Giving Back !

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There are many ways all of us can give back to our fellow man and our community. I joined our city running club about 20 years ago and now participate in a few races from the 5k to the ultra marathon each year. All the races are usually donating to some worthy cause and it feels good, especially after the race is over, to know that a great deal of the monies are going to a charity who needs help.

Yesterday, I participated in a little 5k race locally and was very pleased to be part of the 285 other race/walkers helping to raise funds for the IWK. We all know it is heart lefting to see the amazing things the folks at IWK can do to make these little children recover.

So when you see the next race in your community advertised, think of joining the fun. Think of the good you can do for your friend, neighbour and community. Also, as you prepare for any given race you will be pleasantly surprised as to how will you eat and how good you feel after a little 5 mile run to get in shape. I know when I train for a marathon, I never feel more alive than when I complete a 10 or 20 mile training run. No, I don't expect you to do this but you could start by walking a half mile for a week, then 1 mile for a couple weeks, then walk/run the mile for a couple weeks, then run the 1 mile all the way. Then after a week of running the mile once a week add a half mile each week until your up to 5 miles. Then enter your first 5k race and run it easy. No one says you have to run to win. Just take it easy until you have run a few 5k and 10k races then you are ready to run what ever you want up to a marathon or even an ultra marathon.

Now you see I just gave you a free training schedule which would be very do-able for just about anyone. Obviously, if you are older or much over weight it would be prudent to get a check up with your doctor before doing any real strenuous excercise.

Oh, I forgot to tell you, I'm that old guy coming into the finish line in 25.54 minutes. Wow, how you do slow down when you get over 65+++. But the real important thing to note is if an old guy like myself can do it, I can only hope I can inspire you to at least give it a try. The worst thing that can happen is you will become healthy and maybe even be like me who almost never gets sick and has never been injured in 20 years of running. I know it is hard to believe but as my fellow runners who I am sure will confirm. Anyway, check out our running website; www.anb.ca.

It's been a pleasure running this race and a joy sharing with you a way to become inexpensively healthy, happy and most of all a wonderful feeling of self-gratification in sharing your time and money to so worth while causes from building gymnasiums for your school, soccer fields, ball diamonds, playgrounds, hospital equipment, serving at your blood bank, heart and stroke, diabetes fun drives, lung association, to cancer research, etc. etc. The list just goes on and on. So Folks the next time you give don't just give $20 but get personally involved. You will be so happy you did. Giving is always better than receiving!!!