It all began one Friday in April, 2009, when I was sitting at a Hood River pub with friends, enjoying a slice of pizza and a delicious beverage. We planned to ski in the morning, and perhaps go for a road bike ride in the afternoon. I jokingly said something to the effect of, “Maybe I’ll run, too, and maybe do some yoga… (pause for dramatic effect). . . I’m going to do a 5-Sport Day!” My friends may have doubted my sincerity, but I promptly traded in my beverage for a large glass of water and began planning my 5 events. Thus, the 5-Sport Day was born.

Finding 4 sports was relatively easy: the next day, I went for a 40-minute run first thing in the morning, then my sister, husband, and I loaded up the car and headed up to Mt. Hood for some spring skiing. Upon our return, my sister, my dad, and I went on a 12-mile bike ride. By this time, my legs were getting just a bit tired (okay, exhausted). I did some yoga on the deck (sport #4) to stretch my aching muscles. Four sports down, one to go.

By now it was nearing dinnertime, and I needed a 5th sport. I quickly called my friend Kate for help. Coming to my rescue, she invited me over to the park near her house for some whiffle ball. (By now I was using the term “sport” quite loosely.) My 5th sport consisted of Kate pitching the ball and me hitting it into the field, where a group of children was eyeing us suspiciously. After about 20 minutes of this nonsense, I checked the 5th sport off the list and congratulated myself on a successful 5-Sport Day. I returned to Portland, where I caught a Blazer game on TV. (Damn, basketball would have been much more legitimate than whiffle ball! Next time…)

Since that fateful day, I have done two other 5-Sport Days, both in Portland, and have recruited friends to join me. Here’s a quick rundown.

February 2010, 5-Sport Day with Cat

1. 7 mile run in Forest Park
2. Yoga Sculpt class at Corepower Yoga
3. Bike up to Mt Tabor from my house
4. Play tennis at Mt Tabor
5. Play Frisbee at Mt Tabor*

May 2010, 5-Sport day with Kate and Sara

1. Flow yoga class at Corepower Yoga
2. Bike up to Mt. Tabor
3. Play tennis at Mt. Tabor
4. Hike up and around Mt. Tabor
5. Push-ups (3 sets of 10) at the top of Mt. Tabor*

Summer 2010 in Hood River, exact date and partners in crime TBD

1. Stand-up Paddleboarding
2. Road bike ride
3. Run
4. Windsurfing
5. Yoga

*Having at least one sport with questionable “sport” status is highly encouraged.

Now that it’s finally summer, there are infinite 5-sport combinations to be discovered. Go for it, and good luck!