At the end of last year, as temperatures were starting to slip, nightfall was basically 4pm and winter’s grip began to take hold, I found a lot of reasons to stay cozy inside instead of heading out for a run or walk. But a friend challenged me to join her Run Across America team, part of a newly-launched social enterprise that started as a group of friends who set out to create something positive out of the pandemic. My “Holiday Hustle” challenge was to reach a total of 50km by the end of the year. It sounded like a lot, but I did the math and with two months to complete it, I figured I could chip away at the 50k one day at a time. So I did. And wouldn’t you know, that little app motivated me reach that goal? And in a time when things aren’t ideal (thanks, Covid), it was a rush. It forced me to find “me time,” strengthened my commitment to a daily fitness habit, and created a new level of interaction with girls on my team. Oh, and even better? Participating helped the organization raise $430,000 for Feeding America, whose work is paramount right now as hunger and food insecurity is at critical mass in communities across the country.
Sometimes I look like an upright sleeping bag with running. Cool, cool, cool.
Now, Run Across America has launched the Winter Warmup and I’m all in! My team, Team Newport Style (‘cause that how we roll…or run, technically), just registered and we’re literally off and running ‒ and we’re welcoming more teammates. The Winter Warmup continues through March 4th and my personal goal is to once again hit 50km (this time, with about a month to complete). If you want to get onboard, we’d love to have you. Here’s the thing about running – it’s all about your pace and your experience. To me, it’s not about setting personal records, it’s about being in the present and the mindfulness of running outside. I revisited my post, Five Things I Learned by Committing to the Run for Home Base with New Balance, and all of those things – the gift if running in Newport, showing up is half the battle, some days will be better than others — still ring true.
Here’s the skinny:
This is a cumulative distance challenge. You get to choose a goal (either 50km, 100km, or 250km) to achieve by March 14, the day we spring forward for Daylight Savings (halleluiah!).
Your $45 registration includes event entry, access to their exclusive route tracking app, an optional long-sleeve t-shirt or beanie and bonus events during the warmup. The app allows you to also take a selfie or share a pic from your camera roll to log with each run and share on social with Winter Warmup graphics.
Click here for more.
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