Run Your Best 5K with these Fun Tips

So you’ve signed up for a 5K. Congrats! If it’s your first one and you’re already wondering how the heck you can get out of it, you’re not alone. A lot of people try a “couch to 5k plan” only to reconsider and spend the rest of their training going from couch to recliner. Running a 5K is no joke! And while there will certainly be plenty of speed demons zooming past you on the course as they legit try to get their personal best and beat their previous race times, there will be an equal amount of people just there for the t-shirt and free bananas at the finish line. The point is, don’t be frightened of the unknown. Go ahead and let those serious athletes blow by in their teeny shorts and appreciate the breeze created by their wake.

Most of all, relax. Rest assured there will be tons of participants on the course running for the fun of it. Yes, we said fun. Because when it comes to road “racing,” the definition is in the eye of the beholder. It’s okay if simply finishing is your goal. So before you pin your number on your shirt or lace up your running shoes, here are a few cool things to know about running. With facts like these, it won’t matter if you’re not the fastest among the pack. You’ll take first place for being the most knowledgeable about road races!

1. You have more energy than you think you do

A lot of people choose to load up on carbs before a big race. They throw spaghetti parties and eat bagels hours before they hit the starting line. But the truth is, an average man has enough energy stored in his fat to continuously run for 3 days. That’s non-stop for 72 hours. But, please don’t try that at home. That fact should simply help to convince you that the 30 minutes or so you’re going to spend on that 5K won’t be too bad.

2. Running shoes are super popular

Although not everyone runs, a lot of people wear running shoes! Over 1 billion pairs are sold throughout the world every year! If you’re just starting out, it may be hard to know what kind of running shoes to wear. If you aren’t sure, head over to your local running store and they’ll help you pick out a comfortable pair of trainers. Good shoes are extremely important, so don’t just go with any sneaker.

3. Turn up the tunes

If your race allows it, bring your earbuds so you can run with music. On average, music boosts running performance by up to 15%! Pumping up the tunes can help you get to the finish line quicker, so spend a little time coming up with the perfect playlist.

4. It takes 200 muscles to take one step

That means 26 bones, 33 joints, and 112 ligaments, as well as network of tendons, blood vessels, and nerves have to work together while we run. In fact, while running, the human heart creates enough pressure to squirt blood 30 feet. Okay, the human body is pretty amazing, but these facts are equally gross and exhausting. Luckily, you’ll have your playlist to keep your mind off your muscles every step of the way.

5. There are a lot of animals faster than the 5K winner

If you’re feeling blue that you didn’t win a trophy or a medal for your age group, don’t be sad. Your own cat is probably faster than all the winners combined. A kangaroo and domesticated rabbit are also way faster than most human runners.

6. Men and women run 5K’s differently

Research has shown that in contrast to men, most women run the second half of a 5K faster than the first. This is especially true if the 5K is co-ed. In the beginning of the race women will typically hang back and then continue to increase their speed throughout the race and finish strong.

7. Some runners really love to run

After you do your first 5K you could throw away your running shoes and opt for marathons of your favorite shows instead. Or, you may discover that running is actually a lot of fun! Many runners love the endorphins they get from the trails. French ultramarathoner Serge Girad, for example, loves running so much that he ran across the 5 continents without taking a single day off for 365 days! You may not get to that point in your love of running, but you might find that you sign up for another 5K again.

8. It’s fine to train on a treadmill

If the weather outside is less than ideal with blazing hot temperatures are unseasonal amounts of rain, don’t worry, you can still get your training mileage in! The trick to running on a treadmill is to raise the incline to 1.0 or more. Because running on a treadmill is easier than running outside, you can get the most out of your training by simply adding an incline. Running with “hills” and doing a HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout with sprints will mix things up to avoid boredom and help you get the most out of your training.

9. Your body heats up

On average, as you run, your body heats up so much that whatever temperature it is outside, will feel 20 degrees hotter. Be sure to stay hydrated and opt for appropriate clothing to help keep you cool as you run your 5K this summer. Our collection of all over print tank tops are just the thing to add style and comfort to your race!

10. Wear something red

As you set out your running attire for your race, consider which color you’re going to wear. Runners who dress in red are more likely to win against runners wearing any other color. So even if you are super slow, wear red and you’re less likely to come in last place. We have a ton of all over print apparel with bright reds in our collection.

Here are a few of our favorite all over print tanks that will keep you comfortably cool and stylish from the start of the race to long after.