A few days ago Heather, Laura, and I decided that we wanted to step up our training a bit and do a practice 5K run to see where we were at. We wanted to motivate each other, and keep each other accountable, so we decided we would pick a day and run one one the same day as if we were running a “virtual 5K.” So basically we will be running a 5K distance by ourselves but as if we were racing against others for time.
As we talked about it, we thought that it would be fun to invite others to race virtually with us! So we created the Blend Practice 5K!
What the heck is a “Blend?” Blogger + Friend = Blend. No, I didn’t come up with the term, I believe it originated in Caitlin‘s world, but its popularity has spread, and I think its a great affectionate term!
Why 5k? Personally, I wanted to do a 5K because up until earlier this week my first race was going to be a 5K in June. So it literally would be a practice for my first race. Since I’m running an 8K this weekend, it isn’t quite the same reason but I’m still going to do it nonetheless. 3.1 miles is the first distance that most people train for. The Couch to 5K program is a great beginning running training plan to lead up to that. However, the C25K program is mainly intervals. (Run 5 minutes, walk 2 minutes, etc.) I think this is an AWESOME way to build up distance and stamina, but as far as actually running the full 3.1 miles this plan doesn’t always get you there. I’m hoping that setting out to run a 5K virtually with others will help me really push myself to run my best, as if it was a real race.
Who can participate? Anyone! You don’t need to have a blog, or be a runner. If you want to join us, run 3.1 miles some time that weekend. If you are a blogger, blog about your run! If you aren’t a blogger, feel free to share your experience in the comments! Not a runner? I doesn’t matter! Run/Walk it! Or just plain walk it! 3.1 is 3.1 no matter how you get there!
Are you on Twitter? When you tweet about your 3.1, use the hashtag #Blend5K so everyone can follow progress and encourage each other!
Who’s in?!
of course i’m in for this! hopefully the weather will be nicer next weekend!
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