As I consider the many family/friend reunions ahead, I'm wondering how we can plan shared outdoor events with a group of people with varying athletic abilities.
Beach meet-up
One solution is the beach meet-up. I always think of the beach as the great equalizer since there's something for everyone to do. Some can swim while others build sand castles. Still more can relax in the sun while some play beach games or go for walks. There's lots to do at the beach and there's something for every age level and athletic ability.
Hikes
Hikes are a bit harder. If you plan an easy hike, the eager athletes amongst you may get frustrated, but if you plan a too-vigorous hike, many won't be able to take part. One solution is to plan a hike with many paths and one or more meeting places. For example, last year I hiked half of a steep mountain path while other family members made it to the summit. I hiked with one hiker like me. We stayed in touch by phones and met up at the mountain base. That was satisfying for most of us. Sometimes you can find many ways to the summt--some can hike an easy trail while others take the steeper trail and still more take transportation to the summit for a group meet-up.
Bike riding
Electric bikes make long bike rides accessible to most people so if your group has a range of athletes, some can take electric bikes while others take non-electric bikes.
Boating
A boat ride is accessible to all. Also to appeal to multiple athletic levels, some may take motorized boats while others canoe or kayak.
Games
It's easy to include everyone in games. When we were little kids, Dad would place all the kids at the goal while he engaged in pick-up hockey games on local ponds and lakes. People can play all kinds of roles in a group game which appeals to multiple athletic levels.
Athletic contests
Recently family members celebrated my sister's 60th birthday by engaging in a 5K race--people ran at all different rates, but almost everyone was able to take part. For the few that couldn't run, they took photos and cheered the rest of us on. Triathlons can include most people if some participate as a team instead of individually.
When you plan reunions, you have to consider the range of athletic ability and interest with your group, and as you plan, you can find many creative ways to include everyone. Onward.