Ask Adrienne: 5k Curious?

Adrienne Neal, MA

Is it just me, or is the running culture marathon-obsessed? As long as I have been
running, people equate the activity of running distances of any kind with the word
‘marathon’. Some use it in the right context, others still(!) tie any distance over the 100-
meter dash as a ‘marathon’-whether that is 2 miles, or 50. I’m not here to air grievances
about the overuse of bad terminology, but I am here to talk more about a distance that
should get more love around here, the 5k. 5000 meters. It is its own challenge, and a
great entry point to the sport of running. Run it fast, run it with friends, walk it out, there
are many ways to approach a 5k.

I still track a bit of intimidation from those who have little experience in the running
community, however, often I sense a curiosity about training and trying out a 5k race. To
help those along who may be curious about dipping their toe in a road race, let me take
a moment to dispel some myths out there about running your first 5k:

• “A 5k isn’t a real race.” I immediately call BS on this one. You don’t have to run a marathon or chase some crazy time or distance goal to be a real runner. Yes, it is shorter, and can be user-friendly, but it presents itself as a unique challenge. Actually, some of the most satisfying races I’ve ever had were 5ks. Also, 5k doesn’t have to be a gateway drug to longer and longer events. At least here at BRC, you shouldn’t feel too pressured either!
• “The training takes too much time”. Yes, you have to run a little bit, or at least set aside some time, however, but even with some of the busiest of schedules, 5k training can be done. There may be some trade-offs to training, but much less so than longer distances. Training with a group where a designated day and time helps with the scheduling of things.
• “Everyone else will be faster than me”. Highly unlikely. Intimidation and feelings of incompetence seem to be the biggest barrier in my opinion of keeping people out of our wonderful sport. You will be surprised with how inclusive and supportive the running community actually is. Also, if you find that you like the running thing, beginners improve at a significantly faster rate than those who
• have been at it for years. That makes it fun and intriguing (okay, that may be a bit of a gateway but consider yourself warned).

Also, it’s good to remember that at one time, EVERYONE who runs was a beginner. So, embrace and meet yourself where you are at. Be willing to challenge yourself a little and see the personal growth and sense of community that can come from running. Run one 5k, or run thousands, there are plenty of lessons and parts of yourself to explore in the process!