First 5k

I am fairly new to regular exercise and fitness after being sidelined for almost a year and I have started a beginners running program with thoughts of completing 5k and longer distances in 2014.

There is a 5k on 12/14/13 that is fun run/walk one. I would like to sign up but am nowhere near being able to run for 3.1 miles. I am just now up to 1/2 mile segments with walking intervals in between.

My question did you wait to do your first 5k when you could run the whole thing or did walk/run your first few as you built endurance? Did you feel inferior to other 'real' runners or was it motivating? ( I still have a hard time calling myself a runner which is why I referenced real runners )

Thanks for any feedback.

Actually, I walked the entire thing - for like my first 2 events.  Even when I registered as a "runner" I just ran mailbox to mailbox and walked the rest.   I have found more people cheer you on than judge you in the running and triathlon world!!

Thanks LJ for the feedback! I was more than a little concerned that my run/walk intervals would be frowned at. You know , as if I was holding someone up. I'm worried about staying out of the way. Or worse, getting passed by walkers.

I will register tomorrow. It think we are right down the interstate from each other.

We ARE close!!

If you are worried about "being in the way" - think of it like driving, slower traffic on the right, pass on the left.  People will just be happy to see you there and you will be dusting everybody still on the couch!!

(true story - when I first started "running", my goal was to beat the race walkers. It took a long time to get there lol)

There's some that say you're a runner from the moment you first run. Others say you're a runner when you complete your first race. I say defining oneself as a runner is when it stops being something you DO and starts feeling like something you ARE. We all start with a first step, and I think most here started as walk/run. I've mentored people who'd done their first Half Marathon as a walk/run program. Butchering a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent - but being honest, I compared myself to "real" runners for quite a while, until I'd had a few races under my belt and the change really wasn't about how others viewed me or how many races I ran or being able to run without walk breaks - it was a conscious choice of me defining myself as a runner. So, no, don't wait to do your 5k - - like Nike's slogan says, Just Do It!  

I was so proud of coming in 3rd out of 4 racers for my age group (50-60), I won this flat of eggs. It was a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot...2 miles.  I did it for my health and to be out there living.  I walked a lot of the course...Talked will old friends while we were walking.  I then pushed when I wanted to...Walked when I needed to.  It's about taking on life and not worrying what others will think.  Brian  PS  I will say that for all the people getting awards...I was probably the most proud to receive mine.  PSS  Don't be surprised if you break down and cry coming to the finish line...Part of the joy living the new life you've been given. 

Thanks Brian, for the encouragement. I love your egg 'trophy'!

I was a little worried that I was going to be a crying mess when I cross the finish line the first time. Thanks for validating that's ok!