Advice for first time 5k - 18 days to train - is it possible?

[sweatybetsy]

I'm thinking of signing up to a Santa Fun Run near me - I am pretty fit at the moment and can run for about 20mins moderately (the treadmill says this is 7/8km per hour). I've heard that running outside is much more hardwork due to the terrain etc. I do quite a lot of strengthening classes and dance at my gym, but don't run every day. Has anyone got any advice for a training plan? Thanks very much.

[poeciliareticulata Graduate]

I reckon that if you can already run for 20 mins then you could pick up the c25k programme at the start of week 6 and you should be up to running 5k in 18 days, especially if you're already pretty fit. I actually find running outside a bit easier because it is more interesting, but it is harder to pace yourself if you are used to running in a gym. But in the excitement of a charity fun run, the support and the other runners will help carry you along. Go for it.

[Deryn61 Graduate]

DEFINITELY. It is so much more fun running with other people and you are definitely fit enough, even if you run/walk you will be fine and bet you enjoy it immensely

[Vivwestie Graduate]

Go for it. Advice? Huh! Run outside. Go for it. If you can do 20 mins inside - it's a small stretch to translate that to the great outdoors. It's colder, wetter and way more exhilerating and you can't regulate the terrain. If you have to go uphill, then you have to go uphill! BUT, if you're doing a 5k then I'm guessing it's outside - so get acclimatised to that as soon as possible. As poeciliareticulata and Deryn61 said - you'll do it and love it.

[vixstar33]

I did my first run outside today and it was soooooo much easier than on a treadmill. I have been struggling to get past 5 mins on treadmill and I did 3.6k outside nonstop