5K Syndrome – Where It All Began

---

As I began to evaluate what (whispers: disruptive innovation) I could propose that would provide a solution within my organization, I immediately thought of something my husband and I call “5K Syndrome.”

Let me see if I can explain…

In 2010, after a long battle with high blood pressure, I decided to see if changing my lifestyle would help where medication had not been able to. In the process, I decided to complete a Couch to 5K training plan. I completed the weekly outlined progression of building up mileage and endurance completely indoors on my treadmill. I got up each morning before work or committed to running before bed. My physician suggested that I sign up for a 5K at the end of the training schedule to keep myself motivated to stay on track. My family and I were traveling to Dalhart, TX, for a family reunion (held annually with the XIT Reunion). On 08/07/2010, I participated in my first 5K “Chase a Coyote XIT Trail Run in Dalhart, TX,”

I remember returning to my physician for my next check-up, finally not dreading the lecture about needing to lose weight, exercise more, and manage stress. I proudly told her of my accomplishment and beamed, awaiting my pat on the back. Do you know what she did? She said, “when is your next one?” My jaw hit the floor! What was this lady talking about! I set a goal. I accomplished my goal. I did it. Next one? Geeze!

I went online and looked for the next available 5K, this time in my local community. My second 5K was at a 911 Remembrance Run on 09/11/2010, benefiting our city police department. Oh cool! I can support good causes with my entry fees? I’m in! Let’s do this! My husband and I arrived at the police station to several hustling and bustling runners. We wandered about following the crowds, but there was no information on where to go or what to do. It was highly frustrating, and finally, some lovely runner saw our lost looks of panic and showed us where to go and how to check-in.

Since that day, we consistently see this and refer to it in our organization. 5K Syndrome.

Higher education experiences a lot of 5K syndrome. There are a million policies to follow. If a student says the wrong word, they can be sent all over the institution only to be told they must begin again with the correct area/issue. Our terminology is poorly understood, and this seemed like the ideal place to focus my innovation efforts.