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How to Run for Charity

Running for Charity is a regular event in big cities and, increasingly, in suburbs and rural areas,too.. If you're heading downtown early on a weekend morning, be prepared to follow the detour signs put up by the charity run organizers. You may feel a stab of guilt if you're not lacing up the Nikes yourself, but only if you haven't contributed heavily to a participant's pledge sheet . Should you opt to run in an upcoming charity event, you'll have plenty of choice about where to donate your efforts. The only problem you'll have will be in deciding which worthy cause is most in keeping with your personal agenda.

The charity run is so adaptable that it can be used to address needs of a universal nature, or of a very personal, local kind. If you want to run to raise money for medical research, you'll have an array of diseases and disorders from which to choose. You may want to run to raise money for, as well as awareness of, a social problem, like homelessness or vandalism. When a family is suddenly burned or flooded out of their home, you can find yourself running to raise money for their everyday needs. Sports teams lacking equipment or traveling expenses can have a charity run to raise the money. I saw one ad from a desperate gambler, online, half jokingly trying to organize a charity run in an attempt to recover funds lost on a recent trip to Las Vegas. Now come on! Let's draw the line somewhere!

So, assuming you've found a worthwhile cause, how do you go about the charity run itself? Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your altruistic attempt to help others.

Get Up.

In order to be in the best possible shape for your run, you'll have to adopt an active program of training. So get up out of bed earlier to create new workout time. Get up off the couch during the commercials to work on slow stretches and toning. Get up, out of your car, and onto street level, where you'll be able to discover the rhythms of the walk, the slow lope, the brisk trot, and eventually the enduring running stride. Remember, a charity run is not the place for individuals to seek record book status for lightening speed, and the ability to beat other competitors. Covering the course is the main skill requirement here. Finishing the run translates into the attainment of your monetary goals.

Get Down

Squat down and take a good look at your feet. Are they ready for a run? Give them a million mile overhaul if they need it. Gently soak and pumice off any thickened

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