Am I ready? Need advice for 5K

Hi exercisers.....

It's always been a goal of mine to complete a 5K.  Always been afraid to try cuz of my weight.... but now I've lost 100 pounds.

I'm wondering if I'm "ready" for a 5K?  I don't actually jog/run so I'm pretty ignorant.  What I can tell you is this:  I exercise on an elliptical machine, and it tells me that during my 50 minute program that I've "travelled" 5K. However, I know that an ellipical machine isn't the same as actual running.

Do you guys think this means that I might be close enough though to try a race?  I just want to complete it. 

Also... is there a good "running for newbies" site?  I know I need to actually pay attention to footwear and such, but again, I'm ignorant.

 you absolutely can do a 5k!   the site i used was "Couch to 5k" it gives you a good plan, and you'll be suprised how well you can do, especially if you've been working out on the elliptical.  here's the site:  http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml  training on a treadmill at the gym is a nice low impact way to get started.  I think if you're thick or thin everyone starts out doing the zombie shuffle. :) you'll start to be more aware of your body and your strength, it clears the head, and you can feel it in your abs.  be sure to get in your protein so you are fueled up, and invest in a good pair of running shoes, if you have issues with your knees you can get a brace.  the first 5k i did was the raindeer romp on thanksgiving, there were thousands of people there, and it was like a big party.  you can do it!  even just a short jog twice a week can make a HUGE difference.  start out slow and work you're way up, you'll be amazed, takes only a few weeks!

 Hey thanks for the encouragement. I still don't know how much an elliptical trainer is like actual running

I was just looking at the "ease into 5K" iPhone app on iTunes. Seems like a great idea. 

 oh i'll have to check that out, i don't know about that.  i've used map my run before?  not sure if its similar.  jogging is higher impact than elliptical meaning there is more impact on your body and joints, but the elliptical can prepare your strength, and stamina.  I started out on the elliptical and then went on to short jogs on the treadmill.  oh also, i wasn't so good at the walk/run thing, i prefered to get all the running out of the way together.  it was much harder for me to start and stop and start again.  but i think it's a better workout if you can.  good luck!

 Are you a type A personality and need to set a goal of running the whole thing? If not, you are definitely ready to try. Heck, I did a 5k at 350 lbs before surgery. You should do one soon so you can get addicted and then you'll train hard for the next one :)

The couch to 5k program is wonderful. I was never a runner and did this program and now run 3-5 miles  without stopping. You can do it. The program really eases you into it and builds you up. Just get some good music and take off.

Julie

You are more than ready and able to finish a 5K.  Don't make your first event about nailing some preset time goal.  Make your first race about 2 things 1) START 2) FINISH.  Who cares if it takes you 45, 50 or even 60 minutes to complete the thing the key is you will have completed a goal and if you are like the rest of us well that will lead to a new goal and so on. 

Sign up for the 5K run when you feel like it Walk when you need to and HAVE FUN.

Hey, thanks for the great advice!

COUCH TO 5K!!! For the win!

www.c25k.com

looks like you got a lot of good advice already.  there have been dozens of people that use this site over the years that swear by the couch2-5K program, i would have used it myself but didn't chance into it until i had already finished my first one.  best of luck!