In 2020, toward the end of the pandemic, a neighboring community about 30 miles away offered a virtual 5K through their park district. It was a way to get people active and into the parks, as mandates were being lifted.
Although I wasn’t a resident of that community, I knew I wanted to participate because I had already been walking daily. An hour’s walk each morning had been my routine which helped to keep me sane and grounded during such an uncertain time in the world.
Becoming a Casual 5K Enthusiast
Until then, I had never participated in an organized 5K and was extremely excited. I couldn’t wait to receive my race swag including a t-shirt and a bib. I immediately registered and walked my 5K like I did every morning, and waited for my race swag to arrive. Once my swag arrived, I did an additional 5K to capture photos with my bib and t-shirt. And, that is how I developed a love for casual 5K races and being a casual 5K enthusiast.
It has been four years since I started registering and participating in virtual 5K walks. Just this week, I completed my seventh virtual 5K, “Be a Mermaid”. It was a lot of fun for me to choose a mermaid theme virtual race because my daughter and I are immersing ourselves in the world of mermaids this spring and summer.
Proper Shoes and Attire
After participating in seven virtual 5K races, I’ve gained valuable insights on completing them with the key takeaway being to wear the appropriate footwear. As a matter of fact, experts and enthusiasts generally advise people to replace their running shoes every 300 to 500 miles.
With this being said, I decided to opt for a new pair of womens running shoes that were attractive but lightweight. After browsing online for a few days, I decided upon the adidas Swift Run 1.0 shoes in cloud white and metallic gold.
In the past, I chose running shoes with colorful accents, usually in pink that didn’t go well with many outfits. But, this time, I decided to opt for a pair of running shoes that were all white, making it easy for me to pair with any outfit, whether I’m doing a 5K or not. The description even mentions that the sleek silhouette of these shoes pairs well with any outfit.
With warmer weather on the horizon, I’m excited to continue my fitness journey and get back into the routine of my daily outdoor walks and light runs. I’m also looking forward to getting a good 300 miles or so out of my new running shoes.
Final Thoughts
In summary, participating in virtual 5K races has not only become a source of motivation for me but also a great way to engage with the community and stay active. So, whether you’re a seasoned runner or casual enthusiast looking to start their fitness journey, remember, the right gear and a sprinkle of fun can make all the difference.
This post is in partnership with adidas with gifted products.
