Running Bear 5K, therapy for the brain and body

By Jennifer Symons
Sun contributor

Most races take place on Saturdays and Sundays, but the annual Glen Arbor Running Bear 5k Run/Walk happens on Tuesday, July 25, at 9 a.m. The kids’ ½ mile run starts 5 minutes later at 9:05 a.m. This event takes place rain or shine, so come prepared!

The Running Bear 5k Run/Walk is sponsored by the Glen Arbor Women’s Club. This club is comprised of a group of women who “are devoted to worthy and charitable purposes, the promotion of good will in the community, and the recognition of civic responsibilities.” Ninety percent of the proceeds from the Running Bear 5k Run/Walk is given as scholarships to Glen Lake High School graduating seniors. The remaining 10 percent goes to charitable organizations within the Glen Arbor community.

So why run this 5k? Why run a race on a Tuesday morning in late July? Why run at all? Running, or even run-walking, provides tremendous benefits to the brain in many ways. One of the greatest ways running benefits the human brain is by sharpening our memories. Running improves spatial memory and the areas of memory that helps us recall words and aspects of language. As we age, our memories tend to deteriorate. Running not only maintains our memories, but increases the capacity for our memories to expand.

Another way that running improves our brain functioning is through increasing the blood flow to it. Throughout our lives, our brains are constantly reshaping themselves. Actions, experiences, thoughts, and emotions all contribute to the shape our brains take. Running expands the production of connecting neurons and even strengthens those connections. Those who participate in just three hours of running per week show a reverse in standard brain shrinking that comes with age. In fact, even after just one run, brain scans show increased cognitive flexibility.

It goes without saying that running helps reduce stress. Runners all over the world are utilizing some form of dynamic running therapy without even realizing it. Many individuals start their day with a run to make sure their head is in a good spot to tackle the obligations of the day. Many end their day with a run to clear their minds of the business of the day’s events. Others run together and allow for free-flowing talk to occur, making their running buddy their own personal ‘therapist.’ As the saying goes, “running is cheaper than therapy.”

Everyone has heard of the benefits of endorphins that come with running. However, running also reduces anxiety, increases the body’s ability to relax, and boosts your mood. Did you know that positive emotions and exercise strengthen the immune system? People who exercise on a regular basis get sick with the common cold or flu far less often than those who do not.

A way to increase the benefits of relaxation while running is to utilize mindfulness during workouts. There are a couple of simple ways to do this. One is to bring your awareness to your body’s sensations throughout your run. Notice how your feet feel and sound as they hit the ground. Take inventory of your other body parts. Intentionally relax your shoulders and fill your lungs with every breath. Another way to practice mindfulness while running is to incorporate a mantra. Simple ones include, “I feel happy” or “I am strong” and focus intently on those words with every step. Bringing mindfulness into your running is a great way to increase relaxation and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Sign up before July 24 for the Running Bear 5k Run/Walk and the race is only $18. On race day the price increases to $20. Participants can sign up online through July 22. After that, you must sign up in person. The children’s race is $5 for participants. Not only are there age group awards given, but many prizes are available as well. In 2016, more than 50 prizes were available to participants.

The race starts at Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor. Runners, walkers and families are all encouraged to participate. This is an extremely family-friendly event. The “Running Bear” himself will even make an appearance and loves to snap photos with kids. Afterward, there is a beautiful spread of great, local food for all to enjoy and mingle over.

The benefits of running are endless, so sign up for this beautiful 5k to experience the greatness. Not only will you be contributing your money to great local causes but you will give yourself a great workout. And of course, you will be sharpening your memory, increasing neuroplasticity, and getting an inexpensive ‘therapy’ session. For more information about how running benefits our brains, I highly recommend checking out the book, The Runner’s Brain, by Dr. Jeff Brown.

About the Running Bear 5k Run/Walk

This is the 11th year of the Running Bear 5K Run/Walk & 1/2 Mile Kids’ Run. You can run or walk the 5K. Runners compete in 10 different age categories from 10 & under to 80+ with first and second place metals and prizes in each from Cherry Republic and Crystal River Outfitters and the Cyclery. And there’s the 1/2 Mile Kids’ Run for the younger runners. They get to run with the Bear and take home a ribbon and coupons for an ice cream cone from Riverfront Ice Cream and for a game of miniature golf from Dale’s of Glen Arbor. Bring the whole family and enjoy a great day.

The event is staged at Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor. Registration will be from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and the race will leave from the corner of Lake and State Streets at 9. The Kids’ Run follows at 9:05. Join the pre-race excitement including a warm-up for runners and walkers by Stacy Yago, of Sleeping Bear Bay Club in Glen Arbor, at 8:40 a.m. The race will start with the National Anthem and the Mascot “Running Bear” will cheer on all our runners and charm all the children. He is on hand for special photo ops.

After the Run, join the “Celebration!” The winners of each category will be announced as well as the male and female overall best winners. We will have lots of great food and a raffle drawing for more than 50 prizes. Everyone entered in the 5K Run is eligible for the drawing. You must be present to win. This event will earn money for local scholarships and community improvement. With the proceeds from last year’s Run, the Glen Arbor Women’s Club gave out six, $2,000 Memorial Scholarships.

The cost is $18 for the 5K Run/Walk ($20, the day of the Run) and $5 for the Kids’ Run. You’re encouraged to register early by visiting www.RunningBearRun.com. Registration forms are also available in Glen Arbor at Cherry Republic and the M22 Store, and Cherry Republic and Running Fit in Traverse City. An early registration will take place at the Glen Arbor Town Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 24.