Thursday, October 23, 2008

To Sign or Not to Sign

How do I know if I'm ready to sign up for a 5K? Like, how far ahead should I do it? And how well should I be running? Like what percentage of the 5K should I be at? I've been incredibly inspired by all of my blogger running friends, but truthfully all of you are 15-20+ years younger than me, and that does make a difference. And it seems to me that it has taken me a whole lot longer for my heart rate, and body in general, to get up to speed, compared to all of you. Luckily Michelle gave me the example of doing each week for as long as I needed to, and I have.

Okay, so I'm sometime this weekend going to attempt, and hopefully succeed at, jogging 8 minutes/walking 5/jogging 8. Then, within a week, I'm going to try 20 minutes. I'm not at all confident that my heart will feel good about that, so I'm not going to kill myself doing it..literally, folks.

So, I guess what I'm wondering is, should I work myself up to closer to the 5K goal before committing myself to a 5K, or should I just sign up, and keep working towards it? I'm asking this because I saw one that I think would be fun. It's part of a larger series of races sponsored by xterra, and it's at a place I'm familiar with. Actually a place I love. So I thought that might be a good place to start. Opinions, please?

Update: This morning I did the 8 jog/5walk/8 jog with no problem whatsoever. Heart rate didn't go any higher than it was at 5 min jog time. If I can do the 20 minute Jog within the next week, I'll sign up for the race. It's Dec 7, so that'll give me a little over a month to work my way up to 30-40 minute jogs. Yikes! That sounds long. Thanks for your encouragment everyone.

37 comments:

Cyndi said...

Yeah, look at you all ready-to-rock-a-race! ;-) Awesome!

First, you didn't say when the 5K is, but keep in mind you always have the option of run/walking it...just as you are doing now! You don't have to run the whole thing... and you would still get a feel for the racing experience, the distance, and all that good stuff.

Second, once you are able to run 30 minutes straight (again, speed/pace does NOT matter), you can run a 5K! Yes, a 5K would be more like 35-45 minutes of straight running, but I learned, if you can run 30 minutes, you can tack on an extra 5 or 10 in a race situation. You don't necessarily half to run the distance to race the distance. Even marathoners rarely run 26.2 before race day - the longest run is usually 20 miles prior to the event.

And finally, you should never ever feel like you are working so hard that you question (even jokingly) whether your heart 'can take it'! So when you do your 20 minute run - GO SLOW. Run so painfully slow that you feel almost pathetic! The 20 minute run is designed to be a 'long run', which should always be a slow, steady and easy pace. It is to build endurance, speed does not matter!

Oh and just one more thought...do you check your heart rate at all while running? Once I got my heart rate monitor, I was shocked to discover I had been working way harder than I needed to make the same progress!

So all of this to say...sign up for the 5K! It's a great way to get your feet wet, even if you aren't ready to run the whole thing!

I'll be looking for your update after your runs this weekend and next week! :-)

Bek said...

I agree with everything Cyndi said. There is no harm in walking some of the 5km and when in doubt ENTER!

When I first started using my heart rate monitor I felt like Forest Gump..by keeping my heart rate lower I felt I could just keep on running and running...so it is a worthwhile investment

In my first fun run there was an awful lot of walking action going on so you won't be the only one and then you will have clocked your first official time and have something to aim for next time!

Look forward to hearing all about it!

Anonymous said...

You should sign up for it! It will give you something to work towards AND you don't have to run the entire thing. There is no shame in walking because the glory is simply getting to the finish line. Nobody wants you to kill yourself getting there...that takes all the fun out of it. ;-)

I am putting my vote into the hat for you sign up for it. I have full confidence that you're going to be great!!!

Keep us posted on your decision.

Audrey Smith said...

Loha the run/walk (couch to 5K) worked for me and I can now do 30 minutes. I can not talk about weight loss like you but what you are doing worked for me. Remember I promised you? You sign, I sign.
;o)

SuperDave said...

Yes you should sign up for it. Cyndi did a good job at planning her first 5 K. You should follow closely with hers. Forgot the time, its about having fun. Not to mention running burns more calories than most all exercises.(YEAH!) Build slowly though - no injuries.

SuperDave said...

Not to mention you get all those cool shirts that come with the running the races.. :)

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