Run or Walk Christmas Day - Joyful 5k & New Year's Eve - Hopeful 5k

You’re invited to run, walk and/or volunteer Charities Challenge’s last Holiday Run Events for 2012, both at Como Lake in St Paul, on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. http://www.charitieschallenge.org

Tuesday, Dec 25, is the 7^th Annual Christmas Day – Joyful 5k experience at Como Lake in St Paul, MN. Start time 10 AM. This continues to be “The Biggest Christmas Day 5k in the USA”. http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/christmas_day_5k.html

Monday, Dec 31, is the New Year’s Eve – Hopeful 5k experience at Como Lake in St Paul, MN. Start time 3 PM. Learn more about the last Holiday Run of 2012 & post-race party here http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/new_years_eve_day_hopeful_5k.html

Throughout 2012 at CC’s RxExercise Events we celebrated the Power of RxExercise to improve the health and lives, and even the relationships of thousands, especially improving the lives of so many of us who live well beyond our health challenges due to chronic diseases like arthritis, cancer, depression, diabetes, or accidental serious injuries.

Christmas Day is a day to celebrate all those “Miracle Miles” so many of us have walked and run together in 2012, and to encourage our loved ones to join us by coming alongside us on Christmas morning for a fun walk/run.

Give the gift of sharing some miles of smiles with family & friends who will be oh-so happier-healthier for their RxExercise and thereby even enjoy improved relationships in 2013.

If you're among the nearly 200 already pre-registered, Thank You! Perhaps you'll want to forward this invitation to more of your family & friends to join you, too.

Early Day-Before Check-In and in person Pre-registration option:

Check in the day before the race reduces the check-in lines on race day.

Early Check-In & Shirt and bib # pick-up is Monday, Dec 24 from 10 AM to 3 PM at Black Bear Crossings Cafe inside the lakeside pavilion on Como Lake.

Christmas Day – Joyful 5k Race Day Check-in for pre-registered, and race day registration, opens at 9 AM at the beautiful lakeside pavilion on Como Lake. Enjoy:

1. 1. Long-sleeve commemorative shirt
2. 2. Happy holiday motivating music and announcer
3. 3. Healthful tasty treats and a variety of hot beverages
4. 4. Unique free-to-copy fabulous photos and online slideshow
5. 5. Miles of Smiles shared by families & friends Holiday Run

For more inspiring “Christmas Day – Joyful 5k” registration  information, press release, online photos slideshows of past events, and even a great “History of Christmas”, go to http://charitieschallenge.org/html/christmas_day_5k.html

Any tax-deductible contributions added to your entry fee or sent separately will continue serving others’ RxExercise needs by supporting Charities Challenge year ‘round RxExercise Mission, Programs, Partnerships, Services and Events. http://www.crowdrise.com/CharitiesChallenge2012

The Christmas Holiday Run Event has become for many of us a particularly meaningful, and memorable Christmas Day’s Families & Friends Tradition of RxExercise, because “Brighter, Lighter Days & Miles of Smiles Come with Sharing Our RxExercise Every Day”.

We CC Race Event Worker (CCREW) volunteers look forward to seeing you at Como Lake on Christmas morning where together we’ll enjoy an active “Miracles Miles” morning.

More CCREW are always welcome to join us in delivering another Holiday Event. RSVP if you want to join our rewarding experience as a CCREW volunteer. What a great active gift of volunteering you’ll be giving to so many others as a CCREW member!

Come In From the Cold - Challenge Courage Indoor Track Races

Charities Challenge’s Wintertime Indoor Track Series Continues this Sunday morning, December 2 @ Bethel University in Arden Hills with the 7^th Annual Challenge Courage Indoor Track Races.

For more information and registration options go to http://charitieschallenge.org/

Doors open at 8 AM, first event starts at 9 AM.




Fully Automated Timing (F.A.T.) and scoring by Josh Gerber of WayzataResults.com will allow for immediate race results.

Come En-Courage one another’s athleticism, training and racing, an irreplaceable gift to athletes of all ages and abilities.

Sunday’s forecast is for cold temps and icy outdoor paths of a Minnesota December, making Sunday’s 2nd of 5 Indoor Track Challenge Events at Bethel U oh-so welcoming-warm.

There will be races of a variety of distance, mid-distance and sprints events, 5000m, 60m, Mile, 200m, 800m, a separate judge Mile race walk, finishing with a 400m. Enter each or all events for one entry fee, and a special reduced rate for students under age 19.

There will be challenging athletic competitions and fast-fun for athletes of all ages and athletic abilities.

Perhaps you can set a personal racing record at this year’s Challenge Courage races, and even take a shot at setting an All-Time record for the Challenge Courage Event or even a record for the entire Indoor Challenge Events Series All-Time. See last year’s and the standing All-time racing records for a little added motivation to your athletic training http://charitieschallenge.org/html/challenge_courage.html

Reaching for worthy goals for which one chooses to train diligently takes courage (i.e. “heart”). Go for a record of your own!

Each CC Challenge Event highlights the power of an RxExercise prescription in improving the quality of life for many of us challenged with one of a variety of health challenges, challenges like arthritis, cancer, diabetes, depression, heart disease and more. Such health challenges call for special courage.

CC’s Challenge Courage Races Event theme is “Celebrating Strength & Courage”.

Train & Race for “Courage & Strength to Better Meet Life’s Challenges”! We can each train and race to be stronger and therefore better prepared for life’s challenges.

Come en-Courage and cheer on one another in our training and racing Sunday morning at Bethel U. This kind of En-Couragement is truly an enlivening, irreplaceable gift and a wonderful way to actively lift one another’s spirits during the Holiday Season!

And, if you can’t make the indoor races this Sunday or the Challenge Isolation Indoor Track Races on Dec 16 at Bethel U, please consider joining us and hundreds of other runners and walkers from across America for “The Biggest Christmas Day 5k in the USA” at Como Lake on Tuesday, Dec 25. Learn more about this unique-in-America Christmas Day – Joyful 5k at http://charitieschallenge.org/html/christmas_day_5k.html

More CC Race Event Workers always welcome, too, as Josh needs about six volunteers to help him/us. Please RSVP with me if you want to join our CCREW this Sunday, or any other time, and learn about our CCREW Rewards Program. Volunteering brings benefits, intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, to all CC Race Events Workers.

2012 ThanksGiving Day - GivingThanks 5k Story & Photos

Thanks to everyone who played an active part in Charities Challenge's 7^th Annual ThanksGiving Day - GivingThanks 5k - Attitude of Gratitude Celebration, yesterday at Como Lake in St Paul. Find the slideshow with theme music here http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/thanksgiving_day_5k.html

Enjoy remembering some of the morning's special experiences as you view the online photos slideshow while hearing again some of the 2012 ThanksGiving Day 5k theme songs. Be sure to turn up your computer sound before clicking on "Slideshow".

The 1151 photos at 1 second per image will take about 20 minutes to view. But, I hope you find the music inspiring along with the images of so many sharing their walk/run with loved ones.

You’re welcome to freely copy any photos from the gallery “index”, add the photos to your digital photo files, and even send the photo(s) to family and friends via e-mail. And, like so many others, post your favorite photo(s) to your Facebook page.

I learned during early check-in from one regular runner of this Holiday Run that she took from last year’s TD5k photos select images and created a printed collage for family/friends with whom she ran. What a great idea for a Christmastime gift after the ThanksGiving Day 5k! You’re welcome to add your commemorative bib or the image of that colorful collector bib # to any photos collage you may create. Cool. And, I’d love to see any such collages you may create. So, post those photos collage to Charities Challenge Facebook group page or send them to my e-address.

When you view the photos slideshow you’ll see “Miles of Smiles” evidencing the Power of RxExercise (exercise as medicine) to cheer each of us during even these darkening days of fall into winter, and how sharing a run/walk even improves our relationships with loved ones who walk and run by our sides.

Thanks to about 20 CC Race Event Worker (CCREW) volunteers who helped produce this Holiday Run Event. Others are welcome to join our happy CCREW for any of our 26 Annual CC Events. CC volunteers can earn a variety of valuable CCREW Rewards for being so actively supportive of others’ RxExercise experiences. Some CCREW also are earning fundraising credits to help cover CC’s cost to send them as RxExercise Ambassadors to Great Destination Events, like the Maui Oceanfront Marathon in January, Ireland’s Dublin Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in August, and Marine Corps Marathon & 10K in October. Go CCREW! And…Go RxExercise Ambassadors!

Thanks also to each of you who brought non-perishable food items, and a few who added cash donations, that CC delivered immediately following the event to Roseville’s Keystone Community Services. Thanks to CCREW member, Phil Face, for making that delivery.

By walking, running and/or volunteering about 900 others at the ThanksGiving Day – GivingThanks 5k, you made an immediate difference in your own healthier-happier life, as well as so many others’ lives, by “Sharing the RxExercise Challenge” with families & friends. Walk and run with a year ‘round “Attitude of Gratitude”, and be ready to come back next year happier-healthier, faster and fitter than ever.

When measured against the big world of road racing events, many of which seek to grow in numbers into sometimes very big crowds, CC Events are intended to be boutique events with an upper limit of participation that keeps our events safe, more pleasant for everyone, allowing for more personally satisfying experiences shared by family & friends many of whom are recognized by name by both fellow athletes and our CC Race Event Worker (CCREW) volunteers.

Nonetheless, the 2012 ThanksGiving Day 5k saw a CC record number of participants of 900+ walkers & runners, plus guests and volunteers. That's filling our Como Lake "house" on Thanksgiving Day. Well done to all!

Before the New Year, you’re oh-so welcome to come back to Como Lake for the 7^th Annual Christmas Day – Joyful 5k http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/christmas_day_5k.html

And, to get through this winter’s icy challenges there’s another opportunity to improve your racing speed by joining in on CC’s Indoor Track Challenge Series continuing next Sunday at Bethel University’s indoor track facility. Join us there to “stay on track” with your training and racing for faster “funner” times http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/indoor_track_challenge_series.html

You’re also invited to keep up with Charities Challenge RxExercise News, Events and inspiring stories by adding Charities Challenge to your Facebook “Friends” https://www.facebook.com/groups/41310607820/

Run or Walk Charities Challenge's 4th Annual Halloween Fearless 5k – Chase Away Fears Event @ Como Lake, St Paul,

You’re invited to run, walk and/or volunteer at Charities Challenge’s 4th  Annual Halloween Fearless 5k – Chase Away Fears Event at Como Lake, St Paul, next Saturday, October 27, starting at 9 AM. For more information, online and printable mail-in entry registration form, go to http://charitieschallenge.org/html/halloween_fearless_5k.html

Pre-register online or by mail for lowest entry fee $27! Entry fee increases to $32 after Sunday, Oct 21. Race day registration is $40.

Professionally chip-timed 5k on a lakeside USATF certified course and the simultaneous 1.5 Mile Family & Friends Fun Walk will start at 9 AM. The events will start/finish near the lovely lakeside pavilion.

We'll party lakeside next Saturday morning, celebrating the Power of RxExercise to improve lives and even reduce fears and anxiety.




Registration includes:
A) “Halloween Fearless 5k” party atmosphere including lots of participants in costume
B) Classy commemorative Halloween Fearless 5k long sleeve shirt
C) Race results according to complete USATF divisions
D) Halloween Motivational Music & Announcer to give you a “Shout Out”
E) Enthusiastic CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers. NOTE: Whenever you may not be racing, please join our Rewarding CCREW anytime, too; RSVP with me by e-mail or phone to join our CCREW
F) Photography and unique post-race online “Miles of Smiles” slideshow
G) Healthful hot & cold refreshments & Halloween Treats
H) Convenient, free parking, and indoor heated restrooms

Chase Away Fears! Yes, RxExercise has been shown to even improve the management of fearful depression and anxiety.

Only 4% of Americans ever run & less than 2% ever run/walk a road race! Non-exercisers fear exercise & fear that their efforts to improve their health/fitness will be a waste of time.

Actively demonstrate your friendly fearlessness as an active runner/walker by sharing your run/walk with others who may have been fearful of RxExercise and entering a 5k road race.

RxExercise has been discovered to be the “magic pill” for reducing a variety of fearsome health risks including arthritis, cancer, depression, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and more.

So, come together Saturday morning where we’re all making a difference by helping people to live well today and every day by actively supporting Charities Challenge ongoing RxExercise Programs and CC’s Special Holiday Run Events like Saturday’s Halloween Fearless 5k.

CC's Unique Wintertime Indoor Track Challenge Series begins Sunday, Nov 18

Charities Challenge’s unique-in-Minnesota Wintertime Indoor Track Challenge Series of 5x Indoor Track Events begins Sunday, November 18, at Bethel University in Arden Hills. http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/indoor_track_challenge_series.html

Nov 18 will be the new date for the 8^th Annual Challenge Depression Indoor Track Races Event. Doors open at 8 AM and the first race starts at 9 AM. Come in from the cold for a warm reception and hot racing times!

"Get & Stay on Track" all winter long with CC’s unique Challenge Series of 5x Indoor Track Events at Bethel U's outstanding indoor track.

You’re also invited to be among the first 50 pre-registering as “Taking on All Challenges”, all 5x Indoor Events, with just one entry fee, and save $25 on the Indoor Track Series that will keep you training and racing faster through a Minnesota winter.

That’s 5 Indoor Track “Taking on All Challenges” Events for just $85 total!

This reduced entry fees offer is limited to the first 50 registrants for the winter-long series and closes at Midnight on Thursday, Nov 15 or sooner when 50 pre-registrations are received.

To take advantage of this special reduced rate for “Taking on All Challenges” go to http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/indoor_track_challenge_series.html

There will be challenging athletic competitions and fast-fun for athletes of all ages and athletic abilities.

There will be a variety of sprints, mid-distance, and distance events, 60m to 5000m, and a separate judged race walk event. Enter any or all events for one low entry fee.

Perhaps you can set a racing record at this year’s races, take a shot at setting an All-Time record for one of the Events, or even a record for the entire All-Time All-Indoor Challenge Events Series.

Professional Fully Automated Timing (F.A.T. ) will again be provided by Josh Gerber of WayzataResults.com and CC Race Event Worker (CCREW) volunteers will again be serving athletes from ages 5 to 75. Join our CCREW volunteers anytime you’re not racing to be more motivated and CC-REWARDED.

Volunteering as a CCREW Member in active support of others’ athletic pursuits, especially when we may happen to be injured or unable to race, is a superior therapy for battling depression and wintertime blues. So, please RSVP with CC’s Coach Gary Westlund, when you’re ready to CCREW; and, you’ll be CC-REWARDED.

CONCLUSION:

What’s that about RxExercise vs. Depression?

Reaching for worthy goals for which one must train diligently is highly related to beating depression and avoiding wintertime blues. Go for a record of your own!

Each CC Challenge Event highlights the Power of RxExercise (exercise as medicine) in improving the quality of life for many of us challenged with any of a variety of chronic health challenges, challenges like arthritis, cancer, diabetes or depression.

CC’s Challenge Depression – Celebrating Happiness Event is a day to especially celebrate the power of RxExercise to brighten and lighten many of our lives challenged by mild-to-moderate depression. The occasion for happy social interactions is also a highlight of CC’s wintertime warm-welcoming indoor track events.

Run or Walk Challenge Aging 5k @ Como Lake, Sunday, Sept 22

Walk, run or actively volunteer for the 7^th Annual Challenge Aging 5k Event, this Sunday, September 22, at Como Lake, St Paul, MN, 9 AM Start.

Fabulous fall forecast for colorful autumnal Como Lake: Sunny, 47-68 F. light winds, and “Miles of Smiles”!

For more information including online registration option go to http://charitieschallenge.org/

We'll Party in the Park on Saturday morning with amazing athletes of all ages leading the way into advancing ages!

We'll celebrate:

1. A unique “Celebrating Strength & Successful Aging” Theme.

2. The inspiration of running and walking with truly remarkable and inspiring “Well-Aged Athletes” demonstrating The Power of RxExercise to improve lives throughout all our years.

3. Unique Bib Numbers Assignment: Bib #s will be going in inverse order of pre-registered athletes’ ages. (So far, #1 will be worn by a man age 78!)

4. Earning a one-of-a-kind-in-America road racing “Challenge Aging 5k” commemorative t-shirt.

5. Enjoy the cheerful welcome and expert support of CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers, and healthful tasty treats.

6. Recognition by race announcer & Ageless Motivational Music.

7. Fabulous photographic record and online CC Photos slide show of your racing the event. See last year’s event photos via the CC site.

8. Recognition for many race division winners.

9. Great Harvest fresh race rolls, whole fruit, hot & cold beverages

10. More memorable “Miles of Smiles”!

Why “Challenge Aging”?

The BAD NEWS: Because advancing age beyond age 35 is highly related to increasing adverse risks to health and happiness of “Usual Aging”.

“Usual Aging”, according to gerontologists, involves a variety of serious challenges to health and happiness and even good relationships.

“Usual Aging” is how most people age...badly and sadly.

The GOOD NEWS: Alternatively, we each can choose to actively pursue what gerontologists call “Successful Aging”.

There are a variety of personal habits that contribute to successful aging. But, one habit is paramount: Exercise.

Strength through exercise is the major variable in “Successful Aging”.

Note: “Real Aging” for physically fit & athletic individuals after age 40 is slowed to ¼ the rate of “Usual Aging” effects in sedentary individuals.

Active athletes are really younger than their chronological years and tend to be happier-healthier than sedentary individuals.

Exercise is a big part of why, for example, my own “Real Age” is 54, eight years younger than my chronological age of 62.

How would you like to be ten, or twenty, years younger than your advancing chronological age?

You’re welcome to visit CC’s Challenge Aging 5k page http://charitieschallenge.org/html/challenge_aging.html to find links to online programs that allow you to estimate your real age, and then come Saturday to celebrate your youthfulness through your RxExercise.

Invitation to Run or Walk Challenge Arthritis 5k, Saturday, August 25

You’re invited to run, walk or volunteer at Charities Challenge’s 8^th Annual Challenge Arthritis 5k Event at Como Lake, St Paul, this Saturday, August 25, starting at 8 AM.

For more information including online registration option go to www.charitieschallenge.org Register today!

The professionally timed 5k on a lakeside USATF certified course and the simultaneous 1.5 Mile Family & Friends Fun Walk will start at 8 AM. The Kids Challenge Fun Run will start about 9:15 AM after the 5k event is completed. The events will start/finish near the lovely lakeside pavilion.

Pre-registration is $25 through Sunday, Aug 19, $30 Aug 20-22; race-day registration is $40; reduced rates for the Kids Challenge Fun Run includes commemorative shirt. Online pre-registration closes at Midnight, Wednesday, Aug 22.

We'll party lakeside, celebrating the Power of RxExercise to improve the lives of family & friends living well beyond a variety of arthritis challenges. Registration includes:

A) “Celebrating Strong Steps with Arthritis” party atmosphere

B) Commemorative colorful Challenge Arthritis 5k shirt

C) Race results according to complete USATF divisions

D) Compete for Challenge Arthritis 5k records

E) Motivational Challenge Arthritis theme music

F) Enthusiastic CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers. NOTE: Please join our Rewarding CCREW volunteers whenever you may not be racing. RSVP with me by e-mail GaryWestlund@aol.com or phone 612-245-9160 to join our happy CCREW.

G) Complimentary photography and unique post-race online “Miles of Smiles” slideshow

H) Healthful, tasty refreshments

I) Convenient, free parking

Because of their commitment to their own RxExercise regimen many are living well beyond their arthritis challenges. These Arthritis-Challenged Honored Athletes will inspire each of us to maintain our own stronger hearts and minds with our own RxExercise.

Please refer to CC and the Challenge Arthritis Event anyone you know that we may celebrate as they continue their successful, active living beyond their arthritis challenges.

Come meet and cheer each of our Arthritis-Challenged Honored Athletes, and everyone who is racing to fill their exercise prescription. Brilliant!

Run or Walk Challenge Addiction 5k Event @ Como Lake, St Paul, Sunday, August 12

You’re invited to run, walk and/or volunteer at Charities Challenge’s 2nd Annual Challenge Addiction 5k Event at Como Lake, St Paul, this Sunday, August 12, starting at 8 AM. For more information including online registration option go to http://www.charitieschallenge.org/ Pre-register today!

The timed 5k on a lakeside USATF certified course and the simultaneous 1.5 Mile Family & Friends Fun Walk will start at 8 AM. The Kids Challenge 1/4 & 1/2 Mile Fun Run will start about 9:15 AM. The events will start/finish near the lovely lakeside pavilion. Online pre-registration closes at Midnight CDT Thursday, Aug 9.

We'll party lakeside Saturday morning, celebrating the Power of RxExercise to improve the lives of family & friends living well beyond challenges of addiction to living happily and productively in long term active recovery.

Registration includes:

A) “Celebrating Active Recovery” atmosphere

B) Commemorative “Celebrating Active Recovery” shirt

C) Race results according to complete USATF divisions

D) Special guests from MN Recovery Programs

E) Compete for Challenge Addiction 5k Records

F) Motivational Challenge Addiction theme music

G) Enthusiastic CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers. NOTE: Please join our Rewarding CCREW volunteers whenever you may not be racing. RSVP with me by e-mail GaryWestlund@aol.com or phone 612-245-9160 to join our happy CCREW.

H) Complimentary photography and unique post-race online “Miles of Smiles” slideshow

I) Healthful, tasty refreshments

J) Convenient, free parking

K) Stay after races at Como Lake to continue your own family/friends lakeside picnic, or dine in at lakeside Black Bear Crossings Café.

Because of their commitment to their own RxExercise regimen many enjoy happier, stronger long term addiction recovery to a better quality of daily life. Addiction-Challenged Honored Athletes will inspire each of us to maintain our own stronger hearts and minds with our own RxExercise.

Please refer to CC and the Challenge Addiction Event anyone you know that we may celebrate as they continue their successful recovery beyond addiction challenges.

Come meet and cheer and encourage each of our Addiction-Challenged Honored Athletes, and everyone who is racing to fill their exercise prescription. Brilliant!http://www.charitieschallenge.org/

Invitation to Challenge Cancer 5k @ July 28, 2012

You're invited to run, walk or volunteer at Charities Challenge’s very special 8th Annual Challenge Cancer 5k Event at Como Lake, St Paul, this Saturday, July 28, starting at 8 AM. For more information including online registration option go to www.charitieschallenge.org Register today!

The timed 5k on a lakeside USATF certified course and the simultaneous 1.5 Mile Family & Friends Fun Walk will start at 8 AM. The Kids Challenge 1/2 & 1/2 Mile Fun Run will start about 9:15 AM. The events will start/finish near the lovely lakeside pavilion. Pre-registration is $30; race-day registration is $40. Online pre-registration closes at Midnight, Wednesday, July 25.

We'll party lakeside Saturday morning, celebrating the Power of RxExercise to improve the lives of family & friends living well beyond a variety of challenging cancers. Registration includes:

A) “Celebrating Active Cancer Survivors” atmosphere

B) Commemorative “Celebrating Active Cancer Survivors” shirt

C) Race results according to complete USATF divisions, plus Athena/Clydesdale weight class divisions

D) Motivational Challenge Cancer theme music & professional announcer

E) Enthusiastic CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers. NOTE: Whenever you may not be racing, please join our Rewarding CCREW volunteers. RSVP with me by e-mail or phone to join our happy CCREW.

F) Photography and unique post-race online “Miles of Smiles” slideshow

G) Healthful, tasty refreshments

H) Convenient, free parking & indoor restrooms

I) Stay after races at Como Lake to continue your own family/friends lakeside picnic, or dine in at lakeside Black Bear Crossings Café.

Because of their commitment to their RxExercise, before and after their cancer challenges, many have better survived and are continuing to make happier, stronger comebacks to a better quality of life. These Challenged Honored Athletes will inspire each of us to maintain our own own RxExercise. We’ll especially be celebrating, and learning from, the improved quality of life of several “Cancer-Challenged Honored Athletes” who are living well beyond cancer challenges because of their RxExercise.

Please refer to CC and the Challenge Cancer Event anyone you know that we may celebrate as they continue their comeback from cancer challenges.

Learn more about the Power of RxExercise relative to cancer challenges from the “Cancer News & RxExercise” article at the CC web site http://www.charitieschallenge.org/CC_Challenge_Cancer_-__RxEx.pdf

Only about 20% of cancer patients are enjoying the special benefits of exercise. Most non-exercisers report a lack of exercise leadership programs and opportunities designed for cancer patients/survivors. So, you’re helping cancer patients and survivors today and every day by supporting Charities Challenge ongoing RxExercise Programs and Events like Saturday’s Challenge Cancer 5k where we celebrate active cancer survivors who are “More Than Survivors”.

Pre-register for 2012 Memorial Day - Challenge Hearts & Minds 5k

BRILLIANT! You can pre-register online or by mail for Monday’s, May 28, Memorial Day - Challenge Hearts & Minds 5k (7^th Annual) at beautiful Como Lake, St Paul, MN. The forecast is for mostly sunny skies, 62-79F, and miles of smiles! 

The timed 5k on a lakeside USATF certified course and the simultaneous 1.5 Mile Family & Friends Fun Walk will start at 8 AM. The Kids Challenge ¼ & ½ Mile Fun Run will start about 9:15 AM. The events will start/finish near the lovely lakeside pavilion.

Go to http://charitieschallenge.org/html/challenge_hearts_and_minds_5k.html for:

1) printable mail-in form

2) online registration link

3) photos slideshows from past editions of the Challenge Hearts & Minds 5k

4) link to History of Memorial Day site

Pre-registration is $25 through May 21; $30 through May 26, and race-day registration is $40; reduced rates for the Kids Challenge Fun Run includes shirt.

Yes! RxExercise improves brain function and mental health. Read _Spark – The Science of Exercise & the Brain_ the brilliant 2008 book by Dr John Ratey of Harvard University. You’ll be even more motivated and happier than ever about your running and walking benefits to your brain as well as for your body. That’s right: RxExerice Benefits Brains!

So, the event theme is “Celebrating Strong Hearts & Minds” because we’re learning more than ever how as runners and walkers that we’re taking “Smart Steps for Brighter Brains & More Marvelous Minds”.

We'll party lakeside Monday morning, celebrating the Power of RxExercise to improve Hearts & Minds. Registration includes:

A) Strong Hearts & Minds Active Celebration Atmosphere

B) Colorful commemorative “Celebrating Strong Hearts & Minds” shirt

C) Josh Gerber of WayzataResults.com, official CC Events timer/record keeper, posting immediate race results according to complete USATF divisions

D) Gaylen Morse of MorSound Announcing & playing Motivational Hearts & Minds theme music

E) Enthusiastic CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers. NOTE: When you may not be racing, please join by RSVP our Rewarding CCREW anytime, too.

F) Photography and unique post-race online “Miles of Smiles” slideshow

G) Healthful, tasty refreshments

H) Convenient, free parking and indoor restrooms

K) Stay after races at Como Lake to continue your own family/friends Memorial Day picnic, or dine in at lakeside Black Bear Crossings Café, before going on to a Memorial Day service of your choice to remember America’s fallen soldiers’ sacrifices for our and others’ freedoms.

Additional, ESPECIALLY INSPIRING AWARDS & RECOGNITION:

Memorial Day at Como Lake Charities Challenge will be recognizing Challenged Honored Athletes who have been challenged by:

1)      Stroke

2)      Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

3)      Cerebral Palsy

4)      other neurological disorders/diseases

Because of their commitment to their RxExercise, before and after their brain injuries, they each survived and are continuing to make happier, stronger comebacks to a better quality of daily life. These Challenged Honored Athletes will inspire each of us to maintain our own stronger hearts and minds with our own RxExercise.

Please refer to CC and the Challenge Hearts & Minds Event anyone you know that we may celebrate as they continue their comeback from TBI, stroke, or other neurological health challenges, and those who are daily providing caregiving to brain injured loved ones.

Come meet and cheer each of our Challenged Honored Athletes and Caregivers, and everyone who is racing to fill their RxExercise this coming Memorial Day morning at Como Lake. Brilliant!

Pre-Register for St Patrick Irish Traditions 5k @ Como Lake, St Paul, MN

You’re invited to run or walk the 4^th Annual St Patrick’s Irish Traditions 5k experience next Saturday, March 17, at Como Lake in St Paul, MN; start time 9 AM.

Pre-register by this Sunday, March 11 for the lowest entry fee http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/st__pats_5k.html

Over 400 are already pre-registered for the 700 limited pre-registration entries. PRE_REGISTER SOON!

The St Patrick Irish Traditions 5k theme is “Celebrating Active Friendship-Love-Loyalty” the 3 traditions of the Irish Claddagh ring.

Enjoy all the following values for pre-registration fee of $25/$30 after March 11/pre-registration closes on Wednesday, March 14. Race day registration is $40.

1. Colorful, classy commemorative St Patrick’s Irish Traditions 5k shirt.

2. Happy Irish holiday music & announcer.

3. Professional chip timing/scoring by Final Timing, Inc.

4. Fabulous online photos slideshow with free digital photos for your friends & Facebook. (Join Charities Challenge at Facebook, too!)

5. Tasty treats and a variety of hot beverages.

6. Irish Traditions welcoming hospitality by CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers (join our rewarding CCREW anytime).

7. Get Lucky! Join CC’s RxExercise Ambassador Team & Travel, CC Team expenses paid, to Dublin, Ireland next year, or sooner to events like the 2012 Marine Corps Marathon this October http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/cc_traveling_rxexercice_ambassador_program.html

Irish style holiday colors and costumes encouraged! And, personally motivating messages on a wearable sign is also encouraged. Imagine running or walking with a friend who’s wearing a sign displaying a personally inspiring message, “Active Loyal/Loving/Friend to ______________________”, and your name is there for all to see.

Imagine how a special friend will be encouraged to take better care of their happiness & health with their own RxExercise when they see you displaying your motivational sign that keeps you running and staying strong. Yes! Active Friendship-Love-Loyalty motivates motion as well as e-motion!

So show your Active Friendship-Love-Loyalty as you share your running & walking together at the St Pat’s Irish Traditions 5k.

More CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers are always welcome to join us in delivering another special Holiday Run Event. RSVP with CC Coach Gary Westlund at GaryWestlund@aol.com or call 612-245-9160 if you want to join our Rewarding CCREW. You’ll also earn super CCREWARDs for volunteering, including credits toward travel with an RxExercise Ambassador Team to Great Destinations!

Run or Walk 4th Annual Valentines Hearts 'r' Running 5k @ Como Lake, St Paul, MN

You’re invited to the 4^th Annual Valentines - Hearts ‘r’ Running 5k experience at Como Lake in St Paul, MN. This is the 2^nd of 12 Holiday Run Events produced by Charities Challenge promoting RxExercise (exercise as medicine) to improve health/fitness and active-loving relationships, especially so on the Holidays.

Pre-register by Midnight CST tonight, Thursday, February 9. You and your loving family & friends may pre-register online via http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/valentines_5k.html

Colorful commemorative Valentines 5k long-sleeve shirt for all participants, happy holiday music, pro-announcer Gaylen Morse to give you a motivating shout-out, healthful tasty treats, and a variety of hot beverages served to all. Pre-registration is $30/race day is $40.

Imagine running or walking with a loved one who’s wearing a sign displaying a personally inspiring message, “MY HEART IS RUNNING FOR ______________________”, and your name is there for all to see.

And, imagine how someone special will be encouraged to take better care of their happiness & health with their RxExercise when they see you displaying your loving motivation that keeps you running and staying strong. Yes! Truly active love motivates…motion as well as e-motion! So “share the love” as you share your running & walking.

What more to give a loved one for Valentines Day?

You can give an Active-Loving Valentines gift to actively share with your loved ones in 11 Holiday Run Events in 2012: “Keep Giving the Active-Loving Gift” of sharing Miles of Smiles with those you actively love all year long in 2012 by registering for CC’s Special “Holiday Run” Series of 11 Holiday Run Experiences at one reduced price of $175 http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/holiday_events.html

Register by Midnight CST tonight, Thursday, February 9, for the remaining 2012 Holiday Run Series of 11 Events for less than $16 per Holiday Run Event!

More CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers are always welcome to join us in delivering another Holiday Run Event. RSVP if you want to join our Rewarding CCREW. What a lovely, active gift you’ll be giving to so many others when volunteering as CCREW!

Happy Valentines and Active Love to all!