First 5K

Just entered my first 5K.  My workplace is sponsoring a charity run on Sept 20.  I may have to walk the whole thing and it may take an hour but I know I can finish.  I am up to 2 miles in 40 minutes and my long has been 2.7 miles in 53 minutes.

Not really that interested in doing races but now I am committed and do not want to embarrass myself.  Right now, exercise is medicine I can easily rationalize away(too tired, too busy, good stuff on tv, need to do laundry....).

You might think about trying the couch to 5k program if you'd like to try running some of the race.  I'm on week 3 and I really like it so far. Also, it seems that good shoes are the key for success - I used to get shin splints really bad, but haven't had them at all since I got the proper shoes for my feet/gait (as advised by a local running shop). My first post-op 5k is October 4th (I previously walked one about a year ago). I have a C25K app on my phone that gives the prompts of when to walk/run. Just a thought.  Good luck!

Thanks for the info but I want to be below 225 before I start running.  At this weight, it is too hard on my knees.  I have a good pair of Brooks but I will probably need new ones by then.  My feet are definitely shrinking and these once somewhat tight shoes are getting loose.

My goal will be sub 51 minutes which is a pretty quick walk for these stubby legs.  Where I walk now is pretty flat but the race will be in an area with a few hills so that might slow me down.

Good luck on your race in October.

That's great!  I started running a few weeks ago and my first 5k is in October. I'm still working up to being able to start to official couch to 5k program, but I'm now able to run a minute out of every 4.5 minutes. I started just being able to run 30 seconds out of every 5 minutes!

I was really worried when I started that my knees were going to die (since I was probably 250 or so when I started) but I haven't had any issues at all aside from normal aches that anyone would get. The key is not trying to do too much at once when you start and just improving slowly and steadily. And, of course, stretching a LOT. 

I have not ran in so long I have some fear of it.

I did too. I exercise at a gym on a treadmill and actually warned the gym owner that I was going to attempt to run, so he should be prepared to call 911 :P I've had so many problems with my knees and shin splints of death and my feet.... It was scary to attempt it. 

But I did!  And I survived!! I'd been walking a lot and I think that helped too. :)  I still feel like an ungainly and uncoordinated whale, but whatever. I'm the only one judging me. 

You will do great! I had my first 5K about a month ago. Fast walked the whole thing. I am not running in public yet, there's too much jiggling going on. Maybe after I have VSG and lost a bit more weight. Good luck to you :)

I hear ya on the jiggling! haha. One thing that really helps are compression tanks and capris/leggings. They hold things in a lot better than just a t-shirt and yoga pants and I feel much "sleeker."

You made me laugh at what you said "Not really that interested in doing races". I said something similar just before my first 5k. Now, I am training for my second marathon. I'm trying to qualify for Boston, which means that I have to complete a full marathon in under 3:30. :-/
The only embarrassment you might cause yourself is, if you don't show up at the 5k and find yourself sitting on the couch that day. I don't think that will happen though from what I'm reading. Good luck and keep us all posted on how your FIRST 5k went.