[Closed] Good time for a first 5k run?

Do you know what speed you're comfortable running at for that sort of distance?

I'm currently running at 9KPH and I'm doing 33 minute 5k's, (5"5' Female), not been doing this long so I'm working towards bringing the time down.

Sub 20mins for 5k in a sprint tri, after the swim and bike, would probably get you into the top 10%

Sub 18min in a one off 5k local park run

But not sure that it matters really... just go for it... sounds like a fun event

For these type of things it really is the "taking part that matters"... then try and beat your time in the next event

For a novice 5min/km is about as slow as you should hope for.

You should be able to walk it in 50 minutes - anything faster than that is good for a complete novice. I'd be more helpful, but there's not really enough information.

Time yourself over a mile or some other measured distance.
Use this to calculate your projected 5k time.
http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/trainingcalculator/0,7169,s6-238-277-279-0,00.html

I can do 5 mins / km for 25 mins - so I guess that's a reasonable start point...

For a novice 5min/km is about as slow as you should hope for.

For a novice? Really? I better pull my socks up.

5 mins per km is perfectly good for a novice. Sounds like a good event. All depends on which stage is the run. I've done a few adv races but each event has had the running in different parts - start, last, first and last, etc. There's a difference how quickly you'll run before or after a bike - if you're just starting out. As his name suggests, aracer is your adv racing man, but I think he's done ever so slightly longer ones.

Having said all that, 5k ain't that long. Just chuck yourself at it and enjoy the day. 🙂

The 5k is for a family event at Margam Park.

There is a 10k at Cardiff later in the year. Might be trying both

[url= http://www.burnseries.co.uk/ ]Burn Series[/url]

I can do 5 mins / km for 25 mins

So if you know that, why are you asking us? In a multisport race expect to go about as fast on the run as you would on a fastish training session (but not quite as fast as you could if you just did the run). My 10k pb was 35:30, and I could generally crack 40 mins for a 10k at the end of an event, which was just about the same as my fastish training pace.

I have done some short stuff too, dd - used to race any multisport event which included kayaking.

aracer - any tips on how to get as awesome as you? Sub 40mins for a 10k for someone with very little running experience and a tendancy for one of their calves to get tight as a tight thing.

The run in those is split into a 3km first run and 2km nav isn't it? Expect to go significantly slower on the nav part.

Run till your eyeballs pop then you will know!

I'd deff go for a sub 25mins, not unrealistis if you've got some bike fitness. My first race was a 10k in 46mins. Did that after 10wks starting from scratch, not being able to run one mile without stopping.

So if you know that, why are you asking us?

Err, because I know what [i]I[/i] can do...

... but I don't know what is reasonable to be able to do for these sort of events

A bit like the old advice of being able to do 20mph average for an hour or more to join a road club training ride

My first 'race' was a 6K off-road, finished in 28mins which was fairly comfortable.

TSY - become somebody with a lot more running experience! No real secrets, just train properly incorporating interval training for speed. For the calf, make sure to stretch, and get some professional advice.

Oh, and keep up the training - I'm nowhere near that fast now (first interval session for ages this week, doing half mile intervals slower than my 10k pb 🙁 )

aracer - I thought as much. There just aren't enough hours in the day at the moment.

How's that 5 minute mile coming along TSY? 😀

Did 400m intervals hitting 1m12s pace last night DD.

Calf too sore this morning to do more than 5k slow 🙁

Edit: I'm currently confused as to whether I'm feeling love or hate for you.

'Good' is a bit subjective!

Are you male? Are you fat? Do you do other exercise? Is it hilly? Is it in a swamp? Do you smoke?

I know someone who was chuffed to break 30mins for 5k. I know someone else who's thinks he's rubbish as he didn't break 18mins in his first 5k. Swings and roundabouts innit.

but I don't know what is reasonable to be able to do for these sort of events

I was part joking but you just need to run hard given it is only just over 3 miles but make sure you dont blow up.
A reasonable time for a first one is what you achieve and becomes a benchmark.

Did 400m intervals hitting 1m12s pace last night DD

How many and what recovery TSY?

5 and about a minute. Did a Kettlebells class first but I honestly don't think it's a valid excuse.

Was my first outing in spikes.

Err, because I know what I can do...

... but I don't know what is reasonable to be able to do for these sort of events

It doesn't matter. There'll be people flying along and people struggling along on their knees. Who cares? Do it, then see where you've come, and decide if you're pleased with it or not 🙂

Did 400m intervals hitting 1m12s pace last night

Taking it easy then? 😉