To all our Weekend Warriors out there! This post is for you.

Let’s admit it. Working in the tech industry means lots of time sitting (or standing) at a desk, staring at a screen, and doing your best not to have your neighbor hear your joints creak. (Don’t worry, Millennials, you’ll be there soon enough.) To counter our sedentary work-life we often take our exercise regimes to an extreme during our time away from work and become… Weekend Warriors. (Cue the superhero music.)

We thought we’d help you plan for this year’s insanity, er, excitement, and list some of the upcoming races and obstacles that we love so much.

But before we do, we’re curious.

Has a story about how you got that cast on your arm been a punchline to your weekend activities? Did you have to miss work as a result of your commitment to get over that mud-covered wall? Are you worried that this could happen to you? We’ve got a tip for you. Ask your employer about disability insurance. Why? Because it’s important to plan ahead in case of, well, life!

“Short term and long term disability insurance protects employees’ number one asset, their paycheck.

Mike Monroe, Ask our Chief Benefits Officer, March 31, 2016

What is Disability Insurance?

Disability insurance is a security net should you ever become disabled. These benefits may be paid out over a fairly long period (in some cases to age 65 and beyond) depending on the nature and circumstances of the disability. Other good things about it:

• Payees receive 60-70% of their pre-disability salary during the time they are unable to work.
• Payments are tax-free.
• You get a sense of security. Knowing that if something happens and you’re unable to work, you won’t be left high and dry.

Learn more about disability insurance here, and ask your employer about it, before you hit the trail.

Alright. Let’s Race!

Rainier to Ruston Trail Relay – 50M Ultra and Relay

Saturday, June 4

http://www.rainiertoruston.com/

“On National Trails Day, Saturday, June 4, 2016, runners will take on the fourteenth annual Rainier to Ruston Rail-Trail Relay and Ultra. The course follows the Foothills Trail from the shoulders of Mt. Rainier to the shores of Puget Sound. The trail passes through pristine wilderness and historic communities, following the old Northern Pacific railroad grade that once brought settlers and supplies into the West. The top runners in each division receive the coveted Golden Spike Awards.”

Warrior Dash

Saturday, July 16, 2016

https://www.warriordash.com/location/2016-warrior-dash-washington/

The 2016 Warrior Dash will be as easy as pie! At 3.15 miles in length, twelve obstacles with names like Chaotic Cargo and Muddy Mayhem are just waiting for your sweat and commitment.

Tough Mudder

Saturday and Sunday, September 24 & 25

https://toughmudder.com/events/2016-seattle

If disability insurance was ever needed, it’s because of Tough Mudder. Take a look at the 2016 obstacles!

Spartan Races

Saturday, October 22, 2016

http://www.spartan.com/en/race/detail/1661/overview

Offering four level options, one with fewer than 20 spots left, the Spartan Race looks like it’ll be a great day of scenery, challenges, and PNW bad-ass-ness.
“The Pacific Northwest offers a little of everything in terms of terrain: mountainous trails, rolling hills, creeks, rocky byways and trees in every direction. With so many towering trees and natural scenery as far as your eyes can see, you won’t even know you’re so close to Seattle at this venue.”

Other Runs

Looking for something a little more runny than muddy? Here’s a full list of Seattle area races happening in 2016.

http://seattleruns.com/

http://www.active.com/

http://www.runguides.com/seattle/articles

This site provides event listings around the world! So, if you’re like the devs, I know who take their work with them and travel the world, take advantage of this site to find your next challenge!