Training for 5K

[Mich the Tester]

Have a search for couch to 5K but in all honesty, unless you're super unfit, you could do a 5K now.

Not necessarily; you have to consider build, weight, muscle type, previous injuries etc. There are world class athletes who'd not even try to run 5k without a couple of short rests along the way. Think of shotputters, rugby forwards (even top class ones), weightlifters, judokas, all of whom might be very very fit.

[doodab]

Beware of shin splints. They really hurt.

[AtW]

Hi,

I plan to run a 5K race, how long would you suggest I train for this? I am not that fit, but I am normal weight mid 30s. Don't smoke or drink much ( A few pints a week)

Hurry up, I am already on 24k+...

[cailin maith]

Have a search for couch to 5K but in all honesty, unless you're super unfit, you could do a 5K now.

I was just going to suggest that. The podcast is pretty good.

[Mich the Tester]

Beware of shin splints. They really hurt.

I used to get those; hated them. Then I gave up on the cushioned running shoes and bought a pair of Nike Free 3.0, which are the closest thing to barefoot running you can buy; no problems since then.

[russell]

Hurry up, I am already on 24k+...

My long term plan is to get to 10k, but I wont go beyond that.

What timings should I aim for for

1K
5K
10K
?

[ThomasSoerensen]

I used to get those; hated them. Then I gave up on the cushioned running shoes and bought a pair of Nike Free 3.0, which are the closest thing to barefoot running you can buy; no problems since then.

never heard of "Wibram Five fingers", eh?

[Mich the Tester]

never heard of "Wibram Five fingers", eh?

Will try them sometime. Mind you, I run on the balls of my feet, so I don't need the heel cushions; most inexperienced runners probably do need them.

[Mich the Tester]

My long term plan is to get to 10k, but I wont go beyond that.

What timings should I aim for for

1K
5K
10K
?

Take a look at this;

Cooper Test - 12 minute run to assess your vo2max

Brianmac's site is brilliant; lots of useful stuff, just a shame about the pop-up ads.

[AtW]

My long term plan is to get to 10k, but I wont go beyond that.

What timings should I aim for for

1K
5K
10K
?

Took me a couple of month to get to 1k, then 5k followed shortly (the most important part in it is to keep your head down and avoid being banned), then 10k came along after a year or two - finally 6 years later I am on over 24k.