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sunnydelite

Cathlete
i am contemplating running a 5K. i have never done this before and am not really a runner. however i think it would be a nice fitness goal to set for myself. my question is how would i prepare myself to be able to run a 5K? approximately how long would it take someone in decent shape to be ready for this run?

thanks!!
 
Hey, Sunny D. There are lots of programs you can use and follow to train. There's the runner's world link above, there is also Hal Higdon, Jeff Galloway, Couth to 5K. Do a google search on any of these things and you'll find them very easily.

YOU CAN DO IT! Believe me...I am not a runner, although I just ran my first-ever marathon this past January. I am not a runner! LOL. I'm starting to feel like one, though, and so can you. I LOVE IT NOW and am totally addicted. You will get lots of advice from ladies on this forum that know WAY MORE than I do about running!

The best way to learn to run that distance, is to slowly run that distance...work your way up to that mileage. ALl the programs you'll see will guide you!

GOOD LUCK!

Gayle
 
"approximately how long would it take someone in decent shape to be ready for this run?"

a week!LOL!! Seriously, if you are working out with Cathe on a regular basis..this will not be a problem for you. If your goal is to "place" then you have more work to do. If you just wnat to go, have fun and finish (which is what I recommend, this is how I do every "race") then it won't take long at all.

After doing Cathe for a few years, I did my very first run on our brand new treadmill and went about 5 miles. Super slow...but it wasn't a problem.

Cathe already has you pretty conditioned. Start with a mile. Next day, if you fell great and want to do more...do 2. You can also do walk/runs until you build up.

WARNING: Running is extremely addictive...good thing it's cheap!
 
I second what Sarah said, it won't take long for you to get ready for a 5 k if you currently workout.
I wasn't even working out when I decided to tie up my shoes and go for a run and I did pretty good my first time.When I started running, I just ran until I needed to stop but the important thing is getting a breathing pattern down pat.Once you have your breathing undercontrol it gets alot easier.
Start training now, worse case scenerio....you will run faster then expected! Good luck!!!!
Lori:)
 
Hey SunnyD,

This is the guide I followed when I ran my first 5k'er and am currently working on this same guide. Had to take some time off while being preggo, but now going full force:

Start each run with a 5 minute warm up and then a light stretch.

-Week 1: Walk for 20 minutes 3 days

Week 2: Walk for 20 minutes 4 days

Week 3: Walk for 30 minutes 4 days

Week 4: 10 min. walk, then alternate 1 minute jog/4 minute walk for 30 more minutes 4 days****This is where I started since I had been doing the Cathe cardio workouts and it was a great starting place

Week 5: Alternate 2 minute jog/2 minute walk for 30 minutes 4 days

Week 6: Alternate 3 minute jog/1 minute walk for 40 minutes 4 days

Week 7: Same as week 6

Week 8: 10 minute jog/ 1 minute recovery X 4 for 3 days

Week 9: 15 minute fast walk/ 15 minute jog for 4 days

Week 10: 20 minute jog


Please keep us updated on how you did. Good luck!!!
:7
 
I agree with Sarah! You won't have any problems cardio wise doing a 5K if you're used to Cathe cardio workouts!!

You do need to get some running in, though, to get your muscles and ligaments, etc ready for the roughly 30 minutes you'll spend running (average). I'm sure all the training links here will help you out with distance ideas.

I'd say to be on the safe side to not run two days in a row- you want to let your legs know what's coming, not make them hate it!! :p Give them a day without running to be on the safe side and give them time to get stronger on the non-run day. If you don't, you risk an overuse injury later on.

HTH, and have a GREAT time!!!!
 
I just added running for my cardio, and I have been working out with Cathe for about 5-6 months (I think, I'm not really sure when I started) and it has been about 2 weeks now that I run. I started running on the first day and went 2 miles. It was about 20 min of steady state running. Now I do 30 at about 3 miles. I think the cardio with Cathe really helped alot and I just did Imax 2 and found that I can go longer with it then I could before I started running. I still can't make it all the way through Imax 2, I find it much easier to run. So, if you can do Imax, I think you should be able to run. Just like the other girls said, don't overdo it the first couple of days because even though Cathe got me in pretty good shape, I was still sore all over my whole body. You will be surprised how many muscles running will actually work. Good luck and let us know how it goes.:D
 
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