Registered for a 5K - 4 weeks away

KelieHerrera

So, I did something rash and registered for a 5K to motivate myself, but now I'm concerned because it's 4 weeks away.

I am NOT a runner, never have been, but would like to be. I started my big life change in July. Since then I've lost about 19 lbs (16 on MFP) and have been doing lots of exercising on my elliptical machine, strenuous hiking, and the 30 Day Shred. I am not in shape by any means, but I feel great and am more fit than I've ever been.

I thought I could tackle a 5K, no problem. The other night, I put on my running shoes and set out into the night, hoping to run about 2 miles straight without stopping. About .4 miles in, I was DONE. Stick a fork in me, done. I gasped and cried and plodded along, and completed 1.6 miles in 23 minutes. Don't some people WALK faster than that? I can go for over an hour on the elliptical on really tough settings, but just jogging down the road for less than 30 seconds had me gasping for air.

I've heard of C25K, and did try it once upon a time (gave up because I thought it was 'too hard', but may revisit now).

I guess I'm looking for other people's experiences with first races. Should I even be considering this? Is 4 weeks ridiculous??

LoSena

google: Couch to 5k! HUGE HELP!

shenitamo

You can do it! Sounds like you have a good base to builf off of. I would look at the "couch to 5k" training and see where your ability level is within that training plan and start from there. Here is an example plan: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
GOOD LUCK!!

Elzecat

most training plans are a bit longer than 4 weeks...but you can still get a good jump start with C25k or Jeff Galloway's run/walk method, or Hal Higdon's training plans (check out runnersworld.com for lots of advice and training plans for "newbie" runners).

Running short distances with frequent walking breaks is a great way to get started, and if you do your first 5k that way, look at it this way: it's better than not doing the 5k at all!

Good luck!

a_stronger_steph

I definitely agree with the others here - c25k will get you on your way. You might not be at the point where you can run the entire 5k, but seriously, there is NO shame in walking and running it. And once you finish c25k, you can tackle another 5k and feel really great about your improvement in time!

Congrats on signing up for the race!

snkeller24

I did my first 5k in 2009 ... it had been 3 years since playing sports in high school. Granted I'd go to the gym but I spent most of my time in the pool or on the elliptical. I was never a runner. And I wasn't very serious.

I walked almost the entire thing. That was it, I gave up, F THIS!

Then warrior dash came along ... I did it with my friend who was an "avid runner" and I didn't want to slow her down. I started with C25K ... on a treadmill ... eventually I moved it out to a track. Thankfully our wave was full and there was a lot of waiting at the obstacles, but I completed it w/o actually walking.

Since then I've done 4 more races and have a half marathon in Oct.

Don't give up, just keep trying. 4 weeks isn't ridiculous. Just keep training! Make sure you warm up and stretch. Your mind will let you quit before your body does.

Once you complete one, hopefully you get the bug to keep going! It's a great accomplishment ... and no one can take it from you! Keep going. Even if you have to take a little break and walk, it's fine. We've all done it. But it's better then quitting.