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!

New Year's Day - Hopeful 5k / Happy New Year to All!

Thank to all who were a part of Charities Challenge's 3rd Annual New Years Day - Hopeful 5k last Sunday at Como Lake in St Paul.

http://charitieschallenge.org/html/new_years_day_hopeful_5k.html

Enjoy seeing some of the morning's special experiences as you view the online photos slideshow while hearing 2012 New Years Day 5k theme songs http://www.charitieschallenge.org/cceventphotos/2012%20Holiday%20Run%20Series/

(NOTE: If you've seen this show via the CC web site in the last couple days, you'll now see a much better show; this is the finally edited and greatly improved show - final editing takes many hours. Enjoy the "Miles o' Smiles"!)

When you open the brand new 2012 Holiday Run Series photos gallery, click on “1.1.12 New Years Day – Hopeful 5k (3rd Annual)” at the top right of the page, then click on “Slideshow” at the top of the page, being sure to also turn up your sound to enjoy 2012 Hopeful theme songs with the show.

The 387 edited select images will take under 7 minutes to view at 1 second per image. Once you start the slideshow, you may slow down the show by changing the “duration” of each photo from 1 second to 2 or 3 seconds per image.

You’re also welcome to freely copy from the “Index” any photos that you may want to copy and save to your computer records, then send to family/friends via e-mail, or even paste to your Facebook page. While you’re at Facebook you’re welcome to join Friends of CC, too at https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/41310607820/ where we can keep up with RxExercise News and CC Events and Programs.

While editing the photos I was warmly cheered again by the images I saw of families and friends sharing hopefully their athletic experiences ‘round Como Lake on a windy cold New Year’s morning, and many even boldly displaying their 2012 resolutions and resolute athletic goals. I sure enjoy seeing so many active, loving family-friends sharing happy-healthy walking/running activity on a special holiday.

Was it windy last Sunday? Notice in the photos show that the larger Charities Challenge banners were not in view on the finish line structure. The wind was so strong on Sunday that we prudently reduced the risks of our finish line structure being blown down by not displaying our larger “RxExercise Challenge” banners. The structure still nearly went down in the wind late in the 5k and was kept from injuring anyone by quick action of our ready CCREW volunteers. So, thanks again and again to all the CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers who helped deliver the New Years Day - Hopeful 5k!

You’re welcome to join our CCREW for any of our 28 Annual CC Events in 2012. CCREW earn a variety of CCREWARDS for being so actively supportive of others’ RxExercise experiences; and you can, too. Go CCREW!

Lives are saved and improved every day with RxExercise.

Next, join us on Saturday, February 11, for CC’s 2^nd of 12 Holiday Run Events in 2012, the 3^rd Annual Valentines Hearts ‘r’ Running 5k back at Como Lake http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/valentines_5k.html

And, for more special motivation to stay active throughout 2012, consider adding to your 2012 resolutions joining a travel-expenses-paid CC RxExercise Ambassador Traveling Team experience to a Great Destination Event in Dublin, Ireland, Florida, Hawaii, Washington D.C. and beyond. http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/cc_traveling_rxexercice_ambassador_program.html

Contact me, Coach Gary, about any of our Great Ambassador Destinations that you may want CC to help you achieve in 2012. CC wants to send more RxExercise Ambassadors around the world!

Stay Resolved, Run & Walk Happily & Happy New Year!