Complete running virgin to 5k in 10 weeks - can it be done ?

[ilikebigbutts]

As a teenager I was pretty sporty, used to run the 100m for my school but never did any distance running. 40 is just around the corner (eeek!) and I feel the need to do something ! Achieve something ! I've been thinking about running for while as I've never managed to stick with the gym, I hate to feel confined and there's something about being out in the fresh air and the wind that appeals to me. I've had a look at the couch to 5k info on the NHS website and I started last week, managed 1 run before I got loaded with the cold. So instead of running I went out for a power walk last night for about 4 miles.

I've discovered there is a women's 5k taking place near me on the 4th of May which is exactly 10 weeks from today. Am I being realistic to think I could run this ? Inspirational stories please ! In my head I'm doing a Zola Budd

[StrawberryMojito]

Easily. Just build it up a few minutes at a time, when you feel you can't run any more, walk for a bit then try a few more minutes running. You want to aim for about 30 minutes solid running/jogging by the end of 10 weeks. As long as you are going regularly (3 times a week minimum) you should manage it no problem. Just remember that the first 10 minutes on a run are the hardest as your body warms up. I find that no matter how fit i am.

I am not a natural runner but managed to go from novice to running about 7 miles in not a huge amount of time.

[ilikebigbutts]

Oh thanks for that. I'm actually really excited about this. Just need to try and shift this cold so I can get out tomorrow night. I look like a big, slobbery St Bernard's at the moment !

[Dharmalovesdraco]

Completely do-able :) I agreed to run a 5k Parkrun as part of a weekend away and I only had 5 weeks to do it (had to speed up the training somewhat) I found having a goal made me do it, whereas left to my own devices there were some days I know I wouldn't have made myself go out and run.
The actual c25k podcasts/apps take 9 weeks if you follow them and they really do work. Come over to the c25k thread on here, everyone is really supportive x

[CMOTDibbler]

Absolutely - stick with couch to 5k, and you'll be bang on for the 5k event.

I've never liked running, always said I couldn't. Age 40, I started C25k last May. Did a 10k in July, then a half marathon in September. Will do another couple of halves this spring and have started working towards doing triathlons too!

I love the feeling of power of just going out and running. Don't get me wrong, I'm not always enthusiastic about actually getting out there when its manky, but its fab coming back and thinking 'I did that'

[emsyj]

Absolutely - have you got the couch to 5k app/podcast? I started it (but gave up due to weather/laziness) and I was absolutely astonished at how quickly I made progress. I did the first 5 weeks and went from being utterly destroyed after the 60 second run intervals to being able to run for 7 minutes comfortably. It steps up a gear at week 6, but all the other progress steps proved manageable so I can't see any reason why you couldn't easily go from zero running to 5k in 10 weeks. I'm going to re-start when the weather improves and the evenings get lighter.

[addictedtosugar]

Yep. Completely do-able, injuries and illness allowing.
I started C25K in the summer, and am still running 4-6 k a couple of times a week. Was never a runner before, but could keep with the programme. If you wanted to speed it up slightly, you could go out every other day, rather than 3 times a week (or 7 times a fortnight, rather than 6).

Proir to C25k, I was doing an exercise class once a week, and swimming 1km once a week, along with chasing after 2 young boys.

Get yourself some decent trainers and a decent bra (as in fit well and supportive for both, not necess £££) and you'll be off.

[BlueChampagne]

Go for it! Second good bra and trainers; other kit secondary. Started running again Dec 2012 (after injury), did a 10k last summer and have now signed up for a half! Oh, and I'm older than CMOTDibbler! Guess a tri might be next but will have to retrain on swimming ...

[BlueChampagne]

Work FT and have a 4 and 6yo btw

[ClearlyMoo]

Over a decade ago I did "couldn't run 1/2 a mile" to HALF MARATHON in 10 weeks because I was 22 and fool hardy. I came 4752 out of 4757 finishers, but I finished. Yes 10 weeks I'd very easily achievable! Do the NHS Couch to 5k podcasts and plan. It's genius!