Taking a cue from Anne’s running funk post, I wanted to illustrate a way in which working out and/or running doesn’t have to be a chore but in fact can sometimes be just the opposite. This past weekend we participated in a scavenger hunt called “Adventure in the City” that in a way “tricked” us into running nearly eight miles while we were- get this- having tons of fun. Now you may remember a little event that we helped put on earlier this summer called “The Great Milwaukee Race?” Well, Anne and I were so excited to be able to participate in a similar scavenger hunt because we were too busy organizing at our own event to actually run it.
Ok, so here’s how it went:
Each team of two received a list of clues to locations around Milwaukee. (Most were in the downtown or east side area.) We then had to decipher the clues and document ourselves completing the task or challenge at each location. The tasks ranged from donating a food item at a Hunger Task Force bin to getting a bumper sticker at Wolski’s Tavern. We even had to get a group of strangers to participate in a kickline. (P.S. Thanks dudes eating outside at AJ Bombers!)
Sure, it was a competition and we wanted to finish with a decent time, however it was so exciting when we would find a new location or stumble upon something we needed to document that it didn’t feel like real exercise- despite the fact that we were running our butts off. I think that sometimes we need to find new and intereresting ways to bring the fun back into exercising and this was a great way to do just that. Now, I realize it’s unrealistic to think you can find a scavenger hunt to do every weekend but it’s the idea of turning exercise into FUN that I like. In the comments yesterday, there was the idea of dressing up in a costume at a 5K and run for enjoyment rather than the competition. It’s that kind of spirit that I think we need to get back into touch with sometimes and stop taking our work out regimen so darn seriously all the time. I love the fact that events like these are popping up around Milwaukee and hopefully we’ll see more in the future.
Some photos from our adventure:
What do you think? What are some other ways to incorporate fun into exercise?
That was some of the most fun I’ve had in a while! Another time I remember having a lot of fun and not realizing what a great workout it was: playing volleyball with the family. Of course it was very informal, backyard volleyball, with lots of kids (disorganized! chaotic!) but that meant lots of chasing the ball and laughing til our sides hurt. Ahh, summer.
Hey Tracey & Anne!
I’m glad you were able to join in on Adventure in the City and that you had a great time! It’s fun to plan the scavenger hunt, but probably MORE fun participating! I’ll be on the lookout for The Great Milwaukee Race next year.
-Michelle
Hi Michelle! We had such a great time! We definitely have some useful tips for how to make our event even better, and we loved that you had a charity in mind for yours. We want to incorporate that element into ours as well. Thanks so much for putting on a fun event and we’ll be back next year!