The short answer? You’re probably ready now.For real.
Because if you’ve been considering a 5K, you’ve probably been out there walking, maybe even running a little bit here and there, and 3.1 miles is totally within your reach. If you’re able to walk continuously for an hour, you can do a 5K.
What you’re really asking is whether you should do a 5K, whether you’ll be the slowest person there, whether the other runners will yell at you for taking walk breaks, whether you’ll feel out of place, embarrassed, or uncomfortable.
The true question is not whether you’re ready to complete a 5K, but whether you’re ready to claim your new identity as a runner. Taking it public, letting the world know you’re part of this crazy-ass sport – and proud of it.
The truth is, you might have to take some walk breaks. That’s OK (in fact it’s pretty common).
You might be nervous. Again, totally OK. And really common.
You might look around at everyone else lined up to start and think “I don’t belong here.” Lots of people have that thought their first, second, third, even tenth time.
But here’s the thing – YOU BELONG. Why? Because you share the desire to run or walk a 5K. That’s it, that’s all it takes. You’re in the club.
Everyone there has the same goal – to cross the finish line and give their best effort. The finish times might be different, but the spirit is the same. To do something that feels meaningful, something to be proud of, something that maybe even felt a little out of reach a few months back.
So when someone asks me if I think they’re ready for a 5K, I always, ALWAYS say yes.
If you think you’re ready…check out Not Your Average 5K – an online running course that will have you crossing the finish line in just 2 months!
