I signed up for two 5ks this year, wtf am i doing???

[Vian]

I turn 30 this year and there were a bunch of things i wanted to do before i turned 30, so now im trying to cram them all in. I signed up for color me rad and the dirty dash in june and july respectively. I am not a runner. I dont expect to be able to run these in their entirety, but i would like to be able to run maybe half. I downloaded the c25k app, but havent started it yet, i will soon, like maybe later today, but is there any tips anyone has for these kind of runs? Do i have enough time to train for them? Im feeling a little daunted...

[Kaylya]

You absolutely have enough time to train! But start now! C25k is what, 8 or 9 weeks long? So perfect for June. You can definitely get to the point where you can do it with a couple walk breaks if you even come close to following the C25k schedule, unless you are so out of shape now that walking for 20 minutes seems like a stretch.

 

I haven't done a color run but from the sounds of it they're less about racing and more about getting out and having a good time, so a great place to start!

[Vian]

No, i can already walk 5k, though i dont do so on a regular basis, i have done it before, and my job involves me being on my feet all day. Running though is just not my thing.

[Raincloak]

I decided to celebrate my 30th birthday with a marathon this fall, and I'm not much of a runner either.  (I can hike all day long, I just suck at the hustle part!)  We can whine together.  

 

A 5k is nothing, don't sweat it.  That's just over three miles.  It'll be done before you know it. You could run 5k every weekend for the rest of the year and all you'd get is fitter and faster.  Hell, you could do two or three a week and not suffer from it, assuming your joints are healthy and you're wearing good shoes.  

 

If your goal is to run the whole way (as opposed to a mix of running and walking, which is equally legit), just start practicing and learn to pace yourself until you can keep up a steady run for about 40 minutes.  That is as long as it takes to travel 5 km at a jogging pace.  Then keep doing it at least twice a week until it's time for the race.  

 

Optionally you can mix in some anaerobic stuff like intervals (sprints), jump rope, box jumps, etc. which will make you faster and build your endurance more.  But if you hate running and just want to get the 5k over with, all you really have to do is run 40 minutes a couple times a week.

 

if you haven't bought technical socks, running shoes and (if needed) an appropriate sports bra, I recommend you get some.  Go to one of those specialty running stores for the best service and fit.  The colorful shorts and techno-shirts and iPoodle sleeves are all optional, but the shoes, socks, and bra are not.

 

eat lightly before you run, stay hydrated (with water please, no sugary sports drinks for you if your workout is less than 100 minutes), wear sunscreen and hat when the sun is out, and remember to cool down and stretch after every run.  Have fun.  Get some pictures at the race.

[Vian]

Thanks! I do need some better running shoes, and didn't know there were special socks? But I have the sports bra down. As a 40D, a good sports bra is an absolute necessity for any workout. And if I'm going to drink anything other than water, it will be coconut water, and that's mostly because it's tasty

 

Today was day 2 of C25K. The muscles in my shins are killing me, but other than that, not too bad.

[Raincloak]

Not everyone needs technical socks, but if you suffer from blisters or other foot issues, you do.  Cotton is a no-no for serious runners because it soaks up sweat and just stays soggy, it doesn't do that "wicking" thing like technical fabrics which are designed to dry fast.  Also the quick drying helps you maintain comfy temperature; if you're cold, damp cotton will make you colder, and if you're hot, evaporation will help you cool off.  And it reduces stinkage, cause the bacteria that cause stinky sweat require dampness to thrive.  They only cost about $3-5 a pair.  But if you're personally okay running in regular old cotton socks, don't let me stop you.

 

If you're going to get technical socks you should get them before you buy new running shoes, or at the same time, because you'll want to wear the socks when you get fitted for the shoes (duh).  The last time I bought running shoes, the store kindly threw in a free pair of socks.  (of course, they were hoping I'd buy more, cause one pair doesn't go very far.)

 

If your shins hurt, try running on grass or a trail or sports track to start, and take shorter steps.  Don't run on pavement every day if you can avoid it, your body needs time to adapt to the pounding impact.  Don't bounce up and down and slam your feet, try to alter your stride so you land softly, like you're running on tippy toes.  And please get those damn shoes, they're designed to reduce the impact of running on concrete.

 

If your shins REALLY hurt a lot, stop running for a few days and do something else.  Don't give yourself a stress fracture.  Particularly if you're heavier, your body needs time to adapt and buff up the bones and joints.

[Vian]

It's not the bone that hurts, the muscles that run up either side of my shin bone are sore because I don't use them in that way very much. Also, I just remembered that I do have an expensive pair of running shoes, I just never wear them because they rub my heels. I bought them hoping they would be comfy for my job because I am on my feet all day standing, but after months of wearing them with a bandaid on my ankles, they still weren't broken in, so I went back to my cheap fila's I got at costco. They were $120 shoes, not sure what to do about the rubbing on my ankles, because I'd really like to wear them.

[Raincloak]

Changing socks may solve the rub problem.  If not, try changing the lacing (there are different ways to lace running shoes and that can solve a rub problem, believe it or not).  Drop into your favorite running store and ask for help if you want.

 

If that doesn't fix it, return the shoes or donate them.  And next time buy shoes that fit.  I wasn't kidding when I suggested a specialty store,  btw.  You will pay a little extra but the service is worth it, especially if you're a newbie.  They also tend to have pretty generous return policies.

 

I don't know if your current shoes are okay to run in or not, but if you've worn them for walking around in for several months, they have probably lost their sproing and are not ideal for running any more, so at least consider getting a new pair of the same type.  You're supposed to replace running shoes every few hundred miles.  Which is a bit aggravating considering what they cost, but still waaay cheaper than competitive bicycling

[shaylahart]

Sports bra is a DEFINITE MUST!  I am a 42D and have yet to find something that fits me properly because of that extra 2" around.  I find that 40 and below is fairly easy, but apparently "big boobs don't run".  Now on to the c25k note - do you have time? Yes, yes, yes!  You are awesome for trying, even if you don't break any world records, you're doing the damn thing.

 

I conditioned myself with the c25k program a few years back with my first 5k run.  I was horrible.  I have three screws in my ankle, I was 218lbs, my boobs were giving me black eyes because my bra was horrible and I just plain didn't want to be doing it.  I took short cuts, I didn't follow the program, and I only ran 4.7kms total before the race, and that was only twice.  Fast forward to race day.  It was run for breast cancer and everyone was there for the same reason, dressed up in awesomely fun and ridiculous outfits and supporting each other.  By the sounds of it, you've chosen the colour which has a similar tone to it.  I was able to beat my 4.7k time in a 5k race, I ran 3/4 of the way without ever believing that I could do it and I felt amazing.

 

That was a few years back and I envy the person that I was that day.  Envy is the wrong word most days actually, I would more classify as respect and strive to be that person again.  

 

I'm going to start training for my 10k again soon and will be thinking of you every step of the way.  Good luck my rebel friend - you can do it.