Start running/How to prepare for 5k

majikmiker

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

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

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

bump...doing my 1st 5K event August 18th so can't wait to see all the tips....

nwilson91

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!