Why Run for the Coast?

2008 triathlon—that's me on the right

Until I was an adult, I had never run in a competitive race. I never felt the need to, and didn’t really see the point. One day in 2008, I decided in my little head that I wanted to do some triathlons. (If you’re lucky, I will tell you my first triathlon story one day… it’s a doozie.) I quickly learned that signing up for races is an EXCELLENT way to stay motivated with your training and working out! There are races and events for just about every physical activity your little heart desires. And here’s another bit of info about “racing:” no one really cares how you do… and you’re probably not going to win.

I realized this almost immediately when I went to my first triathlon on James Island. Turns out, my piddly sprint triathlon was just a weekend training sesh for all the Lance Armstrongs living near Charleston who just needed a quick reminder that they are going to destroy their next Ironman. This kind of took the pressure off and made my second triathlon really fun. (Notice I said my second was fun…  The first, not so much.) I ended up finishing the series and completing three sprint triathlons that summer. I felt very accomplished and was in the best shape I have ever been in, undoubtedly. It wasn’t that I was doing any crazy lengths or hardcore training, but I was switching up my workouts every day. Swim, bike, run. Repeat. The swims weren’t that far, the biking certainly wasn’t that far, and the running wasn’t that far.  It was alternating the three that made me fit and toned without even trying (that hard). And I still hate biking...

It is easy, easy, EASY to find events in your area or literally anywhere in the world your heart desires. I have pipe dreams of doing a race in Hawaii but we’ll see.  There are also great race sites with events listed by month and location—just hop on Google. Another great resource is Team in Training. They will actually help train you for a race while you raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.  The American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen… there are countless non-profits that have races and events to benefit their research. Kill two birds with one stone, I say!

My next event will be the Run for the Coast this Saturday, and I am REALLY pumped about it! The weather is finally cooling off enough to run in the morning or later at night and not feel like you’re going to projectile vomit. I’ve included their information and website below, just in case you want to join me! A 10k may sound like a lot, but again I just want to reiterate: No one really cares how you do… and you’re probably not going to win!  So you might as well enjoy it, right!?!?

Here are the details:

Run for the Coast - 10K Eco-Run on Folly Beach

Join us for a 10K run along the beautiful coast of Folly Beach in an effort to protect one of the places that we all enjoy. Whether you’re a runner, surfer, or just enjoy soaking up the sun, we invite you to participate in the inaugural Run for the Coast 10K Eco-Run on Folly Beach. Proceeds will benefit the Charleston Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.

Run for the Coast was founded on the idea that we need to enjoy all outdoor and recreational areas with a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship. This means reducing our impact on the areas where we love to surf, climb, run, kayak, hike, or simply take in the view. It is up to us and future generations to make sure everyone can continue to enjoy these amazing places. Run for the Coast will strive to be as Green and low-impact as possible.

Mission: To promote healthy and environmentally friendly recreation in Charleston.

When: Saturday, September 22, 2012

Where: Folly Beach, SC – Race starts in front of Tides Hotel

Race Schedule:

6:30 a.m.: Packet pick-up

8-10 a.m.: Run begins

10am-10:30 a.m.: Awards Ceremony

11a.m.: Afterparty at Blu Restaurant

Awards: Prize awards for top three overall Male and Female winners. Age group awards for top 3 Male and Female winners in each age division: 10-14,15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

Proceeds from the race will benefit the Charleston Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation: Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection of the world's oceans, waves, and beaches through a powerful activist network. We have over 80,000 members worldwide including over 250 members locally. We are on the front line of protecting our local marshes and beaches by organizing and implementing biweekly beach sweeps during the summer at Folly Beach and Fall and Winter marsh sweeps. We are a member of the Ashley Cooper Stormwater Education Consortium, and do regular outreach to local schools to make sure that our children mature to be responsible stewards of our environment. You can reach us at charleston.surfrider.org

www.runforthecoast.com