My town is having a 5k run/walk in two weeks. I've always wanted to do one, and there are tons in my area. I know it's only 3.1 miles, and I'm regularly doing Leslie Sansone's 4 really big miles dvd, but for some reason a 5k has always seemed unattainable. I guess b/c I picture skinny, healthy people out there, running it in 12 minutes?

Anyway, I signed up!!! To walk it, but still - an official 5k. Part of me is super proud of myself. Part of me is scared to death. I know I can do it physically, that's not really the issue. I guess I feel like someone "like me" - i.e., someone my size - doesn't belong doing something "athletic" like that...

Oh, and what do I wear??? LOL

I did my first "public" 5k in April - actually a 4 mile event - it was empowering. No I didn't (nor will I ever) run - but I wasn't at all intimidated once I got there. You go girl!

Congratulations! You will be super proud of yourself afterward. ANd you CAN do it! I would imagine wear a comfortable t-shirt and comfortable light shorts.

That's a great idea. Way to go. I can barely walk 1 mile right now without my feet screaming at me but I so want to get motivated to do something like that. Good for you for signing up. Best of luck to you! Concentrate on finishing; not what any of those more athletic people might think.

I signed up for my first 5K earlier this summer and I was quite scared myself. The the reality is no one there is judging you and there are probably going to be other people at your fitness level there. Last weekend I walked an 8K at a much larger event than my first 5K. I was sooo afraid of coming in dead last. But I found myself pretty solidly in the middle... and I'm really not fast. So stop worrying; just be proud of yourself!

Oh, and I just wore a t-shirt, tennis shoes, and some comfy cotton shorts

You can SO do it. Walking or not it feels great to have such accomplishments under your belt. I did my first Sprint Triathlon last summer which had a 5k in it. BEST feeling in the world. You'll rock that 5K!

I have a 15k in November and I'm scared to death, but like you I figure what I can't run I'll walk. I've walked over 9 miles in one shot before so it's not a big deal.

Congrats on signing up sometimes that's the hardest part. (Believing in yourself)

You can DEFINITELY do this!

I did my first walking 5K at almost my highest weight, and my thought at the end of it was genuinely "Wow, that wasn't so bad!" It's a mental hurdle, and it'll be work for sure, but it's DEFINITELY workable.

for signing up and taking a chance! You're going to be SO happy when it's done!

I am so proud of you for signing up! You will be awesome

Thank you all SO much for your support and encouragement! I really appreciate all the "positivity" (I know its not really a word, lol). I'm going to keep repeating everyone's comments to myself when I try to psych myself out of this. I can do it, and I will do it!

You gals are the best!!

~Tani

Very proud of you!

Thank you! I'm starting to be proud of me, too.

Especially as my husband is attempting to be supportive, but pretty much failing. It's kind of funny to watch him, actually... But I'm sure going to prove something to him (and myself). Men are so hopeless! lol

That is wonderful!!!

As to what to wear (ALWAYS important ) I am very partial to lululemon clothes to make you feel like a rockstar when you are working out.

go do it. enjoy!!! wear the T shirt proudly because you've EARNED it!!!

i did my first - and only - 5 K walk a few years ago, with a cranky 9 year old and the dog who had to stop and sniff EVERYTHING.

i was DEAD LAST. but i did it. with achy knees.

that's awesome! i've ran in 6 5k's this year and i'm always the fattest one there and always the last one and even most of the walkers pass me but i don't even care lol everyone is so supportive so i'm sure you'll see the support too, have fun!