Running, biking and ... snowboarding? This all-new event is for extreme-sport enthusiasts.
What are a pair of snowboarders to do when they decide they want to try a triathlon, but they’d reeeeeally rather not do the swim? They create their own race, of course.
That’s how the X-Trifecta Winter Triathlon came to be, and 2013 marks its inaugural year. The event, to be held at Bear Mountain in the Poconos, includes a five-mile bike ride on mountain trails, an out-and-back 5K trail run, and a snowboard or ski run (your choice) down the mountain’s Timberline Trail. The slopes and trails used in the race are best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers, snowboarders, runners and bikers, so you probably shouldn’t do this race if you haven’t mastered the Bunny Trail. Participants must also bring all their own equipment, including skis and snowboards (no rentals will be available). Registration includes a lift ticket, participant shirt, finisher’s medal and swag bag; the lift ticket is good all day, so you can stay after the race and ski or snowboard to your heart’s content. Register and learn more here.
$95 through February 24th, $110 after; race day is March 9th at 9 a.m.; Bear Creek Mountain Resort, 101 Doe Mountain Lane, Macungie.
>> Have a health or fitness event you’d like to share with Be Well Philly readers? Email eleaman@phillymag.com with details.
Photo: Shutterstock
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There's no better way to get in the holiday spirit than by cutting down you own tree. Here are 18 farms in PA and Jersey where you can do just that.
Christmas Tree Farms in Pennsylvania
Carousel Village Christmas Tree Farms
Various locations in PA and NJ
This network of five tree farms includes several cut-your-own options. Check out the website for specific offerings and locations.
Clark’s Christmas Tree Farm
235 Pusey Mill Road, Cochranville, 610-358-4933
Douglas firs are the specialty at this family-run Chester County farm, which has 35 acres planted with them. Saws are provided, and trees are baled for free. Open Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Calling all rock climbers!
 Can’t get enough of the great outdoors? Reel Rock shows bring climbers and outdoors lovers together in celebration of adventure filmmaking. Much more than just film screenings, these events include prize giveaways, appearances by top climbers and fundraising for nonprofit organizations.
On November 30th, Wharton’s Mountaineering and Climbing Club will host this Reel Rock at Penn’s Huntsman Hall. Swing by to check out films with fear-inducing tales of awesome outdoor adventures. More info is here.
$10 at the door or online, November 30th at 6:30 p.m., Huntsman Hall, 3730 Walnut Street, Philadelphia.
>> Have a health or fitness event you’d like to share with Be Well Philly readers? Email eleaman@phillymag.com with details.
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We've compiled all our cool-weather content so you can find what to do in Philadelphia this fall in one handy place.
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Get costumed for this October race, which takes place at night—in a cemetery. Spooooooky!
 Halloween meets 5K in this costumed run on October 6th. Get dressed in your best costume and kick off the spookiest season of the year as you run through Laurel Hills Cemetery. Organized by East Falls Fitness, the run raises money for two nonprofits that support diverse communities in the city of Philadelphia: Gearing Up and Friends of Laurel Hill.
Dress up and win prizes for best overall costume, best group costume or best couple. But beware, Laurel Hills Cemetery is packed with challenging hills, twists and turns, so you may want to steer clear of cumbersome fat suits and too-tight leather.
After the run, party it up in the graveyard with live music by the Baily Hounds and free beer as you await the verdict of the costume competition and raffle winners. Treat yourself to some Halloween treats and complimentary massages. For more info, go here.
$35 ($40 day-of), October 6 at 5 p.m., Laurel Hill Cemetary, 3822 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia.
>> Have a health or fitness event you’d like to share with Be Well Philly readers? Email eleaman@phillymag.com with details.
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Here's how to enjoy this amazing weather.
Good lord it’s lovely today—and (hooray!) it’s supposed to stay this way all week long. If you’re jonesing to take advantage of the beautiful weather, here are five activities that’ll have you sweating in the sunshine.
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Learn the sport and get in shape with these camps, classes and private instructors
 If you’ve ever walked along Kelly Drive in the fall, you’ve probably gazed with envy at the lone sculler paddling gracefully down the Schuylkill. Deceivingly serene, his exercise is actually ridiculously effective. Rowing is a total body workout that uses your legs, back, shoulders and arms to propel your boat through the water. The wide range of motion increases flexibility, and the lack of pavement pounding will give your joints a break—plus, you’ll burn major calories in the process.
If you’re ready for a new routine, head to Boathouse Row for fall camps and private lessons, or check out an indoor erg class before you hit the water.
Rowing 101 at Lloyd Hall
For $165, you get eight two-hour sessions on the water with coach Ann Marie Kuvik. Because the class is tailored for beginners, there’s no need to fear that you can’t keep up. Sign up for Monday and Wednesday evening practices starting October 3rd, or Tuesday and Thursday practices starting the 4th.
When: Mondays & Wednesdays starting October 3 or Tuesdays and Thursdays starting October 4; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lloyd Hall, #1 Boathouse Row
Cost: $165
Sign up: Call Coach Kuvik at 215-901-8052.
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We break it down by the numbers
 UPenn’s much-anticipated Penn Park officially opens Thursday. Running north to south between Walnut and South streets and bounded by Septa and Amtrak lines on the east and west, the site used to be, in part, home to a parking lot for mail trucks—not much to look at. After two years of construction, the new space now features trees, gardens, a picnic grove and a bevy of Penn sports facilities.
The Inquirer has the nitty-gritty details, but let’s do an at-a-glance breakdown of the numbers, shall we?
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Staying in town this weekend? Stock up on gear (for cheap!) at these cycling, running, yoga and athletic stores.
Breakaway Bikes
1923 Chestnut St, 215-568-6002
All cross bikes are $100 to $300 off ticket prices. Available through September 15.
Chester County Running Store – Pottstown
38 Clocker Way, 610-327-4843
In addition to the closeout room, where shoes are 30 percent off, there’s also a special 30 percent off sale on summer clothing for men and women. While supplies last.
City Sports
Locations in Center City, Suburban Square and Wayne.
Take an extra 20 percent off sale and clearance items; available online and in stores through Monday. Use code EXTRALD at online checkout.
Eastern Mountain Sports
289 Main Street, Exton, 610-363-7881
All EMS-brand camping gear, apparel, and outwear is 30 percent off through Tuesday. There’s also a huge summer-clearance sale going on, with up to 50 percent off prices on summer shorts, apparel and outwear.
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10 that are close to sun and sand
 Illustration by Justin Renninger Whether you’re a camper at heart and are looking for a change from the mountains or are seeking an active Shore weekend on the cheap, the Jersey Shore’s area campsites are a perfect way to spend a summer weekend. From the North Shore to the Jersey Cape, here are 10 campsites that are close to sun and sand, in a range that will satisfy everyone from the “no RVs allowed” minimalist to the air-mattress-toting, “there had better be showers” family of four.
North Shore
Allaire State Park
Located 15 minutes from the boardwalks of Belmar and 20 minutes from Asbury Park, this campground offers a wide variety of trails, making it particularly attractive to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The Manasquan River winds through Allaire State Park which makes fishing, canoeing and kayaking between beach trips easy. There are 45 tent and trailer sites complete with fire rings and picnic tables. Cabin and shelter rentals available.
$20 per night. Free modern restrooms with hot showers within walking distance. Alcohol and pets prohibited. Campsites open all year. 4265 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, 732-938-2371. READ MORE
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