Anyone ever run a 5k?

[Amanda]

I wasn't happy with my weight gain and such after moving back to PA in March. I'm living with my parents and I don't have a gym membership. I admit it is difficult for me to get motivated to work out without being IN a gym or a class with others! I don't look like the girl I was in AZ- I have no muscle tone, gained 6-7 lbs and I am pretty pale to top it off.

So... I started "running". Running is in quotes because my pace is so slow (and I have short legs) that I don't go very fast. Running is cheap (free) and I can listen to my ipod.

My best friend (we've known each other since we were 5) talked me into running a 5k June 27th! It's the 'TexMex 5k' and after we're done we get free tacos and margaritas/beer. I guess that's some motivation.

Anyway, I'm a bit nervous because I don't think I can run the entire 3.1 miles- right now I can do 2.5mi in 32 minutes, which isn't very good. Have any of you run any races or have any words of advice?
I've been running almost every day for the last few weeks and work up from going from a half mile.

[czechmate]

You're my hero. I only run when someone chases me!

Seriously - good luck with your race! Don't worry about the time, just finish and be proud!

Jen

[SeatClutcher]

Good on ya! I tried to get into it for a while, but I really hated not being able to breathe.

I prefer to walk.

Admirable endeavor, yours!

[TheWife]

I did the one for my sister-in-law that passed away. If you can, run outside to practice, if you aren't already. The pavement feels much different to your body than a treadmill or track, and the wind is much different on your lungs. Just push yourself a little bit harder everyday. Pro's will finish it in around 16-25 minutes, the intermediate's will finish in about 25-35, and everyone else will take up to an hour. It doesn't matter if you have to walk, most runs are more about the cause than anything.

[christykay]

Cool! I really want to run a 5K but haven't even started training. Let us know how it goes.

I guess I should find a local race and sign up for it... I get what you are saying- that would be motivating to have a date set in place. Now if I could find one out here that gave out free food and drinks that would work!

[MQAAord]

Anyone who runs a marathon is a super-hero in my eyes. I couldn't run that far unless someone was running in front of me dangling the keys to a '70 GTO convertable. Then I'd do it.

Seriously, just keep at it everyday. I think running outside is essential, because it's the same environment that you'll be running the marathon in. You can do it!!

[ccbegay]

hey...i do a lot of running and such...but try to get some good walkin/xtraining/runnin in...you want to get some good cardio...try alternating every other day with running, and the off days do hard walkin/or cross training...on the days that you run try adding another 5 minutes, and just make sure that you have one day of rest...hopefully this might somewhat help...oh, and get some good runnin tracks, that makes the time fly by...hmm stretch really good before and after...and eat a hearty carbo meal the night before!
hmmm...go to RUNNER'S WORLD MAGAZINE they have some good info and advice...

[Amanda]

Thanks for all the comments and advice gals!
My best friend is a phys ed teacher and has done a bunch of 5ks (and won trophies) so she's helping too. She even gave me a running magazine which made me feel very out of shape! Another person that's motivating me is my friend Kate in VA. Her husband left her for a 19 year old about 5 years ago and she was at least 30 lbs overweight. She decided to make a change ansd started running. She looks so amazing it's unbelievable. She even runs marathons which I could never do- I'll stick to 5k's for now!

It's kind of funny that I started running since it wasn't my favorite thing to do in the past. I broke my leg and kneecap in 1992 and was told that I would be getting arthritis or having probs with it the rest of my life. So far so good. For the first week I was totally out of breath after running a mile but as the days went on I can actually breathe when I'm finished my run!

I don't have a treadmill so I've been running outside. I guess it's a good thing I'm in PA and not AZ since the weather here in the morning and at dusk is very nice and cool.

There are so many 5k's scheduled and I found a bunch of websites that list them. I might sign up for a 5k each month to keep me motivated! Well, maybe I'll see how I do with this one first

[roz]

Here you go! (My favorite cause...) October is a perfect target! Charlotte Affilate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Welcome to Komen Charlotte

Originally Posted by christykay

Cool! I really want to run a 5K but haven't even started training. Let us know how it goes.

I guess I should find a local race and sign up for it... I get what you are saying- that would be motivating to have a date set in place. Now if I could find one out here that gave out free food and drinks that would work!

[Kristie]

it's just too hot out here for me to run and the hills around the house don't really help cuz they're kinda steep...plus, my knees suck...so i'm not a big runner. probably why i am, however, such a big elliptical fan. it doesn't take out your knees quite so much and you get just as much if not more cardio than when your running (cuz arms are incorporated in the workout).

Good on you for trying it out and making a date to run a 5K...that date will help you keep on track!