Elliptical/5K Question

amy4586

I have been wanting to complete a 5K for some time now. My uncle in Oregon is really into it, and he is coming home for thanksgiving this year. I thought it would be fun to do a one with him as a surprise during his stay. However- I don't like to really work out by my house. Its a large apartment complex and there are a million cars whizzing by, ect.

I do the "Get Fit" ifit workout card by Jillian Michaels on my elliptical. Would I be able to train for the 5K on my elliptical? Or is it not the same as actually jogging to work up my endurance?

There is a really nice lake by my house that I probably could go to a couple times a week to actually jog. But I don't know anything about running or if a couple days of jogging would help my endurance.

Advice, please :-)

amy4586

bump

JustJennie1

Running and the elliptical are two completely different exercises.

I'm assuming you've never run before and if that is the case then I would suggest the C25K program to get you started if you're unsure of what to do.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

kd_mazur

You can prob get started on the eliptical for cardio but if you want to train for a 5k I would suggest getting some outdoor running in. I found outdoor running much harder than on the treadmill and I would think it would also be true of the eliptical.

I would suggest the book "Run your butt off". Check it out from your local library:)

714rah714

Anything cardio that you do to enhance your endurance and your leg strength will be beneficial to you, but there is no good substitute for outdoor running, even though I heard using a treadmill on an incline comes close. Best of luck to you.

Nigerianebony

Yea, like the others, you need to train outdoors. Good luck!

NewFitKeri

I am currently using an elliptical as prep for a 5k in May..I injured my knee when I IMMEDIATELY started on pavement...so I rotate the treadmill and the elliptical...just remember you can also walk in the 5K..so worry about your endurance right now and only do what you can..you can always run as much as you can @ the 5k and walk whatever you can't..the main thing is, you will get to cross the finish line! Best of luck!

bethvandenberg

c25k is awesome. I like the ellip but don't think it's the same as running. Have a great time and you can do it. Make time 3x a week and go and train outside and you'll be happier..

loreleileee

Yes, you can train for any road race using primarily an elliptical. Here's the catch, to build endurance for the real race, do some real running outside. I would recommend doing the runs once a week and slowly increase your mileage. You'll probably find that most of running is mental and that you have to pace yourself---those are going to be the lessons you need to learn (in addition to how your body responds to the stress of running) more than just being cardiovascularly fit. Pick a day for your outside training and go run a mile outside at a pace where you can speak comfortably (take a buddy to converse with, it will make the time go by faster too). Increase by half mile increments every week from there and you'll be ready to go in a jiffy!

ChristinaBarnhouse

I am also training to run a 5K this Spring and have been told numerous times that running outside is much harder. Running is totally different from using an elliptical. I used to do 30 minutes on an elliptical, but had a hard time running even 2 minutes. I would suggest just getting outside to run and also suggest the C25K program. (Couch to 5K) The app is great!

BerryH

It's SOOOOO different, get out there and run!

Here are my beginner's running tips, some of these plus a healthy dose of C25K will set you right!
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

billsica

If I had a lake to run around. I'd be there as many days as I could. Do that.

+1 on C25K. you might find that you can jump ahead a little if your already doing all that elliptical.
I try to get above 5k, shoot for 7-10k after week 9 if your going to race, then maybe look into interval training once you get your endurance up.

rml_16

I have been wanting to complete a 5K for some time now. My uncle in Oregon is really into it, and he is coming home for thanksgiving this year. I thought it would be fun to do a one with him as a surprise during his stay. However- I don't like to really work out by my house. Its a large apartment complex and there are a million cars whizzing by, ect.

I do the "Get Fit" ifit workout card by Jillian Michaels on my elliptical. Would I be able to train for the 5K on my elliptical? Or is it not the same as actually jogging to work up my endurance?

There is a really nice lake by my house that I probably could go to a couple times a week to actually jog. But I don't know anything about running or if a couple days of jogging would help my endurance.

Advice, please :-)

The elliptical will most definitely help with endurance. It does work different muscles and the impact will be different. But it was my main cardio for a long time, with some walking added in. I decided to start jogging and my first day I ran a full 5K with no problem.

amy4586

Thanks everyone for all your great advice. I think I will continue my elliptical at home and try to make it to the lake a few times a week. I really appreciate it!

reino4

I have a really bad knee, will never run again. But I use the elliptical. Was just wondering if using the CT5K would make a good elliptical workout? Seems like a kind of interval training.

rfsatar

I have a really bad knee, will never run again. But I use the elliptical. Was just wondering if using the CT5K would make a good elliptical workout? Seems like a kind of interval training.

This is of interest to me as I can't run until at least Feb, and maybe have to have an arthroscopy (if not two) on my knee(s)

bkite85

I am also training for a 5k in November. I started walking, then moved to the C25K program. It kept crashing, so I would listen to my music and go on distance. I would push a little bit further every time I got to the run segment, but I wanted to mix it up; so, I added the elliptical. Running on pavement and the elliptical are very very different, but the elliptical did help increase my endurance and was able to run further, but it does not compare. Try to jog as often on pavement as possible and do the elliptical twice a week, run 4 days, and rest one, but listen to your body if you are tired rest, if your are sore slow down, this is the best way to avoid injury while training.