I think it should be pointed out that the distance to cover was just under 1.5 marathons. Even if you're in top shape, I'm pretty sure that's a stretch for everyone who hasn't tried it before under "controlled" conditions.

I just hope everyone here can run 5 miles under "controlled" conditions. I'd define controlled conditions as start running, don't stop until you've ran 5 miles, do it in less than an hour, and do it anywhere from 25 degrees to 90 degrees F in shorts, a tshirt, and a hoodie when you want it. I think if you can, you'd be impressed with the ground you can cover in a pinch, not running, but at a slow walk.

I'm sure someone is going to come on here and rant about how my scenario has sneakers in it or something, but isn't that what we're all "equipped" for to have a pair of sneakers, boots, etc, when we need them? I suppose my point is, all the equipment in the world won't help that much if you're in terrible shape.

Disclaimer - I'm in bad shape, but I can run 5 miles.

How old are you, robertheiii ?

Sue

I'm 27, but I know plenty of people in their 50s who can run further than I can. One guy I know is in his late 40s or early 50s, just had knee surgery (sometime between now and February of this year) and is back up to 9 miles. I've never run 9 miles! In fact, if I'm honest, I couldn't run a mile October 1st 2009, but over the last six months I've corrected that. I'm still over weight and could certainly be in better shape, but at some point I said to myself that all the gear in the world is not going to help if I can't move a mile on foot.

I just pick five as a base level because it is an achievable goal at which point I think that if you just allow yourself to walk you could go a lot further in a pinch.

Also, my mother is in her 50s and through a lot of self determination and a little bit of encouragement from me she can now run over 3 miles!

Point being, I don't think age has to be a factor. Now if you're disabled, that's different, and probably unfortunate for you in a bad situation. If you're just lazy and/or fat, I have little sympathy for you, particularly because I'm fat I'm just a little less lazy than I was six months ago.