Help, please with the Princess 5K run/walk!?!

[Madhatter266]

I would really like to enter the Princess 5K - I know that I need to decide very soon - but, here is me concern. I have just recently started walking and I know that I can complete the distance. At this point I cannot be consistent with the 16 minute per mile requirement. Currently I am more like 17 minutes. I am trying desparately to shave off time but I don't know if I can do this by the event. I have attempted short run/jogs within my walking but I end up cramping up. How strict are the race officials about "picking a walker up" at the 16 minute interval? I realize the criticality of the timing for the marathon or half, but is there any flexibility for the 5K. I'm sure the requirement is set to keep people from taking all day, and I understand. Maybe I need to set my goal for 2012 - any past experiences would be very helpful.

 

[minniebeth]

Not sure if the Princess 5K is run the same as Marathon Weekend, but we just did the 5k for the Marathon Weekend and I was worried about the same thing. First of all, keep going! Each day you walk will help you gain endurance and you'd be surprised by how much you can improve if you stick with it.
Second of all, believe that you can do it! Even if you have to push yourself a little, you can!
So, that being said, I was exactly at a 16 min. mile when I did the 5k. Know that the time starts with the start of the race, but that the cut off time doesn't start until everyone is past the start line. So if you go toward the back of the corrals, but not all the way in the back, this will give you some cushion time....and there were still a LOT of people behind us, so I don't think it's something that you have to be super worried about (like I was!). Not sure if they ever did sweep for the 5k.

GO FOR IT! You can do it and ENJOY it!