Fun Run Anyone?
Chelsea Blaufuss, Special to The Gazette
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
There aren’t too many people whom I ran with in high school and college, that I don’t see out still running today. It really is addictive and once you start running and learn to love it, it’s really hard to stop. Not only does it improve your general health and make you feel better, it is also a great stress reliever!
I have been running competitively since I was in sixth grade. Basketball just really wasn’t my thing so I went out for track and fell in love. I knew that with running, I was in control. If I wanted a spot on a relay team, then I had to be one of the four fastest — simple as that.
I am such a competitor in everything I do, so after I was done running cross country and track at Hutchinson Community College, I had to find something else to compete in. That’s where fun runs came into place.
A fun run is a run-race-walk usually 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) or 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). They are typically sponsored and are organized to help raise money for an event or to benefit different organizations. Running a 5K is an excellent goal for new runners. I promise you that completing one will motivate you to run another, and I guarantee you’ll have fun doing it. Most fun runs are during the warmer months, and it just so happens that my favorite run of the year is in less than a month. The 4th Annual John Blaufuss Memorial 5K Run-Walk will take place on May 2, starting at the Sauder Alumni Center. Entry forms for this race may be picked up at Emporia Fitness or Walburn’s Athletic Club.
Lucky for you, I have included a five-week training guide for first time runners that will help guide you in the right direction to completing your first race and any other fun run that you may compete in this year. Even though the John Blaufuss run is in less than a month, this five-week training guide courtesy of www.runnersworld.com will get you well on your way to running any 5K that you set your sights on this summer.
A few of my favorites around Emporia include the SOS Run, Olpe Downhome, Americus Days, Madison Days and the Lebo Firecracker Run. You can almost always find entry forms for these at Emporia Fitness and other health facilities around town.
Remember, fun runs are for everyone! Whether you’re 6 years old or 80, you can do it!
Chelsea’s Tips for your first 5K 1 Do NOT take off with the person in first place, odds are, you will use all of your energy and slowly die throughout the race. I know this from experience, people; please trust me on this one!
2 Before you start your training, invest in a good pair of running shoes. You do not have to spend a fortune on these, and believe me, your feet will thank you for them.
3 Eat a good dinner the night before your race full of complex carbohydrates. Also, make sure you have at least something in your stomach the morning of your race.
4 Warm up and stretch before the start of the race. I guarantee you will run better and decrease chances for injury.
5 Have fun! (They are fun runs, you know!) If you need to take a walking break then take one. It’s no big deal, and I swear you won’t be the only one walking.
Shape Up, Emporia! is a weekly fitness and health column aimed at readers of all ages to get off the couch and get into shape. Each week will feature a fitness, health or nutrition professional from around the area who will share some friendly tips on how to improve your overall health. Our goal is to make getting in shape fun and easy to fit into your existing lifestyle and daily routine.