5K in 5 weeks? Runners out there?

[winter2b]

I have never been a runner at all...But I've always been interested in training for some little fun-run's. There is one that I just found out about that is in 5 weeks. There is an option to walk it, but I would like to try to run it. Is that just an insane goal? I wonder if this would give me a nice incentive to keep myself on track and working out like I need to be.

Thoughts from any runners out there?

 

[Tamster]

Here is a link:

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

HTH,

Tammy

 

[Norma48]

I tell you, it is fun to be in a run event, either you walk it or run it, you meet people even thou just for that day and never keep in touch, the fact that you just met people with same fitness interest is fun. I remember my first run, I was on my way down, I am talking about pounds, 160 lbs back then, I was in a park and there was a cross country event with teens, but I felt the desire to run, I said to myself, ok, lets do it for 1 minute, little I knew I lasted 10 minutes, and I felt great!!! that was the beginning. You just have to try it, start running slowly and see how you feel, just do it for a short period of time and thinking with open mind, look at the sky, the trees, hope you are in a park, and aprecciate the joy of moving, see for yourself if you want to do it again next day! if you had a good time you will stick with it and hopefully a runner was born!
norma

 

[Mckmain]

I think it's doable. Especially if you have some cardio base. Meaning you have been doing step or kickboxing or any other exercising. Another good site with beginning programs is www.runnersworld.com . Don't try and do too much too fast!! Walking along with running is a good way to start. Good Luck and let us know how it goes......Carole

 

[amyg]

I agree with Carole. It ends up being about 30-40 minutes of running, depending on your speed. I just did one July 4 and finished in I think 37, that was with a LOT of walking. Speed should not ever be your goal if you're starting out. Even if you just get to the point of running 20 minutes straight in your five weeks, you should be able to do the 5K just fine. Have fun!

 

[run4fun]

I think 5 weeeks is plenty of time, especially if you have a cardio base like Carole said.

Good Luck!

Beverly

 

[talpete]

Hi,

Thought I would give you my angle on the rampup to the 5K.

The main obstacle to look out for is too much too quickly as running doee beat on your shins/knees etc..more than other sports. So, with that in mind I highly recommend a walk/run/light-jog beginning to see how your legs and body react. Make sure you have running or even cross-training shoes, not walking or aerobic. Running shoes give you the best protection and support for the impact etc..

Start with a walk to get warmed up. Don't think about the 5K yet, just get into a walk and pick up the speed to where you feel comfortable. Like interval training, walk/run/walk/run etc..and check to see how you feel. If you feel like running longer intervals great but do not push it and be patient. You can time the intervals if you wish or let your body determine the pace.

Mark the mileage so you know approx. how far you have gone and where mile 1 is , mile 2 etc..

5 weeks is not a lot of time to have to break records in a 5K if you have not run before but at least you have 5 wks. Increase the run part each day and shorten the walk interval until you can pace a moderate run consistently. Always check how you feel and pay attenttion as always pay attention to any "bad" pain in joints or shins/feet.

If you can increase to a 2-2.5 mile run by week 3/4 you will be fine to cruise thru on the 3.2 Miles. If you feel really great and seem to fit the running part well and want to go beyond than you can try a few runs with "overmileage" worked in or basically a couple days where you run more than a 5K, maybe a 4 miler etc..so when the 5K comes you know what your limits are and the 5K will seem more than doable. Beyond that depending on how you feel, you can do more intervals with just the running to build up speed. To accomplish this you would start your run as usual then every minute or so increase your pace then decrease your pace every 30 seconds or minute or two etc..again depending on how involved you want to be or what the final goal is. I stress again, do not start too quickly and gage it all by how you feel. I am not sure what other activities you do on a weekly basis but that is my angle. Hope it helps a little!

 

[dani21496]

Hal Higdon has a great 8 week 5K training schedule for Novice runners. Here is the schedule. If you already have been doing some cardio maybe you can start at week 2 or 3? Just listen to your body.

Here is the link: (scroll to the bottom after reading the intro)

http://www.halhigdon.com/5K Training/5-Knovice.htm

 

[cocob1]

What Cathe workouts would you suggest to do along with the training program?

I've been doing Firm/FitPrime and now Cathes for years. Cathes since last Dec.

I do the Hard Core, Intensity and Blast Series to completion now. I gave up running 3 miles 3x a week last Dec. to heal an ITB band problem.

I need help adding in running again with out overtraining or giving up my Cathes.

My goal is to be doing 5k by the end of October and I'm starting tomorrow. Aug. 23rd. I have only 1 to 1 & 1/2 hours a day to workout.

 

[Imafitnessfreak]

I like to add plyometric work to my training schedule, the IMAX's would be GREAT! For weights, I prefer the endurance total body workouts and the circuits. Seems to compliment my training as well!

You will do fine! Just start super slow so that your joints and ligaments can adjust to the new workout. Even the best and the badest need to ease into a running program. If you do too much and get too sore, that will throw your training schedule off and you will be less likely to go back to running. Your body will adapt quickly and your endurance will increase faste rthan you think.

I second the "running shoe" suggestion. I started running with my aerobic shoes...HUGE mistake!!!!!HUGE!