Fitness is more than weight

It's been 10+ weeks into the Fit Family program. Back in February the families were challenged to participate in their first YMCA Healthy Kids Fun Run/Walk held annually the last Saturday in April. All of a sudden THE DATE is arriving and I am the one probably the most nervous. Did I ask too much of them?

Asking someone to commit to completing 5 kilometers of walking and/or running is much more than asking someone to lose a few pounds by dieting. Becoming more physically fit takes time and physical effort. Plus, my own experience is that you do put your ego on the line, even when you are only competing against yourself.

5 days until it's time to line up and see what they can do. Stay tuned!

Race Day Tips

Our Fit Families are preparing for the 8th Annual YMCA Run/Walk on Saturday, April 26th. They are training and have specific goals for a successful 5 K Run/Walk. These are some tips for them and for you to have a healthy and fun race day!

• Get a course map and practice it the week before so there aren’t any surprises.
• Get a good nights’ sleep and wake up early enough to eat a healthy breakfast.
• Dress is layers! Our weather is unpredictable.
Be prepared for any type of weather and watch the news the night before.
• Give yourself plenty of time to check-in.
• Warm up and stretch for at least 15-20 minutes.
• Know where the restroom is and don’t wait too long to use it before the race.
• Run at the pace you’ve trained for. Try to keep it even throughout the race.
• Now is not the time for new! (Food, shoes, drinks, etc.)
• Water is essential during training and on race day. Use the aid stations!
• Safety is always number one! Obey traffic laws and be careful at intersections.
• Lastly, and most importantly, have fun, keep smiling and make a volunteers day and say “thanks” for the help!

Good luck!