5K with 5 year old

[Anonymous]

Is anyone doing this race downtown:
https://childrensnational.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=register.start&eventID=558

I found out about it and am thinking about doing it, even though I am out of shape. I am interested in taking my 5 year old. She is very active, but we've never done anything like this before. Looks like we can walk it in the back of the group with the stroller moms, and I'm OK with that.

Anyone done something like this before? Any advice? I'm sure I can finish and I think DD can too. Not sure she would do the kids' dash because she'd have to do it alone and in a crowd of kids she doesn't know.

[Anonymous]

We've never done this particular race, but our DD started doing 5k races at age 6. It's been a wonderful experience, and we've kept the focus entirely on fun rather than speed. Even so, she's learned to pace herself, and her speed has improved a ton in a year. Kids are amazing.

You and your DD can definitely finish! My advice is to let her set the pace, but to plan for a mix of jogging and walking if she's interested. Intervals are definitely the way to go. Warm up by walking the first few minutes of the race, then ask her if she wants to do a little jogging. Help her with pacing -- no sprinting -- just jogging. Check in early and often to see when she wants to slow down to a walk to catch her breath. Once you are both rested and comfortable from the walking, ask if she wants to try another minute of running, etc.

In the end, you may wind up with the stroller moms in the back, or you may find that you can do a little more running than that. The idea is to listen to your bodies. Run when you can, walk when you need to, then run again.

Of course, it's awesome that you're doing this together. There's something magical about learning something new WITH your kids. Have fun!!

Have fun!