With the weather finally starting to cool down to bearable temperatures, it is the perfect time of year to start getting back in shape. There are several fitness opportunities available during the month of October.
The Race for the Cure kicks off in Little Rock on Oct. 4. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure series is the largest 5k in the world. The Race for the Cure is a way to be active while rasing breast cancer awareness. You can register for the race on-site from 6-8 a.m. at the registration tent, located at 4th and Arch Street. Individual registration is $40 on race day for the competitive run.
The Big Rock Mountain Bike Festival is an event for bike owners on Oct. 4 at Boyle Park in Little Rock. The festival runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free.
Attendants will see kids’ obstacle courses, a women’s biking clinic, bicycle drag races and a lunch that raises funds for building and maintaining trails throughout Central Arkansas. Visit www.arkansasoutside.com for more information.
The Micah Rine 5k and one mile fun run takes place Oct. 11 in front of Harding Academy. The race is in memory of Micah Rine, who was murdered in 2009.
“We run the race in her honor and the proceeds go to the Micah Rine Wellness Room at Harding Academy,” Micah’s father, Dennis Rine, said.
The cost to enter the race is $25 or $20 for Harding students. Sign up for the Micah Rine 5k at www.searcylegacyseries.com.
For faculty and staff, Walktober started Oct. 1. Participants log cumulative miles they walk and/or run during the month of October. Prizes will be awarded to those with the highest mileage at the end of the month. Contact wellness program coordinator Sarah McGaha at smcgaha@harding.edu for more information.
It is easy to sign up for all these programs, but staying in shape after they are over is the real challenge. McGaha, the wellness program coordinator, suggests prioritizing working out and planning ahead.
“Life gets in the way and you get really busy,” McGaha said. “Time is a premium. It has to be a commitment that you’re going to make internally. Schedule it just as you would a coffee date or study time and commit to it.”
The wellness program, McGaha said, extends beyond physical fitness.
“Exercising helps you in all aspects,” McGaha said. “We want to be well not only physically, but spiritually and mentally. Being well physically is a great foundation for overall wellness.”
