A 5K Investment

Have you ever wondered why so many people participate in 5K walk/run events for charity? In my town, there are at least one or two every weekend. People turn out to run or walk them by the thousands. They bring their whole family. I have friends that participate in these events just about every weekend from April through September.

Think about it. What is the draw to pay to work hard (and get sweaty) in public with a bunch of other sweaty people? I have some ideas why.

1. People like to start their day feeling productive by accomplishing something important.


2. People enjoy setting and achieving goals; especially those that are realistically high.


3. People feel better, not just from the exercise, but from helping a good cause bigger than them.


4. People are more likely to achieve a goal, if they make a commitment to others. In this case, you sign up to participate in the run in advance, pay to do so, and put it in writing.


5. It’s not just about results, it’s about continuous measurable results. You can manage your own performance and improvement better and sooner when you know how you're doing along the way.


6. People enjoy being encouraged and celebrated on the journey and at the finish line.

How many of these ideas could be applied for achieving your goals or your company’s goals?

Oh, and in case you’re in the Kansas City area this weekend and are looking for a 5K run/walk event for a good cause, I’ll be working one. Check it out at Jazz in the Woods 5K Walk and Run. 

Make it happen!

Cindy Sanders Meyer