Exercise for...?

What is the reason you exercise: feels good, lose weight, relieve stress or prepare for a race? According to the recent poll on this blog, the majority of you exercise because "it feels good". Regardless of the reason, exercise has shown to reduce levels of stress, provide deeper sleep, lose weight, increase muscle tone, increase endurance and strength, and increase one's self esteem. The doctor's orders may be the reason you dread exercising, simply because you have to for the sake of your health. Why not have fun with your fitness? I'm sure you've heard of 5k races, walks, marathons, triathlons, or even adventure races, the question is: why aren't you participating in them? It certainly doesn't matter how fast you can run a mile, what matters is that you get involved with something bigger than yourself! You'll improve your overall health and help someone else! Ever wonder why you have to pay money to run in the races? They are all to help fund specific causes like breast cancer, heart disease, and even the Women in Congo! From participating in these athletic events, money is raised for research, treatment and programs to be implemented to further help the victims affected.

Adventure races sure do sound thrilling...but what are they exactly? They are races that are exciting and are fun physical events to be apart of. Muddy Buddy, currently races are only in nine cities, is a combination of 6-7 mile running and biking event that you will do alternately with a partner. The unique thing about this race is that at every switch point, there is an obstacle course...over a mud pit. Yes, hence the name, Muddy Buddy. The event occurs only once a year at select cities, so many people plan far in advance for it! There are other organizations that host adventure races like Active, U.S. Adventure Race Association, Odyssey, plus many more.