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Ready, Set, 5K! Prepare for the 2015 Jingle Bell Run.

Treadmill being used for physical therapy at the Orthopedic Sports Center

Are you looking for a reason to kick-start your fitness regimen? We have the perfect opportunity for you!  Join St. Cloud Orthopedics for the 18th Annual Jingle Bell 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, November 21, 2015. Never ran a 5K before? No problem. Check out these helpful tips to get you started, on track and ready to run!

Create a Training Plan

Training plans are available online, through a personal trainer or located in fitness and running magazines. Don’t let creating a training plan intimidate you. Do your research and find something that fits your style and comfort zone. It’s important to keep yourself on track, but don’t burn yourself out. A great app for smartphone users is the Couch-to-5K® Running Plan. This app allows you to ease yourself into your 5K training by introducing a walk/jog program. The idea is to transform you from couch potato to runner, getting you to begin running a 5K or 3.1 mile and on a regular basis in just two months.

Purchase Proper Running Shoes

Running in worn-out, poor fitting shoes could lead to injury and won’t bring you to the finish line, let alone the start line! We recommend visiting a specialty store and getting fitted for the right shoe. Except to spend between $60-$100, but keep in mind it’s a worthwhile investment in the end.

Start Running

Your training program should include at least one day of speed work, a day of moderate to easy running and a day with a long run (working up to the full distance). To keep your focus and motivation, make sure to mix it up. Intervals are an excellent way to boost your endurance in the long run. Complete these by walking for two minutes, followed by running for 90 seconds.

Create a Great Playlist

Create a list filled with high-energy music that will keep you going throughout your workout. Different beats will push you differently. Find songs that put you in a great mood and drive you to push through!

Rest

Finally, always remember to give yourself at least one day of rest per week. After breaking down muscle, your body needs a rest period and a chance to rebuild the tissue. Also, drink plenty of water and do some light stretches.

Register

Lastly, don’t forget to register for the Jingle Bell 5K Walk/Run and get started with your training today! The Jingle Bell 5K is a charitable holiday kick-off event that supports Toys for Tots efforts here in Central Minnesota. The 18th annual event is set for Saturday, November 21 (8:30 a.m. 1K Fun Run and 9:00 a.m. 5K) and will take place at St. Cloud Orthopedics in Sartell, MN. Participants will receive real-time, immediate finish results.

Early registration and long sleeve dri-fit t-shirt deadline is November 8th. Get registered online today! View and print the Jingle Bell Run 2015 flyer with schedule of events here.

Major Sponsors

The Jingle Bell Run is sponsored in part by St. Cloud Orthopedics, CentraCare Bone & Joint Center, BLEND, and Agency 128.

St. Cloud Orthopedics   St Cloud Hospital Bone & Joint Center  BLENDAgency128