New to running? Make a 5k your first goal

Dr. Angela Seabright
Carly Getz

| 2 min read

Every year, temperatures rise and streets fill up as people venture outside for their workout. I’ve always been jealous of the fit runners effortlessly passing my window with long, even strides. I’ve never been much of an athlete.
A few months ago, my friends managed to talk me into registering for The Color Me Rad run, a 5K that blasts you with paint during the race. Sounds fun, right? The only problem was that I had never run more than a mile before.
A 5K is the perfect start for a new runner. It gives you a goal: you cannot give up until you’ve completed the race. It forces you to incorporate running into your weekly routine and, by the time the race comes, it feels natural.
My first race has come and gone, but the running has stayed. All the sudden three miles doesn’t seem so long; it’s just a warm-up. Though I’m still not in great shape, I’ve come miles (pun intended) from where I started. I guess it’s time to start training for that 10K!
You don’t need athletic genes or expensive equipment to run. Just get a pair of running shoes and register for one of the upcoming races listed below.
New to running? Check out this video on how to train for a 5K:
Upcoming Races in Michigan
September 7 Run For Your Heart
Click here for a complete list of Michigan races.
Photo credit: Perfectance

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