IT'S EARNED RUNS' 2019 SUMMER CHALLENGE PLANNING TIME

Joe Diaz December 13, 2015 The iconic Mission Drive in theatre on the southside of San Antonio, Texas https://flic.kr/p/BcLb4h

THE LAST MONDAY OF MAY is the Memorial Day Holiday in the USA, which marks the unofficial start of summer vacation season here. The Northern Hemisphere is beginning a wonderful period of long and bright daylight hours and warm weather.  A shift of one to several weeks to frame an earlier or later time period would work just as well for those not inclined by nationality to recognize these specific celebrations.
 
Regardless of the day used to mark the beginning of the season, now is the time to plan a summer physical activity schedule.
 
School may have or soon will be dismissed for students for the entire summer or an inter-session break.  Workplaces may be putting off regular meetings that interfere with the enjoyment of long weekends or extended noon lunch hours until after Labor Day. It’s a ideal opportunity for some to adopt a more relaxed and fun approach to exercise.
 
Why stick with a  the same old, year-round workout/running/walking/bicycling, or swimming routines? Consider challenging yourself to try something new.  It needn’t be the most physically demanding feat. Just different and a bit adventurous FOR YOU.
 
Ideally your challenges should take advantage of the great outdoors and the 'socialize-ability' (made-up word) of a season which entices many more of us to be out and about at all times of the day and evening. Think about trying hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, fat-tire or gravel biking, golfing, and open water swimming instead of grinding out 20-50 weekly miles of continuous running, walking, or cycling.  Re-format indoor workouts and take them outside when possible.
 
Throughout the month of May, Earned Runs will highlight some activities in which you may be interested in participating. The Unites States' Memorial Day, falling on May 27 this year, will be identified in most cases as the ‘kick-off‘ date, but an alternate start will work just as well if scheduling is an issue or cultural differences make another date more appropriate.
 
The goal is to PLAN now, so the precious early days of summer aren’t squandered because of inattention and procrastination. Commit now to developing a solid program for yourself.  

Like a summer camp or a playground/pool might do for children and adolescents on vacation from school, populate the calendar with specific adventures and workouts on specific days that might be paired with socially fun gatherings like beer runs, urban art tours, or even outdoor movie nights (plan to walk to the venue).
 
Below is a simple list, a draft preview, of potential Earned Runs 2019 Summer Challenges. The first 3 activities on the list were introduced in 2016 but confined to running. The 4TH challenge was added in 2017 for walkers.  Two other challenges were added in 2018 and where possible challenges were adapted to include running/walking/cycling/fitness activities. Changes may be made this year as well as the final 2019 Summer Challenge line-up is still in development. 
- Streaking
- Run/Walk/Cycle Across America
- Fastest 5K (or a string of FUN 5Ks)
- Summer Series Sweep
- Buddy Up
- Obstacle Course
 
If you have not yet printed or requested FREE Earned Runs Bibs (available to US and Canada addressees only; you’ll receive 4), do so soon.  Bibs can be used to run/walk/cycle personally designed races, for training purposes, and for charting progress toward a challenge fitness goal.  They can be used to motivate and inspire too.
 
Look for more information on each 2019 Summer Challenge during the coming weeks.
 
RUN & MOVE HAPPY!