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!

Christmas Day - Joyful 5k - Biggest Christmas Day 5k in the USA

Thank you for being a part of Charities Challenge's 6^th Annual Christmas Day - Joyful 5k at Como Lake in St Paul, and making it “The Biggest Christmas Day 5k in the USA”. http://charitieschallenge.org/html/christmas_day_5k.html

You may enjoy remembering some of the morning's special experiences as you view the online edited photos slideshow while hearing again a 2011 Christmas Day 5k holiday theme songs http://www.charitieschallenge.org/cceventphotos/2011%20Holiday%20Run%20Series/10/med/CCChristmas2011_White_.htm

Click on “Slideshow” at the top of the page and be sure to also turn up your sound to enjoy joyful theme songs with the show.

As the slideshow is set for 1 second per image, you can see over 700 images in about 7 minutes. When have more time for viewing, you may slow the show by changing to from 1 second to 2 or 3 for the “duration”.

You’re also welcome to open the photos “Index” and freely copy from the photos index those images you may want save in your computer, and then send photos to family/friends via e-mail or paste to your Facebook page. While you’re at Facebook you’re welcome to join other friends of CC http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=41310607820 where we can all keep up with RxExercise News and CC Events and Programs. You’re also welcome to add me, Gary Westlund, to your Facebook friends.

Please send back to me any special e-notes stories about how walking and running on Christmas Day may have especially brightened-lightened your day and/or someone with whom you participated.

While editing the photos I was particularly cheered by the images I saw of families and friends joyfully sharing their athletic experiences ‘round Como Lake on a Christmas morning, many coming from faraway places like Arizona, California, Florida, and several foreign countries. I so enjoy seeing so many active, loving family-friends sharing happy-healthy walking/running activity on a special holiday.

So, check out the photos slideshow where you’ll see more “Miles of Smiles” evidencing the Power of RxExercise to cheer each of us even during these darkest days of the year, and even improve our relationships with loved ones who will walk and run by our sides.

Thanks to our professional announcer, Gaylen Morse of Morsound. And, thanks again and again to all the CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers who helped deliver the Christmas Day – Joyful 5k!

You’re welcome to join our CCREW for any of our 28 Annual CC Events in 2012 http://charitieschallenge.org/html/events.html

CCREW volunteers earn a variety of CCREWARDS for being so actively supportive of others’ RxExercise experiences. http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/charities_challenge_race_event_workers_-ccrew-_program.html Go CCREW!

And, thanks to many of you who added a tax-deductible donation with your registration fee that will be used to continue CC’s RxExercise Training Programs, Educational & Training Services, complimentary CC Events’ entries, and new running shoes and gear for those in need. Lives are saved and improved every day with RxExercise.

If you choose to make a year end tax-deductible contribution to CC go to http://charitieschallenge.org/html/make_a_donation.html

Donations will be helping others to keep going, many of us to “keep going well beyond…” arthritis, cancer, diabetes, depression, heart disease, brain injuries and more, with the irreplaceable benefits of exercise, RxExercise.

Once again, thank you for actively supporting CC’s RxExercise Mission/Programs/Events, and for running or walking even on Christmas Day.

Next, please join us this Sunday on New Year’s Day for the 3^rd Annual New Year’s Day - Hopeful 5k back at Como Lake http://charitieschallenge.org/html/new_years_day_hopeful_5k.html

And, by registering this week, through the deadline of this Friday, Dec 30, for $180 you’re welcome to take advantage of the special $120+ savings on CC’s unique-in-America 2012 Holiday Run Series of 12 Holiday Run Events, running from this Sunday’s New Year’s Day – Hopeful 5k through all the beautiful Minnesota seasons of running to the next Christmas Day – Joyful 5k a year away. What a great way to be “Running through the Holidays” all year long! http://charitieschallenge.org/html/holiday_events.html

Invite family/friends to join you in “Running through the 2012 Holiday” because “these are the days we’ll remember” all the more warmly because we ran and walked together.

And/or get on track at the 7^th Annual New Year’s Challenge Resolutions Indoor Track Event at Bethel U http://charitieschallenge.org/html/new_year_resolutions_challenge.html offering a variety of races for athletes of all abilities and all ages, starting at 9 AM, Sunday, Jan 8. What fun starting out the New Year so actively and happily!

Merry Christmastime and an active Happy New Year!

New Year's Day - Hopeful 5k Invitation & More!

You’re invited to the 3rd Annual New Year’s Day - Hopeful 5k experience this Sunday, January 1, at Como Lake in St Paul, MN, 10 AM start time. This is the 1st of 12 Holiday Run Events produced by Charities Challenge in 2012 promoting and supporting RxExercise to improve health and fitness, and even happy-active relationships, especially on the Holidays.

You and your family & friends may pre-register online or by mail via http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/new_years_day_hopeful_5k.html

Pre-registration is $25 through the end of today, Monday, Dec 26; $30 Dec 27 – 30; and $40 race day is $40. Pre-register early and save!

Or go all the way in 2012 by pre-registering for CC’s Unique 2012 Holiday Run Series of 12 Run/Walk Events. Save $120+ from the cost of 12 individual entry fees. Learn more about the “2012 Running through the Holidays” Special Offer at http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/holiday_events.html

NOTE: This special reduced fees offer ends this Friday, December 30 and is Limited to the first 50 registrants.

We’re starting 2012 by “Celebrating Hope & Resolutions Success”!

Sunday’s Race Day Check-in for pre-registered, and race day registration, opens at 9 AM at the Como Lake’s beautiful lakeside promenade.

Enjoy starting the New Year with a healthful 5k and...

1. Colorful long sleeve commemorative Hopeful 5k shirt

2. Happy holiday motivating music & shout-out from announcer

3. Healthful tasty treats and a variety of hot beverages

4. Unique free-to-copy photos record and online slideshow

5. A warm welcome & services of CCREW Volunteers

For more inspiring “New Years Day - Hopeful 5k” Event information, printable mail-in entry form, online registration option, fun online slideshows of past Holiday Run Events, and even a “History of New Years Day”, go to http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/new_years_day_hopeful_5k.html

More CC Race Event Workers (CCREW) volunteers are welcome to join us in delivering another memorable Holiday Run Event. Actively serving and cheering thousands of others in CC Events as they fulfill their own RxExercise is another very rewarding hopeful resolution for 2012.

RSVP if you want to join our CCREW and earn CCREWARDS. What a truly hopeful gift you’ll be giving to so many others when volunteering as CCREW! Learn more about CCREW and its REWARDS at http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/charities_challenge_race_event_workers_-ccrew-_program.html

Imagine! In 2011 several CCREW volunteer leaders earned expenses paid travel and memorable experiences to the Disney World Marathon in Florida, the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon in Virginia, and the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C.

CC is eager to send more CCREW volunteers and others to Great Ambassador Destination Events in 2012 training and traveling as RxExercise Ambassadors!

Join our CCREW volunteers and RxExercise Ambassadors and earn your place on at CC Traveling Team of RxExercise Ambassadors. http://www.charitieschallenge.org/html/cc_traveling_rxexercice_ambassador_program.html

Visit our RxExercise Ambassadors Train ‘n’ Travel online page to find an inspiring goal event to which CC wants to send you as part of our CCREWARDS Program. Contact me, Coach Gary, by e-mail or phone to explore the opportunities to be inspired to reach for, and achieve, great goals via our RxExercise Ambassador & CCREW Volunteer Programs for 2012.

After racing our New Year’s Day 5k and our CCREW clean up the venue, please consider joining our CCREW volunteers at our CC post-race brunch at Ol’ Mexico Restaurant in Roseville (brunch is a CCREWARD for event management volunteers). We will celebrate together our successful events management work throughout 2011, and cheer one another in our own hopeful resolutions for 2012.

We’ll also be talking about how we each may be successful as RxExercise Ambassadors and earn a CC Team travel-expenses-paid place to Great Ambassador Destinations in 2012 to places like Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Virginia, Washington D.C. and beyond.

Training and later traveling together as RxExercise Ambassadors makes for an especially motivating happy-hopeful 2012 resolution.

Join a CC RxExercise Ambassador Team today and travel tomorrow!

Happy New Year and Healthful-Hopeful Resolutions to all!