Kefir Kommunity

If you’re a runner, you’ve definitely had Lifeway cheering you towards the finish line – we love to support local races and hand out kefir as a refreshing post-race snack. And if you live in Chicago, chances are you’ve seen our CEO, Julie Smolyansky, running around town (often pushing a stroller with her daughters Leah and Misha inside) She’s completed four marathons, countless charity 5 and 10Ks, and just last weekend, ran in the Fleet Feet Sports Soldier Field 10 Mile.

Running is such a stellar workout option – it’s free, you can do it pretty much anywhere, including while travelling, and it offers up fantastic cardiovascular benefits. (Walking is a terrific workout, too, without the impact.) So lace ‘em up (or go barefoot if you’re feeling adventurous/trendy) and celebrate National Running Day, June 1, with one of these Lifeway-endorsed ideas, courtesy of NationalRunningDay.org: 

Change Happy Hour to Running Hour – Shake things up by adding a run to your post-work plans. Head out at 5:00 p.m. with some co-workers and relax over miles instead of cocktails.

Make running run in the family – They have your eyes, but what about your endurance? Leave the bikes and baseball bats in the garage and run around the neighborhood with the kids. Keep things interesting with a short race to see who is the fastest. 

Take advantage of the great outdoors – Running outside beats spending all your time on the treadmill. Step out the front door and away from the gym to take in a bit of nature during your afternoon run.

Treat yourself like a champion – Set yourself up for success by indulging in your favorite post-run snack (KEFIR!), sporting your lucky t-shirt, or helping your feet to a new pair of sneakers.

Oh, and don’t forget to help out our friend Mort Schur, an 86-year-old Chicago CPA who – wait for it – helped invent JOGGING! Please vote for him for the California Walnut Boards’ Original Health Nut by clicking here and voting for Mort Schur – the guy with the Olympic torch!