Why do people run 5K's?
I used to seriously ask my self "Why do people pay money to run a 5K race?" As a new runner I just didn't get why you would pay $20-30 to run 3.1 miles when you could do that for free when ever you wanted. I totally understood why people paid for the big races but why for a 5K.
After 11 months in the running community, I understand.
During today's run I really reflected on why I run and why I joined a running club. I do it because it makes me better. Because other people want to see me succeed. For the runner's camaraderie. And of course for the t-shirt/medal.
11 months ago I just didn't understand and now I do. With it being February 2, I have already completed 2 races this year and am about to register for 2 more in the month of February. That is more races in two months than I have done in my entire life.
I think above all what really inspires me is other runners. Today when I hit somewhere around mile 2 a man passed me and said hello. At about mile 4.5 when he passed me again we had a short chat. He said something very simple that just made me melt. "You are looking strong. It is a great day for a run isn't it?" I gave my quick reply and he soon flew by me. It was a short simple exchange that really made me realize how warm and welcoming the running community is.
SO yes I will now happily pay my $20 to run a simple 5K, just to be in the company of other runners!
Oh yeah, here are the stats from today's run. :)
Warm up- 1.05 miles
The Run Stats-
Total Distance: 8.05 miles
Average Pace: 14:27/mi
Average Speed: 4.2 MPH
Max Speed: 6.1 MPH
Average HR: 167 BPM
Max HR: 186 BPM
5K Time- 45:00
10K time- 1:29:00(ish)
12K time- 1:47:26
2008 Yearly Mileage- 97.68
After 11 months in the running community, I understand.
During today's run I really reflected on why I run and why I joined a running club. I do it because it makes me better. Because other people want to see me succeed. For the runner's camaraderie. And of course for the t-shirt/medal.
11 months ago I just didn't understand and now I do. With it being February 2, I have already completed 2 races this year and am about to register for 2 more in the month of February. That is more races in two months than I have done in my entire life.
I think above all what really inspires me is other runners. Today when I hit somewhere around mile 2 a man passed me and said hello. At about mile 4.5 when he passed me again we had a short chat. He said something very simple that just made me melt. "You are looking strong. It is a great day for a run isn't it?" I gave my quick reply and he soon flew by me. It was a short simple exchange that really made me realize how warm and welcoming the running community is.
SO yes I will now happily pay my $20 to run a simple 5K, just to be in the company of other runners!
Oh yeah, here are the stats from today's run. :)
Warm up- 1.05 miles
The Run Stats-
Total Distance: 8.05 miles
Average Pace: 14:27/mi
Average Speed: 4.2 MPH
Max Speed: 6.1 MPH
Average HR: 167 BPM
Max HR: 186 BPM
5K Time- 45:00
10K time- 1:29:00(ish)
12K time- 1:47:26
2008 Yearly Mileage- 97.68