Detest running? Try walking a 5K

Honestly, I never thought I'd get back into running. If you had told me a year ago that I'd be training to run a 5K, I would have laughed myself silly. I hadn't run since high school, and while I enjoyed the feeling of finishing a race and the support and camaraderie of our team and our excellent coach, it was something I didn't plan to do after the season ended.

So why did I go back to running? Mid-life crisis. Not only of the diabetic variety, but also of the bone density variety. When I had my full health screening in June, it also showed that I needed to strengthen my bones. And I don't think it gets any more high impact than running for the lower body; I also started some light strength training for upper body.

Plus I got inspired when I read the Zen Habits blog article on starting a fitness routine and the Couch to 5K plan...and the Refuse to Regain blog's article on becoming an athlete. "Maybe what I need is something to train for, rather than just plain ol' exercise....hey, there's the Pumpkin Run in October, maybe that would be enough time." So with 4 months to get ready, I started training; when it was time to sign up, I really felt like it was something I could do. I'm not very fast, but that's not the point. As long as I can finish before they pack it up and go home, I'll be happy. (Thank goodness there's also a 5K walk component, too.)

And if I'd been discouraged from running by my medical team? Well, I've always enjoyed walking. I've added it to my lunchtime because otherwise I get too cooped up at the desk.

I found some similar resources for those who want to train to walk a 5K. You get to feel like you're "in training" rather than "exercising," get to support a charitable cause, and hey, sometimes you even get a t-shirt!

4 Weeks to a 5K (Guideposts magazine)
Get Ready for Your Once-a-Year Charity Walk (about.com)
Preparing for a 5K Walk (Ladies Home Journal)

Good luck and happy moving!