1st 10K is on Nov 2nd. Will I die ?

Try running for 5 mins and walking for 1 minute on your long runs. You can use this strategy on the day if you don't feel ready to run the whole 10k. I am actually faster when I do run/walk than if I just try to run slowly all the way. You probably won't die either way;)

Try running for 5 mins and walking for 1 minute on your long runs. You can use this strategy on the day if you don't feel ready to run the whole 10k. I am actually faster when I do run/walk than if I just try to run slowly all the way. You probably won't die either way;)

Exactly this. I have run over a dozen half marathons using this method. I'm much faster when I run and walk in set intervals. That minute of walking gives you a chance to catch your breath, slow your heart rate and regain some energy. The trick is not to run until you HAVE to walk. You don't want to get that tired because it's then really hard to start running again. Give it a try on your next training run.

any advice or support would be appreciated

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1217573-so-you-want-to-start-running

Ugh @ treadmill training for real running races.

Actually, just ugh @ treadmill training for anything. Ever.

Oh, sure, I know...there are plenty of supposedly valid reasons for using a treadmill...but honestly, compared to running outside...aka *real* running, it's awful. And the carryover isn't as strong as you might think it would be.

TL;DR - I hate running on treadmills.

Ugh @ treadmill training for real running races.

Actually, just ugh @ treadmill training for anything. Ever.

Oh, sure, I know...there are plenty of supposedly valid reasons for using a treadmill...but honestly, compared to running outside...aka *real* running, it's awful. And the carryover isn't as strong as you might think it would be.

TL;DR - I hate running on treadmills.

And also with you.

OP -
If you go outside and run on your own, just pay attention to how 'hard' your run feels - rather than stopping, just try slowing down and running at a reduced pace.

It sounds to me like you'll already be able to run 6 miles if you just slow it down a tad. You can also just try getting on the treadmill and setting it at a slower speed to start out with and see how you do, but assuming that you're running this race on the street and not on the treadmill, I recommend you get some training miles in on the asphalt.

the difference is not insignificant.

If you can make it 4 miles on the treadmill you'll be fine. As others have said, it's easier outside. Give it a shot. Also, you may want to get fitted for new running shoes; having the proper shoes can make a huge difference.

Ugh @ treadmill training for real running races.

Actually, just ugh @ treadmill training for anything. Ever.

Oh, sure, I know...there are plenty of supposedly valid reasons for using a treadmill...but honestly, compared to running outside...aka *real* running, it's awful. And the carryover isn't as strong as you might think it would be.

TL;DR - I hate running on treadmills.

Oh, I am so with you on this. I can't run for more than about 2 minutes on a treadmill without wanting to shoot myself.

Unless you set that treadmill at a significant incline you're not preparing yourself for running outside. It's less boring but it's more difficult because you're pushing against the ground to propel yourself rather than just keeping up with a backward-moving belt.

OP, training for an outdoor race should definitely be done outdoors. Slow your pace down a bit and you may find that the four miles you're struggling with now is much easier.

I just did this! I hadn't even done a 5km program. I had run 5km 3 weeks before the race (did about 5 weeks of a C25K 12 week program which I had started 3 months in advance. Then I took break after break). I posted to this forum 4 weeks before my 10k and everyone said I wouldn't be able to do it. So, feeling discouraged, I stopped training but still went to the race intending to walk as much as I had to even if it took me 2 hours.

I'll have you know I ran that race in 1:24 (I actually think they messed up my time since a few of us got lost and started the race late and I think they forgot to adjust the time. But whatevz, it's close anyway). AND I only walked for 3 minutes because I just had to pee sooooo badly! Had to let it all settle. That's about a 13 min/mile, but still. Ran the whole thing. My knees killed the next day, my foot was sore for 2 days, and now I'm completely back to normal!

So it CAN be done. It's funny because I tried running on a treadmill a week before the race and couldn't even do 1 mile of running. So something about race day changed that.

I will say - train... be careful of injuries, listen to your body (in case it responds differently), rest properly, but GO FOR IT! WOOO!

I just did this! I hadn't even done a 5km program. I had run 5km 3 weeks before the race (did about 5 weeks of a C25K 12 week program which I had started 3 months in advance. Then I took break after break). I posted to this forum 4 weeks before my 10k and everyone said I wouldn't be able to do it. So, feeling discouraged, I stopped training but still went to the race intending to walk as much as I had to even if it took me 2 hours.

I'll have you know I ran that race in 1:24 (I actually think they messed up my time since a few of us got lost and started the race late and I think they forgot to adjust the time. But whatevz, it's close anyway). AND I only walked for 3 minutes because I just had to pee sooooo badly! Had to let it all settle. That's about a 13 min/mile, but still. Ran the whole thing. My knees killed the next day, my foot was sore for 2 days, and now I'm completely back to normal!

Congrats to you for doing it anyway, even though the naysayers said to not do it.

It always drives me crazy when people in this forum will tell someone who is asking that question that they can't do a race and shouldn't even try. Walking is ALWAYS an option, run/walking in intervals makes it a lot easier than running the whole race, and sometimes the goal is just to finish, not to finish it fast or run the whole distance. Just because someone thinks they can't do it themselves is no reason to tell someone else they can't or shouldn't even try. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule especially if there is an injury but that's a case by case thing. If the OP states their goals are just to finish or even to run/walk it, they shouldn't be told they can't or shouldn't do it.

I like Sonic's idea, myself.

No. You won't die. You will think you are. But you won't.

The funny thing that is going to happen is that you are going to sign up for another one. And then a Half Marathon because you figure if you can run 6.2 miles, what's a few more to make it 13.1. Right!?! It's a slippery slope. I see a Full Marathon in your future.

Happy Racing!

I just did this! I hadn't even done a 5km program. I had run 5km 3 weeks before the race (did about 5 weeks of a C25K 12 week program which I had started 3 months in advance. Then I took break after break). I posted to this forum 4 weeks before my 10k and everyone said I wouldn't be able to do it. So, feeling discouraged, I stopped training but still went to the race intending to walk as much as I had to even if it took me 2 hours.

I'll have you know I ran that race in 1:24 (I actually think they messed up my time since a few of us got lost and started the race late and I think they forgot to adjust the time. But whatevz, it's close anyway). AND I only walked for 3 minutes because I just had to pee sooooo badly! Had to let it all settle. That's about a 13 min/mile, but still. Ran the whole thing. My knees killed the next day, my foot was sore for 2 days, and now I'm completely back to normal!

Congrats to you for doing it anyway, even though the naysayers said to not do it.

It always drives me crazy when people in this forum will tell someone who is asking that question that they can't do a race and shouldn't even try. Walking is ALWAYS an option, run/walking in intervals makes it a lot easier than running the whole race, and sometimes the goal is just to finish, not to finish it fast or run the whole distance. Just because someone thinks they can't do it themselves is no reason to tell someone else they can't or shouldn't even try. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule especially if there is an injury but that's a case by case thing. If the OP states their goals are just to finish or even to run/walk it, they shouldn't be told they can't or shouldn't do it.

I know, right? I hate it when people give bad advice. Like I once saw this woman who has only run a handful of below-average half marathons tell a woman with no running base and unmanaged type 1 diabetes that should go totes run a half marathon with 4 weeks of training. Some people are just terrible. Anyway, glad everyone here is being supportive and giving the OP reasonable responses.

Oh, I am so with you on this. I can't run for more than about 2 minutes on a treadmill without wanting to shoot myself.

Unless you set that treadmill at a significant incline you're not preparing yourself for running outside. It's less boring but it's more difficult because you're pushing against the ground to propel yourself rather than just keeping up with a backward-moving belt.

OP, training for an outdoor race should definitely be done outdoors. Slow your pace down a bit and you may find that the four miles you're struggling with now is much easier.

According to Runners World this just isn't true - although I do set mine at 1% for 80+% of my run. Bad habit that's hard to break.

http://www.runnersworld.com/treadmills/biomechanics-expert-debunks-treadmill-running-myths

Glad to hear you survived! When is your first half marathon?