First 5K

AmyC925

I signed up for my first 5k for August 11. I knew if I didn't register, I wouldn't do it. I've never really run more than a mile at a time, so I'm super nervous. I've been jogging at the gym, but am taking my game to the road tomorrow morning. I'm overweight and trying to get in shape, and it seems my body really likes the running.
Any recommendations for training or keeping my motivation up?

cecemama1

I am by no means a pro at running, and I have really always hated doing it until now.  I keep a big calender in our workout room, where I write down my distance and time each day.  Every day I try to go a little further and/or a little faster.  Writing it down, knowing that my husband will see it later, keeps me motivated.  I have worked up to a considerable distance (at least for me) now, so every time I write it down, I can't wait for him to see it and be super impressed, haha.

 

Plus, I got some new shoes/running clothes recently, so I get excited to put it on and feel like a real athlete, not just some gross lady in old t shirts! 

Finally, get some awesome tunes to listen to, or watch an adrenaline pumping movie, if you are on a treadmill.  It makes the time go faster! 

MelissaMiso

What I did when I was training for my first 10K, I plotted out a 10K training route using the trip meter on my car's odometer. After a warm up, I would start jogging the route. When I got tired and needed to walk to cool down, I would turn around and back track along the route. Then I would walk back to the spot I began the rest period walk and start jogging again. I'd repeat this process throughout the whole 10K distance. Each day I jogged, I would challenge myself to get a little further along the route before taking a rest/walk. I built up my stamina really fast this way and each longer running distance was motivation enough to keep at it.  Good luck!

monlyn9

If you have a smartphone, you can download an app to help. I use the couch to 5K app which is an 8 week program. I am also overweight and have never run before. I find the workouts challenging but doable. It is free for the four workouts and then it costs $2.99 (I think that aw the cost). 

Bemma09

Hello there! I recently signed up for my first 5k as well, and...it's on the same week as yours.  I have been running to try to get more in shape before I get pregnant. I hope to lose a few lbs before I put some more on top of them if you know what I mean. I also am not a "runner."  I'm running 2 miles currently and the last five minutes KILL me.  I find that a playlist that I've created really helps me push through. I can just keep moving my feet in time to the beat and sort of "zone out" and just keep going!  I also downloaded Nike's free app. I think it's called Nike + running. I don't have those fancy shoes that have the sensor in them, but this app says you don't need that. It uses your GPS on your phone to map out your run and to tell you how far you've gone and if your pace was faster than last time's etc.

I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but I am excited to.  I have heard good things about couch to 5k as well. However, they use time in minutes to get you running the 5k and I run like a 13 minute mile so when they say you're done at running for 30 minutes I really haven't done a 5k yet.

 

Hope this helps! 

bmbjines

Congrats!! You're going to get the running bug! I'm a huge runner, and haven't been able to run the first few weeks of the pregnancy. Signing up for the race before is great motivation. I would suggest running with an i-pod. The music will really help you stay motivated. You may also want to set up a set running time- early in the morning or after work. Knowing that this is your time will help you stick to it. I would also add a few mins. to your run each week. Start small- 10 mins. running, then 5 mins. walking. You can build on this, until you are only running. Stretching and yoga will help as well.

Good luck! Let us know how well you do!!

bmbjines

One other thing- download the nike app for your smart phone. It's awesome!! It will tell you how fast you are going, your calories burned, etc.