Run or Walk Christmas Day 5k and/or New Year's Eve 5k

You’re invited to run, walk and/or volunteer Charities Challenge’s last Holiday Run Events for 2013, both at Como Lake in St Paul, on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. http://www.charitieschallenge.org

Wednesday, Dec 25, is the 8^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

Tuesday, 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 2013 & post-race party here http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/new_years_eve_day_hopeful_5k.html

Looking for active gifts to give to family/friends that will run throughout 2014? Find at the CC web site the special reduced entry fee offer for the 2014 Holiday Run Series of 12x events and the 2014 Taking on All Challenges 8x Series of events. http://www.charitieschallenge.org

Throughout 2013 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 2013, and to encourage our loved ones to join us by coming alongside us on Christmas morning for a fun walk/run.

  

If you're among those 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 Tuesday, 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. Long-sleeve commemorative shirt
2. Christmas Day 5k collectible ornament for first 250 registered
3. Happy holiday motivating music and announcer
4. Healthful tasty treats and a variety of hot beverages
5. Unique free fabulous photos and online slideshow
6. Miles of Smiles shared by families & friends Holiday Run
7. Beautifully "Ugly" Christmas Sweater Photos Contest - More fun!

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.

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!

ThanksGiving Day - GivingThanks 5k - Attitude of Gratitude Celebration (8th Annual) Review

Thanks to everyone who played an active part in Charities Challenge's 8^th Annual ThanksGiving Day - GivingThanks 5k - Attitude of Gratitude Celebration, at Como Lake in St Paul. Find and enjoy reviewing inspiring video and photos slideshow via this event page http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/thanksgiving_day_5k.html

(Note as found at the above web page: As with all CC's wintry Holiday Run Series events from Thanksgiving to Valentines we do not record/report racing times. Instead we emphasize safety when pathways may be icy/snowy, and really emphasize sharing with family/friends running/walking RxExercise benefits to health and relationships around the holidays. Holiday can be unusually stressful and we want to start each significant holiday with a brisk walk or run, especially with loving family/friends. The large digital display clock will show everyone's finishing time, as will so many finish line photos.)

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. CC Events are meant to be the “CHEERS” of road racing, “Where everyone knows your name”.

Enjoy remembering some of the morning's special experiences as you view the online photos slideshow while hearing again some of the 2013 ThanksGiving Day 5k theme songs, and the first-ever creative pro-video highlighting “Attitudes of Gratitude” seen and heard at this special Holiday Run.

The 714 images in the slideshow at 1 second per image will take about 12 minutes to view. 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, including at our Charities Challenge Facebook “Friends” page https://www.facebook.com/groups/41310607820/

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 even during 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 last Thursday’s Holiday Run Event. Others are welcome to join our happy CCREW for any of our 21 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 Disney World Marathon, Kauai, and Ireland’s Dublin Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in August, and Honolulu Marathon next December. 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 with about 500 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.

Before the New Year, you’re oh-so welcome to come back to Como Lake for the 8^th Annual Christmas Day – Joyful 5k, 

http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/christmas_day_5k.html

and/or CC’s 5^th Annual New Year’s Eve Day – Hopeful 5k http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/new_years_eve_day_hopeful_5k.html

You’re 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 Veterans USA - Honoring Military Service 5k at Como Lake in St Paul, MN, Sunday, November 10

Run or walk and/or volunteer at the 3^rd Annual Veterans USA - Honoring Military Service 5k at Como Lake in St Paul, MN, Sunday, November 10 - 9 AM start. (Note: Veterans Day is 11/11 as it is every year.)

For more inspiring event information and registration options go to http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/veterans_day_usa1.html

1. USATF certified 5k course

2. Chip timing & race results and records by CC’s official timing company www.WayzataResults.com

3. Free photographic record with fabulous post-event online slideshow displaying “Miles of Smiles”

4. Pro-videography show will be online same day to review

5. Commemorative Veterans Day - Honoring Military Service 5k shirts

6. Americana motivational music & announcer

7. CC Race Event Worker CCREW volunteers’ hospitality, lively camaraderie & healthful, tasty refreshments

8. A pocket size Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. (CC’s Americana Heritage Events are the only known races in America giving away these historic, world-changing USA founding documents.)

9. Optional added donations welcome to benefit wounded vets programs of Team Red, White and Blue Minnesota

10. Opportunity to meet, greet & say “Thanks for your service” to active duty and retired military family and friends from all military branches.

Pre-register soon for the lowest entry fee; pre-registration closes Thursday, Nov 7, or sooner if 700 limited entries are received.

Free and convenient event parking is right at the start/finish area, and indoor heated restrooms. See the CC website for maps/directions.

Invitation to 5th Annual Halloween Fearless 5k – Chase Away Fears on Saturday, Oct 26

You’re invited to run, walk and/or volunteer at Charities Challenge’s 5th Annual Halloween Fearless 5k – Chase Away Fears Event at Como Lake, St Paul, Saturday, October 26, 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 $28! Entry fee increases to $33 after Sunday, Oct 20. 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, 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) Chip timed 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.
F) Photography and unique post-race online “Miles of Smiles” slideshow
G) Videography & online fun show
H) Free online personal Photos Memory Book by Liveality
I) Healthful hot & cold refreshments & Halloween Treats
J) Convenient, free parking, and indoor heated restrooms
K) Post-race discounted party brunch & beverages at nearby Ol' Mexico Restaurante (present bib #)

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 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.

Report @ Challenge Aging 5k - Celebrating Strength & Successful Aging

Enjoy reviewing last Sunday's 7th Annual Challenge Aging 5k - Celebrating Strength & Successful Aging at Como Lake by visiting the event page to find:
1. race results
2. online slideshow with theme songs
3. beautifully inspiring 4 minute video
4. free Liveality Online Memory Book

http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/challenge_aging.html

Be inspired by how very well some of advancing age are negotiating the challenges of aging, even very advanced ages and despite a variety of chronic diseases added challenges, because of their RxExercise (exercise as medicine), running, walking, and enthusiastic CC events volunteering.

A leading cause of usual aging (as contrasted by successful aging) is disengagement, social withdrawal and isolation. With advancing age, I know the temptation to withdraw, disengage, and go it alone. I daily tell myself: "Get up and get out and about with other happily active people".

So, here’s a big congratulations to those of you who will not concede to usual aging decline and disappointments.

And, an even bigger congratulations to each of you who I see actively engaged in encouraging our family & friends of advancing ages by your walking or running alongside, volunteering with smiles, always happy to come together to build one another up to be successfully strong throughout life.

Special acknowledgements from the Challenge Aging 5k:

1. Bib numbers were assigned to the pre-registered in reverse order of age.

2. So, at nearly age 89, Mary Pat Flynn, showed off bib # 1, the oldest 5k finisher of any CC event (>100 events to date).

3. Gloria Jansen set an all-time MN F65-69 5k age group record 23:36

4. Lance Elliott, nearly age 43, running for only 4 years won overall in 16:08

5. Daniel Gerber, age 23, set for himself a huge 35 second 5k PR by chasing Lance.

6. www.Liveality.com friends created the first CC event online memory book that each participant may personalize with select photos, a visual reminder of the memories made at CC events to review with family & friends.

7. My friend Josh 'Dartos' Gerber, proprietor of www.WayzataResults.com, continues to produce accurate and fast-reported race results, and Sunday set up for the first time an announcers mat that allows our announcers, Jeanne DeMartino, George Liss and Andy Liss to announce more names than ever.

8. Faithful regular CCREW volunteers and RxExercise Ambassadors like Don Soule, Meredith Soule, Dawn Hart, Ken Wendling and others were joined by new CCREW volunteers like Kyle Clark & Sara Rapp. Thanks you all for producing CC events with the utmost in hospitality. You make CC events special!

9. So many individuals whose remarkable stories I know about and who continue to play in my memory, inspiring me to keep on keepin' on with always-special CC events.

10. The 8th Annual Challenge Aging 5k next year will see each of us one year older, stronger, and smarter. To "Successful Aging"!

Run, Walk or Volunteer - 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.

Run or Walk Challenge Arthritis 5k @ Como Lake, St Paul, this Saturday, August 24

You’re invited to run, walk or volunteer at Charities Challenge’s 9^th Annual Challenge Arthritis 5k - Celebrating Strong Steps with Arthritis event at Como Lake, St Paul, this Saturday, August 24, starting at 8 AM. For more information including online registration option go to www.charitieschallenge.org Pre-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 $28 through Monday, Aug 19, $33 Aug 20-21; race-day registration is $40; reduced rates for the Kids Challenge Fun Run includes commemorative shirt. Online pre-registration closes at Midnight CDT Wednesday, Aug 21.

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 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 & announcer

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) Free, convenient parking & indoor restrooms

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 Cancer 5k @ Como Lake, St Paul, Saturday, July 27

You're invited to run, walk or volunteer at Charities Challenge’s very special 9^th Annual Challenge Cancer 5k event at Como Lake, St Paul, this Saturday, July 27, 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 & 1/4 Mile Fun Run will start about 9:15 AM. T

he events will start/finish near the lovely lakeside pavilion. Pre-registration is $33; race-day registration is $40. Online pre-registration closes at Midnight, Wednesday, July 24.

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” energized atmosphere

B) Commemorative “Celebrating Active Cancer Survivors” shirt

C) 5k race results according to complete USATF divisions

D) Motivational Challenge Cancer theme music & 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 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 whom 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”.

Run or Walk Challenge Diabetes 5k Event at Como Lake, St Paul, Saturday, June 29

Run, walk or volunteer at Charities Challenge’s 8^th Annual Challenge Diabetes 5k Event at Como Lake, St Paul, this Saturday, June 29, starting at 8 AM. For more information, online pre-registration go to http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/challenge_diabetes.html

The weather forecast is for a lovely summer’s sunny morning, 63-77F. light breeze, and Miles o’ Smiles.

Pre-registration $28 goes up to $33 after midnight CDT tonight Monday, June 24, and closes on Wednesday night at Midnight CDT.

Race day ($40) registration opens from 6:45-7:45 AM near Como Lake’s lakeside historic white pavilion. Directions and map are also available via our CC web site. There's convenient free parking around the lakeside pavilion area.

Saturday is a special day to celebrate all of us who are “Taking Strong Steps to Defeat Diabetes”. We'll all party in the Park Saturday morning!

We'll also enjoy:

1. Pro-timing for complete USATF divisions scoring by www.WayzataResults.com on USATF certified 5k course

2. Fabulous free photography, online slideshow

3. Earning a “Challenge Diabetes 5k” classy commemorative t-shirt.

4. The cheerful welcome and expert support of CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers.

5. The inspiration of running and walking with truly remarkable “Challenged Honored Athletes” demonstrating The Power of RxExercise to improve lives of those challenged by diabetes.

6. Summertime motivational music and announcer’s recognition.

7. Healthful, tasty post-race treats.

8. Real-time Running & Walking RxExercise Celebrations by many of us who have used RxExercise to meet well our metabolic health challenges. We’ll be cheering lots of happy racers many of whom are no longer on diabetes meds because of their RxExercise. Brilliant!

RxExercise (Exercise as Medicine) has been determined to be twice as effective in managing Type II diabetes compared to the most powerful diabetes drug.

Yes, 90% of diabetes (NIDDM) is largely preventable and much more manageable with RxExercise!

We’ll especially be celebrating, and learning from, the improved quality of life of those Diabetes-Challenged Honored Athletes who are enjoying happier diabetes management because of their RxExercise.

Please refer to me and this special Challenge Diabetes 5k event anyone you know who is living well beyond diabetes with the help of their own exercise regimen so we may especially learn from and recognize them as Challenged Honored Athletes on Saturday.

Come Saturday to Como Lake to race, walk, volunteer, and perhaps also offer to “Walk By My Side” with our diabetes-challenged family and friends until they can learn to “run” on their own.

Fathers Day 5k – "Celebration of Active Generations” is happy-healthy Fathers Day Tradition

Come to a happy-healthy Fathers Day Tradition:

Charities Challenge’s 7^th Annual “Fathers Day 5k – Celebration of Active Generations” this Sunday, June 16, at Lake Phalen, St. Paul, MN; 8:30 AM start time.

For more information and online registration link go to http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/fathers_day_5k.html Lowest online pre-registration fee is available until Midnight, Tuesday, June 11.

Check-in for those pre-registered and race-day registration opens at 7 am Sunday morning near the lakeside picnic pavilion overlooking lovely Lake Phalen, right next to convenient free parking lots and a fun kids’ playground. 

The CC Fathers Day Event will be a special occasion to honor dads with the happy heart-health benefits of an RxExercise walk or run. Let’s encourage Dads to keep on going strong and well for years to come as you join them by walking & running by their sides.

Earn a fun Fathers Day gift of the unique “Walk ‘n’ Run with Dad” Fathers Day 5k colorful commemorative shirt. Go Dads! And, go kids of all ages!

Invitation to 8th Annual Challenge Obesity 5k at Como Lake, St Paul, MN - Sunday, April 21

The 8th Annual Challenge Obesity 5k Event, next Sunday, April 21, at Como Lake, St Paul, MN, 8:30 AM start, is the 2nd of 8 Life Challenge 5ks at Como Lake this year, and serves as the 2013 Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) Minnesota 5k State Championship!

For more information including online registration opportunity go to http://charitieschallenge.org/html/challenge_obesity_5k.html

Pre-register by this Sunday, April 14, before the entry fee goes up.

If you want year-long motivation and a great discount on the entire 8x5k Life Challenge Series running April - September, you can find that special offer at the above linked page, too.

Six RRCA MN State 5k Championship awards will go to men and women in four divisions:

Open Division Winners (under age 40)

Masters Winners (ages 40-49)

Grand Masters (ages 50-59)

Senior Grand Masters (ages 60-and up)

These division winners will be proud to display these awards at home or in the office.

You'll also enjoy:

1. 1. Chip timing and complete USATF divisions for scoring by www.WayzataResults.com and USATF certified course
2. 2. Fabulous free photography, online slideshow & video show
3. 3. All new optional-to-order personalized printed glossy “Memory Book” of the 8^th Annual Challenge Obesity 5k which can also be viewed and shown to friends online
4. 4. Earning a one-of-a-kind-in-America road race “Challenge Obesity 5k” classy commemorative t-shirt.
5. 5. The cheerful welcome and expert support of CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers.
6. 6. The inspiration of running and walking with truly remarkable “Challenged Honored Athletes” demonstrating The Power of RxExercise to improve lives.
7. 7. Springtime motivational music and announcer’s recognition.
8. 8. Fabulous photos slideshow for you to review online at CC’s Photos Slideshow page, and then even freely copy your photos to your Facebook.
9. 9. Recognition and reporting of all USATF youth, open and masters age groups divisions.
10. 10. Healthful post-race treats and a variety of beverages.
11. 11. Real-time Running & Walking RxExercise Celebrations by many of us who have used RxExercise to meet well our overweight and obesity health challenges. We’ll be cheering lots of happy racers each of whom has lost 20 to over 200lbs!
12. 12. Motivating memories to last another year until next year’s edition of this One-of-a-Kind Challenge Obesity road race event.

A major theme of the Challenge Obesity 5k Event at Como Lake is, ”I don’t have to be thin to be happy, healthy and fit”.

There will be recognition of all of us who want to be recognized for our healthful weight management. We will together be "Celebrating Effective RxExercise".

Everyone will go home inspired by the increasing numbers of athletes who come to celebrate how their RxExercise is helping them achieve and maintain remarkable weight management goals. Challenge Obesity includes our own “Big Losers” among all the big winners of regular RxExercise.

Find special inspiration from these impressively meaningful Event Statistics based on those pre-registered to date:

1. A. 30% will be enjoying their first-ever road race
2. B. 75% are women
3. C. 25% are walkers
4. D. 20% have chosen to compete in the optional Athena/Clydesdale weight-classes division
5. E. 45% have indicated having lost from 20 to >200 pounds
6. F. 5 individuals have lost over 20 lbs; 8 over 50 lbs; 13 over 100 lbs; and 2 individuals have lost over 200lbs !

While you’re visiting the CC web site, be sure to read the super news about RxExercise, an inspiring article “Obesity Challenges & the Power of Rx Exercise” http://charitieschallenge.org/html/rx_exercise_training_articles.html

Learn super-surprising things about the Power of RxExercise and why ”You don’t have to be thin to be happy, healthy and fit”.

As always, CC welcomes new volunteers to join our CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) where you can delight in both the meaningful intrinsic rewards of helping support so many others' life changing RxExercise, and earn a variety of valuable extrinsic CC Rewards. CCREW volunteers will start set up at Como Lake at 6:30 AM. Please RSVP if you, too, would like to join our CCREW!

Invitation to 2nd Annual Challenge Happiness 5k - The Only Happiness Road Race in America - Sunday, April 14, Como Lake, St Paul, MN

Online Entry, 5k Event Records/Photos & more very happy and helpful info here http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/challenge_happiness_5k.html Pre-register now!

The Only Happiness Road Race in the USA! Pre-registration closes Midnight CDT Friday, April 12


9 AM Start - Race day registration & check-in opens at 8 AM.

Learn more about how "Happiness is a Serious Challenge" and how to "Train & Race for Happiness" at the event page, for yourself and your family & friends.

Professionally timed/scored 5k on USATF certified course around beautiful, blooming Como Lake

Recognition: Complete 5k results by USATF Youth, Open, Masters (5-year age groups > age 40-80+), and Athena-Clydesdale weight class divisions.

Added values: Happy, colorful commemorative race shirt, CC hospitality, announcer, photos slideshow, motivational music & healthful tasty treats for all event participants.

This is the 1st in CC’s 2013 Life Challenge Series of 8 x 5k Events highlighting RxExercise relative to life health challenges.

Learn more about the entire 8 x 5k Life Challenge Series and more about “RxExercise and Happiness” at www.CharitiesChallenge.org or call 612-245-9160.

Defeat Depression & Anger with RxExercise. RxExercise is effective in improving mild-to-moderate depression challenges, and even changing anger into joy!

Consult a physician for medical advice regarding depression, including when you choose to add/increase exercise, and especially if you choose to eliminate exercise from your life.

Run, Walk or Volunteer - Easter Sunday - Rise ‘n’ Shine 5k @ Como Lake, March 31

You’re invited to the 6^th Annual “Easter Sunday - Rise ‘n’ Shine 5k” experience at Como Lake, Sunday, March 31, 9 AM start.

For more registration options about The Only Easter Sunday road race in Minnesota go to http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/easter_sunday_rise_-n_shine_5k.html

The Easter Sunday 5k theme is: “Actively Celebrating Life”.

Enjoy all the following values:

1. Colorful commemorative Easter Sunday - Rise ‘n’ Shine 5k shirt.

2. Happy holiday music & announcer, to give you a motivating shout-out.

3. Professional timing/scoring/record keeping

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

5. Healthful tasty treats.

6. CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers serving you at Como Lake on Easter morning where we’ll all be “Actively Celebrating Life”.

7. “Miles o’ Smiles” & Easter-time holiday costumes encouraged!

Activity is evidence of life, and more activity is evidence of more life! Movement, regular vigorous movement, is a sure sign of life. Be More Alive - Be More Active! Rise ‘n’ Shine with Families & Friends Walking ‘n’ Running around beautiful Como Lake on Easter morning!

Easter Sunday will be a special CC Holiday Run occasion for hundreds of us sharing in the Power of RxExercise improving the quality of our lives every day, and demonstrating how our relationships with family and friends are happily improved through the irreplaceable happy-health benefits of walking and/or running together with an ever-growing number of healthy-happy active friends.

Participation in the Easter Sunday 5k continues to serve and celebrate the lives of each of us who benefit from our own regular RxExercise, while continuing to serve others by our active support of Charities Challenge RxExercise Mission, Programs, Events and Active Partnerships.

St Patrick's Irish Traditions 5k @ Como Lake, St Paul, MN - Pre-Register Now!

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

Pre-register by this Sunday, March 10 for the lowest entry fee http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/st__pats_5k.html

Over 300 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 $28/$33 after March 10/pre-registration closes on Thursday, 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 www.WayzataResults.com

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

5. Tasty treats and beverages.

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

7. Be Lucky! Join CC’s RxExercise Ambassador Team & Travel, CC Team-expenses-paid, to Dublin, Ireland in August to run or walk the 1st Annual Rock 'n' Roll Dublin Half Marathon http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/train-n-_travel.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!