How to prepare for a fun run.

Here at ME, we’re pumped to partner with the Mother's Day Classic as a Proud Major Partner for our 20th year running. Since 2005, we’ve raised more than $2 million for life-saving and life-changing breast cancer research through our initiatives like the Pink SpendME debit card, and bringing our community together to work up a sweat.

The Mother’s Day Classic is for everyone at any stage of fitness. There are walking and running options available, and if you feel like dusting off your running shoes, we’ve got you covered.

Training for a fun run.

Cue: Eye of the Tiger – it’s time for your very own Rocky montage.
 
Whether you're a seasoned runner from years past or getting started for the first time, prepping for a fun run can feel less small step and more giant leap. But don’t worry, just focus on the ‘fun’ part first. The ‘run’ will come in time.
 
Your first step is to take the first step. Then the second. The third after that. You get the point.
 
It’s actually not just your leg muscles you have to work on when starting out – it’s that one inside your head too. To give you a brain boost, these are our tips for getting your training underway!
 

Five steps to get you up and running.

Step 1: Make it a no-brainer.

As a wise pair of shoes once said: ‘just do it!’ Don't overthink it, put on your kicks and hit the ground running. You got this!

Step 2: Keep it steady.

When you're starting out, it's important to focus on effort, not pace. Start slow – jog for a minute, walk for a minute – then pick up the pace whenever it feels good. Don't push yourself too hard. You won’t want to go for a second sesh if you’re collapsing after the first.

Step 3: Stretch it out.

Stretching is the key to preventing injuries and keeping you loose and limber instead of stiff as lumber. Before your run, do a few minutes of dynamic stretching to mimic the full range of motion of a run. After your jog, grab something for balance and do your best ballerina impersonation by grabbing your ankles and stretching out your legs.

Step 4: Stay on track.

The easiest way to stay motivated is to work towards a goal, whether it's getting into a rhythm and running routine, or training for a specific distance goal. Check out running apps that let you set a running schedule and training program with notifications to keep you honest and track your progress.

Step 5: Sharing is caring.

A great way to keep your running on schedule is to post up a red-faced selfie or a screenshot of your running app summary after each run. Record a TikTok of the funniest things you jog past. Make an Instagram story every time you stretch. Positive reinforcement from your mates can be the wind beneath your wings when you need a push – plus you’ll raise more donations!

Bonus tip:

ME loves the Couch to 5K (C25K) app. It’s highly regarded as one of the best training programs for new starters with ever-increasing running intervals paced out over nine weeks.

There’s even a dedicated C25K subreddit if you want to learn more or join the community and share your victory laps! 

Get moving for a good cause this Mother’s Day.

If you’re not feeling like Usain Bolt yet, that’s okay! You can still get involved in the Mother’s Day Classic and walk, run, skip, dance, even strut your way to the finish line on Sunday 12 May.
 
With more than 70 major and local events hosted nationwide by the Mother’s Day Classic, it’s a great way to bring your friends and family together and get the blood pumping for a great cause.
 
In a similar fashion to last year, ME will be harnessing the power of live music on-course and in the event villages to bring the good vibes to participants! Sounds good to ME.
 
Find your nearest Mother’s Day Classic event and get your crew together today.

About the Mother’s Day classic.

Since launching in 1998 with just two events in Melbourne and Sydney, Mother’s Day Classic has donated $44 million to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. This year, they’re going one step further by also raising money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
The Mother’s Day Classic event has transformed into an inspiring, community-driven tradition for thousands of Australian families who want to show support for a cause that affects so many.
 
The five-year survival rate for breast cancer has increased from 84 per cent in 1998 to 92 per cent today, thanks largely to research. This tells us that all the fantastic work that organisations like the Mother’s Day Classic do helps make a huge difference. 
 
By signing up for the Mother’s Day Classic, you’ll be helping to raise funds that go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation to fund life-changing research.
 
Find out more about our involvement in the Mother’s Day Classic.


Join ME at the Mother's Day Classic