Whether you hit the pavement first thing every morning or you’ve never put on a pair of running shoes in your life… participating in one of Nashville’s summer 5K races is a fun way to challenge yourself and get some exercise.

A great activity for all levels, 5K races (5 kilometers, 3.1 miles) are happening all over town this summer. If you’re thinking about signing up for a 5K, check out these tips from providers at St. Thomas Medical Group!

Get In Shape for a Nashville 5K

• Join a community of runners! “But I’m not a runner,” you say. Great! You don’t have to be. East Nasty, an East Nashville running community, offers a “Potato to Tomato” training program for the East Nashville Tomato 5K. Fleet Feet Sports offers 12-week training programs to help new and experienced runners train for 5Ks and other races. These programs cater to all levels of experience, offering different pace groups. The community aspect can help motivate you to stay on-track and committed to completing your goal.
• Take time to warm up. Always take a few minutes to warm up before your run. A good stretch and warm-up routine can get your blood flowing, reducing risk of injury and setting you up for a more enjoyable and efficient run.
• Mix up the running and walking. If you’re new to running, cut yourself from slack and mix things up. Consider walking on some of your training days. On other training days mix up your activity with both running and walking. For example, you might run for 15 seconds and then walk for 45 seconds. This approach may reduce the risk of injury and stress on your body.
• Re-evaluate your diet. Once you start exercising, you might find that your diet affects you differently. You might feel fatigued or low on energy after a run. Talk to your doctor about your diet. Consider adding in protein and healthy energy-rich snacks that will replenish those depleted resources.
• Drink lots of water. It’s hot out there! Don’t forget to hydrate before setting out for your run. Drink 8 to 16 ounces of water about an hour or two before. Have a few more sips 15 or 30 minutes before setting out.
• Consult a Nashville doctor. Finally, if physical activity is a new priority in your life, you may want to talk to a primary care physician about new exercise habits. If you have any concerns about developing healthy new exercise habits, you may find an exam and conversation with a doctor to be immensely helpful in setting you off in the right direction.

Trusted Physician Care That Helps You Prepare!

For many people, committing to participate in a 5K is no small undertaking! If you’re looking to make some new exercise habits, talk to a trusted primary care physician in Nashville at St. Thomas Medical Group. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling +1 (615) 301-7040.