Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2015 15:18:48 GMT
A few weeks ago, a friend posted about a local charity 5K she wanted to do and was asking if anyone would join her. I saw this as the "push" I needed to get my butt of the couch. We'd have 2.5 months to prepare ourselves. A couple of other friends recommended the LOLO Easy 5K app which we are using along with Map My Walk to track our progress. I'm considerably overweight and will be 49 this year, so not a spring chicken and this is going to be quite the challenge. Yet, I'm enjoying the workouts and the time spent with my friend. Who knew that "they" were right that working out with a friend made the process much more bearable?  I'd love to hear about others' experiences with their first 5K. Is our goal of finishing under an hour a good one? Is there usually a time limit to such things? Would our hour fall within that? It is unlikely we will run the whole 5K...some combination of walk/run will be our likely pace. |
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Montannie
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Post by Montannie on Jul 21, 2015 15:27:09 GMT
I can't remember my first 5K, but it was my first, not my last, so there's that.
I only started running in 2012, and I was 55. I was not a runner until that race; it was irresistible to me to start running (really, a slow jog), once the adrenaline kicks in and the competitive streak in my nature was whetted. I still walk and run during races, and so do lots of people.
I finished in under an hour, so it's totally doable. Walk, walk, walk for training. Alternate a comfortable pace with a quicker one -- I did three minutes slow, two fast. Remember to walk up hills, lots of hills, to improve your stamina.
Like me, you may uncover a person who LIKES to run!
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keithurbanlovinpea
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Post by keithurbanlovinpea on Jul 21, 2015 15:29:38 GMT
I ran my first 5K in 2008 and I have done a handful since then. I definitely ran/walked the first one (used Couch-to-5K program). I don't think I finished in less than an hour, maybe a little more. There is a time limit, but since so many people walk entire 5Ks, I have never seen one that shut folks off before 90-120 minutes depending on the course and the organization.
Good luck and have fun! I love to run. It's very addicting, even if I am slow as molasses!
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gsquaredmom
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Post by gsquaredmom on Jul 21, 2015 15:33:00 GMT
Have a complete physical including a stress test before starting if you are not already in condition. Heart attacks suck. Then have fun!
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Dalai Mama
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jul 21, 2015 15:36:23 GMT
My first one was a Color Me Rad with my family this May. I used C25K - with walking/running, you should have little problem in finishing in under an hour.
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Dani-Mani
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Post by Dani-Mani on Jul 21, 2015 15:37:33 GMT
Timely post. I'm doing my first in September and I've started the couch to 5K program!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2015 15:42:10 GMT
Have a complete physical including a stress test before starting if you are not already in condition. Heart attacks suck. Then have fun! My doc gave me the all clear before I started |
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anniebygaslight
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Post by anniebygaslight on Jul 21, 2015 15:44:53 GMT
I've done several. They all blur into one. Make sure you have decent running shoes and a good sports bra. They will make all the difference. Take your time and enjoy the experience.
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Post by rumplesnat on Jul 21, 2015 15:47:54 GMT
I weighed 240 pounds and I didn't stop running until I finished. Woot!!!
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Post by pierkiss on Jul 21, 2015 16:00:23 GMT
My 1st was the Color Run 5K. It was so fun and I walked all of. We've been doing a few every year since then. My times have mostly improved with each one. We just did a local one last weekend. I started it running and I finished it running, but I walked most of it in the middle. Aiming for finishing in under an hour is a great goal! Keep training and you'll do great! |
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Post by happymom on Jul 21, 2015 16:00:47 GMT
I started running on dec 29. I weighed 220 pounds and wore a size 18 I used the treadmill and could barely run 1/10 of a mile. I alternated .1 run with .1 walk and slowly built up the distance. My first goal was to run/ walk 2 miles in under 30 minutes.
I "ran" my first 5k in April and my goal was to beat the walkers. We were last of the runners for sure!!
In March I started running outside and love it. I am running another 5k and a 10k in August.
My advice: good compression shorts or leggings. I have a colostomy bag and like everything squeezed in so there isn't jiggle. It helps with chafing also.
Slow down and relax. It is ok to shuffle. If you are huffing and puffing you won't be able to keep going. Slow way down. You can speed train later.
Good luck. It's gets easier. And more enjoyable
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Post by SnowWhite on Jul 21, 2015 16:13:59 GMT
I wouldn't recommend it, but I did a 5K a few years back with zero training. That said, I'm in pretty good shape and workout every day, I just don't run. Since it was a charity 5K, there were a number of water/snack stations and folks cheering us on the whole way. I never stopped running because I was afraid if I did, I wouldn't start back up again. Did I mention I wouldn't recommend this method?
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Post by candygurl on Jul 21, 2015 16:17:39 GMT
Definitely use he couch 2 5k program! I loved it and gave me small goals to work toward on big goal.
5ks are usually just for fun and not really that cimpetitve. Lots of people walk so just go make it your goal to finish and not worry about your time.
Have fun!
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blue tulip
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Post by blue tulip on Jul 21, 2015 16:20:48 GMT
we're doing the wipeout run in Chicago this Saturday, and to prepare I jogged once last week. will probably again before the race.  I am mid-30s, about 30lbs overweight, we do work out and are strong but I don't run. Dh doesn't run either, he has knee issues but this looked like so much fun we couldn't resist. guess we'll see what happens.  |
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Post by gorgeouskid on Jul 21, 2015 16:20:49 GMT
It was harder than I thought it would be. I had only really run on a treadmill, and it was much different from running on concrete and asphalt. I would recommend running outside for a couple of weeks before trying the 5k.
DH was there with me and while he didn't push me, he was there to help me push myself.
I slow jogged about 3/4 of the way, and fast walked the rest.
I finished in 40 minutes.
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Post by lbp on Jul 21, 2015 16:26:35 GMT
I was fifty when I did my first one and had been running about 4 months. I did my run, surprising myself my finishing in 34 minutes and was further surprised when they called my name as second place in my age group! It was a good 10 minutes faster than I had ever run! I guess the adrenaline and my competitiveness kicked in!
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Post by pierkiss on Jul 21, 2015 16:30:23 GMT
we're doing the wipeout run in Chicago this Saturday, and to prepare I jogged once last week. will probably again before the race. I am mid-30s, about 30lbs overweight, we do work out and are strong but I don't run. Dh doesn't run either, he has knee issues but this looked like so much fun we couldn't resist. guess we'll see what happens. Please please please come back and post a review of this!!! I debated signing up for this one and I'm a little bummed I didnt. I'm hoping it's as awesome as it looks!!! Hopefully by the time it comes back next year I'll be in shape enough to do it! |
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Post by red88 on Jul 21, 2015 16:32:27 GMT
I'm doing my first 5k next month! (the Bubble Run) I have a time on the treadmill of 41 mins. I'm trying to get down to 30 mins. I run pretty slow & my short legs don't help! My daughter, who is a runner said that running on pavement will be so different & my time should improve. But, that doesn't matter, I just want to have a good time & have fun!
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Post by STBC on Jul 21, 2015 16:32:56 GMT
I started training in April with the "No Boundaries" program by New Balance, which is offered at Fleet Feet stores. It's very similar to a Couch to 5K program, in a group setting. It was a 10-week program and we ran our "graduation" race in June. It was a great experience and I am currently in the program for a second time. We (DH and I) have run two other 5K runs since the first graduation race, the latest being the Rock N Roll 5K in Chicago this past Saturday. Look on Pinterest for Couch to 5K training plans - there are a lot of them out there. Get properly fitted for a pair of running shoes at a running store (they are worth the investment), run at a pace that's comfortable to you (not too fast!) and don't overlook the importance of cross training and rest days. Prior to April, I had never been a runner and could barely run for a minute straight, let alone run an entire mile. |
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blue tulip
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Post by blue tulip on Jul 21, 2015 16:33:56 GMT
we're doing the wipeout run in Chicago this Saturday, and to prepare I jogged once last week. will probably again before the race. I am mid-30s, about 30lbs overweight, we do work out and are strong but I don't run. Dh doesn't run either, he has knee issues but this looked like so much fun we couldn't resist. guess we'll see what happens. Please please please come back and post a review of this!!! I debated signing up for this one and I'm a little bummed I didnt. I'm hoping it's as awesome as it looks!!! Hopefully by the time it comes back next year I'll be in shape enough to do it! I will! it looks like so much fun, right? the closest we'll ever come to doing the show. we had a bunch of friends who were going to run with us, and every one bailed! now we're a team of 2.  but whatever, I'm not going to miss it. i fully expect to fail at most of the obstacles, but i bet we won't be the only ones. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2015 16:39:54 GMT
It was harder than I thought it would be. I had only really run on a treadmill, and it was much different from running on concrete and asphalt. I would recommend running outside for a couple of weeks before trying the 5k. DH was there with me and while he didn't push me, he was there to help me push myself. I slow jogged about 3/4 of the way, and fast walked the rest. I finished in 40 minutes. We're doing all our training outside. I don't own a treadmill or belong to a gym. We're doing a combination of a track (at a local high school) and the area around the same school which has different elevations. And it's crazy but I'm enjoying it and I don't even care that people are watching as the track is in use by other people (both organized events and just individuals). I used to be so conscientious in similar situations. Really enjoying and appreciate the feedback thus far. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2015 16:43:51 GMT
I'm doing my first 5k next month! (the Bubble Run) I have a time on the treadmill of 41 mins. I'm trying to get down to 30 mins. I run pretty slow & my short legs don't help! My daughter, who is a runner said that running on pavement will be so different & my time should improve. But, that doesn't matter, I just want to have a good time & have fun! LOL I'm quite short myself and my friend is 6 or 7" taller. When we start our run portions of our nightly meetups, she gets several yards ahead of me simply because her strides are longer. |
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Post by kckckc on Jul 21, 2015 16:48:08 GMT
I did my first 5K when I was 55. I hadn't run since high school PE class. I used a C25K app and ran for about 9 months before the race. My goal was to run (albeit VERY slowly) the entire race. I finished in 39 minutes - didn't walk any. I am very slow - the only people I finished ahead of were those who walked part or all of the race.  |
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Post by hosschick on Jul 21, 2015 16:51:58 GMT
Our family has done a few. DD & I both finish under an hour walking only and without really "training" for it or anything, so you've set a very reasonable goal. We even dragged dh along to one, and an official noted "We have runners, joggers, walkers... but you, I'd call you a stroller." He ambled along at a very casual pace, was the last one done, and still completed it in 61 minutes. You'll be fine, and good for you!
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casii
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Post by casii on Jul 21, 2015 16:54:30 GMT
Sounds like you and your friend are training smart! Can't wait to hear how your run goes!
My first 5K was a few years ago. I was over 40, overweight, had never run (or been encouraged to be active) and I had such a great time that I'm still running now. I've done several 5ks, 10ks, 1/2s and everything in between. Haven't drank the full marathon kool-aid yet.
I did get fitted for good running shoes at a local running store and continue to go there for replacements. Also, wearing the right bra and clothes makes all the difference. If you're comfortable, you can focus on running and not on pulling, tugging, sweating like you're about to die, etc.
A great online community is anothermotherrunner.com. They have a big website, very active facebook presence (Run Like A Mother the book) and are on twitter. Plus they record a weekly podcast that covers the whole range of the unique joys and pains for women. |
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Post by Merge on Jul 21, 2015 16:59:26 GMT
I haven't run one ... yet. I've gotten to where I can consistently walk 5K in under an hour (I can usually do it in 45-50 minutes unless I really get distracted). I have a group of friends I walk with twice a week and then I go out myself twice a week to push my pace a little. I'm planning on adding in some running this fall when the weather cools off a bit. I think DD and are going to do the turkey trot 5K this year while DH does the 10K.
You can totally walk/run a 5K in a reasonable time even if you're older and bigger. I'm 42 and a bigger girl, and even I can manage a consistent 15 min/mile pace and in the Houston heat to boot. Get out there and go for it!
Oh and as others have said - get fitted for the right shoes and get yourself a good sports bra.
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Post by elaine on Jul 21, 2015 19:28:55 GMT
Good for you! You can definitely walk 3.1 miles in 60 minutes, so you WILL make your goal.
I am a huge fan of the Galloway LoLo running apps - they are what I use to train. You will surprise yourself when you discover that you run-walk-run faster than when you try to only run.
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Post by bc2ca on Jul 21, 2015 22:12:35 GMT
Congratulations! Given that you are training, you should have no problem finishing a 5K in an hour even if you walk the whole way. IIRC, most race courses are open for about 2 hours for a 5K. My first 5K experience was in my 30s when a couple of friends dragged me off a treadmill and outside for a lunchtime run and for a couple of years it was part of the daily routine. We had a great running store ( The Running Room) that offered free weekly guided runs at every walking/running level and started running weekend 5 and 10Ks. I highly recommend checking out any local running stores because IME they are very supportive and encouraging. I hadn't run a race for 15 years (ITBS, pronating, orthodics, excuses, etc), and dropped DS at a local 5K a couple of years ago. I was so completely sucked into the prerace energy & excitment that I signed the whole family up for the race the next year. |
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Post by molove on Jul 22, 2015 0:16:33 GMT
Jeff Galloway has a terrific training program. He's the running guru for the Disney marathons. I downloaded it on my iPhone and used it and it was awesome!
You'll finish within an hour! You end up swept up in the excitement and the pace of others. It goes fast! Have fun.
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Post by beaglemom on Jul 22, 2015 0:51:07 GMT
I think my first was a Race for the Cure in college (2000). I walked it. Since I have done countless 5ks, 10ks, at least two dozen 1/2 marathons, 3 marathons, and 2 half-Ironman races.
I still don't "love" running. But it is good for me and it is fun doing races. I'm still slow, but it is fun being out there with everyone and finishing!
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Refupea #402
I am mid-30s, about 30lbs overweight, we do work out and are strong but I don't run. Dh doesn't run either, he has knee issues but this looked like so much fun we couldn't resist. guess we'll see what happens. 
but whatever, I'm not going to miss it. 
