Nevertheless, I think we sometimes get so focused on appearance that we forget the real benefit of exercise; that is, to be healthy and to be able to participate in activities or sports that we want to. If you don’t feel good it’s hard to spring out of bed in the morning and want to celebrate another day of your life – and if you’re not healthy, it’s hard to feel good.

So come on, gals. Giddyup! Iron Girl has just the medicine motivate you.

The fifth annual Aflac Iron Girl 10K & 5K Run/Walk is coming to Clearwater on April 5th. The challenging, fun and scenic course leads athletes along the beach over the scenic Memorial Causeway. The turn-around point is the well-known Pier 60. More than 1,000 females, ranging in age and fitness level, from the Tampa Bay area and from across the country are expected this year.

You can lose the excuse of being too old or too young. You’re probably not either, since participants in Iron Girl events range in age from 7 to 78 years old.

Iron Girl strives to create quality women's events that encourage both veteran athletes and novices to embrace a healthy lifestyle and achieve their personal bests.

Aren’t you motivated yet? Here’s another tidbit to tempt you. Clearwater is one of the world’s top beach destinations. 

More about this year’s Aflac Iron Girl Event:

• On this 5th Anniversary of the event, special prizes, fun and other surprises await you. 
• Performance shirts, sized just-for-women.
• Personalized race bibs that display your first name so everyone can cheer for you! (You must be registered by March 31 in order to have your name printed on the bib.)
• IPICO Sports timing.
• Custom finisher medals.
  
• Post-race catered Breakfast Café and awards ceremony. The top three finishers in each division will be recognized and inspirational athlete stories will be showcased.
• For the safety of participants, inline skates and pets are not allowed to participate in this event.
• Baby strollers and joggers are allowed with a special start.
• They’ll have 16 age groups plus special entry categories like Mother/Daughter teams.

It’s for a good cause. Fundraising efforts will benefit the Ulman Cancer Fund to help support young adults living with and recovering from cancer.