Running a 5K--am I stupid?

MandaKayMakesIt
MandaKayMakesIt Posts: 81
in Fitness and Exercise
Friends, I recently signed up for a 5K run/walk. The race is on September 23 and the course is relatively flat. I've never done a 5K before, and I've only been doing Couch-to-5K sporadically. Now, though, I am planning to begin training pretty hard. I am on week 3 right now, and it's fairly easy. I've been running after the couch to 5K workout, just to see how long I can go, and I'm at about 6-8 minutes. I'm a BIG girl, so I'm just wondering if I've made a mistake signing up for this race. I'm nervous! I've never done anything like this before, I can't run a mile without stopping, and I'm pretty sure that I am slooow. I have this vision of still being on the course as night falls and the clean-up crew has arrived :)

Tell me: is this a bad idea? Yes or no, do you have any tips or advice for training, experience as a bigger person running races, how to run longer distances, not being the fat girl finishing last, etc.? :)
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Replies

  • stephmo86
    stephmo86 Posts: 45
    You can do it!! It's not stupid, just do your best, stick to a training schedule, and be proud when you get there (and finish):-)

    I'm running one on September 22:-) Also, have friends sign up with you! They'll be great encouragement!
  • sarahbethrn18
    sarahbethrn18 Posts: 127 Member
    Girl, no it's not stupid!! It's AWESOME! There will more than likely be people walking the entire 5K so I doubt you will finish last. Don't worry about that. Go, do your best, have a blast, and be so totally proud of yourself for doing this!
  • ksm_623
    ksm_623 Posts: 12 Member
    You can do this! I ran my first 5k at about 210. I definitely couldn't run a mile without stopping. You just have choose a training schedule and stick with it. A goal without a plan is just a wish. Get out there and make it happen :)
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    You've got almost 5 weeks to get ready, work your program and try your best. If you have to take walking breaks take them, if you're slow don't worry about it (you're still going faster that the couch potatoes). Your only goal for your first race is to finish with a smile on your face (I doubt you'll be last - most races have a contingent of walkers - but even if you were it doesn't matter, you're getting out there and making positive changes)

    BTW - I weighed about 235 and was 52 years old when I ran my first 5K, I'll be running my 4th half-marathon Sept 23rd.)
  • sarafil
    sarafil Posts: 506 Member
    You can totally do this. And remember, it is NOT a failure to take a walk break if you need it. There are whole running plans that use walk breaks, even for marathons. I think you will surprise yourself, though. Just remember on the day of the race, start out slow....it's very easy to get carried away in the beginning and go out too fast. And like others have said, there will be a lot of people who are walking the entire thing, and you will NOT be last. Train for it, but make sure you train smart...don't run every day, don't increase your distance too quickly, and make sure you have been fitted for good shoes. Have fun, you will love it!
  • NJL13500
    NJL13500 Posts: 433 Member
    I think it's awesome. I walked a whole marathon once. It took me 7 hours, but I finished. Go at your own pace. You will see all sizes and shapes and ability levels at a 5k race. Enjoy!
  • danimal5867
    danimal5867 Posts: 390
    It wasn't much more than five weeks ago that I was only running 3 three minutes for every six that I walked. Now when I start out, I walk about half a mile and then run for 4 or 5 before I take a break to walk a while. My current personal best for 5K is about 33 minutes. My best advice is just keep pushing yourself a little bit farther each day and take a rest day when your legs tell you they need it.
  • jadesign19
    jadesign19 Posts: 512 Member
    Nope - not stupid. In fact the opposite. This will be a new beginning for you. Next year you'll be looking at 10k's. :drinker:
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    Aw, not at all stupid! That's awesome--if you're just starting to walk/run/workout, having a clear goal (a race date) gives you something to work toward.

    Invite friends to join you, having company is a lot more fun! If you can currently run 6-8 minutes without stopping, even if you improve between now and then just plan on doing that and give yourself 1-2 minute walking breaks to catch your breath. Also walk through any water station (s) if they offer one (some 5ks do, some don't). Or just walk as much as you need to. Plan to have fun and don't worry about your time.

    Good luck! You can totally do this!
  • Sarah_Wins
    Sarah_Wins Posts: 936 Member
    You've got weeks, no big deal! And trust me, there will be a whole crowd of people that walk the entire thing, so you're automatically doing better than they are. Just train as you can, read _JR_'s tips for first time racers, and you'll do great!!

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/279198-running-tip-so-you-are-about-to-do-your-first-race
  • gungho66
    gungho66 Posts: 284 Member
    one day at a time, be proud
  • Kimberly_SoCal
    Kimberly_SoCal Posts: 16
    I have a 5K that I plan to walk on September 1st. I started out on the treadmill taking it s-l-o-w. Now I have more stamina. I am happy to walk the 5K because I've never accomplished anything "major" regarding fitness (except for joining the gym). Just getting a T-shirt and a medal will make my day. My brother is running the 10K. We're just at different fitness levels. I will just be happy to find the finish line and say that I did it - regardless if I ran or walked it.
  • dvisser1
    dvisser1 Posts: 788 Member
    Not stupid or a mistake. It's great to have a goal with a deadline, gives motivation! This Spring I did the same and it drove my training. I ended up signing up for a 5k two weeks before the original race.
  • LoNCole
    LoNCole Posts: 25 Member
    You can so do this! I am also doing the c25k and just finished week 3 and start week 4 on Monday. I am signed up for a 5k on the 15 th of Sept., I will have just finished week 7. You should have just finished week 8 and should do great in your 5k! Just stick with it!

    Feel free to add me and we can check up on each other. :)
  • selig0730
    selig0730 Posts: 509 Member
    your not stupid, you have over a month to train and if you can run some you wont finish last, some people will most likely walk the whole thing, and even if your last its ok as long as you have fun. its alot better then staying at home and not doing it at all. after you do it mostly likely you will like it but try to better in your time. my first one i did 54 mins, 2nd 45 mins and then 3rd time was 33 mins and each time ran more each time but didnt run the whole thing. have fun and good luck you will be fine :)

    ps you can add me if you want
  • loadsandloads
    loadsandloads Posts: 353 Member

    Tell me: is this a bad idea? Yes or no, do you have any tips or advice for training, experience as a bigger person running races, how to run longer distances, not being the fat girl finishing last, etc.? :)

    I did a 5K at 300lbs. It was not running as I'm not interested in running but I finished and I wasn't last! The important thing for me is to finish. With all you are doing this will just add to your list of accomplishments.

    You got this!
  • lacroyx
    lacroyx Posts: 5,754 Member
    Tell me: is this a bad idea? Yes or no, do you have any tips or advice for training, experience as a bigger person running races, how to run longer distances, not being the fat girl finishing last, etc.? :)

    Yes it's a bad idea. They can get addicting and you'll wanna keep doing more and more. :happy: Tips and advice? Don't worry about being last. Don't worry about speed. Don't worry if you need to take a walk break. Add in hills to help. Doesn't need to be big or long ones, mix up the terrain. Enjoy yourself. I started at 400 lbs. I just mixed in very short intervals 15-20 seconds of jogging with tons of walking. I didn't do my actual first 5K until my lower 300's. I set a goal of finshing in 1 hour or less and I did. I still took a few walk breaks. I'm slow but I don't care. I enjoy it so I still do them.
  • Ange03063
    Ange03063 Posts: 55 Member
    It's not stupid at all. I'm a bit bigger myself (5'9", 217 lbs) and I'm just starting to run again (I used to pretty consistently about 2 years ago). And it's a slow process. I can run without stopping if I REALLY push for 20 minutes. My fastest mile so far is 13:20. I used to run a 10 minute mile in high school!

    Anyway, I'm signing up for a 5K for Columbus Day weekend. I just moved down to MD and there aren't any 5Ks coming up down here, so I'm planning on doing one when we're up in MA visiting family that weekend. And I'm SCARED! But I know I need to face my fear and step up to the challenge, so I'm saying the same to you. It doesn't matter how you finish that 5K. Whether you run the whole thing or run for 5 minutes, walk for 5 minutes and repeat. The point is that you're taking the plunge and doing something you've never done before. I'd say make sure you stay hydrated, put together a great running/walking mix to keep you going, and see if you can get some friends/family to join you or cheer for you at the finish line.

    Best of luck! You can do it!
  • Meloyelo2010
    Meloyelo2010 Posts: 171 Member
    I finished my first 5k trail race yesterday after 2 months of training! You can do it I vaguely followed Hal Higon's 5k Novice program but pushed harder some days and lighter others. You will be so proud you did :) Good luck!
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    It's a great idea - having a race as a goal is a great way for me to stay focussed and motivated to train.
    You'll probably want to plan to run /walk, and I suggest you build up your distance gradually - pushing it too hard too fast is going to put you at risk of injury.
    Enjoy!!
  • WhitneyT586
    WhitneyT586 Posts: 279 Member
    Not stupid. Very smart to set this goal. I'm doing my second for this year on Oct 6 with some friends. While I'm hoping to run some of it, I know we'll walk more often than not. on't know what surface you usually run on but be sure to train off the treadmill some if you usually use one because running on the treadmill is so different than on the road. Whatever your training is, just consider this another training day. You aren't trying to win. You're trying to do your own personal best and set your standard. Be safe and good luck!
  • Susan_Rae_1
    Susan_Rae_1 Posts: 154 Member
    all great advice. The race is good motivation. couch to 5k program -- it's great.
  • Energyflows
    Energyflows Posts: 47
    *bump* This might help me a lot for my race (6K on the 23thr of september also) ;-) GOOD LUCK YOU CAN DO IT
  • Newf77
    Newf77 Posts: 802 Member
    There is nothing foolish about wanting to do a 5k, like you said it is a Run/Walk. Here is how I completed my first 5k and I am a big boy who on the sprints like a beast buit has never had the endurance for the long run. Keep training the C25K; on the day of the event when they pop the start clock treat it like a regular training day. Turn on your music and do the 5 minute warm-up walk then jog. I bet ya a good home cooked meal that you will not be the last in the trail nor will you be disappointed that you completed the event. There will be others who are thinking the same things as you. Go out there and have fun.
  • gregpack
    gregpack Posts: 426 Member
    They don't shoot the walkers.

    Use it as a good excuse to train harder. You can progress from running 5-6 minutes into a full 5K in a month. Even if you don't, you'll be very close to that point.
  • alpine1994
    alpine1994 Posts: 1,915 Member
    I have always signed up for 5Ks when I couldn't run a mile without stopping. Like you said, knowing that I didn't want to be the last person to cross the finish line (if they didn't take it down already!) was motivation to train as best as I could up until the race. Also, you will find an extra boost in running alongside other people, and passing them! Don't let your mental blocks get in your way. You will definitely be able to finish a strong race. The C25K program was what I always used and I loved it, so stick to your program and if you don't have enough time to make it to week 9, don't sweat it. Just do your best. Good luck!
  • brentdaniels
    brentdaniels Posts: 127
    Nope, not stupid at all. However, they are highly addictive! LOL. Nothing beats the feeling of crossing that finish line. I haven't ran one in about 10 years(my last race as a half marathon), but I fully intend to get back into them.

    So, go on and do it....and don't forget to post your results.
  • spiritgurl
    spiritgurl Posts: 160 Member
    As everyone else has said...it's not stupid. You are going to do this and at the end when you cross that finish line it's going to be one of the best moments of your life!! Stay on track with your training and you'll get through it. Pace yourself through the run and stay in a positive mind frame. Good luck and definitely let us know how it goes! :happy:
  • sammyjo0009
    sammyjo0009 Posts: 8
    I will agree wth the ton on this! It is not silly crazy or way out there you are in inspiration to this couch potato
  • gaj87
    gaj87 Posts: 53 Member
    No matter how you do, just remember that you did something you've never done before and that you completed ahead of everyone still sitting on their couches.Be proud.

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