Sunday, August 30, 2009

Get Ready for Fall Road Races

If you’re looking for a running event, you’ll find plenty to choose from in September. Rungeorgia.com lists more than 25 races in the metro Atlanta area. Here’s a sample of the races offered next month.

U.S. 10K Classic – Sept. 7 (Labor Day)
East Cobb is home to this multi-sports event. It hosts runners, cyclists, inline skaters, wheelchair athletes and walkers. Proceeds benefit children’s charities in Georgia and World Children’s Center.

Avondale Estates Labor Day 5K – Sept. 7 (Labor Day)
Avondale Estates is one of my favorite neighborhoods to run. There’s no online registration for this race – you’ll need to send the form by mail or drop it off at city hall.

Corporate Challenge – Sept. 10
Billed as the world’s largest office party, the route runs through Downtown Atlanta. It starts and ends under the Olympic rings on Hank Aaron Drive. CEOs who want to compete against their fellow execs get designated bibs and a separate finish line.

Decatur-Dekalb YMCA Fall Five - Sept. 19
I’m a fan of races that benefit local neighborhoods and schools. The Decatur Fall Five is a new 5K race that raises funds for College Heights Early Childhood Learning Center. The route runs through the Oakhurst neighborhood in Decatur.

East Atlanta Village Strut 5K Run/Walk - Sept. 19
This 5K race kicks-off a day of festivities, music and fun. The route starts at Portland and Brownwood Avenues. Stick around for the day to enjoy concerts, the artists market and the neighborhood parade.

Big Peach Sizzler 10K – Sept. 26
A MARTA-friendly event, it starts at the Chamblee station and ends near the Buckhead station. The race is USATF certified and serves as a qualifier for the 2010 Peachtree Roadrace. Register at a Big Peach store and get your race number before the event.

This week’s running route is the 5K course for East Atlanta Village Strut. Click here to access the route map.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

One Inspiring Runner

The first story I read in this month’s Runner’s World profiled Rosie Coates, a Seattle-area runner who achieved some amazing accomplishments. In her quest to become a marathoner, Rosie shed 110 pounds – essentially whole person. For anyone who’s dieted (haven’t we all?), that’s simply remarkable.

But what I found inspiring about Rosie is her devotion to help other women. Rosie conducts health and fitness workshops and provides personal training services that help women gain confidence and self-esteem through fitness.

Apparently, I’m not the only person inspired by Rosie. A quick Google found mentions of her story on Facebook, FriendFeed, Twitter and blogs.

When we take time to look around our own neighborhoods, we’re sure to find examples of inspiration. For me, it’s the teacher who starts a 5K to raise money for schools or a 72-year-old whose race time in a 5K is faster than top finishers who are more than 15-years her junior. Who inspires you?

Sunday, August 2, 2009

It Aint Called “Hotlanta” for Nothing – Tips to Avoid Heat Stroke

The summer heat has arrived here in Atlanta. The hot weather brings special precautions for runners. Heat stroke is a serious and deadly condition. It occurs when a person’s cooling system no longer functions properly and can lead to brain and organ damage.

Runners need to keep in mind that hot weather effects your pace and performance. Don’t strive to run the same PR at 80 degrees that you achieve at 60 degrees. This month’s issue of Runner’s World features stories and advice to stay safe in the heat. I recommend reading Truman Clark’s personal account of her near-death experience ... very sobering and informative. Here are some tips I found in the magazine:

· Run during the coolest time of the day
· Drink water or a sports drink 2 hours before your run
· When it’s hot, take your run indoors and hit the treadmill
· Keep your route to a shorter distance than you run in cooler weather
· Slow down your pace
· Stop running if you feel uneasy or disoriented
· Cool down your body temperature by drinking water and pouring some over your head
· Take a cell phone to call for help if you feel sick

This week’s running route is comes from Run.com. It’s a 5-mile run through Inman Park, Little Five Points and Candler Park. Click here to access the route map.