The Extra Yard "Classroom to 5K" Training Program is Here!
The College Football Playoff Foundation Extra Yard 5K is just 6 weeks away. Think after eating all of that turkey, you can’t possibly run 3.1 miles? Well, don’t give up just yet. We’ve got 5 reasons and an Extra Yard “classroom to 5K” training schedule that will have you out of your classroom and celebrating at the finish line in New Orleans in just six weeks!
SPEND SOME QUALITY TIME WITH A FRIEND: It’s a great excuse to spend some time with your favorite family member, buddy or teacher pal that you’ve been meaning to spend more time with! Training is more fun when you have a running partner, and you’ll be more likely to stick it out if you have a friend with you. [A+ Tip] If you haven’t exercised in a while or you have any health problems, do make sure to get your doctor’s go-ahead.
GET YOURSELF SOME NEW GEAR: A good pair of running shoes is a must! Visit Nike.com for some great shoes. Our personal favorites are the Nike Pegasus customized with a lot of the electric green color (If you know, you know). While you are at it, pick up a good pair of socks, moisture-wicking shirts and shorts, and for women, a well-fitted sports bra! [A+ Tip] Buy your soles now so you have a chance to break them in. Besides there is still some great black Friday and cyber Monday deals.
BE A PART OF THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND: This family-friendly 3.1 mile run is a great chance for locals and out-of-towners to be a part of the excitement surrounding the National Championship game. The race takes place right in the heart of New Orleans within the footprint of all of the Championship weekend festivities. Join fans of both teams and runners associated with the College Football Playoff in a fun morning. In fact, in addition to prizes for the top 3 in each age group, the Top Overall Male and Top Overall Female will each win two (2) tickets to the College Football Playoff National Championship - how’s that for some motivation?! [A+ Tip] Register early to avoid price increases. And right now, if you are a teacher, you can register for free!
WE PROVIDED AN EASY “CLASSROOM TO 5K” TRAINING PROGRAM: We know it's the end of the semester on top of the holidays and it seems hard to squeeze this in, so we will focus on minutes, not miles. Easy right? AND, it’s totally cool to start with a walk instead of a run with this one. You can start by running for only 10 seconds every minute. Or alternate running two minutes and walking for one. Either way you do it, if you stick to the program, you will grow stronger, you will walk less and run more… and hey, if you do some combination of walking and running, even on race day, its all good - all you have to do is make it across the finish line! And why…. (see #5) [A+ Tip] use the Nike+ Running App to help you train. It tracks your pace, distance traveled, calories burned, and maps out the route you’ve completed. Free on iTunes and Google Play.
SUPPORT TEACHERS: You read that correctly, this race will support resources, recognition and retention programs for teachers! All proceeds benefit Extra Yard for Teachers and the College Football Playoff Foundation. We guarantee you will feel even better crossing that finish line knowing that you have supported someone who has chosen a career in education, and is dedicated to making sure our children are prepared for the future.
Join us by using the Extra Yard six-week schedule to train for our 5K:
Week 1 starting December 3: Tuesday (10 minutes); Thursday (13 minutes); Saturday (1 mile, however long it takes to finish) [A+ Tip] Watch the rankings on ESPN on the treadmill while walking on Tuesday}
Week 2 December 8-14: Tuesday (16 minutes); Thursday (19 minutes); Saturday (2 miles)
Week 3 December 15-21: Tuesday (19 minutes); Thursday (22 minutes); Saturday (2.5 miles) [A+ Tip] We are half-way. Let us know how you are doing by sharing your photos with us and tagging #ExtraYard5K
Week 4 December 22-28: Tuesday (22 minutes); Thursday (25 minutes); Saturday (3 miles)
Week 5 December 29-Jan 4: Tuesday (25 minutes); Thursday (28 minutes); Saturday (3. 5 miles)
Week 6 January 5 - Race Day: Tuesday (20 minutes); Thursday (30 minutes); ... And then race day!
Prepare for the big day! Give yourself plenty of time to find parking, register and use the restroom. Finish eating at least 30 minutes before the start time. Depending on your preference and the day’s weather, you can carry a water bottle with you or rehydrate after you reach the finish line. As you’re trekking along, take in the views and soak up the energy from other runners and walkers and everything going on in New Orleans! High-five your running partner and any teacher that you see along the way.
Don’t forget to register! The race will begin on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at 8am.
Registration includes one ticket to the CFP interactive fan event, a participant shirt, a finisher's medal, a race bib, and one entry into a drawing to win two tickets to the National Championship Game. Live entertainment, activities with race sponsors, and a post-race awards ceremony are all included in the experience.
Follow us @CFPExtraYard for reminders about the Classroom to 5K training program, and tag your photos with #ExtraYard5K so we can support you along the way! Good luck and see you, hopefully at the finish line on January 12!
A version of this training program originally appeared on iVillage.