Running a 5K - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

mburgs · 07-21-2009, 09:40 PM

Oh gosh I have to run a 5K for work. If that doesn't motivate me to get to the gym I don't know what will.

I don't think I've ever run 3 miles at one time. I've done it in a single workout session, but that's with breaks for resistance thrown in.

Anyone have any tips? At least I know how I'm losing my 10%!

Phoenixfire · 07-22-2009, 12:56 AM

What an endeavor!! You CAN do it, I just think you might want to plan to WALK, rather than run. That's perfectly acceptable right?

It looks like you're preop, and still carrying around that weight you're going to soon shed. So I KNOW a 5K will give you a huge boost, kind of like a taste of things to come, and it's also gonna be a great comparison for when you're a year out and you can much easier do NEXT YEAR'S 5K!

Best tip I have is to work up to it without biting off more than you can chew. Here's what worked for me, a few years ago, before I did a little 2K:

Get on a treadmill and do 10 minutes the first day (or start at a time length you can already do right now-uninterrupted by weight training)
THEN add 5 minutes every other day

It goes like this:
Day 1=10 mins.
Day 2=10 mins.
Day 3=15 mins.
Day 4=15 mins.
Day 5=20 mins.
Day 6=20 mins. ...and so on...

You'll be slowly adding the time, making it a little less daunting and easier on your body/joints/muscles/lungs. And you'll gain more endurance every week if you do it a little at a time. You might even find yourself breaking into a jog (I did, much to my surprise).

If you do the math, you'll find out how long it will take you to do the whole 5K by tracking the distance you cover during your walking sessions on the treadmill.

Oh, and a couple times a week get off the treadmill and get outdoors. It helps shake things up and alleviate the inevitable monotony and boredom. That helped me A LOT.

Go out there and make yourself proud!

ashlie · 07-22-2009, 01:27 AM

I agree with above comment, nice post... I too say you can do it.

Crimson Kittie · 07-22-2009, 02:27 AM

That is awesome! Good luck to you!!

Beth in Texas · 07-22-2009, 05:13 AM

Phoenix - awesome suggestions! Megan--what a great inspiration and endeavor!

I know I couldn't possibly run--or even walk the 5k...but, it is certainly something I'd like to do one day.

mermiesmom · 07-22-2009, 06:27 AM

That's awesome!!

I started running about 5 months ago. I started by just walking and then would break out into runs every 5 min or so. It feels weird at first, but now I am used to it. Now I run at least 5K 3 times a week! I'm running in my 3rd organized race this weekend and I'm really excited! I know a lot of people use the Couch to 5K program online Couch to 5k - C25K Running Program but I just kinda did it on my own...either way is fine. I think if you want to walk it (for the work 5k), that is perfectly fine too. My best advice....hmmm...well, if you are going to walk it, carry a water bottle...it's hot out there! If you are going to run and don't want to carry water (I hate holding anything while I run!)..I would make sure to have gum. I have to have gum when I run. I know it's not great for us to chew gum, but my jaw gets so tense when I run, I have to have the gum to keep it loose, plus the extra saliva I'm making when chewing helps me with my thirst, and keeps my mouth from getting too dry. Another must have is my ipod....gotta have some tunes for that run. If you're going to walk it, you might have some friends that want to walk it too, and you can talk on the walk. In that case, I wouldn't bring the ipod...but have it just in case

. More must haves, sunvisor, sunscreen, sun glasses...like I said earlier...it's hot out there!

I hope your first 5K is awesome and that you will be encouraged to continue running/walking...it is so good for you and really helps lose the pounds!

Best Wishes!

Native2u · 07-22-2009, 05:07 PM

Megan,

That is awesome!! I wish that I could come out and run with you. I have been trying my best to get my body "in tuned" with running again.

TheFour · 07-22-2009, 06:05 PM

I will be with ya for the first 15 steps, then your on your own.

mburgs · 07-22-2009, 07:58 PM

Thanks for posting here guys. Phoenix and Judy - spot on as always.

Hopefully it will be a really crazy awesome adventure and I will prove myself to well me.

I will say I used to always have to run the mile in school and I never cheated like some people, hiding or skimming laps. I was pretty much last every single time but I finished it!

Even though I'm heavier now I'll probably be in okay shape by the time it rolls around because I'm actually concerned about muscle mass and so forth which I didn't understand back then.

I see lots of spin classes and stair climbers for me to work my legs

Baja Big Dog · 07-24-2009, 11:18 PM

Megs...is it safe for you to run a 5K, and I mean this from the heart, make sure your healthy enough right now, (I would be elated to WALK a 5K!!) cause I know this time next year, you will be running 10K"s