Signed up for a 5K *eek*

[rahma]

I don't know what I've gotten myself into I've signed myself up for a 5k run/walk on October 2. That gives me about 9 weeks, the amount of time the couch to 5k program.

I've never been much of a runner. In fact, the worst day of every school year was when they made us run the mile. However, I've decided I need goals in life. This just happened to be the first major goal I've set.

So, any advice? How do I keep motivated? When is the best time to hydrate before/after/during a run? What are the best stretches to do before/after? Basically, I'm freakin out here

 

[LiberatedChick]

Heh heh. Don't worry

I was in the same boat earlier this year.
I signed up for a 5K after having not run for over 8 years...even when I did run in school I couldn't even manage 800m let alone 5k!

What I did was to take it slow and slowly increase the amount of time I was running. I started running for 4 minutes, walking 4 minutes and then running another 4 minutes. I'd do that a couple of days with a rest day in between. Then I'd increase each time by a minute (i.e. run 5, walk 5, run 5). Once I got to about 10 minutes of constant running I started decreasing the walking time in between. About four weeks before I started running a set distance...for example I knew the distance from my home to the next town was about 2.5miles so I'd attempt to run it. Didn't matter if I ran the whole way (which I didn't) so long as I knew I could complete the distance.

It worked well and I ran my 5K race last weekend in 35 minutes with a couple short walking breaks throughout

I understand the nerves though...I was so nervous after signing up that I was still shaking and hour later! My motivation came through music...I picked some motivational songs, ones with lyrics that made me want to get out and train so that I did my best. Then on the days when I couldn't be bothered to run I'd listen to those songs and by the end I'd feel like putting on my shoes and getting out there.

As for hydration, I never took any water with me whilst running. I attempted to do that once but found it annoying carrying the bottle. I just drank plenty of water during the day and then drank some whenI got back...I was never out any longer than 30-40 minutes though.

 

[fitmom]

I signed my husband up to do a 5K run with me. He NEVER trained and does not work out regularly. Anyway, we walked and ran, set a moderate pace and he was just fine. He did not even have the right kind of shoes. He was well hydrated and ate a little something before the race. It took us about 45 minutes, my time is usually 33ish.
My advice! 5K is not that long, just walk/run it a few times and check out how you feel during, after and the next day.
Warm up before
stretch after
The more you practice the more you get to know how to set your pace. I start out slow and stay pretty steady slow and pass those over "eagers" at the end!
BTW I am doing my first 1/2 marathon is September! YIKES
I will approach it the same way, nice and easy for the first half. I have great shoes, will eat carbs for a few days before, stay hydrated and mostly:
HAVE FUN!

 

[ashes2beauty]

hey
your post inspired me to do the same thing. I'm trying out the couch to 5k thing... and as soon as there is a 5k in my area, I'm signing up

 

[rahma]

Oy, if I can run a 5k, anyone can. I'm a good 25 pounds overweight, but gosh darn it, it's going to happen.

Unfortunatly, it's been in the 90+ degrees with a high dew point, so it's been dangerous to do any kind of outdoor activities. Plus, as i'm a hijabi (muslim woman who covers everything but hands and face), going out in my long sleeve exercise shirt and pants paired with a bandana wouldn't help it any.

It's suppose to be cooler tomorrow, so i'll pick up the program again tomorrow. Today, I'll just do some step work inside.

 

[whitmorris]

If heat is the problem for you, go out in the mornings and the late afternoon when the sun is not out and it is not so hot.

 

[msufan]

Oy, if I can run a 5k, anyone can. I'm a good 25 pounds overweight, but gosh darn it, it's going to happen.

Unfortunatly, it's been in the 90+ degrees with a high dew point, so it's been dangerous to do any kind of outdoor activities. Plus, as i'm a hijabi (muslim woman who covers everything but hands and face), going out in my long sleeve exercise shirt and pants paired with a bandana wouldn't help it any.

It's suppose to be cooler tomorrow, so i'll pick up the program again tomorrow. Today, I'll just do some step work inside.

Many congrats on trying the 5K!! One good thing on race day is to run what they call "negative splits." You want to get faster throughout the race. Pace yourself in the early going!

 

[Savedsis]

I don't know what I've gotten myself into I've signed myself up for a 5k run/walk on October 2. That gives me about 9 weeks, the amount of time the couch to 5k program.

I've never been much of a runner. In fact, the worst day of every school year was when they made us run the mile. However, I've decided I need goals in life. This just happened to be the first major goal I've set.

So, any advice? How do I keep motivated? When is the best time to hydrate before/after/during a run? What are the best stretches to do before/after? Basically, I'm freakin out here

Good luck...You can do it.

 

[rahma]

Thanks for the advice and words of support. One question - how many miles should I run before I get a new pair of shoes? I'm running on sidewalks (not too hot I know, but I can't find a track). I dn't have many miles under my belt yet, but I'm improving, slowly, but surely.