Even though I’ve been blessed enough to be involved in the running/walking community for close to 20 years, I’m constantly amazed at the generosity within the sport. Runners and walkers alike, love to share what they know with others. They never hesitate to provide advice, encouragement and support to those new to the track or the road. It is this spirit of generosity that has allowed events like the Fifth Third River Bank Run to flourish in this community.
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admit it. Attempting to adopt a healthier lifestyle isn’t always fun. I’d much rather pop a Lindor Truffle (preferably white chocolate) into my mouth than a carrot. I want the red meat (rare) much more than the fish (and if I have to have the fish, I’d much rather have it fried than grilled or, heaven forbid, poached).
Wearing a pedometer, however, can be fun, and, for people like me, pretty easy to get used to doing each day. The pedometer acts as my conscience, prompting me to make choices that will increase the number of steps I’m taking which, in turn, leads to an increase in my overall activity level. It doesn’t require me to pay a gym membership and then carve an extra hour out of my day to exercise. It doesn’t require me to change my eating habits…but, the funny thing is, when I’m actively adding steps to my day I’m less likely to reach for those truffles.
The Fifth Third River Bank Run is currently offering the 10,000 Steps Challenge — completely free of charge! Simply sign up online at http://www.53riverbankrun.com/training/t1/10-000-steps.php or through a paper entry form (available at any Fifth Third Banking Center). Upon receipt of your registration, we’ll mail you a pedometer (yes, your very own conscience to get and keep you stepping), a 12 week walking schedule, water bottle, chapstick and a $3 discount coupon for the Fifth Third 5K Community Walk on Saturday, May 8.
So, no excuses. The 10,000 Steps Challenge isn’t too expensive — did I mention that it is free of charge? It won’t take a lot of your time — simply clip the pedometer to your waist and go about your regular activity. And it will provide you with an easy way to get just a little healthier — a step in the right direction for all of us.
Here’s to a new year of embracing magical moments like watching your daughter make snow angels in her pajamas. Holding the lecture on pneumonia and joining her in laughter was so much more fun.
Here’s to a new year of taking a few risks. Sure, it won’t always work out, but when it does, we feel energized, euphoric, on top of the world. Instead of playing everything so safe, let’s be just a little reckless; with our compliments (brighten someone’s day), our talents (go the extra mile every time), our faith (let someone know they are not alone).
As the race director for the Fifth Third River Bank Run, I have the pleasure of talking with hundreds of runners and walkers each year about the event – something I most enjoy about my job! One of the comments that comes up most often is, “I’m going to participate this year, but I’m really worried I’m going to be last to cross the finish line.”
Prior to wonderful tools like mapquest and GPS devices, I was lost — literally. I was seemingly born without map reading or folding skills. The corner gas station– any corner gas station — was my best friend when I was attempting to get anywhere by car. Unlike my husband, I embrace asking strangers for directions.
STAIRS — most of us have them at home or at the office! Start with walking or running up and down one flight 10-20 times, then work up to more each day. You’ll get your heart pumping and muscles working!
BLEACHERS — drive (cycle or walk if the weather allows) to your local middle or high school and walk or jog the bleachers. Same routine as the stairs but this will get your outside!
That’s what we did this past weekend — literally, we had a ball. Aptly named the, “Sky Ball,” this round sphere of blue practically disappears into the sky after being thrown as hard as possible onto the pavement. It was one of our 10-year-old son’s favorite birthday gifts a couple of weeks ago. One of those, “We HAVE to play with this right now” kind of presents.
You know those people that every time you’re around them you’re inspired to try something new, live a little better, parent smarter or enjoy life more? I am blessed to have several of these kind of people in my life and now you can meet and get to know them too! They are joining us here with weekly blog posts that I hope you and your family find informative, insightful and inspirational.
We found her at a shelter — much bigger than we had planned for the family dog. But her gentle brown eyes caught me and held on. Then, seeing her gentleness with our kids (ages 1, 3 and 5 at the time), we knew we had found her. Our three-year-old daughter promptly named her, “Piper,” and even though she may have really meant, “Pepper,” there was no going back.
Figuring out how to become more physically active during my daily life has become more and more of a passion as I move through my 40s! Born and raised in West Michigan, I’ve been blessed to act as the Fifth Third River Bank Run Race Director since 1993. This opportunity has allowed me to understand the positive effects of exercise as thousands take to the streets of downtown Grand Rapids on the second Saturday of May to meet their fitness goals. My season in life – married with three kids, working in and out of the home, and volunteering where I can – means that time is precious and fitting a regular exercise routine in every day is difficult. So instead I multi-task, adding in more activity to things I’m already doing or search for activities our family can enjoy together!