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Last post: Oct 30, 2009 6:59 AM by tatiper RSS
tatiper Amateur 20 posts since
Oct 21, 2009
Currently Being Moderated

Oct 21, 2009 6:38 AM

Is it too early to try a 5k?

I will run the first day of week 7 today. My w6d3 run was great, which encouraged me to start looking for a 5k road race as my "graduation" from the program in a couple of weeks. I am a little sore, but I figure I'll be able to run the 25 min today without problems.

 

My question is, is it too early to try and complete a 5k? I don't care about times at all, but I'm worried because I'm not sure of my mileage. I run to a great podcast that marks the time, but I really don't know how many miles I'm running. The 5k race is on Thanksgiving, which would be about 3 weeks after I complete the c25k program. Should I do it?

blndmbition Rookie 2 posts since
Oct 18, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
1. Oct 21, 2009 6:53 AM in response to: tatiper
Re: Is it too early to try a 5k?

No, it's not too early for you at all!  In fact, by Thanksgiving, you'll actually probably do pretty well.

 

I say this because I'm a newbie who went backwards.  Just started jogging a little, then decided to sign up for a 5k.  Struggled through it, but didn't stop to walk once.  Then did another one, and am doing another this weekend.

Now that I'm hooked, I'm researching how to run, how to train, etc.  Told ya I was backwards.

 

I say go ahead and register - it's so much fun!

Tri 2 Do It Pro 48 posts since
Jan 2, 2008
Currently Being Moderated
2. Oct 21, 2009 7:30 AM in response to: tatiper
Re: Is it too early to try a 5k?

Yes, you definitely should do it!

 

Good luck and let us know how you did.

CalvinGA Amateur 9 posts since
Sep 4, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
3. Oct 21, 2009 7:31 AM in response to: tatiper
Re: Is it too early to try a 5k?
You will have finished the C25K program so you are more than ready for the 5K race.  My wife and I started a modified C25K program this past June and we ran a 5K right after we finished.  For me it was a great incentive to train.  I love the races!  We have completed three 5Ks in the last two months and I am looking for more.  Best of luck and let us know how you do.  Remember, you are only racing yourself.




Callaway Gardens 5K, Sept 6, 2009 - 29:59

2009 Twilight 5K Run for Autism, Oct 9, 2009 - 29:43

The Great Pumpkin Run, 5K, Oct 17, 2009 - 28:59

My First Triathlon - Lake Lanier Islands, 10 Jun 10

disneygal2 Pro 104 posts since
Sep 30, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
4. Oct 21, 2009 7:39 AM in response to: CalvinGA
Re: Is it too early to try a 5k?
Go for it!   I am currently on WK 4 Day 2 and I'm signed up for Thanksgiving Day 5 K.  You can always take walking breaks if needed, but you will do just fine.  Congratulations on being on week 7.  You are doing great.    Jess




Started C25K Sept 28

Couch to 5 K Graduation Day November 26

Dana Hills Turkey Trot  Thanksgiving Day 2009 5 K....  Time 32 minutes 25 seconds!!

Next goals..  Train for 10 K

run a 5k under 30 minutes

PRAISE GOD!!!

Ericd3043 Pro 84 posts since
Aug 2, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
5. Oct 22, 2009 6:46 AM in response to: disneygal2
Re: Is it too early to try a 5k?

You will be fine.  I did not follow the C25K program, just ran and signed up for a 5K after running for a few months before I took a job.  The month and 1/2 before the race, I could barely get any time in to train.  I was able to finish in decent time- even though I had to walk part of it.  Just watch your pacing and you will be fine.

 

Good luck!





My race times (2009)

Vince Tantillo/ Jack Barr Memorial Run 5K:  26:37

Waynesboro Firecracker 5K:  26:47

Tom Ausherman Memorial 5 mile Run:  44:50

Great Frederick Fair Race 5K:  26:42

CitiCorp 5K Heart Run  :  25:49   Finished 13th, 2nd in my class! (though, only 43 racers)

2009 Turkey Trot : Hagerstown 5K  25 minutes 27 seconds... another personal best!  Results pending before I know where I placed!

Check out my Blog :  My journey to the Ultra Marathon....

mt232 Expert 45 posts since
Nov 13, 2008
Currently Being Moderated
7. Oct 29, 2009 6:36 AM in response to: tatiper
Re: Is it too early to try a 5k?

I never did C25K, I just started running, very slow and very short, then a little longer. I ran with a goal of doing a 5K, which surprised everyone since I never ran. Surprizing everyone was part of my motivation. After doing one, I wanted to do better. So I sign up for a 5K about once a month (schedule permitting) Fore me it is not a race, but a structured workout. I have two young boys, so money and time is tight, therefore I tell myself, if you sign up, you better get out there and prepare yourself. I also read these message boards daily to keep up my interest.

 

Sorry for the long story.....the point is, go do the 5k, it'll be a workout and make you want to do another. Read the running magazines too. There seems to be alot of great events in New England to run in.    I'd love to run in Cape Cod one day.

SeeFluffyRun Pro 89 posts since
Sep 2, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
8. Oct 29, 2009 8:20 AM in response to: tatiper
Re: Is it too early to try a 5k?

Do it.  I did my first 5K during W7 of  c25K.  You will be glad you did.  The adrenaline rush you get will help carry you.  I didn't completely run my first one but somehow my overall pace was better than my shorter runs during W7...go figure.  Do it, you will be glad you did.





See Fluffy Run  My blog

07/18/2009  Lunar Rendezvous 5K

10/03/2009 Race for the Cure 5K

10/24/2009 Nike Human Race 10K

11/07/2009 2009 MS Walk/Run 5K: Kemah

The miracle isn't that I finished.  The miracle is that I had the courage to start. John Bingham

Tri_baby Amateur 7 posts since
Oct 18, 2008
Currently Being Moderated
9. Oct 29, 2009 9:07 AM in response to: SeeFluffyRun
Re: Is it too early to try a 5k?

GO FOR IT!   Last year was my first racing season, I started in September and ran my first race in November.  My goal was to not walk.  I struggled, but made it.  Here's my best advice:  1... don't let pre-race negative thoughts get to you (i.e. can i really do this, am i ready, etc) 2... pace yourself (run your race, not someone else) people will pass you when you start, don't try to keep up...remember you have to go 3 miles  I've found if I start slower and pace myself by mile 2-3 I'm passing people who ran passed me at the start. Actually, I have the most fun with people here.  Usually, they can't stand to be passed, I keep my steady pace and now they can't keep up with me. 3...relax and have fun, there is NOTHING like crossing the finish line no matter what the time clock says. The feeling of accomplishment and endorphin rush will last a while!





Run as far as you can...then run back

Hills are for passing

Running since 09/25/2008

 

Marykb Legend 631 posts since
Jan 16, 2008
Currently Being Moderated
10. Oct 29, 2009 12:17 PM in response to: tatiper
Re: Is it too early to try a 5k?

No,its not too early to try a 5K.  Basically if you can run at all you can complete a 5K.  (Any reasonably fit person could at least walk a 5K with little or no training).  You may not do a great time on your first try, but that is no reason to miss out on the fun.  You'll get better as you get more experience. But for now, go ahead and do the race and have a good time.





Recent races:  Peachtree RR: 63:48,  Doug Kessler Lightning 10K: 62:48, Atlanta Half Marathon: 2:19:54,  Polar Bear 5K: 30:13, Chattahoochee Road Runners 10K: 61:03

Lifetime PRs 10K: <55:00, 5K: <27:00  (circa 1990's)

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