​ON TO THE NEW YEAR 5K: PLAN B

Snowy path. Taken by PKSenagore December 29, 2017. All rights reserved.

Those of you who have been maintaining a training schedule after Thanksgiving to be able to participate in a New Year’s Eve or Day 5k are in the countdown to your event.  However, record cold temperatures across much of the United States may test your resolve that day and threaten to derail your plans to usher in 2018 with an athletic effort.
 
Thus far, notice of widespread event cancellations due to weather conditions have not been publicized. Hopefully all will be held as planned.  However, for safety sake it may be a good idea to have an alternative planned in case your personal situation prevents participation.
 
Driving to the site of the run or walk might be dangerous on snowy or wet slippery roads.  The prospect of waiting for the race to start in frigid wind chill temperatures may daunting and ill-advised with certain medical conditions. Uncertain footing on slick pavement or uneven snow-encrusted trails could be a set-up for injury. There are many reasons to consider not showing up for a race on a very cold, blustery morning or evening, especially if precipitation is forecasted.
 
The purpose of running or walking at an end/beginning of the year event might be to show commitment to oneself that physical activity will be a priority for 2018. Or a symbolic effort to indicate that a healthy approach to life is important for the future. Maybe for some it’s simply an opportunity for fun. Or a chance to show toughness, as this time of year is not known for perfect outdoor conditions that would bring out fair-weather athletes.
 
Thus, should a scheduled race be called off, having a Plan B in place will help save a wrecked event.
 
If an organized competition is not going to work out on December 31 or January 1, DIY events could be just as much, if not more fun, and still signal commitment to fitness in the New Year. It's one of the situations for which Earned Runs bibs are provided, free! 
 
Earned Runs has a few suggestions:
-  If an outdoor run isn’t possible, WALK the outdoor race distance of 5K. it is possible to bundle up more warmly and walk more easily in such clothing than to run in lighter fitness gear worn when running.
- 5K is a measure of distance; 5 kilometers, or 5000 meters.  Use the number '5000' as basis for your effort. Cycle for 83 minutes on a stationary bike to spend 5000 seconds in exercise. Take 5000 steps indoors in the mall.
-  Consider any physical exercise effort for 50 or more minutes to be proof of commitment to health in 2018. If you are fortunate enough to belong to a fitness club/gym, opportunities for activity are usually plentiful in these centers.
- Start any new workout, one that you have not attempted or have avoided in the past, that is planned for your 2018 exercise routine.
 
The point is to NOT abandon plans to challenge yourself on this holiday. Arrange to perform an small activity that pushes you beyond your fitness comfort level.

You’ll start 2018 with confidence!
 
RUN HAPPY!