First post, first 5K Event

[bubsdaddy]

I am new here and to running. I am 59 and have never run. I was playing around with my iPhone and saw a Couch to 5K app featured. It just so happened that I was starting a low carb based diet that same day and i figured I would combine the two. I began the program on September 27.

At first, I was amazed at how hard a few minutes of running was. I knew it wouldn't be easy but I stayed with it. After the first few weeks it began to be a bit easier until I hit that 20 minute straight run. Then that also got easier.

After telling a few friends and family members what I was doing, they asked me if I was training to run an actual 5K. I wasn't but I looked to see what was available near the time I would finish the program. It turned out that there was Jingle Bell Run that happened a little less than 2 weeks after graduation. I told everyone I was going to sign up. My wife, my sons and their wives all decided to sign up with me. Most of them signed up to walk but one of my sons decided he would run too. We started running together at least once a week. Even 2 of my coworkers decided to join. We had a team of 8 for the event. I was able to run 5 times after graduation and was averaging about 36:30

Event/Race Day - It was pretty early in the morning and was 37 Fahrenheit (I am in the Houston, TX area). The sun was out and we were all ready. The race began and at first I was discouraged by how many runners were passing me. It seemed endless. Then I looked at my pace and saw I was achieving a personal best. That gave me some encouragement and I pressed on.

My first event time was my best - 33:05 with an average of 10:50 per mile. I was pretty happy with the results and my family wants to make this an annual event. I also found another event happening in March and we will all start getting ready for it.

Oh, and I have dropped 18 pounds in less than 3 months.

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

Excellent!!! Reading between the lines of your post , I "think" you may be in the US?? Have you heard of parkrun in the US ? It is still quite small compared to the UK or even Australia. It is a free timed 5K run or walk every Saturday morning - run completely by volunteers.

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Never mind - I missed that you are in Texas - no parkruns in Texas yet.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Fantastic. I also did a run shortly after finishing the program. It's like graduation all over again. And so wonderful to do it with friends and family. Happy running, sounds like it's the first of many events.

[rolysmate Graduate]

Excellent, well done

[Anthie Graduate]

Great, fabulous achievement! Keep on enjoying running and feeling proud of yourself!