Running My First 5K (and blogging about it)

Disclosure: This isn’t me running my first 5K. For starters, he’s going way too fast, and he looks like he’s enjoying himself. (I just used this picture to test the WordPress function.)

Planning for My First 5K Run: Some Background and my Strategy for Success

First question to ask is why am I doing this? Well, here are a couple of longwinded answers to a simple question. Running a 5K always seemed to me to be the entry level event for a “real runner” looking to chalk-up an official accomplishment (some places I think will even give you a medal to prove it), so it was kind of the default option for a legitimate goal. And although it might be often identified and/or recognized as a routine/beginner fitness goal, I’m far from someone that’s not still more than just a little intimidated at the thought of preparing for it (especially seeing as how I get winded running through a parking lot to get to my car when it’s raining). I have made some previous attempts to start a running routine to get into shape (that basically means I bought running shoes), so I’m not starting from scratch, but I do see it as a long term endeavor (which is a big challenge because I get bored easily and jogging is so slow). Anyway, I’m going in with an open mindset, and I’m hoping that it will prove to be an achievable undertaking as well as a rewarding challenge. Additionally, I’m confident that if I can formulate the “right approach” that works for me, then anyone can go from being a couch potato to crossing the 5K finish line, and that’s what I’m hoping to accomplish with this blog- that maybe someone out there (that’s you if you’re reading this) might at some point message me, to let me know I’m not alone. So my intent, on this/my journey is to detail and discuss the topics, concerns, thoughts, and struggles that I anticipate (and experience) while also covering (to the extent that I know/learn what to cover) the important things one would need to know to get on the path of running a 5K, from initial concept, through preparation, to race day (and hopefully the official hanging of a “Participation Medal”).

So Why a 5K?

Well you have to start somewhere, and as I mentioned above, the 5K seemed like the easiest/best “real” runner’s goal that I might actually be able to attain. In addition, the anticipated prep/workout regimen isn’t so intensive, extensive, or involved that I’ll lose entire mornings or afternoons to my quest (not to mention, it’s relatively inexpensive). Also, there are plenty of healthy side benefits that I’m shooting for too, primarily losing enough weight so that even if I don’t ever get a (paid the event fee to run) medal or tee shirt, I’ll have something to show for my commitment, and the efforts and work I put into achieving my goal.   

Parallel Goals – Accomplishment and Better Health

Ok so what I’m utilizing as my “tool” for success (as well as perhaps my defense mechanism to avoid failure) is what I’m going to refer to as “Parallel Goals”- by (my) definition establishing two unique, yet similarly achievable goals that by striving to accomplish each individually, might also help to enable or encourage the accomplishment of the other. I’m not a gambler (professionally anyway), but the way I see it, this provides for the opportunity of a “double success”, while also limiting the chance of a “complete failure”.. so at the very least, it would seem as though the odds are in my favor. Here are my two immediate goals:

1. Accomplishment

As I consider myself to be very goal oriented person (perhaps excessively so- to the extent that I probably have too many “micro-goals”, i.e. baby steps, stepping stones, foundational blocks, etc.- you get the idea), I anticipate relying upon/leveraging a “grow as you go/al” process or formula (I actually just came up with that- lol I think/hope it’s original), where I’ll alternate distances and/or times, with the intent of making each interval once successfully achieved, the new standard upon which I will use/look to improve. Example: Goal: 1 mile, Approach: walk 1 minute, run 1 minute, repeat as needed (to accomplish Goal). After I’ve done that (routinely), it’ll be a walk 1 minute, run 2 minutes (or at least what doesn’t hurt), repeat as needed process. And so on, with increasing interval distances and/or times, until it’s just: run 5K (although even then I will always- “warm up and cool down” for some time/distance.. that I’ve learned already is very important). A 5K (3.1 miles) run (nonstop anyway) definitely seems daunting upon initial consideration, but it’s acknowledged to be a manageable distance for beginners with proper training, and from what I’ve read/heard from individuals that have accomplished the feat, most people say that with a little dedication a person can be ready for race day in a few months, so that’s the timeline I’m shooting for.

2. Health Benefits

As I’ve mentioned in a previous blog, I’ve allowed myself over the past few years (decades even) to get out of shape (at least the shape I would prefer to be in at my current age). Running, although not something I really ever enjoyed (or ever pictured myself) doing, I now consider to be the optimal/healthiest option for me to begin as a new workout routine- in part because it’s one of easiest (easy as in the opportunity to do, not necessarily being able to do), forms of exercise to engage in (it’s a step above walking at least), that I’m hoping can provide some health benefits, and perhaps even more importantly, something (I hope) I can do without injuring myself. I’m looking to lose probably about 20 pounds (or principally whatever my overhanging belly equates to), and if I can do it without Ozempic, Wegovy, and/or liposuction (all of which BTW my wife and I have looked in to), I would consider my undertaking highly successful and my goal achieved. If, on the other hand I can manage to lose at least some weight without starving myself (disclosure: which I have tried), while continuing to enjoy occasional dinners out and a few cocktails here and there.. I would still consider there to be some modicum of success, and my efforts worthy of continued attempt, but only time (and well, the actual results/numbers) will tell.

Getting Started: The Road to Here (my brief history of 2024)

I’m sure I mentioned somewhere previously that I made several prior attempts to commit to a running program, but never succeeded for more than a few runs here and there. Well, at least one good result and benefit of those early efforts was that a friend (a real runner) introduced me to the “Map My Run” app (formerly by Under Armour, now by Outside), which is a free app that allows you to track/time your runs using GPS. I think it’s great.. it’s an easy to manage, very useful tool that I’ve been using since early 2024, and which at this point, helpfully allows me to easily (relatively anyway) detail my prior efforts, which I’ve posted below. Bear in mind that these times/distances are various combinations of walking and running, and the information is very basic, as it was collected well before I committed to preparing for a 5K and writing this blog. As the purpose of the blog in large part is to document my efforts (which will include stats), new information that I’ll share should/will continue to get more detailed and specific to my training routine (i.e. this if anything is just a snapshot of my past efforts to let you know where I’m starting from).

So quick recap- with roughly 22 outings last year (a few were same day/combined distances), and a total duration of just over 12½ hours, I covered just under 42 miles. Upon review of my prior efforts, I think it’s fair to say that in addition to not needing new running shoes, I can consider myself to be firmly in the “beginner” stages of running. So now that I/you know where I’ve been, I can start to see where I’m going and it’s time to get on the road (or sidewalk)..