Have you ever wondered if you can run your first 5k? I always did and I worried about not finishing the race, being the last in the race, running out of breath, passing out, and other embarrassing scenarios. These worrisome thoughts are common even for a relatively fit person like me.
Just this weekend, I challenged & pushed myself to run my first ever 5k at the 9th Robinsons Supermarket’s Fit and Fun Wellness Buddy Run. Since it is a buddy run, it was mandatory to bring a “buddy” like a friend or family. I am so happy that my husband who is not really into physical activities agreed to be my buddy. The annual run hosted by the country’s largest health & wellness supermarket chain is famous for rewarding all fun run finishers with a bag full of grocery from Robinsons Supermarket and its wellness partners.
I used this to hook my husband into joining especially that the registration fee is just P1,400 per pair and each runner will receive groceries that are far worth more than the joining fee. Based on my experience, here are some tips if you plan to join next year’s fun run.
How to Prepare for Robinsons Supermarket Fit & Fun Wellness Run
1. Eat a fair amount of carbs the night before the race – I ate a plate of spaghetti and two pieces of bread for dinner
2. Get your gears ready ahead of time – fun runs happen very early. In Robinsons case, we had to leave our house at 3AM to reach BGC at 4AM when singlets will be distributed. So the night before, I laid out my running outfit, running shoes, towel, and belt bag.
3. Eat a light breakfast 2-3 hours before the race – I prepared a nutritious smoothie of banana, apple, lettuce, and malunggay to power my run. I drank it right before leaving the house. The timing is just right for digestion.
4. Join the warm-up and warm-up properly to avoid injury – some people are shy to join the warm-up exercises and think they don’t need this. However and based on my experience with strength training, warming up exercises & stretching are IMPORTANT to get your heart up to the right rate and avoid injuries. During the run, I joined Coach Jim & Toni Saret’s meta warm ups that lasted for about 5 minutes only.
Robinsons Fit & Fun Buddy Run Experience
Reaching fitness goals proved to be twice the fun with a partner. I can say that the run is one of the happiest days of my life! It showed me how my fitness level improved overtime (i.e. power, endurance, and strength) and I never imagined I will run a race with no less than my husband.
It really helped that the vibe of the wellness run was family friendly and focused less on personal records but on togetherness, friendship, wellness, and enjoyment. The worries I previously had all disappeared and I enjoyed a rare moment inside BGC where people like us can freely run in the usually busy streets.
Robinsons #ILoveWellness Loot Bag for Runners
Upon reaching the finish line, runners were directed to line up & claim the Robinsons Supermarket loot bags. All registered runners who finished the race with their buddy received this huge & heavy grocery bag. One for each partners.
After receiving the loot bags, runners enjoyed the closing program where top finishers were awarded with generous prizes like 3D/2N trip to El Nido and Bali, Indonesia. The program was enough to entertain all of us while cooling down.
This run is truly memorable for me and is significant to my fitness journey. I wish to join again next year and train hard for my first 10k run. To learn more about other wellness activities, like www.facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial and the #ILoveWellness hashtag on social media.
Stay fit & healthy Mommy & Daddy!
Mommy Lace is a blogger from the Philippines. She started this blog to share information on pregnancy, breastfeeding, childcare, family, and health.
