Vote now -- 5k or 1 mile?

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

OK, I'm struggling with a decision and would like some people to weigh in. I know it's my decision and only I know best, blah, blah, blah... but I could use some motivation and maybe even a kick in the pants.

I signed up for a 5k tomorrow morning. I'm on week 6 of the Zombies Run 5k training and I'm running intervals of 10 or 5 minutes at a time with a 7-8 on the perceived exertion scale. About 10 days ago I really had a flare up of bursitis in my hip I think due to driving about 30 hours in a weekend. I laid off running or even walking on the treadmill and my weights routine for about a week to try to give it time to settle down. I ran/walked Wednesday morning and it didn't aggravate the hip -- but it still hurts.

I'm trying to decide whether to try the 5k or do the 1 mile instead. I feel pretty confident I can do the 1 mile and run the entire thing. I'm very sure I wouldn't be able to run the entire 5k but could do intervals of running/walking and finish before they close the course (website doesn't say how long they keep the course open but they're usually open an hour and I could finish that even just walking fast).

I'm nervous about trying the 5k because I don't want to play head games with myself and end up feeling like a failure because I can't run the entire thing. And, there's that "what will people think if I'm walking" thing. But, that's all just psychological and I feel like I should just pull up the big girl panties and do it. Give myself a break if I have to walk more than I run.

On the other hand, if I do the 1 mile and run the entire thing, is it going to be a great confidence booster "woo hoo" moment or am I going to feel like I took the easy way out?

Opinions?

[AvaFern 3,516]

Go for the 5k! I have done road races when I was thin and ran the whole thing and when I was out of shape and walked almost the entire thing. There has never once been a time where anyone was mean to me for being slower. At one point during a half marathon, I seriously considered jumping off the bridge and swimming to the finish line because it would probably have been faster than the limping walking I was doing. I think the last two miles took me 45 minutes to finish and there were SO many positive and encouraging people who cheered for me, even though I was one of the last people to come in. While it's fun to run an entire race and is certainly a boost of confidence, there is no shame in doing run/walk or just walking....what's that phrase, you may not be the fastest, but you're beating everyone else who stayed home and sat on their couch.

Good luck with your race!

[MisforMimi 760]

5K! Adrenaline will be high. Plenty of people who signed to run will and vice versa. Do your thing! Good Luck!

[Rovobay 920]

listen to your body. it would suck to aggravate it even more and be down even longer.

[lisacaron 5,075]

I agree go for the 5k and walk/run as best you can and get through it. When you get to the other side and cross the finish line that will be a HUGE moral booster!!

I did a 5k not to long ago and I am NOT up to running through the whole thing and may never be able to run that long/far with injury to my foot, but I didn't let it stop me and there were plenty of others who like me needed to stop and walk for a while. I crossed the finish line walking and smiling and happy that I made it and that my time was pretty good as well for my first time ever!

You go girl you can do it!!

[swimbikerun 1,040]

5K. The 1 mile is really a kids mile and the only others who do it are the adults pushing strollers.

[Beni 1,484]

"Life is a marathon not a sprint." I have bursitis in my hip and I wouldn't risk the pain without being able to take NSAIDS for a couple weeks after (RNY can't). I have been limping for over a year even with meds. But you know your hip better then I do. Of course, 5K will feel like a bigger accomplishment but ask yourself why are you doing this race? The reason should educate the decision.

Good luck with the decision. We still want to see you rocking those size 6 jeans!

[terrydumont46 1,954]

run the 5k. your hip will let you know if it won't tolerate it. bursitis is no fun. have it in my shoulder. good luck on your run

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

OK... results... I did it... ran/walked the 5k. I finished in 46 minutes. Ran the first mile, ran the last mile and walked in the middle. I wasn't first and I wasn't last. I DID IT!

Thanks for all the encouragement... it was a complete mind game I was playing with myself on being embarrassed or whatever. The hip felt fine... still achy but it doesn't hurt worse, so we're good.

@@Beni -- I agree about the NSAIDS... they were the only thing that ever helped the hip before and it's tough now dealing with the pain without it. But, it's not too severe and it doesn't usually last this long, so I can deal.

I'll post the pics from the race as soon as they're posted.

Thanks again for all your encouragement!

[swimbikerun 1,040]

WHOOO HOOO!!!! YES!!

YOU GO GIRL!!!