Runners on board?

[momof2kids]

How many of you are runners? I am thinking of running a 5k... Now, I am in the process of getting in shape... Meaning I have lost some weight, and need to start a healthy hobby (besides sowal.com surfing). We will be in Disney in Jan when they will be having a 5k (and a marathon, but don't think I'll be ready for it), and I thought it would be funn to say I ran my first 5k in WDW. Anyway - have you run a 5k before? What was your time? How long did you train? Are you still a runner?

 

[Hop]

if you enjoy running...for those of you that have never done it...a 5K is a great place to start...or end for that matter...at a little over three miles...some people are done in 20 minutes and some take 45 to an hour. take it easy...start training small...listen to your body...and work your way up to an easy jog pace...you'll probably surprise yourself...

 

[NoHall]

It's great for losing weight for a while, but it will also make you eat like a horse!

Be sure you incorporate two things: Stretching and weight training. You will develop problems if you don't do both. I was lazy about this, and had lots of trouble with knees and hips.

I've also learned since then that the weight training will burn fat along with the running. You won't see the results on the scale because muscle weighs more than fat, but your metabolism will speed up and your pants will fall off! (I've heard trainers in the last 6 months advocate weight training over aerobic exercise just because aerobics makes you eat more.)

Good luck! Seaside has a fun little run in the beginning of March, as well...

 

[Smiling JOe]

You will find many training programs for 5Ks if you search online. I used to run and loved it until my back and knees started to ache. Wouldn't dream of doing it again.

 

[momof2kids]

Thanks! I forgot about the Seaside one... I will also look into that. Thanks for the advice - I will let you know what happens!

 

[beachmouse]

If you're thinking about the Disney races, get your entry in as soon as possible. They limit field sizes because they can only handle so many people going through the parks. It takes only a couple of weeks for the marathon and half marathon to sell out every year.

For a good beginner's 5K plan, lots of people are happy with Cool Running's Couch to 5K training plan:

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Proper shoes are very important when you're putting that much force on your feet and knees. Today's running shoes are engineered to correct strides in so many different ways, and the wrong shoes can force your leg alignment into giving you knee or hip pain. Unfortunately, the closest real running store is Running Wild in Pensacola, but there sometimes are one or two people at the Saucony Outlet at Silver Sands who can give you some shoe guidelines and suggestions.

 

[NotnKansas]

Yeah 5K's! They are the best. Rosemary is having a 5K on October 6th - and if you would like to find other races in the area check out Active.com - you are able to seach for races by zip codes. Also, if you want to do the Disney race - I would sign up soon! It fills up fast!

Are there any running groups in the area?
CHEERS

 

[momof2kids]

I'm not sure about running groups, but I'm sure someone on here would know - or at least has seen a pack running on the roads somewhere... (do they run in packs??). I will also check out active.com - I have heard of that but never ventured there. Thanks!

 

[Smiling JOe]

Unfortunately, the closest real running store is Running Wild in Pensacola, but there sometimes are one or two people at the Saucony Outlet at Silver Sands who can give you some shoe guidelines and suggestions.

Though I haven't been in it, there is a running store called RUN, located next door to Big Daddy's Bicycles and For the Health of It, located in Blue Mtn Beach. Are you aware of this, or do you not think it is a "real running store?"

 

[TooFarTampa]

I am far from calling myself a runner but I have recently started runn-ING, and am up to about 3.5 miles of mostly running, some walking and incline training on the treadmill. However I have yet to venture OUTSIDE to run, thus I am not a runner, and have not been able to run an entire 5K without walking, thus I am not a runner. The treadmill at the gym is nice and safe, like a blankie with a TV.

Maybe we can motivate each other! I've lost about 25 pounds in the past 5 months on Weight Watchers, and found that the lighter I get, the easier it goes. I also started weight training about a month ago, and discovered right away that it made me a faster, uh, "runner". ("Faster" also being a relative term.)

My goal is to build up to running maybe 4 days a week, for about 40-50 minutes. Right now I'm doing it twice a week and some cardio on the elliptical after weights.

I've thought about doing the Rosemary 5K if we come up in October. :scratch: I do need to get better shoes.