Run For Fitness and Charity

Today I ran the Troy YMCA's 5k Race. It was a wonderful atmosphere with people dressed in costumes to celebrate Halloween and the weather was perfect! While I had a great time it was wonderful to know that we were all there to raise money to support families and children in need.

The YMCA does not turn away anyone. If you can not afford to pay for your membership you can apply for a scholarship to go there. It is a place for everyone. A great way for the community to get involved in helping the Y fund these scholarships is through their 5k series. Beginning in May the Y hosts a 5k just about every month of the year in the Capital Region of New York State. If you are located in a different region- please see your local Y for more on this.

The reasonable entry fee of $25 to participate in the 5k gets you a T-shirt and some goodies but more importantly it helps to fund the YMCA’s Reach Out For Youth Scholarship Program. That provides programs and services to children and families. This year (so far) I have participated in 3 of their races. I am forever indebted to them as they taught me how to run.

At the beginning of this year I set out to find my "healthy self". I knew she was there- but with early work hours, three children and a busy life- I ignored her for a very long time. I found her at the Y. Their trainers helped me build my endurance and confidence and then encouraged me to try a Couch to 5K class. Believe me when they say "Couch to 5k" they mean it. In your first week you literally run 1 minute and walk many more!

Because of their support I ran my first 5k in May. To say it was emotional (in a good way) would be an understatement. It was empowering! I couldn't stop there. I set out to do a 5k a month- for this ENTIRE YEAR! I have now completed 9 and there's no stopping me! I am now in a YMCA 5k to 5k class- learning how to build my endurance and speed and I'm in a swimming class. Who knows where that will take me in my 2013 fitness goals. I like to participate in the Y races as a way to pay them back for the wonderful gift of health and fitness!

If you are sitting on the couch and don't think you can make a change or if you are an experienced athlete looking to up your game- you can find your help at the Y and make a difference at the same time and it will be so rewarding.