Saturday, July 10, 2010

BOOBS 5K Walk/Run

So...who is doing the Boobs 5K in Chicago? I want to sign up but am torn about whether to sign up for the walk or the timed run. I am so not a runner. But I have walked several 5K's and am starting to think about whether I want to set running (at least part of) the 5K in September as a goal. Hmmm. Decisions. Any input? Is 2 months enough or should I make that my goal for next year? Keep in mind that I'm still 230-something pounds.

9 comments:

-Grace- said...

I'm debating the same question. I've only walked one 5k, but I was regularly walking at least 3 miles a day before my back screwed up.

It may be possible to train to run at least some of the race. I know Couch to 5k is supposed to take 8 weeks and it's worked for some of my friends.

Now that I've been totally unhelpful, I will make sure to see the answers others have shared! :)

TJ said...

You could do it! I trained for about 2 months before my first 5k. I have to say I walked a lot of it. Most of it really, but I loved seeing my time and know I have something to beat next time.

If you do the untimed walk you typically don't get the whole experience and in my opinion that was the best part of my first 5k. The bib, crossing a real finish line, seeing my time on the clock as approached the finish, and looking up my time online afterwards.

The walkers on my race only got to experience the starting line and nothing else. Their finish line was a mark on the sidewalk. I was so happy I did the run.

My suggestion is that if you think you will ever do a 5k again and they don't have a time limit on the run I would suggest doing the timed run.

Also, if you are like me and don't want to run the whole thing (it is just too much for my body) I suggest looking at the Galloway training program. It is a run/walk method and is great! I ran 6 miles the other day and had No pain. I couldn't say that with the C25K program. I also find I am actually faster with the run/walk program b/c I don't slow down at the end like I do with all running. It is WONDERFUL!!!!

Sarah said...

Steph - I still don't run the whole way - I'm doing the timed run, but fully anticipate that I will have to walk part of it - that is completely allowed!!! I would go for the timed run... can't wait to meet you in Chicago!

Kerri said...

I am debating the same question. I am still in the 300's and have recently started running some of my 2.87 mile walks. I walk/run 15 minute miles and I think that is pretty darn good. I am thinking about signing up for the running but with the intentions of walking some of it! Good goal. I wish I had a buddy in my neck of the woods to "train" with!

Stephanie M. said...

Ok, y'all have convinced me. I'm signing up for the timed run and just doing the best I can. It's a good goal. I'm hoping I can be another 15 pounds down by then. I tried week 1 of Couch to 5K and I couldn't finish the running segments, but I'll keep working at it and aiming to get my time down. I'll also look into the Galloway thing. I am so inspired!

Theresa said...

Vickie and I have signed up, but we plan to walk mostly!

Liz - Lizzle - Libby Lou said...

It's a GREAT goal to shoot for doing a walk/run on a 5k. YOu can either do timed intrevals or just run until you can't anymore, walk until you catch your breath, repeat. Then you will have a little faster "total time" but not beat yourself up about running the whole thing! And running a whole 5k is a great goal, but you have to take small steps to get there so you don't kill yourself or end up disappointed! I say shoot for walk/run!!!

Lacey said...

2 months is plenty of time to train and 232 is when I started the C25K program. Give the program a try again...maybe you were trying to run too fast. There are no speed requirements to running, 2 years later I still rarely run over 6mph.

Stephanie M. said...

Thanks everyone! I'm going to do another blog post in a minute...I did a 5K today. :-)