going to start running!

I am going to do a 5k in march/april im not sure of the month yet but i am going to start training now. How do i get started in training? Should i do free weights? I am clueless to the couch to 5 k please help me... Thank you!

Re: going to start running!

I started running a little less than a year ago. I couldn't even run a mile- I just recently ran 2 half marathons.

I started off slow- running a mile (with walk breaks), then gradually increased my mileage.

As far as weights go- def. lift weights and crosstrain as well. You also want to do excercises to strengthen your core (that will help running as well).

Start off slow and listen to your body!

Re: going to start running!

I agree with missfabulous - crosstraining is great to strengthen your core and help with your running form. Running is awesome, I still enjoy it after years of it. I have run one marathon (about 5 years ago) and did 2 half marathons this year.

You can do it, just don't too much too fast, you have plenty of time to prepare for that 5k.

I have never done it, but I do hear the couch to 5k is excellent.

Re: going to start running!

I agree, take it slow. I just started running this summer and the same w/missfabulous, I couldn't run a mile w/out stopping before. I started w/trying to run a mile non stop then when I could do it consistently for a few runs I increased it a 1/4 mile and just kept the same pattern till I got to the 5k mark. I was surprised at how quickly I was able to build up. Ran 3 5k's this summer und just ran an 8k turkey trot. I plan on running a half next summer. Best of luck, just take it slow, listen to your body and set goals to work toward.

Re: going to start running!

Google couch to 5K.

I'm going to hopefully start in January!