I ran my first 5K this past weekend! While my time was certainly not noteworthy, my goal was to simply run the entire race and cross the finish line - check and check.
Just wanted to give a huge shout out to the SDMB for introducing me to the Couch-to-5K running plan. I read about it here, downloaded the iPhone app, and - BOOM! - 9 weeks later, I’m running a 5K. I’ll be moving on to the Bridge to 10K app this week.
Thanks, Dopers! 
Awesome! I started with Couch to 5K and now have a half-marathon under my belt. (I should have had two by now but got waylaid by a non-running-related shoulder injury.) It’s an amazing feeling, crossing that first 5K line.
Congratulations!
Well done! Be careful, it’s habit forming.
Thanks so much!
It’s definitely habit forming … hubby and I have already registered for our next race!
MsWhatsit, I’m truly impressed that you’ve run a half-marathon. I’d like to get a few more 5K’s under my belt, work up to a 10K and then possibly tackle a half-marathon. I’m thinking that’s quite a ways down the road, but I have my sights on it nonetheless.
rubs hands and chuckles evilly Excellent.
It sounds crazy when you’re looking at it from the perspective of just having built up to a 5K, but seriously, 13 miles isn’t that far. 
I started C25K in June '09 and ran my half-marathon in May '10. But yes, gradual increases in distance are the way to go. I have not yet suffered a running-related injury (knock on wood) and I think it’s because I am careful about post-run stretching, and never going crazy with distance increases.
Congrats! Well done!