So the question is what can you gain from a 5k race? How this race is going to manifest on your way of living, your lifestyle, your mindset. I’ve came up with a couple of things and would love to let you know what I’ve experienced, and what makes this each race a jewel.
For some, finishing the race is not enough. For those who have different goals in mind, like losing weight or solving some other health issues crossing the line is fine, no matter the time, but some go just for the challenge alone, and want to prove to themselves, as well as to others that they can lower the finishing time, and set the bar higher.
So, why should you consider a 5k?
Inevitable Self Improvement.
First of all, there is the milestone that you’ve promised to reach. Finish the race – even by crawling if necessary or finish among the first hundred, or finish and take a stand on the pedestal - whatever you are up to, and promising yourself that success, that marked goal ahead of you, you are witnessing a new unexplored part of your nature, fitness, and athletic life. Nothing will ever be like before. You will be different. Trying to reach that goal may force you to train even on days when you don't feel like it, it may force you to pass your comfort zone if you are up for the time challenge, and this alone marks a new era in your workout schedule. I remember going across my comfort zone of walking fast for over a mile. It was then when I realized for the first time that I can do much more. I remember measuring the time for the first time, and trying to beat it the next day. What a race that was. It’s really an adventure worth exploring. But walking a 5k is not just about the milestone, there is much more to it even before you set your foot on the start line. As you set your goal, the next thing you will come to realize is the commitment you give to yourself and others. Seeing yourself going through all that training, and letting others witness it as well, makes you hungry for results – no matter whether that is just the finish line or the numbers on the stopwatch, and that commitment will push you far and beyond.
Noticeable Change in your Mindset
The change that you are about to witness in your mindset will be surprising, and you will feel it more and more as you progress through your training. You will face doubts, have bad days, witness progress first hand, even have to fight injuries if they come. Participating in a race, and even participating in the preparation for the same, makes you hungry. Hungry not in the way of craving for food, but hungry more in the sense of wanting more from yourself, your will power, your inner drive. You are not only racing with others, but constantly racing with yourself. That’s the hardest, and yet, the funniest race you can ever participate in. Make no mistake – you will win every time, win against the old you, win against the habits, win against yesterday. What else can you get out of it and what other benefits can you experience?
Social Aspect of Walking a 5k
You are going to meet some interesting people that are already on the same train you are about to board. Learn from them, have fun, interact on daily basis. Because I guarantee you: walkers – they are quite the community. Get ready to meet some interesting people while you count the miles each morning.
Numerous Health Benefits
These races make you lose more weight faster, and tone those muscles, while giving your cardio system a blast. Walking 5k will add to your strength, stamina, endurance, agility, improve your general fitness a lot, and give you energy you never thought you had.
The Keizer Iris 5k is a perfect venue for walkers of all levels. Saturday’s courses are closed to cars and lined with spectators cheering you on. On Sunday during the 10k and half marathon you’ll catch your breathe along the 200 acres of nationally awarded Iris growing fields, where the iris’ will be in various stages of colorful bloom. Hopefully, next year I will be ready to try a 10k and maybe I can get Maria and Kriss to do that with me too.
