Ever since I was born on Halloween, I've enjoyed a good costume party. I usually start planning in August, lying on a hot sunny beach, what I'll wear that chilly night in late October. Today, though, I have a more urgent costume concern-what to wear for the 95th annual ING Bay to Breakers foot race, this Sunday, May 21.

As much a party as a competition, the 12K (7.46-mile) event draws roughly 70,000 runners and walkers who cross San Francisco, heading west in a steady stream of athletic determination mixed with kooky wigs, masks, Elvis outfits, high heels, flip flops, body paint, floats, and for a small (and presumably chilly) contingent, birthday suits. The official 12K National Championship event must be the zaniest race recognized by the USA Track & Field Association, and the only ambulatory carnival that can qualify American runners for the Olympic trials if their race times are fast enough.

If you’ve been putting off trying inverted yoga poses or are just too afraid to go upside-down, you might try a new yoga hybrid that blends acrobatics and Thai massage with more familiar asanas such as back and forward bends. Called AcroYoga, this little-known partner-based practice emphasizes deep stretching, balance, playfulness, and courage.

Americans weren't too keen on the proposed $100 gas rebate checks from Uncle Sam, so for now, the idea appears to be going away. Perhaps too many of us thought that accepting a crisp new Benjamin to put straight into the gas tank felt too much like taking a bribe. (Hey, the Sierra Club said it first, not me.)

Here's an idea: instead of strengthening your upper back muscles on a rowing machine, or by pulling rubber bands designed by a physical therapist to simulate the same movement, why not try doing it on an actual boat?

If you live near San Francisco, you've got few excuses not to-it's free. Plus, you'll use your whole body, especially your core muscles and legs, and you'll get cardio-vascular exercise.