Everyone should run a 5K at some point. If you love to run, you’re probably nodding your head in agreement. If you hate running, you probably think I’ve lost my mind. Let me be honest about something, I hate running. It makes me feel out of shape. I get sweaty. I become conscious of my weight. Most of the time when I’m running I’m wondering how much longer until I’m done. And then I finish. Let’s be clear, I don’t like running anymore than I did while I was running, but I feel a sense of accomplishment. Here’s my list of reasons why everyone should run a 5K.
1. Cool swag.
Sure, you’re paying to enter a race, but you pretty much always get a free t-shirt, water, a running bib, and breakfast. Some races come with other cool stuff like sweatbands, tattoos, bracelets, bags, medals, etc. Now I’m not saying you should run a 5K because it comes with cool stuff, but getting your race packet is exciting. And after you’re done with the run, you get to wear your shirt again, so everyone knows that you ran a 5K.
2. Supporting a worthy cause.
Most runs support a community organization or cause. By getting up and running, you could be funding cancer research, helping to educate a child, or feeding hungry people in the area. You get the health benefits of running, along with the great feeling of participating in philanthropy.
3. Health benefits.
Speaking of health, running is good for you! You’ll strengthen your heart and lungs, give your legs a workout, and sweat out some stress. The endorphins released will make you feel great. Make sure you stretch both before and afterwards!
4. People cheering for you.
Along the course, and especially at the finish line, there will be people cheering you on. You can ask your friends to come support you and yell your name. You can high five a stranger. In those cheers, you will find the burst of energy you need to make it to the finish line. I’m not going to lie, if I had my own cheering squad all the time, I would probably run more often.
5. If I can do it, you can too.
I can hear you saying, “But Maria, you don’t understand, I’m not a runner. I don’t run.” Well my friends let me tell you something, I am not a runner and never will be, but like me you too can run. If you don’t know how, try a couch to 5K app that will get you ready for race day. You don’t have to do it for time. Grab some friends and do it for fun. I promise that you can do this.
6. There’s no pressure to finish fast.
I feel like there’s a common misconception about 5Ks that you need to run fast, that it’s some big race. While some 5Ks are true races, with people running for time and placing, some aren’t. I did the Color Run this past weekend and everyone was just there to have fun. It wasn’t about time, it was about getting covered in colors and finishing. Never underestimate the value of finishing.
7. You can walk for a bit.
If you find yourself cramping up or unable to breathe, you can slow down and walk. Sometimes a short recovery is all you need to get you back on track. There’s no shame in walking, if you need a break.
8. People who are less in shape or are facing bigger disabilities than you have finished 5Ks.
I have only run two 5Ks in my life. After finishing the first one, I hung around the finish line to hydrate and cheer on other runners. About 10 minutes after I finished I saw a man who must have been almost 300 pounds slowly trotting his way across the finish line. I was overcome with inspiration and admiration for his dedication. I had also watched an army commander running a 10K with his two year old on his back. As I was about to finish the 5K, he was rounding the corner to complete his 10K. His daughter wanted to run the last bit, so forgoing his impressive time, he set her down to finish it with her at her pace. I was so amazed by these outstanding individuals. I was even more in awe when I watched a girl in a wheelchair finish ahead of me this past weekend. If these fantastic individuals can finish a 5K, so can you.
9. Great photo opportunities.
In this Insta age, who doesn’t love a good photo op? You can take before and after pictures, showcase your race packet, get pictures at the finish line, pose with signs advertising the run, take pictures of the scenery while you’re jogging. You name it. There are a million ways to document your run. It might even be a good time to try out a GoPro.
10. The sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.
You have accomplished a lot of things in your life and you have many more great things that you will add to that list. Why not add finishing a 5K? I can tell you that graduating feels great, but, in the moment, you’re probably going to block out all the late nights with no sleep you spent getting to that point. However, when you finish a 5K, you’ll be very aware of every step you’ve taken to get there. I always feel like I can do anything whenever I finish a 5K. You will not actually become invincible, but you’ll feel like it and that’s close enough.
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