[rocketbunny]

I just began Week 8 of Couch to 5K. I'm doing great, BUT...

I have a 5k race scheduled for about 2 weeks away. I ran 28 minutes this morning and calculated (mapmyrun.com) that I ran about 2 miles (14 minutes per mile). I'm supposed to do two more 28 minute runs and then two 30 minute runs before my race, which I'm calculating should take about 45 minutes to run.

This will add 15 minutes to my longest run at that point. It seems like a lot. I'm thinking about maybe skipping the rest of the 28 minute runs and doing a couple of 30 minute runs this week and then a 35 and 40 minute run next week before the 5K.

Thoughts? Can my body handle this? Or should I just accept that the race will feel different and I'll be able to handle the extra 15 minutes of running?

[MariaMaria]

I would do the 5K as a one-time increase. Better, I'd consider walking part of it.

Note that most conservative recommendations say not to increase your total mileage by more than 10% a week to prevent injuries.

[Misora]

I second that recomendation but I'm still walking large portions of my 5ks. :P Also keep in mind that race conditions can be very different than training conditions. I walk at home on a path that's very level. My first formal 5k had massive hills. Gah

[mkroyer]

follow the plan!! it has been successful for a reason!! You will have nO problem at the race itslef...the excitement and adrenaline will carry you well beyond your furthest distance run, i PROMISE!!
note-- most marathon training plans only allow you to do a 20 mile training run...! thats over 6 miles (or approx 1 HOUR) shorter than what you will need on race day.....most beginning training plans dont ever have the runner do the "full" distance till race day...You ll be fine!! enjoy it!! ps--thers no shame at ALL in walking alittle, if you have to or want to...

[MBN]

Walking during a 5K is perfectly acceptable!! Lots of people walk the whole thing. Try not to go out too fast at the start (very easy to do in the excitement of a race!) and keep your pace at a comfortable level. Walk when you need to. The point is that you finish - and have fun!!