Hi,

I am training to run my first 5k in 6 or so weeks. I'm doing the Couch to 5K program. I have never run before and I still have a lot of weight to lose (about 100 lbs) but I am really enjoying running and have been able to keep up with the Couch to 5K program. I'm on week 3, for those of you familiar with it. I have been able to do a three minute interval at 4.6mph but that was a killer for me. If I ran the race today, I'm sure I'd have a 15 minute mile at the end, or even slower. I'm not trying to compare myself with others, but I am super curious about other people out there who have run a 5k with about as much weight to lose as I have. What was your time? I am going to be sooooo proud of myself even if it takes me 60 minutes to finish, but I am curious to hear how others did. Thanks!

Heather

Try to finish your first 5K under 45minutes. After you lose your weight., you'll speed up and aim for 30minutes or less. Try walk run method for your first time. Walk 2minutes...run three minutes etc etc. Good Luck. You can do it!

thanks for asking this Ham, I was wondering the same thing, I am hoping to run the 5k on Saturday in 40 minutes or less. If I can finish in under 40 minutes I will feel like I met my challenge, but actually finishing my first 5k will be my challenge

Mimi, Yeah, if I can get under 40 mins I will be soooooooo excited! I have a friend who is going to run with me - just found out today. Is your son-in-law doing the race with you on Saturday?
Heather

yes he will be running with me, his Dad is also in town - a retired Army Col so I will be flanked by two guys - I also have a girlfriend who is running it but she is a fast runner - she will be done in less than 24 minutes. This race benefits the local food bank, entry fee is food so that is neat

That's great Mimi! Those two guys will be sure to be great cheerleaders for you!

Doesn't anyone want to put their 5k times up here to help us newbies?

My first 5k was last September. I had pretty much been a couch potato before that and had 100 or more lbs to lose and my time was 61 minutes, but I was happy to finish. My last 5k, just a couple weeks ago was 43 minutes and I still have about 50 lbs to lose. I have another race this weekend, and nearly every weekend all summer.

I dont know if I am the best to judge by I am in mid 20s. I have so far lost a little over half of my goal.
I ran a 5k last weekend. I did it in 35 min. My goal was under 30 but I was sick for a few weeks so I didnt train.

My mom however has been on Jenny over a year now and has lost 50+ lbs I think. She ran it in 43 min. Her goal for the next one is under 40 min. She hated running till I got her addicted when he started loosing a ton of wieght.

I think setting a goal around 45 min is great, however the more important goal in my mind would be just finishing the whole 5k running without needing to take a break to walk. If you are jogging the whole thing you are working harder than running. Even if your jog is at a slow pace.

Good luck!

Thanks runnergirl, Teresa & New Me for responding! Congrats to each of you on your losses!!! And also, congrats on doing your 5ks!! It's good to know how others have done.

Heather

"It's not how you finish the race the counts., it's that you had the courage to start!"

Awesome! I love it!! Thanks runnergirl!!!
Heather

After a 3 year break, my first 5K this year was 54:20 (all walking), the next one was 50:37 - I was in week3 of C25K so I did some intervals, but mostly walked it the hills were killer. My next one (at week 9 of C25K) was 45:25 on a super slow course. In the middle of the course I was able to bust out a 12 minute mile, so I was pleased with that even though my overall time reflects a much slower performance.

My Blog has my c25K experiences good, great, and the WTH am I doing to myself moments!
http://quirkyworldofq.wordpress.com/

I am so stoked by my first 5k time, I ran with my son in law and his dad a recently retired Col, ran the entire time except for about 10 seconds after running up a long hill was fighting not to get sick, I walked then began running again, finished in just over 33 minutes

Way to go! Great time and you had a blast doing it! Now sign up for the next one so you'll have incentive to keep losing weight (after soaking in epson salts)....that helps alot.

SOOOOOOO Proud of you Mimi!!! You're awesome!!!!

HI Heather,

My first 5K was about 47 mins. It was really hard for me as I had never been a runner. Now about a year later I am one week away from my first 1/2 marathon and yesterday I ran 9 straight miles (something I NEVER in my life thought I could do) I am proud to say that I now consider myself a runner.

So, my message is keep it up! Even if you don't think you can be a runner, you can. I suggest jogging with people, that is what changed everything for me! My husband was always running with his friend and his friends wife, I never wanted to go with them because I was embarressed that I was too slow. Turns out, I wasn't as slow as I thought I was and they were so happy I was going with them, they were happy to go slow with me. They all said it was hard for them at first too (even though they are skinny people)

So, keep it up, you can do it! I swear if I did, anyone can. Wish my luck on my first 1/2 next weekend May 16! Yikes! Good luck on your first 5K!

Sincerely,
Amber

Amber you are inspiring! Heather and I talked about doing a 1/2 marathon, kind of got scared, I am looking for another 5k, you are right, it is a great motivator! I think doing the 5k was great for my confidence level, now I know I can do it!
I wish I could find people to run with but so far most of my running is on the Treadmill as I run at 5:30 am before the sun is up, my goal is to run outside 1 day a week during the week end
Good luck with your 1/2 marathon, will be anxious to hear how you did