Ready for something completely different? RunCharlotte adds the Give Us a Hand 5k to the 2022 Six Pack Series of events! The RunCharlotte Give Us a Hand 5k is hands down the most unique and challenging event of the series, as the entire distance must be covered while running or walking on your hands.
Hand walking and running events are steadily gaining momentum as an alternative to traditional races. Along with overall and age group categories, the Give us a Hand 5k will also have a “pairs” category for runners and walkers who need assistance getting or staying in a handstand.
Tired of sore, blistered feet, creaky knees, and inflexible ankles? Burnt out on your current training program? Or maybe you’re just looking for a new challenge. Either way, this unconventional event is for you!
“Handstands are an extremely underrated exercise, for one main reason: most people think they just can’t do them,” says Krista Stryker, a Certified Personal Trainer accredited by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. In a recent article from MindBodyGreen, Stryker lists these as additional benefits for handstands:
- Strengthen Upper Body
- Increase Balance
- Increase Mood
- Improve Core Strength
- Help with Circulation
Stryker notes that turning everything upside down is great for bone strength, blood circulation, and even digestion. Runners and walkers of all ages have started to embrace the art, which can be a bit tricky to master – but once you do, get ready to see things from a whole different point of view… literally! This event also levels the playing field for anyone who spends hours lifting weights in the gym to get that great upper-body sculpted look and tremendous arm strength, but never gets to use any of it while running.
RunCharlotte realizes the Give Us a Hand 5k and its unconventional format may seem intimidating or just plain strange to some. But bringing more people to the sport of running sometimes means turning things upside down and offering something completely new.
“The marketplace demands constant innovation, and there’s likely nothing on the calendar as out-of-the-ordinary as this,” says DC Lucchesi, runner and media spokesman for RunCharlotte. “By announcing our surprise October event in April, we’re giving our dedicated Charlotte audience plenty of time to prepare.”
The Give Us a Hand 5k provides more than just “something different.” Count strengthening of the hand muscles, in particular the Lumbricalis, which is usually hard to isolate, as a wonderful byproduct of handrunning.
For training, find a friend and kick up your heels! Try these easy moves:
- Do wall handstands. Place hands on the ground next to a wall, and have a friend hold your legs as you swing them into place against the wall. Do this 3 times for 10-15 seconds each, taking turns to give each other rest.
- Once you’ve mastered handstands, try upside-down push-ups. This will strengthen your shoulders, wrists, and core.
- Take turns holding each other’s ankles as you take a few “steps” away from the wall on your hands.
- Increase your reps as you get stronger!
- Finish by hoisting your favorite local brew (right side up, of course!) after completing your workout with your friend!
As always, consult your doctor before trying anything new. And check your calendar when considering the accuracy of the information provided above.
(*Advice from Ms. Stryker was borrowed from the article cited for handstand workouts, and is actually legit.)