5k- what in the world!

FairuzyAmanuzy
FairuzyAmanuzy Posts: 221 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So I'm a new runner and I just ran my first complete mile ever in my life the other day! I'm looking into 5K's and I really want to try one soon.
When I told my husband this he said, that me doing a 5k without having trained, and not expecting to run the whole time is like a slap in the face to all the people who are highly competitive at it. I told him that all sorts of people from different fitness levels do 5k's and that I didn't have to run the whole time.

So what do you guys think? Am I insulting the other runners by just attempting one with no experience? Or is my husband being crazy?
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Replies

  • mnstrpc
    mnstrpc Posts: 109
    LOL! Your husband is nuts.

    Tons of people enter 5Ks with no previous running experience. Many people walk them. Just line up toward the back of the pack and have fun! :)
  • TylerJ76
    TylerJ76 Posts: 4,375 Member
    LOL! Your husband is nuts.

    Tons of people enter 5Ks with no previous running experience. Many people walk them. Just line up toward the back of the pack and have fun! :)

    Yep.
  • jesszgirl
    jesszgirl Posts: 1 Member
    I just ran my first 5k last weekend. Just started running a couple of weeks before that. It was amazing and so much fun! I actually placed 3rd in my age group, I got a cute little ribbon. It's awesome and so rewarding! Go for it!
  • FairuzyAmanuzy
    FairuzyAmanuzy Posts: 221 Member
    That's what I thought! I think he was just having a bad day in his defense, he also said in the same conversation that my diet (Paleo) was really bothering him lately, because we could never eat together, and eating out was an ordeal. Which is also wrong, I can find something to eat anywhere, am not a nazi about it when eating out, and we can eat the same meals, he just adds a side of rice or pasta to his......Maybe he's on his man period.
  • jimmerwoo
    jimmerwoo Posts: 10 Member
    Healthwise: Of course it depends on your level of fitness, but if you're going to run 1 or 2 miles every week or so then 5km shouldn't be too much of an extra push.

    Practically: I recently ran a half marathon for my first time and while I trained heavily in advance, I realised that the only thing I was competing against was my own goal I'd set myself. Whilst I overtook other runners, other people of all ages and sizes flew past me, (there were 7000 of us!).

    Personally: YOUR goal is to complete a 5KM, it doesn't matter whether you run, walk or crawl across the line. It's about setting yourself a goal and having the will power to achieve it. Because if you can do that...you can do anything.
  • needamulligan
    needamulligan Posts: 558 Member
    Full disclosure: I'm not a runner but hubby is planning to do a 5K in a few weeks. He, also, has just started to increase his distance but plans to take it fairly slow and probably walk a portion. Not bad for a 50 year old new runner! Elite athletes probably don't focus their energy on 5k runs. Perhaps he is thinking of triathlons or marathons/half marathons. Even then I've known of people to share legs of a triathlon. In my humble opinion, GO FOR IT! You have to start somewhere!
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Do it! 5ks are a blast and full of people of all levels. The competitive types will be at the front of the pack, no worries! A lot of the 5k runs are fun-themed, and even when timed, still have a fun atmosphere where runners, walkers, strollers, kids of all ages are welcome.

    Are you using a program for your running? c25k is a great way to work yourself up to the 5k distance. Find it online or there are lots of smart phone apps for it. Check your area for a fun holiday themed 5k - we have Jingle Bell Run coming up next month in my city - can't wait!
  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    There's always people of all fitness levels at the 5k stage. I would not think another minute about your husband's nonsense.
  • opus649
    opus649 Posts: 633 Member
    NOBODY cares how slow you run/walk it. Nobody. If anything, people will respect the fact that you're out there trying.

    Do not hesitate. Sign up and do it!
  • missdaisy79
    missdaisy79 Posts: 566 Member
    I think your husband might have just had a grumpy moment there. There's no insult to a runner in someone taking part in the same event as them but doing it at a slower pace.
  • Iron_Maiden
    Iron_Maiden Posts: 326 Member
    Your husband is sorely mistaken!!! A 5K isn't highly competitive - not usually. Many are for charity and aside from the first few that cross the finish line, people are just there to participate! I've done one before & am doing a Warrior Dash this summer and am new to running (again) as well. Don't EVER let anyone tell you cannot do something!!!!!
  • jfinnivan
    jfinnivan Posts: 360 Member
    If you've run a mile non-stop, doing a 5K is certainly something you can do.
  • tishaloses
    tishaloses Posts: 234 Member
    I say go for it!! Then when you are done you should do the couch to 5k program so the next one you can run the whole thing!!
  • BrunetteRunner87
    BrunetteRunner87 Posts: 591 Member
    The only time someone "inexperienced" at running would offend me at all is if they walked for part of the 5K and then said "I ran a 5K." And it only makes me a little bit perturbed, and there wouldn't be anything wrong at all with them saying they "finished" a 5K.

    As far as having inexperienced people there in the race, it makes me feel good to see them there trying. (And it also makes me feel good because it's another person I can run faster than lol)
  • DrPepperLeigh74
    DrPepperLeigh74 Posts: 236 Member
    GO FOR IT!!! I just did my first one a couple of weeks ago and I only finished c25k this summer. You can run/walk. I ended up finishing in 37:24 and was so proud for my first attempt. There were strong runners that passed me by but I made it to the finish line and you can too :) Do it!!!! Have fun :)
  • cjosenga
    cjosenga Posts: 37 Member
    I ran my first 5k in May. I was really surprised when I was able to finish it without stopping!
    I have ran a total of 6 5k's over the summer. Each time I set a personal goal for myself. Everyone was encouraging each other. I find that people are competing against themselves, not other runners.
    Good luck!
  • Zylahe
    Zylahe Posts: 772 Member
    my diet (Paleo) was really bothering him lately, because we could never eat together,

    Can i just get this straight,
    from what i read, it sounds like your man is turning down meat???

    I'm sorry i never thought i would hear that.

    Also I used to run 5ks (currently injured)
    and as one of the many ppl at the back of the pack, i used to get huge round of applause coming down the last stretch.
    Lots of people appreciate that us slow runners, are out running for longer, so we need to be much more dedicated to keep going.

    I'd be very surprised if you insulted any runner, (Unless you stopped one of the super competitive ones from overtaking)

    Best of luck.
  • theresmynapkin
    theresmynapkin Posts: 183 Member
    that's complete BS. there are plenty of 5K's that are even walk/runs, and people walk the whole time. ANNND I even know people that do a local 15K in our area that impulsively sign up with no training and run/walk it. And that race is wayyyy more competitive than a 5K, with first place finishers receiving $1,000+.

    I don't think those who do train and race competitively are really all that worried about people behind them. they're worried about the fact that someone's in front of them.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    He'd probably be surprised to hear that in a race nobody cares what other people do*.......my only competitor is me. The running community, from what I've observed, is a very inclusive group of people. Having gone from barely being able to run around the block to running half marathons (my first full marathon is next May) I can honestly say that I've only found encouragement from more experienced and gifted runners.

    *as long as you're not a slow runner and/or walker in the first corral :happy:
  • capnrus789
    capnrus789 Posts: 2,736 Member
    You're only insulting people if you push way up front for the start. Hang back and start where you should, the timing chip will ge your correct time.
  • ipsamet
    ipsamet Posts: 436 Member
    Your husband is crazy.. people do 5ks with ALL levels of experience, TONS of people walk/run them, some people just straight up walk the whole way! The elites start up in front so they don't get bothered by the slower people. Sign up for one, kick some butt and have fun!
  • Aimeebird1
    Aimeebird1 Posts: 133 Member
    I did my first 10k run last weekend and personally im glad not everyone runs the whole way for 2 reasons.

    1) give me perople to overtake and make me feel like im actually running fast ahahah
    2) means I didnt have to run the whole way and i was just stoked to see people out walking it getting involved.

    Go have fun make the hubby shhh and take photo's :laugh:
  • tbresina
    tbresina Posts: 558 Member
    I am a 5k junkie, I have always felt that you can do anything you want. Don't care what the other runners are doing, do what you can do, run when you want, walk when you have to and enjoy the enitre experience. When I did my first 5k I just wanted to finish and I did. I set a goal for myself to not stop and I didn't. Now I am on my 11th one since April and I am having the time of my life! Do not listen to anyone else, chart your own course and do what you do for you and no one else and above all else, have fun!
  • LMG130
    LMG130 Posts: 24 Member
    Ignore him and have a blast!! Races are the best way to challenge yourself, because everyone around you motivates you and challenges you. He doesn't know what he's talking about.
  • ohnoetry
    ohnoetry Posts: 129
    Fitness comes in all shapes and sizes, you should do it! I walked/ran my first 5K and am planning on training to run a full 5K next May with my brothers. Everyone starts some time, you can totally do it. As others have mentioned, no one cares what other people are doing while they're running other than people will encourage you. Races are a lot of fun!
  • michelle0989
    michelle0989 Posts: 121 Member
    he's definitely way wrong. 5Ks are not a competition! i just ran my first one yesterday after only 2 months of training. in total, i ran about 2 miles and jogged about a mile. there were also so many people walking. don't let him discourage you... it is an amazing experience and you'll feel so accomplished after! like someone else on here said... doesn't matter if you walk or crawl past the finish line; as long as you finished and feel as though you did the absolute best you could! after all, you're lapping everyone sitting on their couch!
  • kathyhull
    kathyhull Posts: 327 Member
    I walked my first few 5ks a few years ago and then gradually began running a little, walking a lot. Ran with a training group for a 10k last year and then a half marathon this past spring - the bug'll bite you! Go for it! You'll see all ages and abilities out there -do it for fun, for your health and to help a charity. Don't worry about anyone else there or what your hubby says.
  • ElectricMayhem
    ElectricMayhem Posts: 214 Member
    That is completely ludacris! I'm running my first 5K on thanksgiving and i'm still training for it but if i can't run the entire time so what?! Those folks who are seriously competitive i believe are competing against themselves to go a little bit faster or farther....as quite a few people on here have already stated. Good for you for putting yourself out there and challenging yourself. I'm sorry to say, but it sounds like he may be a bit jealous or threatened by your new body and/or fitness pursuits.....just sayin'! Good luck to you girl :bigsmile:
  • justal313
    justal313 Posts: 1,375 Member
    My first competitive race was a 10K. I had previously ran 5 miles on a treadmill and 2 miles on terra firma. I ran the race because at the finish line you ran through the giant inflatable patriots helmet and then across the 50 yard line in Gilette stadium.

    I wasn't ready for it, I wound up walking somewhere between 15 and 25 percent of the race and finished in a blistering 1 hour 19 minutes and 50 seconds.

    Finishing at all was a MAJOR accomplishment in my fitness journey. I was 404 out of 419 in my age group. I was in no shape to Run a 10K but it doesnt matter because it wasn't about competition it was about completion. You aren't insulting anyone, most runners start at/above your current level and here's a little secret. If you aren't tripping or boxing out the experienced runners they love the newbies because it's only a matter of time before you join the cult with the rest of the runners.

    I never ever though I would run and I've fallen in love with it. I have at least 1 5K scheduled (or will schedule when they start taking sign-ups) every month through July of next year and I'm planning on a half marathon next fall.

    Just line up in the back with the slower runners and nobody will care. Plenty of people walk 5Ks...
  • FairuzyAmanuzy
    FairuzyAmanuzy Posts: 221 Member
    Thanks for all the responses, I'm gonna sign up for one!

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