5k beginner looking for MFP friends/support

NinjaMaid

Hey, I'm Jennifer and I'm from Missouri. I have been on MFP for over a year now, but I don't have many friends here. I have already lost over 100 lbs and I have 40lbs left. In the past several months, I've started running. My first 5k ever is in two weeks. Any 5k runners wanting to support a newbie?

NinjaMaid

*BTW I'm registered for the Warrior's Dash and Run for Your Lives this fall. Anyone run these before?

smaihlee

Sounds great--will send request shortly

obbycake

I'm a runner as well. I'm training for a half marathon right now. . Next month!

jipis

I actually went in the reverse order from you. I started the Couch-to-5k (c25k) program to be able to run the 2011 Run to Remember (in memory of my brothers who fell on 9/11/01). I ran a few more times after that, hoping that that would push me into getting into shape and losing the ~50 pounds I needed to lose. It did not. Then I found MFP. Between tracking calories here and starting DDP Yoga (with some running thrown in -- but not nearly enough), I'm down about 17 pounds so far with about 30 to go.

I'm by no means a pro when it comes to running 5k's. BUT, I guess I'm something of a pro when it comes to running 5k's and knowing that I'm running only against myself and not everyone else out there on the course. With that in mind, let me give you a couple pieces of advice for your 5k: Be happy starting the race in in the 2nd half (or last 1/3, even, if it's a huge race). Even if you end up starting with a group of people slower than you, the morale boost of steadily passing people is HUGE! As you are running, find someone about 50-100 feet in front of you who seems to be going about the same speed you're comfortable at. Try to at least keep pace with them or, if you think you can, slowly make up ground on them. Then, as you are getting close to that person, pick someone else 50-100 feet up. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!

KathleenMurry

I'm a 5KM runner through and through. All my training is 5 KM race focused. I'm hoping to break 20 minutes for 2014. Feel free to add me!

stephiehampshire

ooo well done huni great progress!!

Massive well done on training for a 5k,

The advice that I was given was whilst building up strength and fitness interval training is best (run for 2 minutes walk for 1 etc and build up) you can normally find training runs online

Another is to keep your hands empty when running and dont make a fist, make an ok sign or try and run with loose hands

To avoid blisters make sure you have good shoes and running socks / blister plasters if your prone. I have read a tip to wear nylon socks under your running socks to prevent friction. Ive not tested this yet as waiting for my blisters to heal before I can run again

Eat a banana about 20 mins before a run for energy

When you reach your first 'wall', I find mine is around the 1.8 mile marker, just push yourself through it and try not to stop once you get past that first wall you will find you get into a good pace and your breathing is more controlled

On the breathing avoid panting, if you find yourself getting breathless exhale as hard as you can, you sound daft but it makes you take a deep breath rather than shallow panting

I find with running to stop cramps I walk for a few minutes, jog for half a mile then I stop and stretch out my calves then I start my main run

If your running alone then get an armband to hold your phone / ipod and set up a running playlist of all your favorite tracks that will keep you going

My no1 piece of advice is to only measure your success against yourself, when I was running I would be disheartened by people discussing how fast they could do 5k in but then I thought to myself I went from 0 running to running 5k none stop and realized I only needed to race against myself

I'm an ex runner who has started training again, my biggest achievement is a half marathon I ran in February 2012

Currently I am running 5 miles each session (3 times a week) but had to stop due to blisters so I am cycling whilst my feet heal, if I can offer any advice I'm happy to help

Good luck with your run, your going to do great!

ttknowles01

Hi Jennifer!!! Congrats on your weight loss so far *cheers*.....I have run a couple of 5Ks here and there....looking to run more in the future. Please feel free to add me :-)

knot_enough

Hi. Epic weight loss. I ran my first 5k last month and signed up for another on this month as well. I've never been a runner at all, but staying consistent and getting those miles in really did the trick.

Rastamann

Running season is getting started here. So there's a race every weekend if you want to run one. Feel free to add me. I'm here to lose weight, so I can run faster.

Got a PR in the heat last saturday and hope to run well again this weekend. Course is hilly, so not expecting a good time. I'm just going for the after party. lol

For blisters, hmm personal preference depending on how serious you are about pain and aesthetics. I get double blisters sometimes on the front of my toes and just keep running. If its on the ball where I strike, I pop it and let it dry out. The pain is usually gone in two days. If I have to run. Duct Tape and Rally at the start.

Too much fun!

NinjaMaid

Thank you for the great advice. I have been running everyday and I usually feel the burn the next day. I feel stiff when I wake up the next day after a long run. I stretch and do a warm up. How do I avoid Frank-stein stiff legs the next day?