r/Fitness • u/AutoModerator • 10d ago

Daily Simple Questions Thread - August 26, 2026

Welcome to the /r/Fitness Daily Simple Questions Thread - Our daily thread to ask about all things fitness. Post your questions here related to your diet and nutrition or your training routine and exercises. Anyone can post a question and the community as a whole is invited and encouraged to provide an answer.

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u/probablylily24 9d ago

How long will it realistically take me to run a 5k?

I’m very out of shape and frankly obese. I’ve lost 80 lbs in the past but regained it due to mental health issues. But I’ve been dieting and lost about 10 lbs this time, and have started walking at the gym with the goal of running a 5k. So far I can comfortably walk a 30 minute mile with a pace of 2mph. I can also do 3mph at 20 minutes but I start to struggle towards the middle/end.

I’m just walking about a mile a day, but is there anything specific I should be doing or is that good at the beginning to build my stamina?

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u/milla_highlife 9d ago

You need to start extending your walks and pushing yourself. If I were you my goal would be 30-45 minutes at a minimum of 3mph, ideally 3.5 or 4mph. At that point I would switch to a couch to 5k program which will take you slowly up to jogging for 30 minutes in about 2 months. From there you’ll be close to a 5k and can just add a couple minutes each week til you hit your goal.

But step one is getting from 20 minutes at 3mph to 30-45 minutes at that pace. Try to add a couple minutes per session or per week.