I had a phenomenal Grade 11 math teacher. His name was Mr. Spanny, and he taught me about algebra and parabolas, but he also engaged students by talking about the latest hockey games and making us laugh with his corny jokes. He even ran to school—if my memory serves me correctly—7 km each way. I think he had so many endorphins from that run that it really spilled over into bringing joy to students who may or may not have been enthusiastic about math.
One day, he introduced a challenge outside of the classroom: run 100 km in 100 days. It sounded simple—run 1 km a day for 100 days straight. Very quickly, I realized that I would miss five days of running in a row, which led me to run 5 km every week to make up for it, along with a shorter 2 km run in between. I wasn’t a runner before—I mean, I ran in soccer to get the ball or in basketball to cross the court, but I never really ran. This experience was life-changing. I set a goal, completed it, and ended up in the best shape of my high school years.
I also remember the routes I would take in my small mountain town. I would run 2.5 km to the courthouse and back, or I’d run along the greenbelt that passed the mill (always a little afraid of running into black bears—but it only happened occasionally!).
Anyway, this little challenge encouraged me to keep running. I’m now 35 with three children, and I still love it. I enjoy signing up for different events around the province just to be part of a joyful, energetic crowd.
These Golden Days is now offering this same challenge for you and your family. It’s a way to spend time together, get to know your neighbourhood and surrounding paths, and stay accountable to fresh air, exercise, and yourself. It’s a way to show up and embrace living—feeling your breath get a little heavier and your heart beat a little faster. Whether you're 4 or 54, it’s a way to build habits and become your healthiest self.
However, we wanted this challenge to be completely your own. It’s about logging 100 km however you choose to move. This could mean walking, hiking, rowing, biking, paddleboarding, swimming—your choice.
Please register, and you will receive a downloadable tracker, colouring page, and access to weekly challenges. At the end, we will send each family a special piece of snail mail containing a congratulatory “100 km in 100 days” sticker.
0 comments