I used to run 5Ks all the time in high school since I was on cross-country. Now that Im a sophmore in college, Ive been meaning to start running again but with the crappy Chicago winters, the cold discourages me. Lately with the warmer weather, Ive been going rollerblading for 1 hr....and I can comfortably do the elliptical for 45 minutes but not at a really fast pace and I havent been working out regularly. My school is having a 5K race this sunday....and for some reason I totally want to start running again to do races like this. So Im worried if maybe its a bad idea to just jump right in with not much exercise before hand and do this race on sunday? I know I can do races since Ive done them before and I hardly get tired from the 1 hr workouts when I DO do them...and a 5K is about 30 minutes BUT at a faster pace. There is another race May 7 so I would for sure do that one after training myself....but I really wanna do this one and see how I would do timed. Since its such a short race (5K = 3miles) is it a bad idea or not a big deal? Thanks!
I am/have been a runner too (got to stop for a while b/c I screwed up my knee, but I started again )! I'd say, go for it! I started after months of not running, and was able to run 20 mins witouth dieing at ~ 10min/mile pace; so, since you have been exercizing, shouldn't be too bad.
Only, take it easy, especially at the beginning, don't push yourself. If you feel good before the last mile, increase your speed then. The only risk would be, if it comes up to be too hard, you'd give up on next race or on running, but you know yourself, and you know if this is likely to happen or not.
I totally understand you wanting to start running again. I even missed waking up at 6 and running in the cold mornings, snow and everything (I am in Buffalo!).Oh,and good luck, now I whish I had a race coming!
i think that you could do it. usually when i start running again, i build up endurance on the elliptical. i think that you should not worry about time and mabye focus on time in the may one. i did the shamrock shuffle this weekend and i think running with a group of people will help you get through the race. good luck!
__________________
"i tell you one lesson I learned
If you want to be something in life, You ain't gonna get it unless, You give a little bit of sacrifice, Oohh, sometimes before you smile you got to cry.." -The Roots