Get Fit and Do Good
As we already know, exercise offers many health benefits, such as lowering your blood pressure, reving up your metabolism, removing toxins from your body, etc., but did you know that it also offers you a chance to do something good for someone else???
As we move into Spring, many charities schedule events to help them raise money so they can offer services in the community- this is not just the larger charities such as Avon or Susan G. Koeman, but includes Obesity Help, and many local charities (ie: local shelters, Boys and Girls clubs, etc).
I personally found that signing up to do an event was a GREAT motivator in my "training". When you register, the goal has already been set. That's how I started running...I wanted to run in the Race for the Cure 5K last year and ended up running my first 5K several months earlier than originally planned (June instead of October) and it was for the Lee's Friends organization (they help cancer patients).
There are NO rules in the rule book that says that you have to run in these events....or that you must come in first place. Make your goal to simply FINISH!
There is NO greater feeling afterwards to walk around in the event's t-shirt showing that you participated AND helped a worthy orginazation.
You can find (and sign up for ) some events in your area at www.active.com, or contact your favorite charity to see if they will be participating in a larger event that you would like to participate in.
For example...I want to run in the Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon in August. I will be running for the Injured Marine's Fund Semper Fi charity. I figured...I can run - maybe not the whole way, but I will give it my all to FINISH and it is SUCH a great charity - helping injusred Marines. I was lucky...my son came home from Iraq in one piece, but not everyone has, so.....why not help out...right????
Jackie is another example....she is currently registered to walk in the Obesity Help walk in Washington DC in May. Another GREAT cause and a GREAT motivator for her, because she knows what she needs to do to fini****get out there and start walking as soon as she is able to start (remember...she just had surgery).
So...remember.....there is NOTHING in the rule book that says that you have to come in first or that you have to run....you just have to SHOW UP!
_________________________________________________________________
Get Fit, Do Good
By Michelle Hering, M.S., Best Life fitness expert
Exercising has so many benefits, many of which you’re already aware of; it you’re your metabolism, maintains or increases your muscle mass (which burns more calories) and reduces your risk for a variety of diseases. Ready to add yet another perk to the list? Exercise helps make the world a better place. It’s true, thanks to the hundreds of organizations that sponsor runs or walks to benefit people with illnesses, raise money for research or help people in need. So, if you’re ready to use your fitness to do good, check out some of the races out there. (Check back here next week for tips on how to train for different distances.)
CHOOSE A CHARITY
Health
Help raise money for a cure for various diseases by registering for a run or a run/walk. Check out the following options:
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
What it is: A series of 5K runs/fitness walks
Your participation will help: Save lives and end breast cancer by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.
Avon Walk
What it is: A two-day 39-mile walk that takes place in nine cities
Your participation will help: Provide access to care and fund research leading to a cure for breast cancer
Walk for Lupus Now
What it is: A variety of races ranging from 5Ks to 10Ks throughout the country
Your participation will help: Raise funds to support lupus (an autoimmune disease) research, education programs, and patient and family support services
Arthritis Walk
What it is: A one-mile or three-mile walk in cities across the country
Your participation will help: Support public awareness and raise funds to fight arthritis, the nation's leading cause of disability
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training
What it is: A sports training program that gets you ready to run or walk a half-marathon, full marathon, triathlon or century (100-mile) bike ride across the globe.
Your participation will help: Raise funds for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma research and patient services
Community
Give back to your community by signing up for a race that raises funds to increase awareness of child abuse or help rebuild community structure. High schools, community centers, the YMCA and even town hall have been known to organize a race to help bring a town (or city) together. Check out these places, or take a look at one of the resources below:
The Green Team
What it is: A variety of different races and lengths, including 5Ks, 8Ks, half-marathons and full marathons in cities in the United States and Canada
Your participation will help: Shape the world where you live and run, locally and globally. This includes a number of running and sustainability resources from the experts at RUNNER’S WORLD and Nature’s Path, including training, opportunities to participate in green-friendly races and tips and tools for living organically.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Walks
What it is: A variety of different races, from 1.5Ks to 5Ks taking place in more than 60 communities across the country
Your participation will help: Raise money and awareness about our country's need for a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illness.
Walk Like MADD
What it is: A 5K walk taking place in 26 cities across America
Your participation will help: Support programs for victims of drunk driving as well as programs to help prevent drunk driving and underage drinking.
International
Expand your focus and help those worldwide by choosing an international charity race, such as:
Race for Dignity Challenge
What it is: A 10-hour team spinathon (stationary bike) in Toronto
Your participation helps: Support HIV/AIDS education and prevention in Malawi, Africa.
AIDS Walk
What it is: Varying lengths (12K walk, 10K Run) from California to Quebec
Your participation helps: Support HIV/AIDS education and prevention in your community and internationally
Church World Service CROP Hunger Walks
What it is: A variety of walks up to 10K in cities across the country
Your participation helps: Raise awareness and funds for international relief and development as well as local hunger-fighting.
CHOOSE A DISTANCE
Once you’ve chosen your charity, the next thing to do is choose a race length. Most are measured in kilometers, so check the chart below to see what that means in terms of mileage.
1K = 0.6 miles
3K = 1.86 miles
5K = 3.11 miles
8K = 4.97
10K = 6.21 miles
12K = 7.47 miles
Half Marathon = 13.1 miles
Marathon = 26.2 miles
Ultra Marathon = 100+ miles
Sprint Triathlon = 0.75 km (0.46 mile) swim, a 22 km (13.75 mile) bike ride and a 5 km (3.12 mile) run
Olympic Triathlon = 1.5 km (0.93 mile) swim, a 40 km (25 mile) bike ride and a 10 km (6.25 mile) run
Ironman = 3.84 km (2.4 mile) swim, a 179.2 km (112 mile) cycle and a 41.6 km (26 mile) run
Certified Personal Trainer
"I'm tough, ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. if that makes me a bitch, okay." - Madonna
Beginning Weight: 265 Current Weight:143
So I run like a Girl....now keep up!
Most Active
Recent Topics
