For those of you who are runners....some questions

I am really getting into jogging these days, and enjoy it immensely.  I run at the gym twice a week and can go 5 k in about 30 minutes with an incline of 2.5.  A little slow, but I have the feeling that I could shorten this time quite a bit as I can do this distance breathing only through my nose and being completely in control of my breathing.  I think it is time to push myself outside of my comfort zone. 

I have also started jogging in my neighbourhood which I have learned is a completely different story.  I can still make 5k, but it is more challenging for sure.

I would like to try a 5k event and am wondering for those who have done so in the past:  How long did you take to prepare?  What was your time like for finishing 5 k?  I don't want to enter anyting until I am confident that I won't be dead last in the pack .  Also, besides just getting out there and running, did you do anything else to prepare? 

I really want to try, but am a bit nervous. I was thinking of doing something in either Spetember ot October.  There is a nice race on the Toronto Islands called the "Longboat", but it is September 11th and I am wondering if it is still to early.  I would imagine i'd have to make the decision rather soon.  Last year they were sold out of spots 5 weeks before the event.  

 Any advice? AND...any joiners?? 

I used to run and when I began, I joined a clinic at the running room.  The clinics are inexpensive, extremely informative and you run with a group.  You have the opportunity to ask a lot of questions and you meet great people out there too.  The clinics are 10 weeks long and have a goal race at the end.  I think you will find you are right in the middle of the pack, definitely not the slowest.  I hope to get back into running after I lose weight, but right now it is too hard on my knees and back.

Good luck on your run and let us know how it goes. 

I've thought about joining the running room.  Good suggestion.  Maybe I'll look at it again.

Marny, when my girlfriend wanted to get back into running, she joined the "learn to run" clinic at the Running Room down in Port Credit and **loved it**.  She's progressed way past that now, of course, but still belongs to one of their groups. 

Thinkingmore and more that I just might do that.  It all depends on when the clinics are.  Have to fit it in between the gym and Mike's work schedule so it will have to be 7:00 ish.  Want to join with me???

I would definitely consider it, yes.  Will need to keep an eye on my legs/feet for a bit before I decide.  They've been pretty good lately, so pencil me in as a "maybe". LOL

Good for you are your running. I am the opposite of you in that I prefer running outdoors and can't get into the rhythm of the treadmill.

I have not run a race yet and look forward to hearing how people suggest doing it. Since I am already in a challenge for myself I would be looking for a run that doesn't require more sponsorship.

I think once you can run 5k though you should be able to run a race, don't worry about being last or running fast. Let that be your "personal best" and then work your way up from there.

I think the Longboat race should be achievable for you.

My friend Sonya has been losing a lot of weight with Weigh****chers over the past year, and has taken up jogging. They have events, and they're 5k runs.
She's in Mississauga, just like you, so I'll check when her next run is.
That might work for you, as it will be other weight-challenged people in it.
I'll get back to you.

Thanks Gaby!  That sounds perfect for me.  I would like to try something, just to see how I do, but am a little nervous, so something like you described sounds great!

Thanks for the advice Liz.  I have to ask though about what you mean by "sponsorship"?