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This past weekend I flooded my instagram and twitter feeds with photos of my sisters and I as we competed in the Bluenose 5k race. It was an awesome weekend, made extra special by the fact that I was coming off a major win, I’d just completed my 2014 goal of fully funding my emergency fund.
With that accomplishment to buoy my spirits, I was ready for a great race weekend in one of my favourite cities. We came, we ran, we drank. This is my fourth time running in the Bluenose, and my third time in the 5k, and it was definitely my favourite race so far. The course was better, the weather was perfect, and I was there with my two sisters.
Running: The Cheap Exercise Alternative
I’ve blogged many times about how running is a great way to get in shape on the cheap, and I still believe that, even when you add a race or two into the mix. I paid $54 to run in the Bluenose 5k, plus around $200 to visit Halifax for two days, and eat and drink to my heart’s content. Other than the cost of the race weekend, I haven’t sunk a penny into running yet this year. My gear has been holding up, my shoes are in good condition, and my iPhone has replaced my running watch as my distance tracker of choice. Running truly is a cheap sport, and great for those of us who lack space and funds for exercising.
That’s not to say you can just hop out on the road and expect to become a great runner. There are training techniques, stretches and distance guidelines you should follow in order to stay happy and healthy on your runs. Fortunately, tons of this information is available for free, via the Google Gods. You don’t need to buy a running book or hire a personal trainer, you just need to sit at your computer and read.
For the Bluenose, I didn’t train as much as I’ve trained in the past, I ran twice a week, upping my distance each week, and cross training by walking my dog daily. Since it was just a 5k, I wasn’t too concerned about getting my mileage right, which probably wasn’t the best idea. There was definitely a moment or two during the 5k race when I was sincerely wishing I’d put more time into training, but I finished the race with a decent time all the same.
1 Down, 1 to Go…
I publicly declared in my 2014 goals that I wanted to run in two road races this year. I’ve gotten one out of the way, so now it’s on to the second. I did some quick Googling last night and found a few likely candidates in late summer/early fall that might fit the bill. I think I’ll go for a 10k next. I’ve already got a decent base now that I’ve got one 5k under my belt, so building on my current fitness in the summer to bring me to 10k is the next logical step. I’m actually excited and looking forward to this, because I haven’t run a 10k since 2012.
If You Haven’t Raced, You’re Missing Out
Whether you’re a seasoned or fledgling runner, I highly recommend entering a race. You won’t be the slowest, I guarantee it, because lots of people walk the whole thing. You won’t look like an idiot, because there are lots of people who run in them specifically to look foolish. It’s a blast and it’s a great way to get out and enjoy your sport with other runners. If that didn’t convince you, check out the highlight reel from the Bluenose. It was a great time!
What are your fitness goals for the year? I want to know!