If Jan. 17 is drop-out day for you, consider Richmond’s free 5K parkrun

It’s the day that many who’ve jumped on the New Year’s Resolution dread – Jan. 17.

Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day is popularly considered to be the day around which many of the aforementioned group give up on their efforts to achieve new goals, often proclaimed when picking up the pieces of the night before.

Best-laid plans for the new year are frequently abandoned around this time and old habits are reverted to.

“Does this ring any bells?” asked Becky Maybury, event director at Richmond Olympic Parkrun.

“Perhaps you've eaten five portions of fruit and veg every day since Jan. 1, laid off the wine or made visiting the gym your new daily ritual?

“But...it's nearly the weekend, and it's dark and cold outside and, well, wouldn't it be nice to just curl up in front of Netflix and forget all about this "new year, new me" healthy living?

“Some New Year's resolutions are difficult to stick to, but don't give up on your ambitions to be more active just yet.

“The Richmond Olympic 5km parkrun can help. Firstly, parkrun is free. So unlike signing up for an annual gym membership, you don't have to worry that your commitment to a 'new you' is costing you lots of money.”

The parkrun – which happens weekly around the globe - happens every week at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning, so it can help you to make a regular commitment to exercise.

“Checking off a 5K before lunchtime (or even brunch) is a great feeling,” added Maybury.

“It's not a race, so you'll be sure of an encouraging atmosphere at parkrun, whatever your goal.

“We have a Tail Walker, whose job it is to keep the walkers company and make sure that no-one has to worry about finishing last.

It's all about the taking part, said Maybury, not about finishing first. You can walk, jog or run your 5K; you can bring your dog, bring your kids. And if you would rather not run, then you can always volunteer, she said.

“We're a friendly, welcoming community, and many of us go for coffee together afterwards,” she added.

“Everyone's welcome, and it's a great way to meet people from all walks of life.”

You only have to register online once to receive your unique barcode, which you can bring along and parkrun volunteers record a time for your 5K, which will help you track your progress throughout the year.

There is also reward for the more parkruns you take part in; take part in 50 runs and you'll get a red '50' milestone technical t-shirt, or volunteer 25 times to receive the coveted purple volunteer milestone shirt.

More details and registration at ParkRun.ca/RichmondOlympic.