Pace Points: You’re ready to run, now what should you wear?

I’m getting really excited because this Saturday is the kick-off of the Marathoner In Training (MIT) 2012 Winter/Spring Session! If you’re new to my blog and don’t know, MIT is my passion! It was created here in Columbus in 2000 by a group of individuals who wanted to pursue their passion for running. Since then, MIT has grown to become one of America’s foremost leaders in endurance training. Today, MIT utilizes 45 dedicated coaches and trains runners and walkers from all levels of experience towards the successful completion of their goal race. MIT is not just for marathon training, whether your goal is a 5K, half or full marathon or even a multi-sport event, MIT will provide comprehensive training in a supportive atmosphere that will enable you to meet your goals and make plenty of friends along the way.

I trained with MIT in the summer of 2009 and went from being inactive to completing my first half marathon with my friend and training buddy Chrissy. Since then, I have made countless friends and companions through MIT, some of who have helped carry me though one of the darkest times in my life. Now, running has become my lifestyle and the people I train with have become my family.

I can’t wait to welcome all of the new faces (and welcome back the old) at our first workout on Saturday! This year, I am once again coaching the 13 minute per mile group with co-coaches Duane and Judi. We have a lot of great things in store for our runners, and I know I will have awesome stories to share with you.

Part of my job as a Pace Coach is to help newer runners find and navigate the wealth of information that exists about running and answer questions. I also hope to blog about some of this information in hopes that it can offer advice to my readers and followers.

So, without further ado, let’s get this thing going!

One of the most common questions asked by cold-weather runners is what to wear for your workout. Below are some tips that I have found helpful to dressing smart for wintery workouts.

One of the most important things to remember is not to overdress. Even though it is going to get cold outside and snowy, you should keep in mind to dress as of it is 15 – 20 degrees warmer outside than it actually is. You should be a little chilly outside when you first start running. If you are hot before you even leave the house or take a step, you are overdressed. A lot of mornings, I will get dressed to run and then take my dogs out. If I am warm just walking to the yard, I have on too much!

To stay warm and dry in winter weather conditions, be sure to dress in layers of breathable fabrics. Do not wear cotton – it is not breathable and holds in moisture. When you sweat, the moisture stays against skin, potentially making you uncomfortable and cold. Instead, you want to wear what are referred to as technical fabrics. These are breathable fabrics that wick perspiration and moisture away from the skin. You should look for fabrics that are 100% Polyester or otherwise described as “wicking” or “technical.”

It is also important to dress in thin layers. This allows moisture to be removed from the bottom layers and away from the skin, keeping you warm and dry. Dressing in layers also allows for freedom of movement when you are running and you can remove the outer layers if you do get too warm. In terms of the top half of your body, the minimalist approach is the way to go, especially with milder temperatures like we have been experiencing. For example, you may wear a long sleeve technical shirt and then a windbreaker or similar running jacket. You can find technical fabrics at specialty running shops or regular department stores like Target, Old Navy and Kohls. Champion makes a good, inexpensive technical line with a variety of styles that you can experiment with if you are just starting out. In terms of the bottom half, leggings or tights can be beneficial because they are not too suffocating and allow for increased freedom of movement. I have a pair of Brooks thermal running pants if it is going to be extremely cold outside. You do not generally need to layer up on pants because it can be cumbersome. Keep in mind to look for technical bottoms as well.

Also, don’t neglect your feet! I highly recommend getting fitted at a specialty running shop for footwear. I shop at Fleet Feet Columbus. Generally, a running store staff is experienced at assessing your gait, pronation and running form to fit you in a pair of shoes that will keep you not only running comfortable, but help to keep you running injury-free. In addition, you should wear technical (non-cotton!) socks to keep your feet warm and dry when running through snow and water. You should not double up on wearing socks, which can cause chaffing and blistering. Ladies, I have also found it beneficial to get fitted for a sports bra, which most running shops can also do.

You may also want to wear a light pair of gloves; many runners prefer the fingerless type so they can still use their hands without too much hassle.  I found fingerless gloves at Target in the dollar bin and bought a bunch of pairs. It’s great because I tend to lose them or ruin them and for $1, I don’t have to worry about it.

A hat, ball cap or headband that covers your ears is also beneficial in winter weather to keep you warm and keep moisture out of your face and eyes. In the case of extreme cold (less than 40 degrees) be sure to cover your head with a breathable hat and wear gloves because you lose most of your body heat through your extremities. If it is windy, you may want to invest in a neck gator to keep the wind off your face. You can also put Vaseline on your skin (around your mouth, nose and cheeks) to keep from wind chafing.

As with many topics in running, it’s all about what works for you! Try different things during your various runs to find the combination of clothing and footwear that you prefer.

Happy winter running, friends!

Until the next mile marker,
 

I meet Kathrine, YOU get a 26.2 MARATHON WOMAN GIVEAWAY!

(eeeeeeeeeeeek…..excitement……!!)
All in all, I would say I am pretty lucky to be living in Columbus, Ohio and have the support and friendship of a huge and growing running community. I am proud and excited to me part of the movement that is Fleet Feet Columbus and if I had not met the people there and started running with MIT two years ago, I know I would not be where I am today. My running buddies have been there with me through the happy times and helped me cope with one of the most difficult times in my life, losing my mother this April. We’ve run racestogether, laughed together, cried together and grown together as a family. Fleet Feet always seems to take care of us – whether it be putting water out on the trails at 4:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning, providing access to community medical providers or hosting a meet and greet with the legendary of Bart Yasso – they’re awesome like that!
Yesterday was no different because Fleet Feet hosted a morning with none other than the Marathon Woman…
Kathrine Switzer! 

Kathrine speaking at Fleet Feet Columbus
Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as a numbered entrant in 1967, five years before women were officially granted entry to the event. She was able to finish the race despite attempts by race officials to remove her from the course. Challenging what was at that time a male dominated sport, Kathrine became an inspiration to many women looking to excel in sports and bridge what was a huge gender barrier. You may remember seeing this photograph:

Kathrine is running (Bib #261) as race officials try to stop her during the Boston Marathon

With the help of Katherine’s work, equal opportunities for women have emerged all around the globe. Since Boston, Kathrine has gone one to run numerous marathons including a personal best of 2:51.33! She has gone on to be the driving force behind the first women’s Olympic marathon, has been a television broadcaster and now an author and public speaker. Her books, 26.2 Marathon Stories, Running and Walking for Women Over 40, and Marathon Woman have sold millions of copies worldwide.

I am still grinning from ear to ear that I got to meet her!
Not only that, but she ran with us (okay, not me because she is a lot faster than me, even though she calls herself slow) for our Saturday morning workout. She looked gorgeous!
Kathrine (middle) with a group of MITers!
Kathrine’s talk was so inspiring – I could have listened to her talk all day! She talked about so many things – including the 1967 Boston Marathon – but primarily about the movement she has seen in running as pioneered by women themselves. Kathrine really believes that running brings women – and also men – together like no other sport. She talked about how running makes us stronger and happier and allows to accomplish what was once thought to be impossible. Running pushes us to the extreme and the possibilities in running – both now and in the future – are limitless.
The Lucky 13’s with Kathrine and our newest ‘lil runner – Avery!
Avery spent many miles running with us over the past several months while still inside her Mommy’s tummy . Since Kathrine was the first celebrity she has ever met (she’s only 3 weeks old!), we know she will grow up to be a Marathon Woman too! Think I’m kidding? This girl already has her very own pair of Nike running shoes!
The Giveaway
 
Don’t think I forget about you, Blogland! 😉 I know most of you guys probably have not have the opportunity to meet Kathrine, but I did pick up a few extra things for you and put together the 26.2 Marathon Woman Prize Pack:
 
Item #1
A signed hardcover copy of 26.2: Marathon Stories by Kathrine Switzer and Roger Robinson (also signed by both authors!). But wait, you haven’t run a marathon yet? This book is “For anyone who has ever run a marathon or dreamed of doing so, 26.2: Marathon Stories is the ultimate tribute. And the ultimate inspiration.” Katherine said she is really proud of this book because not only does it have stunning photographs throughout, but it tells the history of the marathon. She said you cannot read this book without learning something, as well as being inspired – no matter what distances you run.

 


Item #2

Marathon Woman charm/shoe tag. It is inscribed with MW Fearless on the front and 261 (Kathrine’s Bib # during Boston) with an artist representation of Kathrine on the back. Kathrine said it is made of pewter and if worn on your shoe “gets you a guaranteed PR in your next race!”

Item #3

TWO Marathon Woman bracelets. Kathrine wears hers on her wrist and it doubles as a hair tie when she needs it! It also has 261 inscribed on the back. 
 
Please leave me a separate comment for each entry to increase your chances of winning!
Mandatory:
  • Become a follower of my blog or let me know that you already are. (+1 Entry)
  • Tell me why you want to would like to win the 26.2 Marathon Woman Prize Pack. Are you a Marathon Woman already? Do you aspire to run 26.2 someday? (+1 Entry)
Extra Entries:
  • Spread the word! Facebook, Twitter (be sure to include @wordstorunby), your blog (+1 Entry Each) 
  • VOTE for me to earn a spot on Chocolate Milk’s Team Refuel HERE(Search for me by name-  Sara Wyen) and leave me a comment each time that you do. (+1 entry PER DAY that you vote

You have through Sunday 09/11/2011 to enter (and vote!) and I will announce the winner on my blog shortly after then.

 
Until the next mile marker, 

Wellness in the Woods Race Report and My First Blogger Meet-Up!

After such a great day on Saturday, I decided to get my race-on for a 2 Miler on Sunday. I had never participated in a 2 mile race before, but I thought it might be a fun way to race without all the pressure of ‘distance,’ plus it was two-billionity degrees outside with 146% humidity in the air so I wasn’t feeling like pushing it in the heat.
I ran a race from the Greenswell Wellness in the Woods Series at Scioto Audubon Metro Park. It is the first time I ever ran a Greenswell race, and I will definitely be running another one in the future. The 2011 Wellness in the Woods running and walking series brings together individuals, families, communities and organizations for healthy and fun activity and social connectedness at the parks around Central Ohio.
First of all, I really like Greenswell and what it stands for. It was founded by Craig Thompson with the vision to create a positive approach lifestyle company that brings individuals, families, and health professionals together into a community working in partnership to provide education, resource information and event activities to guide and inspire individuals to achieve a healthy and whole life. Their events are definitely family-friendly and cater to a wide variety of interests including walking, running, duathlons and triathlons. I like that the running/walking events offer a 2 mile option in case you want to bring children or are just starting out on your fitness journey or would even like to place in your age group for the first time. The races are also pet friendly and showcase local parks and programs – something I don’t think people pay much attention to as it is. Metro parks are enjoyable, beautiful and a great way to have a day out without spending any money.
The race was simplistic in nature, but still with timing chips and bibs, and featured an out and back course. The crowd was small – about 100 racers – which I often prefer, especially if I need a change of pace, if you will. The atmosphere was that of a gathering of friends who share the same interests – I even ran into Bobbi, which was a pleasant surprise!
The course was nice – and slightly uphill, but I wish it would have started earlier. By the time the horn sounded at 8:30 a.m. it was already hot and muggy. I found it hard to breath and I tried to finish the race as quick as possible – which didn’t quite happen, to say the least. I finished in about 28 minutes, but I enjoyed the scenery and the company of my Race Club friends. It wasn’t by fastest race, but I had fun!
Fleet Feet Race Club at the Scioto Audubon Wellness in the Woods Race
After the race, I went to my very-first-ever blogger meet-up with Sarah from Running on Words and Michelle from The Running Jewess. We went to First Watch for breakfast along with Sarah’s husband and a friend of Michelle’s. Keep in mind Sarah and I had pretty much just finished racing:
Sarah, Michelle & Me
Michelle is practically a genius and my hero – she ran the Boston Marathon. You can’t get much cooler than that, really. Plus, she’s about the nicest person you will ever meet and she took time out of her day packing to meet with smelly me! The bad news? She’s moving to California to attend Grad school at Stanford (I told you she is a genius) and we just met in real life. The good news? There are a lot great races in California and now Sarah and I have a friend to run them with!
Michelle and Sarah tagged me in a 7 Links Post, so here it goes:

My Most Beautiful Post: 
I don’t know if this post is as beautiful to me as it is to anyone else, bit I really like it. It reminds so much of my mother and the things that made her happy. Cap City was a beautiful race because I ran it in memory of her, along with so many others who are part of he Central Ohio running community.  
My Most Popular Post:
My Easy Canvas Prints post is pretty popular because I was one of the first blogs to chose a canvas prints with words on it so Easy Canvas Prints uses it as an example for others! I love my canvas, by the way!
My Most Controversial Post:
Let’s face facts, here, I am not a controversial writer by any means, but I probably should not have run this race!
My Most Helpful Post: 
I got a lot of positive feedback regarding my Hot vs. Cold Post. I didn’t know when to do what either until I started reading about it and wanted to pass on what I learned to others! 
A Post whose Success Surprised me:
I am surprised by the support I received regarding this recent post about feeling burned out and     being stuck in a rut. I am so thankful for the support I have found from the online running community – thank you!
 
A Post that Didn’t Get the Attention it Deserved: 
My running friend Wendy wrote a great race review of the Arizona Distance Classic – a race I may never get to. Her review is well-written and insightful, but I don’t think it got a lot of reader responses.
The Post that I am Most Proud of: 

Okay, I cheated and it is a toss up between this race review and this race review. I think I really enjoy writing race reviews – anyone want to pay me to do that?!

Now for the fun part! I want to hear your 7 Links:
Pain, Pride, and Perseverance
Thanks for bearing with me through this post!
Until the next mile marker,

I AM SO EXCITED…

…to tell you about my weekend! I’ve been reading about all of your holiday festivities and race reports, and I have been on pins and needles waiting to tell you about mine! My favorite holiday + running + racing + family + friends + a surprise canoe trip = AWESOME!
It all began when I woke up on Monday morning [remembered that I didn’t have to work and I got to race] and headed to the Rotary 5K in my hometown of Westerville. I must admit, I joined Race Club and committed to running 7 of 10 possible 5K’s this summer (because-I-never-overcommit-myself-these-days-and-you-get-a-nice-jacket), but I just haven’t been thrilled about the shorter distance (okay, I only ran one 5K so far this summer, but it was horrible). I feel like just as I get warmed up, I’m done. I would love to PR in the 5K distance, but I don’t know if this will be my year. However, I am really happy I joined Race Club because I have been meeting some wonderful – not to mention fast – runners who I have been learning a lot from. Plus, it’s just fun to feel like you are part of a team when you are running. I even heard people cheering for the “Fleet Feet Race Club!”
Here we are:
 
I ran this race with my sister, Mollie. And we met up with some of the awesome Lucky 13’s before the race for a star-studded photo shoot.
Check it out:
That’s Keri, Me, Mollie, Sarah, Judi & Julie of the Lucky 13’s. Who needs a blogger meet-up?
Sarah wanted to make sure we remembered to run – for our lives, that is. She’s awesome that way!
Kim & Me. Her blog is famous for being gluten-free!
Me, Julie & Mollie. You might remember Julie as a dear friend of my Mom’s from THIS post.
And run for my life I did:
Just look at those strides – longest ever, right?
No, seriously, I thought I was suddenly a Gazelle and took off way too fast. Again. Still. It’s a major problem for me during 5K’s. I know I do it, I know I shouldn’t do it, and I still do it. WHY?!
Sarah kept telling me we were going fast – and I kept right on going. I looked down at my Garmin once and saw an 11-something on there! I even told Sarah I could run the whole race that fast. Then I hit mile 1.1. Whooosh!!!!!!!!!! I deflated quickly.
Mile 1 -12:30 …. Clearly my Garmin doesn’t even reflect my 11-something victory.
Mile 2 -15:29…. No more steam, hence the major slowdown.
Mile 3- 15:04 …. I couldn’t really recover it was so hot and I was so worn out.
Mile .1 – 09:45 … Somehow I found it in me to sprint to the Finish! My new favorite thing.
Mollie even came back to finish the race with me (she thought my knee blew out after my speediness, but it didn’t, thankfully):
We’re so fast we’re one. big. blur.
 
All in all, it was a pretty good race. I was bummed out that I ran out of steam so fast and complained to my sister for most of miles 2 and 3 (she loves me anyway), but I had a blast with my girls! I liked that the race was small and had a hometown feel, but I was disappointed in the new route. I liked I better at the old location, which was through a nature preserve, yesterday we ran on the city streets which were not well-manned. I was worried about someone getting hurt and since there was a dude puking by the side of the road (it was super-hot) I thought someone should be available (besides me and the ladies) to see if he was okay. This was a very family-friendly race and reminded me of my own childhood. My dad even came out to spectate and snap some photos for us. My official time was 44:03, an average pace of 14:30. Lucky 14, anyone? Anyone? Could I really be getting slower?! Oh well, it’s an improvement from always being last in my age group!
Me and Mollie at the finish: 
I love this picture!
 

And, before I knew it, the time was 9:30 and the day had just begun.
My husband planned a surprise canoe trip on Hoover Dam:
He can be pretty elusive, you know. He almost didn’t make it in the frame!
Hoover Dam
Our canoe.
How about burning a something-like-1300 calories in 3.5 hours? And have fun with the ones you love? Who could resist that!?
We did a lot of exploring and even saw some wildlife indigenous to the area:
Cove.
Deer.
Mollie entertained us with scenes and tunes from Pocahontas:
(She would like me to clarify she is really not naked)
‘I look once more, just around the river-bend!’
 We had a great time:
I don’t like the way he is looking at me!
I like pictures where you can only see my head!
It was a perfect day, topped off with fireworks.
We watched them from the place where we got married:
The Everal Barn and Homestead.
After all, our anniversary is coming up on July 07. The perfect day? Just one of many, in my book.  I can’t wait to do it all again next year.
Happy 4th Everyone! I hope your holidays were as great as mine.
Until the next mile marker, 

Top 5 Reasons to Run a 5k: Practice Makes Perfect

Practice makes perfect, right? I would have to agree – generally the more times I do something, the easier the task becomes. Take for example, my first half marathon compared to subsequent races. It gets easier every time. In the Emerald City Half – my best race to date with a finish time of 2 hours and 54 minutes – I clicked off the miles smoothly. I was strong, confident and in good running shape. I wasn’t nervous – as I was before my first half a year earlier – and I had fun the whole time! I wasn’t worried about finishing – I knew I would. I usually get a little bit of pre-race jitters, but nothing like how I felt before the first half. It’s much easier to relax now and enjoy the scenery!  

How exactly do you practice racing if you are training to run your first half marathon?

Sign up to run a 5K or two!

Most runners I know find it beneficial to not have their first race be their goal race (i.e. their first half marathon or full marathon). Racing is fun, exciting and can be daunting if you have never done it before. Signing up for a 5K before your “big” race allows you to experience the racing atmosphere on a much smaller scale and provides you with an additional opportunity to work out any kinks you may encounter on race day. From packet pick-up to finish line party, you will feel much better knowing what to expect as well as be prepared for any mishaps.

I find that racing, even on a smaller scale, keeps me motivated to run and set new goals. This weekend, I participated in the Race for Ellie 5K, a local race to raise funds in partnership with The Ohio State University for research toward a cure for Mitochondrial Disease.

It was a tough race for me; I finished in 42:12, my slowest 5K time. Not only was it tough because I don’t think I am yet fully recovered from Pittsburgh, but because I made some mistakes that really affected my ability to run. “You know better,” crossed my mind many times during that 3.1 miles. Looking back, though, I am glad I ran Ellie to remind me of these mistakes so I don’t repeat them at a later date. What can I say?

So, what did I learn from running the Race for Ellie that can also help you before your big race?

I am reminded that practice really does make perfect. By following the mileage and guidelines of a good training plan, you are already practicing for the race. Stick to the schedule and you will be able to run the miles. Once you are comfortable running four or 5 miles, I would suggest signing up for a local 5K to gain racing experience. Training is good because it allows you to figure out your weak spots and practice different techniques. For example, do you like GU or Chomps when you are running long distances? Do you prefer to stretch before or after running or both? If you find the second half of any run is increasingly difficult compared to the first half, you can begin to focus your energy on the second half while maintaining or eventually increasing your pace. By staying true to your training plan, you have a greater chance of avoiding injury and burnout. Running Ellie yesterday reminded me that I need to slow down a little bit, take it easy on myself and let the miles add up gradually. I should not feel like I have to force myself back into higher miles – I can run them when I am ready. Just like at the beginning of any training plan, the more I practice, the more the miles will start to come easy again.     

I need to make sure I get adequate rest! Sleep and relaxation are important. I stayed up a little too late on Saturday night, instead of trying to get to sleep earlier. I was tired on Sunday morning for the race and that affected me mentally as well as physically. It is not very fun feeling like you are exhausted even before you get to the starting line. The night before a race, go to bed a little earlier and don’t over-think the next day’s events or you might still be up all night. See above. You’ve trained for this; you’re prepared to make the miles!

Hydration is paramount. Before you even begin racing, make sure you are well hydrated, as with all training runs too. Usually, I start “channeling my inner camel” at least the day before the race, if not two or three days before. This makes a huge difference! Basically, I thought before the race this weekend, “It’s just a 5K, I’ll be fine.” WRONG. I should have stuck to my regular hydration plan – drink water until your pee comes out pale yellow or clear! Drink. Drink. Drink. And then drink some more. Store it up like a camel preparing to trek across the Sahara. A mile into Ellie I was thirsty and once you are thirsty, it is really really hard to rehydrate and feel normal again. By the time I reached the water station at mile 1.5 or so, it was too late to quench my thirst. Drinking an excess of water would have just created cramps and an unsettled stomach. I drank a normal amount of water and continued on, but I had to stop for a few walking breaks on the way in to the Finish Line. I was tired, sluggish and had a headache for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening. Not fun at all.

My next biggest mistake? Not pacing myself when the race began. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement and speed of the other runners and take off out of the gate at too fast of a pace. This will only cause you to lose momentum in the end (or in the middle, like I did, when I suddenly looked down and noticed I had been running at an 11:47 pace – yikes!). When the race begins, pace yourself. If you start off your first half mile pacing yourself, your finish will be much stronger. I knew I was starting too fast, but I did it anyway. I thought I might make it at that pace the whole way until 0.73 miles into the race when I was spent. Combined with inadequate hydration, the rest of the race was miserable.

If you pace yourself in the beginning, you can give it all you’ve got at the Finish. Save your strength for the finish! When you approach the halfway mark you should be picking up the pace to finish strong. Give it all you’ve got anywhere from your last quarter mile to the last few hundred yards and sprint it in if you can. I did this, for the first time in a long time, during the Race for Ellie thanks to Heather, who coached me through to the finish, and it was extremely satisfying. I felt like in spite of a tough race, I was a superstar crossing that finish line. I didn’t have much left, but I left it all on the track. In this race, we started and finished on the track, which was cool because I felt like I was fast for about 39.4 seconds!

All in all, Race for Ellie was a great race – well organized and supports a cause that we can all believe in. The post-race festivities we also pretty cool – we had pizza, wings (for some reason they tasted so good!), Italian Ice (should be served after every summer race from now on), water, bananas, rolls, and coffee. The shirt is light pink in color and is a womens technical shirt. I wore it after the race and it is just roomy enough to be comfortable without feeling like it is too big on me. This race had a water stop halfway, a kid’s race (complete with finisher ribbons), a mile long family fun walk, and awards for the top 3 male and female finishers. The volunteers were really helpful and clearly wanted to do all they can to support Ellie and her family. A great race for first-time racers, a fun, casual event for more experienced runners and a truly family-oriented event.   

Race for Ellie 5K Shirt

My Top Five Reasons to Run A 5K:

(in no particular order)

  • For the racing experience! If at all possible, don’t let your goal race be your first race! Run a 5K to get some experience and to have some racing fun too!
  • To support a charity or a specific cause. You can choose to support almost anything you want to from breast cancer research, to homeless animals, to civic associations, to diabetes, to pancreatic cancer. Support the cause you believe in and sign up to make a difference today!
  • To achieve a PR. You can focus increasing your speed by running smaller races, like the 5K. This helps to build confidence in your ability to break your own records. Plus, it is really exciting to feel the accomplishment of running faster than you did the last time.
  • Because crossing the Finish Line is motivating! You will be more inspired to run your goal race once you have crossed a finish line or two. Imagine crossing the finish line of a local 5K or 10K x a hundred million! You will never forget the experience of the ‘Runner’s High.’
  • To run for fun, with friends, and without the pressure of a big race. Once you have been running for a little while, especially during half marathon or marathon training, your body will become accustomed to the 5K distance and you can decide to run a 5K or meet up with a group of running buddies with short notice. It does not take nearly as much time to train and get “in shape” for a 5K as it does a half marathon! 

Helpful Tools:
Search nearby race companies and running stores, such as Fleet Feet to get a list of upcoming 5K’s in your area. If you’re local, check out Premier Races for a list of 5K’s coming your way!

Goal:
Think about a 5K you would like to run. Look for one around July or August – there are many races on the 4th of July and generally people also have the day off. I love to race on holidays! Check with some of your running buddies to rally some company out on the race course.

Inspirational Quote:

“I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” – Stephan Grellet

Until the next mile marker,