RACE FOR LIFE. I'm 5 plus stone over weigh and want to run am I mad or have others done it.

[lexcat]

Can walk it easily as had a 4mile walk with dd yesterday with no problem. I started running on New years day (new's years goal to start running) been running 3x a week plus walking the other days.
I can run for 1 minuite with 2 min walk for 20 mins. Managed to start with a 2min run last time out. It just seems such a jump from that to 30-45mins running it takes to do 5km.
Am I mad to think I'm going to be able to run in the Race for life in July.

Anyone please give me some hope.

I don't knoe lexcat, but I think you are fab for wanting to try.

Is there any rule to stop you walking the race if need be?

Good luck

I did it a couple of years ago and I am not a skinny girl or even fit. I was probably able to do as much as you when I started. What I will say is that at Race for life they organise it so the serious runners are up the front and the walkers are at the back so if you're somewhere in the middle you'll be fine. I did it with a pal who was just the right side of pushy and she kept encouraging me the whole way round. It took me about 50 minutes but I did it. I stopped a few times and walked but tried to run as much as I could. For me it was about a personal challenge and I was glad I was able to do it. It's a very emotional and uplifting experience. Do what you can and try your best there will be loads of people there to cheer you on and encourage you along the way.

Thanks so much for that postive feedback hullabaloo, might end up with dd (will be 8 by july) doing it with me to so might have no choice but to walk/run the race. Mind she goes to running club. I really want to run at least a mile of the race if not more. Just need the postive feedback to give me the kick up the bum I need to go for it.
Feels such a big step but it's what I really want to achieve, just need the support to feel it's possible.

Go for it Lexcat, you're certainly not mad, you've plenty of time but don't overdo it too early and get injured!

I was very overweight, could scarcely have walked RFL when I decided I'd run it the following year. I lost weight (gradually, over around 2 years), did the run and got hooked. I've since run loads of 5k, 10k and half marathons, 2 London marathons, done a few triathlons and some adventure races. I can honestly say RFL transformed my life.

Pop over to visit us on the running thread, it's very friendly and everyone is welcome.

Thanks twink your posting is very motivational. Don't think I'll be running marathons but would be very happy to be able to say I can run 5km.
Have been going very slowly with progess as I don't want to over do it and have stop to rest up. Mind I do feel fitter, I'm sleeping better and have less little aches. Clothes are slightly looser but my calves are bigger.

Yes, do it! I have done it several times and there are absolutely loads of people who walk the whole thing, and loads who walk and run at intervals. It is a great atmosphere, one of real achievement. Having a goal to aim for is definitely the best motivator I find.

Having started off myself being unable to run for two minutes, my advice would be to get a good program and stick to it ridgidly. If you do that you will do the 5k no problem. There are some great free podcasts on itunes by Robert Ullroy called couch to 5k which talk you through each training run telling you when to run/walk etc. Dont try and do too much too quick or you will get injured and make sure you have good trainers.