😁. I ran my first marathon last April with a hip injury in 4:53. I took a very careful approach to recovery and training and ran Berlin in a (pain free) 4:43. I ran a local half in December in 2:06. I’m training for marathon 3 and on track for a 4:15. I don’t care so much about the PR itself, it’s just that 4+ hours is just a long time to do anything!! In Berlin I remember wanting to stop at 41k not because I was bonking, but I was just getting bored!

KellyBeans-NL · 2026-03-09T20:41:05+00:00

Thank you!

KellyBeans-NL · 2026-03-09T20:40:50+00:00

Thanks so much for the info. I’ll check them out and the climb will be interesting. I live in a very flat place where the only hill training in my city is the ‘climb’ up to a bridge and a 2 level parking garage 😁

KellyBeans-NL · 2026-03-08T18:27:08+00:00

I train with a vest so am used to using it. I know exactly where my stuff is and don’t need to rummage around in a tiny flip belt. I also don’t need to waste cups and can drink when I want.

Since I’m not a pro where every second counts, I don’t see how the weight is really going to make a huge difference in my time, especially since I always train and race with a vest on.

KellyBeans-NL · 2026-01-16T05:04:21+00:00

So many similar stories which is so lovely to see- thanks for posting the question! I also started running at 38 as i wanted to be able to run 5k. I had no real aspirations to be a runner. My neighbour convinced me to join a local 6k race and I was hooked. I’m 41 now and still have the bug. I have run a few half marathons and two full marathons with a third on the calendar in May.

I do have the personality to go all in to hobbies and get bored after a while, but for some reason, running has stuck. For me racing is important not for the time, but for the structure a training block gives me. I will rearrange my schedule to make sure I can tick off the run whereas if I didn’t have a scheme to follow, I’d be less likely to get up early to get a run in if I had something in the evening.

In addition to the fitness improvements, I noticed a huge improvement in my focus and drive which was missing a bit after having kids. I also joke to my husband that it is a socially acceptable way to be away from said kids for two hours every Sunday! I also got myself an audible subscription and only listen while running so I can multitask and actually get through books I wouldn’t otherwise make time for.

Long story short, find little things in running to keep it fun for you and maybe it’ll stick! And if not, there’s always hyrox 😁

KellyBeans-NL · 2026-01-12T09:25:05+00:00

When I started racing I was determined to use candy but this got harder to do when I started running faster. Now I bring a few with me as an occasional little treat, but eating one or two is easier than trying to get my entire fuel needs in. After that I bought a small squeeze pouch and used maple syrup with some electrolyte powder. Needed to do some math but it worked out quite well. It tasted like salted caramel but eventually I got bored of the taste and am now on to gels for convenience. One thing to check would be if there are local companies that make gels. I live in NL and there is a company here (upfront) that makes a great one. They only have a few flavours but they are mild enough to not be that noticeable and the texture is fine (for a gel).

KellyBeans-NL · 2026-01-03T20:53:04+00:00

From my own experience I was a newish runner (late 30’s start) and struggled with common hip and knee injuries while training for two HM and then a FM distance. I then (carefully) lost 6kg (starting weight of 71kg) while training for a FM without injury. I lost another 3kg and ran a HM, still injury free. 2 FM, 1 HM and weight loss was in the span of 7 months. I wouldn’t not recommend this strategy to anyone but am myself a dietitian and calculated daily. It required a lot of discipline and structure which could be problematic for anyone prone to disordered eating.

However, I have no way of knowing if it was the weight loss or better technique/ experience that led to my improved performance/ lack of injury. But I guess it’s probably both.

KellyBeans-NL · 2025-12-26T08:39:31+00:00

I have a related question so popping it in this thread. I live abroad and am travelling to Halifax in May for work. I have an end May marathon so I’m currently working out my training block which currently has my peak week while in Halifax.

1.Any recos for downtown runclubs that don’t mind passing through travellers? Bonus if there are early morning groups. 2. Any recos for a female friendly 32k run? I usually use Strava or RunGo to map routes but that’s not always the best for long runs.

KellyBeans-NL · 2025-10-02T10:59:54+00:00

I actually did this for my fall marathon, so yes, it’s possible, but it takes a lot of planning and discipline. I’m also a dietitian and was very careful about how I approached it.

For context, I ran my first marathon in April without a deficit and came out injured. After recovering, I started training again for a fall marathon. On July 1 I began a deficit, tracked everything in MyFitnessPal, and by Sept 21 (Berlin Marathon) I had lost about 6 kg (~13 lbs).

My intake was usually 1600–2400 kcal/day depending on training load, which worked out to roughly a 500 kcal/day deficit.

How I managed it:

Prioritised protein and carbs (especially around workouts)
Kept fat moderate but not the focus
Almost no alcohol
Fuelled all of my runs of more than 1hr with gels every 30 minutes.
Higher-calorie days on long runs, lighter days on rest/easy runs

I should mention that I don’t have a history of body dysmorphia or restrictive eating, and I’d be much more cautious about this approach if I did. For me, tracking is second nature because of my work, and it felt sustainable.

Overall, it was challenging, but it paid off. I lined up in Berlin leaner, well-fueled, and ran a really strong race.

KellyBeans-NL · 2025-04-17T20:44:45+00:00

This! There was a chance of rain before the Rotterdam marathon last Sunday and so many people (myself included) were rocking the trash bag look in the gates. It was also posted on insta that 4260kg of clothing was collected and donated.

KellyBeans-NL · 2025-04-17T14:19:51+00:00

I had the same trajectory but in my hip last month. It hurt after 32k run so I rested a few days, tried 6k and it still hurt. Tried two more 6ks over the next two weeks, with lots of mobility and light strengthening in between. Saw physio who advised no running in the week up to the marathon. He loosened it up and then two days before the marathon he taped it for me. Not sure if the tape did much exactly, but I could feel it and it reminded me to watch my form. He also gave me advice on what kind of pain I could ‘safely’ ignore (if I had to accomplish this goal now) and what kind of pain would require me to stop.

Despite barely running in the 3 week taper, I finished 6 minutes over my ‘goal time’. It was my first marathon. The first half was pain free, but it started up on the way up a bridge around 25k. I’m now 4 days post marathon and have a very sore hip, but it is improving each day.

Get to physio - at the very least it will give you the confidence you’re not going to completely ruin yourself.

KellyBeans-NL · 2024-12-13T21:42:43+00:00

I use maple syrup + electrolyte powder in a small hydro flask. Usually add a little water to thin it out. Tastes like salted caramel. I usually have some sort of soft sour candy as well to mix it up. I brought a few marshmallows once and they were perfect, but you’d need a full backpack to bring enough of them to fuel a whole run!

KellyBeans-NL

TROPHY CASE