I just participated in my first 5k race last weekend, and it was great!  I am planning to start 10k training in the next week or so and am interested in a thread.

I think it is an interesting idea.  I did not actually do the C25K program.  I found out about it after I had already ran my first 5K race.  My time was decent (26:37) and I have since done 3 5K's and attempted a 5mile race.

I think that I would like to start a 10K program, but I am currently working on the intermediate program from the Active Community that was free.  I am about 3 weeks into it and have seen my time improve as I go.  My next 5K race is this weekend (weather says cold and rainy... that sucks!) so we shall see if the work produces results.

Since I only have 1 more 5K this year, I think upgrading my training to do a 10K should not be an issue.  I am looking not only for going longer but also improving my times on any race I do.

Mango... good luck with the 5 miler.  I did my first one without really training (I was still doing 5K's) and I went at my 5K pace.  I did finish it, though I ended up stopping to walk a few times after mile 3.  Just go into it with a different mindset and keep focused on the goal.  If you can do a 5K, you can do a 5 miler - keep at it and you will be fine.  Most of my runs are the 3 mile range, but I do one long one that ends up being just over 5 miles in about 42 min.  Since I do not have a way to keep track how far I run after the 5 mile course, I am just guessing at that point and I just stop once I hit the 5 mile mark.

Hi there,

I started running this July for the first time in my life and have done two 5K's.   I am so happy that I finished w/o passing out but it's really easy to get discouraged when you see other people finish so quickly!  I did my first in 38.4 (torrential downpours too) and then the 2nd in 37.13 according to 'gun time' but my time was a little shorter I just don't have official results!

Anyway-I'm planning on running a 10K on Dec 13th in DC (Jingle all the Way run!)  I got shinsplints in my last race b/c I ran full speed like an IDIOT down a couple hills w/ NO form.  SO I'm taking it easy and doing the bike and elliptical to keep up some endurance.  My goal is to start RUNNING by Nov 1st-I've tried a few times since my last race and it's excruciating (yes, I'm icing, stretching, strengthening...nothing but time will fix it at this point).  So-I found my training plan on About.com.  I googled "10K training plans for beginngers" and it popped up first.  It seems doable for SURE.

Does anyone else get discouraged when they see such good times?  I'm sooooo slow.  If I can run a 12 min mile I'm happy...I just can't seem to keep up the quickness w/o getting really winded TOO fast!