September 2008 Weddings
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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
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Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Question about doing a 5K
I have never been a runner and prefer to work out on the elliptical/EFX machine, but I need something to train for to get my butt in shape! At most I can run off and on for a couple miles on the treadmill, but I have a weak ankle and I get shin splints. I'm wondering if running a 5k is even something my ankle and shins will be able to handle. Any suggestions?
Mr. and Mrs. est. September 6, 2008 Expecting Baby #1 October 1, 2013
Re: Question about doing a 5K
1) ramp up slowly. Depending on your fitness level, you might be able to pop out and run 3 miles without issue, but unless you're pretty fit I would start with intervals. (couch to 5k is popular)
2) Google stretches and strengthening exercises to help stave off shin splints, be sure you're wearing good and appropriate shoes for your foot type (eg, the sneakers at Kohls aren't really that good for running - they only carry the lowest models of the lines). On a similar note, look into strengthening your ankle. I know a lot of people with histories of ankle injuries (breaks, sprains etc) and to my knowledge, none of them find it limiting. You can wear a brace if its really bad, but running is nearly all forward motion and with some basic strength you should be fine (look for exercises involving balance - eg one leg moves, things on balance boards)
3) have a good time and believe in your abilities. My dad ran his first 5k ever 6 months after an emergency triple bypass. He hadn't run a mile in 30 years before that surgery, and does a couple of 5ks a year now (he runs about 8 miles a week for fitness now and has lost 40 lbs since the surgery).
Ditto Em!
When I was in gymnastics I used to get shin splints something terrible. I found that with some gradual progression into running that I was okay.
For me, I didn't use a program, but my goal was to add a 1/4 of a mile each week. Sometimes it happened, sometimes it didn't, but I allowed myself enough time between the start of running and my first race for some ups and downs in training.
FWIW, I ran my first 5K after 3 months of training.
I agree with the others. I've been running for a little over a year. I'm still very slow and don't do long distances. I haven't followed a specific program, but just strive to do more than I did previously. It doesn't always happen, but as long as I'm out there and working on it, I'm happy.
I have not trained for anything specific and have not yet run a race. I'll be doing a 2 miler in two and a half weeks and am going to do a Spartan Sprint in October (5k with obstacles).
I haven't gotten shin splints, but I really eased in to it. I only run outdoors. I hate, with a passion, the treadmill. For the life of me I cannot go as far on it (even at the same or slower speed) as I can outdoors. I did have a period where I was having foot pain, but getting a better pair of running shoes really helped that. Two other things that have made it much easier this summer are good, sweat wicking socks and good running shorts (I love the ones that are a bit longer, a thin material, and have built in underwear). Both really help with comfort and make it easier to keep going when the weather is uncomfortable.
My best advice if to start slow. Don't worry about being slow and take take walk breaks when you need to. You'll see yourself improving pretty quickly if you stick with it. Good luck!
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Pretty much what everyone else said. My major points:
-get fitted at a running store for good shoes
-ease into it slowly
-get outside if possible
-don't be afraid to implement the run/walk intervals even during the race
I trained for my first 5k about 8 years ago almost exclusively on an elliptical, but in reality, road running is a lot different from either the treadmill or the elliptical. At least do some of your workouts outside. I do like the elliptical, though, but now I'm training completely outside and do most of my workouts with a group or my training partner.
As for the run/walk, I am using a method of run/walk to train for my half marathon. Some people think that helps prevent injuries, and I would always get shin splints if I ran too much too soon. It keeps me accountable for slowing down!
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Mr. and Mrs. est. September 6, 2008 Expecting Baby #1 October 1, 2013