My daughter and I participated in our first 5K together nearly two years ago. Although I have run various races throughout the year, I thought it would be fun to join her for a race since she was turning 13. It truly was a great experience!

Getting chocolate as a reward when we finished made it more exciting and probably encouraged her to join in the fun!

Last January, we ran a Disney 10K, and it was such a blast! Disney races are a lot of fun, though they can be on the pricier side. It was an investment, but for us, it was worth it.

Participating in themed races with friends and family has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve done triathlons with my dad, mud runs with my family, color runs with friends, and half marathons with family and friends—each race has brought me so much joy. I’m not focused on personal bests; or where I place. For me, it’s all about having fun. I love having a race to compete in to get me motivated to train and something to work towards.

I used to have (and still have) a fear of swimming in open water, and honestly, I didn’t even know how to swim laps properly. When my dad suggested doing a triathlon together, I knew I had to face that fear head-on. I’ll never forget training in the ocean with him—it’s a memory I’ll carry with me forever. I can honestly say it changed my life. Sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone is the most rewarding thing you can do.

I just signed my daughter and me up for a 5K in May in our hometown, which is the first annual event. It has been several months since she last ran, so I decided to put together a running plan for us to follow together.

As a side note for homeschooling parents, my daughter is in 9th grade and needs to log physical education hours, so this plan is a great option for anyone looking for PE activities. You can even join in on the fun! While creating the plan, I thought it might be beneficial to others as well. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself, improve your fitness, or simply cross an item off your bucket list, running a 5K is an exciting and achievable goal. If you're new to running or just not sure where to start, don't worry—this guide will walk you through the process and help you feel confident on race day. And being a yoga instructor you know I had to include yoga for runners!

This 16-week plan offers structured guidance to help you successfully prepare for your race. I've included a warm-up routine, post-run stretches, various running yoga videos, and helpful tips to support your training journey.

Click the link below to check it out. And grab a family member, pull the mom card, grab a friend or group of friends, and sign up for the fun race. DO IT.