Training for a 5K is no joke. It’s a 3.1-mile trek, which can be undoubtedly challenging and exhausting. Having a great support system could make all the difference, especially during the training phase and at the last leg of the race. Being a supportive friend matters, so the following are some tips for how you can show up for them throughout the training phase and on race day.
Table of Contents
Help Them Train
Helping a friend train for a 5K might not sound like the greatest time, but they’ll appreciate your support and presence. It may even motivate you to work out more or in different ways, possibly even encouraging you to run a 5K someday if you have yet to do so.
Get in the Gym
You don’t necessarily have to stand right next to your friend the entire time at the gym. Sometimes, just being there counts. For instance, they might be running on the treadmill while you’re a few feet away lifting weights. It may require a little sacrifice on your part, such as getting up early and throwing on your favorite performance shorts to get to the gym before the sun even comes up, but it will be worth it if your friend sees you’re willing to show up for them.
Hold Them Accountable
At some point, your friend might want to give up, especially if they’re not seeing the training results as fast as they were anticipating. It’s your duty as their friend to remind them to keep going, hold them accountable for their commitment to doing the 5K and do what you can to get them back to training, even if it means showing up early to get them to the gym. They might not appreciate it then, but they’ll likely appreciate it when they’re crossing the 5K finish line knowing they completed one of their goals.
Find Them Stylish Clothes for Training
Exercise clothes aren’t what they used to be. Nowadays, they’re more stylish than ever. Everything from women’s v-neck tees to men’s activewear isn’t just stylish but made for giving it your all, whether you’re working out or navigating hectic Sunday mornings at a grocery store. Buying your friend clothes to wear for training or the 5K itself is a wonderful way to show your support. Don’t forget to get yourself some great workout clothes while you’re at it.
What To Look for
There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind while shopping for clothing gifts for your friend.
For starters, don’t look for poorly made pieces that will fall apart after the first wash. Look for high-quality t-shirts and pants that will last through training.
Size is also obviously an important factor. While you can shop by the size they tell you they are, such as if they wear a size large t-shirt, what really matters is the measurements. They can vary from one website and brand to the next, so knowing your friend’s measurements and comparing the sizes to the respective shopping size charts can be helpful.
You’ll also want to consider your friend’s preferences. Do they only run in t-shirts or do they stick only to sportswear? Bicycle shorts or sweats? There are many options to consider, so either pay attention to what they usually wear while they’re training or ask them directly what they prefer.
Be Understanding
Training for a 5K takes commitment and usually requires an adjustment to your daily routine. Being understanding about these changes, even if you don’t necessarily get them, is one of the best ways to show your support.
Lifestyle Changes
Your friend might go through a significant lifestyle change while training for the 5K. This isn’t just so they can ensure they finish the race (and possibly within a specific time frame) but to also do it safely.
For instance, they might modify their diet, go to bed earlier, get up later, take much longer to respond to your texts or calls or be too tired to go out like they used to. This might be a long-term change, or it might only be short-term until they’ve completed the 5K.
Be Their Biggest Supporter
Being the friend of a good person is an honor, and it’s not something to take lightly. Great friends are often hard to come by, so cherish them as much as possible. The best way you can do that is to support them in their passions.
Showing Up
A perfect way you can show your friend you truly believe in them is to just show up whether it’s for gym sessions, while they’re testing their limits as they go out for a run or by bringing over heat or cold packs when their muscles are sore. The ultimate show of support? Getting out on race day and putting yourself in a position along the running route where they can see you. You may even want to make it to the finish line so that your cheering presence can give them a last boost of energy.
Ask your friend what they feel is the best way you can show up for them while they’re training for the 5K. Chances are they’ll appreciate the effort and encouragement. Whether you’re buying them clothing gifts or attending gym sessions with them, start early so that they know you have their back throughout the entire process.