A Beginner’s Guide to 5Ks in Quincy

The end of the year brings out a lot of 5K races. And with New Year's just around the corner, it's a great time to get a jump start on the popular New Year's resolution of shedding weight. 5Ks enable you to get your friends together and get in a good cardiovascular workout. Don't take the word race too seriously. 5Ks, which are just a little over three miles, can be a test to finish as quickly as possible or as simple as a leisurely stroll. It's less of a competitive track meet and more of a community event. Here are some upcoming races you can look forward to in Quincy.

• November 14 Tri-State Warrior Run/Walk at the Illinois Veteran's Home
• November 26 YMCA Turkey Run/Walk at the YMCA
• December 5 Ring-A-Bell Run/Walk at the Quincy Mall

If you want to get in some practice before taking on a race you have some options. Running Wild in Quincy, located at 3502 Broadway, has a group run/walk that meets every Monday at 6 p.m. that welcomes all ability levels. If you want a group that meets frequently on a weekly basis, the Heartland Road Runners & Walkers Club has you covered. The club meets Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday every week for social run/walks. Check out their website for a full schedule. Or, if you are the lone-wolf type, then plan out a route on Google Maps, grab your i-Pod, and hit the path on your own time. The great thing about running is that you can do it alone or with others. The choice is yours.