(originally written on 2-15-20)
Today marks another day that I have completed another fitness goal. This morning my fiance and I completed the “SweetHeart Shuffle” (Valentine’s Day Themed) 5k race. I jogged the entire way without stopping, and it was a blast. 🙂 The weather was frosty so not many people were present. However; I was extremely bundled up and ready to push through! I was not concerned with my speed or time and was just concerned with finishing–which I did! 🙂 I was on such a “high” afterwards, that I decided that I would look for more 5K’s to run every month for the rest of the year! 😀
Why Complete a 5K Every Month?
Planning a 5K run every month gives me something to train for, improve my self-discipline and strengthen my commitment towards exercising. Each month I’ll have a set-fitness goal, and “deadline” to meet, which will help me remain accountable. For now, I plan on training cardio at least twice-a-week to ensure I can complete each 5K in its entirety without stopping. (I will continue to progress with weightlifting, & improving my flexibility, but cardio will be very important for my monthly 5K commitment.) Speed, and time of race completion isn’t a current priority; however, this may change throughout the year. Eventually, I may desire increasing my speed, and endurance to later complete faster race times as a personal challenge.
Finding One 5K for Each Month
Based on my experience with the past two 5K’s I’ve completed this year alone; finding a 5K every month will not be difficult at all. According to my research, There are multiple local 5K’s, and other varied races and runs throughout each month or the year. I wouldn’t even have to leave my city for a run every month if I didn’t want to. 🙂 My only concern was scheduling a 5K on the best day with little to no commitments, so various race options are appreciated! My past experience with my January and now February race also helped when deciding what type of 5K’s or varied runs that I wanted to run. At this point in my training, I’m very happy with just running. I don’t wish to complete Mud Runs, Tough Mudders, Iron mans, Triathlons, or even longer races like 10K’s-15K’s or marathons at this time in my fitness journey. I’m happy with the almost instant gratification of a 5K each month. 😉
Concerns with Running a 5K Every Month
I do have some concerns about running a 5K every month that include scheduling conflicts, my tender knees, fatigue and pain from my menstrual cycle and money. I chose my days off work to run each 5K, as well as in the morning so I’m free the rest of the day if needed. However; the weather, unexpected events, or my own personal scheduling changes throughout the year could cause these planned races to be rescheduled, or potentially cancelled. 😦
The obvious fluid on my knees may also cause me to miss out given the pain and discomfort in-between races, but I will be seeing a provider (whose also a career runner 😀 ) about this very soon and am hopeful they’ll have a solution! My painful and tiresome menstrual cycles also concern me, but I’m confident training, proper diet & supplement modifications will help ease my symptoms and I’m not opposed to (OTC) medication. 😉 Developing injures aren’t really a concern at this point (other than being concerned about my tender knees) since I’m good at pacing myself, not pushing myself to hard, Training well, but also stretching and resting often. (Money is also a significant concern which will be expanded upon below.)
Why Pay to Run a 5K?
“Why Pay to Run a 5K?” …This is something my mother would certainly ask 😉
My answer is: A C C O U N T A B I L I T Y
I once heard an entrepreneur state that he was charging for personal development services, because people take services they pay for with their own money (rather than getting it for free) more seriously since they worked hard to earn their money. This may be true; or maybe the said entrepreneur is just a shiesty salesman, (LOL!) but either way I kind of agree with him 🙂
If I’m using my hard earned money to attend a planned, event (that I scheduled in my planner–as an appointment!) in addition to knowing that I will not be the only person running 3.1 miles that day–I’m more likely to be more accountable to show up and run during a scheduled, paid & public event–than just running a few miles in the park, alone..if I feel like it. 😉 The cost of each race will be coming from a personal spending budget that I have allocated for myself each month. If I didn’t spend the money on 5K’s I’m sure it would be spent elsewhere for something that’s less health promoting, positive and probably not helping any of my personal goals for this year.
5K Celebration
Each 5k will be a celebration and a chance to feel overwhelmed with good vibes, and a sense of self achievement! So far, each 5K I’ve done has been filled with positive and excited individuals happy to walk, and run 3.1 miles! There’s music, free water, beautiful and fresh mother nature, and free “swag bags” with each 5K race purchase! I may even get the chance to make new fitness friends at some of the races. Though I can run in solidarity or with my fiance in the park; (and I will! 😉 ) I find the extroverted side of me loves the eventful nature of a 5K and I’m happy to take part. 🙂
Planning Ahead
I now have a 5K planned in mind for each month and will handle any scheduling, financial, or personal life complications if and when they arise at that time. I’m waiting to purchase each 5K ticket as close as possible to the race, but I will purchase it before the sale date expires. 😉 My fiance will be my 5K buddy either runner alongside me or cheering me on! As a safety measure I won’t be providing the races I have chosen here on the blog until after I have completed them. I’m very excited and grateful I’m physically and financially capable to make such a lofty fitness goal and look forward on reflecting here on the blog about each unique race experience.
Until Next Time…
Cheers! 😀
-Steebree Otey ❤
steebreeotey.com 