If I enter a 5K race in less than two months, what would be a good goal time?

Question

If I enter a 5K charity race in less than two months, what would be a good goal time?

Right now I think I can jog it in like 40 minutes. I know I'm REALLY slow. What would be a good goal time for me?

I mean, I don't want to be the absolute LAST one to cross the finish line. It's not like a 5K should be difficult for a 17-year-old girl.

I'm just not sure what to aim towards so I don't embarrass myself!

Answer 1

My views on 5ks...

Okay so first off a 5k is pretty much the perfect race in my mind... Crazy, but true. it's a great length and you're no overly tired at the end.

Training for one is almost optional... A lot of people don't. Most 5ks are run/walk... because they're meant to encourage people to come out.

My point in telling you that? You won't be the last to finish...

However, if you want to do well then I can suggest a few things.

First off make sure you're comfy in the clothes you're going to be wearing. Sounds simple, but gosh, I had to run in this huge shirt once... and it kept on tying me up, because it would go over my knees... it was bad...

When you are training, work first on running that 3.1 miles comfortably... Never run more than 3.1 if you can help it.

based on your description of your current shape, the first and second weeks I would suggest only running every other day... Run even if it's disgustingly humid... it'll prepare you... Don't get upset with yourself if you run a lot slower if it is humid, because that's normal...

The next 2 weeks:

Mon: run 3.1 miles

Tues: run about a mile

Wednesday: run 3.1 miles

Thursday: rest

Friday: run 3.1 miles

Saturday: run about a mile

Sunday: rest

The last month just keep pushing yourself, I have a playlist on my iPod entitled 5k... Based on the songs, I know where I should be mile wise... by a certain song... if that makes sense... It keeps me on track... and MOST 5ks will let you get your iPod on (a lot of marathons won't)

What else?

I don't drink soda or eat white carbs (I do eat carbs, just not of the white variety -  aka no white bagels, white breads, donuts, etc).. however, if you do... ain't no thing... I just wouldn't suggest it a few days before the race... Nor would I suggest drinking soda within 3 days of your running... I don't drink it, because it causes you to cramp and dehydrates you... but if you like it... eh... go ahead... just cut it back and like I said, not within 3 days of your running the race.

The night before most people are huge into carb loading... You don't need that for a 5k... By the time the 5k rolls around, you should know what foods have felt good to eat the day before running... if that makes sense... Not everyone can handle the same stuff... I don't eat a lot of heavy food, so carb loading has always slowed me down... always...

I'm not sure if I'm missing anything else... oh HYDRATE.

Seriously... a hydrated body runs SO much better... h2o is god's gift to runners... i drink probably 8-10 bottles of water a day... not saying you should drink that much... but at least 6....

Oh, when they start the race, there will ALWAYS be people sprinting off... don't do that...seriously. You'll always wind up passing them... because they get winded... and wind up walking or barely half-jogging...

As for a goal to aim for... The last time you run the 3.1 miles before you run it in the race... time yourself... Either have that be your goal time, or a slightly better time be your goal time...

Answer 2

that is a good goal time. you have to start now and get going and practice running do your streaght everyday and drink your water good luck on this dont give up just work and work

Answer 3

40 minutes isn't even that bad for somebody who never trained before. you have 2 months to train and your goal time should be 30 minutes. make sure you train right though. train on grass, hills, sidewalk, and train 5-6 times a week.

i'm sure you won't be last. there's plently of people who run races and there will definately be people worse than you, believe me.

Answer 4

You will most likely not be last to finish. Many people will walk the whole time! It depends how many miles you put in before the race... Try to get a 9 minute mile maybe, which would mean about under 30 mins for the 5k

Answer 5

Don't worry you wont embarass yourself. If i were you, id get a couple of friends together to run with you and train with you. A good goal would be 30 mins (10 min/mile). Try to run 2-3 miles every other day. Running with other ppl helps. Trust me, you wont embarass yourself, this isnt a race that most ppl will try to win, its a charity race, not the olympics. I guarantee that you wont be alone.