5K

I want to participate in a 5k next Summer and I don't know anyone or even how to train for it... Any ideas?

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I would start with a couch to 5k program, or c25k, they have them for smart phones or you can download podcasts for your ipod. It helps you build up your running slowly. Do a search of these forums for it and you will see some good discussions on it!

I started by walking on a treadmill until I could run. I do one day treadmill and then I do something else the next day. As I felt like I could run, I ran for as long as I could, sometime a min, sometimes 5 mins. Once I could run 10 mins, I knew I could run the whole thing. After about a month of running it on the treadmill, I moved to outside just about a week ago. It is a lot more stress on your legs, but the time goes by much faster. Also, sign-up for a 5K so youo have a deadline, it will keep you going. If you have a lot to lose, you may want to work on losing before running, to save yourself the pain and high risk of hurting yourself. I hopefully will run my first at the end of July.

Definitely try the Couch to 5K program. I did it 4 1/2 years ago having never run in my life and weighing about 220 lbs. It really works. Just be sure to have good shoes and be aware of what surfaces you are running on. Cement is the hardest and therefore the worst so avoid sidewalks if you can. Asphalt is better than concrete but that means roads so you have to be very aware of traffic (run against traffic and don't have your headphones too loud). Ideally, a running track is your best option. Good luck!