General Discussion Introduce Yourself!!! » new to beginner athlete Rss Feed  
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2009-05-12 10:09 AM

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Subject: new to beginner athlete
Hi,
My name is Hillary. I never thought I would ever want to do something like this but I am motivated after seeing so many people here in Grand Rapids Michigan run/walk 5k, 10k and 25k this past weekend. I have always been overweight. Currently I have lost about 120lbs. By the end of the year I would like to make that 200lbs. I was thinking what would be the best reward for me? Then I thought why not a 25k? So I am going to start training already, yes I have quite a bit of weight to lose yet but know that I can do this. So just thought I would say hi. If anyone has a good beginners training plan out there for a 25k please let me know. I can use all the help I can get.

Thanks!


2009-05-12 10:15 AM
in reply to: #2145674

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Sneaky Slow
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Subject: RE: new to beginner athlete
Congrats on the weight loss and welcome to BT!!

To your question... I don't think you'll find too many "beginner" 25K training plans... it's not really a beginner distance.    It might be a smart move to start out slowly and work towards a 5K or 10K, before attempting longer distances.  The long races will always be there... and I've seen lots of people injure themselves, trying to bite off too much too soon.

Good luck with whatever you decide!
2009-05-12 10:42 AM
in reply to: #2145674

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Subject: RE: new to beginner athlete
yeah, I was wondering the same thing. Would it be too hard. Then I thought, I have a whole year pretty much to get ready for this and would really like to do something great. Well I have a long time til I have to make that decision plus, I am young, only 23, I can do it!

Thanks for the advice. It is appreicated.
2009-05-12 10:52 AM
in reply to: #2145674

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Sneaky Slow
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Subject: RE: new to beginner athlete
There's nothing wrong with making the 25K your "ultimate" goal in a year... a year is more than enough time if you train consistently and smartly, to achieve that distance.  But along the way, sprinkle in a couple shorter races to get a feel for what it's like to "race" before your 25K.
2009-05-12 12:08 PM
in reply to: #2145674

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Subject: RE: new to beginner athlete
Congratulations on your weight loss as well.  That's fantastic.

I've only been running since March, at which time I couldn't run for more than 2 minutes without stopping.  I ran my first 5k last Sunday in 28:42; slow, but I did it.  Today I did a 5-miler and barely broke a sweat.  Suffice it to say, you can definitely do any of those distances if you train carefully and have a plan. 

If you're not running at all, the Couch to 5k program (just Google it) is a great way to start.

Good luck.
2009-05-14 10:55 AM
in reply to: #2145674

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Champion
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Subject: RE: new to beginner athlete

Congrats on the weight loss so far, and best wishes for continued successes (you know what to do). 

The nice thing about longer distances is they're more about endurance than speed.  Have you found a target race?  Is it a trail run or on the road? 

Build up slowly (you're giving yourself a year) and listen to your body.  Be willing to switch to some cross-training (swimming, aqua-jogging, cycling, elliptical, rowing) if your knees, ankles, and feet are hurting. 

Oh...there's a thread here on BT (maybe in the Tri-talk forum) where people have posted before and after pictures.  Find some inspiration and share some inspiration. 



2009-05-14 11:35 AM
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Master
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Subject: RE: new to beginner athlete

A big welcome!!

And definitely think about doing shorter races in the interim! A 5k, 10k or so will help you build safely and keep your motivation high for the 25k next year.  Lots of folks around here do lots of different races as preparation for an ultimate goal race!

Best of luck and way to go on your incredible weight loss!

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