I'm in week 8 of the C25K program and I will be running my first 5K next week! For those who have completed one before, what should be a reasonable time goal for me?

I'm not the fastest runner, but I don't know my exact speed or distance during the C25K program because I have no way to keep track of it. I just run for so many minutes.

Anyway, I was thinking 35 minutes or less, but I didn't know if that was too ambitious. I'd love to hear how long it has taken others on your first try!

That sounds like my time...I'm a slow runner, about 10-11 minute mile...I think it's good!

If you run outside, you might try figuring out the distance on MapMyRun (or something similar). I'm also in W8 right now (with my 5k race coming up on 6/20) and checked my distance for my last run. I found that in 28 minutes I was running roughly 2 miles or 14 minutes per mile.

I haven't really set a time-based goal for my 5k, but I'll be absolutely thrilled if I manage it in under 45 minutes (14 x 3 = 42). My goal right now is just to finish. I'll start thinking about improving on my time for the next one (and there WILL be a next one)

Becca - Good luck! I'll be thinking about you on 6/20. I just did W8D1 yesterday. Do you have the iPhone? I LOVE the C25K app! Amazing! I'm going to start the Gateway to 8K next.

rocket bunny- FYI about Map my run...the distances are NOT very accurate, except for really short runs...but as they get longer the distances begin to get more and more off!! MAp myRun OVER-measures the distances.....For example, I needed a 12 mile route, so i mapped one out, and when i was finished running it, my garmin (AND my time) confirmed it was not even 10.5 miles.....huge bummer....anyway, just thought you might like to know....

Good luck with your 5k. 35 minutes is doable. I know I am a slow runner, and based on my speed now it would take me longer, but I am only week 4 into the c25k program.

I've been using it for a while (hiking and bicycling) and I've seen complaints about inaccuracy before. It's VERY important to zoom in close and really follow the sidewalk/trail that you are planning to be on. If you put your track in the middle of the road, for example, you miss some extra distance with each right turn you make on the sidewalk. This can really build up into a big inaccuracy over a long ride/walk/run.

My opinion .... your goal on any first race should be to finish, feel good, and have fun! This is automatically a personal record (PR) for you, and your performance will only get better as you continue to run consistently. There is no bad time.

We tend to put pressure on ourselves to make xx time, and risk needless disappointment. A first 5K is a marvellous accomplishment and you should be proud of yourself for training, taking the leap of faith to register, and showing up at the start line! There will always be people that are faster and slower than us, what is important is that you do the best you can, that day -- no matter what the clock says.

Enjoy the process!! Races are great fun!