I suspect I’m not the only one who believes that what you do the first day of the year says something about how the following 364 days will go. (No pressure, of course, but THE ENTIRE YEAR IS COUNTING ON YOU TO DO SOMETHING AWESOME. Or at the very least, don’t be hung over.)
Sure, this line of thinking is mostly preposterous, but it still feels pretty darn good to go for a run, hike in the woods, plunge into the Atlantic, or give your bod a deep and relaxing stretch on the first day of a new year.
Start 2018 right (or close out 2017 with a some good-for-you activity) with these events and workouts to ring in 2018:
New Year’s Eve
NRCM Dip and Dash
11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31
Back Cove & East End Beach, Portland
$35 for dip, dash or dip & dash
www.nrcm.org
There are those who run. There are those who dip. And then there are the wonderfully crazed people who run in the cold and then plunge into the REALLY COLD Atlantic, all in the same afternoon. Those brave souls help raise funds for the Natural Resources Council of Maine every year during the annual Dip & Dash. You can just dip (11 a.m.) or just dash (noon), too.
Epic 5K Finale
10 a.m. Dec. 31
Starting in West Market Square, Downtown Bangor
$20 youth and adult (includes shirt), $25 with shirt and hat. $25 day of
www.epicsportsofmaine.com or www.facebook.com
Part of Bangor’s Downtown Countdown to 2018, the Epic 5K Finale goes down whatever the weather. Much like 2018 itself, no snow, wind, or rain can stop it. The 5K starts in West Market Square and race shirts and race beanies are available to runners who register early.
Farewell to 2017: calories that is!
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 31
Roberts Farm Preserve, Norway
Free
www.facebook.com
How many calories can one burn off with four hours of cross-country skiing? I’m guessing it’s around 100,000 – or at least enough that you can eat well the rest of the day and not feel one ounce of guilt about it. The warming hut will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., so you can ski or snowshoe four hours in a row or break it up. Prize drawings for those who finish. (You can also borrow gear here if you don’t own your own.)
New Year’s Full Moon Hike
6-8 p.m. Dec. 31
Wildlands, Orland
www.facebook.com
Night hike into the Wildland’s on New Year’s Eve under a full moon with the Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust. Dress for the weather. Rain/snow date is evening of January 1st. Park and meet at the south gate on Route 1 in Orland.
New Year’s Eve Fitness
9-10 a.m. Dec 31
WolfPack Fitness
432 E Waterman Road, Auburn
$5 adults, $1 kids
www.facebook.com
All fitness levels are encouraged to take part in this full-body workout.
New Year’s Day
Resolution run(s)
11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1
Fleet Feet Maine Running, 309 Marginal Way, Portland
Fleet Feet Maine Running, 89 Maine St., Brunswick
$25
www.fleetfeetmainerunning.com
Sprint into 2018 (or jog-walk, that’s fine, too!) with Fleet Feet Maine Running’s annual Resolution Run. There will be runs departing from both store locations (one in Portland, one in Brunswick) and the $25 entry fee will be donated to The Center for Grieving Children (for the Portland run) and the Midcoast Hunger Prevention Program (for the Brunswick run). Post-run gatherings at Great Lost Bear and Seadog Brewing.
The Drouthy Bear Set The Pace 5K
11:11 a.m. Jan. 1
The Drouthy Bear, 50 Elm St., Camden
$18 in advance, $20 day of
www.facebook.com
Walkers and runners are welcome at this 5K in Camden, which happens to start and end at The Drouthy Bear pub. Niiiiice. Hang out after the race, partake in the cash bar, and maybe win some prizes. Proceeds benefit One Community Many Voices.
Resolution Run 5K
7:30 a.m. Jan. 1
Mount Desert Island YMCA, 21 Park St., Bar Harbor
$20
www.mdiymca.org
This out and back 5K course turns around at Bar Island (hence the early start time to beat the tide across the sand bar). Day-of registration will be held from 6:30am-7:15am in the YMCA.
Goat hike
2 p.m. Jan. 1
Ten Apple Farm, 241 Yarmouth Road, Gray
$10 adults, $5 kids 5-12, free kids 4 and under
livingwithgoats.com
Start the new year with an easy-going hike led by the goats at Ten Apple Farm. The farm hosts these hikes all winter (it’s good exercise for the goats, who spend much of the winter in the barn), so if you can’t make the Jan. 1 hike, check their website for future hikes. It’s wise to bring snowshoes or crampons, depending on the weather, and kids 4 and under need to be carried.
First Day Hike
Bradbury Mountain State Park, Pownal
10 a.m. Jan. 1
Free admission for this event
www.maine.gov
Learn about the history of the park, species identification and tracking during this two-mile round-trip guided hike. Snowshoe rentals available. Open to all ages and dogs on leash are welcome.
First Day Hike
Sebago Lake State Park, Casco
10 a.m. Jan. 1
Free admission for this event
www.maine.gov
Hike through hardwood and coniferous forests, with opportunities to see wildlife and good views of Sebago Lake and the Songo River. Hikes should last about two hours, water and snacks provided, dogs on leash welcome.
First Day Hike
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport
2 p.m. Jan. 1
Free admission for this event
www.maine.gov
Learn how plants and animals survive in the winter during this leisurely 0.3-mile guided walk. Walk should last about an hour. Hot cocoa will be provided. Dogs on leash welcome.
Full Moon Hike
8 p.m. Jan. 1
Emmons Preserve, 57 Gravelly Brook Road, Kennebunkport
Free
www.facebook.com
Go on a moderate 3-mile hike on the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust trails at Emmons Preserve. You’ll have a chance to pause along the way to enjoy the moon views. Bring a flashlight or headlamp and feel free to bring a beverage to enjoy after the hike at the KCT headquarters.
Lobster Dip
Noon Jan. 1
The beach in front of The Brunswick, Old Orchard Beach
All dippers must raise a minimum of $100
www.somaine.org
The water’s freezing and the cause is good: Special Olympics Maine. Dippers have been turning up for the last 29 years to raise money by plunging – on purpose – into the ocean on New Year’s Day. We’re glad they do. Post-dip party includes free buffet, live music, and cash bar.
Happy (new year) flow
9-10 a.m. Nov. 1
Samudra Studio, Saco
$15 drop-in
www.facebook.com/events/1934218873494632
Spend an hour building heat, flowing, and setting intention with Sarah Lafortune. Expect to sweat, build strength, laugh, and have fun with your fellow Samudra community. All levels welcome!
Energetic Liberation with Melanie Burns
Wicked Good Yoga, 5 Bradford Road, Wiscassett
9:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 1
$20
www.wickedgoodyoga.com
Welcome 2018 with this two-hour yoga class combining asana, breath work, and meditation (a perfect chance to set some positive intentions for the new year)! Bring a notebook and pen. Open to all levels.
