Help! My first 5k

HelloSweetie4
HelloSweetie4 Posts: 1,214 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am reaching out for help to prepare for my first 5k run.
I have never been in any type of run (and I have never ran a mile even!). But many people have told me that setting a goal of running a 5k is a great way to get in shape, and the 5k is the day after my birthday (its on the 4th of july) so if I complete it, then it will be my 25th bday present to myself. M brother-in-law is running with me and my husband is going to help me train to keep my motivation up. It's in about 6 weeks, so I printed out the C25K program (but thats a 9 week program) so I also printed out a 6 week program, which will probably be the one I follow.
I'm just asking for others who have done 5ks before, any advice you can offer me?
This is going to be a huge challenge for me and I'm really excited about it, but I would like to know what i'm in store for. Any info or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

Replies

  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    I am reaching out for help to prepare for my first 5k run.
    I have never been in any type of run (and I have never ran a mile even!). But many people have told me that setting a goal of running a 5k is a great way to get in shape, and the 5k is the day after my birthday (its on the 4th of july) so if I complete it, then it will be my 25th bday present to myself. M brother-in-law is running with me and my husband is going to help me train to keep my motivation up. It's in about 6 weeks, so I printed out the C25K program (but thats a 9 week program) so I also printed out a 6 week program, which will probably be the one I follow.
    I'm just asking for others who have done 5ks before, any advice you can offer me?
    This is going to be a huge challenge for me and I'm really excited about it, but I would like to know what i'm in store for. Any info or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

    Start with a good pair of running shoes! Follow the program, don't overdo it and have fun! You will do great! Good luck!
  • JoolieW68
    JoolieW68 Posts: 1,879 Member
    I 2nd the good running shoes.

    Also run at YOUR pace, nobody else's. Compete only with yourself, don't try and beat anyone else. And HAVE FUN.

    As for the training, the C25K is great, it will help you get prepared for sure.

    Good luck, and happy early birthday!
  • HelloSweetie4
    HelloSweetie4 Posts: 1,214 Member
    thanks for the advice! I was starting to worry no one would help me out! lol
    I have a pair of sketchers running shoes, but I could probably use an upgrade because I know that Sketchers are not the best for support. Plus I want some funky yellow ones! lol

    PS thanks for the birthday wish :drinker:
  • JoolieW68
    JoolieW68 Posts: 1,879 Member
    For the shoes, don't just go buy whatever looks good. I highly recommend going to a shoe store that specializes in running shoes and let them 'fit't your feet. They will watch you walk or jog, then recommend shoes based on how your feet hit the ground.

    They will be more expensive (I pay $100 for mine), but you will notice a huge difference with them and they will help you walk/run better.
  • holliph
    holliph Posts: 88 Member
    the C25k is the best to prepare for the 5k...there is an app for it too...if you have a smartphone. I use it currently.

    Shoes are a big help along with your socks. I did my research on runners world to find a shoe for my foot. (I have a very high arc & very narrow feet)
    Also know there are different ways to lace up a shoe when running to help with different chaffing.

    Stay hydrated, always get plenty of rest. Don't forget to stretch & stretch properly.
    Form helps with getting through the thresh hold point...try to never run with your arms crossing in front of your body (running with your arms at your sides you can use them to help propel you forward)...relax your shoulders and hands.

    I could go on & on on form & technique but best thing is to go out and have fun with it! Do like others have posted....do your best...run at YOUR OWN pace and just finish! That in itself is an accomplishment. Never over train...so please follow the c25k...and you will be successful!

    Good luck!!!!
  • andrearaquel48
    andrearaquel48 Posts: 102 Member
    C25K is a great program. I echo what others have said - follow that and, don't over do it, and get some good shoes. I don't think Sketchers even makes real running shoes (Sketchers are more in the casual footwear line of business) so I would go to a running shoe store and get properly fitted. And have fun!
  • nuttyfamily
    nuttyfamily Posts: 3,394 Member
    I did the c25k in Aug '10. I literally could not run a block when I started it.

    I also recommend getting fitted for running shoes. Don't go by looks. Mine are fugly but my ankle rolls in they support my ankles and knees.

    As for the 1st 5k, I also did not know what to expect. I ran my first one at the age of 42! For your first race, just set the goal to complete it...not for time. And, don't go out too fast which is easy to do with so many people taking off at once. I have done that and then run out of steam at the end.

    Have fun first and foremost!

    I completed my first half two weeks ago. I am loving the RUN.
  • HelloSweetie4
    HelloSweetie4 Posts: 1,214 Member
    you are all awesome! thank you so much! I didn't know C25K had an app, i just downloaded it!
    I know that I am a very slow runner so I have already been telling myself that "it doesn't matter even if I finish last, as long as I finish!"
  • JoolieW68
    JoolieW68 Posts: 1,879 Member
    you are all awesome! thank you so much! I didn't know C25K had an app, i just downloaded it!
    I know that I am a very slow runner so I have already been telling myself that "it doesn't matter even if I finish last, as long as I finish!"

    That is a great attitude to have. You're the only you that can cross the finish line, so hold your head up proudly when you get there.
  • LilRedRooster
    LilRedRooster Posts: 1,421 Member
    I agree with the running shoes. The more miles you do, the better footwear you'll need, especially if you're a beginner.

    Otherwise, go out and enjoy yourself! Run an easy pace that you can keep up to finish the race, because your first race is all about finishing and feeling good. That's really the most important thing to keep in mind that I've learned over the years. Running a race isn't any good if you're not having fun. :)
  • kuhayetee
    kuhayetee Posts: 41
    make sure you eat a good breakfast for energy before and that you drink plenty of water. i was dehydrated after mine :(
  • M155AUS
    M155AUS Posts: 52 Member
    I ran my first 5km today for the race for life. Good shoes essential. I didn't do the C25K, I trained using intervals, running on a treadmill for 4 minutes slowly, then walking for 2 minutes, running slightly quicker for 4 minutes, then walking for 2 mjnutes and making sure that I did that for at least 35 minutes. At first it was really slow, but I built up quickly. I started about 2 months ago and I did the 5km in just under 38 minutes.

    Also, if you're not doing C25K, make sure you run outside first, it's totally different running in a gym to the outside.

    Good luck with your 5km, I'm aiming for 10km next year!

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