Challenge yourself, get health and help those in need.

Do you want to run a 5k?  If you had asked me that question three years ago I would have laughed in your face. Running was the absolute last thing I wanted to do. I thought of it as self-inflicted cruel and unusual punishment. Plus, I was really bad at it. But for some reason, I got the urge to try it anyway. My coworker mentioned that she had started using a Couch to 5k app that eases you into running gradually. She seemed to really like it and I was looking for a way to challenge myself so I decided I’d give it a try. I used the C25k Android app. And it worked! The secret is incremental running increases. I started out running 60 seconds and walking 90 seconds then slowly increased the ratio of running to walking. Over the course of eight weeks, I went from feeling winded walking up the stairs to running 3.2 miles without stopping. Since then I’ve gone on to complete a half marathon. And I owe my accomplishments to a simple app. So I challenge you to download the app and try it out. If I can do it anyone can. It may be hard at first but if you stick with it, you’ll be happy with the results. Why am I telling you all this? Because I have the perfect opportunity for you to challenge yourself, get healthy and have a blast with the added bonus of helping children with special needs: the 5^th Annual Rainbows GLOW Run/Walk! This year’s event is Saturday April 16^th at Lincoln Elementary in Augusta. That gives you ten weeks, more than enough time to complete your Couch to 5k journey! Adult event registration is $25.00 and all proceeds benefit Butler County children with special needs and their families. Wear your glow gear and bring a team. This is going to be fun! For more information click the 5^th Annual GLOW Run/Walk link on the Rainbows United website. Now the question is: Do you want to run a 5k? Written by Matt Cerre, a member of the Rainbows’ Communications Committee and Publications Manager/Editor at Pioneer Balloon.