CIBC

With only two weeks left until the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure you may be looking for a little motivation to keep you moving. Here are five ways to fall in love with running right now!

1. Set and Track a Goal!
I’ve chatted about big Run day goals in my previous post here, so now let’s talk about every day running goals. Each time you head out for a training run leading up to October 5th, find something to strive towards. Setting a goal for each run (even if it’s just to not walk!) creates benchmarks of your progress and a sense of accomplishment when you are finished.

2. Run Somewhere New!
Running along the same path everyday can get boring. Even if you need to commute to a nearby park or conservation area add some variety and beauty to your run. If you aren’t able to try a new location, how about running at a different time of day? Sunrise and sunset can change your route by adding some great visuals and makes your regular route seem extra special.

3. Find a Running Tribe.
Running with others is a great way to pass the time. If you are completing the CIBC Run for the Cure with a team, get the whole gang out on your next run. If you are entering alone, then meet up with other like minded runners through a local run shop or community group. If you’re in the downtown Toronto area, some join my group, Tribe Fitness.

4. Treat Yourself To New Gear!
Sometimes a cute running hat, a new pair of shoes, even some new socks are exactly what you need to motivate you to get moving. Check out your local sporting goods store to find out what’s hot, so search from home using social media sites like Pinterest. Check out my pins of running style and reward yourself with something cute.

5. Give Back.
If you can’t find the personal motivation to keep running, remember you are doing it for a great cause. If you haven’t already done so you can still register to walk or run, donate or volunteer. Donate to my walk here!

Bonus!
6. Get Social. Share your running successes and accomplishments online and connect with other CIBC Run for the Cure runners and walkers by joining the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.

Charitable giving and fundraising for social good have been all over social media lately. For a couple of different reasons I’ve decided to take part in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. And while breast cancer hasn’t touched my family, this event is definitely something I support. I love their focus on healthy living, women’s health with a push for regular breast cancer screening and examinations, and the support they provide for women and their families.

Each year, tens of thousands of Canadians participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure and help to raise funds for important breast cancer research, health education, and advocacy initiatives. But what I love even more than the good they do with the funds raise is that tens of thousands of Canadians get moving. Multi-generations of family members are inspired the leave the couch and walk or run, all for a great cause.

These mass fitness fundraisers, like the CIBC Run for the Cure, are the perfect gateway to a healthy lifestyle. Something I’ve seen in my own family, as my in-laws 5 years ago participated in a walk, and have since participated in 5 5km races. Something they might not have been interested in, but the party atmosphere and supportive environment of events like the CIBC Run for the Cure showed them they could do it, and inspired them to do it again and again.

One in nine Canadian women is expected to develop breast cancer in her lifetime. So regardless of whether you know someone now, the research shows that you will, so let’s not forget the main focus of the CIBC Run for the Cure, and walk to support women’s health. Join me and register to walk or run, donate or volunteer, and be sure to join the conversation on Twitter or Facebook.