The Fight For Air
Imagine…..for a second…that where you work….there is an endless supply of…..snacks!
That’s my job currently. I order and manage product locally for a global snack leader. It’s a curse. If I ever get hungry there are literally hundreds of different products to try. All kinds of snacks too. Try? You open a bag and then eat it. The whole bag! I’m such a pig. Plus, I feel it is sort of my corporate duty to try these products as it is a new job and I should become more familiar with its products. Right? Or so I tell myself as I dig for another handful.
Thank goodness for the beginning of the local American Lung Association’s annual Fight For Air Stairclimb!
A few years ago our local American Lung Association (ALA) held a 5k run downtown. It was a bit small but lots of fun. As I walked to my car to get a check for the drive a nice young lady picked me up in her car and asked if I needed a ride? (can never get enough of that).
It turns out she was one of the directors for the local ALA. We chatted a bit and she introduced me to some of the other leaders in the organization. I was so impressed with these ladies I volunteered to write a race summary for our local running club in hopes I could drive some interest for the following year’s 5k.
Some call it a 5K run, some call it a 5K walk
The following year they contacted me to be on their Leadership Board for a new event to our area, their inaugural Fight For Air Stairclimb to help get it off the ground, so to speak. I was thrilled.
Have you ever done a stairclimb or run some stairs? The first year I ran the stairclimb I thought I was in shape. My 5k times that year were as good as they had ever been. I ran up and down those stairs and I have to tell you, when I was done, my lungs were hurting! My lungs now, not my legs or my calves, my lungs. Can you imagine going through life that way? I thought what a great cause to support, trying to get the world healthier lungs, as I was bent over catching my breath. And a great way to do it too! I think any fitness fanatic can agree, if you don’t have fresh air in your lungs, or healthy, efficient lungs, you are not going to get fit. So that is what the ALA tries to do, fight for lung health, cleaner air, as well as lung diseases like asthma.
Had to run to the bathroom...
I know there are several of you reading this that are runners or other healthy, fit, wellness individuals. There are many types, ages, and fitness levels all working to improve their health, kill some kalories, or fit into last year’s clothes. You know what? What a great hobby and passion!
Great hobby because you not only have the ability, drive, and stamina to make yourself a healthier human being but you have the ability to help others get healthier too. Your gifts, skills, talent and hard work can help less healthy people improve their standard of living by doing what you love (?) to do, running. All these fun events raise money for great causes. Whether you choose to benefit healthier lungs, breast cancer, or a long list of other great charities, you can take your talents, raise some money (shamelessly via your blog) and help others. And, to me, that is as good of a feeling as the great things I we do for ourselves. Isn’t it?
I’ve said it before, have some fun with your fitness, join some races. Then think about other causes, other people you would like to benefit and join those races and events as well. They’re fun!
You may meet some people you know that you had no idea were runners too.
You can start by joining me in our Fight For Air Stairclimb. Join my (WordPress) team, or sponsor me from afar instead (it is tax deductible here in the states). I can reimburse your kindness with a very cool Stairclimb t-shirt, tub of ice cream or sorbet, used toddlers clothing and toys, or even a guest post. Sound too good to be true? Check out my homepage.
You can join my team, one way or the other, or please have fun with your fitness in your own hometown. Join a race, help some less fortunate ones, and celebrate your great health that you have worked so hard on (you really have, haven’t you?). You can help less fortunate ones get healthier, in addition to your own rockin’ self. And run off all those snacks from work too.
OUR LIFE IN 3D 
do it Cafe and have some fun along the way.
Haha I like this post =P
I’m thinking of signing up for a race that’s raising money for kids with cancer. Thinking about it, Andy…….
Well no body told me I have writing on my face! You thihnk a wife would mention that at soem point. Hikling or walking is fine for these. Proably half the people doing these events are walkers just out to support a good cause. Come on down and join us and I can write ‘good person’ on you too!
I had to buy bigger pants for work and now they are tight too : ( And why I need to run some stairs. LOTS of stairs!
This is really great Andy! You have “good person” written all over you. I’m not a runner but I do “hike/walk” low to moderate scenic trails along the Hudson River usually once a week with a friend. Love the stair pic! Good luck & keep us posted!!
Endless supply of snacks, I’m in. I think you said something about running too, but I like snacks. Actually, I used to run. I have not done so in years. I have eaten snacks, though.