Runners-thinking about doing my first 5k-no idea how to prep!

[HappyGrace]

I used to jog for exercise when I was young, been out of it for ten yrs having kids-done it a handful of times but not regularly. I did jog probably 20 times last summer. I have jogged maybe 12 times so far this spring, very off and on. I can do 3 miles fine.

 

I'd like to jump start a more regular exercise routine by pushing myself to do a big 5k around here but it's May 30! Is that sufficient time, since I can run that distance already? If I run about three times per wk and do some strength/core training, should I be ready? Any special foods I can eat to best prepare-extra protein or anything? (We are all organic and eat pretty healthy already.) I read a couple things on Runners World about 5k's that was linked awhile back; just wondering if I'm not giving myself enough time to prep after so much time out of the loop. Thanks for any advice!

 

(Also-do people wear MP3s when they do this kind of race? I can't run w/out my music!)

Edited May 2, 2009 by HappyGrace

[yslek]

How about something like this:

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

 

I'm using this to increase my treadmill times. :)

[HappyGrace]

Thanks! I printed out C25k awhile back for dh, but I can already do their max-3 miles, 3x/wk-so does that mean I'm ready for a 5k? :)

[TN Mama]

Thanks! I printed out C25k awhile back for dh, but I can already do their max-3 miles, 3x/wk-so does that mean I'm ready for a 5k? :)

 

I was going to recommend Couch to 5k as well, but looks like you're covered! If you're already running 3 miles, that's about a 5k.

[K-FL]

A 5k is 3.1 miles. If you're actually running 3, just bump it up some to compensate for the competitiveness that will get you going faster on race day. Search around on Runner's World for training schedules, etc. Good Luck!

[Hillary in KS]

The Cool Running site also has articles about training. Just go to http://www.coolrunning.com

 

Here's a link to their "Training for a 5K" page:

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_4/146.shtml

[HappyGrace]

Thanks for the links-I read some and I'm pretty discouraged-I didn't realize it was all so complicated :tongue_smilie: I'm not sure I should do the race now. I thought it was like if you can run that distance, you can do the race, but I guess not :blink:

[Miss Peregrine]

Thanks for the links-I read some and I'm pretty discouraged-I didn't realize it was all so complicated :tongue_smilie: I'm not sure I should do the race now. I thought it was like if you can run that distance, you can do the race, but I guess not :blink:

 

I did C25K a couple of years ago and ran a 5K the week after I finished. I did just fine and it was a blast! What does the article say that complicates matters?

[HappyGrace]

This page had me pretty freaked out-talking about doing certain amounts of hills, and farteks, and doing sets of repeats at certain time intervals :001_huh:-very helpful stuff, but made me worry that maybe I can't be ready 27 days from now!

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_4/142.shtml

 

Thanks for your post-I probably would have given up if I hadn't read it! I'm still not positive because even though I can run the right amount, I haven't been at it as long as you would have been during your training weeks. They did warn against running a race if you haven't been at it a certain number of weeks due to possible tendon/ligament damage.

[Hillary in KS]

I think that's written for people who want to run and be somewhat competitive. You could probably just run your normal pace in a 5K race and be just fine, I think.

[HappyGrace]

Oh, okay! See, I didn't realize that!! And I'm pretty sure my tendons/ligaments would be okay since that's the distance I run usually. I really thought I was missing some big puzzle piece! I'm still nervous about it, but I am trying to live my life more fully now that I hit 40, so I guess I'll "just do it"!