Dumb Question alert!

[Miniefan]

Okay, so maybe this question is not exactly dumb but, How long or how many miles is a 5K run?

I have never been a fan of running. I am trying to get healthier this year and incorporate exercise back into my life. My ultimate goal is to be able to run, Not because something is chasing me, or because it's almost 10:30 and McDonald's is about to stop serving breakfast, but because it feels good.

2008 was a really bad year for me in every way imaginably and I am tired of feeling like a dishtowel.

Any suggestions on how to slowly gain the ability to run and feel better again?

Thank you for listening
Kim

 

[MelanieC]

OMG - I loved the McDonald's analogy!

I am pretty sure a 5 K is a 3.1 mile run. Marathon for Mortals is an excellent book by John Bingham. Also looking up a couch to 5K (C25K) training program is excellent.

Its all about building a little at a time. You don't want to increase your running to fast or it's really easy to get an injury. You can do it - I did a 1/2 marathon in 2005 (2 of them in fact) and it felt so monumental. What a great feeling to finish it. Also, you don't have to run the whole thing. Many people walk or walk/run them.

 

[Miniefan]

Thank you for you reply. I need some definite lifestyle changes this year. I am not going to get out there and be able to run a mile right off but if I keep trying at it I can get my endurance up. Thank you for the book reference, I will check it out.

Thanks again
Kim

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I agree with everything Melanie has advised. I love and am a huge follower of the John Bingham Marathoning for Mortals. Courage to Start by him is a good read as well.

Whatever you do, the most important thing is to not do too much too fast. It is fine if you use Couch 2 5k and repeat some weeks until you feel comfortable. Pushing too fast will lead to injury and then unhappiness. I could not make it from one mailbox to the next when first stepping. Now I can get a lot more steps together. Many people will walk or do versions of running. It is not exactly that you must run all the distance. Most important is to increase activity and decrease calories. Choos to live a healthy lifestyle. Look for healthy eating choices, food is fuel and you want to make better choices. Make small goals and try to have fun. You can do this!