Virtual and solo exercises have taken on a whole new meaning since the pandemic of COVID-19 hit worldwide, causing the cancellation of numerous swim-bike-run races and community events, fitness club and gym closures, and discouraging of group workout sessions.
Trying to stay active while practicing social distancing protocols amid the shelter-in-place mandate continues be a challenging task on many levels. However, several members of our Big Island sports community have come up with creative ideas to motivate people to keep active, moving and hopefully, staying off their couch.
Lavaman 5K Challenge and Cinco de Mayo Charity Swim
Bike Works Kona and Aloha Sports Kona have teamed up to offer two virtual challenges — the Lavaman 5K Challenge and the Cinco de Mayo One Mile Charity Swim.
“We are all in this together to #flattenthecurve and so the decision was made by race organizers to cancel the Lavaman Triathlon weekend of events (April 3-5), including the Lavaman Sunset Run/Walk 5K,” said Janet-Higa Miller, co-owner of Bike Works Kona and Aloha Sports Kona, in an email.
“However, we still encourage you all to stay healthy and stay active during this time. That is why we are introducing the #Lavaman5kchallenge with our limited edition Lavaman Sunset Run/Walk Coffee Mugs to give away in a prize drawing. We will ship these mugs for free to the lucky winners anywhere in the USA from this challenge.”
Higa-Miller says entering the challenge is easy. All one needs to do is follow Bike Works Kona Hawaii, Bikeworks Beach and Sports and PATH (Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii) on social media, then complete a 5K run or walk indoors or outside while following social distancing guidelines.
Post a photo of yourself after the run and then tag the above businesses with hashtag #Lavaman5kchallenge, followed by tagging three other friends to enter the challenge. The Lavaman 5K Challenge runs until April 30 with lucky drawing winners to be announced on May 4.
If running is not your forte, how about trying a virtual swim challenge?
“Outdoor activities including ocean swimming are considered essential under the Corona Virus Stay Home Order and we want to encourage people to stay healthy and active while practicing social distancing protocol,” Higa-Miller said. “And so we came up with what we hope is a fun incentive to virtually participate in the Cinco de Mayo One Mile Charity Swim.”
For many years, the popular one-mile swim race held at Anaehoomalu Bay occurred during the first weekend of May. The event also kicked off the start of the Triple Crown Open Water Swim series that included the Hapuna Rough Water Swim and King’s Swim.
This year participants can register online to complete the swim charity challenge on their own while following social distancing protocols. A $10 donation is suggested per person with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Daniel Sayre Memorial Foundation to purchase life saving equipment for ocean safety officers. Donations from past year’s events have funded a new PA system for the Hapuna Beach lifeguard station.
Each entrant will receive a finisher gift, medal and a swim cap. And if you don’t have the time to do the swim challenge now — no worries. Participants can register today and will have a year to complete the swim and post results.
For event details and registration information check out alohasportskona.com or click on link: https://alohasportskona.com/cinco-de-mayo-splash/
Run Big, Run Solo — just get off the Couch to 5K
With numerous local running events and run group sessions canceled for the foreseeable future, Big Island Running Company is offering a free, downloadable PDF file on their website of their Couch to 5K program for those wanting to keep fit, active, and of course, off the couch.
“With everyone stuck at home and away from their typical routines, we know many people are turning to walking and running,” said Melissa Braswell, co-owner of Big Island Running Company. “We wanted to make sure new runners had a resource with some guidance and a way to start without overdoing it and getting injured.”
The program is designed to ease participants into running with some gentle walk/run intervals for the first few weeks. It is to be self-paced, with the estimated total times offered as suggestions. And while everyone is required to follow social distancing guidelines when running or walking, participants are encouraged to interact on social media by posting their progress using hashtag #RunBig.
What about Big Island Running Company’s annual photo contest?
For those looking forward to BIRC’s popular social media photo contest that occurs every year in May — where people from all over the world post photo’s of themselves wearing their favorite “Run Big” t-shirts or race singlets — no need to fret. BIRC has introduced a new contest — the Run Big, Run Solo Quar-run Selfie contest.
The rules are pretty simple. Go out for a solo run or walk during this stay-at-home order, take a selfie and then submit it to BIRC via social media. While you must be the only person in the photo, four-legged running buddies are allowed.
Participants can submit their photos one of three ways. Follow BIRC on Instagram @ Runbig.co and post photo with hashtag, #runbigrunsolo. Or, post photo on Big Island Running Company’s Facebook page and include #runbigrunsolo in the caption. If not, just submit photo to Melissa Braswell at melissa@bigislandrunningcompany.com.
Entries will be accepted until April 30. The public will vote on their favorite selfie photo from May 1-15 with the winner receiving a Run Big prize pack.
While staying active is essential for maintaining optimal health under normal circumstances, exercising now has never been more important as it is vital for both your mental health and emotional wellbeing. Also staying connected via social media outlets can help you to not feel alone as, “we are all in this together.”
So get off your couch and start a challenge today. I promise, you won’t regret it!