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Running FAQ

I run really fast between my couch and the refrigerator, but a 5K? That's crazy! How can the PETA Pack possibly train a non-athlete like me to run 3.1 miles?

Coach Darren is a professionally trained fitness educator. He has degrees in kinesiology and exercise physiology and is a certified personal trainer and coach. He will guide each and every one of us through a gentle and effective training program that also includes basics such as proper rest and nutritional information. He'll tell you when to increase your miles and when to cut back. He'll also answer your questions about your feet, knees, or any other physical concerns that you may have regarding the training.

Look at it this way: When else will you get to help yourself while also helping animals and having a blast?

If you haven't started working out yet, you'll enjoy the 5K training. If you can run 3 miles at one time now, you may want to go for the 13.1-mile half-marathon! If you're already running half-marathons and full marathons, Coach Darren will work with you to set a new PR (that's runner-speak for "personal record!").

I tried to run before, but it didn't go well. I want to join the PETA Pack, but I'm just not a runner!

That's OK. There are many common mistakes that new runners make that can turn them off to running. The wrong shoes, bad running form, or running too much in the beginning can all lead to discomfort and negative feelings. We'll help you avoid those pitfalls. If you find yourself unable to run, it's absolutely fine to walk the 5K course, the 13.1-mile half-marathon, or even all 26.2 miles. You'll still receive all the benefits that PETA Pack members are entitled to, and you'll still be eligible for the fundraising prizes!

And remember, the top fundraisers win the prizes, not the fastest runners!

I'm vegan, or I'm vegetarian, or I'm about to go vegan or vegetarian. How will that affect my athletic performance?

Some of the best athletes in the world are vegetarian or vegan, and it makes sense when you think about it: Being vegetarian means our bodies aren't constantly struggling to overcome the blocked arteries that come with meat-eating. If you're ready to make the transition to go vegan or vegetarian, this is the perfect time to do it! You'll have the support of your teammates, PETA, and Coach Darren, and this will make it as easy as (vegan) pie. We've got loads of great recipes, tips, and meal plans for you. We'll also send out food tips in each weekly training e-mail.

Is running really good for you?

Check this out: Runner's High: Joggers Live Longer.

What are some of the benefits of running?

  1. Your heart rate and blood pressure will go down.
  2. You'll lose weight while eating more. (Ever heard of "carb-loading" the night before a race? Yum!)
  3. You'll get great legs.
  4. You'll sleep better at night.
  5. You'll get outside—off the couch—and explore your neighborhood.
  6. Runner's high! Yes, it's real.
  7. You'll feel great, and we don't mean just physically, we mean mentally as well. Face it, we all know what it's like to skip exercise or never start after we made a resolution. It doesn't feel good. The PETA Pack will help you wake up in the morning and feel proud of yourself for getting in shape and helping animals.
  8. can brag to your couch-potato in-laws about how many miles you ran.
  9. You'll feel on top of the world when you finish. There's nothing like crossing a finish line.
  10. Running is a great way to meet others who are active, fun, and into the things you care about.

I don't live in Oakland. How can I join the PETA Pack?

Thanks to modern technology, anyone can join—from anywhere in the world. We'll run together in the Bay Area every Sunday morning with Coach Darren. But we'll all train independently the rest of the week. Whether you live in New York, Mumbai, Sydney, or Anchorage, you can train on your own where you live, although we strongly recommend that you find a buddy or an entire group to join the PETA Pack with you. You're much more likely to do the workouts if you have people to run with.

With or without a buddy, you'll get a weekly e-mail from Coach Darren, and it will tell you what to do and when to do it (i.e., what days to run, what days to rest, and what days to cross-train). And no matter where you live and train, you'll be able to contact Coach Darren with running questions and other team members with fundraising questions. All participants are guaranteed a T-shirt, a goodie bag, and loads of fun.

What if I want to run but can't come to Oakland for this race? Can I still participate?

While we hope you'll travel to Oakland to run the race with us, you don't even have to do that! Simply find a local event or course to run, and join us in spirit. And yes, remote runners are also eligible for the top fundraising prizes!