With the warmer weather and increased daylight, many put on their running shoes and head outdoors to get their daily dose of fitness.
If you’re looking to do the same, running is a great way to boost your mood and help you feel stronger. Plus, with a healthy diet, it helps you burn fat, boosts your metabolism, and makes your heart stronger.
However, if you’re new to exercise or running it may be hard to jump right in. Therefore, if you’re looking for some motivation to become healthier why not participate in a charity run? Charity runs are very inclusive to people of all fitness levels. So, you don’t have to be an athlete to participate in one. Plus, you’ll feel great knowing you’re giving back while you run.
In fact, our insurance agency recently participated in a 5K run on May 21st. It was a beautiful day and a lot of fun, although many of us were pretty sore the next day!
We ran to support Journey Found. Journey Found, if you’re not familiar, provides housing and services to adults with intellectual disabilities. In fact, Chris’s sister, Rachel, receives support here so this run was particularly special to all of us. The race began at 9:00AM and took place at Nevers Park in South Windsor, CT. Additionally, there were many other races throughout the day for different charities, live music, and tents that provided participants with snacks, water, and other goodies. It was great to see everyone giving back and raising money to benefit the well being of others.
If you’re looking for your own charity to run passionately for, Running in the USA provides an accurate and up to date list of races around the country that can be filtered by location, date, and type of race you’d participate in. The links on this website also provide a detailed description of the race. Not all the races listed are for charity, so make sure to check out the information on the race before you sign up!
If you do plan to run, make sure you’re well prepared before the big race. This means getting plenty of sleep and stretching your muscles well before you begin. Muscle cramps can cause fatigue early on and even cause injury if you’re not careful.
Having a healthy meal before you run is beneficial too. Eat something light because eating a full meal will weigh you down and may cause stomach cramps. Plus, you’ll burn more calories on an empty stomach. Foods such as bananas or yogurt are great before a race because they contain potassium. Potassium is important while you run because it is responsible for balancing the electrolyte levels in your body and prevents your muscles from cramping.
Additionally, don’t forget to bring water. Typically, charity runs have booths throughout the course that provide water for runners, but it’s always best to bring your own so you don’t have to stop or worry.
Don’t forget to check the weather before you leave for a race either. This way you’ll be properly dressed and won’t be too cold or warm while you run.
So, with the variety of charities out there that need your help, it’s time to start training and give it your all!