On Your Way to 5K?

Lance Maerz is a clinical exercise physiologist and co-manager of the Cardiac Rehab department at Upland Hills Health. He is also an avid runner, certified cancer exercise trainer and Immediate-Past President of the Wisconsin Society of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Health and Rehabilitation.

Upland Hills Health wants to help you embrace change and step into a healthier you! One of the easiest ways to make healthy changes is to set a goal. Goals are great to keep us on track and held accountable.

How about a goal to participate in the 2018 Upland Hills Health Community Fun Run and Walk? This event is a great opportunity to “step” into a healthier you. Each year, Upland Hills Health hosts a 5K run and walk that is perfect for those who want to challenge themselves to complete their first 5K walk or 5K run. This local event has many participants who are starting the race for personal improvement. It’s also a great social opportunity.

This year’s run/walk will be held on Thursday, May 10 at 5 p.m. at Harris Park.

We’ve put together some great training plans to help anyone get to the starting line, and across the finish line! One plan is aimed at those who have not recently had any exercise habit. This is perfect for those who find the couch a more comfortable fit than a exercise gym. This plan will help you safely start an exercise program and ultimately help you walk across the finish line.

The second plan is for those who currently have a walking habit, but would like to try running their first 5K. This plan combines walking and running to establish a habit of running that will reduce your impact of injury or burnout in preparation for the race.
Each plan is set up as a 10-week program, so if you want to follow either plan and complete it in time for our annual run-walk, you should plan to start March 4th. That’s plenty of time to make your plans and maybe even recruit a friend or family member to join you in your training!

Want some accountability and support? Join our On our way to a 5K Facebook group! You can find both training programs here.

Either plan is a great step toward a healthier and better you. Let Upland Hills Health help you make 2018 a year of great change and new beginnings.