5K races seem to be all the rage these days, and you want to be part of the fun. Problem is, you've never run before. That's okay, because Al Lopez Park in Tampa can get you 5K ready in no time. Lace up your running shoes, plug in your headphones, and get on the trail. The interior loop around the inside of the park is 1.15 miles, and is where beginners should start. The trail is marked, so you’ll never have to wonder how far you've gone. As you're running, you can watch teams of soccer and football playing hard, or kids on the playground. Focusing on what they’re doing will help keep your mind off of your run, and you’ll be finished the loop before you know it. If you get tired and need to take a breather, it's okay, but you will have to endure the many fitness stations throughout the trail that will have you doing push-ups, pull-ups, and even monkey bars.
If you happen to be like many women who are afraid to work out alone due to safety reasons, this park will ease those fears. Al Lopez Park is always very busy and you’ll be in the company of other runners, walkers, or families walking their four legged friends.
Remember not to overdo it. Getting to the point of running an entire 5K takes time. You’ll need to start off alternating running and walking. Here are a few tips to remember: Stretch really good before and after you run, control your breathing at all times, eat a snack with plenty of carbohydrates about 30 minutes prior to running, and have some protein after your run. Enjoy the outdoors!
Al Lopez Park is located at 4810 North Himes Ave, Tampa.
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