5K

[5ft Diva]

Thanks for that fabulous information! I'm gonna check it out. I needed a plan that told me exactly what to do, sounds like this is it. And I'm literally starting from the couch so this'll be good for me. Thanks!

Okay, I have to be honest, nine weeks sounds a little too good to be true. Can I really run a 5K in that amount of time - I mean is that really realistic? Is there any advice you can give me to help me succeed at this w/out being discouraged? Also, are there certain foods I should eat and/or avoid? You're talking to a total rookie.

[5ft Diva]

Hey mamallama, I just wanted you to know I went to that website, it's fabulous! Thanks for the info. I'll keep you posted - I need all the encouragement I can get.

[Erudite]

Originally Posted by LostnFound

I tried it in my early twenties and had horrible shin splints even after a lot of stretching.

Don't quote me, but I've heard that avoiding shin splits is a matter of the correct support under your feet...yeah...the shoes. You might want to check that out.

[Mamallama]

Eat a banana an hour before running and a banana after----and start drinking lots more water or gatorade, everyday---even on your resting days. Keeping yourself hydrated is really important if your going to be running a lot. That's my old running partner's advice. Seems to work well for me.

[5ft Diva]

Bananas huh? What does the potassium do for our bodies? Thanks for the info! This is kind of a stupid question but do I have to wait to eat the 2nd banana or do I eat it right after I run?

[Big_Sissy]

Banana's are typically great food before any type of activity. however, some people can't eat them. I am one of them, because, and if you can believe this, I get cramps from them. :o

If I don't eat them, I don't have a problem, if I do, sure enough, I'll get a cramp.

[runamyrun]

Originally Posted by Erudite

Don't quote me, but I've heard that avoiding shin splits is a matter of the correct support under your feet...yeah...the shoes. You might want to check that out.

Also, make sure you don't run on the sidewalk. The surface is a lot harder on your body than running on the road. And when you run, make sure the part of the road you are running on is mostly flat, instead of slanting to one side. If you do run on a road that slants, make sure to alternate the side of the road you run on, or you can have knee problems (I learned the hard way). And stretch before and after you run. If you tend to get shin splints, stretch your calf well. Also, after you run you can ice your shins and use ibuprofen to reduce swelling (if you are hurting). And yes, good shoes are the most important thing you can do. I got shin splints one year in high school, and it was awful. And it was because I had the wrong kind of shoes.

[runamyrun]

After a run, it is best to eat within 30 minutes of your run. Your body will absorb the nutrients better. It is best to eat something that is a combination of protein and carbohydrates. What I love to eat after a run, is peanut butter toast. I put bread in the toaster, and when it pops out, I spread it with peanut butter, so it melts. Yummy! Another thing that is good, is to get a tortilla and spread it with refried beans. In the summer I add garden tomatoes and some olives. My father-in-law likes to cook an egg and eat toast with it. Whatever you eat, keep in mind that you don't want to overdo it. For each mile you run, you can roughly say that you have burned 100 calories. Just for comparison, a candybar usually has around 250 calories. That would take running 2 and a half miles to burn it off. Also, I don't tell myself that I can't eat certain foods. If I do, I want them more. When I am training for a race, I find that my body tells me what to eat. That sounds weird, but I don't know how to say it better. I tend to crave healthier food when I am consistently running. Of course I still have treats! But, my body has more energy to run, and I don't feel as sluggish, when I am eating healthy, so I want to eat well. I hope that helps. I definitely don't know everything, but this is what works for me!

[Mamallama]

Thanks for the eating tips. I crave eggs with toast after running too. I'm finding as I'm increasing my running time, I am craving healthier foods like you said. I've had a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies sitting on my counter for 3 days!!! and I have no desire to eat one......ok I did eat one.....but the point is, normally I'd have scarfed down the whole plate by now, and really I don't desire cookies or sweets----I'm munching on apples and carrots and wanting REAL food. I agree, that "listening" to what your body wants while on an exercise program works.

[5ft Diva]

Originally Posted by Mamallama

and I have no desire to eat one......ok I did eat one.....

LOL! I know how that goes. I'd agree, I usually don't crave sweets when I am exercising either. My problem is remembering to drink water. I'm horrible at it.

[bates]

9 weeks is plenty of time 5. If you stick to the program you will be running a 5k with no problem. I know you can do it. BS too.

[Big_Sissy]

Yep, it's BS for me to even think about it

[bates]

haha...funny guy eh. You should do this 5k....think about how much more riding time you could get in if you could stay out longer.: pokeit

[Big_Sissy]

: yeah right!

[5ft Diva]

Oh, I'm sure he'd rather stay on the sidelines with the kids anyway while I'm running it to cheer me on.

[Big_Sissy]

Right, that's it. Someone has to watch the children