Have you ever thought about running a 5K, but just let the excuses stand in the way? Or, do you have some experience with 5Ks, but would like to improve your time and enhance your performance? Well, good news ahead… Keep reading!
(Or just sign up now… )
5K Training with EFF
But first, let me admit that I used to despise running. Miles and miles of nothing but suffocating cornfields on both sides… Then I came face to face with what it’s like to be confined to a wheelchair, and experienced my first road race as a spectator (which happened to be the Chicago Marathon of all races), and something inside of me switched.
Recently, I wrote about how therapeutic running was as I dealt with the grief of loss and contemplated my relationship with Jesus. I’m not sure I can really explain it even – but just being outside (or even on a treadmill if necessary), and simply putting one foot in front of the other, gives me the time and mental space to really reflect.
However, if I don’t have a predetermined, designated plan for my running efforts, I will quit sooner. I think, “Yep, I’m tired, let’s just walk now.” Or, “Yeah, that was good enough, you can be done now.”
But, if I go in with the expectation that I’m going to run for a specific distance or time, then I will do just that. I guess I just like to “be successful” and feel I have accomplished my goals. Without goals, I get lazy.
I know many of you have thought that you’d like to run a 5K some day. Maybe some of you already have – and maybe some of you’d like to do it but don’t have the confidence to try. (And maybe some of you laugh and say you have no interest in the concept whatsoever… That’s cool – you’ll just have to wait for another day when I’ve got a free gift that may be a little more enticing for you then. Have you tried the Relaxation Audio yet?)
While I’m not a professional running coach by any means, I’m now experienced in a variety of distances (2 marathons, 2 half marathons, several 10Ks, and more 5Ks than I can count in my head). In addition, I’ve been a Girls on the Run and FINS 5K coach, where we trained 3rd-6th grade girls to run 5Ks as well.
I know what it’s like to not enjoy running. And I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by the whole process of road races.
…And I’d love to help!
Free 5K Plans
Registration for the Everyday Faith + Fitness 6-week online-only 5K training program is open! Oh, and did I mention, it’s completely FREE?
When you sign up, you’ll receive two options of printable 5K training plans – “beginner” and “some experience.” Plus, you’ll gain exclusive access to our private Facebook group where you’ll receive accountability and encouragement, plus answers to any questions you may have.
Once a week, you’ll receive an email containing what I’ve found to be useful and helpful information over my 14 years of racing experience. Topics include:
- Visualization / Mental Scripts
- Gear
- Food/Water
- Race Day Logistics
- Bibs, Awards, and more…
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, sign up today. Even if that doesn’t coincide exactly with the race you’re hoping to do, downloading the training plans and getting into the accountability group now will help ensure your success!
But Where?
Perhaps you’ve been thinking about running a particular local race but haven’t had the confidence to pull the trigger. You. Can. Do. It.
Or, maybe it’s possible you don’t know of any races near you. Never fear – the internet is here! You can usually search these sites by location and/or distance of the race. Find something nearby, travel to meet a friend, or make it a destination race and go somewhere fun!
* http://runningintheusa.com/Race/
* http://www.roadracerunner.com
* http://www.rrca.org/events/find/
Regardless of where you live or what race you’re thinking of running, a 5K can be a great experience. If you’re accountable to a training plan, know what to expect, and are confident in your abilities, a 5K could be amazing!
Get connected here, and get ready to run!
If you’re still not so sure that you want to run a 5K, what’s holding you back? Comment below or send me a message! I’d love to chat!
Everyday Faith + Fitness 