12 Things We Learned from Running a 5K Every Month of 2024
Updated: Dec 30, 2024
In 2024, we set out to complete one 5K every month as part of the ROTY (Russell of the Year…we’ll explain another time) Running Club. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it. Along the way, we picked up a few lessons about running, life, and what it takes to keep showing up.
1. Having Someone to Run with Keeps You Accountable
There were days when none of us wanted to lace up, especially when the weather was harsh, or life felt overwhelming. But knowing we had each other to rely on made all the difference. A running buddy isn’t just a companion—they’re your motivator, cheerleader, and (sometimes) your conscience.
2. Learn to Dress for the Weather—It’s Never as Bad as You Think
When it’s really cold or really hot, it’s easy to convince yourself that it’s too uncomfortable to run. But over time, we learned the importance of dressing for the weather, and that it’s never as bad as it seems. Once you get moving, your body adjusts, and what felt like unbearable temperatures at the start suddenly become manageable. In fact, pushing through those tough conditions left us feeling even more accomplished—like we had broken through a barrier. Whether facing the winter chill or the summer heat, we found that the reward of finishing a race in challenging weather made it all worth it.
3. Listen to Your Body and Take Time to Heal
Running consistently for 12 months is a challenge, and injuries can happen along the way. When Julie experienced some soreness after pushing too hard early in the year, she learned how crucial it is to listen to your body and take time to recover. Rest days, stretching, and proper care aren’t signs of weakness—they’re part of what keeps you in the race for the long haul.
4. Celebrate the Effort, Not Just the Outcome
It’s easy to focus on your time or placement, but we learned to celebrate simply showing up. We tried to keep in mind that every finish line crossed is a victory, especially when considering the journey that brought us there. For every runner who laced up and ran, there were many more who didn’t. The act of participating, regardless of pace or results, is something to be proud of.
5. Act Like It Doesn’t Hurt for the Camera
One of our favorite lessons: if someone is snapping your picture, smile and act like you’re having the time of your life! Those race-day photos live on forever, and you’ll want to remember the fun (not the pain). This is a lesson Andy is still trying to learn.
6. Create a Playlist That Moves You (And Sing Along on the Way!)
A killer playlist can be a game-changer on race day. Building a playlist of songs and motivational speeches that inspire you will give you the push you need when you are struggling. The real magic, though, happened before the race even started. On the drive to the event, we’d sing along to our favorite motivating songs, getting hyped and ready to take on the challenge. Whether it’s the beats that keep you moving or the lyrics that inspire you to push harder, music is the fuel that keeps you going when you need it most.
7. Consistency Makes Race Day More Enjoyable
After two years of running, Andy finally realized that the key to enjoying race day wasn’t about pushing through the pain—it was about consistency. He learned that in order to run 3 miles comfortably on race day, he needed to consistently run those 3 miles during training. That regular practice made race day feel like a natural extension of his routine, not a struggle. The more we trained consistently, the more fun we had on race day, because we knew we were prepared. It’s a simple but powerful truth: the effort you put in during training pays off when it’s time to race.
8. Celebrate Every Milestone
Crossing the finish line—even if it wasn’t our best race—was always a reason to celebrate. Those post-race moments of high-fives and hugs, (and the occasional beer),
reminded us why we started this journey in the first place. And let’s not forget the reward waiting for us after every race: a well-deserved post-race breakfast at FirstWatch! Perhaps the best part of our raceday routine was a hearty breakfast and a good cup of coffee shared together. Those meals became part of our tradition and another way to make great memories.
9. Running with Others Builds Stronger Bonds
Running together strengthened not just our legs but our relationships. We laughed, encouraged each other, and sometimes vented during our runs.. Whether it was celebrating small victories or commiserating over tough races, we learned that running with others makes the experience more meaningful. The miles flew by faster, and the memories we created along the way will last much longer.
The whole family joined in for the first ever ROTY 5K. The 2024 Russell of the Year (ROTY) Patty Russell was the official race starter and medal hander outer.
10. Every Race Teaches You Something New
Each race brought its own challenges, but we learned that every experience offered something to take away. Running, especially over long distances, gave us time to clear our minds and gain perspective. Whether it was about pushing through the pain, reflecting on life, or simply being present with our thoughts, running provided valuable lessons both on and off the course.
11. Races Are as Fun as You Make Them
Between themed costumes, silly warm-up routines, and post-race celebrations, we found endless ways to make each race an adventure. Participating in events that supported a cause or running to honor someone special brought a sense of purpose and allowed us to show our support.
12. The Finish Line Is Just the Beginning
Running 12 races in 12 months taught us about commitment, resilience, and the power of showing up. For us, this journey wasn’t just about running—it was about personal growth and finding joy in the process.
Now, we’re looking ahead to 2025, and we’d love for you to join us!
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone who’s never run a mile, we invite you to challenge what you think you’re capable of. Committing to a goal like one race a month might feel daunting, but trust us—you’re stronger than you realize.
Let’s make 2025 the year of breaking barriers, pushing limits, and celebrating every finish line together.
And don’t forget to share your journey! Post your race photos, stories, and victories on our ROTY Running Club Facebook page. Let’s inspire and cheer each other on every step of the way.
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