Running 5 miles???

Can the OP describe her training program? You said you've been training for months. Perhaps if we saw what you were doing, we could add some suggestions.

What the C25K program offers is structure and gradual increases. Since so many have vouched for that, I'll add what I have found helpful from the program:

I love the gradual progression of going from running/walking with breaks to running nonstop.
I love the structure: 30-40 minutes 3x a week. This is good because it allows your bones, joints, heart and lungs to gradually improve.

On additional training option I found totally by accident. When I first started running, I signed up for a 10k because my friends were doing it. Although I couldn't run a 5k yet, I planned to run/walk it. The week before the event, my husband and I practiced. Then the following week we finished the race in about 90 minutes. My next training run (still on the C25K program) was only scheduled for 30 minutes and that felt SO easy... So I suggest adding distance to one run a week. That has helped me successfully run 3.1 miles.

I've done the C25K program twice. I am on #3 since I start over every summer. Running still isn't easy, but I have gotten through 2 5k runs. I have no desire to go any further. It is a good and attainable goal. Just run really slow, even slower than you think.

I just started running less than two years ago. Going from being able to do nothing and now I've done two half marathons. You have to put the time in, that's for sure. When I started I approached it with a walk/jog regimen. That's the same thing that something like the couch 25k program is going to lead you through. And I did all this before even losing any weight--it's way easier now that I'm lighter. Also, once you get to the point that you can run a few miles without stopping, it's just building up endurance from there.

I started out not being able to run for 10 seconds, and now I can run a mile! I hope to be able to run a 5K by the end of the year, and then a 1/2 marathon in 2 years and so on.

Another vote for Couch to 5K. I started the program almost exactly a year ago and had trouble running the full minute required that first week. I'm now about to start training for my first half-marathon, and my long runs are 6.5 miles. You can do it! You just have to work up to it gradually and stick with it!

I totally agree with Zorbs - the best way into running is through a Couch to 5K program. www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_artic
les.asp?id=598

Also, cut down your running pace. Work first on building your distance, then work on speed later.

M@L

I will echo Zorbs. Three years ago I couldn't run more than a few minutes. I am about to enter training for my second marathon , and train to run it faster.

Edited by: SUSAN_FOSTER at: 5/27/2013 (20:10)

you start with Couch to 5K or a similar program and work your way up. At one time, I couldn't run 1 minute..now I can run 4 hours nonstop.

Maybe I'm just crazy, but I feel like no amount of training or exercise will make this possible. The most I have ever done is walk 3 miles, with some breaks (I recently did a 5k)

I have been training for months and months. Is this goal just insane for me?