07 Aug Olympics for the rest of us: Run a 5K race

As you watch the Olympics are you inspired to get back to competing in sports if it’s been a while? Or maybe you’ve never been a very competitive, but wonder what it might be like to challenge yourself and others.
One of the best ways average people who are past their high school and college years can get out and compete is to enter a 5K race (3.1 miles).
There are lots of workout tips available that give you ideas on how to go from couch potato to 5K. If you’re already in pretty good shape, then setting a goal to run in a 5K may help you step up your training.
To make it even more fun, sign up for a 5K with a partner or partners. Training for a 5K could be a fun thing to do with your spouse, friend, co-worker, etc.
Even if your goal is just to finish a 5K then you’ll feel good afterward when you do it.
Perhaps you have a certain time or placement you want to get, like doing well in your age group. Well, then go for it.
Check the sports pages in newspaper articles in your area, running magazines and-or online for listings of 5K races in your area.
Once you’ve picked your race, get busy setting up a workout plan and then get started on your training.
Run outdoors, on a treadmill and don’t forget to stretch out before and after workouts.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com