Walking a 5K...Working up to a half?

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I have always HATED running. My father, being the maniac that he is, runs 5 miles a day- in our very hilly neighborhood. I would like to eventually join him. I have done several "walks", and really enjoyed them. I would like to do a 5k, but right now running is not even in the picture. Not only am I woefully out of shape, I am having some knee problems and will have surgery on the 9th. Our university has a 5k for Homecoming that I want to participate in, but I know that I will not be able to run it at that time.

So, how acceptable is it to walk a 5k? I eventually want to work up to doing half marathons, then marathons, then triathalons. Do people actually run the entire half and full marathons? I just don't know that I can see myself ever running an entire thing. I think it would be fun to participate in even though I have a snowball's chance in Hades of winning, but I am scared of being the one in the back that everybody laughs at because of how slow I am.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Most races some people will run the whole race and very fast. Some will just jog the whole race. Others will jog/walk the race. And others(like myself) will walk the whole race. This is regardless of 5K, 1/2 , or marathon. I did all 3 races at WDW in Jan this year and walked all 43 miles. You just have to keep whatever pace is required by the race, either by walking or running.

Good luck as you work to your race goal

 

[windwalker]

Most races some people will run the whole race and very fast. Some will just jog the whole race. Others will jog/walk the race. And others(like myself) will walk the whole race. This is regardless of 5K, 1/2 , or marathon. I did all 3 races at WDW in Jan this year and walked all 43 miles. You just have to keep whatever pace is required by the race, either by walking or running.

Good luck as you work to your race goal

And home boy here with a screw loose did it with both shins hurting and a knee that was going in for surgery as soon as we could capture him and lock him up for his own safety.

Seriously though there are a lot of WISHers who don't run a step. But we take care of business and have more fun than you can imagine. I'm another walker. So is my pretty princess.

Walking Panda

 

[twoWDWfools]

I've walked 4 5Ks, a 10 and 15K and will be walking my first 1/2 in 3 weeks. In every one I've done so far I have not been the only walker. At the Minnie I spent a fantastic and fun 2 hours with some great new friends (HI Jen & Stacey - Noah too) and look forward to spending the time with them again in at Jan WDW 1/2.

Join us and enjoy!

 

[dsnyfan21]

Hey now, walking is a great exercise and BETTER on those knees!! Join in a be a "walker". Just like there are different types of runners, like sprinters, runners, joggers, run/walkers, there are different walkers. I have walked aprox. 6 5ks, 1 15k and 4 Half Marathons. Like Robert said most you jst have to be aware of the time limits although most 5ks have a generous time to finish. Alot will give you an hour to do a 5K. Walkers love each other and spend time "enjoying" the races, we get to see more and enjoy the WHOLE thing. There is a special relationship with walkers. Our motto here is Dead Last Finish is greater than Did Not Finish which greatly trumps Did Not Start. DLF>DNF>DNS!!!! That holds true for anything. Be proud if you are that last person across the finish line, think of all those that didn't finish or didn't even start!!!!
Keep up with doing your walking and joing us walkers on the walker thread and join in on the weekly thread even if you just say "Hi".

 

[wdw4us]

Another walker here. Did it for exercise and then joined this group and did my first 1/2 marathon at 53. Walked the whole way. Keep at it and you will too. Once you map out a route, time yourself then keep at it until you decrease your time to complete that route, once your not too tired, it's time to increase your route then decrease your time on THAT route.

We trained for a year for the 1/2 last January, it does take some time, but the sense of accomplishment is quite wonderful!

denise

 

[Steffwalks]

Walker, here! I always manage to come in ahead of some runners! I bet all the other walkers, do as well. Just, "Find your happy Pace" and go for it! I have done two half marathons, 5 - 5K's, 2 - 10K's, 1 - 13K, and 1 - 15K! Walked evey one of them. Even got a place medal in two of them!!! You can do this!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

If you have knee issues, I definitely would recommend the walking. You can do this and it is more fun than you would imagine, especially when you can share it like we do here on WISH. Being a back of the pack person is not a bad thing at all. Be proud and have fun!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

How do I find events in my area? The only one I know of is our university's 5k for homecoming.

 

[FatElvis]

How do I find events in my area? The only one I know of is our university's 5k for homecoming.

Check on active.com - you can search for events in or near your city. I see you're in MO - are you near KC? There are a few running organizations that have good race calendars. Here's a good one:
http://www.mararunning.org/MARA 2008 Schedule of Local and Regional Races.htm

Good luck!

 

[laxdef69]

to the ranks of the getting fitter!

Here is a terrific link I use to find events...

It has events by month, and then gives you links to nearby states, too.

http://www.runningintheusa.com/RacesByState.asp?State=MO&Month=8

stick with it and have fun.