Now, before I begin I need to assure you that I am in no way, shape, or form a good runner. I quite honestly hate running. The only running I do usually involves me running towards some type of food item like a donut or pizza. I ran track in the 8th grade (long distance...I don't know why I hated myself that much) and I used to look for ways to snap my ankle or break my legs. I thought trying something new would be great, but running was just not my thing. I did play a lot of sports, however, so I've always had to run, but I just want you to know, it is definitely not my favorite way to work out.
With that being said, I want you guys (runners and non-runners) to open your minds to the possibility of running/walking a 5K. A 5K for those who don't know is a course of 3.1 miles and are typically held for charities, but they can be for any reason. I just attended a 5K last weekend in Pennsylvania called The Great Pumpkin Run and it was incredible! I've ran a few 5Ks before (fundraisers for school and charities) so I knew what I was getting myself into.
Have you ever met someone, who searches for garage sales and attends every single one in the tri-state area? Yes? Well there are people exactly like that, except they live and breath 5Ks.
When you get to a 5K, you'll sign in at registration and you'll be handed a bib (a piece of paper that gets pinned to your clothes with your race number on it). This number helps identify you so you can digitally see your time and place you finished in afterwards.
The great thing about 5Ks is that you don't have to run the entire thing. In fact, you don't have to run at all. No one looks at you and laughs if you walk. No one points and calls you a failure as they sprint by hurling tomatoes. 5Ks are always friendly and welcome people of all levels. I've attended 5Ks where I have ran the entire thing and walked the entire thing, and each time was a new experience.
The most recent, in Pennsylvania, I walked most of it. While walking, I met some great people. One woman told me this was her first 5K. She was nervous that she wasn't going to finish or keep up with people, but we stuck by her and all finished together. 5Ks bring people together. She told us that she had always wanted to finish a 5K and on that day she did. She was so happy and felt so accomplished just as the rest of us did. It's always amazing to cross that finish line, no matter what your timing is. Just completing it, and having the courage to get yourself out there and push yourself is incredible. I was thrilled for her and for everyone else who finished.
A 5K is hard, no doubt. As someone who doesn't enjoy running, pushing myself to go 3.1 miles is a challenge. Just as you think you're at mile 3, you realize you haven't even hit mile 1 yet. You need to get in the right frame of mind and tell yourself you can do it and you can finish. I encourage everyone to get out there and experience a 5K for yourself. It's so rewarding and the adrenaline rush you get afterwards is amazing! Plus, you usually get some type of shirt to show you were there, and sometimes a medal! I promise you, even if you hate running, sign up for the next local 5K and enjoy every second of it! It'll be life changing. Also, you can totally treat yourself to a huge breakfast afterwards and not feel guilty about it!
This is me and my friend at the Great Pumpkin Run. I truly thought we were at mile 2 or 3, but it had just been mile 1. (I was dressed as Waldo.)
