A meaningful New Year’s resolution

 

It’s that time of year again. Time to decide what resolutions you want go after for 2020. On most year’s list, the top two most sought after resolutions are 1. Eating Healthy and 2. Exercising more.

I read the other day that by 2030, half of all Americans will be obese. That is a body mass index of 40 or more, a sure fast highway to health issues.

All of us who use a gym see the big spike in gym popularity after the holidays. People who don’t regularly use a gym or the YMCA suddenly get workout clothes and hit the door with good intentions. January is usually the biggest month of the year for gym attendance but with March and April comes a return to the same old pattern.

If you have fitness goals for 2020 and they include cardiovascular exercise, here is a plan that will work. And the first installment starts on Wednesday, January 1st. Any fitness plan needs to be outlined in detail, part of a regimen and with achievable goals. Doing this makes your plan accountable and more likely to be balanced against work, family and everyday life.

Consider a running/walking program, probably not a surprise to anyone that I would suggest that. Salisbury was recognized late last year as a nationally designated Runner Friendly Community, one of currently just 54 such communities nationwide. We have great resources to make this happen. Here is my suggestion.

On Wednesday, join us for the Resolution Run 5K at The Forum. This is a low-key community event that rewards participation. Not the kind that everyone gets a trophy, but the kind where no awards are given at all.

Here is why such a thing works. The low price of $10 or just $5 if you bring three canned goods, all of that donated to Rowan Helping Ministries. Plus, each participant gets a shirt, refreshments and their own time for completion of the 5K. Any level of runner or walker is encouraged to attend to jump start your own wellness program for the year. Then get back to other activities for the day knowing that you have done something positive on the very first day of the year!

Remember the part about setting goals? OK, here is the next step. Salisbury’s oldest and biggest running/walking event is set for January 26th at Catawba College. The New Sarum Brewing 37th Annual Winter Flight 8K/5K and half mile fun run fills the bill. Depending on your ability, pick a race that fits. The 8K is 4.97 miles and has used essentially the same course for more than 20 years. This one isn’t open to walkers but the 5K (3.1 miles) is. The 5K is called the Health Run/Walk and had a big increase in participants last year. Both races are timed and all finishers can watch a video later of their finish.

And finally, the half mile fun run/walk is open to any age and is free. Last year, we had participants in their 80s. Kids, 12 and under, can receive awards but all finishers will get medals.
All 8K and 5K finishers also get the very popular Meredith Abramson designed commemorative hoodie. And again, every single dollar of proceeds goes to Rowan Helping Ministries. More than 30 local businesses are supporting this event.

Other races continue throughout the year. The next one is February 29th, the Will Run for Food 5K at Centenary Methodist. Remember the part about setting reasonable goals? One of the best ways to do this is to immerse yourself in the sport and keep scheduling an event ahead. Learn and become more comfortable as you go.
And finally, to pull it all together, consider taking our popular Beginning Runners Class, starting on March 17th. The Salisbury PD hosts the Salisbury Rowan Runners and Salisbury Parks and Recreation for this eight week series.

There you have it! If running or cardiovascular health is one of your resolutions, go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org or give me a call if you have any questions. 704-310-6741.