Training For a 5k
Spring has sprung and I am bursting out of my winter hibernation with a plan to run a 5K! Yep, I’m hitting the road and training for a 5K, The McCarren 5K to be exact, that runs on May 31st in Brooklyn.
Once upon a time, I ran quite frequently and was no stranger to the 5K circuit in New York but that was quite a while ago. To say that I am rusty and out of running shape is perhaps the understatement of the year. Enter the Couch to 5K app (aka C25K). It’s perfect for beginning runners, and those of us who haven’t had our rubber on the road in months/years, because it starts you out slowly and ramps up your runs to have you prepared for a 5K in just nine weeks. For the first week, you run 60-second running/90-second walking intervals for 20 minutes. Easy peasy. Well, sort of. My race day is less than nine weeks away so I’ll have to run a little harder to be ready in time.
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| Laced up and ready with my Nike+ Sensor. |
I’m also using the Nike+ Running app to track my total distance while training. I run on a track because it’s easier on my knees but I walk to and from the track which is about a mile from my house. I love to see my stats after completing a walk/run, I feel so accomplished!
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| C25K Pro and Nike+, a match made in runner heaven. |
My next step is to get one of those activity/fitness trackers but I can’t decide which one to get. I’m torn between the Nike Fuel Band and the FitBit Flex. I could easily sync the Fuel Band to the Nike+ app but it is more expensive than the FitBit and I’m just not sure if the added expense is worth it. Nike recently released a band with a sleep tracking feature, which the FitBit already had, but the Fuel Band has a cool display. To make it tougher for me, FitBit is about to launch a collaboration with Tory Burch. It’s so hard to decide!
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| Nike or FitBit. Decisions, decisions! |
Leave it to me to geek out with the tech aspect of training but I can’t help it! I do love the tech! Wish me luck.
Are you planning to hit the road this spring/summer and do you use any wearable fitness tech? I’d love to hear what your favorite product is and why you love it. Leave a comment below or shout me out on twitter @patranila. You can keep up with my progress and share yours using the following hashtags: #5KPJ #5Ktraining and #SweatPink.
Thanks for reading!
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I give it up to you, I can't even run a mile and a half. Goodluck to you!
Running was always one of the my week points. I do gym, aerobic and zumba…I think I'd need some inspiration and your blog is a really great start! 😉 And maybe should find a running partner as well 😉
Partners are great. Quite a few of my friends are now planning to join me in this race.
Good luck, I'm actually running/walking my first 5k with my sister and 6 year old daughter (Run or Dye) We're extremely excited!!!
Run or Dye looks like a really fun race! Have a great time and let me know how it goes!
Wow! Kudos to you! I haven't joined any marathon yet and would love to even if I'm past 40. I would like to be at my healthiest weight despite of my other conditions. People like you are good source of inspiration because like what Nike says in their ad, "Just Do It!" I think I should too.
I fancy those hi-tech gadgets you featured. I'm amazed how far back I am from these information about tracking your running and the apps. Talk about modernity!
You go run girl! I'll be rooting for you! Good luck!
40 is nothing. My brother is a marathoner and has run the NYC Marathon for over 10 years. He didn't run his first race until way after 40!
I'm rooting for YOU! You could have your very own hashtag #RootForRia.
I can't do anymore on groundpounding due to the beating my knees took while in the army. However, I could really use a good set of walking shoes for my 2-3 mile jaunts here in sunny Florida.
I understand, gotta take of the knees!
Goodluck on the run! A nice pair of running shoes is a definitely a must!
Thank you!
i have been running lately but only on the treadmill.
I haven't ran in years.. I have bad knees.. I'm more of a walker for 5ks, lol I have one for March of Dimes coming up in a few weeks.. But I need to do this.
Mine could turn into a run/walk at any moment!
I have bad ankles, I'd love to do a 5K. Sadly, can't. Good luck!
I jjust strapped on my running shoes today and it felt wonderful. I'm so pumped to get back into running, because winter practically limited me to only indoor exercises.
It limited me too. I don't do cold!
I'm not a runner but I'm a fan of fitbug. I've got the Fitbug One but I really fancy one of the flex. Good luck with your training.
Thanks Emma. I hadn't heard of Fitbug.
Love this post. I have trained for a few 5K's in the past. You've inspired me to get back at it
Yay! Let's get it!
I´m not a runner but from what my hubbie tells me the Nike programme is indeed motivating and fun. He chose Nike´s watch for the GPS and he´s planning on the chest band now.
Ooh the chest band! That is hardcore. Love it!
I'm not a fitness person, so this blog was a great find. Thank you for the words and images. I find fitness the most difficult thing for me to stay consistent with. Congratulations on your commitment!
Thank you! I've been slacking for quite a while, but I'm back baby!
Good for you, Patranila. 5k run is amazing I can't even run around the block. I'm a yoga gal myself who likes to occasionally cycle around the bottom of our local 'mountain' lol! Best of luck with the run. You'll do amazingly, I'm sure 🙂
I'm cross-training with yoga to keep any injuries at bay. I'm jealous that you have a local mountain!
Loving your blog! Glad I found it! I want ot start the C25K and I have started it nearly 4 times…I have an issue with my boobs bouncing when I try to run..lol…
adifferentd.blogspot.com
Thanks so much! I understand the bouncing boobs problem, as I'm a big boobie girl myself. TMI? Sometimes one just has to wear two sports bras, one a little too small for that hold-em-tight feeling. 🙂
YAY! SO proud of you for gettin back out there for a 5k! I actually had the opportunity to lead a couch to 5k group last semester and I LOVED it! The best part was waiting at the finish line of the 5k for all my "students" to finish! Whoo!
That's wonderful! That must have been a great feeling! I'm puffing my way through now but I can't wait to get to race day.
YAY! Maybe I'm hormonal but the sight of your lil brown legs there on the track are really inspiring me to kick my ankle rehab into full gear and get back out there. YEEEhah! lol — I'll make a decision this week.
I'm glad my lil brown legs are inspiring!! LOL! Get healthy and get out there with me! Yeeehaw!!!
So happy to see you're doing C25K! I'm trying to get myself back into it. I slacked of A LOT and need to get back to it! You're my inspiration! I'm going to check out that race, it's my birthday weekend, so it makes it a perfect goal!!
That's a great way to spend your birthday weekend! Maybe I'll see you on the course!
I run. I use to use C25K but it wasn't challenge enough. Honestly, I would hold off on getting the Nike Fuel or Fitbit. I say train for your 5K, enjoy the moment and then maybe invest in a device. I do 5K for the enjoyment and although I like to see my times improve I don't look at the time until after the race. I have had a Garmin for years but I tend to use the free apps on my phone more.
I trust my body for now. I will be training for a 10K soon so I may consider a device then.
A 10K is next up but maybe not until next year. I'll see how my knees feel after running a couple of 5Ks! Good luck on your 10K.
Good on you! I love running but keep getting injured so I can never train to be able to race. But good luck in yours; keep it up and you'll do great!
Love, B x
http://www.lifemadewonderful.blogspot.com
Thanks Becca. I'm cross-training to try to avoid injuries. They are no fun!
This is one sexy blog! I'm no runner but maybe the couch to 5k app could help me get my @ss up off the couch a little more. 😉
Hahaha! Thank you darling! You should definitely try it. Trust me, I need it to get me going!