A Runner's Fave Five Tips from Run to the Lake Health Expo

By Sarah Cooke

A longtime runner, I was among the estimated 2,000 people who attended The Run to the Lake health expo in Castro Valley last Sunday. Proceeds from the 5K and 10K walk/run go to ’s trauma prevention program.

Cindy Dove, head of marketing for the medical center, was right when she said this event has “something for everyone.”  The youngest runners were toddlers, and there were free screenings for people concerned about bone density and blood pressure. One booth promoted a martial arts system developed by the Israeli Army. Another promoted trails in the East Bay Regional Parks System.

And all of this is readily available to Castro Valley residents, even if they didn’t attend the expo.

I enjoyed “booth surfing” at the event and came up with five reminders for myself about good health practices. I have packaged them here for you, too, in case you’d like an extra injection of motivation as well.

1. Make it a Family Affair

At Run to the Lake, the youngest runners were toddlers, many of whom participated in the 50-meter Kids’ Dash.  At the same time, the race and expo were also attended by participants in their 80s.

“[Children] learn early on that exercise and athletics are fun things, and if that can lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle, all the better,” said Eric Jewell, who attended the event with his son, Matthew, and nephew, Connor, both 5.

I can personally attest to the validity of his words.  I ran my first race when I was 3.  It was a similar 50-meter dash for children at a 5K in which my father competed.  It was an early introduction to the world of running, and apparently it stuck with me, because I am still in love with the sport. 

Whether you have children or not, wellness is more than a merely a physiological phenomenon.  True wellbeing includes fostering relationships.  And promoting health and fitness with loved ones is an excellent way to do just that.

2. Try Something New

Among the businesses at the expo was Maakarate, a martial arts academy with locations in Castro Valley and around the Bay Area. 

On Sunday, Maakarate representatives were promoting their Krav Maga classes. Krav Maga is a self-defense and fitness system developed by the Israeli army. It reportedly provides a rigorous, full-body workout. 

I have heard about it quite a lot recently and have considered taking classes. Seeing Maakarate’s booth reminded me of the importance of adding variety to my exercise routine.

3. Hit the Trails

Also in attendance at the health expo were representatives from the East Bay Regional Park District. There are approximately 1,800 acres of trails and parkland in the East Bay. 

While running on city streets and taking classes in a yoga studio provide a great workout, I hold a special place in my heart for trail running.

Connecting with nature helps us to recall something primordial about the human experience.  In the busyness of daily life, it is crucial that we make time to enjoy nature and to remember our fundamental ties to our environment.  It helps us quiet our minds and feel more centered.

4. Don’t Forget Your Checkup

At the Eden Medical Center’s booth, medical professionals gave free body fat, bone density and blood pressure screenings. 

When we are in good health, it is easy to put off a visit to the doctor.  It may be inconvenient, and we often feel it is unnecessary if we are not experiencing pain or illness. However, prevention is critical to long-term health maintenance. Schedule regular checkups and your body will thank you.

5. Eat Locally

Choosing to eat and purchase foods that are locally sourced is both ethical and healthy. It reduces the negative environmental impact of long-distance shipping. In addition, locally sourced food is fresher and more nutritious because its ingredients have not spent long periods of time in the back of a truck.

Several local food purveyors handed out tasty samples on Sunday.  Among them was San Francisco-based Wild Veggie, maker of all-vegetable products. Their veggie purées can be used as soups, sauces, or beverages. All of their ingredients are grown in California. 

Also in attendance was Sausalito-based Somersault Snack Company.  Somersault makes all-natural cookies and crackers loaded with protein and fiber. I tried one of their chocolate treats and it was delicious, both sweet and crunchy. 

“We come out to these…family events because our products are great for families,” said Somersault representative Marquesa Versola. 

Events like Sunday’s expo provide local businesses an opportunity to raise awareness of their products and provides residents with information they can use to consume more mindfully.

Wellness is a very broad term. Sustaining it entails promoting physical fitness, community ties, emotional wellbeing, and personal relationships.