Lana,

I think if you can run 6 miles right now you'll be fine. I wouldn't worry about the time it takes and focus on finishing the race. I think the 10k is a more relaxing race because I m looking to complete it and I don't worry about my time.

If you can run a 6 miler in training, you can race the distance. I have no idea what the average time is for first timers; it doesn't matter much. Run your race, not someone else's. Here's how I typically race a 10k (my favorite distance)

Divide the race up into 2 mile segments. The first two miles should be a pace that you feel you could definitely hold for the whole thing (10:05 ish pace would be a rough guess on my part). Evaluate after 2 miles, can you pick up the pace just a bit, maybe 10-20 seconds per mile? Hold that pace for the next two miles and evaluate again. Can you pick it up just a tad more, like another 10-15 seconds? Be honest. If you can, do it. If you can't, just maintain your current pace until you're about 1/4 mile from the finish and kick in the afterburners!

I?ll quantify my advice by saying I?m not super fast and have been running consistently for about 2 years so keep that in mind.

Hello,

For your first 10k just have fun and finish the race. As you become used to running the race distance you will improve dramatically.

Most experts say that going from 5k to 10k you will double your 5k tme plus one minute. I would expect to doulbe your 5k time plus about 5 minutes....

You can do it!