This weekend is the 10th of 11 community run/walks as part of the Gold Country Grand Prix Series. The Grand Prix is a mix of 5k and 10k “races” put on by the Sierra Trailblazers Running Club; each event  supporting a good cause in Nevada County.

My goal is to participate in all eleven events. As a result, I think I have created a new category of athlete. I am a “Philanthrociser”.  I participate in athletic events in which my entry fee contributes to a community or worldwide cause- such as supporting the Nevada County Food Bank, a local organization,  or medical care in an impoverished country.

However, the downside of “philanthrocising” is that I do not adequately prepare for any of the events of which I am participating. I convince myself that it is act of contributing to the cause that is important, not how fast or how well I place in the event. It is about “complete” not “compete”

Because  I am now older, my body does not respond as it it did thirty years ago. When once I could enter a bicycle race, run, or swim event without training and compete relatively well,  I now struggle to remain upright, or afloat if I am in water, to just cross the finish line. My body takes a beating each time.

I always seem to think I will train for the next event, but for one reason or a dozen others,  I talk myself out of practicing or training. Then before I realize it, I am lined up for the next event. Fortunately I have completed each event. The last one was the most painful as my left leg went into some sort of spasm that lasted another 10 days following the 5k-athon. I limped across the line, but did complete.

The final two events for my 2013 season are the Falling Leaves Run sponsored by Twin Cities Church for Nevada City Schools Foundation this Saturday and then the Mike Bratton II Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. The 2012 Turkey Trot was the beginning of my Philanthrocizing career.

Even though I have caused myself some incredible physical discomfort as a result of philanthrocizing, I am pleased to be able to contribute to each of  the causes. I think I have also entertained a number of  people who can’t believe I actually can finish a 5k anymore…

So far this year:

Mike Bratton Turkey Trot (Thanksgiving Day 2012)

Chicago Park 4- H- January 1( not a Grand Prix event)

Daffodil Run- April 14-  (Penn Valley Rotary and Penn Valley Chamber)

Spring Run- April 27-  United Methodist Church

Community Run- May 18-Twin Cities Church

Harmony Run- June 1- NUHS Choir

Freedom Run-  July 4- NUHS Cross Country Team

Bear River Run-  August 3- Bear River Cross Country

Kellerman Run- August 17- Kellerman Foundation Batwa

Hunger Run- September 7- Nevada County Food Bank

Cystic Fibrosis Run- September 28- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Great Prospector Beer Run- October 13 (not a Grand Prix event)

Two more to go…. fingers crossed my body holds out… Maybe I will try to practice before Thanksgiving.. too late for this week.