For 11 months I have been on a health journey that has resulted in losing 55lbs. I’ve changed my diet, and started going to the gym on a regular basis. I stopped eating certain things like fast food, sugary sweets, soda (I do miss soda), and yummy white bread. Instead of finishing my plate, I stopped eating when I was full. Over the last year, I’ve also learned that if I’m going to splurge, to make it worth it. I’m not going to waste my calories on something that’s not yummy. AND-on some days when I have splurged, most things haven’t actually tasted good. I noticed that my taste buds have changed, and I now crave healthy foods. (Although, I can never go wrong with splurging on Mexican or Italian food. Or cupcakes. Let’s be honest here.) Anyway, aside from changing my eating habits, I’ve also been hitting the gym. I usually go about 3-4 times a week, and I always feel good when I leave. In the beginning I was working super hard, now, I’ve noticed that I’m going in and just maintaining. I do the same stuff. 20 minutes of cardio, then 40 minutes of weights. I’m too afraid to try any boot camps or classes-especially Zumba. I twisted my ankle in a Zumba class years ago, and looked like a fool at the same time. Therefore, Zumba is dead to me. One thing I have noticed since hitting the gym is that I’ve become more flexible and mobile. I have more energy and I even RUN on the treadmill at times. That’s right. Run. And I hate running.
Over this year I’ve been witness to many of my friends participating in marathons or runs around town. I’ve cheered them on through Facebook, but never once have I had any desire to actually participate myself. I don’t care how much weight I’ve lost. I don’t care how healthy I may feel. Why would anyone want to
A-Run 5K?
B-Get dirty? (I’m talking about the color and mud runs.)
C-Run for fun?
Then I did the math. 5K is a little over 3 miles. What?! 3 miles?! That’s it?! I walked about 6 miles a couple of weeks ago with my daughter. (She walked 9 miles, I only participated in some of the walk.) You know what this means? This means that I can, in fact, participate in a local run. Yes, I. Can. Do. It.
I’m going to make this a personal goal of mine. Maybe not right away, but very, very soon.
In looking into local runs/marathons, I found that there a many coming up this Spring. What’s wonderful about some of these runs/marathons is that they are done for charity, or in support of something. When there is a cause that is close to your heart, then of course you want to go outside of your comfort zone and participate. Well, at least I do. I did a walk a couple years back in solidarity with my friend, supporting those who have made it through childhood cancer. These walks are a great way to raise money and show support for local causes.
Let me share with you some of the local marathons/run-walks happening this Spring.
April 2nd-April 3rd
If I had looked into this earlier, I would have tried to attend the run on Sunday. Saturday, part of the 168 freeway will be closed for bike riders. Then on Sunday, there is a half marathon (5K) walk/run through the new African Adventure at the Zoo. What fun!! If this event is not full yet, you can still register today. Check out their website for more information.
April 10th at Woodward Park and Cobb’s Ranch in Madera
This is a 10K run. There is also a 2 mile walk as well as kids races. The proceeds benefit Muscular Dystrophy Association.
April 16th at Kearney Park
This would be the one where you get dirty. This would be so much fun for me if it weren’t for all the color that would get in my car. They say it can be vacuumed out easily, so don’t let my fear of a mess get in the way of you participating! 😉 100% of the proceeds go towards cancer research and Alzheimer’s disease.
April 16th at Valley Children’s Hospital
This would be a great walk for families. Valley Children’s Hospital, in conjunction with the Autism Center at Fresno State, is hoping to raise more awareness about their program George’s Pass. This really is a fun, family event. For registered children 12 years and under, they will receive a free superhero cape to wear for the event.
This is just a small list! I had no idea there were so many different marathons around town. If you’re interested in some other runs, check here and here for a more comprehensive list. I also liked this site as well.
Let’s cheer each other on! I’m hoping to make one of these this year. Let’s encourage each other!
Happy running! 🙂
- Visit Local: Selma - August 26, 2016
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- Adopt Local: Animal Compassion Team - August 12, 2016
Congratulations Tiffiny! 5K is a great distance. Don’t let anyone ever convince you that you have to do a half-marathon or full marathon to be a “real” runner. You run. You’re a runner.
I think you have a twin in San Diego. She runs and loves cupcakes, too. Her name is Beth Ziesenis.
And, you have local kindred spirits in a group called the Bad News Bears Runners… they LOVE events like these and get dressed up and greatly encourage each other. I can connect you with them on FB, or you can reach out them at https://www.facebook.com/bnbrunners/