Commitment Day 2014

Hopefully you survived Thanksgiving Day without too much caloric damage :).  I certainly indulged in turkey, mashed potatoes and pecan pie, but I knew my limit and tried to stick to it.  Of course it also made me think about how I need to start planning out my goals for next year.  I greatly enjoy the holidays and all the special treats to eat but I also know it can’t last every month of the year.  I came across an interesting way to start out the New Year in a positive healthy manner and it’s called Commitment Day 5k.

I saw an ad for the event in a running magazine and I got an insert about it in my race bag last week.  The The literature reads: “Commitment Day is a family-friendly 5k event on January 1, 2014 perfect for those looking for something more rewarding than a resolution. Whether you’re running, jogging or walking, Commitment Day is a catalyst to a healthier way of life.” 

Commitment Day 5k is
a way to start the New
Year in a healthy and
fun manner!

event is a 5k walk or run on New Year’s Day.

I love it. I think it’s a great way to get people outdoors and moving together as a family, as friends and as a community.  I think there should be a Commitment Day once a week or once a month all year long.  And really, it could be expanded to include biking, hiking, kayaking, dancing, yoga and many other sports.   Learn more (or register for an event) at www.commitmentday.com.

The only disappointing thing about the event is that it’s only in 35 cities across the US.  It’s generally in a big city, which logistically I understand probably makes most sense.  From the perspective though of access to health and wellness opportunities, I’m guessing that more rural areas would benefit from something like this.  However, just because an event may not be in your town on January 1 does not mean you can’t make it your own Commitment Day.  Make the commitment to yourself to get up and get moving on January 1.  Plan your own event whether you’re the only participant or you get family and friends involved.

Sometimes I’m frustrated that more people don’t have access to the events, educational seminars or other resources to really learn about and participate in health and wellness activities. Then I remember Don, the 76 year old man I met at my Wabash Trace half marathon earlier this year.  Shenandoah is a very small town and Don said he lived in the country.  He trained on the gravel roads around his home.  I bet that would become a simple excuse for some but it didn’t stand in his way.  I think it’s a safe bet to say that no matter where you are, where you’re walking, running or biking, someone somewhere else in the world is doing the exact same thing.  So if you don’t have a Commitment Day event near you but you want to participate, just think about the hundreds and thousands that will be doing the exact same thing as you.  Hopefully that’s an inspiration!

Do you plan to participate in a Commitment Day event or make one of your own? Do you have a plan for health and wellness activities in 2014? Feel free to share your goals!

Miss FitGab