This is a good beginner's goal, right?

[ohgillian]

Did first 5k last weekend but walked part of it. I'm thinking good next goal is to run the whole thing?

Bonus points for this one: how "hard" should I be running while training?

TIA.

[sassystace]

I think a next good goal is to do the next 5k faster than your last. You still might need some walk breaks but just make them shorter (or less frequent). Maybe only walk through water stations or once per mile. I'm not sure how your last 5k went but I like to make incremental improvements so that I don't feel like a failure if I my goal is too ambitious.

How hard you run for training depends on what the goals of that workout are--are you trying to do a fast, harder run or a longer, slower run? I think they say that you should keep your pace conversational (meaning you can talk to someone without huffing and puffing) if you are trying to build endurance.

[thebulldog]

There was a great thread recently about how it is ok to walk.
It is still a mental challenge for me on this but when i do take short walk breaks (like 30 secs) it helps a lot.

i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.

[sassystace]

And I should add that I'm a run/walker too and have no shame in walking. Although I do know that to get faster times, I often need to walk less...