Saturday mornings have always been somewhat sacred to me. At least they have been since the fall of 2009 when I joined my first running group and started spending Saturdays running with friends before the sun came up. Whether I’m training for a goal half marathon, marathon or triathlon or am simply just running for fun, Saturday mornings are always reserved for running. There is something indescribably satisfying about having completed eight, 10, 15 or even 21 miles before most people are even awake. It’s equally as meaningful to spend hours on the road with people you care about talking about everything and nothing. These are the moments that make running special. Not the medals and races; the Saturday mornings that make the experience a true journey. Saturday mornings change us.

I know you get what I’m saying, and unless you’re a Sunday morning runner, you’re probably planning to run this Saturday morning, am I right?

If you are, or even if you’re not, consider making your long run miles more meaningful this week by joining Live Unlimited Run Day. This Saturday, July 30, MDA Team Momentum will be hosting this special day in communities nationwide where runners of all abilities can commit to any distance, at any location, anytime, in honor of families who are living with muscular dystrophy. There’s no registration fee to join. It’s free.

Joining is easy.

1. Sign up online and make an optional donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) if you’d like. C’mon, you know you want to make the donation. It makes your miles really mean more for families with muscular dystrophy (you fund research, critical health care support and resources to promote independence).
2. Join the Run Day Facebook Event and post a comment saying who you are and where you’ll be running.
3. Run anytime, anywhere on July 30. Be sure to snap a picture of your run and share it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with #LiveUnlimited and #MDAteam to celebrate your participation.

Here’s a fellow half marathon finisher you’d be running for:

Live Unlimited group runs will be happening in Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, New York City, and Washington D.C., if you want to join others in person for this special running holiday.

Live Unlimited Run Day Giveaway

For anyone who joins Live Unlimited Run Day and posts a comment below telling me that you are signed up, I will be giving away some goodies.

Eight runners will have the chance to win one of the following items, and winners will be chosen at random (odds of winning are based on how many people leave a comment. Giveaway is only open to United States residents 18 and older):

• A Live Unlimited Endorphin Warrior bracelet (color brown) in the size of your choice (I have two of these). This is a great visual reminder to defy your limits daily and to live beyond any real or perceived limits we set for ourselves. If you want to buy one, you can do so here. $6 of every bracelet sold benefits MDA.

• A pair of limited edition Brooks Running Pacesetter socks (size medium only) that were custom made just for the Run Happy Ambassadors for the Olympic trials (I have six of these). They are covered in running emojis.

Let’s make this Saturday’s long run more special than usual. Grab some friends and get out there. Thanks for being such a supportive and thoughtful community!

How will you participate in Live Unlimited Run Day this Saturday?