NSV- running

When I was running, I would run at least 10 - 15 minutes longer than the actual time I needed for whatever race. When I was going for speed I made certain I could run 2 times the length of my race at a slower speed for cardio and would interval train for the speed (sprint as long as I could then jog for say 2 - 3 minutes, then sprint, then jog). But, it's been a while. I'm 42 and I used to wakeboard a lot so I made the decision to jog and not run anymore so I haven't kept up with the newest stuff in running. I do know the physical therapist my son has says you should stretch after you run (as opposed to b-4) to run your fastest time.

Really depends on your goal. If you just want to finish, I'll go with the 10 minute rule. Make sure you can run 10 minutes longer than the 3.3 miles (max that a 5k usually is).

L

Congratulations! That is any amazing NSV!

Congratulations! I started running in February, and signed up to my first 5k in April. The 5k isn't until October, though - I gave myself plenty of time to train, and I managed to run my first 5k not long later. I should be able to run the whole thing confidently by October, so just this week I signed up for my first 10k in May next year. I figure I'd rather give myself plenty of time to train than risk not being ready.

I have some motivation for you! I am 55 and started running for the first time in my life in January. As I was losing my weight I was working out on the treadmill walking at first slow 15 -20 mins and later faster and at an incline. I finally gave running a try in January. I ran 30 seconds then walked 4 1/2 minutes then ran 30 second then walk etc. until i could keep that up for an hour. Then I increased to 1 minute, walk 4min. Next week run 2 min walk 3min. Anyway by March I could run a whole mile without stopping. I have continulally challenged myself going faster and longer and now run 7 miles 5 days a week. I truly thought this would have been impossible! I can still hardly believe it myself. I do not run outside and so have not been in a race, but I have every confidence that 3.1 miles (5K) would be a "a walk in the park " lol. They key to this was an everyday (5-6 days a week), no excuses training program.

All I can say is "Wow!" I am so amazed, impressed...I have no words. Kudos to you! A++++ for determination & sticking with it.

I am racing my first 5K tomorrow morning! My wife and I started running last fall and let me tell you, we looked horrible...we were doing 1 minute of running and like 5 minutes walking...worked on the ratio for a while in the fall and then purchased a treadmill for the winter, come spring we hit the outdoors and I can now run 10-12 KMs without stopping, ...even though my times are not the greatest yet. I have been out three times this week and ran my 5 KM distance and I am completing it in roughly 28 minutes...My goal is a sub 27 minute for this race so not sure if I am going to pull it off. My wife has also completed a 10KM race earlier this year and she did it in just under a hour! We are both a little competitive so it is funny, whenever one of us comes back from a run, the first thing we ask each other is how far and what was your time? When we were doing the treadmill in the winter, the second person would always go a little further than the first person went. It is great though to have someone to run with and be pushing you to get better.