Calling All 5K Walkers and Runners!!!

chasgrey

I do a 5k everyday at lunch time. For me it's stress relief. It helps that I work out of the house so it gives me a little bit of flexibility. In 2014 I could run the entire distance in about 30 minutes. I quit for a while and I am starting to get back into it. Right now my time is right at about 40 minutes and I am doing a jog/walk program with the Personal Running Trainer program 8 weeks to 5k. I'm really pushing hard to get back to being able to run the entire 5k non-stop, but I'm still a ways away from that right now.

I'm not trying to break speed records, I'm just trying to earn some calories back to be able to enjoy more food.

girlgroves

I'm doing my first 5K run in years this weekend - the Race for Life charity run for CRUK with my 13 yr-old daughter! I'm actually really looking forward to it! I've not done much running at all recently (suffered a lot in the past with foot and heel pain (Plantar Fasciitis) and shin splints when I last tried to run) but I went for a training run yesterday evening, felt far better than I thought I would and actually managed to run a total of 2.9miles in 30 minutes without stopping (almost a full 5km first time!). I was really impressed!

I've no idea what a reasonable 5km time is (any suggestions?) - but I'm thinking I could aim for under 35mins and work on improving from there. I'm definitely not going to stop now that I've re-started running.

I've found that good running shoes definitely make a huge difference - I took advice at the sports shop on the pair I'm wearing at the moment - and, happily, no sign of pain at all. I do think they'll need replacing regularly if I get into running a lot though - they may not look worn out, but I know that the support they afford will likely reduce over time.

I'd highly recommend stretching after any run (I'm not great at warming up - I just tend to take it easy for the first 10 mins or so) - but I'm a great believer in stretching helping to reduce aches and stiffness after exercise.

I find running on a full stomach really hard, so always eat afterwards

Happy running all!

biscuitnow

I started running this year and I do 5K runs now. I'll join!

RanaSimon

chasgrey wrote: »

I do a 5k everyday at lunch time. For me it's stress relief. It helps that I work out of the house so it gives me a little bit of flexibility. In 2014 I could run the entire distance in about 30 minutes. I quit for a while and I am starting to get back into it. Right now my time is right at about 40 minutes and I am doing a jog/walk program with the Personal Running Trainer program 8 weeks to 5k. I'm really pushing hard to get back to being able to run the entire 5k non-stop, but I'm still a ways away from that right now.

I'm not trying to break speed records, I'm just trying to earn some calories back to be able to enjoy more food.

Now that's my idea of motivation - exercise more, eat more good food! Haha! I've been hearing a lot about the C25K, but not the 8 weeks to 5K. I might have to ask my trainer about it.

I'm still at about 60 minutes for my 5Ks, but I'm getting better every time, at least it feels that way. It's becoming less difficult to breathe and keep my pace throughout, and I have new shoes that will hopefully help with my calves acting up.

Good luck on getting back to 30 minutes! Hope to hear about your progress in the future!

RanaSimon

girlgroves wrote: »

I'm doing my first 5K run in years this weekend - the Race for Life charity run for CRUK with my 13 yr-old daughter! I'm actually really looking forward to it! I've not done much running at all recently (suffered a lot in the past with foot and heel pain (Plantar Fasciitis) and shin splints when I last tried to run) but I went for a training run yesterday evening, felt far better than I thought I would and actually managed to run a total of 2.9miles in 30 minutes without stopping (almost a full 5km first time!). I was really impressed!

I've no idea what a reasonable 5km time is (any suggestions?) - but I'm thinking I could aim for under 35mins and work on improving from there. I'm definitely not going to stop now that I've re-started running.

I've found that good running shoes definitely make a huge difference - I took advice at the sports shop on the pair I'm wearing at the moment - and, happily, no sign of pain at all. I do think they'll need replacing regularly if I get into running a lot though - they may not look worn out, but I know that the support they afford will likely reduce over time.

I'd highly recommend stretching after any run (I'm not great at warming up - I just tend to take it easy for the first 10 mins or so) - but I'm a great believer in stretching helping to reduce aches and stiffness after exercise.

I find running on a full stomach really hard, so always eat afterwards

Happy running all!

Awesome time! Yeah, I just bought new shoes yesterday, and it's likely they'll need replacing every 6 months or so, but to me the lack of pain and injury is worth the price. Let us know how the Race for Life goes, okay?

pdxhak

For shoes I wear Brooks and love them for walking around. However I am going to get fit soon to see if that helps with the calf pain. Also going to try to find a flat area to run this weekend. I live in a hilly area so not as easy as it sounds especially when I take my dog

Good luck to everyone with their competitive 5k runs!

chasgrey

Now that's my idea of motivation - exercise more, eat more good food! Haha! I've been hearing a lot about the C25K, but not the 8 weeks to 5K. I might have to ask my trainer about it.

It's a training audio that I have for my phone. I actually bought 3 different ones about 5 years ago. The 4 weeks to 1 mile, the 8 weeks to 5k and the 8 weeks to 10k. Each week has 3 different running plans. I'm in week 4 of the 5k plan and each day starts with a 5 minute warm up walk, then day one, you run for 8 minutes, walk for 1 repeat 3 times, and then have one additional 2 minute run. Day 2, run for 9 minutes, walk for 1, repeat 3 times. Day 3 run for 10 minutes, walk for 1, repeat one time. At the end of each day, there is a 5 minute cool down period. At the end of the 8 weeks, the final run is a 30 minute run for 5k. It's nice in that it keeps my time at 40 minutes everyday which is a perfect workout.

Like I said, I'm at week 4. Week one starts with 5 minute warm up, 1 minute run, 2 minute walk, repeat 10 times and then 5 minute walk to cool down. It really has worked for me.

sutibo

I'll join - I completed Week 2 Day 1 of C25K yesterday as I'm getting back into running.

I've used running in the past to get fitter and healthier for other challenges. I did the C25K to get me started and I went on to run a couple of 10 mile charity events (Great South Run in the UK) and a couple of half marathons. I haven't run properly for a couple of years though.

I'm not a natural runner - I find it uncomfortable and boring. My brain tries to talk me out of it for the first 15 minutes but if I can get past that then I find that I'm happy to plod along distracting myself with calculations - x mins to 3km, 2 miles, 4km etc.

My running at the moment is on the treadmill at work as I find it gives me better control during the c25k program, but as I'm out walking the dog in the morning I should really try to do it then.

Warming up: I tend to walk or job slowly for a few minutes first and then start running.
Cooling down: I like to walk and then stretch - generally just thighs and hamstrings.
Shoes: I have some minimal running shoes (nike free something) - not barefoot running, but not big padded soles - I find them fine.
Splints: I find I only really get aches and pains if I try to go too fast or take too big a stride. I do around 170-180 strides per minute, but I'm slow so must take tiny strides.

HeidiThe9

I have my very first 5k coming up in August. I'm going on a Disney Cruise, and they do a fun run on their private island. I am a bit nervous about the heat.

So far I am struggling to complete week 4 of C25K, but I realized how bad my shoes are. Hopefully I can get fitted this weekend.

I walk 3 (very hilly) miles about 4-5 days a week on my lunch break, I think this will help me, but sometimes it just tires me out too much for a good run in the evening!

pondee629

I've used Personal Running Trainer off my I Phone (4 weeks to a mile, to get started, and then 8 weeks to 5K). By using that app and hearing about C25K they seem similar. Personal Running Trainer got me restarted which is all that counts. I would think it is a viable alternative to C25K.

pdxhak

sutibo wrote: »

I'm not a natural runner - I find it uncomfortable and boring. My brain tries to talk me out of it for the first 15 minutes but if I can get past that then I find that I'm happy to plod along...

This is me! And I used to run track (Sprinter)! Only way it works for me is to be challenged in some fashion so the main thing is not the running itself.

Josh_lol

Hey. I've never actually ran in a 5k race. But I usually do 3-4 5k runs a week. Sometimes, I'll throw in a 4 mile or 10k every so often. So it'd be nice to join the group.

scubakat67

I've never run any 5K races, but I "wog" (walk/jog) anywhere from 3-5 miles - used to do 3-4 daily, but it's been a couple years since I was in that habit (trying to work back up to it - plus extra miles on the weekend so I can enjoy those margaritas).

I echo the shoe recommendation. I have plantar fasciitis, and bad knees. When I started to get "serious" about it a couple years ago, I went to a running store and did the video/treadmill thing. Unfortunately, I pronate slightly, so I don't get to enjoy the ultra inexpensive shoes that always seem to be on sale ... but will not compromise where my feet are concerned - makes ALL the difference in the world!

I'm definitely not setting any speed records - my latest pace just barely broke into a 12 min/mile. Glad to see I'm not the only one that can't jog a sub-10/mile. But it's really my "me" time - get the tunes going and get my sweat on.