Thrifty, Green, & Healthy

Here's a reminder for something good and old-fashioned. It is frugal and earth-friendly. It will also make you look and feel better. You guessed it... exercise!

If you can, skip the machines, head outdoors, and go for a walk or run! You will be glad you did. It is what our bodies were made to do. There's something about going for a run, that while painful at times, is still relaxing! The hardest part is just getting your backside out the door and on your way. Once you've accomplished that, the rest of it comes much easier.

I am writing this just as much as a reminder to myself as to anyone else. My friend Christa and I recently ran in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K. It was the first real race for both of us in a long time. We took it easy and didn't push ourselves very much. We enjoyed it so much that we are already thinking about what race to do next!

If you've never participated in a road race/walk, I encourage you to do so. There are usually participants of all ages and abilities, and it is a fun and encouraging experience. Plus, the entry fees often go to charity.

My cross-country coach in high school used to say that anyone could be a distance runner. You didn't have to be a good athlete or have good coordination. You just had to be willing to work hard. And anything worthwhile usually takes a little work. Don't be afraid of that. Go do something good for yourself without having to pay for anything but a good pair of shoes (and maybe a quality sportsbra, too) and without using any energy but your own.

Run on :)