On June 11, Suffolk citizens will be able to participate in the second annual Suffolk on the Move 5K at Constant’s Wharf, and I’m very disappointed I will be out of town for the event.

I think it is a great chance to get some exercise while being an active member of the community.

Of course, a lot of people say they can’t participate in a 5K because they aren’t runners or they don’t exercise.

A couple of years ago, I would have said the same thing, but it couldn’t be more false.

I have never fancied myself a runner or even an athlete for that matter. As a child, I always had a hard time running, and I never took to sports much in those years.

About two years ago, I decided to commit myself to running, by choosing it as my cardio exercise of choice. Then, in February, I took a huge plunge and committed to run a half-marathon next January even though I had only ever run one mile consistently.

Many people say I’m crazy, and they don’t understand why I run for “no good reason.”

Health and fitness aside, I run because I have great inspiration — my mother. This Sunday, my mom and I completed our first 5K together, crossing the finish line side-by-side.

This was extra special because my mother is in the process of trying to lose 50 pounds by next January, having lost 20 so far.

Our goals line up perfectly, and we can provide motivation to each other as we both struggle to keep on.

The 5K, which took place in Yorktown, was the first big step in the process. We were both unsure about what to expect, but once we were there, it was like we were the only people on the track.

Of course, we weren’t the only people there. The track was filled with other racers, both running and walking, which made for a highway-like environment.

It was tough at times to keep going when I just wanted to stop, but having someone with me provided that extra push.

All types of people participate in races, not just fitness gurus. There are the serious runners, but there also are a ton of other folks, too.

At the 5K I completed, many of the attendees were trying to lose weight, just like my mom. There was even one woman who walked the entire race with a cane.

A fellow runner told me the thing to remember about races is that it’s all about completion, and it doesn’t matter whether you run, walk or crawl across that finish line.

If you do need a little extra motivation to race, make a pact with a family member or friend to do it together. I promise the extra support is amazing.

The Suffolk on the Move 5K also features a one miler fun walk, which is also a great opportunity to enjoy the day and get in shape.

For more information on the Suffolk on the Move 5K, contact Jaya Tiwari at the Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community at 238-3261.