We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

doing my first 5k

butterfly25
butterfly25 Posts: 186 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
i would like to do my first 5k..but im alittle afraid cause... i am the type of person that can not come in last..time means everything to me..but i dont know where to start...i can run on the treadmill for 30mins with out stopping..but i know outside its a hole lot more harder than on a treadmill..but this run is in may and any advice would be great..

Replies

  • jsmith2377
    jsmith2377 Posts: 208 Member
    Try the C25K app for iphones and droids. It gets you ready to run a 5K in 30 minutes. It's awesome!
  • Lefriedline
    Lefriedline Posts: 61 Member
    I am doing my first 5k in May as well...and I hate running! If you can do 30 minutes on the treadmill you are definitely onto a good start. I have been checking out different websites with "couch to 5k" programs which you are obviously past but there is probably still some good advice on there that you could check out. If you just type in couch to 5k on google you will find a lot of tips. Good luck!!
  • FaithandFitness
    FaithandFitness Posts: 653 Member
    First of all, don't worry about coming in last. Usually at these races there are always people who walk the entire route. They will come in last. There is a program out there called Couch to 5K . . . it is a great running plan for starting out on the journey to a 5K. There are many people on the site doing it right now. Go and do it. Just finish it, and work from there. No one comes in first place on their first 5K.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    Personally, I run faster outside without it feeling like I'm putting in any more effort. I did my first race on Sunday, and it was a 4.5 mile run with mostly very athletic people. I had to walk a few times, since it was windy and very hilly, but I still finished with a faster average speed than I typically jog on the treadmill. And I wasn't last.

    If your first 5k is a walk/run, you can pretty much guarantee that you won't be in last place. And even if you are? So what? You'll have a new goal for your next one. :smile:
  • ratkaj
    ratkaj Posts: 166 Member
    Mine is April 30th and I just did my first run outside about 2 hours ago. it is harder but... I run normally 3-4 miles 2 times a week on the treadmill. Today I ran outside in the same amount of time (35 minutes) and went 2.6. It is harder but not that different. Once you get outside as you can see there isn't going to be that much ground to make up.

    Also, if you want to stay inside try playing with the inclines on the treadmill. My personal trainer had me increasing the incline ever 5 minutes of my run, by the end it was a pretty good incline and it made me more prepared for my outside adventure today.
  • jeffrodgers1
    jeffrodgers1 Posts: 991 Member
    You know what... the only person you are racing is yourself. Compete with yourself. If you come in last... so what? You'll have a time to improve on.

    I am 40 years old and run in Half marathons, 10 K, etc... I don't do it to beat the pants of someone else. I know there are younger and faster than me.

    But to know that at 40, I can run further than 90% of the population... what a rush!

    Runner's by nature aren't judgemental. We encourage each other and share in each others triumphs and defeats.

    Completing an endurance event is a measure for you alone, a self measure... not anyone elses. No one will mock you.

    I would suggest the following if you are really worried...

    Most running stores have what are called free runs... These are like running clinics, but free of charge and you'll meet other likeminded runners. Go out and run with them for a couple of times. Its great for pacing, you'll receive some free advice and probably have a great time doing it.

    I am going to one tonight at my neighborhood Running Room.

    But trust me... You will do great!
  • patricac
    patricac Posts: 255 Member
    That's great you can run on the treadmill for 30 mins straight! I just finished my first 5K after graduating from the C25K program. I did a combo of running outside and did a few runs on the treadmill. It is a lot different. You can try to take it outside and get used to running in the elements. I think it'd be great for you to sign up for the 5K in May! I wouldn't worry about your finish time, there are so many different types of people with different paces at races - it's really not about when you finish, it's more about finishing. You can definitely do it :smile:
  • butterfly25
    butterfly25 Posts: 186 Member
    thank all for the tips and advice..im going to do it and do the best that i can..even if i come in last:wink:
This discussion has been closed.

Categories