Is 16weeks enough time to train for a 10k? (i'm a complete novice)

[Flier]

I signed up for a 10k and just discovered that its only 16weeks. I'm a complete novice at this running lark-have i given myself enough time to train?

i think so but you will have to train regularily and stick at it. you have nothing to lose even if you have to walk half of the race you will be so much fitter. do you do any exercise?

oh yes I think so, you will be fine, (as long as you aren't massively unfit and/or overweight) - get some sensible shoes and take it slowly, and give yourself time to recover in between each run (i.e. don't run every day)

It's amazing how QUICKLY you can improve

Try the "Couchto5K" programme - just google it - it is easy to find. It is from couch to 5K in 2 months so you should be able to do a 10k in 16 weeks.

When are you starting? I might join you!

oh yes get proper running shoes fitted at a proper running shop not some spotty youth in a football shirt shop.

Thanks all.
I signed up for the 10k at the beginning of the year with the hope it would get me to actually do something!
I find it quite difficult to get time to do any running - I sort of started the couch to 5k a few weeks back, ran for 1min walked for 1min on the treadmill at the gym, then went and did the bodybalance class I've been doing on and off for 6 months, then 2 weeks ago I got up early and ran round my village but I haven't got back to it yet.
Got fitted for some proper shoes at a specilaist running shop, so now I have no excuses!
I just panicjed when I got an email form the 10k organisers to tell me only 16weeks to go! eek!
Buda - I know there's a whole other thread on here, but I'd love a running buddy - I have my body balance class tonight and, if dh is home on time I'll go early and start to couch to 5k - would you like to join me?

I hate running but I do it

It saves worrying about exercise and spending money on gyms I won't use

Running on a treadmill is really BORING, just stick to running outside

Come and join us on the couch potato to 5K thread. There's a whole mixture of us on there now - from those who have just started on it to some of us gearing up for 10K (Are you doing the Cancer Research 10K ?). Its great as everyone encourages each other and keeps you onthe straight and narrow !

Will find a link for you.

Agree with MP about running outside - much more interesting and better too if you're gearing up for a race as its more 'real'.

I have been a serial gym joiner and quitter for many years but have just clocked up 5 months of regular running - I didn't believe I would stick to it !

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/138/493843

So tell me, how quickly can you build up leg-stamina?

Am doing RFL in 4 weeks, have had many injury issues since attempting to start training back in Feb! Have spent fortune on trainers/orthotics/physio!

Anyhow, all that aside i've done 3 runs "outside" now (can't do on treadmill i need distractions!). First time out i ran about .75m then walked/ran rest (5k took me 42mins!). Second time i did two miles - ran first mile in one go, walked/ran second. Third time was the 3m again, ran .75m, stopped n stretched, ran .75m, stopped n stretched, then walked/ran the rest - still taking 41 mins!

I am trying to go out every other day but have no concept of how quickly i'll improve. The times i stop running and walk is because my legs are so tired.

Thanks

my problem is gettibng the time to do it - have 2yo at home all day and ds home from nursery in the afternoon. dh doesn't get home until after 7pm most nights, i find getting out to my body balance class a luxury and i love it but still have to push myself to do it, it starts at 8pm so if i get myself down there half an hour early, then I can get on the treadmill.

When do you all get to go running?

thanks wheelybug, I'll pop across there later once I've picked ds up from nursery.

usually first thing in the morning before DH goes to work

sometimes in the evening an hour or so after a lightish tea

thanks MP
The one morning I did get up early to run (6am) I didn't feel that I ran very well (breathing all over the place) but I did enjoy it. Must get myself organised to do that again.

Flier - can't promise to be a running buddy actually - am far too overweight I think but i can walk. I have no time constraints really - only one DS who is at school atm! Hols start in 2 weeks though.

I even have a lovely island to walk around in the middle of the Danube! It has a proper running track around the perimeter and it is 5.35 km. I want to be able to walk it.

OK - will start tomorrow. I will pop in to other linked thread too.

Buda - You should give walking for 1min and running for 1min a try - you'll be surprised at how well you manage it!