Chin Up: Any step you take is a step forward. Here are spring events where you can start moving. – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Chin Up: Any step you take is a step forward. Here are spring events where you can start moving. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
I started this Chin Up column seven years ago because I believe that all of us have a place in the world of health and fitness, no matter what age or stage of life we are in.
Whether you like dancing, walks in your neighborhood, triathlons and mud runs, working out in the gym or your home — or even if life has landed you on the couch for a while — I believe that any step you take is a step forward, and should be free of judgment or pressure — externally, or internally.
Just go.
I’m motivated by events. This is a sampling of my favorite races, runs and rides that I’ve done, or that come highly recommended. I hope you participate in one of them (or another; there’s so much more out there) this spring or summer, either alone, or as an activity with your family and friends.
Maybe this could be a gift to yourself or a friend that will leave you with memories and experiences, with a step toward good health.
While Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash and North Face Endurance Challenge have left the state and other races and runs have folded, we’re still lucky to have plenty of great events in Wisconsin. Many of them are also fundraisers.
And remember, if you’re not ready to race, you can always volunteer — and get inspired. Every finish line is a victory.
Via Dolorosa, April 4, trail marathon, half marathon and 10K, Holy Hill.
According to the event’s website: “Via Dolorosa literally means ‘Way of Suffering’ or ‘Way of Sorrow.’”
Race director Richard Sosa created the event to kick off Holy Week with a challenging uphill run that he said might recreate a small idea of the “immense pain, sorrow and brutality that Jesus went through for us. In a small way, through running the Via Dolorosa, we can contemplate this great act of love.”
The entire run is on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail which, in early April, can be snowy, muddy or icy. It starts and ends at Holy Hill.
“For a small race, the Via Dolorosa trail marathon attracts runners from over 15 states, Olympians and even elite runners from Kenya,” Sosa said. “It truly is one of the most unique runs around.”
Milwaukee Marathon, April 11, Deer District, Milwaukee. Marathon, half marathon, 5K
After two rough years and a year off, the Milwaukee Marathon returned to great success in 2019. The start and finish line is in the Deer District next to Fiserv Forum and the longer distances are very challenging. Rugged Races founder Brad Scudder took over the race a year and a half ago and said 10,000 runners are expected next month.
“We try to make sure that everybody involved, from our volunteers, to our slowest runners, to our fastest runners, have a great time at our events,” Scudder said.
New this year: Runners will receive their race photos almost immediately delivered to their phones after they finish.
“By the time you get your bag at the bag check and turn on your phone on, you will have an email of you with pictures of you in the race,” said Scudder.
Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders will kick off the race, and Miller Coors will provide the beer at the finish.
Be aware of the street closings by checking: runmilwaukee.com.
More: Under a new owner, the Milwaukee Marathon deserves a chance to get it right
Sweet Home Milwaukee 5K, April 19, Veterans Park
The organizers at 4-1-4 events do such a good job. Their swag – shirts, glasses, medals – are the best. They have other races, too, if you check their website. This one is along the Milwaukee lakefront, and all races on the lakefront are great.
More: Husband, wife team puts on fun local run events
Wisconsin Marathon, half marathon and 5K, May 2, Kenosha
A relatively flat race with scenes of Lake Michigan. Great for anyone, but especially for first-timers at long distance running.
More: My first half marathon
Kings and Queens Half Marathon and 4 Mile Run/Walk, May 9, Pewaukee
Honestly, you have to be a little crazy to run on a relay team, non stop, two days, from Waukegan, Illinois, to Madison, sleeping in a van when you’re not running. I’m kidding, you’ll never sleep. But if you do it? You’re bonded with those teammates for life.
More: Team battles extreme heat, broken down van to complete 200 miles
White Deer Triathlon, May 16, Boulder Junction
One of my all-time favorite events. This is a Dri Tri – kayaking instead of swimming. The event is well organized and supported, the people in the town are welcoming, the race is very reasonably priced and the funds go back in to the city. The setting in Wisconsin’s North Woods can’t be beat. It really is worth the five-hour drive north. Make a weekend of it and take advantage of biking the trails of Vilas County.
More: My first triathlon, passing physical, mental tests
More: Challenging conditions force participants of White Deer Triathlon to bear down
UPAF Ride for the Arts, May 31, Summerfest grounds, Milwaukee
Family-friendly and open to all abilities. The 5-mile route is entirely off road and on flat surface along Lake Michigan. The 12-mile route is also on a flat surface and through parks and along streets. The 25-mile, 45-mile and 70-mile routes all cross the Hoan Bridge.
Registration fees cover event production costs; riders who raise additional dollars support UPAF’s music, dance and theater.
Trek 100, June 6, Waterloo
This bike ride is another incredible fundraiser for the MACC Fund. You can ride 100 miles, or shorter distances. One cyclist told me he always gains weight on this ride; the food is that good. We are so lucky to have this event.
More: Brett Favre trains for Trek 100 – all 100 miles of it
BayCare Clinic Century Bayshore to Lakeshore bicycle tour, June 6.
Scenic River bike tour, June 14, Sauk Prairie
Brand new fundraising ride this year with different distances, up to 40 miles.
Scenic Shore 150, July 18-19
A two-day, 150-mile, fully-supported cycling event that is open to riders of all ages and abilities. If you don’t want to do the whole two-day, 150-mile ride, there are one-day ride options and a 25-mile option.
More: Scenic Shore 150 more than just a big ride
More: Scenic Shore 150 a ride to remember
Cream Puff 5K or 1K, July 22, Wisconsin State Fair grounds in West Allis.
It’s usually a hot, fun way to kick off State Fair.
More: Cream puffs a perfect reward for running a hot and sticky 5K at State Fair Park
Hank Aaron State Trail 5k Run & Walk, Aug. 8, Miller Park
More: Joy riding through Milwaukee on the Hank Aaron State Trail
Waupaca Area Triathlon, Aug. 15.
This is a regular triathlon that also has a Dri Tri option – there is kayaking.
Ride to the Barns, Aug 15, Washington County
Ride 30 or 60 miles, stop at the barns and sample some of the best food you’ll ever have on a ride. Proceeds benefit the Tall Pines Conservancy. This is one of the best summer events we have.
Rugged Maniac, Aug. 22, Wilmot Mountain
Really fun, well-run 5K mud and obstacle course run; one of 30 that Rugged Races puts on nationally every year. This mud run has been at Wilmot for eight years now, and attendance has already grown from a year ago. If you’re missing Dirty Girl, Gladiator Assault Challenge, Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash, etc – this is your mud run.
There are four new obstacles too for returning veterans.
“We hate to see our competitors go out of business, or struggle, but in the OCR (obstacle course racing) space, that obviously creates opportunity for us to more easily gain market share,” said Scudder.
More: Trainers share expertise on obstacle course mud race
Brewers Mini Marathon, Aug. 29, Miller Park, half marathon, 10K or 5K
More: A worthwhile ‘mini’ marathon
More: So you’re thinking of a half marathon…
Door County Century Ride, Sept. 13, Sturgeon Bay
This is really a great ride. There are shorter distances available, but the 100-mile ride is perfect. Not as hilly – relatively speaking – so many recommend the DCC as a good event for those pursuing their first century ride.
There are also event organizations that you should check out for even more options:
Silver Circle Sports Events, Southeast Wisconsin, all year long
Go to the website and look at the dozens and dozens of events, from 24-hour trail running relays, to triathlons. I have done at least 20 of their events and I have never had a bad experience. They’re all well run by Sean Osborne, who, I don’t think, has taken a weekend off in a decade.
If you’re a runner, this is a very organized, highly involved, well supported and extremely affordable club that puts on numerous races all year long. Really – they have a huge race schedule. Check it out.
Girls on the Run, Southeastern Wisconsin
The most supportive, positive group of adult volunteers – running or not – I’ve experienced. They encourage our young women to lace up the shoes and get outside.
More: So much more than running for the Girls on the Run
More: Girls on the Run 5K video
Runners meet at the lakefront in the morning. You can be super social and chatty, or just do your own thing within the group. Don’t be intimidated; they are fun and friendly.
More: November Project a reason to get up, out
Wisconsin Off Road Series. Mountain biking. Is there a better way to enjoy the great outdoors?
More: Off-road biking doesn’t have to be intimidating
Message Lori Nickel on Twitter at @LoriNickel, Instagram at @bylorinickel or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChinUpLoriNickel
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