How to Make It Through a 5K Without Stopping...

1. Start training about 5 weeks before the 5k.  Training includes slow jogging as far as you can outside.  For me this was 1.5 miles at which point I got a serious cramp and nearly collapsed.  For other people this included doing a modified Couch to 5K program (you can google that). 

2. Pick a great 5K team (or join one because you don't want to be left out).  Motivate each other with facebook, gchat, email updates and tips on your progress.  My biggest tip is that if you don't run a lot, then just slow jog as slow as you can (slightly more than a walk). 

3. Use 'Sparkle Cup' or a sparkle cup to drink water before and after your training jogs.

I am so hott!  (not temperature wise)

4. Carbo Load the night before (not Michael Scott style aka not fettuccine alfredo) with a nice veggie pasta.

5. Wear/make a special homemade t-shirt.  Then do some stretchy/weird moves like this to get your body ready.

6. During the race start at the back of the pack.  Quickly pass the 30 kids in front of you and then slow jog at a steady pace.  Stay away from everyone you know and just try to focus on yourself.

7. Finish the race and pose for photo (try your hardest to keep your eyes open).

8.  Brunch it up!

OK but seriously none of us in the top picture were strong runners (joggers?) 5 weeks ago (some of us I'm pretty sure had not jogged/run since high school) but we all trained and successfully completed the race.  Special shout out to Shanzie for deciding we should do this, Mrs. Acorn for telling me I have a nice Kaboose while running, Beezus5 for proving she's a true athlete (especially after the roller skating debacle of 2005), and Curly J for achieving her goal of jogging non-stop the whole time.  That was also my goal and now I can cross that off my 30 for 30 list.  Woohoo.  Now I just need to work on speeding up my slow jog a little bit.