So, I'm getting excited because my first 5K is right around the corner. I've been training for a few weeks now and have transformed myself from a total couch potato to a slightly more athletic couch potato. Just this past weekend, I hit the 5K mark on my weekend runs which means I'm READY!
Cool Out of Hibernation bear logo from 2009's race
The 5K I chose is the Out of Hibernation 5K in Portsmouth, NH on April 14th. I chose this 5K for a few reasons. First and foremost, my Masonic Lodge, St. John's #1 in Portsmouth, puts this race on every year. Being Freemasons, just about all the events we put on are for charity. This race is no exception. All proceeds go to a great cause, the Seacoast Family Food Pantry. Second, it's early in the season. I feel like if it was later in the season, I would be less motivated to train for it as temperature would be much higher (I hate running when it's hot out). Finally, it's in the beautiful town of Portsmouth. There is nothing more scenic (in this area) for a run than historical, downtown Portsmouth.
The Out of Hibernation coarse map
So, if you're not doing anything on April 14th and feel like running for a good cause (registration is only $18 online), this event may be right up your alley. I hope to see you there!
Karl
ReplyDeleteI am very proud of you and good luck! This looks like the perfect race since it should be cool and scenic. 5ks can get addicting! that is how I got my start and it led me to a full marathon in just a few years.
Thanks Grant! I don't think I'll get addicted to them. Running is fun for me, but it's still really tough. If I don't have the right mind set and the perfect conditions outside...I have a hell of a time making any distance.
DeleteKarl
Karl,
DeleteDon't be so sure, crazy things can happen! There was a time where I said I hated hiking and that I never wanted to go again and well that changed :).....either way I wish you the best of 5Ks!
Ha! Grant, I said the same thing about hiking long ago...I actually wrote a post on my first hiking adventure ever...Mt. Washington in 1998. I swore off hiking forever. If you have a minute, check out this post. It's comical in hindsight, but at the time, it was awful!
Deletehttp://livefreeandhikenh.blogspot.com/2011/02/once-upon-timei-hated-hiking-my-hike-up.html
Karl
Good luck Karl. You'll do great. Just remember with running, it's much like Hike your own Hike, Run your own run. Can't wait for the results post. And like Grant said, it can become addicting. I'm totally missing my running. Hopefully I can get back at it and do some trail running too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tim, that's good advice! I found in my last couple weeks, if I slow my pace down considerably, my muscles don't get worn out quickly and I can go a lot further. Granted, my min/mile average is awful, but I have a lot more fun. I've heard it's hard to set your own pace with the other runners around...hopefully I'll be able to do it!
DeleteKarl
Good luck! I am working on going from couch potato to 5k'er - I've started that C25K program. :) I would totally have done this one too but I'm out of town.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! I wish you the best of luck with the couch potato to 5k program. It seems like such a successful on for many. Don't forget to come back and let us know when and what 5K you're entering!
DeleteKarl
Hope you have a great day!
ReplyDeleteYou are already a "winner" by becoming (as you put it) "a more athletic couch potato"! The 'rewards' from doing that are more lasting than any 'awards' from winning a 5K race!
Thanks John! I agree completely. Ever since I started hiking a few years back, I certainly don't miss sitting around watching TV on the weekends instead of getting outside. Now, if I have to stay in on the weekends...it's a bad one! Thanks for the kind words!
DeleteKarl
Good for you! I love to run anyway, and I think 5Ks are a great length - long enough to be a bit of a challenge, but not impossible to reach. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteJoAnna, that's so true. It will definitely be a challenge, but reachable for sure. Thanks!
DeleteKarl
Good luck! It can become very addictive! You should run the annual Manchester Cigna race with us in August. It's one of the largest in New England. Nothing like running a 5k with 6,000 other runners!
ReplyDeleteHi Dan - I'll keep that mind! 6,000 runners...wow! One good thing about that is my odds would go up that I wouldn't come in last!!!
DeleteKarl
Hey way to go, and good luck! I'm hoping to run my first 5k sometime this year, I just need to get back to running consistently again. Have fun! :D
ReplyDeleteLiz
Awesome -- good luck!!
ReplyDelete