Ran my first timed 5K today and came in first for my age group. I ran it in 32:07. I was so excited and have gotten bitten by the race bug. I have come so far!

Edited November 9, 201411 yr by Marathongirl

That's fantastic! What a great inspiration!

That's awesome! Congratulations. How did you learn to run? I'm just trying to run now. Getting better but have a long way to go. I bow down to you!! lol

That's awesome! Congratulations. How did you learn to run? I'm just trying to run now. Getting better but have a long way to go. I bow down to you!! lol

I've always liked running. I ran (not like I do now) in college, and it's always been my first choice for exercise. After surgery, I started running a bit more. I would run for like a minute, then walk for 5 on the treadmill. I did that until I could run a full mile. It just takes a lot of practice. I would say run 2-3x's a week. There are also programs out there that are couch to 5K. Runkeeper, which is an app on your phone, has that same program. It helps you run a 5K in a couple of months I believe. Whatever you decide to do, just make sure you enjoy it. That is definitely the key to stick with any exercise program. Good Luck!

Do you find it different to run on a treadmill vs. outside? I've been trying outside for now but only about once a week. I'm in Boston so the weather is definitely getting colder/rainier (and even snow!). I don't know how to dress for that weather yet for running. Also, at night when I get home from work, it's so dark. It's not as safe as I would like it to be where I live. I hadn't been brave enough to try running at the gym but I think that is what I will have to do until I can figure out how to dress for the weather outside. I just don't want to be embarrassed!! lol. I do have a treadmill that I lent to a friend. I don't think she is using it anymore so I think I will ask for it back,

Thanks

Do you find it different to run on a treadmill vs. outside? I've been trying outside for now but only about once a week. I'm in Boston so the weather is definitely getting colder/rainier (and even snow!). I don't know how to dress for that weather yet for running. Also, at night when I get home from work, it's so dark. It's not as safe as I would like it to be where I live. I hadn't been brave enough to try running at the gym but I think that is what I will have to do until I can figure out how to dress for the weather outside. I just don't want to be embarrassed!! lol. I do have a treadmill that I lent to a friend. I don't think she is using it anymore so I think I will ask for it back,

Thanks

It's totally different running on a treadmill. It's easier, and very boring. Running outside I have things to look at and I get natural inclines and declines. It's awesome for working on your endurance and the muscles in your legs. However, running on a treadmill has one advantage, whatever speed you decide on is the speed you're going until you turn it down. I have practiced that way as well when the weather is icky. I do not run in rain, snow or strong wind for sure. You'll find what is best for you. Everyone is different. Whatever way you choose its always better than the alternative of doing nothing!

Congrats on the race. I was bitten by the triathlon bug! Ran my first race in October, and it feels great! Keep running and maybe soon you will at a A half and full distance!