Race for Life

Former_MSE_Andrea

Erm, I've signed up to do a 5k Race for Life in June! :eek:

Apologies in advance to all you sporty types on here but I'm more used to waste reduction than waist reduction!

So while I chose to do it, spurred on by getting a Fitbit for Christmas, I'm more used to spending any free time I have lying on the sofa, watching TV, reading a book or sharing inspiring zero waste info on FB.

Is anyone else here doing it?

Please help me with any useful tips you have!

Just probably best not to call it "training" or it will totally put my brain off! (Me "training" >> :j)

PS If anyone's thinking of taking part registration is £10 until the end of January: Race for Life

I'm off to read the MSE Running Club

fermi

1. Talk to Martin, as he is a wealth of info on this.

2. Remember that all achievements are personal, and not measured against anyone else. That is a hard one to keep in mind when nature tells you to 'compete', but unless you are a professional athlete then it's very true.

Ilona

Hi. I'm not doing it this year but have done it in the past. 5k sounds a lot but it isn't. You don't have to run the whole distance, you can walk. It's all about taking part and having fun, it's not a race, you don't have to beat anyone just go at your own pace. As long as you can put one foot in front of the other, no special training required, unless you want to make it a personal challenge, then you may want to push yourself. The time goes quickly just go with the flow.

When you have done that you could take the 'walk 1000 miles in one year challenge,' organised by Country Walking magazine. I have done 105 miles since the 1st of December when I started. Aiming to walk 90 miles a month.

Best of luck. Go for it.
Ilona

RichardD1970

Try the Couch to 5k program

http://www.c25k.com/

It builds gradually and really works .

My wife did it 3 years ago after 35 years of avoiding anything more strenuous than a gentle stroll.

She did her first marathon last year, is doing two this year and half a dozen halfs.

(you don't have to take it to that extreme, but if the running bug bites, who knows )

System

5k is not that far but i admire everyone who takes part in the race for life :beer: if you dont think you can run the 5k, try speed walking it. If you want to build up your stamina a bit, get cracking on some steep hills. Even walking up them will improve your stamina and you will find the 5k a breeze. I did the Cardiff half marathon a couple of months ago and i really regretted not training enough. Definitely train or you will feel the burn big time

Dustyblinds

I second using the couch to 5k. I completed it last year and thoroughly enjoyed it, I plan on doing it again this year but sticking to it once I've completed it. Good luck!

sweetme

I'm doing Pretty Muddy again this year. I guarantee you will have fun Andrea. Before the race there's fun warm ups, lots of laughs and lots of encouragement. 5k isn't far at all. A lot of people walked it, all shapes and sizes. It really is the best atmosphere and you get a big shiny medal at the end

Former_MSE_Andrea

Thank you for the words of encouragement everyone!

Now the kids are back at school I'm finding I do 5k quite easily on a normal week day anyway so it shouldn't be that taxing, except that I'm doing it all in one go instead of morning and afternoon.

After talking to a friend who's done it locally it turns out the venue I've chosen is a bit hilly towards the end. She does it in a different town where the park is totally flat.

I'm fine with that, though, it'll definitely be fun!

Has anyone done it with their children? My 6 year old has asked to do it too. Several friends have done it with their children but they're generally quite sporty kids. My 6 year old isn't that sporty.

My 9 year old gave me a flat "no" when I asked if she was interested :rotfl:

Former_MSE_Andrea

PS. Who else is doing it? What date are you doing it? Mine's 12 June.

System

MSE_Andrea wrote: »

PS. Who else is doing it? What date are you doing it? Mine's 12 June.

I dont do it for obvious reasons, i'm male but my family and friends do it for personal reasons so i always sponsor them

Former_MSE_Andrea

:jWell, my training hasn't started yet and it's half term so I'm not on the school run and getting over the £5k each day.

I've seen other mums around school heading off for a run after they've dropped off in the morning. I should probably be doing the same...

Sorry Spinkz, I don't know the reason you can't do it but it's fab you sponsor other people.

Personally I haven't done this for sponsorship, and haven't asked anyone to sponsor me (although I might encourage my other half to donate).

It's more an achievement thing for me... one more thing ticked off my bucket list... and also part of my Year of Fun 2016. I might post about that separately :j:beer: