So You're Going to Do a 5K

If you're reading this and you aren't an Olympic athlete, don't worry (me either!).

The great thing about the Color Me United 5K is that it's meant for everyone: young and old, fast and slow, big and small, etc. This run isn't timed because it's not about who finishes first (if you do though, congrats!); it's about having FUN!

That being said, 5 kilometers (about 3.2 miles) might still sound a little daunting to those of us who don't regularly walk or run. The good news is, you have time to prepare. If you live in Pella or Oskaloosa, take this time to check out the recreation trails near you - they are great places to spend time exercising.

Try this routine to prepare for the 5K:

Week One Monday: Walk 20 min and stretch

Wednesday: Walk 25 min and stretch

Saturday: Walk 20 min and stretch

Week Two

Monday: Walk 25 min and stretch

Wednesday: Walk 30 min and stretch

Saturday: Walk 25 min and stretch

Week Three

Monday: Walk 30 min and stretch

Wednesday: Walk 30 min and stretch

Friday: Walk 20 min and stretch

Saturday: Color Me United 5K

If the Color Me United 5K is your first 5K, I highly recommend getting prepared for it with a friend. They act as a motivator, and even more importantly, someone to make the experience more fun. Exercise doesn't seem like work when its enjoyable, right? Research shows that when more than one person is invested in a goal, the chances of success are exponentially better. So what are you waiting for? Grab a friend and hit the trail!

Here's wishing you the best of luck and I hope to see you April 30th!