A Better World


Recycle Run 2014

Last weekend, Team ChikFood ran the Recycle Run Los Angeles.  It was so inspiring.  It was the ChikFood-iest race I’ve ever run.  The race shirts and medals were recycled from other races.  Team ChikFood chose to sport the Thelma & Louise Half Marathon in Utah.  The medals double as a belt buckle. They accepted old shirts and shoes to recycle.  There were no water cups (they are a huge waste), you had to bring your own reusable bottle.  They didn’t even sound a blow horn to start the race (I’m assuming they are very difficult to recycle).  So, an excellent whistler got us going.  Seriously, though.  He was loud.   As I was trekking along the beautiful Upper Las Virgenes Mountains at 8:30 in the morning, I was thinking, “Everybody should do this!”.  And here’s why:

1. The Scenery

Look at this amazing view from the Recycle Run:

Recycle Run Los Angeles 2014

This is from the Marin Half Marathon the weekend before:

Marin Half MarathonAnd, if nature is not your thing, there are several races that run through downtown areas.  Some at night time, so you can experience the streets in a whole new way.  There are also costume runs and nude runs, if you prefer that sort of scenery.  That’s a lot of bouncing, though.

2. Hang With Healthy People

Team ChikFood

People who decide to run these things, usually have a pretty good outlook on life.  I mean, we are all super high on endorphins and vitamin D.  Instead of going to a bar to find a “friend”… join a race team.  I guarantee there will be more balanced people at a race than at a “club” on a Saturday night.  Do people still go to clubs?  I’m so old.  So, run a race with your team,  then go to a bar to celebrate.  Which leads me to number three…

3. Free Beer, and Other Crap

Sierra Nevada Recycle Run LA

Okay, it’s not totally free.  You do pay to run the race.  But, I would pay anyway.  Usually you get a shirt, a medal, gels, ointment and other sponsored stuff.  And, if they have a beer garden… beer.  You also get absolutely no judgment (encouragement, really) of drinking at 10 am.  I have to tell you, this last race was the first time I’ve actually been able to have a beer after a race.  And, it was GREAT.  It’s supposed to replace polyphenols- Oh, fuck it.  Who cares why, right?

4. Do Some Good


Races are an excellent way to give back.  Most of the time your entry fee is donated to the “cause” the race is supporting.  In addition, you can raise money by getting sponsored by friends to run.  It’s a great way to give back to the world and to yourself.

5. Don’t Be Threatened, You Can Always Walk

Toni the Badass

You can!  In fact, a lot of the walkers are faster than my run.  My friend, Toni, walks races all over.  She’s got more medals than Michael Phelps!  Start out with walks and see what all of the buzz is about.  You don’t ever have to run, if you don’t want.  There are a million races out there.  Choose one and get ready to humble brag all over social media because you are a badass!





Jennifer Sorenson

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