Dash Warm-Up: Getting started

The WILMA Dash 5K about a month-and-a-half away. Are you ready? Have you started hitting the pavement? Do you have the Rocky soundtrack downloaded yet?

Whether running a first 5K or chasing down a personal record time, the first step is starting, say trainers helping some WILMA readers get ready for race day.

“Start your training sooner than later. Progressing through a training plan will ensure that you are prepared physically and mentally for your race,” advises Rhonda Schilawski, of Port City Adventure Boot Camp and a team leader participating in the WILMA Dash Warm-Up. “Waiting until the last minute to cram in training can lead to injury and leave you wondering ‘Am I ready?’ Going into a race event feeling confident in your training and your ability will increase your chances of success.”

The Warm-Up is a new feature this year to get participants moving and prepping with other runners leading up to the race, Wilmington’s only all-female 5K, which takes place May 29. More than 600 women ran and walked in the WILMA Dash last year.

Area gyms, personal trainers, and running aficionados are leading teams to share tips and organize group runs in the weeks ahead. Team leaders are posting updates and advice on the Warm-Up’s Facebook page here, and runners can chime in with their own experiences and encouragement.

If you are interested in leading a Warm-Up team or joining one, post on the Facebook page or email us at vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com.

Besides the regular race team registration fee, there is no cost to participate in a training team – just sweat equity between now and the starting line. 

So lace up you sneakers and cue “Eye of the Tiger.”

Dash Registration Info

Registration for the Dash is open, whether for teams or individual runners, and can be found here. Early bird rates are $40 per runner or $350 for a team of ten, through May 8. After that, race fees are $45 per runner and $400 per team. Race entry also include admission to the WILMA Nights Health Fest, with food, drinks, music, and vendors. Admission to just the WILMA Nights event without participating in the race is $25.