C25K - Yikes

weavernv
weavernv Posts: 1,555 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I just signed up for a 5K... What do I need to watch for? I just started the C25K and I signed up for a 5K run to motivate myself. Now I'm scared. I'm excited, but I'm scared too. What do I need to watch for, etc... I'm only on the first week so I'm a true newbie.

The 5K is on Nov 10.

Replies

  • sacto68
    sacto68 Posts: 35 Member
    Keep it slow at first if you're new to running. Go at your own pace. And invest in some good shoes. Other than that, have fun!
  • SKME2013
    SKME2013 Posts: 704 Member
    Good shoes! Stick to the program, if you can not do a specific day, repeat that day on another day. Don't rush it and jump forward if you think it is too easy!

    I have finished C25K and am now on my way to 10K. It is doable!

    Best of luck
    Stef.
  • True_Blue82
    True_Blue82 Posts: 17 Member
    Work up to running more than a 5k before the race, but take it easy doing light easy runs the week before. Be sure to hydrate & pack some energy gel. I like to eat a gel 20 minutes before the race, and then eat a second if my race is longer than an hour. You won't have that issue with a 5k. My first race was a 5k and it was a thrill! It's so much fun - my goal was just to keep running the whole time, never stop, no matter how tired or how slow I was (and I was slow).

    Start with walking regularly and then a short run - maybe 15 minutes. You will need decent shoes - if there is a running store near you, they will be far better than a ****'s or similar mega store. They aren't too pricey. I'd also recommend decent socks. I love SmartWool.

    After two weeks of that, switch your walks to runs. Try to run 3x a week for 15-20 minutes. Each week add 5-10 minutes. You have plenty of time.

    You can also google C25k plans for more detailed strategies, but it sounds like you just want to start getting stronger and set a goal for yourself.

    2 years after my first 5k, I did my first triathlon. This year I was planning to bike my first century, but I was waylaid by surgery. Next year! Then I want to do a half marathon. It's addictive!
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Awesome! I did the same thing almost three years ago and I'm so glad I did. I'm still running and enjoying it, and loving enering a few races each year. If I can learn to run at the age of 43, anyone can! :drinker:

    Echoing what others have said, get some good shoes, fitted at a good running store if possible, stick to the C25k plan, and go slow. Don't worry about speed or distance yet, just complete each day's time for the run/walk intervals. If you can, run outside rather than on a treadmill, and don't let the weather put you off (unless it's unsafe, like lightning, hail, or icy, etc) - you never know what you'll get on race day and you don't want your first outdoor running experience to be on a rainy race day!

    Other than that, have fun! Enjoy the process of learning to run and the accomplishment of passing each week. And then enjoy the heck out of race day! Every 5k I've done has been a blast - so many people, and different ages, abilities, sizes, speeds - doesn't matter, all there having fun and encouraging others. And crossing that finish line will be an awesome feeling - you'll want to race more after that!

    When you do get close to race day, check out this topic - great info that helped me get over some of my fears, nervousness and answered a lot of the questions I had about what to expect on race day: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/279198-running-tip-so-you-are-about-to-do-your-first-race?hl=so+you're+about Lots of info there, and he covers everything from a full marathon down to a 5k - bookmark it for later.

    Good luck!
  • weavernv
    weavernv Posts: 1,555 Member
    Thanks everyone. So far I've had a rough time with the hills in my neighborhood, but I've taken your advice and I'm running outside. My shoes are doing well (I have a decent pair) although I may get fitted in the next few weeks if these don't hold up.

    Thanks again!

    Kelley
  • drosebud
    drosebud Posts: 277 Member
    I started running for the first time since school with the C25K in April and ran my first 5K in the summer. I started off on a treadmill but had a minor calf injury and was advised by the physio that outside was better for my body. I got hooked on running outside and did my second 10K last Sunday.

    I'm off out again tomorrow :-)

    The C25K plan is good: I did the UK's NHS one and that was 9 weeks, so you'll graduate just before your race if you take it steady.

    Good luck! (I'm 53, by the way)

    Oh, and in addition to what others have said, I'd recommend a good bra!
  • weavernv
    weavernv Posts: 1,555 Member
    Thanks. I have a good bra and I just turned 50, and this is brand new to me. I didn't run much in High School because I was bit lazy. I ran in elementary and middle school, but rebelled in High School. I have flat feet, so I know that good shoes are MUST for me. I have a really nice pair of ASICS that I love, but they are not brand new. I haven't worn them much though so I want to give them a chance before I go out and get a brand new pair of shoes. They are really comfortable. My other tennis shoes are not as comfortable, so I know I won't use those.

    I have to admit that I prefer running on the treadmill. I feel like I can control the speed better, but I have a tendency to hold on and that isn't good, so I need to stay outside. I just really don't like the hills by my house. I'll get used to them eventually I guess.
  • drosebud
    drosebud Posts: 277 Member
    I am lucky to have a disused railway track nearby that has been converted to a nature walkway. It is away from traffic, peaceful and nice and flat. I am not good at running hills. I've just got back and ready for my breakfast :-)

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