Triathlon - Just ran my first 5k!

(Disclaimer: This is just me rambling about finishing a run. If that sounds dull to you, you had better stop reading now) Okay, probably not a big deal for most of you out there. On the other hand, I haven't run since I was a freshman in high school (probably around 17 years ago), and even then it was just jogging for fun. For me, even running a mile would be a big deal. I'm doing my first sprint tri in May, and had no idea if I could even run 5k, so this afternoon I decided to give it a shot. After the first 1/2 mile it felt like a bad idea. Legs heavy... who put lead in my shoes???? Breathing hard.... Is there a head wind???....Must continue...About halfway through it got better, and I finally finished, without collapsing :) . How long did it take me? Let's just say you might have better luck measuring it in geological time. BUT, I finished, and without pausing or walking! Can you tell I'm pumped? Anyway, now it feels like my left leg might fall off at any moment (7 hours later), my quads are tighter than uncle scrooges purse strings, and I can't imagine doing that run after 10-15 miles on the bike, but at least I can say I have offically started my training. The city I work in is hosting a 5k road race at the end of this month, and I am seriously contemplating entering it. NO CHANCE to win, or even place, but I find that concrete goals (like finishing a real race) help motivate me. Anyway, that's my rant!

Well Done!!!! I too run in 5K's and plan on doing my first Sprint Tri in April. I can do the 5k and the ride but am worried about the swim. Anyway, my wife and I do 5K's in our town too and find that signing up for one makes you focus a little better. I've already signed up for the Tri so I can't back out now. Good luck to you in your training and make sure to stretch b/f and after training....should ease up those sore muscles as you run/ride more. Take care.

Two things... First, sign up for the race! There's nothing better to stay motivated than the carrot of a race dangling in front of you. Plus, it's a blast to participate. I'm in your shoes, no way of winning, but having lots and lots of fun anyway.

Second, you may want to slow down a bit... Start the 5k pace so you can finish without pain. You should feel as if you could go out again and do the same thing all over within a couple of hours. You'll slowly build up the pace. Trust me, I've been in your shoes and pain can be a motivating factor in the beginning, but in a couple of weeks, you'll grow frustrated with it...

For those of us without a running background, heel-striking (i.e. landing heel first) is the most common and easily correctable form flaw. It causes a lot of pressure on the lower legs (read "injury") and in effect puts on the brakes with every step. Once I learned to run without heel striking, everything was much easier (and faster). A book call Chi Running talks about this (and a lot more) and has been recommended by several other triathletes on this forum. You can find several other references to running form that will make your life much easier--better to correct bad form before it becomes a series of bad habits.

Congratulations on reaching the milestone. Listen to Audiojan and slow it down. Start out slow and pick it up only when it feels right. Once you get the "feel" of running, going for a quick 10K is nothing.

Awesome...keep it up!