Ohh Ohh... Signed up for a 5k!!!! uff...

erikasmith2013
erikasmith2013 Posts: 104
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello Everyone:

So I had this crazy idea to start running because i just feel like my cardio routine is just not up to par and boring. Well, by no means I am a runner however because i am NOT, I am doing jogging at 4.5 for 5-6 minutes then i walk for 2 minutes on a treadmill. Although I feel as I am going to DIE during it I feel amazing after (well an hour after bc right after I feel like I am still going to DIE...anyways) With all of thsi said and done, I went ahead and signed myself up for a 5k at the University I work for. (scared)

I do 2 miles per 30 minutes and that is jogging and walking...am i crazy to do such thing? Am i going to be looking stupid running out there with people that probably do it all the time???

HELP....any tips! Be Gentle people! lol...

Replies

  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    Every race has individuals that come in with times under 20 and people that come in over 40.

    par for the course....just make sure you start in back.
  • erikasmith2013
    erikasmith2013 Posts: 104
    okay...thanks. I am a bit "ignorant" to the runner things...what will start in the back do? If can ask?
  • KellySue67
    KellySue67 Posts: 1,006 Member
    My daughter is a runner and signs up for 5ks and other runs all the time. She said that there are a lot of people who walk during the 5k or do a combination of running/walking. She actually is signing us up for one in the fall, and I am not a runner at all- bad knees, so I've already told her that I will be walking, but I do walk about 4mph. I'm sure you'll be fine 'cause a lot of others are in the same boat.
  • sevsmom
    sevsmom Posts: 1,172 Member
    How much longer til your race? Lots of people participate in 5k races that aren't out there to try to land 1st place or even 1 place in their age group. They show up to challenge themselves and support a worthy cause. I have friends who go to 5k races to pretty much walk. They never even break into a jog. So, I think you can learn a lot by observing all the folks at the race...the speedy folks and the walkers. Look at how they approach the run. Are they excited, anxious, calm. There is something to learn just by being there. And then there is the personal satisfaction that comes from just completing a difficult challenge.

    Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Go out and do the best you can. Walk when you need to. Your goal is to finish, not to break land speed records. But, I have to warn you 5k races can be addiciting!!!

    Have fun!
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    okay...thanks. I am a bit "ignorant" to the runner things...what will start in the back do? If can ask?

    All of us season/competivie runners will be bunched up to the line and when the gun goes off we'll be off at close to if not a dead sprint.

    You'll either A) Make some people really mad by holding them up, as for them every second counts or B) Get run over.

    Those who are there to finish and know their times will be 25min+, usually try to start in the back of the pack as to not block the line.
  • igypsy
    igypsy Posts: 64 Member
    You can do it! You'll probably find you can run for longer during the race - the adrenaline kicks in!

    Starting near the back will just be easier for you to find you pace. The slower/less experienced runners always start in the back and the fastest guys start in the front. Less fast people pushing past you, less pressure to go as fast as they are.
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    Tips?

    Run it for yourself. Get an official time.

    Sign up for another 5k and just try to be faster than the first.

    Other than that, have fun.
  • duffydog1
    duffydog1 Posts: 76 Member
    Look up the 'Couch to 5k' program on Google - you will do it no problem. ( And run outside if you can, it is a lot more interesting than the treadmill and the scenery will distract you for the pain!!!:smile:
  • sevsmom
    sevsmom Posts: 1,172 Member
    okay...thanks. I am a bit "ignorant" to the runner things...what will start in the back do? If can ask?

    Starting in the back will keep you from getting in the way of the more competitve faster runners. Fast runners line up near the start, and slower running at varying paces behind that. It helps keep the course flowing smoothly.

    Oh... and when it's time for a walk break...move to the right of the course and make sure there isn't someone chugging along right behind you that you will become an obstacle for. Let them get by before you slide to the right and slow to a walk. That's a pet peeve of mine. I've almost collided with folks who just STOP right in front of me!!
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    Sounds like you are doing great! I'm always looking for other runners for support and advice. Feel free to add me!
  • billsica
    billsica Posts: 4,741 Member
    I think I have run/walked in just about every race I have been in. Typically I walk a little at the water stop to gulp a mouthful.

    you will be fine.


    Its common practice for your first 5k to start in the back of the heat, because you have no idea how your time is. Typically you will get to know the "5k crowd" and figure out how fast you are. Its rather annoying to start off, only to have to dodge 100 people who are slower, or get passed by all the sub 20:00 folks.


    *edit. Also if you are only running on a treadmill, you NEED to get outside on the road. Its going to be a different sensation and you don't want your race being the first time your on pavement.
  • erikasmith2013
    erikasmith2013 Posts: 104
    The Race is on Sept 28? I think...so I guess I have 2 months to get this Rrican butt in gear for it! :) I am just a bit nervous that I will just be looking all stupid being a 5k...lol
  • alfiedn
    alfiedn Posts: 425 Member
    I was scared, too. I am no runner, but I'm trying. I was shocked that I didn't come in last in my age group! Yes, I came in the second half, but not dead last!

    You'll see crazy fast people, but there will be people behind you as well.
  • erikasmith2013
    erikasmith2013 Posts: 104
    I will start running outside...this humidity is a killer but I see how important ot os to get myself ready to run outside!!! Thanks
  • fwpressley
    fwpressley Posts: 1
    There's a cool app that you can put on your phone (or go directly to the coolrunning.com website) for a program called The Couch-to-5K ® Running Plan. It's the perfect plan for beginners to work their way up to running a 5k! Many people that I know (including myself) have had lots of success with it. Good luck! But remember to take it slow and work at your own pace - safety outweighs everything else.
  • Atishi87
    Atishi87 Posts: 51 Member
    People do 5ks all the time by just walking them. You will both walk and jog, so you still won't be bottom of the rung! But, having said that, remember you only want to do your personal best! Don't compare, and go do that 5k with confidence. While training for it, I would suggest a 5k trainer program that helps you build your stamina up for the race day.
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    Tips?

    Run it for yourself. Get an official time.

    Sign up for another 5k and just try to be faster than the first.

    Other than that, have fun.

    Agree.

    You "run" your first race and race your second. Always.
  • juliemouse83
    juliemouse83 Posts: 6,663 Member
    LOL! I chuckled when you said you aren't a runner...you run? You're a runner. Someone told me that when I said the same.

    I've done two 5k's (pretty good for someone who isn't a runner) and didn't do them fast. The first was a mud run with obstacles and our team came in at 47 minutes. The second was a color run and we had to wait for one of our team members (start as a team finish as a team was our motto) and lost about 8 minutes but still came in under the first time.

    I'm doing a regular 5K in early October without a team just to see if I can do well alone, time-wise.

    Couch to 5K will be a really good investment for you!

    The most important part is to have FUN!
  • davemunger
    davemunger Posts: 1,139 Member
    Hello Everyone:

    So I had this crazy idea to start running because i just feel like my cardio routine is just not up to par and boring. Well, by no means I am a runner however because i am NOT, I am doing jogging at 4.5 for 5-6 minutes then i walk for 2 minutes on a treadmill. Although I feel as I am going to DIE during it I feel amazing after (well an hour after bc right after I feel like I am still going to DIE...anyways) With all of thsi said and done, I went ahead and signed myself up for a 5k at the University I work for. (scared)

    I do 2 miles per 30 minutes and that is jogging and walking...am i crazy to do such thing? Am i going to be looking stupid running out there with people that probably do it all the time???

    HELP....any tips! Be Gentle people! lol...

    You'll do fine! As others have said, find a couch to 5k program and follow it. Lots of people walk the entire 5k, so if you walk 2 minutes out of every mile you will be ahead of a lot of other runners! I wouldn't start at the absolute back, maybe about two-thirds of the way back from the start.
  • erikasmith2013
    erikasmith2013 Posts: 104
    Yeay... I feel so much better ( I'm smiling as I'm typing this...) because knowing that others have been there and the actual professionals giving me advice makes a World of Difference! Seriously... to all of you Thanks!
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    I will start running outside...this humidity is a killer but I see how important ot os to get myself ready to run outside!!! Thanks

    You don't NEED to be out on the road. Once a week if you can is cool, but it isn't something you NEED. I did all of my training on the treadmill (as it was easier to control intervals for me), and was a 20-21 minute 5Ker.
  • bara_rei
    bara_rei Posts: 49
    You'll love it! Like someone else said above, they're actually kind of addicting. I did my first 5K last September and almost immediately signed up for another one this year. It took me about 42 minutes. I passed people walking when I ran and people passed me when I was walking. Just do whatever feels best for you :)

    I'm doing the Couch to 5K program to get ready for mine at the end of August. I love it because it helps you build up endurance little by little and you can see your pace change week to week. I have the Run Double app and it's great! Highly recommend.
  • erikasmith2013
    erikasmith2013 Posts: 104
    I went ahead and downloaded the Couch 2 5k app, so I am excited to use it....I am already excited. So i have to get myself ready and start training.
  • bara_rei
    bara_rei Posts: 49
    Awesome! The only thing I forgot to mention before is don't be afraid to repeat weeks! I'm training with a friend right now who is less of a runner than I am, and we repeated week 2 for almost 3 weeks before we both felt ready to move on. When I did my 5K last year, I think I got to Week 5. (Our goal this year is to at least make it to Week 6 before the run!)

    Also, don't think because you're running you have to run fast! As long as you're picking up your feet and moving, it counts. Even if it's a jog that feels slower than your normal walk. Just get out there and do it :)
  • erikasmith2013
    erikasmith2013 Posts: 104
    I will...thanks again! I can't wait now.
  • crista_b
    crista_b Posts: 1,192 Member
    Since you downloaded the C25k app, here's the MFP group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k

    Lots of supportive people in there that have done it, are currently doing it, are just starting, are thinking of doing it, etc. It's a great place for support and if you have any questions or anything about it.

    Here's a thread I found with some great tips: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/279198-running-tip-so-you-are-about-to-do-your-first-race?
    I tend to share it anytime someone says they signed up for their first race and are asking for advice. It seems to be the best collective set of advice I've been able to find.

    I've completed the 5k training and am on to 10k now. I think I'm going to do my first 5k in a few weeks. It's pretty much out my back door so I can walk there then walk home after.


    Good luck! You'll do wonderfully! Know that you likely won't come in 1st for your first 5k, but you won't come in last; just have fun! :flowerforyou:
  • erikasmith2013
    erikasmith2013 Posts: 104
    Thanks... that is so sweet of you. i appreciate the support, believe me I need it! :)
  • patiblue
    patiblue Posts: 44
    YOU CAN DO IT!

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