I recently decided I want to start running. I'm moderately active (go to the gym 3-4 times a week) but usually do the elliptical machine or aerobics. I've ran up to 10 minutes on a treadmill a few times and yesterday jogged about 1.5 miles around a lake. Anyway, there is an 8K parade run scheduled for next month in my city and my friend (who runs 3 miles several times a week) keeps trying to convince me to run it with her. She says that a a month is enough time for me to build up to 8K and that I can always walk if I get tired. Is this dangerous for me? Will I be doing too much too soon?
2007-06-26 08:08:47 · 4 answers · asked by Jessica 1 in Sports ➔ Running
With a month to prepare, you will have more then enough time to do an 8k.
Just remember when you are running it that you have to keep your pace. Don't get caught up in the excitement of racing. In fact, if it is crowded, try to start in the back so it will be less crowded and a slower pace.
Good luck
2007-06-26 10:33:11 · answer #1 · answered by blah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kristy has the right attitude but not the right info.
Normally I would say it might be a bit much, jumping from 1.5 or 10 minutes on a treadmill to an 8k race.
BUT the one thing you mentioned and puts you into a different factor is that you said you had been doing the aerobics classes as well. With that you should be in good enough shape to "Go for IT".
Normally speaking you should NOT jump your training miles up more than 10-15% a week.
You should try to do the lake run on Sunday 2x and see how you feel. Then on like Tuesday go for a 20-25 minute run, nice and easy (speed isnt your concern). Getting in 3-4 runs a week from now until the race will help a lot. Start by going for 2-3miles on most days or 30 minutes, and build up from there. Than the next time you want to do a road race you can mix in a speed workout here or there so you can improve on your times.
2007-06-26 16:31:16 · answer #2 · answered by trakn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for it! An 8K is only 4.97 miles. If you can already do 1.5 comfortable you can do 5 in no time! Just build up gradually over the next few weeks, adding 1/2 mile to your run every other time you go out. Take the 8K easy and don't expect to set the world on fire but use it as an experience to see if you enjoy racing. If you really like it you may want to do another! It's definitely a safe, achievable goal and I think you should go for it!
2007-06-26 15:25:40 · answer #3 · answered by Kristy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be able to tackle that race. Its only 5 miles and a 8K was my first race as well, I ran it and felt great. After that I was hooked!
Just practice running, the treadmill wont be the best training for you. I can run 18 miles, but cant run more than 3 miles on a treadmill.
2007-06-26 16:12:03 · answer #4 · answered by Face on Fire 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋