Goals

[kmclarke883]

My ultimate goal is to be able to run 5 K.   What suggestion would you guys make to achieve that goal?  I am almost 31 years old and I haven't ran extensively since probably I was 21 years old.  I need ideas, suggestions.

[tmprunning]

Do the Couch to 5k program.  Find a time of day that works best for your workout and stick to it.  Do not worry about setback, your next run will be twice as productive.  Last, no excuses, do it!

[flyboy · Accepted solution]

Like the Nike slogan says, Just Do It.  The longest journey starts with just one step.  Get out there and start walking, then jogging, and finally running. Increase your mileage and time and you'll be at 5 K running in a few weeks give or take.  Congratulations and good luck.

[kmclarke883]

I love to swim.  I go to the gym but can't seem to get myself to run on the treadmill because I'm scared of screwing up.  Thank you so much for your help.  Maybe I'll try your suggestion when I'm at the beach from July 12-July 19.  Running on the beach I hear is really nice.

[flyboy]

Running on the beach is great and a really good workout, especially if you're running in the dry sand where it takes a lot more energy to run than it does on a hard surface.

Swimming is great cross training for running, it is zero impact and good cardio so swim while you're at the beach too.

[Pajj]

I would like to run a 5K also.  I found an app called couch 25k (C25K)  It is great.  It is a 8 week program, you do it 3x per week and it increases you each week.  You plug in and it tells when when to jog, when to walk and when it is time to cool down.  There is a 5 min brisk walk to start and the whole thing is 30 min.  I am on my 3rd day of the 4th week and I am doing it! I am 58 years old and feel great.  Take a look at the app and give it a try.  It starts you out really slow, job 60 secs walk 90 secs.  You can do it!!