I finished my first 5k today.

Brenda_1965
Brenda_1965 Posts: 314 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm 47 and have been running for only four weeks. I ran in high school an college, but developed problems with my knees and ankles that made it so I couldn't walk the day after running. A prescription has helped me, and I finished the whole 3.2 miles in 33 minutes! I have lost 16 pounds, but plan to lose 50 more. Next year I want to run it in 25 minutes. Am I being unreasonable? Won't taking that weight off improve my speed?

It was actually a team triathlon, and my BFF rode her bike, and my 15 year old daughter swam 500 yards in 8 minutes! We finished in about the middle of the team pack! I'm so happy and proud of my team. They pushed so hard! Even my husband and 10 year old son came out and took pictures and cheered me on!

My doctor putt me on a diuretic 6 mos ago for water retention. It was a miracle when I ran with my son 4 weeks ago, so I figure it had to be that pill! I have had very little puffiness since then, but tonight when I press my fingers to my leg, the indents go 1/4 inch and stay for 20 minutes. Is that from the running? I wiped out on my bike Tuesday, injured my left knee and ankle. So I couldn't run until today... Maybe my system wasn't used to it? Both legs have the swelling and indent to the touch.

Replies

  • danne32339
    danne32339 Posts: 155 Member
    FANTASTIC!!! I am so impressed and very inspired. Way to go.:drinker:
  • greenbaymichk
    greenbaymichk Posts: 85 Member
    YOU ROCK!!!!
  • drgndancer
    drgndancer Posts: 426 Member
    Be careful running too much too fast. Beware the Terrible Toos: too much, too fast, too soon. 4 weeks is a fairly short lead up for nothing to a 5k. Obviously you're in good cardiovascular shape, or you couldn't have just jumped in at that distance, but you're prone to injury if you push yourself too hard too fast. Connective tissue, joints, and stabilizer muscles aren't used to the stress of running. Shin splints or runner's knee won't be fun, and it sounds like you have their issues besides. Now that your race is over, take it slow. Try to increase weekly distance by no more than 10% a week, and maybe take a slow week this coming week to make up for the race.

    Congrats on your race! That's a great time for your first outing.
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    Congrats on your first race - that's a great time! (I've been running since about April, and I'm just now working up to a 35 minute 5K!!).
    Yes, weight loss can increase your speed. From what I've read, you can expect to shave about a minute for every 10lbs you lose. But, like the previous poster said, don't push it too hard. Increase your distance slowly, take your rest days, and find some sort of cross training that you like (swimming, yoga, pilates, spin class, etc.).
  • Brenda_1965
    Brenda_1965 Posts: 314 Member
    Is that a minute per mile or for the whole 5 k?

    Thanks everybody! I have done wii fit and swim off and on, so maybe that's why I'm ok cardio-wise. I also started running / walking on an indoor track seven weeks ago. The hardcore training on hills outside started seven weeks ago. About two weeks ago I got a bike, and I've been cross training with that too.... In fact I wiped out on gravel and couldn't run all this week bc I hurt my knee and arch.

    I'd love to add each of you as pals.
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