5K in February - Can I be ready??

misscristie

So, the Dallas Color Run is in February.

I am currently 5'4" and 220lbs, down from 340. I am in WAY better shape than I used to be, but I am in no way a runner.

Do I have snowball's change in Hades of being able to run the entire thing by February? Is C25K the best program out there or am I just better off running as long as I can and building up on my own? How often should I run when I'm just starting out? Am I better off training outside or am I OK to train on an indoor track - I won't do the treadmill.

OK. I think that's all of my questions. Appreciate the help!

therealangd

February is plenty of time to train for a 5k.

I'm going to say that yes, the C25K programs is one of the best programs to learn to run. Even though I didn't complete it and I still very, very rarely run an entire 5k without walk breaks. But I did just do a half marathon race this past weekend.

Good luck. Have fun.

freezerburn2012

You have 9 months to train! You can do it.

Use C25k as it incorporates walking at the beginning. This is important if you are not used to running. No one likes getting shin splints! This also gives you a good schedule that tells you how often to run, etc.

Indoor track is ok but you'll want to get used to running on a harder surface. How are your shoes?

Most importantly, don't give up! I cried on my first 'run' and worked for a long time to get past the horribleness of it all. It gets easier if you stick with it.

runnercheryl

I'd say you can definitely be ready. I weigh 153lbs. Earlier this year I went from never running at all to doing regular 5ks in just over two months. I didn't do any kind of programme, but of course C25K is highly recommended by many. I also just went straight to running outside. Less monotonous, which I think would help with the mental aspect.

Haven't done my own first official 5k yet. Doing mine in October.

IveLanded

You can TOTALLY DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I started off not being able to run more than 30 seconds at a time and within about 6 weeks. I could easily run a mile straight! Since I got really seriously about it, I've increased my 1 mile to 5 miles in about four months. And I used to HATE running, now I love it!

And, keep in mind.....the Color Run isn't a competitive race, and LOTS of people will walk parts of it. I'm doing my local color run and I know we'll be walking probably half of it.

brun73

If the run is in February and you start now, you will be more than ready!! I started the C25K a month ago and I'm planning on try to run in my 1st 5k on June 16. I use the C25K from run double on my Android phone and I love it. You just run 3 times a week and it keeps track of time, distance and pace. I run outside, there are a ton of walking/bike paths in my town so i can change up my route every run if i want which helps.

misscristie

Thank you all for the words of encouragement! I have great shoes. If I start and they aren't cutting it, I am able to get some different ones at our local running store. YAY! I'm excited!

wisebadger53

I started running around the end of February, and ran my first 5k last weekend (May 19) at 202 lbs. Being the unconventional guy that I am, I didn't use C25K or any other program. I just worked on consistantly improving my speed and distance that I could run until I could do the entire 5k in what I considered to be an acceptable time (under 35 minutes).

If I can do it anyone can...especially one of my MFP friends! :-)

Good Luck!