Question about running

anetap2000

I have started C25K in March, I did first 4 weeks, than I stopped, I was sick a lot in a winter.
I have sign up for 5K in 2 weeks. So I need to finish my training ( 4 weeks ) in 2 weeks. Do you think it will be a good idea to run everyday? I will finish the program on Saturday, and I will have 5 K on Sunday. So probably I will be able to run 5 k only once before the race.
What would you suggest?
I ' m also looking for new friends who are runners. So feel free to add me!
Thanks!

lizziegs

I would say maybe do 5-6 days a week. 7 is going to be difficult. And there are a few weeks, especially at the end where you run 2 miles a few times in a row and then 2.5 all three days and then the same for 2.75. I think once you get to 2.5 miles, you can get to 3 so that cuts out 2 weeks of training. I am on my last week but have just been running 3 miles at a time. Once I get to the last day of the 8th week I will continue to train for a 10k. I will friend you!

meshashesha2012

i would suggest to do the program as prescribed as you will need to rest since you're going from not being able to run a 5k to trying to do it in 2 weeks.

there's no rule that says that you can't alternate walking and running during 5k races.

i think trying to do it 5-6 days a week when it's only supposed to be for 3 is a good way t get yourself injured, all so you can try and finish a race 20 minutes faster.


also as a forewarning, you more than likely will subconsciously push yourself during the race more so than when it's a practice run. most people tend to forget their natural pace when they first start racing and ending up giving it too much too soon

DavidMartinez2

I agree with the other posters that you should only run 5-6 days a week. A rest day is the day your body repairs itself.

Otterluv

i would suggest to do the program as prescribed as you will need to rest since you're going from not being able to run a 5k to trying to do it in 2 weeks.

there's no rule that says that you can't alternate walking and running during 5k races.

i think trying to do it 5-6 days a week when it's only supposed to be for 3 is a good way t get yourself injured, all so you can try and finish a race 20 minutes faster.


also as a forewarning, you more than likely will subconsciously push yourself during the race more so than when it's a practice run. most people tend to forget their natural pace when they first start racing and ending up giving it too much too soon

All of this ^^^^^

During my 1st 5k, I ran too fast too soon and ended up walking a huge chunk of it. I had been able to run a 3 miles prior to the race, and after, so it really was just that I wore myself out in the first mile.

It's better to give your body a chance to adjust to running and avoid an injury. There is no shame in walking part of it.

EricMurano

Yeah dude don't run every day if you're just learning to run 5k.

Just walk when you need to during the 5k race. If you try cramming 4 weeks of c25k into 2 weeks you'll end up with a torn muscle and you won't be going to the race at all.

pinkraynedropjacki

5km is nothing. Just run as far as you know you can run. If you want to run each day, do it. Ditch the C25K and just run. Could easily get to 5km in 2 weeks. Run 3km one day, then do that for about 3 days, then run 4km for about 3 days, then run 5km easy. Then continue with that till race day. I ran 10km the day before my 1st ever race, I did a personal best in that race & came a great place....353 out of 2000 runners for the 10k. I'd been running about 2 months at that stage.

jofjltncb6

As someone who is currently sidelined by an injury resulting from doing too much too soon*, I highly recommend that you err on the side of doing less/not pushing. If you take it slow and ramp up reasonably, this time next year, you'll be focusing on improving your time, not just completing a race. If you push too hard too fast, this time next year, you might still be recovering.


* my personal situation wasn't increasing mileage too quickly as much as it was increasing intensity too quickly in the form of terrain. I went from running 4-6 miles on relatively flat terrain to running 5-6 miles on moderate to steep trails. Tweaked a muscle in my calf/shin which led to a patellar fasciitis issue. Might take a few weeks, might take a few months before I'm cleared to run again.

ETA: More directly to your question, my answer is no, don't run every day. Stick to the program. When it comes to the race, run what you can and walk the rest. Pushing a little in the race will probably be fine (and inevitable if you're anything like me)...just be smart about it and if it hurts/feels uncomfortable, stop doing whatever it is you're doing.

NormInv

As a 5K runner, I think you need to run only 3 or 4 times a week. Do not over do it. You should also change the distance and pace. So Day 1 go 4 miles at steady pace, Day 3 go 3 miles with varying pace each half mile, Day 5 Go stead pace for 2.5 miles, then sprint the .61 mile to 5K.

Train smart!

lyttlewon

If you are not accustomed to running it isn't a good idea to run every day.

Ninguneado73

I feel like running everyday but I am so afraid of injuries. Err on the side of caution

Doodlewhopper

Run 3-4 days per week and plan on doing a slow 5k or a walk-run.

If you are a novice runner coming off an injury/illness the probability of you suffering an overuse injury is high - maybe even more so if you have been using antibiotics. As a novice, you running everyday will break you down and your condition will definitely diminish. A vital part of conditioning requires down time. You must have rest days to allow the body to rebuild and replenish.

I have run for years & want you to enjoy running. Good luck and have fun.

RonandDi

From the first day I started running (and walking at that time), I ran 5 days a week. I didn't run for very long mind you, but I was always pushing myself. Now I run 6 days a week.

There isn't anything wrong with running 5 or 6 or even 7 days a week, lot of people do it. The big thing is to listen to your body and pay attention to the little aches and pains. Sore is ok, pains are bad. If you have been out for a while, I'd say start slow again and don't push it too much, but you can still run every day.

davemunger

I agree with the folks arguing for caution. It's more important to stay injury-free so you can do better next time. Try alternating between walking and running (run 1 day, then walk the next). Take frequent walk-breaks while you are running. When you get to the 5K itself, plan on walking, maybe 1 minute out of every 4 minutes, or 1 minute out of every 8 minutes. You'll do much better than if you just run until you *have* to stop!

scottb81

Trying to fit four weeks of training into the last two weeks before a race isn't going to work. There isn't enough time left for your body to absorb the training and improve. At best you will tire yourself out a lot. At worst you will get hurt and not race at all.

Just stick with the program and do your best on your first race. You will have many more in the future in which to improve.

anetap2000

Thank you so much for a great advices