Signed up for my First 5K!

[DYT_replant]

I'm the worst at running. I started watching CICO and working out/running the first week of May. My goal is to live a healthier, more active lifestyle and shed a few (28) pounds to boot. 

Anyway, it currently takes me about 27 minutes to walk/jog 2 miles, so I need to step it up before my 5K in July!

Does anyone have any tips for newbie runners? My legs get tired pretty easily and the inside of my knees started hurting recently, too. I'm a hot mess and I'd like to be more put together before my run. Thank you in advance!

[WendyB]

Congrats! They can be fun. Keep us posted when you have completed it!

Good luck! Im sure you will do fine!

[DYT_replant]

UPDATE: I went running this morning and my right knee hurts a ridiculous amount. It's hard to stay optimistic...

[Heather-S · Accepted solution]

If you're in pain, please, please don't push yourself.

Two years ago, I was training for my first 5K.  My heels and ankles started hurting as soon as I was running one day.  I thought I was just stiff and kept going.  I ran 3 miles and was in an incredible amount of pain and could barely walk the next day.

The pain persisted for several days, so I finally went to the doctor who told me I tore BOTH Achilles tendons and sprained BOTH ankles.  I took months for them to heal.  And it took me almost two years before I felt safe running again.  So please, if you're in pain, there is a reason and you should stop and rest.

[GershonSurge]

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@DYT_replant wrote:

UPDATE: I went running this morning and my right knee hurts a ridiculous amount. It's hard to stay optimistic...

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I agree with @Heather-S. The first rule of exercising is if something hurts even a little, rest until it stops hurting. The second rule is not to do any exercise using the painful area while taking medicine to stop the pain. You can easily end up with a permanent injury.

Only take medication if you have stopped exercising, and you need to stop the pain to sleep. The inflammation that causes the pain is an important part of the healing process.

[DYT_replant]

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@WendyB wrote:

Congrats! They can be fun. Keep us posted when you have completed it!

Good luck! Im sure you will do fine!

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Hi! Thank you all for your encouragement! The race went well! My official time was 38:31 for the 5k (I officially beat my PR)! I'm still unable to run all of it, but it's my goal now! 

[DYT_replant]

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@DYT_replant wrote:

UPDATE: I went running this morning and my right knee hurts a ridiculous amount. It's hard to stay optimistic...

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Also, update on this - my knees haven't been an issue since this. I think my body/knees just wasn't used to pounding the pavement