Fresh air is just what students need during these upcoming stressful weeks. As part of Recreation and Wellbeing, as well as Vandal Health Education’s De-Stress Fest, the I Am Resilient Virtual 5K will give students the opportunity to take their minds off the pressures of finals week.
The 5K has been around for several years, usually called Dash After Dark. It has served as a destressing activity during the last few demanding weeks of the semester. It gives people a chance to experience campus on a walk or a run in a way that isn’t familiar to them, Amanda Ferstead, the University of Idaho Mental Health Promotion Program coordinator, said.
This year the 5K has been moved to a completely virtual experience. The choice to move the 5K to a virtual setting came with implementing COVID-19 guidelines, as well as the idea individuals can participate in a way that feels most comfortable to them.
Throughout the week, May 2 to May 8, individuals can participate however they prefer, whether it entails running, walking, hiking or biking. Participants can go on to the University of Idaho website to register, free of charge.
“You get to choose your route, how you participate, your pace,” Ferstead said. “If you want to do it in parts over the course of the week, that’s totally fine just track your time, and if you can take a photo while you’re at it.”
Once people completed their version of the 5K, they can submit a time and photo at the previously mentioned website. If they choose to submit a photo, they are entered into a raffle for a Hydro Flask. Remember to abide by COVID-19 guidelines, wearing a mask and social distancing, wherever you choose to participate.
Ferstead encourages anyone, even those who may not have 5K experience to participate. It’s an ideal opportunity to practice strength and healthy activity.
“It’s a great way, whether you’re a 5K superstar or if you’ve never really had the opportunity, to get involved because you can choose how you participate,” Ferstead said. “I think it makes it a little more accessible to folks who maybe weren’t sure if they could do a 5K or not.”
Ferstead feels the virtual aspect of the 5K gives an opportunity for even more of a sense of community. They have received excited participation, despite the virtuality, because individuals who weren’t in Moscow or had other limitations, were still able to participate in the event.
“There is this sense of community that we can all participate, and we can all practice strength because folks know that they’re not doing this alone,” she said. “The really cool thing is that you get to determine how you want to do this, and I think that’s more unique than what would be a traditional 5K.”
The 5K, itself, is focused on resiliency. Resiliency is not the idea that everything is going your way all the time, it is the idea that we can cope with things when they happen to us with help, Ferstead said. Resiliency is not obtained in isolation.
“It’s really about what works for you, and finding the strengths that you’re interested in strengthening, but also asking for help when you need it,” Ferstead said.
No matter your experience, the 5K is a great way to get outside, enjoy some of the nice spring weather and work on strengthening your healthy activities.
If students have any questions, they can reach out to [email protected].
Bailey Brockett can be reached at [email protected]