I am a new runner....should I do 10K....advice please!

gretchenwb
gretchenwb Posts: 70 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I just did my first 5k in September, pretty slow....43:20. I have been running 3 times a week, steadily increasing distance. There are a lot of hills in my neighborhood, and I haven't been concentrating on time as much as running steadily for 55 minutes or more for the past 2 weeks. The 10k is in Feb. 2013. I am really slow, but I can go almost 4 miles without stopping. Should I try for the 6 miles, or just concentrate on increasing my speed for the 5k? Which will give me more results as far as weight loss? I would appreciate any advice.

Replies

  • 10manda86
    10manda86 Posts: 229 Member
    which result would make you happier??? running further or running faster?
  • jodiebarrette
    jodiebarrette Posts: 41 Member
    You should definitely do it! Increase your speed once a week on a shorter run - increase your distance once a week on a longer run and on the other run just enjoy the scenery! :). You have plenty of time to train for the 10k if you're already doing 4 miles! The longer runs will burn more calories and you'll feel awesome after completing your first 10k! Have fun and go for it!
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    You've got plenty of time to get to 10k by February. I say go for it! Run for time... get to where you can run comfortably for 75 minutes. Take one run each week and extend it by a bit (about 10% weekly). So if your longest run is 4 miles this week, next week do 4.4. The following week, do 4.8. Then the week after, do 5.3. You'll barely feel the increase. Keep the other 2 runs per week the same (shorter) distance.

    Over time, as you just simply increase mileage, your times will improve.
  • bluefox9er
    bluefox9er Posts: 2,917 Member
    I just did my first 5k in September, pretty slow....43:20. I have been running 3 times a week, steadily increasing distance. There are a lot of hills in my neighborhood, and I haven't been concentrating on time as much as running steadily for 55 minutes or more for the past 2 weeks. The 10k is in Feb. 2013. I am really slow, but I can go almost 4 miles without stopping. Should I try for the 6 miles, or just concentrate on increasing my speed for the 5k? Which will give me more results as far as weight loss? I would appreciate any advice.

    I believe absolutely that you will run that 10k,and run it very well. your current training schedule with hills etc sounds great,and february is a long way...enough for you to continue training. im certain you will have a great 10k run!! go for it!
  • gretchenwb
    gretchenwb Posts: 70 Member
    My fitness palS are so great...I am going for it....10k in February. Thank you for all the good advice!
  • DG_Allen
    DG_Allen Posts: 219 Member
    I agree with the others. You can do the 10k. Add about 1/2 mile a week to one of your runs and make it your long run for the week. This will push up your endurance.
  • pixiestick
    pixiestick Posts: 839 Member
    which result would make you happier??? running further or running faster?

    This. It's about what you want.
  • thelovelyLIZ
    thelovelyLIZ Posts: 1,227 Member
    Go ahead and go for the 10k! The jump from 5k to 10k is really easy, you could probably run the distance now if you wanted.

    Do whatever makes you happiest.
  • TommiEgan
    TommiEgan Posts: 256 Member
    I would advise stepping up to doing 10km a day by splitting your runs, do 5:5, 6:4, 7:3, 8:2 then 10. Gradually increase to prevent injury.
  • wbgolden
    wbgolden Posts: 2,066 Member
    My first 10K had a time limit. I'd strongly suggest checking for that.

    Trust me, you'll want to damn sure you can get in under that limit if there is one. Friggin embarrassing.
  • gretchenwb
    gretchenwb Posts: 70 Member
    Thank you I will check first, as it is I will be doing well to finish before they pack up and leave!
  • NJL13500
    NJL13500 Posts: 433 Member
    I think you woud be fine to finish the 10k. Nothing new for me to add that hasn't been said. Build up slowly, etc. I just wanted to give you a "cheer" and say go for it.

    I did a 10k last weekend and signed up for a half marathon in April. I hadn't run a real race for almost 5 years. I had forgotten how much fun it is to run with other people and cross that finish line. I've done everything from a 5k to a couple of full marathons as well as triathlons and a lot of it is "mind over matter". Believe you can do it and you will and train wisely.

    Good luck!
  • kgb6days
    kgb6days Posts: 880 Member
    Absolutely go for it! I ran my first (and only) 10K before I ever could run an entire 5K. Took me 1.5 hours, but I did it and had a blast. It was the Peachtree Road race in Atlanta on July 4th. Hot, humid and hilly. But I've got the tshirt and I had a blast!
  • natalie412
    natalie412 Posts: 1,039 Member
    Definitely do it. Doing a longer run once a week will help increase your speed on shorter runs, also.

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