For many people, training to run a 5k race sounds like a lofty goal, but for Anita Brown, that goal isn’t quite lofty enough.
“Since I started running in 2013, my goal has been to run a 5k every month.”
It’s been 5 years since Brown first set this goal but hasn’t quite achieved it. Anita is determined that 2019 is going to be her year! She has races scheduled through April already, with the Montgomery Half 5k as her March race.
Five years ago, when Anita started running, she decided that she was going to run a 5k race every month but not just for the love of running. Since 5k races generally support a worthy cause Brown decided she would participate and make a difference.
“I thought doing a 5k a month would be a fun way to continue my running while supporting all those great charities.”
Last year, Anita was just two races short of finally reaching her goal, but said it was hard to find races in the area during the summer. She was hesitant to travel very far because of her work schedule, but now has more time to dedicate to running as a recent retiree.
Ready for the Races
Because of her new-found freedom, Anita has been able to do even more to train for each race.
“I work out with a personal trainer twice a week and we are working on my running times during our sessions. I also walk with my son on my training off days.”
Running the Montgomery Half 5k will put Anita one step closer to achieving her goal, but this isn’t her first time participating in this race. Brown is a long time running in the Montgomery Half 5k. She says that it is a fun and challenging course and that she looks forward to running it every year.
For Anita, racing is exhilarating but also a great way to clear her mind and set goals for herself, which keep her motivated. That’s largely why she prefers to runs alone.
“I’m my own hardest critic,” says Brown, “so I set goals for myself as I run.”
Anita’s dedication and work ethic are apparent in her training and continuous racing. Her advice to anyone contemplating running a 5k is to get up and just do it!
“Just get up and get out there and do it. Do it for yourself. You won’t believe the exhilaration you will feel when you cross that finish line.”
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