5 Tips To Help You Train for Local 5K Races

Training for a 5K is a great way to boost your cardiovascular health, reduce stress or simply add more running to your routine.

With five great local 5K Runs (or Walks) coming up it’s a great time to get up off the couch or push away from the desk and do something for you!

The Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn and Mt. Greenwood and Beverly offer some excellent spaces to run and train, including , , the local high schools and lots of forest preserve trails where you can commune with nature while getting into shape.

A 5K, or 3.1 miles, is perfect for beginners, but it does take some training to gain the endurance to go the distance. Raina Hafer, NCSF, certified personal trainer and running specialist, shares her shape-up tips for success.

Commit to a Race.  Many local charities and organizations host 5K races in the area, so you'll be raising money for a good cause even as you meet your fitness goal. Choose a race date that allows you ample time to prepare. New runners typically need between 8-10 weeks to train, while those who are already active may only need 6.

See upcoming 5K races at the end the story and choose one that is the right fit for you.

It’s also smart to tell friends and family about your upcoming race, says Hafer. “By doing so, you're less likely to drop out of the race and will also get a ton of motivational support to propel you across the finish line,” she says.

Find a Group. Connecting with others to prepare for a race can make training less overwhelming, and can help you stick to your training schedule. You won’t want to let your running buddies down by skipping a workout. Look for a running group that meets at the local YMCA or check out CoolRunning.com to find listings of other local groups.

Follow a schedule. Once you've signed up for a race, you'll need to create a training schedule.  Hafer personally loves the Couch to 5K app, which is great for beginners and super user friendly. Plus, at only 30 minutes, three times per week, it’s the perfect program for even the most time-strapped runner.

In addition to scheduled runs, more advanced runners should cross train twice a week. Hafer suggests cycling, yoga or strength training, activities which increase muscle strength and flexibility and ultimately help you become a stronger runner.

Work on Endurance. Building up the stamina to run a 5K is something that takes time. When you begin training don’t be afraid to alternate between running and walking, says Hafer. Run at a speed where you can comfortably hold a conversation until you become too tired to continue and then begin walking. Once you’ve caught your breath, return to running. Over time, you will be able to walk less and run more, until you can eventually run the entire distance.

Enjoy Race Day! On race day be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the actual start time to register and warm up. Most importantly though, have fun running the race! You’ve worked hard to get there, so enjoy completing such a great accomplishment.

Upcoming 5K Run/Walk Races:

• What:Mt. Greenwood 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash
• When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22
• Where:
• Who: Course features a scenic, unique flat trail through lovely old city neighborhoods. Run/walk and raise money for the Mt. Greenwood Special Education Association. Mt. Greenwood Family Fun Fest immediately follows at 111th Street and Lawndale.
• Fees: Adults, $30; kids dash, $10
• Register/Sponsor:Mt Green 5K Run/Walk & Kids' Dash

• What: St. Vincent de Paul "Friends of the Poor 5K Run/Walk"
• When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22
• Where: 2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
• Who: USATF certified course at Cannon Drive and Fullerton Avenue in Chicago. The event is limited 500 entrants.
• Fees: Advance students, $25; $30 adults; $25 walkers. Race day: $35 for everyone.
• Register/Sponsor/information:

• What: "Running with the Bulldogs" 5K/Run Walk
• When: 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 23
• Where:
• Who: Whether you're a big dog or a little dog, run with the Richards High School Bulldogs and raise money for the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation.
• Fee: $20 for runners/walkers 13 and under; $25 for adult runners/walkers; medals will be awarded to the top three female and male runners in 13 age groups, as well as an overall award for the top female and male runners.
• Register/Sponsor:"Running with the Bulldogs"

• What: Saint Xavier University "Run With the Cougars" 5K Run/Walk
• When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29
• Where:
• Who: Race course takes runners through Evergreen Park. Runners will receive a ticket to the evening's Cougars homecoming game, plus other goodies.
• Fee: Advance registration $30 walkers/runners, $25 SXU students ($35 and $30 on race day); family rate $75 for two adults, one child under 17, $20 per additional child (not available on race day).
• Register/Sponsor: 12th annual "Run with Cougars"