5Ks: kickstart your fun / fitness

By Natalie von Cieminski

Five-kilometer marathons have become popular races among spectators. Its slowly become an activity that more and more people are including on their bucket list.

Signing up for a 5K marathon is an excellent fitness booster and fosters good reason for spending time on a treadmill or supporting an important cause, as most 5Ks raise funds for charities. For those who tend to be couch potatoes, 5K races are great motivators to get one out the door in the morning or after work. Especially if your goal is to lose weight or get back in shape, rocking a 5K race is a great place to begin your training.

Another reason to run a 5K is you can drag your group of friends into the challenge by signing them up. Why compete by yourself when you could have your friends by your side?

I love sport, especially jogging.

I skipped workouts for months– studying and other responsibilities took up most of my spare time. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to have a roommate who spontaneously signed us up for the Foam Glow 5K race that takes place Saturday, Sept. 20, at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

At the Foam Glow 5K, approximately 12,000 runners are exposed to flowing foam and black lights set up all over the course , making it a unique, exciting experience.

Check-in starts at 5 p.m. and the pre-party will follow shortly after, at 6:45 p.m. The first wave of participants will take their marks at 7:30 p.m. and the second wave at 8:45 p.m. After the completion of the 5K, an After Race Party awaits, including foam cannons around a stage that will shoot the crowd while musicians Crisco Kid and Julio G provide the beats.

Whether you are a beginner or professional, a variety of 5K marathons take place in Miami each month. Here are a few suggestions for those students striving to be part of an amazing running experience:

(1) The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at Bayfront Park on Oct. 1, that raises funds and awareness for breast cancer;

(2)The Electric 5K Run at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 23, that features five themed Course Lands with lights and music custom-mixed to match the mood;

(3)The Color Run at the Sun Life Stadium on Nov. 23. This is an un-timed race followed by an unforgettable Finish Festival, ensuring that each participant will be plastered head-to-toe with color;

(4) The Black Light 5K Run at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Jan. 3. This unique UV Neon Glowing race with a Blacklight Run After Party where participant will be showered with neon glowing powder.

Some helpful tips before competing: Start working out a few weeks before the event and set realistic scheduling and fitness goals to avoid becoming overwhelmed or burnt out. Recruit a friend who can help keep you on track. Stay very hydrated and eat the right, energy-giving food, like bananas and whole grains.

Finally, don’t forget to warm up and stretch to minimize risk of injury or create a music playlist to enhance the enjoyment of your run.

 

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