Exercising doesn’t always have to happen at the gym or at home. Some of the best and most enjoyable experiences come from getting outside and being active with friends!
Take last weekend, for example, when we joined The Color Vibe 5K. Trust me, I’m not a runner at all. I actually despise running and rarely do it. I know it’s good for cardiovascular health, but I prefer circuit classes any day. Still, I decided to give it a go!
It was a blast and a great workout too. My calves are still sore (I know, I know, I’m a baby). A lot of people dream of running a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or even a full marathon but have no clue where to start. Honestly, if I can complete a 5K, anyone can. It’s possible to enjoy it too!
One of the best first steps is to simply start. Don’t keep telling yourself, “Oh, I’ll do it next year; it’s too late now.” That’s just an excuse. It’s never too late to start training.
If you’re not very active, you can begin with a walking routine to gradually build up your stamina. Start by walking for 30 minutes a day, then work your way up to 45 minutes at least 5 days a week (or even daily if you can). There’s always a benefit to getting your blood flowing every day!
Transitioning from walking 45 minutes a day to running a 5K is a big leap, but it’s totally doable. A great tool to help with this is the Couch to 5K (C25K) app. Many of my clients and friends have used it to kickstart their fitness journey and embrace a healthier lifestyle.
This free app starts you off easy, guiding you from a sedentary state to being 5K ready in just 2 months. It’s useful even if you don’t plan to run a 5K. Plus, there’s an option for a paid extension if you want to train for a 10K.
For those looking to run longer distances, there are countless resources online to help you create the perfect training plan. Just do a quick search and you’ll find plenty of options.
Maybe you should try a color run for your first 5K, like I did. They’re relaxed, fun, and feature breaks at color stations, making the whole experience really enjoyable!
In the end, the key to being active and sticking with it is to keep things fun and engaging. Step out of your comfort zone, sign up for a 5K, and try new activities. You might discover that you love it!
