At some point during the day I want my children to have been physically active. I want them away from any and every type of entertainment screen in order for their bodies and minds to be engaged in some sort of physical play.

The other day I laughed as I watched my children pick seven different activities to play in a span of 15 minutes. My yard was a mess between the slip and slide, the basketballs, and the riding toys littered throughout. Of course, it didn’t matter because they were having a blast!

Exercise is Fun?

Fast forward to today when a friend I hadn’t seen in a while commented on my Homemade Fitness Facebook status which linked up to the Panther Run at the Ridge. My status update read: “Registered. Looks like a blast!” My friend couldn’t understand what I found fun in a 5K race full of obstacle courses.

What would a 33 year old like myself find fun about a race that includes all of the following:

• Water slide
• Rock climbing wall
• Frigid pool full of ice,
• Rope bridge
• Climbing wall
• Balance beam
• Hill climb

Because it is literally adult physical play! It’s exactly what I ask my children to do on a daily basis…have fun outside! Why should it be odd that I’m seeking the same for myself?

A new challenge

This type of event is completely new to me and while I cross train on a regular basis, the Panther Run will require me to begin trail running. It’s one thing to run the neighborhood streets and hills, but uneven ground hidden by grass and mud is an element not be ignored if I want to remain injury free.

Local Training

I’ve made a list of all the greenways close to my house using the Our Valley Event’s parks and greenways directory. Did you know we have 9…cause I sure didn’t!

Greenways give me the option of running on smooth road terrain or a more natural one. As a beginner in trail running, I want to be able to have the option to transition back and forth easily and allow my body to acclimate to this new exercise. I don’t want to overestimate my endurance on this type of ground and end up fatiguing quickly and twisting an ankle. Once I’m comfortable, then I’ll graduate to the trails around town.

Note to runners

To all the regular trail runners out there, I hope you are not too alarmed if you happen see a sweaty lady all of a sudden drop to the ground to do push ups, squats, lunges, and jumps. It’s all part of Panther Run training. In fact, I hope you join me in the madness. This is all in fun!

Event Information

Panther Run
Date: Saturday, Sept. 8th. 2012
Where: The Ridge, Springville, AL

Don’t want to travel? Here are some other local races:

• August 4th:  32nd Huntsville Sprint Triathlon
• August 4th: Soggy Seals Triathlon
• August 11th: Run to Rescue
• August 27th: Running of the Bulls 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run