Training for 5K...

and looking for any advice anyone can give.  I only started training last night and have NEVER been able to do this in the past, so I'm really kind of excited about it.  A bit scared as well....I really want to be able to jog the entire 5K.  Part of me thinks..."You can do this, look how far you've come."  the other part thinks..."What are you kidding? Run for 3 miles?????????????"   So anyway....any advice will be very much appreciated.

Pam! go you! I'm training for a sprint triathlon in August. Been swimming and biking, slacking on the running. So, I downloaded the FREE podcast from the couch to 5k website.  This one was for week 2 and on the run 90 seconds, walk 2 minutes. I love it! He plays techno music and tells you when to walk and run.  You increase running every week.  I did 2 miles tonight and it felt easier than it did when I just tried to run/walk on my own. If you are farther advanced then I am, you could probably download for the later weeks. Let me know how it goes, I'm going to subscribe to this one! Judi

Didja know there is a fitness forum here? http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/fitness There's quite a group of runners there that have been quite helpful in my own walk-to-jog progression.

You might wanna try kickrunners.com coolrunning.com was bought out by active.com around Christmas...and the transition was such a MESS that most people left...kick has the c25k program there. Crap...If I can do a 5k, anyone can. It's all about putting the training in and have teh mind-set to "make it happen!"

I just did it! You can do it! Google "couch to 5k" It's interval training. I started running about 2 months post op and ran my 5k last weekend at 11months post op. Good luck!!!!

Hi there! Good for you! You *CAN* do it.  I just ran 2 5k's in the past two months and it was awesome!  I started with just short bursts of jogging and then walking till I was able to finally run a mile.. then I went for a mile and a quarter and then a mile and a half and so on... walk when u have to but as soon as you can jog another spurt do it... I just kinda did it my own way but I have heard the "couch to 5k" program is awesome.. its sorta like what I did.  Try google searching it.. remember you *CAN* do anything you put your mind to :)  Sky is the limit! Edited to add: I ran the whole thing with not walking ONE step, I was so proud of myself.. and I did them both in 30 minutes.. that is around 9:45 seconds a mile as a 5k is 3.1 miles ;)  YEAH!

I really love the Robert Ullrey Podcast Couch to 5K.  Google it. I've been running for about 9 weeks now (though I am sidelined right now for 2 weeks due to an appendectomy on Wed.)  Ugh.  I'll be walking my 5 K tomorrow!! The program that I am on is "9 weeks" but I have been progressing when I have mastered the level I am on, rather than taking it as a literal nine weeks.  When I started, I couldn't run at all....now, I can run for 8-10 minutes at a time (about 3/4 of a mile). Key things.  Walk to warm up!  Don't increase your running time by more than 10% a week.  Invest in GOOD running shoes, professionally fit.  Stop if it hurts and rest.  Don't worry about speed. You go!!  Let me know how you are doing! Dawn

Hey Pam, YOU CAN DO IT!!!! I did just what MelissaF did and that type of training really helped me. I was able to run a 5K in 31 minutes and I was shocked that I really did it! It felt so good I NEVER had run in my entire life!! So my dear YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!! I am now running 5 miles every time I run!!! Keep us posted. It will change your life forever its so empowering!!!!! Hugs, Lois

Pam.. Check out this website.  www.coolrunning.com  it lists an entire couch to 5K training program.  Very detailed!!   Good Luck!! Jenn