Preparing for a 5K (never done one)

Get the C25K app. Work at your own pace. You don't have to move forward in he program just because the lady says you should.

I run/walk all the 5ks we do. I'm not a runner. I try but I am just not there yet. It's ok. The main thing is that I'm out there doing it. Usually having fun. Most of the 5ks we do are "fun runs". The Color Run, The Electric Run, or they benefit some local charities/people, for example The Alex Mandarino Duck Duck Run (gives all $ to children's cancer treatment).

Couch to 5k, is what I used when I started to train. I thought they were great.

Good for you for wanting to do a 5k and asking for help to get started. I am trying to decide if I want to do the Princess runs too. I am doing the Super Heros at Disneyland in November because that is what my daughter wanted to do. I also have never done a Disney race and I have heard nothing but fun, fun, fun about them PLUS you can buy tickets to do Disney. What a great excuse LOL. I also second, third, fourth the Couch to 5K app. You will be doing a series of walking alternating with running as you build up to your 5k. Most of all have fun and do not worry about what anyone else is doing. You are there for you

I always reccomended the Beginner Runner Village podcasts. They are not. Running program, but more of an educational approach to the how and why for new runners. Lots of amazing info.

Yup. I used the couch to 5K app. I was training to run the Bloomsday in Spokane with my sister. I was almost all the way through it when I had a collision with a skateboarder and blew my knee out. So never actually got to run it.

When you can comfortably walk for an hour start Couch to 5K. Good luck! It'll be so fun.

Visit your local running store and get proper shoes before you do anything else. Your body will thank you!

Any of the couch to 5K programs are a good way to start. It will take you through the process of walking to running. My first 5K I did walk/run intervals and that's very common. I now run the whole thing and am working toward a 10K (most likely walk/run my first race).

Another vote for couch to 5k. Excellent program. Take it at your own pace. Repeat a day if you don't feel great about it. Running is something that takes lots of time to develop and you have to continue it or you lose what you build. The feeling when you finish is great though.

C25k!!!

As everyone has mentioned - a run/walk program such as Couch to 5K. I started running last year in April and at that time, I couldn't even run a mile. Heck, I couldn't run for two minutes straight. I ran my first 5K race last June (I did walk in parts of it), ran several 5K races through last year. This year, I did my first 10K races, my first sprint triathlon, and will do my first half marathon a week from Sunday.

This is exactly how I started. I did the No Boundaries 5K beginner training program with Fleet Feet. They helped me understand proper running form, pace, hydration, nutrition, etc...all those things that are helpful in order to have a good run I repeated the NB program in the summer and became a mentor last fall. I did the 10K training, triathlon training, and now half marathon training all through FF. I enjoy having someone to run with - the mentors were all very encouraging and I have made a lot of friends. It was intimidating at first, but they quickly put all of my worries at ease. They have people of all shapes, sizes and skill levels go through their programs.

For short runs, I use a handheld water bottle like this: Amazon: Nathan Water bottle Mine is not insulated and if I had to buy one again, I would get the insulated. I'm looking at getting this for long runs: Amazon - Nathan water belt To carry my phone and car key, I wear this: Amazon - Flipbelt My things stay secure and I don't even feel it when I have it on. It is snug and does not move around. There's a little clip inside to clip the car key.

Yes x 1000!!! YES! It will cost a bit more, but it is so worth it to be properly fitted with a shoe that works for your running style.

ETA: VERY IMPORTANT TIP: When you start running, your pace should be "conversational," meaning, a pace at which you can still carry on a conversation without the need to gasp for air.  (Another good reason to have a running buddy!)  For most people, that's going to seem slow.  That's OK!  Pace will come with time.  First get comfortable running the distance at whatever time works and the more you run and build your running base, your pace will improve.  I was never an athlete in school and never participated in organized sports of any kind, so I didn't have that background to start.  Plus, I'm over 40.  I'm still not the fastest runner in our group, but I know I'm better than I was and I hope to continue to improve.  Be patient as you grow into your new hobby and enjoy the journey. (Keeping a journal has been helpful for me!)

I will probably be the odd one out. I never used c25K app. I did my first 5K last year on a whim.I was doing strength training at home for 6 months before I decided to sign up for a 5K. My strength/cross training includes videos I put together from fitnessblender.com (it's free and is on youtube). I think doing squats and lunges at home for months definitely helped.

If you have never walked/run, then I definitely recommend training for it. Do some cross training too. That definitely helps . After the 5K, I did a 10K and this year i ran three half marathons and I am now training for a marathon which will be next year. For the half marathon's I followed Hal Higdon's training plans (they are free too). After the first 5K I started tracking my pace and distance using mapmyrun app on the phone. Now I have a microsoft band to track.

I have yet to go to a speciality running store to buy shoes. I bought my shoes from nike outlet but I am heading to a running store this weekend to get some new hoes . Also, make sure you have comfortable clothes. When I did my first 5K, my breathing pattern was irregular. I kinda got scared but then figured it was because I never ran in my life before so I didn't want to stop. I kept running after that and I never had that breathing issue again. I also do run, walk, run. I don't run the distances completely. I walk for few seconds to few minutes at times and then run.

You can do it. When I was running through that first 5K, mid way through I was thinking - "WTF were you thinking. How could you finish it". But I finished it and it was such a good feeling. And again, i thought the same thing when doing half marathons and now i am training for a marathon. lol. SOne of my friend said i am addicted. I told her that i would rather be addicted to running that something else . Good luck on your 5K and let us know how it went.

I second the Target recommendation. Their stuff holds up really well. Avoid any cotton articles of clothing - it holds in the sweat and ends up feeling heavy and uncomfortable.

Invest in good socks when you get fitted for shoes. Balega Hidden Comfort are my favorites. (I had links for running socks in my post yesterday on the Health & Fitness thread.)

Also - be sure to incorporate rest days. The C25K is structured so you don't run two days in a row, for good reason. You body needs to have time to recover from the physical stress of this new activity. Staying injury free is important!

Cross train on your off days from running. Yoga is good too.

I started with two pairs and did a LOT of laundry in the beginning The first two pairs are still going strong and every once in a while I add a new pair to the mix, especially if I can catch them on a sale. I still do a lot of laundry though!