Signed up for first 5k

[aweilba]

Hi, ladies! I've been lurking here since all of the boards moved over (you'll typically find me on Home & Garden), and decided I should finally post because today I signed up for my first 5k ever. I'm totally excited, but a little nervous because I've only been running for about 3 weeks now.

All my life I've been a competitive swimmer from age 5 on, and I've coached swimming for 7 years. I love to swim, but I recently decided that I wanted to try to get good at running. When I was 8, I found out I had exercise-induced asthma after having an asthma attack in PE class while running the mile. So pretty much my whole life I've stayed away from running because it's hard for me to breathe. But running is something I always wanted to be good at.

So for my birthday this year, DH took me to our local running store and got me fitted for some good shoes. I started off running a minute, walking a minute. Today, I ran 2 miles, which is the farthest I've gone before! I'm learning to control my breathing; it was really hard at first. I'm proud that I've come this far and I've really grown addicted to running. I'm looking forward to my 5k, which is on September 8th, so I've got some time to work up toward getting in that last mile.

What stops me most of the times isn't being tired or having trouble breathing anymore, but shin splints and ankle pain in my left ankle. The new shoes helped a lot, but it's still my left ankle that bugs me. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[jchokie79]

I don't have any suggestions for you as I'm a new runner myself but congrats on signing up for your first 5K! I've been thinking a lot about doing that as well. Good luck! And I'm also a little addicted to running now.

[kams]

I don't have any suggestions, but I wanted to say congrats on signing up for your first race! We'll all be anxious to virtually cheer you on

[worthyfox]

I have to tape mine when I run. It's a PITA so I recently started some PT exercises that are supposed to help strengthen your ankles (on the advice of a real PT, not the interwebz for what it's worth).

[aweilba]

Thanks ladies! I'm excited to keep you posted on my progress!

The people at the running store who analyzed my gait said that I have crazy high arches, so I tend to underpronate when I run. They were commenting on how even when I stand still, I'm rolling on the outside of my feet. I'm also kind of duck-footed, so I look like I'm about do to a plie or something when I'm standing still (thank you to the years of ballet). I told them my ankles hurt when I run, which is why they got me some pretty supportive shoes. They said the shoes should help, but my ankles probably just need to build up some strength.

The shoes helped my right ankle a ton and it never hurts anymore, but my left one is still getting sore after about 1.5 miles. I picked up some insoles, which also helped a bit. My DH says that maybe I need to get some custom orthotics. Maybe I'm just coming down too hard on that foot?

[jess7205]

I'm a girl who likes a plan. I've used the Nike running website to come up with a training calendar before. It's free...you just put in your event distance, date, and experience level, and it suggests a training plan in calendar form. I used it for a few half marathons and my 1st full marathon, and each time the training went pretty well. I wasn't someone with tons of running experience, and by following the plans I was able to feel ready without pushing things too hard and hurting myself. I haven't tried their 5K training plans, but I bet they're great too.

[cransplash]

Congratulations on signing up for your 5k! I am a new runner as well (currently doing the C25K plan), and I too hope to get to the point of signing up for a 5k. Best of luck!

[malibu]

Awesome! When is it? I hope to do my first one this fall.

Ditto the Nike site. It is awesome. Can set a ton of different goals, which is nice.

[aweilba]

Jun 17, 2012 9:09:38 GMT -5 malibu said:

Awesome! When is it? I hope to do my first one this fall.

Ditto the Nike site. It is awesome. Can set a ton of different goals, which is nice.

It's September 8th.

[mayflowers22]

I don't have any suggestions but want to say congrats!!