First 5k

My brother is leading a post 5k yoga stretch at a charity run this Saturday and I'm debating running. Right now I can run about 20 minutes before being too tired. I keep telling myself I'll eventually do a 5k but I don't know if I'm ready.

I did do the C25K program awhile back, and always had a pain in my inner ankle at 23 mins which was too severe to push through.

Any tips for the pain? (new shoes didn't help)
Do people run/walk their first 5k?

Replies

  • Rosie4732
    Rosie4732 Posts: 42 Member
    go for it - If you need to walk for a bit then so be it - just make sure you keep moving and dont stop
    you may find that the energy from those around you carry you forward anyway - dont underestimate the power of that/adrenaline
    Good Luck :D#

    ETA - did you get proper gait analysis for your running shoes/get a professional to pick shoes for you?
    Def worth doing - proper well fitting shoes make a huge difference
  • imafitmom
    imafitmom Posts: 116 Member
    ETA - did you get proper gait analysis for your running shoes/get a professional to pick shoes for you?
    Def worth doing - proper well fitting shoes make a huge difference
    [/quote]



    Yes, that! Might also consider your running surface. Is it flat, banked, etc. Best of luck and remember to smile big at the finish line!
  • imafitmom
    imafitmom Posts: 116 Member
    Rosie4732 - was trying to quote you.... didn't work.... yes, your shoe/gait advice is spot on.
  • I ran my first 5Ks this summer too and honestly, MOST people walked it! I was kind of surprised by that. But no shame if you can't do the whole thing. It's just fun to be part of them :)
  • bluefish49
    bluefish49 Posts: 102 Member
    Walk it!

    I still walk my 5K's. I finish in under an hour. Others will be doing the same thing.
  • cbbn11
    cbbn11 Posts: 121 Member
    You may certainly walk part of your 5k. I ran my first last year. This year I have walked one with my wife and kids as my wife is not a runner but wanted to do the run or dye. I have another 5k coming up in a month and just like last year I am sure I will see people walking. There is definitely no shame as long as you finish.

    Enjoy running what you can.
  • rjc0914
    rjc0914 Posts: 28 Member
    I've been running for a few months and did my first official 5K this past Sunday. Did much better than I expected (24:50..finished 35th out of 212 total runners). I've been fortunate enough to not have any pain in my lower half since beginning, but if you are experincing pain that is too much to run through don't push it. Maybe run a mile, walk for a while and then run again after a rest? Just be sure to get accross that finish line..you'll be happy you did...great sense of accomplishment just from finishing. Don't worry about your time just get through it without injury and you are better off than the majority of the couch potatoes out there. :)
  • alyssassyla
    alyssassyla Posts: 8 Member
    I didn't do any gait analysis, but did buy the pricier shoes haha. I have coverage at work now for new running shoes, so I'm thinking about going to the Running Room for some better advice.

    Thanks for the responses, I'll run what I can!
  • alyssassyla
    alyssassyla Posts: 8 Member
    Yes, that! Might also consider your running surface. Is it flat, banked, etc. Best of luck and remember to smile big at the finish line!




    [/quote]

    I get the pain when I run on treadmills and outside on pavement - the surface is generally flat.
  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,590 MFP Moderator
    Sure they do, go out and have fun and support your brother, I ran (yeah mostly walked) my first 5 k when I could maybe run for 5 mins, but it was a cause I wanted to support and everyone out there also supports so thats what mattered! And i wasn't the slowest one out there, that actually gave me a little boost!
  • mayonie1
    mayonie1 Posts: 296 Member
    I did my first 5k run last Saturday, I think I walked the whole 3km and I finished at 55mins....at least I was not the last one :-)
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    I didn't do any gait analysis, but did buy the pricier shoes haha. I have coverage at work now for new running shoes, so I'm thinking about going to the Running Room for some better advice.

    Thanks for the responses, I'll run what I can!
    pricier =/= better.

    get a gait analysis done.
  • Lyerin
    Lyerin Posts: 818 Member
    Lots of people run/walk their first 5K (or even their 10th or 20th 5K :smile:). I did my first 5K in a very long time in July and there were tons of run/walkers and even some just walkers. I did a Color Vibe one two weeks ago, and there were loads of walkers there too.

    Run when you can, don't be afraid to walk and just get out there and go!
  • silvergurl518
    silvergurl518 Posts: 4,123 Member
    go for it - If you need to walk for a bit then so be it - just make sure you keep moving and dont stop.

    ^QFT. this, so this. don't let a little walking stop you from doing your first race!!! some people walk the whole way through! you can do jogging/walking intervals if that'll keep you moving.
  • elainecroft
    elainecroft Posts: 595 Member
    Go for it - you may be surprised at how far you get, and even if you walk a while it is fun!

    My first 5k I was surprised at how many people were running near my speed - it really helped motivate me to keep going.
  • elainecroft
    elainecroft Posts: 595 Member
    And yes to getting your feet analyzed and getting proper shoes - shoes that fit YOU are worth more than anything.
  • cbbn11
    cbbn11 Posts: 121 Member
    My brother is leading a post 5k yoga stretch at a charity run this Saturday and I'm debating running. Right now I can run about 20 minutes before being too tired. I keep telling myself I'll eventually do a 5k but I don't know if I'm ready.

    So how did the run/walk go? Did you have fun because that is all that matters.