5k or half?

[weesignlanguage]

I am very new to running. I am halfway through c25k and loving it. I would love to set a goal to do a race during marathon weekend since we will already be there for vacation.

I am working on losing weight...currently down 20lbs and at 200 lb now as a 5'5" 37 year old female. I plan on doing a 5k locally this fall when it is cooler(I live in south Alabama).

What do you guys think? 5k or half? Thanks!!

 

[MickeyMomTo2]

I did the Princess Half in Feb, and it was one of the best experiences of my life! It was my first one, and I had only been running about 8 months. If you have the opportunity to do the half, I say go for it. Disney does it right.

If you feel like it is an overwhelming goal, take a look at Jeff Galloway's plans. He suggests taking a one minute walk break after a certain time or distance to rejuvenate. I started using his program after I finished a C25K, and I actually finished a 5k FASTER taking a few one minute walk breaks. At first I thought it was cheating, but I decided that if I finished faster, who cares? Also, there were MANY people doing this method at the half-marathon.

It was SO fun. I can't wait to do another Disney race! And, the Disney medals are very nice!

 

[scoolover]

I went from 375lbs to a marathon in 13 months. It's definitely possible but I would suggest a longer running base before going for the half. I have no doubt that you can finish the half if it's something you really want to do though.

 

[stitchfan18]

If the half is something that you really want to do, and you train smart, there is no reason you can't do it. If you start with a low mileage training plan and gradually work your weekend long runs up until the half then you should make it to the start with enough miles in your training and injury free.

I did the 5k at during the princess weekend in February and it was a lot of fun. If that's the route you decide to go, you'll still have a great time, but the 5k is a fun run, meaning not timed. I ran it with my mom and she was only doing the 5k that weekend, so she was bummed to find that out.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

When I decided to run my first race post college, I went for the Disney Princess Half mainly because you get an official time. If I was going to go to all that effort to do something I never thought I would, I wanted proof! Most 5k races do not provide official times and the medals aren't as awesome as the Half and Full so I say if you really want to create a bit more motivation, go for the Half. It will be the most incredible goal you will ever reach.

 

[JCH]

Hey, I'm new here and trying to do the same thing. I'm doing the Halloween 5k and then hopefully starting to train for the Princess Half. If you are doing well on C25K, try starting with Jeff Galloways half marathon plan on the runDsiney website. if you can do 30 mins and 3 mi by the end of August, there is no reason you can't do the half marathon on this plan! I'd post the link, but I am too new and it won't let me.