April is in full swing- do you know what that means, ladies? Warmer weather, longer days and time to take that sweat in your step outside of the gym. Yes, I said turn off the treadmill, get off that stationary bike and take those Nike Pros, fresh kicks and tanks to the trails; leave the winter weather blues in the dust.
As we’ve heard all our lives, running is good for your heart, lungs and overall health, yet many of us still dread gettting on the treadmill. Let’s be honest running outside makes it a least somwhat more enjoyable.The fresh air, different scenery and music drowning out your worries beats staring at the time on a teadmill slowly, and I mean slowly, tick away.
At the end of this month, April 26, you can test your trail running skills at KZOO’s first Paws for a Cause 5K. KZOO is an organization on KU’s campus whose misson is to serve, support and celebrate all animals. According to junior Kaitlyn Miller, events coordinator of KZOO, they’re often known as the”puppy people,” because they bring therapy dogs and dogs from the Lawrence human society to campus. Some of KZOO’s most popular events include Wild Wescoe Wednesdays or Zoo-nion Days where they bring the dogs for students to enjoy and three annual Pandemoniums which raise money for the Lawrence Humane Society. The Paws for a Cause 5K starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday with 3.2 miles of running through the tails of Clinton Lake. There is also a mile fun run for kids, families and those who want to run with their furry friends. KZOO will also have dogs at the event from the Lawrence Humane Society that will be delighted to take their paws to the trails with you.
“We wanted to do a 5K because we thought it would be a good way to get the dogs out of the shelter for some fun exercise,” Miller said. “Also, we wanted to involve the Lawrence community in addition to the KU community.”
KZOO hopes that the 5K will help find a home for the dogs from the humane society. I don’t know about you, but when I see a cute kitten or puppy I can’t help but want to take it home with me. Don’t worry; the dogs at the 5K will be ready for adoption that day!
Miller said if the 5K goes well, they want to try and make it an annual event because it’s for such a good cause. Lace up your running shoes and run for Paws for a Cause. Check out the event “Paws for a Cause” on Facebook for details on how to register.