Begin your New Year off with the annual Chicago's New Year's Day 5K Run & Walk - the city's first official 5K of 2012. An estimated 1,500 runners and walkers are expected to lace up on the first day of the New Year at the run & walk that starts at the south end of Lincoln Park. The course route winds north along the lakefront bike path to Diversey Harbor before returning to the North Avenue Field House. A portion of run/walk proceeds will benefit the Lake View Citizens' Council, a non-profit neighborhood organization. In addition, there will be a post-event party that includes the awarding of winner trophies and raffle prizes and complimentary drinks (with ID), as well as non-alcoholic drinks for participants of all ages. Cost is $30.
The Lakeview Polar Bear Club (LPBC) is hosting its 11th annual charity Polar Plunge on January 28th, 2012. If you are brave enough, you can join the club as they "plunge" into Lake Michigan at the Oak Street Beach at noon (arrive by 11 a.m.). (
Learn about the club's history and see pictures of people doing past "plunges.") Registration costs are $20/per swimmer when registering in advance by 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2012. Otherwise, it is $30/per swimmer. As the club's Web site states: "While there are many fantastic charities that raise money for good causes, the LPBC stands apart by raising money for specific families."
If running a race is a resolutions goal of yours, check out Chicago Endurance Sports No Boundaries training program for beginner runners or those wanted to get back into running, or the group's Half Marathon training program. Both kicked off in February. Costs start at $119. I did CES's No Boundaries program this past fall. While I had run four marathons in the past, I had gotten out of running and lost my confidence. I can attest that the program works. No only did it build my running endurance and confidence, I was able to complete a 5K race after much time away from running. One thing I absolutely loved about the No Boundaries program was that CES's coaches truly never leave your side. Even if you are the last one out on the running path during a training run, tney will not only wait for you but run with you.
Here is a blog I wrote about the No Boundaries program.
Fit Chicks is a four-week fitness program in Chicago that runs 11 months out of the year. Participants have three plans to choose from when registering depending on how many days per week they can dedicate to the workouts. This all-female fitness program includes three to five full body workouts per week in three different locations: Chicago, Naperville, or Northbrook. Each workout is led by certified and degreed personal trainers. Rates start at $219 per session.
On January 7, 2012 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., The Yoga Boutique on Irving Park Road in Chicago is hosting a special Detox/Yoga Workshop that includes learning how to get healthy and "detox" your system. Karyn Calabrese from Karyn's Raw in Chicago will be part of the workshop. Karen will be teaching about detoxing and cleansing, as well as the benefits of a vegan diet. The workshop ends with a 90 minute yoga session. For prices, call The Yoga Boutique at 773-248-0685.
If your New Year’s resolution is health-related think about joining the Wellness Club at the Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park. Memberships, which cost $49 per month, include unlimited healthy cooking classes; unlimited nutrition classes; unlimited yoga and fitness classes; and a 10% discount off healthier products sold in the store. (Tip:
The club has some special bonuses going on right now when you join, including free personal wellness coaching sessions and more.
The inaugural Warm Your Heart 5K is Chicago's only single-loop indoor 5K being held inside McCormick Place on February 26, 2012 at 9 a.m. As the race's Web site says: "Come celebrate heart month by getting off your treadmill and running a great indoor course at McCormick Place in 70° weather on February 26th right here in Chicago." Cost is $30 if you register by December 31, 2011. Otherwise, it goes up to $40 through January 22, 2012 and then $50 through race day.
