how crazy am I?

jackpotclown

Ok, I consider myself to be in decent shape, though I don't think this is going to be relevant. My fiance and I are signing up to do a 5k as part of a community festival the last weekend of June. As far as cardio, everything I do has been on the elliptical. I've done a fair amount of strength training. I've also read up on the couch to 5k program and obviously don't have 10 weeks to prepare for this. Any advice? I'm not looking to be a great runner by any means......just get through it without wanting to pass out

smuehlbauer

Serious - I haven't run since 6th grade (20+ years ago) and I just did one, and I'm planning on doing another one.
If you have to walk part of it, walk part of it. It's no big deal. 3.1 miles - You'll be fine!
You do way more cardio then I do, you'll do great!

cobygrey

I'm training for a 5k as well. It begins with intervals of walk/run. So I say run when you can and walk when you can't run. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

DizzieLittleLifter

Simply run. Someone once told me just go slow, when you think your going slow GO SLOWER! Start with 1 mile (I'm sure you can run that!) and increase by .25/ every week, then complete the 5k walking every time. Worry about speed later. If you feel strong enough run 1 mile walk .5 and run 1 ect. Remember when you get to the point where you feel like your going to die keep pushing. You will get to a point where it feels better to run than to walk. I'm doing the wharf to wharf on July 25 (my first race ever!) it's 7 miles or so. Good Luck to you and your lady!

imarlett

I had a friend who recently did a 5k run. He spent a lot of time on the elliptical. He said it was there was a big difference between the elliptical and running/walking on solid ground because there is more weight on your knees versus the elliptical supporting you. Start using the treadmill now instead of the elliptical machine to get your knees use to the full weight of your body.

nikki_zav

How many days a week do you have to run or are you planning to run to get ready for the race? I would use the idea of the Couch to 5K program and just shorten it down to meet your schedule. Say if you want to run 3x's per week, only do two days of each level (maybe even just 1 day of the first two). I also add more time onto the end of my intervals. So for the first week, instead of just 20 min of run/walk, I did 30 - 40. That will get you close to where you need to be for a 5K by the end of the month. I'm doing the program now and the interval training is really amazing. Your endurance and speed will start shooting up, not to mention, burn a TON of calories!!

Best of luck!

jackpotclown

Thanks guys, I am more worried about the impact it's going to have on the knees and joints as a result more than the idea of can I handle the distance. The last time I ran I really felt it at the quads, so for this week I'm gonna see how far I can go before it really starts to hurt, but in the longrun I figure on a shortened version of the c25k program....I'll keep ya posted as to how it goes (or doesn't go lol) I am planning on running 3x a week to get prepared

lvfunandfit

If you run for 2 min, walk 1 min, run 2, walk 1... then increase run time to 2.5min walk 45 s, increase to 3 min of running...etc... you'll get there. You can even start out with running 1 min and walking 1 min. I suggest doing all of your running outside. When you think you can't run any further, push yourself for 20 more sec. It helps if you have a timer on a watch or a runner's watch to use. Make sure to get fitted for good running shoes (have your feet assessed to get the proper fit) and invest in good running socks. You'll do great!!! It's OK to walk during the race for 30 s - 1 min intervals.

use this to help you set up a running/training schedule
http://runnersworld.com/cda/smartcoach/1,7148,s6-238-277-278-0-0-0-0-0,00.html

supersarah14

I know how you feel! I have my first 5k Saturday and I'm a little nervous. I didn't have time for the Couch to 5k either so I just did what I could. The first thing I did was figure out what I could do...how far I could run without stopping. I ran .75 miles in 13 min. Not the best time in the world but who cares. The important thing is that I ran. I ran every other day and just kept running till I coudn't anymore. I started mid April and as of last week I can run 4 miles in 50 min. Not bad considering where I came from. My time has significantly decreased in my short runs (1-2 miles) so much that I actually ran a mile in 9 min on Monday. CRAZY!!!

The biggest tip I can give you is make sure you aren't running too fast. Thats the biggest mistake people make. You should be able to have a conversation, granted it shouldn't be easy, with someone. If you can't get out more than 3 words, you need to slow down. Make sure you're breathing and try and count it. I count it in threes (in-2-3, out-2-3). It helps keep my heartrate down. Also, you'll notice that your legs will feel really heavy a few min into it, but thats when you should keep going. The feeling goes away eventually.

You can do i!!! Good luck! :happy: