Over the last year, our community has spent many hours logged on to devices and in front of screens for work and school. It has also been difficult to stay physically active for adults as well as students. The teachers in the TSD Elementary physical education department recognized this, and brainstormed ways they could help their students stay engaged and connected, and provide some fun, community activity and exercise opportunity.
And so, the “Log Off & Lace Up!” virtual walk and run was created–a virtual 1-Mile, 2-Mile or 5K run/walk that ALL students, families and staff can participate in. “Exercise is incredibly important, not just for physical but for mental health,” said Bemis PE teacher Sarah Redden. “Things are closed down, people aren’t doing their regular sports or activities, and it is so important for everyone—not just kids—to get some exercise.”
What is a virtual run? Because of the continued COVID situation, it was unwise to try to plan a “physical” 5K. (Think about lots of runners close together, on your marks, get set, go!) Instead, people have the opportunity to sign up for FREE, and choose from several suggested routes at including the tracks at Troy Athens and Troy High tracks and at all 4 of our Middle School (Baker, Boulan, Larson & Smith). You can even choose routes at many Troy parks, including Jaycee, Firefighters, and Raintree among several others, and several trails including at the Troy Stage Nature Center and the Sylvan Glen golf course. You choose the route, and then walk/run it on your own time and at your own pace.
Feeling a little out of shape? You can even set up an online training plan, in order to get in shape for your very own virtual run/walk.
“Log Off & Lace Up” is free and open to all ages, so there’s no excuse not to run! Registration is online, from March 1 – 31, and training and racing at your own pace will be completed from April 1 – May 31. Free printable running bibs will be provided, and race apparel to show your spirit is available for purchase through the Varsity Shop in Birmingham, who are providing the items at cost (no markup or profit). “We made the run FREE because our main goal is to get people moving,” said Redden. With all the time spent in front of computers and activities being canceled, people are spending less time being active. “This event is definitely not limited to people in Troy School District. We would love to get people all over motivated to get moving.”