One of my favorite benefits of running a 5K is the interesting tours that they provide. Through running in 5Ks, I have been able to see new parts of the city than I ever knew existed. Sometimes this is great when I am new to the town, but it also a wonderful way to see a part of town that I have never visited. Most of the time, races are not on the normal training routes. Some people like to run the route before the race, but I prefer to take a 5K tour of the city.
There are three tips to make the most of your 5K tour.
First of all, while running through the town, keep your eyes open. Many times, when we run we go by so fast we forget to look around. Therefore, as you run the race, watch for the different shops along the streets.
Another tip for enjoying a tour of the city through you 5K is to avoid using earphones. I never wear earphones on a race. This is partly because of safety; I want to make sure that I can hear people around me. Secondly, I want to enjoy quick conversations with other runners, the bands playing along the route, or the cheering people along the route. I also do not want to be distracted by the music, so I can focus on the streets I have the opportunity to run on.
A final tip for your 5K tour is to make notes of places to visit. You can d this later in the day after you have returned home, but take time to remember the places that you ran by. Many times, you will want to return to the site to have dinner, to shop, or you may have found a wonderful park to enjoy.
A 5K run is a great way to get on street level and enjoy a different part of town that you may not be used to. So, take the time to enjoy this run and see the town like you’ve never seen it before!