[B&K Mom]

As many of you know, I'm on week 3 of Couch Potato to 5K. I'm scheduled to finish with week 9 on May 15. I'm doing pretty well overall (we'll see how I do today). When I first started on March 4, I was aiming for May 9 to do my 5K (very cool "Girls on the Run' race). Then DH said he'd be out of town that weekend. I got a bit peeved, and actually didn't get back to running for a week. I decided to pick up where I left off and found a new 5K (not nearly as thrilling) on Memorial Day (May 25). Now on week 3 of my training, DH tells me the out of town trip has been cancelled. He'll be home and that day is open for me to run if I want.

Here's the thing...the race is May 9, and I'm not really finished with my training schedule until May 15. I'd really prefer to run the original 5K (it supports are great organization...google "Girls on the Run" and check them out). But I also want to give myself the best opportunity to run well. I'm thinking in reality I need to wait and do the Memorial Day run. But my heart really wants to do the other (can you tell that?). I can register for a "lower price" before May 1, but even register the day of the run if I need to. Those of you who've done this program or who have gone from doing nothing (essentially) to running a 5K, is it asking too much to push myself through the training a little faster to get to my goal for May 9? I've thought about assessing myself at the end of April and deciding then. Give me some non-emotionally charged advice, please. I think my brain knows the right answer, but my heart isn't listening right now. Maybe it will listen better after my run today

Thanks
Debbie

[April Showers]

Well, I did about 6 years of track and some cross country running in High School, but that was a long time ago. I'm not familiar with the program you're using, but if it were me, I would run both of them and consider the first one a "pre-test." You could still participate in supporting the causes you believe in and gain some valuable experience that will help you in the next run. Good luck!

[podiumchick]

My kids are on track teams--distance. They start out running, not run/walking. So I think if your body says you can ramp up the pace, go for it! You've started slow to minimize impact injuries. If your cardio can take the increased running/decreased walking...even at a slower pace at first, I say you can be ready a week earlier. What do you have to lose except to need a brief walk break in the middle of the race? I go with April. Do both. (says the couch potato that's afraid to run...)

[Smiles]

Do the one you want to, and walk part of it!
The point is to raise money for the cause, and have a good time.
You're not in the military, where they are timing you and can throw you out if you don't meet their standard.
Getting in shape has to have an element of fun, or you'd give it up too soon.
Seriously, run to where you are in the program, and walk the rest. You might discover the adrenaline will carry you through till the end of the 5K.

[CRS]

I say go for them both! I've only run one 5K race, but I enjoyed it and wanted to do another one right away. That was a couple years ago and I never did run another one. But you don't have to run fast in the first one, just pace yourself. Listen to your body. The first race is so close to the end of your training that you could push it a little bit and I don't think you'll hurt yourself. Good luck either eay and let us know what you decide and of course, how you do!

[jeschaff]

Debbie, I encourage you to follow your heart. A lot of training programs have an occasional longer run in them, and doing the first race will give you an idea of how good your training has been. Even if you don't manage to run all the way or if your time is really long, you're still a winner!

[bikeneday]

Keep up your training, do both 5ks. You will be fine, just listen to what you body is telling you and don't push too hard esp. in the first one.