5K

4 Tips for Training for a 5k run

I Have Always Despised Running

I will be up front with you. Running is something that has eluded me for most of my life. I hated it in gym class. I had all kinds of excuses. Here are a few tips for getting excited and beginning to train for your first 5k:

1. Choose a race.

I know this sounds elementary, but this can be the most difficult step. For my first race I've chosen something in October ( when it's sure to be cool) on a fairly flat course.

2. Make training easy.

For me this meant the purchase of a treadmill so that I could run at my convenience at home. You could try another cardio workout that you enjoy like cycling or something else to change things between runs. Click Here!

3.Tell Someone.

Notice I didn't say Tell Everyone. Pick someone you know will encourage you and not let you quit when it gets hard. If you think it will help, ask someone to train with you and/or do the race with you.

4. Run With a Good Attitude

For me this involved researching good running form, (I discovered I enjoy running barefooot!), getting my ipod ready to go, and being sure I run consistently, challenging myself to run a little faster and a little farther each time I train. My thoughts have changed from "I hate this" to " I can do this". I know that this is what is going to take me the distance on race day, even if it's slow going, I know I will finish.