new to running

[newrunner]

hey so i just got into running in the last couple weeks or so and i just wanted to get some more info on running in general so i though i would poke around here. I basically started running because i started working out a lot more and if i run at the end of a workout i makes me feel like i worked much harder overall and makes me feel like i am getting in better shape other than just strength. Anyways i have been thinking about doing a 5k race later on, i am probably really slow compared to most of you guys. I ran a mile as fast as i could just for fun the other day and got just below 7 so i dunno how that compares to most people. Just wanted to get some info on what times are like in 5k races and whats the best way to prepare for one. Thanks

[MarkS]

Given the mindset in your post, watching / meausuring where you are and wanting to be "good", my advice is not to focus on the absolute but on the trend.

If you cut 15 seconds off your mile race-pace in a month, for instance, that is great progress. It isn't so important if you went from 7:30 do 7:15 or from 7:00 to 6:45, if you see what I mean.

If you want to train for a race, run before you lift, no after.

Since you measure yourself, I suggest looking into a heart rate monitor. They are a blast for folks who like to measure, and gives more ways to monitor your workouts / plan your workouts. I am not affiliated with Polar in any way, except that I own some Polar gear. Take a look ...

http://www.polar-usa.us/

As for specific workout schedules, Hal Higdon has some good ones on the web.

oh - if you can get below 22 minutes in a 5k race, you will finish pretty comfortably in the top 10% of all entrants, and probably in the top 20% or so of the folks who seem to be running as opposed to strolling or lightly jogging.

imo, 20 minutes for 5k is a really good amateur runner / average genetic makeup for running time. The averagely running-gifted person has to work hard to get there, and its attainable for most people, with enough work.

I am not Hal, nor related to him nor have I ever met him and I have no interest in his financial well being or lack thereof. Take a look, the workout schedules are free anyway ...

http://www.halhigdon.com/5K%20Training/index.htm

A 7 minute mile is plenty of speed to build on. I wouldn't fret about making that faster until you can run a 7:30 or 7:45 average pace for a full 5k. Get there, and then if you feel you want more out of your 5k time, do some speed work.

Good luck and enjoy!