In the United States, Independence Day is a celebration of freedom from coast to coast. Each Fourth of July is filled with backyard barbecues, family and fireworks–and it’s also a great day for a run. In fact, according to Runner’s World, the Fourth is more popular than Christmas, New Year’s Day and Valentine’s Day when it comes to logging miles (though it can’t hold a candle to Thanksgiving Turkey Trots).Here at ACTIVE Network, we love any reason to get up, get out and get moving, and we hold a special place in our hearts for our red, white and blue runs. Read on as ACTIVE team members describe why they love running on Independence Day, and how hitting the road, track or trail on this holiday ties into our mission to make the world a more active place.
Building Community
Kristen Sudela, Coordinator of Engagement and Wellness: “Getting active on holidays gives me a great sense of connection to the community where I work, live and play. Whether it’s a solo run that results in the feeling of thankfulness and pride in traditions, culture and the ability to get active, or a group run that promotes community and connection, it supports my pursuit of living my best life and results in me feeling my best, too.”
Celebrating Freedom
Lindsey Mercer, Recruiting Supervisor: “A few years ago, I found myself getting emotional, thinking about how great it is we have the freedom to set out on an empty road and just go–as far or as long as we want to–without any question.”
Expressing Gratitude
Erin Swiatek, Technical Account Manager: “The holidays are a time where we take a special pause to recognize, appreciate and give thanks for something specific in our life. We should let the grateful atmosphere of the holidays, and the extra time in the schedule, spill over into all areas of our lives. For so many of us, being a possessor of a healthy and able body is something we either take for granted and forget to be thankful for, or we put on the back burner waiting for ‘someday.’”
Creating Traditions
Trey Hernandez, Senior Account Manager: “Looking over past years’ photos, many of our Fourth of July holidays have been spent traveling. No matter where my wife and I find ourselves, we continue to be active! One of our favorite Fourths was spent in San Francisco running across the Golden Gate Bridge. This year, we plan to spend the day hiking with our one-year-old son in Rocky Mountain National Park. He was born on July 5th last year, so there was no running event for us–unless you count the race to the hospital!”Whatever your reason, running on Independence Day is certainly a great way to observe the holiday and celebrate an active life. And you can always do what Mercer does: “I love to take advantage of this summer holiday by going for an early morning run and cooling off with a dip in the pool,” she says. Happy Fourth of July from all of us here at ACTIVE Network!
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