New to running? Try this motivational goal.

Have you been thinking about taking up running? There are many benefits to this popular form of exercise, including helping reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and helping to manage stress. The great news is that you don’t need to hammer the sidewalk every day for hours on end. Even short, regular runs can provide health benefits

When you first decide to try running, it’s important not to jump straight into overly ambitious goals. As simple as running seems, it requires every part of your body to work together in harmony to propel you forward. To help prevent injury or burnout, try easing yourself into running slowly. To stay motivated, try this simple tip.

What is a Fun Run?

A Fun Run is a non-competitive run that is usually completed to raise money for charities and local schools. Not only do you get to experience the amazing physical and mental benefits of running, but you can also help worthy causes!

One of the most common distances for Fun Runs is 5 kilometers (often called a 5k run). This translates to around 3.1 miles. There are no set finishing times for a Fun Run and generally walkers or run-walkers are welcome to participate, which makes them accessible to all.

Signing up for a Fun Run makes setting a S.M.A.R.T. goal easier (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely).  This helps you create a plan to successfully reach your new running target.

Training for a Fun Run

The length of time that you need to spend training for a Fun Run depends on a variety of factors, such as your current fitness level, running experience, and lifestyle.

If you have never run before, training for at least eight weeks before the Fun Run may be sufficient.  You can find free online training programs that provide week-by-week timelines for your training.  These are great resources as they will help you slowly build your endurance to ensure you are ready for the big day while keeping you injury free.