The Emporia Gazette

May 28, 2012

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The brilliantly witty author, Erma Bombeck, once said that the only reason she exercised was so she could hear heavy breathing again.

Many people, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, often have a difficult time getting or staying motivated to exercise, even though each and every one of us is well aware that we can and should do so.

Those of us who are consistently physically active — the current “minimum” recommendation is 30 minutes, three days a week — have a variety of reasons for doing what we do. Ideally, what would motivate us is that we simply enjoy whatever activity we engage in.

Although I do personally make an effort to only choose forms of exercise that I find to be fun, I have other reasons that have kept me consistently working up a healthy sweat since I was a preteen. These motivating factors include:

• Wanting to look good and feel more energetic

• Enjoying the sunshine and breeze encountered with exercising outdoors

• Enjoying the social interaction of exercising with others

• To prevent the slowing down of reflexes associated with aging

• A desire to prevent or delay common chronic diseases as long as possible, especially diabetes, cancers, heart diseases, osteoporosis and arthritis

• Wanting to set a good example for my children

• To prove to myself and others that I can set and accomplish positive and beneficial goals

The one great thing about springtime in Emporia and many other American communities is that we are surrounded by exercise-centered community events focused on helping out good causes. Many of us are highly motivated to participate in these events because they help us address or experience many or all of the items listed above. Many of us also have an inherent desire to make a difference and these events give us a chance to do just that. The upcoming events include:

Laps 4 Landon: Taking Steps to Find a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis

This event is held each year in honor of Emporia resident Landon Dody who is 2 years old and fighting CF every day. This year it will take place at 6 p.m. April 21 atWelch Stadium on the ESU campus.

Participants are encouraged to come walk as many laps as they can. Admission is free, although donations will be accepted, and there will also be a silent auction, with all proceeds going to the CF Foundation in Landon’s name. There will be drawings for prizes, live entertainment, and drinks and snacks will be provided. You can contact me at 341-6160 or jthomas@emporia.edu for more details.

American Cancer

Society’s Relay for Life of Lyon County

This national event has been held in Emporia for many years. This year it begins at 6 p.m. April 24 and goes through the night, ending at 6 a.m. April 25 at the Emporia High School track. Community members can form a team, make a flat donation or even purchase luminarias that will be lit around the track during the luminary ceremony. There will be music and a variety of activities for all ages. Contact Barb Rourk of the Emporia Recreation Commission at 340-6396 for more details.

4th Annual John Blaufuss Memorial Walk/Run

This event will be at 9 a.m. May 2 and begins at the Sauder Alumni Center. A 5K running course and a two-mile walking course will be laid out inside the ESU campus. There is a $25 entry fee. This fee includes an event T-shirt. All funds raised will go toward ESU’s general scholarship fund. For those who cannot participate, other donations are accepted. Contact the University Advancement office at 341-5440 for more details.

Whether an event is raising awareness about a condition, raising funds for a foundation or scholarship, providing an outlet for friendly competition or all of the above, I hope you will consider participating in an upcoming “fit for a cause” event. You may just find that it lights a fire in you to be active throughout the year.