In one of my past blogs I ranted a little bit about the trash I see along the road while I am trying to enjoy my daily run. Now that the weather has broken a bit it seems like there is more than ever.

I think I have a simple, yet effective solution that can work for everyone everywhere and I would like to hear some opinions.

My idea is to pick a date that runners coast to coast and beyond can share to clean up each of our little corners of the world a bit. The process would be to put on a pair of gloves and bring a trash bag or two with you as you head out on a common or favorite personal running route through town or around campus if you are a student that traisn on the track normally. Instead of running, we all just walk and pick up the little bits of trash that we all see and normally run past daily.

I don't think it would be a big deal for most of us to take up a rest or active rest day by helping the enviroment. It is a simple activity that all ages and levels of runners can participate in equally, to help build some more community among us.

The impact can be as big or little as the local runners care to make it.

What I would like to know:

Will college/high school/ junior high/ running clubs be interested?

Does anyone see any problem with the basic idea?

What time of year would be best for a clean up day? Should it be one date coast to coast that we cna all share and brag about? Or would having multiple dates throughout the year or region by region be a better fit?

Does anyone think this is the kind of idea that can grow and maybe become an annual event for the running community?

Thanks in advance for your time and opinions. I am hoping that with a simple, grass roots approach, we can all have a hand in helping our towns, our enviroment, and inspiring the next generation to be responsible for the planet we all share.

-Tim