Friday, February 04, 2011

Running a 5k Race

Running a 5k race can be good or bad. It depends on what kind of shape you are in. After running my first 5k in five years it was both good and bad. It was good because I haven't felt so alive and energetic in a long time. It was bad because I was really sore the next day. It could have been worse. I have been running approximately two miles once a week for almost a year and this helped me survive the race.  

Whole Foods Fun Run
Another plus to running 5k races is that most of the time you are contributing to a good cause. For instance, I recently ran in the Whole Foods Family Fun Run. The funds raised go to supporting Running School. This is a program that benefits schools and helps them get kids fit. The program promotes good nutrition, fitness and self-esteem.

After running with close to 1000 other participants I felt grateful to be a part of something bigger. I was a part of making a difference.

66-Year-Old Runner Inspires
But what stood out the most as I participated in the Whole Foods Family Fun Run was a runner named Herve Pastre. He finished in fifth place out of 562 runners. Pastre is 66 years old and ran the 5k in 18:35. An astonishing time for someone his age or any age group.

When I realized what he had done I was inspired to keep running. When I was in college I ran close to his time. I thought to myself, "If he can run that fast at 66 years of age maybe I can get my time down there." I am 37 years old. Whether or not I run that fast is not the point. The key is that I know that I can lower my time and get back in to shape if I stay dedicated to training.

So as you venture out and take on a challenge find someone who inspires you. Then dare to do it. The results may astonish you. I hope that they astonish me in a few months.

1 comment:

5k said...

Inspiration can came from the most unlikely places some times.