Signed up for our first 5k THIS SUNDAY.

phoenixgirl81

We've been doing the c25k program for 6 weeks now (tomorrow will be wk 6 run 3) and am amazed at how far we've come. Week 1 I couldn't run 30 seconds without my lungs burning, my heart (almost) pounding out of my chest and my legs feeling like cement. Yesterday (wk 6 run 2) the two 10 minute runs were great and I posted my best time:distance. The dreaded week 5 run 3 20 minute run was surprisingly good and I was really proud of us.

So, what's the most logical thing to do when you're still 3 weeks from the end of the program? Sign up for a 5 km run!!! My partner and I will be doing it together THIS Sunday, the second day of summer. We've tossed around the idea of running with our camelpacks (water backpacks) to make sure we stay hydrated, but other than that, I'm clueless. I've never actually RUN 5 km before, but seeing as though it's organised by the Special Olympics (it's a fundraiser), we figure that if we have to walk for a few seconds at a time, they're not likely to kick us out. Lol

So...any tips or tricks? What to do/not do? I'm quite nervous, but really excited at the same time.

loril13

We did out first 5k around W4. We did not wear camelbacks. There were a couple of water stations on the route and that was fine for us. We grabbed a couple of water bottles when we were done as well. We ran the entire first half, then did two short walking stints and ran over the finish line. There were actualyl a lot of walkers, so it was fine. It felt amazing! We'll be on W7 this weekend. Our second 5k is December 15th, a week before the first day of our winter.

You've got this! Let us know how it goes.

kaji13

I think that's awesome!! I wouldn't bother with the camelbaks, just make sure you drink plenty of water in the 48 hours or so leading up to race day (so start now! lol) and you should be fine for the 5k. Most races have water/snacks at the finish, and some have a water station partway through the race. But with the exception of the first 5k I ever ran when it was 95 degrees out, I've never felt like I needed to stop for water. I also chew gum while I run - some people say that this uses energy, but it helps keep me from feeling overly thirsty so it's worth it to me.

Make sure to not do any hard runs the day before the race (I'll usually do an easy mile, or just go for a walk) so that you're muscles are refreshed for race day. Don't worry if you need to take a couple walking breaks, lot's of people do! Some people walk the whole race, so it's totally ok.

I'm proud of you both for signing up for the race, that's a huge step and a wonderful motivator! Personally, I'm hooked I've signed up for one every month since completing c25k back in August. I have a race on Sunday as well, it will be my 5th one! I'm just as excited for this one as I was for my first, just a little less nervous (I still get some butterflies though!).

I also signed up for the Warrior Dash next September...I'm REALLY nervous about that one! But at least I have nine months to train

phoenixgirl81

Thanks for your replies. Starting to feel quite nervous. It's 16 hours away! It's also 36 degrees celsius (95*F) right now and I'm hoping against hope that it cools down by tmw.

chubbygirl253

I'm only on week 4 and I am going to do a 5k in May. I wanna run the whole thing. Today was a Jingle Bell 5k fun run and I did it as a practice run, fully expecting to walk half the time. I was pleasantly surprised that I ran about 75% of it. I'm so proud of myself! You can do it too. A 5k is 3.1 miles. Go to a track and start practicing, see how many u can do before you need a walking break. It's totally acceptible to walk when you want to, by the way. Good luck! I'm so glad I did it! I was fine without taking water on the route with me.

phoenixgirl81

We DID IT!!! We ran the WHOLE 5 km!!!!!! And we did it in 47 minutes 11 seconds (probably less because I forgot to turn off my HRM as soon as we finished). We came dead last out of a field of 15 but we don't care (2 people didn't finish. They pulled out after the first 1.25 km lap.). We ran it at our pace and we could have kept running. The first lap was the hardest. The third and fourth were the easiest. So proud of us. We put our headphones in and ran, carrying a water bottle each.

loril13

That is wonderful! We did our 2nd 5k this past Saturday. We ran the whole thing too. Such an awesome feeling of accomplishment. We are looking for our third. I am a little leery as winter in New England is unpredictable at best. But what the heck, right? I'd love to do one a month, but with entry fees for myself and my husband, that can add up fast!