Runners 101

In the most recent Track Shack Events Guide, which features the Track Shack Running Series (I'm a FANATIC because I just signed up for the 7 events from August 2011 to March 2012!), there was a Runners 101 article. I thought it'd be a good review for myself and something fun to share with those who are interested in or just getting into running.

 

Here are some of the points from the article along with my two cents:

• register early - as the race date nears, the registration fee increases
• start training early - too often folks are turned off to running because they raced without the proper preparation; if you allow time to work up your endurance to 4 miles for your first 5K (3.1 miles), then the 3.1 miles will seem like a breeze!
• ask a friend to register with you - there is huge power in the buddy system, plus it's more fun to participate in a running event with friends!
• pick up your packet early - the packet contains various pieces of information (race route map, bib number, etc.); a lot of times - but not always - races allow day-of-race packet pick-up, but I strongly recommend picking up your packet early to review the materials and not be rushed the morning of the race
• set a (realistic) goal - if it's your first race, aim to finish; next time you race that distance, aim to better your race time
• stretch, ibuprofen and ice/heat - anytime after a hard workout or race you need to baby your muscles; stretch them, pop some anti-inflammatories, and ICE! Icing works miracles! On the other hand, my mom swears by heat therapy (read: soaking in the hot tub with her legs on a jet). Other folks swear that alternating heat and ice works best - find what works well for you.
• repeat - registering for another race gives you a goal to work towards. I can testify that spending money on all that registration keeps me motivated to stick to my training, which leads to fun races, which keeps me happy and healthy! 

For more information about running - including information about your first race, vocabulary, etiquette, and nutrition - check out the Track Shack's Runner 101 website!

Indy 500 Mini 2012

Yep, I'm on a big racing kick. It's my little trick to staying motivated and healthy.

I have a free one-way flight with AirTran (since I've poured money for 8+ flights into their pockets in the last 12 months or something), so I'm flying home next May to run the Indianapolis 500 Mini Marathon 2012 with my Momma (and maybe my Dad, too)!

The Indy Mini is a SUPER fun race. It's 42,000 people all trotting along for a couple hours, raising funds for good causes, cheering each other when the going gets rough, and listening to music - the ENTIRE 13.1 miles! It's a blast. Plus we get to camp out before/after the race with the Anderson Road Runners Club - I just love them all! = )

It just so happens that the Indy 500 Mini 2009 was my first half marathon race ever. My best half time is 2:10'2" (from the Indianapolis Half Marathon 2009), and I'm gonna train hard to get under 2 hours. Actually, I'd be happy with 2:04 because that would mean I'd finally have a faster time than my own mother. Hehe! (She's an animal, I tell ya. I created a monster with this running business.)

So anyway, here's another race and a trip home to sweet Indiana to visit with my dear family. I can hardly wait!

Track Shack Running Series

I've just learned about and decided to compete in the Track Shack Running Series!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with running series, it's basically a set of races - in this case it's 7 - where points are awarded based on where one finishes in the race.

In my age group (19-24) I've placed in the top 3 in 2 races so far this year, so I think I have a shot at placing in the top 5 of the running series (for my age group). If so, I win an award!

The fact that I am paying nearly $200 up front to participate in the running series is really motivating to keep me laced up and hitting the pavement to stay active and healthy. AND it fits in perfectly with my one-race-per-month plan I've been sticking to this year (and many to come, hopefully).

If you're interested in joining me - or are already planning to run - in this running series, let me know! It's SO MUCH more fun running with friends!

Here is the running series race schedule:

95 Miles in 6 Weeks

I'm challenging myself to run 95 miles in 6 weeks. I'm using a training plan from The Complete Book of Running for Women which is based upon the bronze 5K, bronze Half Marathon and bronze Full Marathon  training plans. Everything is lined up time-wise for the Walt Disney World Marathon on Sunday, 8 January 2012 that I'm doing with my Mom!

Wish me luck and cheer for me on Facebook when you see that I'm on a run!