Training Suggestions for my first 5K in WDW Jan 08

[postesf]

Hello All! I have been reading some of the very inspiring threads here and thought I could ask for some advise.

I registered DH and I last week for the 5K on Jan 11, 2008. I am just starting out. There are so many different training programs, I'm not sure what to do??? I know there is a 15 mile per min limit so I'm pretty sure I cannot walk it (I'm only 5'2''). I'm also about 70lb overweight for my height. I thought this would be something fun for DH and I do together, but also a great goal to work towards to also help me lose weight.

So...Any suggestions for training??? I looked at the couch to 5K, but I think it may be too ambitious for me. (I broke my leg skiing 6 yrs ago and have a little bit of arthritis in my right knee--I'm only 27!)

I'd also like to know what you guys eat before morning workouts/if you eat and on race day, what do have before the race???

Thanks so much for all your suggestions and hope to see some of you there!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I know a lot of folks here have used the Couch to 5K program with success!

It really takes you from the beginning level of having not done anything like that before.

I haven't used it myself, but many Wishers have and the results have been amazing. Many have graduated to the Donald and I think some even to the Mickey and maybe the Goofy!

How long is the Couch to 5K training program?

You might be able to start it earlier at just half of what they suggest, then start the program when you need to.

The 5K is at night, isn't it? I haven't done night races, but I tend to eat carefully if I plan a jaunt in the evening just b/c I don't want to run with a tummy full of thanksgiving dinner.

I usually eat a carb, like a bagel and protein. My staple for my last event was a bagel--with a sliced hard boiled egg on top with a little bit of butter spread and salt and pepper. YUMM!!!

I try to keep it light--but filling, so I wouldn't say do sausage or bacon--though some folks might.

For a night time race, I would make sure I was eating a good balance of carb/protein/veggie or fruit for breakfast and lunch--then maybe a snack about an hour before the race and then have dinner after the race.

With your leg, you will greatly benefit from cross training. So I would make sure any plan you follow accounts for cross training. Cross training is ANYTHING that will exercise your muscles and/or heart that is non-impact. So a spin class, biking, swimming, elliptical trainer, rower, etc.

 

[andromedaslove]

I was going to suggest the Couch to 5k until I read the rest of your post. I think you might be surprised at how much you can accomplish by using the basic idea of it though. I would suggest starting a little at a time, and increasing it every week or even two if you feel you need to take it a little slower. There are plenty of people that never get to the point of week 6 where they run for 8 minutes straight. There are plenty of Gallowalkers (I hate that term) here that run for 2-3-4 minutes then walk a minute and go great distances (marathons and half marathons) by doing just that.

My DS6 and I are running the 5k in January too. It's his first run and he started training by walking for 2 minutes then running for one minute. The next week he walked for 1 and ran for 1. Then the next week walked for 1 and ran for 2. He built up to running for 4 walking for 1 for the entire 5k. Granted, his miles are something like 15 minutes per mile, but he is so proud of himself for being able to do it.

 

[tinkerbell of winter]

You can totally do it! This January I started getting back into shape. I enrolled in a fitness class during my last semester since I had one extra credit that I needed, and it seemed like the perfect way to start getting into shape. Two years ago at Christmastime I weighed 250 lbs. I got down to 200 in 2006 before my trip to Europe, but in January I was back up to 226 lbs. I got down to 190 in April before my trip to California, but now i'm slowly creeping back up there again. So anyway, I started running in the middle of January, a mile or two at a time. In March I did my first five mile run, in July I did a 15K (9.3 miles), and on my birthday this September 2nd I ran the Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon. I will be doing the 5K with my daughter and I can't wait to see you there! You can totally do it!

 

[emilymad]

Just wanted to say hi!

My DBF and I signed up for the 5K too. It will be our first race. We started doing the Couch to 5K about two months ago. I really recommend it. I have problems with my feet and shins so I understand how frustrating it can be sometimes We are only on week 6. We have been using the plan as a guide. There are some weeks we did over again since we didn't feel ready to move on. I really suggest you try it. I didn't think I would be able to do it but I have really been surprised. Just don't feel pressured to move on before you feel ready. We can't yet run 20 minutes without stopping so we are totally off the plan at this point. We tried doing 5k the other week just to see what are time would be. We ran until we felt like we needed to walk and did in about 40 minutes. I NEVER thought I would be able to do this a few weeks ago. So give it a try!

Good luck!!!!

 

[postesf]

Thanks guys for your words for enouragement! Hopefully I will see you there!!!

If anyone else has any suggestions...Keep'em coming!

Thanks!
Stacie

 

[aldisneygrl]

Hi! I am just reading this for the first time, and am considering doing the 5K in Jan with my DD9. I still haven't signed up yet. Plan to do so soon since it says they are 70% full. Any suggestions on how to train my DD without telling her about the trip? I would love for it to be a surprise until the end. I haven't started running yet, but I tried the other night, just jogging until I couldn't anymore, then walked, and I did 3.1 miles in 44:30. I just worry that my DD won't be able to keep up, and that she will be picked up and taken to the finish line, and I will still be in the race. Any thoughts?

 

[ggeorgiagirl]

The 5K in May was such an inspiration to me! I am 35...218lbs and a total couch potato! YIKES! I know...I know!!! ANYWAY! I signed up for the Minnie weekend's 5K! I followed the WISH boards...reading almost every day! Got my LIME green WISH shirt and attempted the race (my hubby was watching the kids)! Within one minute, Anne found me...and directed me to the other DISers! If it were not for my green shirt...I would have been all alone! GET ONE!! My time sucked (58 minutes) but I wasn't the last!

Well, I am signed up for the 5K in January and CAN'T wait! I just want to have a better time that the last! I am training more but it is basically walking at this point!

It will give you such pride to even attempt it, I PROMISE!

 

[postesf]

ggeorgiagirl--That is awesome!!! I want to the Minnie 5K this coming May too. We are going for a week and that will be the start to the week.

I did manage to get in my order of lime green shirts on this last order--just barely. I'm not sure when I'll get it. I do plan to wear it!!! Hopefully I will see you there! How cool!!!

I can walk 3.2 mi in about in an hour. My concern is that there seems to be a time limit on the 5K in January--15 min miles. So if I did my calculations right that means I would have to complete it in about 45 minutes!!! It says that if you cannot keep the pace they will pick you up and transport you to the finish line. I definately do NOT want that happen. I want DH and I to be able to cross the finish line together... This is where my stress is coming in!

Good luck on your training!!!
Stacie

 

[postesf]

Hi! I am just reading this for the first time, and am considering doing the 5K in Jan with my DD9. I still haven't signed up yet. Plan to do so soon since it says they are 70% full. Any suggestions on how to train my DD without telling her about the trip? I would love for it to be a surprise until the end. I haven't started running yet, but I tried the other night, just jogging until I couldn't anymore, then walked, and I did 3.1 miles in 44:30. I just worry that my DD won't be able to keep up, and that she will be picked up and taken to the finish line, and I will still be in the race. Any thoughts?

Could you just ask her to walk w/ you? This way you would get her involved??? Maybe ask her to be your excercise partner? This would make her feel special. Then after a few weeks you could assess where she is at and see if she would be able to do it in January??? Just an idea! Good luck!!!

 

[postesf]

You can totally do it! This January I started getting back into shape. I enrolled in a fitness class during my last semester since I had one extra credit that I needed, and it seemed like the perfect way to start getting into shape. Two years ago at Christmastime I weighed 250 lbs. I got down to 200 in 2006 before my trip to Europe, but in January I was back up to 226 lbs. I got down to 190 in April before my trip to California, but now i'm slowly creeping back up there again. So anyway, I started running in the middle of January, a mile or two at a time. In March I did my first five mile run, in July I did a 15K (9.3 miles), and on my birthday this September 2nd I ran the Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon. I will be doing the 5K with my daughter and I can't wait to see you there! You can totally do it!

That is great!!! Hopefully I will see you there! I am determined to do this thing!!!

 

[postesf]

I was going to suggest the Couch to 5k until I read the rest of your post. I think you might be surprised at how much you can accomplish by using the basic idea of it though. I would suggest starting a little at a time, and increasing it every week or even two if you feel you need to take it a little slower. There are plenty of people that never get to the point of week 6 where they run for 8 minutes straight. There are plenty of Gallowalkers (I hate that term) here that run for 2-3-4 minutes then walk a minute and go great distances (marathons and half marathons) by doing just that.


My DS6 and I are running the 5k in January too. It's his first run and he started training by walking for 2 minutes then running for one minute. The next week he walked for 1 and ran for 1. Then the next week walked for 1 and ran for 2. He built up to running for 4 walking for 1 for the entire 5k. Granted, his miles are something like 15 minutes per mile, but he is so proud of himself for being able to do it.

That is great about your son!!! I have just started to try to walk 5 min/ run 1 to see how I do w/ that and then maybe work up to 4/1, 3/1, 2/1 and so on to where I am running more than walking... I'm definately not trying to win any speed records, just want to complete it!

 

[getnthinr]

DianeL invited me to come over and share my experiences in the Family Fun 5K at WDW. Last year, the 5K was pirate-and-princess-themed and pretty relaxed (meaning I did not see any sweeps or anyone upholding the pace limit -- to guard against disappointment, DO NOT count on that being the case every year). There are a LOT of people -- this is apparently the biggest shock to some folks who show up and expect to "race" the 5K. There is no corral system -- and just like in the local charity walks here at home, loads of little kids crowd the front. (Again, much to the consternation of those who expected a competitive 5K. Hey, I figure that's why they call it "Family Fun".)

There is a stage with official commentators -- and a lot of ceremony, music, and witty commentary before the start of the race. (Last year, obviously, it all centered around pirates.)

Honestly, I don't remember a lot about any characters on the course during the 5K (though I do remember some from the previous years, so it's entirely possible that I've forgotten some details from last year's race). There are Cast Members clapping for you along the way, though. After the 5K, though, there were several characters that you could pose with for photos (Hook and the princesses, due to the theme). The kids races also include some giveaways. The coolest thing about the 5Ks in my opinion, though, is the multicolored vinyl medals -- the theme of which changes every year.

It's a fun event if you can relax and enjoy the experience. The medals are definitely collector's items since they change every year. Enjoy!

 

[aldisneygrl]

Could you just ask her to walk w/ you? This way you would get her involved??? Maybe ask her to be your excercise partner? This would make her feel special. Then after a few weeks you could assess where she is at and see if she would be able to do it in January??? Just an idea! Good luck!!!

I think this is where I am going to start with her. Just take her on a walk and see how long it takes for her to do 3.1 miles, and see if she can even do that. We will work from there. I think I may do what andromedaslove did with her DS too. Work our way up to it. Can't wait to see all of you in Jan.!

 

[DianeL]

Thanks Wendy!!! I know some others (did Lily do it too?) have done the 5Ks too for Marathon weekend but my brain is mush and I knew Wendy has had some experience with them.

Please continue to train and follow the programs, like Wendy said, just because the sweepers might not have been seen that doesn't mean they won't suddenly jump out of the woodwork in 2008. And grant it, i was swept in my 1st 1/2 but for me that only reinforced that I needed to treat my distance with more respect. I really want everyone to finish and finish saying 'hey that was fun let's do some more'

Follow those plans (couch to 5K) and put in those steps. Each step counts and brings you closer to the finish line. Keep positive thoughts both in training and throughout the race. (so speaks the woman who hit the wall on the treadmill today LOL)

It's going to be quite a party on Jan 11th. It seems more and more from the group are doing the 5K each year. This will be Susan and mine's 1st Disney 5K. She's actually worried about the 15 min/mile pace. Truly I am too to a certain point, we're both happier with longer distances. But no worries there will be WISH Racing shirts on the course along with friendly smiles from those wearing them.

This year I swear I am taking a notepad just to write things down regarding Marathon Weekend. This year was the 1st time i had heard that some of the resort restaurants had a special menu for the nights before the Half and Full. Each year we're learning about something else.

Happy training!!!!!

 

[postesf]

Thanks DianeL and Wendy for the insite!! This is obviously my first so I have no idea what to expect.

The 15 min/mile pace does concern me quite a bit. I did the treadmill last night (which I probably did faster since it helps you to keep your pace better than walking outside) and I only did 1.6 miles in 30 min. So, I've got a long way to go to work up to the required timing... I'm trying not to let that overly concern me now because I know It's still over 3 months away and I've just started, but it's hard not to get discouraged...

Thanks again for your encouragement and imput!

Stacie

 

[emilymad]

Thanks all for the great insight! I have a silly question.... what do you do with your car keys, etc while running? What about if it rains?

 

[hoosmi]

Fun thread-

aldisneygrl- I didn't do the 5k, but I have done some with my DD. Could you maybe sign up for a local 5k for November or December with your DD? That way you could get her training without mentioning Disney. If you just sign up without her, you could call her your "coach." My DD loved ordering me around on our walks- she could be in charge of pacing, hills, etc. Or, if you really want Disney to be your first 5k, maybe tell her you are going to sign up for a 5k in say, February, and you need her help now...

postesf- of course you can do it! you've got lots of time, so just try to find the fine line between increasing your ability and pushing too hard and hurting yourself.

emilymad- I take off all but the key I need and put it in the one little pocket I have in my shorts. They make shoe pouches too that can hold stuff like that. In a longer race, I wear my waist belt that has room for keys. As far as rain goes, I know people run in the rain (Judy ran in sideways rain!), but I haven't had to yet. I don't know if I'm tough enough.


Jen in GA

 

[ggeorgiagirl]

In May, they did not sweep...but I was SURE worried about it!!! They also had a baggage claim place (the organizers gave out little backpacks and I just put my keys in there).

 

[DianeL]

I've used Amphipod water belt system which I love but this past summer I put out my lower back (old shoes baaaad Diane) so after that I switched to a hand held and I'm using a NATHAN that I picked up at the New Balance store. Now they are not the only ones that carry them but check around. I found running warehouse online has them so you can see the direction of the zipper...

http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-NQDPWB.html

i've looked at a similar one at REI and the name of that one alludes me at the moment but it's very similar but the zipper is on the side. What I like about my Nathan is I leave a pack of sport beans in there and can reach in and grab one at a time. I can also fit in a Clif Shot with the sport beans in the pouch. I just tried and you can fit your drivers license and i used a credit card to simulate the room cards LOL For a 5K all you really need is room for your card, license and maybe keys if you drove. Same for the ToT 15K. What I did for my keys is to take those wonderful clips that we all use these days... caribringer (?) those things that were made for Cliff climbers but we all use for keyrings LOL But i have a small one that isn't hinged it instead has a portion that moves up and down. up and you screw it safely closed, unscrew, slide down to get the keys off. I 've also added extra Cliff Shots to this on my longer days. Sorry for the description I don't know the exact name and trying to describe it mushy brain!

susan for the park ties either or both her clicker / key to her shoes.

BTW, Susan also has back issues and she continues to use her water belt. It's a personal thing for me and with the Marathon we have 2 personal support people moving around the course for us so i don't need the water system. But I HAVE used the belt for my 3 finished 1/2 marathons and mutiple local (and the Cincy Pig 5K& 10K)races.

Rain? We run. We joke that we use the Disney 'flash and bang' to decide if we need to run back to the car. For training we lucked out our park is a long windy trail. We have parked one car on each end for safety if there is a fear of storms coming in. We cracked up reading the Minnie directions and what they wrote about what if it rains. 'bob' watches for lightening (we have a flash) and 'joe' confirms the bang LMBO ok we're just weird but hey we're becoming distance athelets which has me convinced it's causing a lack of oxygen and therefore a lack of brain cells

OH!! i knew there was one more thing.. the nathan bottle comes out nicely. which is why i like it for the marathon. i use 'ice mountain' bottles (just to give you an idea of shape) and i switch out while training keeping cold bottles in the car for the marathon i plan to switch out with DH and Mom. So instead of carrying the 22 oz it came with i'm carrying a little less plus the ease to switch out quickly mid run will come in handy. The REI bottle (can't remember the brand) didn't allow for easy switching.

ttfn!