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How to Beat your New Years Resolution Deadline

New Years Resolutions are a pain in the butt. On January 1st you get all enthusiastic about the changes you're going to make. Maybe quit smoking, drop a few of pounds or eat more fish.
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New Years Resolutions are a pain in the butt. On January 1 you get all enthusiastic about the changes you're going to make. Maybe quit smoking, drop a few of pounds or eat more fish. The classic is joining the gym. In fact people are very good at joining the gym, they have no problem signing up, they just don't keep going for very long.

But let's stop beating ourselves up. The fact of the matter is you have a full year to complete the resolution. As long as you do it within the 12 month period, no one can call you a slacker or laggard. To help those of you who've left it until the last minute, you'll be delighted to know that I am offering a "Last Chance Resolution Day (LCRD)" and that day is December 31st.

Here's your chance to fulfill that New Years Resolution you set on January 1st 2013, just 364 days ago. Many people resolve to complete their first 5 km, 10 km or maybe it was a half marathon or even the big one, the marathon, so I have the perfect event for you

The 4th Annual Marathon Quest 250 Run / Walk will be held at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, Cochrane and is scheduled for the last day of the year. The first running of this event was on December 31st 2010 and it was the last marathon of the 250 marathons I completed that year.

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Annual Marathon Quest 250 Run/Walk

Last year we held the 3rd Annual event and families and friends used it as a way of getting a little exercise before the New Year festivities. This year we are hoping to get more people out to enjoy the 2.5km loop along the majestic Bow River. I've put a call in for good weather. Last year it was -10C so I'm hoping for more of the same.

The format is a little different to most Run / Walk events. The marathon runners start off at 9.00am and are joined by the half marathoners at 12 noon. At 1.30pm the 10 km runners join up and they are followed by the 5 km runners at 2.15pm. Finally the "One Loopers" (2.5 km) come out at 2.40pm and everyone finishes at 3.00pm.

The aid station is provided by Pat's Palette Pleasers, so runners can expect coffee, hot chocolate and cookies, to keep them going. For the young and young at heart there are bouncy castles. Registration is on the day, from 8.00am to 2.30pm, with a donation to the children's charity Right To Play, at the table in the foyer.

Just think, you will feel amazing having completed your 2013 New Year's resolution and then 24 hours later you can start all over again, with a new one.

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