experience in running 5K's

chelsea_thatsme

Hello

So I am planning on running a 5K marathon in March. I have looked online for some plans to follow as far as training goes and I plan on starting to train soon (hopefully when the weather gets a little warmer).

Anyone run a 5K marathon before? Or any type of long distance or marathon-type running? What advice do you have?

I also plan on investing in some nice running shoes? I don't mind spending some money for quality but not completely overboard. I have already been looking at some Nike's but not sure.

Also, feel free to add me as a friend. The more support the better. We all need a little push once in awhile.

Thanks in advance :happy:

ilovemyhorse

c25k! Wonderful program! Helps trim your belly too :]

Liquid741

couch to 5k i hear is a great program...and dont skimp on the shoes.

i know once i was professionally fitted, my running vastly improved. imo, go to a running store that knows what they are talking about and forget the crap places like Finish Line.

chelsea_thatsme

couch to 5k i hear is a great program...and dont skimp on the shoes.

i know once i was professionally fitted, my running vastly improved. imo, go to a running store that knows what they are talking about and forget the crap places like Finish Line.

Where can I get professionally fitted?

EricMurano

If you have problems with your knees or shin splints see a podiatrist and they'll make you some shoe inserts and recommend what type of running shoe to get

C25k is a good programme if you're a beginner. If you're already able to run for 5k without stopping then there's another programme called bridge to 10K that might help.

darkrider42

I totally agree with others regarding the Couch-to-5K program. I believe the website is c25k.com. Another great resource is runnersworld.com -- they have an excellent wealth of knowledge in their beginner's section.

Also one small, teensy correction. It's not a "5K marathon". A 5K is a specific-distance race as is a marathon. A 5K is 3.1 miles while a marathon is 26.1 miles. A 5K is typically completed in 20-40 minutes and a marathon takes 3-6 hours for most non-career athletes. Just call it a "5K" or "5K race"...although for most people it's not really a 'race' either as the goal for most is just to complete it and/or improve upon their own previous race times.

Welcome to running though! Best of luck for you and I hope you enjoy it and find it as rewarding (most days) as I do!

darkrider42

couch to 5k i hear is a great program...and dont skimp on the shoes.

i know once i was professionally fitted, my running vastly improved. imo, go to a running store that knows what they are talking about and forget the crap places like Finish Line.

Where can I get professionally fitted?

Yeah, don't go to Foot Locker or Finish Line....look for a running specialty store in your area. Try Googling it or if you go to a gym, ask one of the trainers to point you in the right direction.

taramaureen

Couch to 5k is an excellent program. I started it to kick off running again after I had my second baby. Aweseome awesome stuff.

Nikes are crap for running. Sauccony or NewBalance are more orthopedically correct but I also second the advice to get professionaly fitted. Look for a sports store in your area, and don't buy from Foot Locker or places like that.

Pebble321

Good advice here, find a good running store to find the right shoes for you (case in point: Nikes may be crap for running for some people, but they are magic for me... New Balance made my feet go numb - they're not the right shape for my feet).

As well as good shoes, get a good bra - it's probably worth taking the time to get fitted for this too, trust me, having rubbed-raw spots where your bra didn't fit right is no fun, especially once you are running more.

If you google "running trianing program" you will find stacks of options out there, I loved C25K but there are lots of others too.

Don't start out too fast - it's OK to run slower when you are getting going, speed will come once you have a bit of endurance and good form.

But, most of all, enjoy it!