Couch to 5k - February race

Even if you don't end up running the whole thing, you can still participate. I still can't run an entire 5k, but I focus on running a higher percentage each time I go out. The main thing is to have fun!

I started c25K in May and it took me about 2 weeks longer than the program - I'm 48, hadnt run more than 5 minutes in 28 years. I hit a mental block about 3/4 way through and couldnt complete the runs for that week - I dropped back 1 week, ran a different route and everything was back on track.
If I can do it anyone can. By Sept I was running 5K in 30 minutes, twice or 3 times per week and just did my first 5K charity run today.
If you're not running 5K by Feb, run and walk the event at whatever intervals you have reached. Enjoy.

I have a hard time seeing 5K as a big obstacle anymore. 4 years ago, I was in the same place you are. Now 5K is half of the "short" runs I do two or three days each week and my long runs are up to 10 or 11 miles. It's amazing what we can accomplish when we just try.

Here's the thing... there are always faster people than you out there. If I ran one of those zombie races I know I'd end up being a zombie eventually because I'm not fast and I never will be. I'd have a heck of a lot of fun catching those slower than me once I got "turned", though! If you're running your first race you can't think of it in terms of "if I lose all of my flags, I lose" because you most certainly do not. You would be out there at all, which is miles beyond what most people are willing to push themselves to accomplish. You should be just trying to do your best and knowing that you're setting a baseline for the next race you run because you'll then be looking to beat your time from the first race.

You can easily do this race in the time you have. There's no rule that says you can't take a walk break or two in the middle. Stop trying to find reasons why you shouldn't do it and just start doing it.

Oh, had a thought... there is a very cool 5K app out there called.... "Zombies 5K". It's similar to Couch to 5K but there's a story line that you follow as you're doing your runs and it intersperses the music on your smart phone in between. I used it this past summer to get back into running after a few months off for a foot injury. It might be just the thing to get you in the "spirit".

I did one really close because it was for veterans and it was important to me. I ended up running and walking, but it was awesome and I didn't regret it one bit. I'm still working on running an entire 5K, but I loved my first 5K. I finished. That was the important part. I finished it, and I got the finishers medal. I was so proud of myself.

Hey! I am actually on my last week of the C25K app! It works great. The last week is run for 30 min. At the beginning I would have never been able to do it. It works really well.

LeenaJean wrote: »

msf74 wrote: »

LeenaJean wrote: »

A major reason why I want to make the deadline is because I want my first 5k to be a zombie run, only down side being you have flags around your waist and if the zombies get all your flags you become a zombie yourself, so, not really a down side but I'd like to finish with all my flags.

Give it a go. What's the worst that can happen? You'll become a zombie.

Oh, wait....

(Actually, I did the same thing that you did - scheduling a race a week or so after my anticipated C25K completion date and it was tremendous fun. I did do a double take at one point during that first race thinking "why are so many people walking?". I didn't realise that was an option! You'll be fine.)

Tremendous fun?! See now that seems like crazy talk I am very excited to eventually get to the point where I am not so nervous and am having fun with it.

You'll be golden. A race day experience really is a great thing and it will open up a whole new world for you.

I did a Santa Run a few weeks ago where everyone dressed up in Santa outfits. There were parents with little kids at the side of the path waving and saying "hello Santa!". It was awesome.