Column: Aaron Worm, Behind the Mic

Tis the season for runs and walks. Now, I don’t do as much running as I would like to and I make lots of excuses: not enough time, bad knees, blah, blah, blah. But I do make sure to participate in as many walks each year as I can. There are so many out there that benefit numerous causes and organizations.

This weekend, my family participated in the second annual Goldy Run at TCF Bank Stadium. The event had a 5k and 10-mile run, and Goldy’s Gallop for the kids. It never crossed my mind to run the 10-mile. We had planned on walking the 5k, but got to the event a little late, and ended up walking; let’s say the final “K” of the race. My two sons participated in the Gallop and ran around the outside of the stadium and then finished their run, racing onto the football field, and seeing themselves on the huge Jumbotron.

The kids got to meet Goldy and received some neat souvenirs, but that wasn’t the point. Money raised from the event went to the new Amplatz Children’s Hospital on the Twin Cities campus. That’s why these events over the area and over the state are so important. It’s good for your health and can make a difference for so many people.

I would like to thank those that organized and participated in the Hy-Vee Walkathon this weekend that raised money for the American Red Cross. When a disaster strikes, the Red Cross is always there caring for those in need. Other local events coming up, (if I miss any I will make sure to include them in a future article), Fountain Lake Five and Tiger Trot on April 21; Land between the Lakes Triathlon on May 20, and the April Sorenson Memorial Half marathon on July 7 (more info at livelaughloverun.com).

Obviously the list of runs throughout the state of Minnesota and Iowa could go on forever, but I encourage everyone to do an online search for 5k races, and walks. (Runningintheusa.com is a good resource.) My family has made it a personal goal to participate in as many events as possible and wishes we could always do more. Some of the events on the schedule for us include “Our Community has Heart” in Mankato on May 5 for raising money for fighting congenital heart defects in children; “Get your rear in gear” in Edina on May 20 for colon cancer research; and “Walk for Wishes” for Make a Wish on July 14 in Bloomington.

Physical activity is so important, and my new year’s resolution to work out more, has been delayed month after month here in 2012. With it being the season of runs and walks it’s time for me to step it up. These events mean a lot to so many people. It might be family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and so on who benefit from these runs. It’s a chance to show support. It’s that kind of inspiration that motivates me to run, or at least walk.