Last spring - no, the spring before last... time has slipped away from me, I went on an exercise bender. Gym 4 days a week, alternating between 45 to 60 minutes on the elliptical or walk/jogging a 5k on the treadmill and weight training. I went to a fancy running shoe store and dropped serious money on a pair of sneakers of running. I'd whiddled my way down to a 43 minute 5k (3.2 miles, if you're wondering), which although not great, was a marked improvement for me. I don't run as a general rule. I had all these fantasies about becoming a 'runner' and hitting some of the local trails. Ha!As with most exercise spurts of mine, I fizzled out. Couldn't do a 43 minute 5k now if a tiger was chasing me. So naturally it is now, when I'm probably at a low point in my personal fitness, that I've signed up to do a 5k for work.
This Sunday, they're having the Jingle Bell Walk/Run for Arthritis. Our company is a major sponsor and as a result, we were encouraged heavily to participate. I figured it couldn't hurt, so I signed up to walk. My team is the Code-Hearted Snowmen (sorry for the programming pun, I am responsible for the name). So far, I've raised $125 and helped with a chili lunch today that raised another $540. Now all that's left for me to do is actually walk. I have no illusions of running. I did, however, consider taking the husky with me so he'd drag me to the finish line in record time. :)
Right now the forecast is for clear skies and highs in the low 70s. I'm hopeful. I really don't want to sludge through this in cold, wet, weather. But either way, I'll be tying on my overpriced running shoes and taking a stab at it.
Have you done any charity walks/runs before? Any plans to give back or volunteer in some way this holiday season? I'm not sure I can face gift wrapping at the mall again this year. Scary stuff.
SP
7 comments:
I've never done any charity walks or runs and now I can't because of all the problems with my feet. Maybe we could build a little sled on wheels and the husky could pull me!
I do work as a volunteer with a divorce and grief recovery group. I'm presenting a program on coping with the holidays, which can be an extremely stressful time of year if you're separated, divorced or widowed. I've had so much support from everyone (hi Playfriends!) that this is my way of paying it forward.
Good luck with the walk. You'll be in a group, so just put one foot in front of the other, listen to your iPod (go online and find some good walking songs to help you maintain a steady rhythm) and/or talk to your fellow walkers. The miles will fly by.
I did the Cotton Row 2-mile one time -- spurred on by a sassy daughter who said, "You're not gonna let that fat-a** in front of you beat you are you?" (Snicker, snicker) And for this I received a free T-Shirt.
Word verification: flaptypy -- the sound you feet make as you are running a 5K.
Damn, I forgot to sponsor you.
The last charity walk I did was the Bogle Stroll through Manchester, England. I made it 20 miles (I was 22 at the time), before I sat my butt down and refused to walk any further. One of our support drivers eventually came to get me when I didn't check in at the next checkpoint.
Although, Bogle helped me decide that DG might really be the one. (Not counting his freak-out when my friend appeared at the checkpoint without me, of course.)
See, DG sponsored me per mile and when I didn't make it far enough to earn the official Bogle Stroll coffee mug, he pitched in the extra cash so I would get one. I knew he was a keeper then.
If anyone is inclined, it's not too late to donate. As a team we're done competing, but our program is still looking to raise as much as we can.
http://2010jbrhuntsville.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=346951&lis=1&kntae346951=6F2AA570F19B412DB71487E9DD260DA6&supId=312214055
Argh -- fArther not further. FARTHER.
Sigh. I do know the difference.
I've done four 5K's this year. The charities were for Hospice of Marshall Co., Cystic Fibrosis, Kelly's Rainbow for Domestic Violence and Race for the Cure for breast cancer. I would like to add I really don't like running but I like to do my part for a good cause. The last two races I mostly walked and my friends 'ran' off and left me. :-D
Glad you'll have good weather tomorrow. Have fun!
No I haven't done a walk/run...hah just check my picture with Kimberly...lol
However, I have sponsored quite a few events and years ago I did volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. And I will still continue to sponsor events.
Good luck with your walk.
Post a Comment