5 Tips to Prepare for the Honoring Our Heroes 5K
I’ve teamed up with Kroger to bring you this sponsored post about the Honoring our Heroes 5k Walk/Run in Cincinnati, Ohio!
The Honoring our Heroes 5k Walk/Run on June 16, in Cincinnati, Ohio is merely a month away, and I hope you’re ready! And even if you’re not, with a month to prepare, we’ve got plenty of time to get you ready to run! Or walk, if that’s what you prefer!
Now, I’m definitely not an experienced marathoner or anything, but 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) is right up my alley! The first time I ran 3 miles, I knocked it out easy-peasy. Must have been the adrenaline or something, because after that, it felt like I had to work for every single mile. There are some tips that helped me get comfortable with doing 5K though, and might help you prepare for the Honoring Our Heroes 5K Walk/Run!
Preparing for the Honoring Our Heroes 5K
Start training early
The sooner you start getting used to this distance, the better! Doing a couch to 5k training program is actually what helped ease me into running. Gradually working from: 2 minutes of walk, followed by 1 minute of run, for 30 minutes, to a full 30 minutes of run helps build that endurance. Just push yourself to run for 15 or even 30 seconds longer over walking!
You may not be the next Usain Bolt, so remember that this is a walk/run event, and regardless of your race time, your participation helps to honor and celebrate our veterans.
Make it a family event
As crazy as it sounds, I actually prefer to run while pushing a stroller. Sure, it’s a bit of extra weight to push, but it helps keep me from collapsing while I’m exhausted and trying to catch my breath. #keepingitreal Plus, isn’t it great to get out with the kiddos and set a positive fitness example for them?
Bonus: The Honoring our Heroes 5k Walk/Run is a family friendly event, with festivities and fun following the race!
Bonus bonus: Kids run free!
Fuel your body
The night before race day (and before PT tests, fellow mil spouses) I like to make a light pasta dish with lots of veggies for dinner! Usually something like linguini tossed with olive oil, plus grape tomatoes and asparagus.
Come race day, have a good breakfast, but not one that will leave you sluggish or sick. My go-to choice is a protein granola bar and/or a protein coffee drink! Ideally, you’ll want to eat at least an hour or two before racing.
Don’t forget to hydrate ahead of time with plenty of water or sports drinks, and bring a bottle or two along with you for during/after the race.
You’ll find all of the aforementioned race essentials at Kroger, a race sponsor!
Grab the essentials
Deodorant is a must on my list! Sure, it’s great for helping with sweat, but I also love it for thigh chaffing. Simply rub some on your thighs, and you should be good to go!
Guys, I hear that adhesive bandages help with chaffing and sensitive chest areas.
You can also pick up extras of deodorant and bandages to help fill care packages for troops abroad. GE and Kroger have teamed up to send care packages overseas in time for the 4th of July. Stop by the GE booth with care package donations and receive free beer tickets! Take a look at the image below for the care package wish list:
Get there early
The race may begin at 9:00 am, but you’ll want to get there early to have plenty of time to warm up or stretch, and participate in some of the pre-race activities. Some of the highlights include the National Anthem at 8:20 am and recognition of veterans at 8:45 am.
Most importantly, remember to have a great time! This is an event meant to bring our local community together to benefit our local veterans!
Register for the Honoring Our Heroes 5K
Of course, you can’t fully be prepared for the Honoring our Heroes 5K if you don’t register! Learn more about the race, recipients, and sponsors (including Kroger): HERE!