Start running/How to prepare for 5k

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  • majikmiker
    majikmiker Posts: 291 Member
    2 1/2 years ago I did the Vancouver Sun Run, which is 10k. I was 436 pounds and had to walk the entire thing. It took me 2 hours and 35 minutes and I was one of the last people on the course, but I finished.

    This past year I did it again with my 15 year old son, and over 100 pounds lighter. I used a similar "learn to run 10k" program like the one on cool runnings, and set a goal of finishing the course in under an hour and a half.

    I crossed the finish line at 1 hour and 27 minutes.

    This is doable. These kind of programs are great, and it may seem impossibly difficult when you first start running, but it gets easier.

    Good luck! :bigsmile:
  • lisamerrison
    lisamerrison Posts: 90 Member
    Bump - I'm going to start running at the end of the month, and going shoe shopping next week. I'd love to see what advice people have.

    bump - me too
  • dobarber
    dobarber Posts: 611 Member
    I run with the Reebox Realflex. You can go to them shoe running company and they can check how you run and match the perfect shoe for you. In my case, I never did that. My shoes were just trial and error and eventually i'll get use to the shoe and i wouldn't have any issue running with it. I use to run half marathons all the time. My advice would be to do pyramid sets for running. Since you can't quite run a full mile yet, you should start with half a mile. GL and i hope this helps.

    mon - half mile
    tues - 1 mile
    wed - half mile
    thurs - mile
    fri - mile

    Next week:
    Mon - mile
    tues - mile and half
    wed - mile
    thurs - mile half
    fri - 2 mile.

    etc...

    I couldn't think of the name of the shoes I have until I saw this post. I have the same shoes. They fit like a glove and the support is amazing!
  • jetabear10
    jetabear10 Posts: 375 Member
    bump...doing my 1st 5K event August 18th so can't wait to see all the tips....
  • nwilson91
    nwilson91 Posts: 70
    Hmmm, good question. Shoes really vary per person, I would recommend getting professionally fitted for running shoes.

    I'm a former track/cross country guy (though you'd never know it now), and so I know ^This^

    But also, I finished the C25K app about 2 weeks ago, and it got me back on my feet (literally); even with the 40lb fat-suit, bad back, bum knee, bad ankles and all.
  • MrsPixelbark
    MrsPixelbark Posts: 175 Member
    I'm going to echo everybody else- go download the C25K podcast. It'll have you running non-stop for 30 minutes in nine weeks.

    It's such a fantastic program, I'm now training for a 10k myself, and am looking to sign up for my first half marathon sometime in the new year, with a full marathon being on the horizon for a year later. The only thing I would say is that the music can get a bit strange, but it's something easily sorted out by using an app like Runkeeper.

    Just be warned, you may get slightly addicted. I've been a bit crazy and just signed up for a 5 mile run in November across hilly terrain with a knee-deep stream to wade across right at the end!

    Best of luck!
  • amonroe1343
    amonroe1343 Posts: 206 Member
    Here is a podcast that gives you music and verbal cues that follows the coolrunning.com program. Good luck :) I'm starting to train for one, this week.

    http://runningintoshape.com/5k-training-downloads/
  • Anthyitis
    Anthyitis Posts: 43 Member
    running is mind over matter, I hear people like couch 2 5k. I would just start getting out there and walk a few minutes run 30 seconds, do this till you can run the whole time.

    I agree with this. I prefer to just go out and do what my body feels it can handle, so I don't really care much for C25K. The only benefit that I've had from using it is that it prevents me from ramping up the distance too quickly, which I have found leads to a lot of pain. :(
  • fabfindz05
    fabfindz05 Posts: 92 Member
    Look up the c25k program (www.coolrunnings.com)

    Go to a running store and get fitted. It's the only way you'll come away with the right shoe for you!

    ^^^^This!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Yup....
    Started with C25K last summer. I've now done 2 half marathons with plans to do at least two more this year. I've worn Nikes for as long as I can remember and I was fitted with Nike running shoes, which have been great so far.
  • tstella224
    tstella224 Posts: 11
    Definitely use the Couch to 5K program. That is how I started and I enjoy running now and up to over 8 miles. I hope to do a half marathon next year with more training.

    As for shoes, it does vary by each individual. I personally love my Asics Gel Fusion shoes. You may want to find a shoe store that will analyze you and fit you properly for the right running shoe
  • shannypoo21
    shannypoo21 Posts: 329 Member
    I agree with everyone here regarding C25k. It's an amazing training program. As for your shoes, I would suggest getting a gait analysis at one of your local sporting goods stores. Believe me it will help a lot with your running/walking. Good luck to you!
  • nellyett
    nellyett Posts: 436 Member
    Yep, yep, yep!!!! C25K!! I started this a few weeks ago and LOVE it!!! I used to see people out running and I would wish I could be one of them. Now I AM! I truly enjoy it, and no one is more shocked by that than me. LOL

    I actually enjoy running so much that I've been out almost every day. The program is designed for 3 runs per week, so what I do is repeat a few of the runs. For example, a few days ago I started week 5 and have repeated runs 1 and 2 twice. I'll move up to w5d3 this afternoon.

    I would also recommend googling proper running form. I was getting hip and knee pain, and this has helped me tweak my form a bit here and there. I've been pain free ever since! Good luck and enjoy!!

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