Affiliate Fatblogging: Training to Run a 5k

by Shawn Collins on June 25, 2009

I just recently got new running shoes and hit the track for the first time yesterday.

I am trying to work up my stamina, so I am starting out alternating quarter miles with jogging and walking for a total of three miles.

My goal is to run a 5k in my town in a few weeks. It’s taking place Sunday, July 12, so I have incentive to become a runner. I just signed up.

I’ve noticed there are a lot of 5ks and 10k in my area, so I want to make this a new thing. Maybe then I can replace all of my goofy Internet t-shirts with 5k t-shirts.

I am still working in swimming, elliptical, etc., and I need to find a bike trail, too.

Starting weight: 225
Last week: 218
This week: 218

{ 9 comments }

Shawn Collins July 4, 2009 at 12:28 am: @Mark A.:
I am not familiar with the C25K program, but it’s a little late for me to do it.

I’m dead set on doing it by next week. I am up to running 2 miles without a problem, so I should be able to add on a quarter mile at a time and hit 3 miles by next weekend.
Mark A. July 3, 2009 at 4:32 pm: Have you heard of the C25K program. It’s a little shorter than the 12 week program that the other commenter mentioned. It’s a nine week program to get you from couch potato to being fit to run a 5K race. http://www.c25k.com/

I’m planning on a 5K next summer. Good luck!
Shawn Collins June 26, 2009 at 10:54 am: @Bill Vick:
Thanks Bill – I need to figure out a 3 week version – I’ll check that out.
Bill Vick June 26, 2009 at 10:37 am: Shawn – i went through the same process but found a great tool. It’s a series of MP3′s I play on my iphone that take you from 0 to a 5K in 12 weeks. You simply maintain the ‘beat’ and follow the walk/run sets. At the end of the program I finished my 5k in under 30 minutes (since I’m 71 it was an ok time). DJ Steve makes this a free download and it’s on itunes.

http://www.djsteveboy.com/1day25k.html
Bryan June 25, 2009 at 5:18 pm: Your Message@Shawn Collins:
That’s in one day. I’m hoping to complete it in 6 hours of riding time which would be a 15 mph average. There will be rest stops along the day where you can re-charge on drinks/food.
Shawn Collins June 25, 2009 at 5:16 pm: @James Seligman:
I’m not close, either, but I figured if I had a forced deadline that I would have to make it happen.

I’m sure lots of people walk all or part of it, but I need to keep running the whole time. All good as long as I get to have music.
Shawn Collins June 25, 2009 at 5:14 pm: @Bryan:
100 miles? Wow – is that all in one clip or over a couple or so days.
James Seligman June 25, 2009 at 3:14 pm: Good luck to you. Don’t think I’m even close yet to run in something like that yet, but soon. Please let us know how you do.

PS Lovin’ the new office..lol
Bryan June 25, 2009 at 1:01 pm: Signing up for an event like that is great motivation. I did something similar and am getting ready to start training to ride my first century bike ride in late September. I’ve been cycling for a while but have a 12-week training program (that I’ll be blogging about) specifically to get me ready for the 100 mile ride.

Good luck in your 5K.