How Runners Can Help Save the Earth

Happy Earth Day!!

What a great day to take a moment to reflect on the beauty of the earth and what we, as runners, can do to help preserve it. My very first half marathon was the Earth Day Half Marathon in St. Cloud, MN back in 2002. I had the best time running that race, and it will probably always rank as one of my favorites.

I always say that I can only do what I can do, so here are some very simple ways that we runners can do our small part to help save the Earth.

Image courtesy of watiporn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1. Run with Charity Miles. If you're gonna be out there running anyway, why not raise a little money for The Nature Conservancy?

2. Repurpose your shoes. We're runners. We go through a lot of shoes. Sometimes several pair in a year. What do you do with your old shoes? Instead of tossing them in the trash, consider donating them to your local GoodWill or Savers or other thrift store. Or be a Kind Runner. They make it super easy to repurpose your old shoes when you purchase a new pair. When your new shoes arrive, they come with a label to ship back your old shoes. Easy-peasy!

3. Stick to the trail. I'm finally becoming a bit of a trail runner. I've gone out several times this year to a few different trails around Vegas. There is a lot of beauty out there, and to help preserve it, I think it's important STAY ON THE TRAIL. It might be tempting to step off and explore off-trail, but you really don't know what disruptions you might be causing in the ecosystems surrounding the trail.

4. Donate your medals. Say what?! Yes, we all love our bling, but if you're ever faced with the choice of tossing it in the trash or donating it, please donate it. Medals 4 Mettle is a great organization that accepts donated medals and gives them to children and adults with debilitating illnesses who may not be able to run a race, but are in a race of their own to continue living their lives.

5. Do not litter. Such a simple thing, but please, please do not toss your fuel wrappers on the ground - during training runs or races.

6. Use reusable water bottles. Runners drink a lot of water, do we not? We've got to stay hydrated both on and off the course. Instead of going through a ton of plastic bottles, switch to a reusable water bottle for everyday use and a hydration pack for those long runs.

How are you celebrating Earth Day today?
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Disclaimer: I am not an ambassador for CharityMiles, KindRunner, or Medals4Mettle. They are just organizations that I believe are doing good and give an opportunity to help runners do good, too. These companies have not asked me to write this nor am I receiving any compensation for including them in this post.