22 minute read
fitness first
Running is one of the most popular sports in the world. It is practiced by people of all ages and backgrounds. So, what’s all the fuss about? Well, that’s what this article will cover.
One of the many reasons why running is such a popular sport is that it requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. All you need to build a running habit is a little bit of motivation.
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People run for many reasons. Be it for the weight loss benefits or because it has been known to improve mental health. There isn’t one of us that couldn’t benefit from developing a daily running habit.
What Types of Running Can You Do?
There are two main types of running: short sprints and long distance running.
While practicing short sprints can do amazing things for your cardiovascular health and can help with weight loss, we’ll be focusing on long distance running here. As it has so many more benefits.
First, let’s discuss the types of long distance running you can do, and why signing up for races is one of the best things you can do to kickstart your running habit.
Many people run for fun and aren’t interested in racing. This is often the case due to the fact that people think running races involve competing against other people. When in fact, races are best when you compete against yourself and can be a great way to motivate yourself to improve. If you find yourself getting bored with running, races can be a great way to reinvigorate your running life.
Types of Races
There are two main types of beginner runners that we’ve met over the years: People who have decided to give running a go - because of the health benefits or many other reasons People who have signed up for a race, and now realize they actually have to learn how to run…
What most people find surprising is that signing up for a race as a beginner runner can actually make or break your running habit. And in fact, we recommend all beginners sign themselves up for a race before they go for their first run.
Many people begin their running journey after signing up for a charity race. While rais-
Promote your race event in any bi-monthly edition of Suburban Family Magazine and receive an enhanced listing in the FITNESS EVENTS section. For more information or to reserve your space now call 630-863-7183.
Set a race day deadline as a goal. You will most likely complete a task if you have both external pressure and time-based pressure applied to your goals.
This means if you know you will have to run a marathon in 6 months and people are sponsoring you to do it, you are much more likely to start running than if you’re trying to run with no deadline in mind.
If you really want to develop a running habit, sign yourself up for a race.
Benefits of Running 5k
Now that we’ve talked about the best ways to start your running journey (the HOW), let’s talk about the benefits of starting one (the WHY).
Why Running?
Why all exercise will offer you an amazing array of health benefits, running is particularly special for a few reasons.
Firstly, running is cheap. With running, there is no need to commit you to an expensive gym contract and you don’t have to pay instructors to teach you how to run. All you need to get started in the sport is a pair of well-fitting shoes and a water bottle.
Secondly, running will take up very little time in your day. After a month or two running 5KM will take you less than half an hour.
Yes, that’s right, you’ll be able to reap all the benefits we’re about to list for half an hour’s exercise a few times a week. We can all create half an hour of space in our day. We even know some really busy people who run home from work in order to fit in their daily run.
Thirdly, running is convenient. You don’t have to waste time driving to the gym to run. You don’t have to queue to use a machine if you want to run.
You simply have to step out of your door and you’re ready to start. AND you get to use your own shower at the end of the run.
Finally, one of the best things about running is that you can see benefits from it whether it’s your only form of exercise or you mix it into a more diverse routine.
Those of you who already have an exercise routine can max out its benefits by adding three 30 minute runs a week. But you can see all these benefits even if all you do is run 5KM three times a week.
You already know the mental and physical benefits of running. But has it crossed your mind to involve running with your kids?
There are a ton of benefits of running that your kids should be taking advantage of now while they’re young! Research shows running can change the life of your child.
Here are a handful of the most compelling reasons to begin getting your kids involved in running as soon as possible. Instills the Importance of Physical Fitness
It’s not easy to include physical fitness into everyday life as an adult. It’s not something we all had growing up, making it much more difficult to fit into our daily routines. Just the thought of waking up at 5A or 6A to run everyday can be daunting.
Teaching your kids to run from a young age instills a love for physical fitness and health. This is something we should all be teaching our children!
It’s also easier to maintain as they get older when they have health and fitness as a big part of their daily routine.
Teaches Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Going for a run allows me to clear my mind, reduce stress, and bring your anxiety levels down. In addition, I am a better parent to my two little girls because of more patience. All of these traits I would like for my kids, wouldn’t you?
It’s really simple for kids to turn to destructive and harmful strategies of dealing with stress in today’s society. Drug abuse, alcoholism, violent video games, and other coping methods have become the norm in today’s world. Learning to run may not protect your youngster from the craziness of the world, but it does provide them with a healthier response when they’re anxious or upset.
It’s well known that exercise produces feel-good feelings that may help reduce stress and anxiety. It’s critical for parents to teach their children how to get the serotonin boost from exercise rather than through other methods.
Opens Their Eyes to Appreciate Nature
You can’t do a trail run without noticing the stunning surroundings! Early exposure to running helps your children get used to being out and about, surrounded by nature and breathing clean air. Spending time in nature has been shown to enhance mental health, boost cognitive abilities, and lower stress levels. Starting your kid off early with exposure to nature prepares them for a better mental health, smarter thinking abilities, and a happier life as an adult!
Bonding Time
Do you want to know how to connect with your children on a deeper level while still finding things to bond over? Running may be the ideal method to do so. There are numerous alternatives. As a family, go for a jog around the block, go for a park run, or go on an excursion/trail run.
The possibilities for enjoyment are endless! Combine it with a little competitiveness and you’ve got yourself a healthy, entertaining game that brings the family together.
The absolute best way to motivate yourself is to find a race in the 2022 Annual Race Guide, sign up (for 2 or 3 or…), pay for it, and put on your calendar. A fixed race date will help you stay focused, and keep you on a regular running schedule. Nothing feels better than crossing the finish line. A beginner can run any race — you just need to allow enough time to train for it. The 2022 Annual Race Guide will be on our website all year long. Check back for race updates in each bi-monthly edition.
Due to Covid-19, some races may have been cancelled, rescheduled, postponed TBD, or gone virtual. Please check with Race Event Organizer before you go as circumstances may have changed since time of print. Get fit, stay well and have fun!
MARCH
SATURDAY, MARCH 5
Oak Forest Fleadh 5k. Oak Forest. Oc.chamber.org/ oak-forest-fleadh
SUNDAY, MARCH 6
Running o’ the Green 8K Run. Tinley Park. tinleyparkdistrict.org The CORE Indoor Triathlon. Lemont. lemontparks.org
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9
Mt Melas Adventure Run. Mt. Prospect. Mppd.org
SATURDAY MARCH 12
Shamrockin’ Along the Fox River Sat., 3/12 at 9 AM 8K & Fun Run Irish Style Pottawatomie Park, St. Charles www.stcparks.org/events
Deer Park St. Paddy’s Day Half Marathon, 10k and
5k. Deer Park. Allcommunityevents.com/deerparkst Shamrock Beer Run. Rockford. Rockford. Shamrockbeerrun.com DUbliNDEE Kilted 5k Race and Fun Walk. East Dundee. Dubdeestpats.org Kiwanis Shamrock Shuffle 5K. McHenry. mchenrykiwanis.org
SUNDAY, MARCH 13
Tri Your Luck Indoor Triathalon. Palatine. Palatineparks.org
Promote your race event in any bi-monthly edition of Suburban Family Magazine and receive an enhanced listing in the FITNESS EVENTS section. For more information or to reserve your space now call 630-863-7183.
FRIDAY, MARCH 18
Deer Park St. Paddy’s Day 5K and 10k Run/Walk. Lake Zurich. Allcommunityevents.com
SATURDAY MARCH 19
The Forge Trail Half Marathon Sat., 3/19 at 8 AM One of the few long-distance trail races in the area. The Forge: Lemont Quarries www.forgeparks.com/half-marathon
Lucky Dog 5k. Rolling Meadows. Luckydog5kchicago.com Barrington Mother’s Day 5k. Barrington. Allcommunityevents.com/mothersday5k Shamrock Beer Run and Brewfest. Rolling Meadows.shamrockbeerrun.com St. Paddy’s Half Marathon, 10k and 5k. Deer Park. Allcommunityevents.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 20
Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Festival: March 18 - 20 Packet Pick-Up: March 18 & 19 The Mile: Saturday, March 19 8K run and 2-Mile Walk: Sunday, March 20 Shuffle on, Chicago! Grant Park, 901 South Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 www.shamrockshuffle.com
Bolingbrook St. Paddy’s Day Marathon and 5K. Bolingbrook. Allcommunityevents.com March Madness Half Marathon. Cary. hillstriders.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 26
Lakefront 50K George Cheung Memorial Race. Chicago. chicagoultra.org
APRIL
SATURDAY, APRIL 2
The Universal Sole Spring Trail Challenge. Palos, universalsole.com FastCat 5k/10k. Plainfield.bikesignup.com/race/il/ Plainfield/FastCat
SATURDAY, APRIL 9
Fun Run in Color Sat., 4/09 at 8:30 AM 5k Run Downtown Wheaton www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/ programs/racewheaton
Wintrust Lakefront 10 Miler and 5k. Chicago. Cararuns.org/lakefront10 Bunny Hop 5k Walk/Run. Romeoville. Raceentry. com
SATURDAY, APRIL 16
Earth Day 50K, 15-Mile and 5-Mile Run. Crystal Lake. earthdaytrailrace.com
SATURDAY, APRIL 23
Fight Hunger 5K/10K Run/Walk In-Person and Virtual Sat., April 23 at 8:30 AM Benefitting Northern IL. Food Bank Cantigny Park, Wheaton www.SolveHungerToday.org/FightHunger
Barnyard Dash 5K Aurora. Foxvalleyparkdistrict.org Running With Friends 5K. New Lenox. Newlenoxparks.org The Champion of Trees 10K. Lisle. Mortonarb.org Spring Chance BQ.2 Geneva. bq2races.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 24
Amazing Race St. Charles Sun., 4/24 at 12 PM Physical & Mental Challenges Race Pottawatomie Park, St. Charles www.stcparks.org/events
SUNDAY, MAY 15 | 8:00 AM thecommunityhouse.org/ walkthewalk2022
SATURDAY, MAY 21 OLD SCHOOL FOREST PRESERVE, LIBERTYVILLE SUNDAY, JUNE 5 MONTROSE HARBOR, CHICAGO
Together, we’re fighting for better treatments and a cure. Your support of the Walk to Cure Arthritis means everything to improving lives and finding a cure.
register: www.walktocurearthritis.org/illinois
Brookfield Zoo Earth Day: A Run For the Planet. Brookfield Zoo. czs.org Run, Walk and Roll 5K/1mile. Bloomingdale. marklund.org/series/5kbloomingdale Women’s Half Marathon and 5K. Naperville. napervillewomenshalf.events Walk MS 1- and 3-Mile Walk. Chicago. nationalmssociety.org
SATURDAY APRIL 30
Chicken Run 5K & Lil’ Peeps Kids Run Sat., 4/30 USATF certified, chip timed, Cash Prizes 5 year Custom Age & Custom Finisher Medals Geneva, IL crm.enmotive.com/chicken-run-5K
Fox Trot 5k and 10k. Batavia. Bataviarunnersclub. org/event/fox-trot-run-walk ABC/25 Get Burbed Challenge 5K. Arlington Heights. abc25challenge.org Run for 102 5K & 1 Mile Run Run. Brookfield. Raceroster.com Purple Stride 5K Run/Walk. Chicago. pancan.org
MAY
SUNDAY, MAY 1
Walk for Wellness House 3K Walk/5K Run Sun., May 1 Benefitting Programs for People Affected by Cancer At Wellness House in Hinsdale, IL or Walk Your Way! 630-654-5112 www.Walk.wellnesshouse.org
Bob Blazer Run for the Arts. Crystal Lake. Rauecenter.org
Stepping up to Wellness 5K Run and 1-Mile
Run/Walk. Libertyville. cancerwellness.org Walk MS 1- and 3-Mile Walk. Multiple Suburbs. nationalmssociety.org Great Western Half Marathon and 10k. St. Charles. Foxrivertrailrunners.org
SATURDAY, MAY 7
Pink 5K Run/Walk Sat., 5/7 at 8 AM Benefits Hinsdale Hospital Foundation Oak Brook Park District 1450 Forest Gate Rd. Oak Brook 630-990-4233 www.obparks.org/pink5k Dash4Cash Sat., 5/7 at 12 PM Land & Water Activities Race Pottawatomie Park, St. Charles www.stcparks.org/events
Lemont Quarryman Challenge 5K & 10 Mile Road Race Sat., May 7: 7:30 AM (10 Mile); 8AM (5K) Historic Downtown Lemont www.quarrymanchallenge.com
Mother’s Day 5k and Kids’ Run. Barrington. allcommunityevents.com/mothersday5k Cinco De Miler. Chicago. Venturesendurance.enmotive.com Run to Remember 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Run. Chicago. cpdmemorial.org A Safe Place EmpoweRun 5K Run/Walk. Libertyville. asafeplaceforhelp.org Sprint 2 Spring 5k Run/Walk. Hanover Park. Sprint2spring.com
SATURDAY, MAY 14
Starved Rock Country Marathon, Half Marathon
and 5K. Ottawa.starvedrockcountrymarathon.org
The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s 5K/10K/Half
Marathon. Bolingbrook. foxtrot.michaeljfox.org Lilac Mutt Strut 5K. Lombard. lombardlilactime.com
SUNDAY, MAY 15
Walk the Walk for Mental Health Sun., 5/15 at 8:30 AM 1 mile walk to support equitable mental health services The Community House Hinsdale, IL www.thecommunityhouse.org
Chicagoland Spring Marathon and Half Mara-
thon. Schaumburg. allcommunityevents.com
THURSDAY, MAY 19
USole Four Mile Classic Run/Walk. Chicago. universalsole.com She Runs the Fox. Batavia. foxrivertrailrunners.org
SATURDAY, MAY 21
Walk to Cure Arthritis 5k Walk Sat., 5/21 at 9 AM Benefits the Arthritis Foundation Old School Forest Preserve, Libertyville www.walktocurearthritis.org/lakecountyil
Take Steps. Rosemont. Crohnscolitisfoundation.org Spring Trail Chase 10k. Lemont. Forgeparks.com/races
G.L.O.W. 5K Run. Naperville. naperglow5k.com
Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile
Fun Run. Northbrook.lewblondrun.org VIRTUAL World Vision USA 6K Run. Teamworldvision.org
SUNDAY, MAY 22
Take Steps. Chicago. Crohnscolitisfoundation.org
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Great Strides 5K
Walk. Chicagoland. fightcf.cff.org
Byline Bank Chicago Spring Half Marathon, 10k
and Junior Dash. Chicago. chicagospringhalf.com
FRIDAY, MAY 27
PAWS Chicago 5K. Chicago. pawschicago.org/5k
SATURDAY, MAY 28
Western Springs 45th Annual Tower Trot 10K, 5K, & Fun Run, plus Double Run (10K & 5K) Sat. 5/28 at 8:30 AM Benefits Healing Hearts for Ashley Grand Avenue Community Center 4211 Grand Avenue, Western Springs. 708-246-9070 www.wsprings.com/towertrot
Muddy Dash. Ottawa.muddydash.com Soldier Field 10. Chicago. Soldierfielde0.com
MONDAY, MAY 30
Ridge Run 5K/10K Run. Chicago. bapa.org
JUNE
SATURDAY, JUNE 4
Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals Sat., June 4 7:30A Start 5K/10K | 8:45A Start 1/2-Mile Kids Run Memorial Park, Wheaton www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/ programs/racewheaton
Cori’s Kids Triathlon. Oak Brook. Obparks.org Walk to Defeat ALS. Wheaton. Wheatonparkdistrict.com Chicago Mini-Walk to Defeat ALS. Chicagoland. web.alsa.org/chicagowalk
SUNDAY, JUNE 5
Walk to Cure Arthritis 5k Walk Sun., 6/5 at 9 AM Benefits the Arthritis Foundation Montrose Harbor, Chicago www.walktocurearthritis.org/chicago
Bank of America Chicago 13.1 Festival: June 3-5 Packet Pick-Up: June 3 & 4 Half Marathon: June 5 Union Park,1501 W. Randolph St., Chicago www.chicago13point1.com
Elgin Valley Fox Trot. Elgin. Elginfoxtrot.org Run for the Zoo. Chicago. Lpzoo.org North Shore Classic. Highland Park. Venturesendurance.com Run for the Roses. Roselle. run4roses5k.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 10
Studio Wine Run 5K. Lake Geneva, WI.winerun5k. com/events/lake-geneva-wine-run-5k Naperville 10K. Naperville. Naperville10k.com
THURSDAY, JUNE 16
ABC7 Gibbons 5K Run/3K Walk. Chicago. Allbloodcancers.org
SUNDAY, JUNE 19
PrairieFest 5K & 1 Mile Sun., June 19 at 8 AM Father’s Day Morning Prairie Point Park, Oswego Oswegoland Park District 630-554-1010 www.RunOswegoland.org
Fight For Air Climb. Chicago. Lung.org Prairiefest 5K and 1 Mi. Prairie Dog Jog. Oswego. oswegolandparkdistrict.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 25
Fit America Half Marathon, 10k and 5k. Hoffman Estates. Allcommunityevents.com GlowRun Festival. Chicago. Glowfest.run Run Your Mutt Off 5K. Winfield Township. naperhumane.org Bike MS: Tour de Farms 1-day event with multiple route options. St. Charles. nationalmssociety.org
JULY
MONDAY, JULY 4
Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 3rd 4-Mile Run. Elmhurst. 4on4th.com Stars and Stripes 5K. Tinley Park. tinleyparkdistrict.org
SATURDAY, JULY 9
Christmas in July Half Marathon and 5k. Elk Grove. Christmasinjulyhalfmarathon.itsyourrace.com
SUNDAY, JULY 10
ET Lake Zurich Triathlon. Lake Zurich. lakezurichtri.com
SATURDAY, JULY 16
Wauconda Park District Kids’ Triathlon. Wauconda. waucondaparks.org
SUNDAY, JULY 17
Naperville Walk for Pancreatic Cancer Research Sun. 7/17 at 8:30 AM 1.5 Mile Walk or 5K Walk; Dogs are permitted Benefits the Lustgarten Foundation Naperville Pavilion events.lustgarten.org/naperville
SCAN HERE FOR REGISTRATION
SATURDAY, JULY 23
Lemont Quarries Off Road Triathlon Sat., 7/23 at 6:40 AM 540-yard swim, 10.7 mi. gravel bike, and a 3 mi. trail run. Adventurous experience for all abilities. In partnership with Multi-Sport Mastery. The Forge: Lemont Quarries www.theforgeparks.com/triathlon
Christmas in July 5K Run/Walk Relays, Kids’ Run. Lisle. Christmasinjulyraces.com
SATURDAY, JULY 30
CowaLUNGa Charity Bike Tour 1, 2, 3 Day. IL-WI. Resphealth.org
AUGUST
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5
Run For LIFE 5k. Winfield. SPS5k.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6
Compass to Care 5k and 1 Mile Walk/Run. Park Ridge. Compasstocare.org/5k
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14
Woodridge Rotary Mini Triathalon. Woodridge. Woodridgerotary.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20
Rugged Maniac 5K Obstacle Race. Wilmot, WI. ruggedmaniac.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21
The Forge: Lemont Quarries CARA Summer Trail
Chase 5K. Lemont. forgeparks.com/races
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28
Beat the Eagle 5k Run. Lombard. Raceentry.com Tough Mudder Obstacle Mud Race. Rockford. toughmudder.com LifeTime Triathlon. Chicago. runsignup.com/Race/ IL/Chicago/ChicagoTri
SEPTEMBER
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
MB Bike the Drive Up to 30-Mile Ride. Chicago. bikethedrive.org TBD Itasca Oktoberfast 5K Run. Itasca. itascaoktoberfast5k.org
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
VIRTUAL Run/Walk to End Homelessness (9/1018). Chicago.asafehaven.org Naperville Trails Half Marathon. Naperville. Allcommunityevents.com Last Chance BQ.2 Boston Marathon Qualifier. Geneva. bq2races.com TBD Here for LIFE Walk. Saint Charles. spsamerica.org
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Walk to End Alzheimer’s 5K Run/Walk. Glenview. act.alz.org Brookfield Zoo Run. Brookfield. czs.org/zoorun-1
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
The Forge Adventure Race. Lemont. Forgeparks. com/races Walk to End Alzheimer’s 5K Run/Walk. Kankakee and Urbana. act.alz.org BT5K Your Way. Chicago. abta.org/get-involved/bt5k
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Fox Valley Marathon, Half Marathon and 20-
Mile Race. St. Charles. fv26.com North Shore Century. Between Chicago and Wisconsin. evanstonbikeclub.org North Shore Triathlon. Wilmette. trinorthshore.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Kid’s Triathlon Sun., Sept. 25 at 9 AM Grades 3-6 Oswego East High School Oswegoland Park District 630-554-1010 www.RunOswegoland.org
Lions Run for Hope 5k. Stickney. Lionsrunforhope.org Chi Town Half Marathon and 10K. Chicago. allcommunityevents.com/chitownhalfmarathon10k VIRTUAL St. Jude Walk/Run. Chicago. stjude.org
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
DeKalb Corn Classic 10K and 5K Race. DeKalb. dekalbcornclassic.org TBD SEA Blue Prostate Cancer Walk/Run. Chicago. ustoo.rallybound.org VIRTUAL Tour de Cure Ride. Anywhere. tour. diabetes.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1
Light the Torch 5K Night Run Sat., October 1 at 7 PM 5K Run Downtown Wheaton www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/programs/ racewheaton
Lemons of Love Pink Lemonade Zest 5k. Mt. Prospect. Racemob.com
Highlander Assault 4, 8, 12 and 24-Mile Obsta-
28th Annual Rotary Run Charity Classic RUNNING FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2ND
Interested runners or walkers are encouraged to register online at www.rotaryruncharityclassic.com
3K, 5K, & 10K CARA CERTIFIED RUNS 3K, 5K WALK & WALK N’ ROLL + MUTT STRUT cle Course Races. Holiday Hills. highlanderassault Montgomery 5K and 10K River Run. Montgomery. ci.montgomery.il.us Fall Color 5K Run and Walk. Lisle. mortonarb.org TBD Hops for Hope 5K. St. Charles. hopsforhope5k. com Run for the Kids Super Hero Hustle. Villa Park. easterseals.com
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2
Hinsdale Rotary Run Charity Classic Sun., 10/2 at 8 AM 3K, 5K, and 10K Run / 3K and 5K Walk, Walk ‘N Roll & Mutt Strut CARA certified 28th annual Fun Family Race Benefits local and global charities. The Community House, Hinsdale www.rotaryruncharityclassic.com
Walk to End Alzheimer’s 5K Run/Walk. Elk Grove Village. act.alz.org Lemons of Love Pink Lemonade 5k Run/Walk. Lions Park. Mt. Prospect. Racemob.com Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk. Lake Zurich. tunnel2towers.org Brain Up 5K Walk/Run. Frankfort. brainup.ngo
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk of
DuPage. Wheaton. secure.acsevents.org
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7
NAMI Run for Mental Health 5K Run/Walk. Evanston. namiwalks.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8
Abbott Chicago 5K. Chicago. chicago5k.com Nik’s Home Run, 7k Run, 1.5 Mile Fun Walk. Loves Park. Nikolasritschelfoundation.org TBD Walk for Apraxia. Frankfort. apraxia-kids.org/ walk
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9
Bank of America Marathon. Chicago. chicagomarathon.com Superhero 5K Pumpkin Run/Walk. Highwood. Celebratehighwood.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15
Des Plaines River Trail Races. Vernon Hills. Desplainesrivertrailraces.com
Scarecrow Scramble Nighttime 5K Run/Walk
and Kids’ Race. Lisle. lislepartnersforparks.org Country Soul Half Marathon and 10K. Chicago. allcommunityevents.com/countrysolerun TBD Race to Cure Sarcoma. Rolling Meadows. p2p. onecause.com/chicago
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16
Run with the Nuns 5K Run/Walk. Lemont. runwiththenuns.org
Healthy Driven Naperville Half Marathon and
5K Run. Naperville. runnaperville.com
World’s Largest Corn Maze 5K Run/Walk and
Kids’ Dash. Spring Grove. allcommunityevents.com Light the Night Walk. Western Springs. lightthenight.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22
Saw Wee Kee Fall Trail Run Sat., Oct. 22 at 3 PM 4.5-Mile Course 7350 Sundown Lane, Yorkville Oswegoland Park District 630-554-1010 www.RunOswegoland.org
Walk for Autism Speaks. Soldier Field. act. autismspeaks.org Komen Race for the Cure 5K Run/Walk. Chicago. komen.org Forte 5K. Channahon. Forte5k.com
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23
Monster Mash 5K/8K Sun., 10/23 USATF certified, chip timed, 5 year Custom Age & Custom Finisher Medals Chicago, IL crm.enmotive.com
The Universal Sole October Trail Challenge. Palos. universalsole.com Red Eye 5K Run. Joliet. jpdrun3.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
Hot Cider Hustle 8 mi. and 5K. Wheaton.allcommunityevents.com/hotciderhustle Halloween 5K. Palos Hills. morainevalley.edu/fitrec
What To Keep In Mind When Running 5K
Here are a few tips for first time runners: Don’t try and run 5K on your first ever run
Most of us won’t be able to run 5KM on our first ever run. In the same way that most of us wouldn’t be able to perform a note perfect cover of Piano Man the first time we step up to the ivories. When you first start running it’s important to take this at a slow and steady pace. As frustrating as it might be, this is the best and safest way to build a consistent habit. There are many free ‘couch to 5K programs and apps online. They’re designed by professionals to help you build up the stamina and breathing skills you need for safe and enjoyable runs.
Starting slow will help you avoid injury, sore legs, and mental burn out.
Always stretch before and after a run Most runners learn this the hard way, so save yourself some pain and follow this advice. The easiest way to get injured in running (really in any kind of sport) is not to warm up properly. This study from the Mayo Clinic showed that both warming up before exercise and cooling down afterward severely reduced muscle soreness, and lessened the runners’ injury risk.
The good news is that these activities don’t have to take very long. Warming up can be done in 5-7 minutes, and cooling down safely can be done in 10 minutes with an organized approach.
Get the right pair of shoes
The ‘right pair of shoes’ varies from person to person. We all have different gaits and make contact with the floor in different ways. We would recommend visiting your local sports/running shop and letting them help you pick out the perfect shoes.
So, what are you waiting for?! It’s time to get out there and start running!
Sycamore Pumpkin Run 10K Road Race Syca-
more. pumpkinrunsycamore.com Haunted Oak 5K. Homer Glen. hauntedoak5k.com Healthy Driven Fraidy Cat 5K. Oswego. fraidycat5k.com
The Universal Sole November Trail Challenge. Palos. universalsole.com THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Long Grove Turkey Trot. Long Grove. allcommuniSUBFAM FILL small 12.17:Layout 1 12/15/17 11:35 AM Page 1 tyevents.com/longgroveturkeytrot TBD North Shore Turkey Trot. Highland Park. Subscribe to northshoreturkeytrot.com
YOUR WEEKEND+ TBD Roselle Turkey Trot. Roselle. Roselle5K.com TBD Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot. Naperat subfam.com ville. Napervilleturkeytrot.com
...Your complete weekly newsletter for “family friendly” things to do around Chicago! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26
NOVEMBER
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Ooh LaLa Chocolate 1/2 Marathon, 5K Run, 1 M Walk & Kids Dash Sat., 11/5 USATF certified, chip timed, Cash Prizes 5 year Custom Age & Custom Finisher Medals Geneva, IL crm.enmotive.com
Cantigny 5K Run/Walk. Wheaton.Cantigny.org
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Turkey Trot 5K. Tinley Park. tinleyparkdistrict.org Hot Chocolate 15k/5k. Chicago. Venturesendurance.enmotive.com
DECEMBER
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3
Reindeer Run 5K Sat., December 3 at 8:30 AM Family Friendly 5K www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/programs/ racewheaton
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4
Insane Candy Cane 5K & Kids Run Sun., 12/4 USATF certified, chip timed, Prizes 5 year Custom Age & Custom Finisher Medal Geneva, IL crm.enmotive.com
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12
The Forge Fall 4 Miler. Lemont. Forgeparks.com/races Fort2Base 11.5- and 3.45-mile Run. North Chicago. fort2base.com Hot Chocolate Walk. Wheeling. wheelingparkdistrict.com
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Lemont Frigid 5K. Lemont. lemontparkdistrict.org TBD Rotary Santa Run. Arlington Heights. rotarysantarun.org
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10
Deer Park Cocoa Classic 5K. Deer Park.allcommunityevents.com/cocoaclassic Viking Dash Trail Run. 2-Day Event. Crystal Lake. vikingdashtrailrun.com TBD Jingle Bell Run. Chicago. Arthritis.org
Gobbler Hobbler 10K & Mashed Potato Mile Sun., November 13 at 8:30 AM Scenic Fox River Run Fox Chase Elementary, Oswego Oswegoland Park District 630-554-1010 www.RunOswegoland.org SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18
Promote your race event in any bi-monthly edition of Suburban Family Magazine and receive an enhanced listing in the FITNESS EVENTS section. For more information or to reserve your space now call 630-863-7183.
