How to Prepare for a 5K
posted by Michael Carlson, MD | June 13, 2018
Running a 5k can be great exercise in and of itself, but a proper preparation process is an excellent way to develop long-term exercise habits and protect yourself from injury. Here’s what to keep in mind if a 5k is in your future.
Mental blocks are common barriers to achieving fitness goals. The key is to anticipate those potential blocks and keep these perspectives in mind:
Stay motivated: Motivation can be tough at times during this process. The best way to combat this is identifying your trouble areas then taking steps to make them simpler—a good example is creating an easier morning process if you work out at this time but struggle waking up. Refer back to your list of goals and self-evaluation areas if needed.
Use these tips to prepare yourself physically for a 5k:
Your doctor can offer further recommendations on whether a 5K is right for you, and on proper training including warm-up and cool-down.
Sources:
“Sofa to 5K Training Tips.” WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/sofa-to-5k-training-tips#1
“Prevention of running injuries by warm-up, cool-down, and stretching exercises.” American Journal of Sports Medicine. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/036354659302100513
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health.