Ep 3. Run With the Bears Thing!

CJ and her friends Fenwick and Crispo decide to take on a big challenge in the third episode of 100 Things To Do Before High School. They set their sights on participating in a charity 5K race known as the "Run with the Bears Thing!" The race is being organized by a local wildlife preservation group to raise money for protecting the habitats of bears in the area.

However, CJ's friends are not very athletic and are intimidated by the idea of running 3.1 miles. They try to back out but CJ is determined to help them conquer their fears. She devises a training plan that includes exercises, healthy eating, and motivational speeches. Even her brother, Ronbie, helps by giving them tips on how to run properly.

As the race day approaches, the trio gets more nervous and realizes they still have a lot to prepare. They pick out matching outfits, create their own charity banners, and even try to come up with a cool team name. To their surprise, some of their classmates also sign up for the race, including a Mean Girls-style group led by the queen bee of their middle school, Brianna.

On the day of the race, everyone gathers at the starting line, and CJ and her friends discover they have chosen a route that goes through the woods. The race itself becomes an adventure as they face a series of obstacles like steep hills, narrow paths, and even a fallen tree trunk. They use teamwork and encouragement to push each other and keep the motivation going. Along the way, they meet some of the wildlife, such as a family of black bears and a flock of wild turkeys, which both amaze and frighten them.

At the halfway point, the runners can choose to take a shorter route back to the finish line or continue on a longer, more challenging path that includes an even steeper hill. CJ decides to go for the longer one, but her friends are hesitant. She convinces them by invoking their favorite TV show, Star Trek, and comparing the race to a quest on an alien planet. They agree and take on the hill together, overcoming their physical and mental barriers.

The final stretch of the race is a head-to-head competition between CJ's team and Brianna's team. The latter tries to sabotage them by throwing water balloons and insulting them, but CJ's team stays focused and crosses the finish line first. They are greeted by a cheering crowd and the organizers of the Run with the Bears Thing!, who hand them a trophy for raising the most money for the charity. CJ and her friends feel proud of their accomplishment and grateful for the support of their friends and family.

The episode ends with CJ revealing to her friends the next thing on the list: "Sit at a different lunch table and make some new friends". They realize that even though they have completed a big challenge, they still have many more to come in their quest to experience all the fun and meaningful things life has to offer.