I once read somewhere that not all people were built to be runners. I can’t tell you where exactly I read that, but it was real, it was online, and I’ve clung to it ever since. Needless to say, I’ve steered clear from all marathons, 5Ks, or any demonstration of one’s ability to run throughout my 25 years of life—until last weekend.
Before I continue, I need to add that while I can and will not run unless chased by a murderer, I can walk for hours. I love keeping a brisk pace at White Rock Lake or the first level of NorthPark Center. (And no. I do not swing my arms like your power-walking grandmother.) But I mean, you can’t walk a 5K, right?
Wrong.
In one of the many aha moments I’ve had in my twenties, I realized that even I, a variable turtle of a human, could participate in a 5K—I’d just have to swallow a bit of pride.
I discovered Six:02’s second annual 6K event and quickly began fashioning myself into someone who does wonderful things like Saturday morning races. I went full method and actually picked up new running shoes and an ensemble from Six:02’s Galleria location. Nothing makes you want to work out more than buying new workout gear.
I registered another friend with an affinity for walking, laid out my freshly purchased running ensemble, and put myself to bed by 10 p.m. (with only one glass of wine in my system, a real feat!) on the Friday night before the 6K.
The Six:02 6K took place in Klyde Warren Park, and, though I certainly don’t have anything to compare it to, I have to imagine that this is one of the girlier 6Ks a person could run. A solid compilation of Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, and The Pussycat Dolls pounded through the speakers as my friend and I began our briskly paced walk. Bright yellow signs featuring other runners’ motivational “Six:02 Moments” helped us know that we were still on the right track, as did the many sweet-natured volunteers offering us encouragement and water despite our undeserving casual pace.
When we crossed the finish line in just under an hour (hold your applause), we were greeted with even more Katy Perry hits, complimentary massages, polish changes, a braid bar, and makeup artists.
I immediately went home and napped, despite my trendy braid and perfectly painted face, but the memory of that morning will stay with me. I walk more than a 6K almost every Saturday morning, but there was something really wonderful about walking with a friend, and a lot of strangers, to the beat of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” that made me feel like I was a part of something bigger than myself—bigger than my boring solo walks. I can safely say that I am a 6K (or more commonly 5K) convert and am now actively looking for more opportunities to power walk the heck out of another Saturday morning race. Anyone down for the Ho Ho Ho Run in December?
Caitlin Clark is the web editor for D Home.
