Chicago Running Review

The Resolution is the Revolution. This year instead of a resolution, choose to be a part of a revolution. Revolutionize yourself, and choose to do something that for you, and the people around you is revolutionary. Avoid the challenges of sticking with your resolution. Don’t resolve – revolt, to a new you.

New Year’s Revolution: Run My First 5K
How to do it right:

Set a goal race that is at least 10 weeks in the future: This will give you plenty of time to develop fitness while avoiding injury by doing too much too soon.

Get fit for a pair of shoes, and if you are a woman, a sports bra: The most common reasons a runner calls it quits is injury or aches and pains caused by ill fitting gear. Come in to get FIT!

Avoid Injury: The keys to staying healthy are not running too fast or too far and getting proper fitting gear. It may also be helpful to join us for a Good Form Running Class to learn about running form to help avoid common running inefficiencies that can lead to injury.

You will be sore: Especially if you are a brand new runner, you will be sore after the first few runs. In most cases this is a good thing and a badge of honor. It is a sign that your muscles are working and that you are becoming more fit. However, if you experience pain during your run, or continue to have pain even after a day or two of rest, please consult a medical professional.

Join a Training Program: Our No Boundaries training program will coach you to your first 5K and has sessions in the Spring, Summer and Fall.

With these tips you will be well on your way to a safe and successful journey but to add a little more inspiration here is Perla’s story of the road to her 1st 5K.

Perla’s Story:
My life changed on February 23, 2011! That evening I drove myself to Fleet Feet Sports – Lincoln Square, feeling excited and nervous. This was the first training run of many as I started training with Chicago Endurance Sports to run the Ravenswood Run, a neighborhood 5K. I had no previous running experience, just will and determination that no matter what, I would be moving toward my goal to finish a 5k.

That evening the group completed our dynamic stretching and off we went to Wells Park. On our way to the park, Coach Gregg went over some running tips – breathing and pace. As the park came into view I could not believe that I was there!

We began our intervals and I can’t lie, it was brutal, but having Coach Gregg and other training buddies with me was helpful. Just when I thought that I could not keep going, Coach Gregg encouraged me and helped push me through. Before I knew it, I was done! I completed my first training and survived it.

On our way back to Fleet Feet I felt exhilarated and proud. This was monumental for me and for many of my running buddies. I finally believed in myself and what I accomplished that night, and at that moment my love affair with running.

During the third or fourth week of training, I felt physically stronger. On the run back Coach Gregg said, “Perla I think you are ready, let’s try running for 3 minutes! In my head, I thought “What?! No way!” But guess what? I did it! I ran for 3 minutes and felt amazing.

I continued training and began to see and feel major changes. Through it all, the Chicago Endurance Sports Coaches were there for inspiration and support. I cannot go any further without mentioning another big influence for me – Coach Walter. He’s been with me since the beginning. Both he and Gregg had a huge impact on my running/training. Walter also had words of inspiration and encouragement at the right moments and this has helped me tremendously.

As of today I have been running for almost 1 year!! I’ve completed several 5K’s, an 8K and soon to complete my first ever 10K. My journey with running continues to evolve and I love it. I’ve joined the Winter Warriors 10K training program and get the privilege to work with Coach Walter again. Walter reminded me that running is a great sport for a variety of reasons but mainly because we can always set goals and continue to evolve our practice. With that being said, I encourage everyone to give running a try because it is amazing and does change everything!