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) A dozen “Real Bread Winners” awarded

E) Compete for Challenge Arthritis 5k records

F) Motivational Challenge Arthritis 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 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!

Challenge Addiction 5k - Celebrating Active Recovery Story

Thank you for being a part of Charities Challenge's 1^st Annual Challenge Addiction 5k, “Celebrating Active Recovery”, at Como Lake in St Paul, the 5^th of 7 Life’s Challenge 5k Series of 5k Events presented by Charities Challenge, where we “Take the RxExercise Challenge” together with families and friends to better meet life’s challenges, even challenges like long term addiction recovery.

For race results, the photos slideshow with theme music, and more event info go to "News..." section of Charities Challenge home page http://www.charitieschallenge.org/

Congratulations to 23 who ran or walked their first-ever road race, to so many winners in many divisions, and to the kids who enjoyed the Kids Challenge ¼ & ½ Mile Fun Run.

A special “Congratulations” for the exemplary courage demonstrated by the 27 racers who are runnin

g and walking well beyond their addiction challenges to long term recovery. Brilliant!

Enjoy remembering some of the morning's special experiences as you view the online photos slideshow while hearing again Challenge Addiction 5k inspiring theme songs.

Notice in the slideshow a major RxExercise Challenge benefit repeatedly seen in runners’ faces, “Miles of Smiles”, because RxExercise does improve mental health especially in the face of life’s major challenges, challenges like long term addiction recovery! Be sure to turn up your sound as you click on “Slideshow” at the top of the slideshow page.

The slideshow of 216 images can be completed in 4 minutes if you want to enjoy all the photos. At the top of the slideshow page you may change the “Duration” of each slide to 2 or 3 seconds to slow down the slideshow when you may have more time for viewing.

You’re welcome to go to the slideshow “index” in order to find any personally special photos that you can copy to your Facebook page, thereby sharing your joy of RxExercise with others whom you may want to encourage toward happy RxExercise. You’re welcome to add Charities Challenge to your Facebook friends to keep up with the latest RxExercise news and events announcements.

Please send back to me by e-mail, or call me @ 612-245-9160, with any special stories about how walking/running/volunteering at the Challenge Addiction 5k may have especially brightened-lightened your day and/or someone you love.

Go back anytime and see in the CC photos online slideshows more “Miles of Smiles” evidencing the Power of RxExercise to cheer each of us on throughout the year, and how “Taking the RxExercise Challenge” together even improves our relationships.

Thanks again to all the CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers: Jeanne DeMartino, Don & Meredith Soule, Laura Espinoza-Webster, Ken Wendling, Mary Pat Flynn, Andrew Hanselman, Kent Spellman, Mike Mann who worked throughout the morning in support of over 100 racers and guests. And, thanks to pro-timer/scorer Josh Gerber of WayzataResults.

All CC Events participants are welcome to join our CCREW volunteers for any of our 27 Annual CC Events. You’ll also earn a variety of valuable CCREW Rewards for being so actively supportive of others’ RxExercise experiences, including entries into other CC Events, running shoes and gear, a place at CC’s post-race CCREW parties, and credits toward RxExercise Ambassador Team travel expenses to Great Ambassador Destination Events. Go CCREW!

Next up please join us at Como Lake for the next two CC Events:

Saturday, Aug 27 - 1^st Annual Challenge Arthritis 5k http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/challenge_arthritis_5k_.html

Sunday, September 11 – (1^st Ever) America the Beautiful 5k – Never Forgetting 9/11

Run, Walk or Volunteer at Challenge Addiction 5k, Sunday, August 14

You’re invited to run, walk or volunteer at Charities Challenge’s very special 1^st Annual Challenge Addiction 5k Event at Como Lake, St Paul, this Sunday, August 14, 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 ¼ & 1/2 Mile Fun Run will start about 9:15 AM. The events will start/finish near the lovely lakeside pavilion. Pre-registration is $25; race-day registration is $35; reduced rates for the Kids Challenge ½ & ¼ Mile, includes commemorative shirt. Online pre-registration closes at Midnight tomorrow, Friday, Aug 12.

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) A dozen “Real Bread Winners” awarded

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 have 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!

Challenge Cancer 5k (7th Annual) Thanks for Participating!

Thank you for being a part of Charities Challenge's 7^th Annual Challenge Cancer 5k, “Celebrating Active Cancer Survivors”, at Como Lake in St Paul, last Saturday. This special CC5k event was the 4th of 7 Life’s Challenge 5k Series of 5k Events presented by Charities Challenge, where we “Take the RxExercise Challenge” together with families and friends to better meet life’s challenges, even challenges like cancer.

Find race results & photos slideshow with music by copying this link into your internet search window

http://charitieschallenge.org/html/challenge_cancer_5k.html

Congratulations to 42 who ran or walked their first-ever road race, to so many winners in many divisions, and to the kids who enjoyed the Kids Challenge ¼ & ½ Mile Fun Run.

What fun it was to cheer and award a married couple, overall women’s & men’s division winners, cross-country skiing Olympian Caitlin Compton Gregg & husband Brian Gregg. Brilliant!

We enjoyed seeing outstanding-outrunning 5k performances by athletes of all ages, many going home as “Real Bread Winners”.

A special “Congratulations” for the exemplary courage demonstrated by the nine racers who are running well beyond their variety of cancers challenges. Brilliant!

The first 1 through 7 bib numbers were presented to our Honored Active Athletes who indicated in their pre-registrations that they’re “More than Survivors” of cancers so we could all especially cheer them on, and learn from them how they’ve negotiated cancer therapy challenges with the help of their ongoing RxExercise.

Yes, others beyond those seven indicated to me, some quietly and privately, that they too were there celebrating being “More than Survivors” of cancers. Well done to all!

Enjoy remembering some of the morning's special experiences as you view the online photos slideshow while hearing again a Challenge Cancer 5k theme song.

Notice in the slideshow a major RxExercise Challenge benefit repeatedly seen in runners’ faces, “Miles of Smiles”, because RxExercise does improve mental health especially in the face of life’s major challenges like cancer! Be sure to turn up your sound as you click on “Slideshow” at the top of the slideshow page.

The slideshow of 156 images can be completed in 3 minutes if you want to enjoy all the photos. At the top of the slideshow page you may change the “Duration” of each slide to 2 or 3 seconds to slow down the slideshow when you may have more time for viewing.

Photos apology: Because I had trouble with my primary camera early during the 5k, and then taking time to switch to a secondary, slower camera, I took less than half the photos I usually take during our 5ks. So, I am sorry that I missed getting so many of your action photos. I’ll do better next time, and keep a second camera at the ready.

You’re welcome to go to the slideshow “index” in order to find any personally special photos that you can copy to your Facebook page, thereby sharing your joy of RxExercise with others whom you may want to encourage toward happy RxExercise. You’re welcome to add me and Charities Challenge to your Facebook contacts/links to keep up with the latest RxExercise news and events announcements.

Please send back to Coach Gary (GaryWestlund@aol.com) any special e-notes stories about how walking/running/volunteering at the Challenge Cancer 5k may have especially brightened-lightened your day and/or someone you love.

Go back anytime and see in the CC photos online slideshows more “Miles of Smiles” evidencing the Power of RxExercise to cheer each of us on throughout the year, and how “Taking the RxExercise Challenge” together even improves our relationships.

Thanks again to all the CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers: Don & Meredith Soule, Ken Wendling, Laura Westlund, Dean Sheldon, Mike & Vicki Mann and Rick Recker. And, thanks to pro-timer/scorer Danny Gerber of WayzataResults.

All CC Events participants are welcome to join our CCREW volunteers for any of our 27 Annual CC Events. Just let me know. You’ll also earn a variety of valuable CCREW Rewards for being so actively supportive of others’ RxExercise experiences. Go CCREW!

Next up please join us at Como Lake for the next CC Events:

Sunday, Aug 14 - 1^st Annual Challenge Addiction 5k

http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/challenge_addiction_5k_run_-_walk.html

Saturday, Aug 27 - 7^th Annual Challenge Arthritis 5k http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/challenge_arthritis_5k_.html

Challenge Cancer 5k Invitation to Run, Walk or Volunteer

You’re invited to run, walk or volunteer at Charities Challenge’s very special 7th Annual Challenge Cancer 5k Event at Como Lake, St Paul, this Saturday, July 30, 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 ¼ & 1/2 Mile Fun Run will start about 9:15 AM. The events will start/finish near the lovely lakeside pavilion. Pre-registration is $25; race-day registration is $35; reduced rates for the Kids Challenge ½ & 1/4 Mile, includes commemorative shirt. Online pre-registration closes at Midnight tomorrow, Thursday, July 28.

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 Race Walk and Athena/Clydesdale divisions

D) A dozen “Real Bread Winners” awarded

E) Compete for CC5k & All-time 5k Course Records

F) Motivational Challenge Cancer theme music

G) 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.

H) 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 RxExercise, before and after their cancer challenges, many have better 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 Cancer Event anyone you know that we may celebrate as they continue their comeback from cancer challenges.

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

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.

Learn more about the Power of RxExercise relative to cancer challenges from the “Cancer News & RxExercise” article at the CC web site http://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 & 1.5 Mile “Walk By My Side” where we celebrate active cancer survivors who are “More Than Survivors”.

Fathers Day 5k – Celebration of Active Generations

You’re invited to a happy-healthy, active Fathers Day Tradition:

Charities Challenge’s 5^th Annual Fathers Day 5k – Celebration of Active Generations this Sunday, June 19, at Como Lake, St. Paul, MN; 8:30 AM start time.

Join in on Sunday morning for CC’s Annual “Fathers Day 5k – Celebration of Active Generations” and earn a fun and unique Fathers Day gift of the unique “Walk ‘n’ Run with Dads” Fathers Day 5k colorful commemorative shirt.

For more information and online registration link go to http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/fathers_day_5k.html

Check-in for those pre-registered and race-day registration opens at 7:30 am Sunday morning near the lovely historic lakeside pavilion on Como Lake, next to convenient free parking lots. Pre-registration is $25; race-day registration is $35.

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.

Online pre-registration is open until Midnight CDT, Friday, June 17 via Active.com http://www.active.com/running/st-paul-mn/fathers-day-5k-5th-annual-celebration-of-active-generations-2011

Go Dads! And, go kids of all ages!

Registration includes:

1. 1. A) Fathers Day active celebration atmosphere
   2. B) Fathers Day 5k colorful commemorative shirt
   3. C) Tasty & healthful refreshments
   4. D) Motivational Fathers Day theme music and pro-announcer, Gaylen Morse
   5. E) Photography and unique post-race online “Miles of Smiles” photos slideshow
   6. F) Official race results by complete USATF divisions by pro-timer/scorer, Josh Gerber of www.WayzataResults.com
   7. G) Convenient, free parking & indoor restrooms
   8. H) Welcoming and helpful hospitality by CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers. (Join our CCREW volunteers this Sunday by contacting CC Coach Gary, 612-245-9160 or e-reply to GaryWestlund@aol.com, and begin earning both CCREWARDs and hundreds of “THANKS” from runners/walkers.)

1. 

Invitation to Run, Walk or Volunteer 2011 Memorial Day - Challenge Hearts & Minds 5k @ Como Lake

BRILLIANT! You can still pre-registeronline forMonday’s, 6^th Annual Memorial Day - Challenge Hearts & Minds 5k atbeautiful Como Lake, St Paul, MN.http://charitieschallenge.org/html/challenge_hearts_and_minds_5k.html

The forecast is for warm weather and miles of smiles!

8 AM start for the timed 5k on a lakeside USATF certified course and the simultaneous 1.5 Mile Family & Friends Fun

Walk.

The Kids Challenge ¼ & ½ Mile will start about 9:15 AM. The events will start/finish near the lovely lakeside pavilion.

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

1) online registration link

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

3) link to read about The History of Memorial Day

(Photos courtesy of Gary Westlund/Charities Challenge)

Pre-registration is $25; race-day registration is $35; reduced rates for the Kids Challenge ¼ & ½ Mile fun run. Check-in & race day registration opens at 7 AM.

Yes! RxExercise improves brain function and mental health. Re

ad _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 Memorial Day 5k shirt

C) Danny Gerber of www.WayzataResults.com official CC Events timer/record keeper, posting immediate race results according to complete USATF divisions (Photo: Josh Gerber finishing first at 2010 Memorial Day 5k)

D) A Dozen “Real Bread Winners” awarded

E) Compete for 5k Event Records

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

G) Enthusiastic CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers ready to make more memorable your Memorial Day. NOTE: When you may not be racing, please join by RSVP our Rewarding CCREW anytime, too.

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

I) Healthful refreshments

J) Convenient, free parking

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 own 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

(Photo: CC Coach Jeanne DeMartino & Challenged Honored Athlete and ParaOlympian Dana Zimmerman who lives well beyond Cerebral Palsy challenges)

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 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. Caregivers need support for their own RxExercise, too, in order to healthfully continue as caregivers.

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

Register online right now via Active.com http://charitieschallenge.org/html/challenge_hearts_and_minds_5k.html