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!