Keeping the Beat 5k

Today I had the pleasure of volunteering at the Keeping The Beat 5k, a fundraiser for Children's Hospital Boston Pacemaker/ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) Camp! I was able to wear my crown and sash as Miss Collegiate Area and it was so much fun. A Toddler Dash, 1k fun run, and 5k race were held at the beautiful Nantasket Beach in Hull, MA. This fundraiser was for children with heart problems who require pacemakers/ICDs for them to attend an annual summer camp, which gives them the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities, just like children who don't have to live with a pacemaker. This camp provides a safe and healthy environment for these children and allows them to meet friends, have fun, and forget about their illness for a while. It was SUCH a great event to be a part of!  While at this event, I noticed so many children and parents, partnering up to run the race as a team. This inspired me to blog, because I believe parents are a CRUCIAL part of their child's health! Not only do parents typically grocery shop for their children, but they set the main example for what a healthy lifestyle should look like and are in charge of motivating their children to be active. This completely ties into my platform for Miss Collegiate Area, which is Fit for Success incase you haven't been reading :) Even if you don't have kids, our society is in dire need of health role models for all ages. We must motivate our friends, peers, and future generations to adapt to nutritious lifestyles- not only to feel better as a person, but to lead to longer, more successful lives. After speaking with a woman who was running the race with her daughter, I was so inspired to blog about it and hopefully inspire someone else out there to find a running buddy and become healthy as a TEAM! Having a workout buddy will help you to push yourself, will give you a reason not to skip a workout, and will make it more fun for you! Whether you have kids or not, a workout buddy is essential for success!  Here are some ideas! - go for a run, and take turns picking a new location each time! - instead of going out to eat, go for a walk to your favorite coffee shop! - pick up a soccer ball and go kick it around! - jump in the pool/ocean/lake and do a lap-relay-race - dust off your rollerblades - SIGN UP FOR A RACE! this has been the best motivation for me, it is a fun way to workout, give back to the community, and have a blast! Try an obstacle course! - play a good ole game of HORSE - take turns coming up with an ab routine! Each person needs to come up with 5 different sets, alternate each set until you have completed all ten! - pack up your bikes and find a new trail!  Whatever you choose to do, find a teammate, get your children involved, and most importantly- HAVE FUN! Morgan