Last week, an event sparked an idea for a unique gift for Mother’s Day, May 14. Or for Father’s Day, June 18, Grandparents’ Day, September 10, or Children’s Day, June 11. Or even for yourself.
Iron May
FJ and I signed up for an event that our church sponsors: Iron May. It lasts throughout May, deriving its name from the Iron Man competitions. People sign up as individuals or teams to focus on exercise in one of three levels, ranging from difficult to easy. IronMay involves swim, bike, and run/walk. Iron Duathlon includes bike and run/walk. Iron Time requires 20 hours of any exercise.
Registrants have the entire month of May to complete the requirements. Teams combine the times of each member for a total. Each finisher receives a T-shirt. Teams and individuals can compete for various prizes. To date, people from 26 states and 7 countries have participated. It sounds like a lot of fun.
Are you wondering how I, a disabled person, can compete? I was, too, since I cannot do 20 hours of any kind of exercise in a month. Then, I found out about teams. FJ exercises over 20 hours a month. So, when we add my paltry hours to his, we will qualify as a team! Therefore, I CAN compete and finish!
We named our team Sun-ercisers. Sun from Sunbreaks of our book, and -ercisers from exercise. You can follow our progress on the Iron May website.
The gift
So, how does this fit in with my idea of a unique gift for Mother’s Day?
In Iron May, some participants perform difficult feats, as do those competing at the top level. Others can only manage the 20 hours. Disabled people can’t often achieve that. But, if we are working to the best of our ability, we are improving our health.
I think mothers will delight in seeing their children diligently care for their bodies. I’m happy my sons practice healthy habits, so I can love them for many more years. Moms could give this gift to their children, so the kids can cherish them longer. This idea can also apply to gifts from children to fathers, and vice versa. Even grandparents and grandchildren can share this unusual gift. If you have no one special in your life, you can gift exercise to yourself.
Best wishes to you
May you enjoy accomplishing the exercise you have chosen. and may that exercise be rewarding. May the special person to which you give this gift enjoy it.
What ideas about unique gifts do you have?
You can join Iron May through May 7.
Although not specifically about gifts, FJ wrote this family piece, “I Want This Just-Right Place for Moms, Dads, and Children.”
