So, you’re considering running a 10K but also kind of… don’t want to? That’s fair. Running isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, especially if your last experience involved a P.E. teacher yelling at you while you struggled to jog 200 metres.
But hear me out. Running a 10K has actual benefits. Real ones. Not just “you get to tell people you’re a runner now” (although, let’s be honest, that’s a big part of it).
So, why should you do this? Let’s break it down:
You Get Fitter (Whether You Like It or Not)
Running is great cardio. You’ll burn calories, strengthen your heart, and get legs so powerful you could probably kick through a brick wall. (Please don’t try.)
- After a few weeks, you’ll notice small changes, like not gasping for air after climbing a flight of stairs.
- After a few months, you’ll start casually throwing “I’m in training” into conversations.
- And after race day? You’ll either feel unstoppable… or swear to never do this again. Either way, progress.
You Can Eat More (Without Feeling Guilty)
Here’s the deal: running burns a ton of calories. Which means… you get to eat more.
- A post-run burger? Earned.
- That extra slice of cake? Necessary for recovery.
- Ordering a large pizza just for yourself? Well… look, I’m not your personal trainer. You do you.
Running isn’t just about fitness, it’s about balance. And by balance, I mean figuring out exactly how much pizza your training can justify.
You’ll Sleep Like a Baby (But Without the Screaming at 3 AM)
Running wears you out. In a good way. You’ll start hitting your pillow like a sack of bricks instead of lying there scrolling through TikTok, wondering why that one video has 3 million views but your best joke got 4 likes.
If you struggle with sleep, running fixes that. Either that or it’ll just make you too tired to care anymore. Win-win.
You Get to Feel Smug (And That’s Important)
Few things in life feel as satisfying as watching other people struggle with something you have mastered.
- Someone complaining about being tired? Oh, really? I ran 10K this morning.
- A friend struggling with their New Year’s resolution? Still going strong over here.
- Workmate yawning at 9 AM? You should try running. It’s so energizing.
Yes, you’ll become that person. And it’s glorious.
Race Day is Actually Fun (No, Really)
A bunch of people coming together to run in the same direction, all trying not to die? It’s surprisingly uplifting.
- The energy is incredible. People cheering, music blasting, free snacks at the finish line, honestly, it’s the closest most of us will get to feeling like professional athletes.
- You’ll meet people who are also questioning their life choices mid-race. Instant bonding.
- And nothing, I mean nothing beats that feeling of crossing the finish line. Except maybe collapsing immediately afterward.
It’s a Great Excuse to Buy Expensive Running Gear
You know what’s fun? Spending money on things that make you feel athletic.
- Running shoes that make you look like you know what you’re doing? Yes.
- Sweat-wicking shirts that cost more than your entire wardrobe? Absolutely.
- A fitness watch that beeps at you when you sit for too long? Okay, that one’s just annoying.
Sure, you could just start running in that old band t-shirt and whatever trainers you found under the bed. But where’s the fun in that?
It’ll Make You Hate Running Less (Eventually)
At first, running will feel like punishment. By week three, you’ll start questioning your life decisions. By week six, you might still hate it, but at least you’ll be good at it.
One day, you’ll wake up and choose to go for a run. Voluntarily. And that’s when you’ll know they’ve got you.
Final Thought: Just Do It (Nike Had a Point)
Look, you don’t have to love running. You don’t even have to like it. But if you stick with it, running a 10K will give you:
✅ Better fitness
✅ More food excuses
✅ Superiority over your lazy friends
✅ A great post-race Instagram flex
So, stop making excuses, get some running shoes, and start training. Because guess what? The finish line isn’t going to cross itself.
See you next week for "Getting Started: How to Train for a 10k", aka "How to Trick Yourself Into Running More Without Dying."