Race a 5-K to Reboot Your Routine, Rev Up Your Fitness, and Have a Little Fun
from the July 2011 issue of Runner's World
I have been thinking, most of the time I am busy on Saturday, but when I'm not I still enjoy a 5K. Pulled a few comments out of this article on why they are still important to a runner:
Whether you're an eager newbie or a serial marathoner, there are loads of reasons to register for a 5-K. "If you're a beginner, targeting the distance is a great way to gain motivation and build structure into your schedule," says Luke Humphrey, M.S. "For regular runners, the 5-K stokes your competitive spirit, breaks up the monotony of high-mileage training, and serves as a solid test of speed." In fact, all runners can improve their fitness—and maybe even their PRs—when training for a 5-K, says Humphrey. Here's what keeping it short and sweet can do for you.
RUN IT. . .FOR MOTIVATION
For longtime runners who typically target longer distances or race infrequently, the short event is an opportunity to hit the refresh button on your routine and rekindle your racing chops. "Lining up against other runners instantly gets your adrenaline going and your competitive drive humming," says Humphrey.
RUN IT. . . TO BOOST FITNESS
The intensity involved in 5-K training can boost your strength, speed, and hasten weight loss. "The anaerobic component of the workouts puts you out of breath, which teaches your body how to function at a harder effort, thereby improving your overall athleticism," says Boldon. Plus, he says, the race itself can be a useful training tool. "Your workout is going to be exponentially better in a race setting than if you run on your own."
RUN IT. . .TO NAIL A TIME GOAL
The 5-K is an opportunity to nail a good-for-now time. "You don't have to race for your best finish ever—it could be your best this season, your best this year, or your best this decade," says Boldon. If your ultimate goal is a PR in a longer distance, use the 5-K to gauge how your speed is progressing. "You'll get instant feedback on your training so you can make adjustments to meet your goal," says Rewick.
RUN IT. . .FOR MOTIVATION
For longtime runners who typically target longer distances or race infrequently, the short event is an opportunity to hit the refresh button on your routine and rekindle your racing chops. "Lining up against other runners instantly gets your adrenaline going and your competitive drive humming," says Humphrey.
RUN IT. . . TO BOOST FITNESS
The intensity involved in 5-K training can boost your strength, speed, and hasten weight loss. "The anaerobic component of the workouts puts you out of breath, which teaches your body how to function at a harder effort, thereby improving your overall athleticism," says Boldon. Plus, he says, the race itself can be a useful training tool. "Your workout is going to be exponentially better in a race setting than if you run on your own."
RUN IT. . .TO NAIL A TIME GOAL
The 5-K is an opportunity to nail a good-for-now time. "You don't have to race for your best finish ever—it could be your best this season, your best this year, or your best this decade," says Boldon. If your ultimate goal is a PR in a longer distance, use the 5-K to gauge how your speed is progressing. "You'll get instant feedback on your training so you can make adjustments to meet your goal," says Rewick.
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