In my opinion, yes. But not because you don’t want to miss out on the fun of posting smiling finish-line pictures on Facebook (although that is really fun). Rather, training for and completing a 5K can actually change your life.

Here’s how:

Regular training will help you create a workout habit.

When you have a short-term goal that excites you, taking steps (pun intended!) towards that destination becomes easier. In other words, knowing that each run is bringing you closer to that 5K provides motivation to exercise.

Achieving a goal builds confidence.

Setting a goal, working towards it, and completing it makes you think differently about yourself. Training for and finishing a 5K builds solid evidence that you’re a person who can stick with something all the way through to the end. This will help you feel confident, proud, and strong. And who doesn’t want to feel that way?

Making new running friends can help you stick with your habit.

Becoming a runner gives you immediate membership to the best secret club on the planet. Runners are some of the most amazing people I know – not because of what their bodies can do (although that is pretty awesome), but because of who they are. With running comes new friends who will cheer you on, encourage you, support you, and help you stay accountable. Don’t have a running group in your area? Join an online community to get virtual support and help. You’ll be amazed at how many people are out there just waiting to help you reach your goals.

You don’t have to run the whole thing.

If you’ve been putting off training for a 5K because you’re afraid you won’t be able to run the whole thing, I have awesome news for you: walk breaks are totally acceptable! In fact, it’s really the only way to get started if you’re a new runner. Building up the endurance and strength to run continuously for 30 minutes or more takes awhile, and there is no expectation that you need to be at that point for your first race.

Set a great example for your kids.

Your kids are watching everything you do – why not show them how to get exercise and have fun at the same time? A 5K is something that you and your children can do together, and it will help them set the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits.

So what are you waiting for? Training for a 5K only takes 40 minutes, three times per week! Check out my 5 part series on how to do it!