This past weekend I ran my first ever 5K. I ran track in high school so I admit running is a pastime of mine and that may skew my point of view. I know, full well, that like 99.9% of America hates running like they are morally opposed to it. "I only run if I am being chased," they say. Well here is the beauty of these organized running events; you do not have to run. You can walk the entire time and no one will judge you. Ok, I might judge you if you walk the entire time. At least jog a little. Or speed walk if you must. Just whatever you do, DO NOT cut corners. For the people trying to run a full 5K, our hearts break a little when you skip part of it and we have to go on, lungs burning, on principle. Still not sold on the whole sha-bang? Here's why running, jogging or speed-walking these things is not so bad and actually kind of fun.

Doing something ~different~ with your friends

After about the 928th wine night, you may be looking for other outings to do with your friends. College life is more than drinking, shopping and volunteering (usually forced). Mix it up. Wake up early. Throw on the workout clothes that populate your drawers but are never used for working out.

Alcohol

If you feel like it is just not right to be hanging out with your friends stone cold sober, never fear! There is beer! Apparently, having a beer when you just finished a long run of sorts is a thing. Who knew? So once you are done with the course there will be a tapped keg waiting for you. The best part? It is socially acceptable to drink before noon at these things. Bet you thought that was only a thing at brunch.

Free stuff

You would not believe all of the free loot I took home today. I got a shirt, a medal, chapstick, 9 protein bars and bottles of juice. Strangely enough, I also brought home dog and cat food samples. There will be a lot of little businesses here just giving stuff away. Who doesn't love free stuff?

Obstacles or gimmicks

All of these runs have a ~thing~. The one I ran today was titled The Insane Inflatable 5K. They had 11 inflatable obstacles along the course and they were so fun. THere are other gimmicks like the basic Color Run where they paint you along the way. I also saw someone wearing a shirt from something called The Flavor Run. I was intrigued so I looked it up. Picture the Color Run, but the colored powder they throw at you tastes like blueberry, strawberry, orange, banana, watermelon, and grape! WHAT?! Sign me up today.

Price

Now you may be thinking, "Don't these things cost kind of a lot of money?" Well here is a secret, some of these runs will give you free entry if you sign up to set up or take down the course. Look in to it because it is a great way to be a part of these events without blowing too much money. There are also early bird specials if you do not feel like volunteering.

Overall, these runs are a great, fun way to get in a workout or just hang out with your friends. Seriously, don't be detoured by the running thing. If my 56 year old dad can run the Tough Mudder Challenge fresh out of chemotherapy, you can do it too. Seriously, he did that. So proud :') Guess which one is him...