With Dori Degenhardt, Healthy Planet Outdoor & Fitness Editor
Happy 2010 fellow “outdoorsy” folks!
Every year, I find myself telling readers that now is a great time to give up the idea of New Year’s resolutions and simply embrace a lifestyle that is more active and healthy. Yes, it’s the time of year that everyone wants to say that they are going to change everything non-healthy in their life and transform it into something much, much healthier. Well, why not baby-step your way to a more healthy lifestyle and pick one or two ‘goals’ to achieve in the year to come? And, if a big goal of yours is to run a 5K, add that to the list. It shouldn’t be something completely unattainable; but something that is challenging YET achievable.
I’ve outlined a few ideas below but never fear, I am always full of ways to get you (and your entire family!) moving. Email me anytime for more ideas or to send a suggestion: outdoorseditor@yahoo.com I’d love to hear from you!
New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2010 is a great day for a KATY Trail bike ride! Join an enthusiastic group of biyclists who have started each New Year with a bike ride on the KATY Trail for the 21st Annual New Year’s Day KATY Trail Ride. The group will leave from the KATY Trailhead in Defiance at 11:00 am and ride to Augusta (7 miles). They will stop for lunch upon their return to Defiance, depending on restaurant availability. Please dress in layers and wear a helmet – per ride leader, Craig Seymour. Visit www.trailnet.org for complete details.
And, just the sound of this race makes me smile: the U City Frozen Buns Run. To help kickoff the Loop’s annual Ice Carnival event on January 16th, the St. Louis Triathlon Club is hosting this fun 5 and 10K run/walk. The race begins at 10 a.m. in front of Blueberry Hill in the Loop, 6504 Delmar. Registration is capped at 400 runners (combined 5 and 10K) so make sure to register as soon as possible. Information and a downloadable pdf can be found at http://www.fleetfeetstl.com/racetiming/entryforms/FBR.pdf Race fees are $25 before January 9th and $30 after that date and includes choice of gloves or a winter beanie. Visit www.stlouistriclub.com or www.frozenbuns.blogspot.com for additional details. Donations from the proceeds of this run will be made to the Boy Scout Explorers and the Backstoppers programs.
And, if a triathlon might be on your to-do list before the end of the year, this could be just the event to kick-off your training. The Pointe at Ballwin Commons is hosting a unique triathlon experience called the Updside Down Triathlon on Sunday, January 17th with the first wave beginning at 7a. Participants will perform a 15 minute run, 15 minute bike, and 10 minute swim (in that order,) and distance accomplished will be calculated to determine the top finishers. Each participant receives an Upside Down Triathlon t-shirt and prizes for top overall maleand female finishers will be awarded. Entry forms and $20 must be received by (not post marked by) January 4, 2010 to, The Pointe at Ballwin Commons, Attn: Jules McCormick, #1 Ballwin Commons Circle, Ballwin, MO 63021. Visit http://www.ballwin.mo.us/docs/2009_Indoor_Triathlon_Entry_Form2.pdf for a downloadable entry form.
And that should be a few interesting events to kick-off (quite literally) your New Year and your New You! Looking forward to sharing many other exciting events in the months to come, including special guest columnists and plenty of healthy training tips and advice. See you in February!