Sunshine Gives a Warm Welcome to Decatur’s Run with The Dogs Frostbite 5K

This time last year, metro Atlanta was preparing for the “snowpocalypse.” What a difference a year makes.

Mother Nature delivered a warm greeting to Decatur’s first 5K of the year. With temperatures in the mid-fifties and flashes of sunshine, it felt more like an early spring race than the start of January. It was enough to have me singing hallelujah.

I loved this race for several reasons:

- A late-morning start time of 9 a.m. (who doesn’t love sleeping in?)
- The race start is a ten-minute jog from my house (no need for MARTA or a car)
- Proceeds benefit Decatur schools
- Four-legged runners (a.k.a. dogs) welcomed
- A winding and interesting course

As a Decatur resident and runner, I thought I knew every street in the city. But the course for this race let me discover a few more. The Frostbite 5K was the first race in the Team Decatur Grand Slam Fitness Challenge. Team Decatur is open to residents who are interested in meeting their neighbors while participating in road races. Other races that are part of the Grand Slam series include Tour deCatur 5K, Take Back the Night 5K and the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk.

Looking for more January races? Here are a few to consider:

MLK Day 5K – January 16
This Buckhead road race invites runners to register their school, PTA, church or favorite charity as a race beneficiary. Dozens of local organizations are already listed as recipients. The race kicks off at 9 a.m.

Tartan Trot 5K/10K – January 28
St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church hosts this annual Dunwoody event. Proceeds benefit a variety of community organizations and ministry programs supported by the church. Both the 5K and 10K races start at 8:30 a.m.

Atlanta Mission 5K – January 28
According to the event site, Atlanta has more than 8,000 homeless men, women and children and the Atlanta Mission serves nearly 1,000 of the homeless every day. Runners are encouraged to set up individual fundraising goals. All registration fees and fundraising directly benefit the Atlanta Mission. The race starts at 8:30 a.m.

Support Your Local Running Stores during Small Business Saturday

It’s Black Friday and there’s no doubt about it ....the holiday shopping season has arrived. Crowds mob the aisles and parking lots of national retailers to score deals on merchandise.

If you’ve got a runner on your gift list, consider spending your dollars with a locally-owned business. American Express launched Small Business Saturday last year to encourage shoppers to include small businesses on their holiday shopping list.

Here in Atlanta, we’ve got plenty of local running stores to choose from. Do your part to help support businesses that in turn support our communities.

Big Peach Running Co.
With six locations in the metro Atlanta area, Big Peach Running Co. is a local chain that delivers a neighborhood experience. I like the fact that my neighborhood store in Decatur hosts group runs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings along with Saturday mornings. Store hours on Saturday are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fleet Feet
Fleet Feet is a nationwide chain, but its stores are individually owned and operated by local small business owners. Fleet Feet Decatur's owners, Clay and Karen Scarborough, live in walking distance to their store -- you don't get more local than that. They’ll gladly welcome your business on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

One Step At A Time
Charles Cope opened his running store in the neighborhood where he grew up. One Step At A Time has called the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur home for 10 years. The Oakhurst Running Club meets at the store for its Wednesday night and Saturday morning runs. Store hours on Saturday are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Phidippides
Atlanta’s Olympic great, Jeff Galloway, started Phidippides in the 70’s. A true visionary, Jeff recognized the need to offer both novice and experienced runners a shopping experience where they could get advice from staff trained in the science of shoe fitting. Phidippides’ two Atlanta locations are opened on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

West Stride
West Stride’s owner, Genie Beaver, hosts some of the best training runs I’ve joined. Genie greets runners with a warm welcome, beverages along with running routes and a great post-run spread of breakfast treats. Genie’s also a big supporter of Girls On The Run, on of my favorite youth programs. West Stride is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Watch Out for Zombies! New Road Race Series Comes to North Georgia

The TV-show, The Walking Dead, featured a commercial for a different type of road race in 2012. Promoted as a “zombie-infested” event, the Run for Your Life 5K race has both natural and unnatural (e.g. zombies) obstacles along the course. The nationwide series lists Atlanta as an event site, but actually it’s taking place in Union Point, GA … a nearly two-hour drive from the metro Atlanta area.

So what the heck is a zombie-obstacle course? And what can runners expect?

Here are a few highlights from the event site:

Yes, there will be zombie.
Race organizers don’t disclose too many details about the types of zombies runners can expect (e.g. are they “walking dead” or “running dead” zombies?). Runners are encouraged to train well and prepare for the unexpected.

How exactly does this race work?
It’s a mash-up of flag football and obstacle course. Runners wear belts with “health” flags. While it may be fun to think the zombies are after your brains, what they really want are the “health” flags. Loose all your flags and you loose the race.

Party like it’s the end of the world.
Race organizers promise a party to die for. While there’s no line-up listed for the Atlanta area event, the Apocalypse Party will feature live bands, food, drinks and a marketplace. With a nearly two-hour drive from metro Atlanta, runners may want to consider the camping package.

Keep your hands to yourself.
With an event that has the potential to be as chaotic as a zombie-themed obstacle course, it’s not surprising that there are a few rules. Even though runners are being chased by zombies, participants are prohibited from intentional contact with the zombies or other participants. Weapons (such as axes to kill zombies) are banned. Pets and small children are also not permitted. Otherwise, have a good time.

Hey Atlanta … Hit the Trail with The North Face® Endurance Challenge

Last year, The North Face Endurance Challenge made its debut at Georgia’s F.D. Roosevelt State Park. The event was blessed with fine weather and robust participation. My friend and colleague, Kevin Coffey, ran the 10K race and loved the experience. He’ll be back on the trail this year running the half-marathon distance.

The following video gives an overview of the fun and thrills runners can expect:



This year’s event promises to offer the same exhilarating scenery and challenging terrain. Here’s what you can expect:

• A range of seven races suited for runners of varying abilities … from the 5K to the Gore-Tex® 50-Mile run.
• Single-track trails with lots of natural obstacles (e.g. tree roots, rocks, bushes, branches).
• An environmentally-conscience event. On-site efforts include recycling bins, complimentary water bottles, filling stations and sustainable practices in keeping with Leave No Trace. Runners also get a redemption code to receive a virtual race bag.
• Pre-Race Panel discussion featuring legendary trail running champion Dean Karnazes.

The participant’s guide offers plenty of details, including course maps and descriptions of the terrain for each race event. With registrations outpacing last year’s inaugural event, you can expect a good crowd.

Not up for a trail race? Consider volunteering. According to organizers, volunteer help is essential to the event’s success. As you can imagine with an event of this magnitude, there is a wide range of volunteer jobs … everything from parking to food tents and aid stations.

Atlanta Runners … Support Your Community by Running for Your Community

Runners are an altruistic bunch. We’re ready to lace up our shoes to help support a good cause … whether for a local charity or a nation-wide movement. Here are a few races that give you an opportunity to do your part for the community.

Be The One Run – September 24
Part of a nationwide fundraising event, Be The One Run assists patients in need of bone marrow transplants. Runners hit the starting line at Atlantic Station for the 1K and 5K races. Can’t make the race? You can still help by donating. Details are available at the event site.

7200 Steps to Stop Demand 5K – October 1
Child prostitution is an ongoing problem in Georgia. According to the Juvenile Justice Fund, more than 400 adolescent girls are prostituted each month in the state. This 5K race seeks to recruit public support to help end this devastating crime. Runners will gather at Mary Lin Elementary School in Candler Park for the 8:30 a.m. start time. Online registration is available at Active.com.

Firefly Run – October 1
This race combines kid-like fun with a serious mission – support U.S. soldiers and their families. With an 8 p.m. start time in Piedmont Park, runners receive glow-in-the-dark accessories to get illuminated for the race. Proceeds benefit Operation Once in a Lifetime, which is committed to aiding soldiers and their families with financial support.

Morningside Mile – October 16
The Virginia-Highland Community has a well-deserved reputation for hosting great races, including the O’Highlands Jig & Jog and the Christmas 5K. The Morningside Mile is dedicated to supporting a local neighborhood icon … the historic Fire Station No. 19. Run the one-mile race and stick around to enjoy the block party. Your race swag includes an event shirt, commemorative pint glass, and a free Sweetwater beer or yogurt at the party. Sign-up at Phidippides’ Ansley Mall location or online at Action.com.

Whether you’re training for a fall race or just looking for a good running route, consider this four-miler through Virginia-Highland and Inman Park.

Virginia-Highland to Inman Park - 4 miles:
• Start at the corner of Virginia Ave and N. Highland Ave.
• Run down N. Highland Ave towards Ponce de Leon Ave.
• Cross Ponce and Freedom Parkway
• Turn left on Cleburn Ave.
• Turn left on Seminole Ave.
• Turn right on Sinclair Ave.
• Sinclair merges into Austin
• Turn left on Elizabeth Ave.
• Turn right on Euclid Ave.
• Turn left on Moreland Ave.
• Turn left on Mansfield Ave.
• Turn right on Seminole Ave.
• Turn right on Cleburn Ave.
• Turn right on N. Highland Ave End run at N. Highland and Virginia

Atlanta Fall Races are Just Around the Corner

Believe it or not, Labor Day is only weeks away. And with fall comes the promise of cooler weather. There are plenty of road races scheduled for the fall running season. Here are a few to check out.

Big Peach Sizzler 10K – Labor Day (September 5)
While Peachtree Road in Buckhead is usually crowded with cars, runners get to own the street during this race. It kicks off at the Chamblee MARTA station and ends at the Buckhead Station Shopping Center. And you can get a head start on your Peachtree Road Race qualifying time. Proceeds from the event support research and families affected by Cystic Fibrosis. Register online or at Big Peach locations.

Avondale Estates Labor Day 5K – September 5
Avondale Estates is one of my favorite neighborhoods to run through. Wide streets, rolling hills and charming homes. With a 9:00 a.m. start, runners get a chance to sleep in a bit before hitting the streets. The event benefits the ALS Association, an illness better know as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Register online or at the Avondale Estates City Hall.

Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk – September 8
Join your co-workers and compete for the title of “Most Fit Company” in Atlanta. Turner Field plays host to the race. More than 15,000 participants are expected – fortunately, walkers will line up behind runners and will be advised to stay to the right of the race course. Participants are encouraged to support the Atlanta Community Food Bank by bringing canned food. More information is available at the event site.

Legal Run Around 5K – September 10
Who knew lawyers had a sense of humor? The Atlanta Bar Association hosts this annual run in Piedmont Park. Proceeds benefit a scholarship fund of children of Atlanta police officers killed or severally injured in the line of duty. Not up for the 8:30 a.m. start time? Support the event as a phantom runner. Registration and details available at RunGeorgia.com.

FirEdUp! 5K – September 17
Virginia-Highlands is a great running neighborhood. And the residents have a strong commitment to serve community needs. This race functions as a scholarship fundraiser for college-bound seniors at Grady and Washington High Schools. The 8:30 a.m. start kicks off outside Atlanta Fire Station 19, located at the corner of Highland and Los Angeles. As an added bonus, runners get hosed down by a fire truck on the course. Registration available at the Phidippidies Ansley Mall, Fire Station 19 or online at Active.com.

This week's running route:
Looking for a shady neighborhood course? Check out the race route for the Avondale Estates Labor Day 5K.

Georgia’s Running Man

Last Thursday, the AJC featured a story from Macon about Thad Childs, a man who has not missed a day of running in the past 32 years. That calculates to more than 11,800 days and over 87,000 miles. Thad’s dedication to running has taken him to the Boston Marathon and beyond - including a 100-mile race that runs through the Sierra Nevada.

Runners are known for their devotion to the sport. Rain or snow … morning or night … we hit the road to get our fix of fitness and endorphins. Running not only makes you physically feel better, it’s also a cheap form of therapy. Whenever I feel mentally restless or frustrated, a good run helps ease my mind and gain a refreshed perspective. Thad takes that same approach … combining the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of running to help bring harmony in his life.

This summer’s unrelenting mix of heat and humidity has made it tempting for me to skip my outdoor runs. Yes, I could try the treadmill but I’d much rather deal with Mother Nature than the monotony of running indoors.

So fellow runners, what gets you out the door? Is it the drive to keep up a streak like Thad’s? A desire to maintain (or build) your fitness level? Or something else?