The nice days make all the difference right now, don’t they?  We look for signs of spring, we search out the sun, and we leave our mittens and warm jackets at home every chance we get.  I find myself taking off my coat when I get into my car, simply for the enjoyment of the sun on my bare arms as I drive home.

I can’t wait to be able to spend more time outside, getting some fresh air and exercise.  I’m committing time each week to strength and movement, for health reasons but also because I want to be full of energy and ready to enjoy when the days suddenly get warm.

A great way to boost your enthusiasm and commitment to staying active is to commit to a race or event that takes place later in the year.  If we wait for the sun, we could wait until May before we haul ourselves off the couch, and then immediately regret our sedentary ways.  But the deadline of a race or charity walk looming over you might just be what you need to get yourself up, time and again, to be sure you are ready.

What kind of events should you look for?  Check your favourite charities – many do walks, runs, races and family events and you’d be getting involved for a good cause.  Check with your local recreation centre or gym for posted events.  Ask your friends, colleagues, and extended family members what they do.  You’ll find there are events for all fitness levels, and all types of personalities.  Maybe you want a serious race? You’ll find it.  Maybe you want a family event with options for walking, running, bringing a stroller and more? You’ll find it.  Maybe you are just in it for the fun of it all and want to tackle a mud run or other themed event geared at not taking things too seriously?  Yep, you’ll find those too.

Even better?  Gather a group of friends or family members and sign up as a group. You can motivate each other to train, and share in a fun, active day once race day hits.

Here are just a few examples of events taking place across Canada:

Relay for Life

World Partnership Walk

The Shoppers Drug Mart’s Weekend to End Women’s Cancers

Walk to Fight Arthritis

Color Me Rad 5K

Mud Run and obstacle courses

For more organized races, try the event pages on websites like Running Room or Canadian Running.

And if you are really into it, check this list of marathons in Canada for the ultimate challenge!

Have you ever run in an organized race or event?  Which one? What was it like? Do you have a favourite event we should know about?

We’d love to know what has inspired you to get moving!