Do you want to run a 5k? If you had asked me that question three years ago I would have laughed in your face. Running was the absolute last thing I wanted to do. I thought of it as self-inflicted cruel and unusual punishment. Plus, I was really bad at it. But for some reason, I got the urge to try it anyway. My coworker mentioned that she had started using a Couch to 5k app that eases you into running gradually. She seemed to really like it and I was looking for a way to challenge myself so I decided I’d give it a try. I used the C25k Android app. And it worked! The secret is incremental running increases. I started out running 60 seconds and walking 90 seconds then slowly increased the ratio of running to walking. Over the course of eight weeks, I went from feeling winded walking up the stairs to running 3.2 miles without stopping. Since then I’ve gone on to complete a half marathon. And I owe my accomplishments to a simple app. So I challenge you to download the app and try it out. If I can do it anyone can. It may be hard at first but if you stick with it, you’ll be happy with the results. Why am I telling you all this? Because I have the perfect opportunity for you to challenge yourself, get healthy and have a blast with the added bonus of helping children with special needs: the 5th Annual Rainbows GLOW Run/Walk! This year’s event is Saturday April 16th at Lincoln Elementary in Augusta. That gives you ten weeks, more than enough time to complete your Couch to 5k journey! Adult event registration is $25.00 and all proceeds benefit Butler County children with special needs and their families. Wear your glow gear and bring a team. This is going to be fun! For more information click the 5th Annual GLOW Run/Walk link on the Rainbows United website. Now the question is: Do you want to run a 5k? Written by Matt Cerre, a member of the Rainbows’ Communications Committee and Publications Manager/Editor at Pioneer Balloon. 
