Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Training for a 5K

During the summer of 2013 I decided I wanted to try and start running. So I talked to my trainer about it and we started one night. She had me start by running until I couldn't run anymore and then walk until I caught my breath. I did this for weeks increasing my run time by approximately 15 seconds every 1-2 weeks. I was at my heaviest around this time and was embarrassed I could only run for approximately 30 seconds at a time when I started.


I would run approximately 1.5 miles about twice a week. I began having horrible shin splints and was trying to RICE (Rest Ice Compression Elevation) as almost nightly. My Mom and I did our first 5K together in September 2013 at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. There were a ton of people so it was hard to run and my legs kept cramping. We did complete it in under an hour though! 


In October 2013 I had signed up to do a 5k and my sister-in-law joined me. She helped push me through it. We walk/ran it in less time than my first 5k, but my legs were really bothering me. I received some advice to let my shins recover and I decided this was a good idea. The winter in 2014 was horrible and not ideal for running anyway. I decided to focus on my eating habits and increasing the number of workouts I was doing weekly.


Training to run a full 5k has always been a goal of mine. I talked to B about getting a treadmill after we turned our storage room into a workout room this fall. For Christmas he surprised me and got me a treadmill for Christmas. It was delivered right after the new year. I have been working on getting my 5k time under 40 minutes. I am not there yet, but I am working on it! I am currently running 4 minutes at 4.8mph and walking for 1 minute at 3mph. I need to sign up for a 5k this summer, but am hoping to have  my time down soon.

3/24/2015

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7 comments:

  1. UnknownMarch 26, 2015 at 9:34 AM

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  2. UnknownMarch 26, 2015 at 9:34 AM

    Since 2011, I've completed 8 - 5Ks. Keep working hard and don't stop. You'll be surprised what your body will do when you really set your mind to keep going. I don't know if you enjoy phone apps for exercise, but a fun one I've used is Zombies, Run! It's kind of like "Choose Your Own Adventure". My boyfriend and I completed a 5k in August with a Craft Beer Festival at the end. :) He will run for beer.

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    1. StephanieMarch 26, 2015 at 10:40 AM

      Thanks Erin! I am definitely going to keep working at it. I will definitely share when I get there! I wrote about my favorite apps that I use before this one and someone mentioned the Zombies, Run! I am going to have to check it out!

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  3. AnnaMarch 26, 2015 at 10:15 AM

    So exciting. I've been a runner in my head for years, but my legs are still walkers. I fear injury, but I think I will take the plunge this year. Thanks for sharing your success :)

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    1. StephanieMarch 26, 2015 at 10:44 AM

      I think that taking the year off helped to build up my leg muscles. It was probably the best for me at the time. I now just have to keep working at building up my running time until I can run a full 5K. One step at a time!

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  4. UnknownMarch 26, 2015 at 11:28 AM

    Good job Stephanie! I've had shin splints before and they are awful! I'm so glad you kept at it! It looks like you're doing a great job setting goals and accomplishing them!

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    1. StephanieMarch 26, 2015 at 11:31 PM

      Thanks Carrie! The monthly goals definitely help me stay focused. I am really looking forward to completing this one though.

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