First 5k in 3 weeks

[Katrinawaves]

I’ve just signed up for my first 5k on 1 August. It’s a virtual one but the kicker is that it’s organised by work so other colleagues will be taking part - most of them much younger and fitter than me!

Looking for tips from more experienced runners. I’m 52, about a stone overweight. I can currently run for about 1.5 miles continuously but at a very slow speed (barely faster than walking). No other underlying health conditions. It feels like I should be able to double my distance with 3 weeks of preparation but is it also do-able to increase my speed?

You'll increase your speed a bit in 3 weeks, but not by much. If you manage to run the whole thing, that'll be a huge achievement in itself.
Aim to run 3x a week between now and the event, doing run/walk intervals and spending at least half an hour on your feet each time.
Once you can get round 5k, at that point you can think about getting faster, before the next event you sign up to.

Don't worry about speed!
Try and run 3xweek before the race, there are plenty apps to motivate you, try Nike Run Club?
Take it steady and enjoy it 😊

I didn’t manage to do the 3 runs per week nor did I run it very fast, but I did do my run today and thoroughly enjoyed it. Took me 63 mins to finish ☺️ Feeling up for another one in a few weeks now I’ve got a time to beat.

Yes!! Well done!! That's a bloody achievement running for that time! Hope you Celebrated this evening ☺️💪🤔