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Thinking of training for a 5k-Ohio Edition!

Posted by Anna @leross21, Feb 18, 2019

I read @ihatediabetes post on training for a 5k, and at the end of the post, she shared a photo of her medal. I was nearly brought to tears (maybe that's sad in itself, but I was really moved by her determination and success). I want to do this too. I live in the Cleveland, OH area, so there are 5k races (and longer) available throughout the year, but I'm 230 lbs now (after a year of getting on and off antidepressants) and struggle to catch my breath when walking and talking. I've come a long way from being fit and healthy in my 20s. Now in my early 30s, even though I know this isn't the case, it still feels like another lifetime/a pipe dream to get back to health and fitness.

If I want to pursue a 5k, does anyone have recommendations for doing so? I have a treadmill at home because I'm honestly too embarrassed to train with other people (even a trainer, who's probably used to obese people working toward fitness). I should probably start with an app or something, right? Any help, insights, advice, or tools you have to recommend are more than welcome! Just a note-I'm a teacher and have pretty much no money and no energy to start with 🙂

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jodeej | @jodeej | Feb 18, 2019

@leross21 you can do this!! There are a lot of videos on YouTube. I recommend Leslie Sansone as a good starting point as she has shorter walks. (15 minutes or so) Jessica Smith also has some good videos on there that are called 1 mile walk and talk. They also least about 15 minutes. Otherwise, put on some of your favorite music and dance! It will do wonders for your mood and it's great exercise, plus it's free! 🙂

If you specifically want a 5k training there are several Couch to 5k trainings out there. Just do a search for it.

If course talk to your doctor first and get his recommendation. I can't wait to hear your updates.
Blessings,
JoDee

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Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Mar 6, 2019

@leross21, I just came across your message. Your experience of being fit and healthy in 20's, but now being 30 and out of shape sounds all too familiar. I am not surprised to hear how teaching leaves you with no energy. I used to teach, and I know how tiring the days can be, plus if your school is like mine was there is always a delicious snack in the teachers lounge,

I congratulate you on your desire to workup to a 5K.
@ihatediabetes, Have you met@leross21? From your own experience, what kind advice or help do you have to share with Anna. How did you begin to develop a training plan? How do you stay motivated when you are tired, or it is cold?

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ihatediabetes | @ihatediabetes | Mar 12, 2019

Hi someone forwarded me your post so I want to encourage you and tell you what worked for me. I'm blogging under ihatediabetes. I think you start with running shoes with a professional fitting. I wear neutral running shoes but I add a thick cushioning insert. I have a lot of extra pounds and the cushioning really helps. Running shoes are meant to add energy because they push back when they are compressed. That's why you have to buy new shoes even though your old shoes look fine. Old shoes don't push back so well after they are worn so many miles. You have to keep track how many miles are on the shoes. Before my first 5k I had been weight training and hiking so I did have a base to build on. You have to know what fitness/health base you're starting with. I knew what my base was because I had been through assessments at the healthy living center at Mayo Clinic. So I started jogging by goingslow enough so I could maintain a steady pace. I bought a Garmin forerunner 35 which is a great jogging watch with GPS. My pace is 3.2 mph for 5k distance. I found my pace where I could jog without getting winded. Then I signed up for a 5k during Twin Cities marathon weekend. They published a route map ahead of time. I did little pieces of the race until I could do the entire 5k distance. That took 4 weekends practicing the course. So I finished my first 5k in about 58 minutes October 2018. Since then I try to run a 5k about every month. I did one for Halloween, Thanksgiving, December Reindeer Run, and January Polar Dash. I didn't have a February race so I signed up for Polar Plunge instead to raise money for Special Olympics. That took jumping into a lake in Minnesota in freezing weather. The point is to have a challenge every month because it helps my mind to believe that I am an active outside person. My next race is March 23rd and that's called Hot Dash because you get a serving of Minnesota hot dish when you finish. I first heard heard the announcer call us athletes at my first 5k in October 2018. That was moving and amazing to be called an athlete because I don't consider myself one. But I am an athlete and my event so far is the 5k. I am a 5k athlete. I also signed up for 5k Tough Mudder. When you finish your first Tough Mudder then you get to call yourself a tough mudder. I will race and get muddy and banged up just so I can be a tough mudder athlete. I know you can do this. You just have to believe and put one foot in front of another. But I would get a jogging watch and good shoes that are from a running store. They know how to watch your gait to help you chose shoes. I know the Garmin forerunner 35 is $169 list but you can find it cheaper on line. Good running shoes are over $100 plus the insert is probably $40 on top. But you really need some decent equipment to have a good experience. I know that I need 7w in New Balance plus cushioning insert. There are many great running shoes from which to select. Good luck.

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1 reply
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Mar 13, 2019

@leross21, When my sons ran cross coiuntry, I remember hearing the coach calling out to the beginners, "Walk and jog. Walk and jog. Walk and jog." in a steady reassuring rhythm.
With Spring on the horizon, what is your short term goal?

REPLY
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Mar 13, 2019
In reply to @ihatediabetes "Hi someone forwarded me your post so I want to encourage you and tell you what..." + (show)
@ihatediabetes

Hi someone forwarded me your post so I want to encourage you and tell you what worked for me. I'm blogging under ihatediabetes. I think you start with running shoes with a professional fitting. I wear neutral running shoes but I add a thick cushioning insert. I have a lot of extra pounds and the cushioning really helps. Running shoes are meant to add energy because they push back when they are compressed. That's why you have to buy new shoes even though your old shoes look fine. Old shoes don't push back so well after they are worn so many miles. You have to keep track how many miles are on the shoes. Before my first 5k I had been weight training and hiking so I did have a base to build on. You have to know what fitness/health base you're starting with. I knew what my base was because I had been through assessments at the healthy living center at Mayo Clinic. So I started jogging by goingslow enough so I could maintain a steady pace. I bought a Garmin forerunner 35 which is a great jogging watch with GPS. My pace is 3.2 mph for 5k distance. I found my pace where I could jog without getting winded. Then I signed up for a 5k during Twin Cities marathon weekend. They published a route map ahead of time. I did little pieces of the race until I could do the entire 5k distance. That took 4 weekends practicing the course. So I finished my first 5k in about 58 minutes October 2018. Since then I try to run a 5k about every month. I did one for Halloween, Thanksgiving, December Reindeer Run, and January Polar Dash. I didn't have a February race so I signed up for Polar Plunge instead to raise money for Special Olympics. That took jumping into a lake in Minnesota in freezing weather. The point is to have a challenge every month because it helps my mind to believe that I am an active outside person. My next race is March 23rd and that's called Hot Dash because you get a serving of Minnesota hot dish when you finish. I first heard heard the announcer call us athletes at my first 5k in October 2018. That was moving and amazing to be called an athlete because I don't consider myself one. But I am an athlete and my event so far is the 5k. I am a 5k athlete. I also signed up for 5k Tough Mudder. When you finish your first Tough Mudder then you get to call yourself a tough mudder. I will race and get muddy and banged up just so I can be a tough mudder athlete. I know you can do this. You just have to believe and put one foot in front of another. But I would get a jogging watch and good shoes that are from a running store. They know how to watch your gait to help you chose shoes. I know the Garmin forerunner 35 is $169 list but you can find it cheaper on line. Good running shoes are over $100 plus the insert is probably $40 on top. But you really need some decent equipment to have a good experience. I know that I need 7w in New Balance plus cushioning insert. There are many great running shoes from which to select. Good luck.

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@ihatediabetes, You are right! Shoes can make or break the enjoyment of any activity! This is a great peice of advice for walkers, runners, hikers...Thanks for reminding me to replace my insoles in my own shoes:-)
I got a chuckle out of the race names!

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