I have a love/hate relationship with running. It’s definitely something I know that my body loves to do-but my brain doesn’t always agree. Thankfully, Ish and I both love to compete, and that’s why I love running in races.
I’m not talking about the mile-long torture that you were required to do in middle school (please say it wasn’t just me!), but a race that means something. I’ve run races for cancer, severe aplastic anemia, and others. This year, I’m really, really excited about the FEED 10 race in Austin this year.
Why FEED?
If you haven’t heard of them, FEED is an awesome company that helps feed those who are less fortunate. They also make really cute stuff.
The RUN 10 FEED 10 race is a 10K race where you complete your 10 kilometers and feed 10 people in your area. I’d call that a huge win. This race has been around for 5 years, and the New York City race, hosted by Good Morning America Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee, took place on September 18, where thousands of participants raced down the West Side Highway for a timed 10K or 5K run with proceeds supporting New York City Metropolitan Food Banks.
Women’s Health publisher Laura Frerer-Schmidt shared that “RUN 10 FEED 10 has grown tremendously since we began the program five years ago,” says Frerer-Schmidt. The race series offers readers a measureable way to give back, and the opportunity to do something good for others while doing something good for themselves. By continuing our “Run on Your Own” partnership with Runtastic, and making the program even more accessible for consumers with the addition of our 5K race option this year, we’ve brought participation to reach over 1,000 cities. The more people who run, whether that’s at one of our flagship events or in their own neighborhoods, the more we can make a difference.”
Thursday, September 15, 2016, after the New York City race, RUN 10 FEED 10 celebrated their 5 millionth meal donation milestone by turning the skyline red. Now that’s cool.
Simple Works.
In the races that I’ve run, it’s not always clear exactly how I’m helping others. Sure, I always assume that the fee I pay to run got somewhere and helps someone, but I really, really love the RUN 10 FEED 10 concept.
The concept is so incredibly simple: RUN a 10K and FEED 10 hungry people in your hometown. You’d think that it should be more complicated, but honestly, it doesn’t need to be.
Want to participate? I don’t blame you! Find out if the RUN 10 FEED 10 race is coming to a town near you and register now through November 29, 2016 at RUN10FEED10.com. If you use the code “WHPR5OFF”, you’ll save some money off the registration, but keep all the swag.
And, each registered participant will receive:
- a limited-edition FEED bag,
- FEED bracelet and
- 10 meals donated locally on their behalf (that’s my favorite part).
No Race Near You?
That’s okay! They have a “Run On Your Own” option where you can chart your course using Runtastic now through November 29. Register to run for this awesome cause from anywhere HERE.
Not Ready?
Take some notes from Ginger Zee – host of Good Morning America:
- “Running is a weekly, maybe bi-weekly part of my fitness routine. I think everybody is different. Every body reacts differently.” It’s important to listen to your body and go at your own pace.
- “[Running is] something you can train for and make a goal of.” If you need to “shape up” for the RUN 10 FEED 10 near you, use their 10K training plans.
- “Running for me is almost spiritual because you let yourself into this whole other realm. And once you lose yourself, the race is done.” Some people prefer silence, others prefer to listen to music. If you’re a music person, be sure to use sweat proof headphones (trust me).
- “That whole time I’m running, every step I’m thinking about the people I’m serving; It’s a great, almost meditative, moment.” When I focus on just one thing when I run, it goes so much faster.
But I think my favorite part of hearing Ginger’s experience was this:
“I’ve done plenty of stories – a lot of environmental stories, a lot of food stories. We know that there’s a problem with hunger right here in the United States, right here in our back yards. It’s easy to forget about when you’re going to the grocery store and you can pick up whatever you need. That’s not the case for everyone. And that’s not the case for people directly in your community. This is one of the only events where I can say the money or the funds and the activity raised goes straight to people that live right next door to you. That’s the most special part of this to me. There are so few charities where you get to say that. You don’t know necessarily where the money goes. This one you know where it goes – it goes right next door.”
People think that having a lifestyle that includes bodybuilding is hard and harsh–you need to go to the gym and explore workout routines that will make you feel aw. Good thing you put emphasis on running! Running is one way to prepare yourself on your way to getting a better physique!