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.

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.

Tips to Survive Summer Running

It’s nearing the middle of July and the summer heat is unforgiving. While the treadmill is an option during hot weather, I’m just not a fan of running inside. So what’s a runner to do? Consider these tips for keeping your run safe and sensible during summer.

Run in the morning: Early morning runs can help you escape the intense conditions of summer heat. In fact, temperatures can be 20-degrees cooler at 6 a.m. vs. 12:00 p.m. If you do choose to run in the morning, partner with a friend (or dog) and wear reflective gear to stay visible to cars.

Hydrate before bed: Your hydration routine should actually start the night before. The August issue of Runner’s World recommends drinking 20-ounces of water three hours before heading to bed. Why? According to Runner’s World, it helps boost blood-plasma flow and enhances your body’s ability to cool itself during your run.

Cool off with a frozen drink: Here’s another interesting tip from Runner’s World I never considered. Sipping a frozen drink an hour before your run can help lower your core body temperature.

Stay hydrated during your run: Maintaining proper hydration helps keep your body safe – literally. Heat stroke is a potentially deadly condition. Consider drinking water every 15 minutes during your run to replace fluids lost from sweat.

Run a shaded route: Find a tree-lined sidewalk or path for you run. Escaping direct exposure to the sun makes a difference. Wear a visor (and not a hat) to keep your face shaded for those periods when you are in the sun.

For more tips and information, check out Runner’s World. Here’s a route through Decatur that offers plenty of options for shade (courtesy of Big Peach Running and Nike Run Club). You can pick up a copy of the route map at the Decatur Big Peach store.

Decatur 4-Mile Run:
• Start at Big Peach. Facing E. Trinity, turn left and cross the railroad tracks onto S. Candler.
• Take a right onto Green St. and continue through the nature path.
• Cross over S. McDonough and head down Oakview Rd.
• Stay straight on Oakview and veer right onto E. Lake Dr.
• Go underneath the bridge and turn right on E. Parkwood Rd.
• Turn right on Upland.
• Turn right on W. Ponce de Leon Ave.
• Turn right on W. Trinity and head back to Big Peach.

Atlanta Spring Road Race Roundup

Trees are blooming and daffodils are sprouting … sure signs that spring is just around the corner. Ready to hit the pavement with fellow runners? Here’s a roundup of races to check out.

ShamRock ‘N Roll Road Race – March 13
Get into the spirit of St. Patty’s day with the Junior League’s annual race. Got a kilt? Wear it during the race for a chance to win a $250 Belk gift certificate. The event features both a 5K run and 10K that’s a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race. Strollers and dogs are welcomed. As an added bonus, runners are eligible for a variety of discounts at Atlantic Station shops and cafes by showing their race bib.

Publix Georgia Marathon & Half-Marathon – March 20
It’s the big race of the spring running season. And there’s still time to sign-up – online registration closes March 16. This is one of my favorite races – terrific routes through Atlanta neighborhoods and convenient access to MARTA. With Publix as this year’s sponsor, there’s sure to be a great selection of post-race food. Not up for running the 13.1 or 26.2-mile distance? Grab a cup of coffee and join one of the neighborhood cheering stations.

Tour deCatur 5K & 1-Mile Run– March 26
This is truly an event designed for families. Last year’s race hosted more than 1,200 runners, with several hundred school-age kids among the participants. In fact, Decatur elementary schools host track clubs to help kids train for the 1-mile fun run. Proceeds benefit the Decatur Education Foundation, which supports educational programs and offers assistance to students in need.

Emory PA 5K Charitable Fun Run – April 2
For intown runners, this Druid Hills race is a convenient option. Physician Assistants’ students at Emory University host the annual race to help fund healthcare programs that serve the needy in Georgia. Proceeds from the event benefit Camp Sunshine, the South Georgia Farmworker Health Project, and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. As an added bonus, the first 250 race registrants get free breakfast and coffee from the Waffle House.

Run Before You Crawl 5K – April 9
Yes, you guessed it – this event mixes a road race with a pub crawl in East Atlanta Village. Fortunately, the race takes place before the drinking kicks off. With a 9 a.m. race and 10:30 a.m. start for the pub crawl, it does seem a bit early for the alcohol-infused festivities. But, as the event organizers claim on the site “…it will be 11:30 in Nova Scotia, and that’s nearly noon.” Register by March 13 and the combo race/pub crawl fee is $27; it increases to $32 afterwards. If you plan on drinking, consider a designated drive since the MARTA rail line is not conveniently located near East Atlanta Village.

Sweetwater 420 Fest 5K – April 16
What’s not to love about this race … an 11 a.m. start time, beautiful intown neighborhood, convenient MARTA station and free beer. The Sweetwater 420 Fest is a great local gathering with festival food and bands. You can spend the day (or the weekend) hanging out. The race bib tear-offs are redeemable for a free beer plus festival wristband. Proceeds benefit the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization.

Big Peach 5K Walk/Run – April 30
The folks at Big Peach offer a fun racing experience through the streets of Buckhead and Brookhaven. The race kicks off at the Brookhaven MARTA station and ends at Big Peach’s store location. Post-race, runners are treated to food, prizes and music in the parking lot of the Cherokee Plaza Shopping Center.

Girls on the Run 5K – April 30
I’m a big fan of this organization, which operates running programs for girls aged 8 to 13 to foster a healthy lifestyle and self-confidence. During the spring 5K race, GOTR participants “graduate” by running the race with their team mates, coaches and family. West Stride in Buckhead plays host to this year’s event. Proceeds from the race benefit the scholarship fund for Girls on the Run of Atlanta.

Lauren’s Run 5K & 2K Fun Run - May 1
Lauren Zagoria and Lauren Kochman were two little girls who shared a legacy – both succumbed to childhood cancer. In honor of their memory, runners will gather at the Concourse Office Park in Sandy Springs in support of pediatric cancer research. For an additional donation of $25, runners can pay tribute to a friend or loved one affected by cancer. Tribute signs will be placed along the 2K race course. Registration is available at the event site.

Don’t Miss Out on Savings – Georgia Marathon/Half-Marathon Costs More on January 1st

There are only a few days left in 2010. If you plan to run the Georgia Marathon or Half-Marathon, the registration fee increases on January 1st by $15. Publix is the new title sponsor for the race. With its strong presence in Atlanta, I’m anticipating that Publix will provide great support for the event. Runners can sign-up at the race site via Active.com.

Looking for more savings?

Big Peach Running Company offers $5 off the half-marathon or $10 off the full-marathon registration fee through December 31st. Plus you’ll avoid the online fee added to your registration when you sign up at Active.com.

Get Local with Holiday Gifts for Runners

Still shopping for Christmas gifts? Me too. Instead of searching online for the perfect gift, visit your neighborhood running store. You’ll find staff that are passionate about running and can offer good advice on a variety of gift choices. Here in Decatur, we’ve got three terrific options for running gear – One Step at a Time, Fleet Feet and Big Peach Running Company.

I recently stopped by Big Peach Running to get a few recommendations. Here are a few suggestions that were offered:

• Amphipod Xinglet Pocket Reflective Gear – An improvement on the standard reflective vest, the Xinglet provides a better fit and stronger reflectivity. Plus, it features a zipper pocket for i.d., keys or money. My friend Kevin recently bought one and really likes it.
• Black Diamond Sprinter Head Lamp – Safety is always a great consideration for runners’ gifts. This head lamp features lights on both the back and front so cars can see runners in either direction.
• Saucony Epic Run Vest – For the most part, winters tend to be mild in Atlanta. This light-weight vest offers a comfortable alternative to a wind breaker. It also features reflective striping on the front to help keep runners visible to cars.
• Saucony DryLete Ponytail Skull Cap – For those of us with long hair, the ponytail cap is a great gift! It keeps your head warm without having to stuff your hair inside the cap or wear a ponytail at the nap of your neck.

Is your runner already well equipped with gear? Consider these options:

• Sports Massage - Pass on a little pampering to your runner with a gift certificate for a massage. It makes a great gift after a marathon or half-marathon race. Both Massage Envy and Natural Body have locations throughout Atlanta.
• Pedicure - Feet can take a beating from running. Hang nails, ingrown toe nails and black toe are just a few of the problems runners can develop. Stuff your runner’s stocking with a gift certificate to a local nail salon.
• Paid Entry for 2011 Race – Does your runner love to participate in big races? Pre-pay their fee for a running event. Registration is open for the Publix Georgia Marathon and Half-Marathon in March.

Happy holidays and happy running!

More than Just a Race: Save Our Skin 5K

There are hundreds of races dedicated to breast cancer awareness, yet skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in America. In fact, it accounts for more than 50% of all cancers combined.

Spring and summer brings more exposure to the sun’s rays for runners. It’s easy for runners to forget the sunscreen when they head out the door. Yet unlike a lot of other cancers, skin cancer is highly preventable. Simple steps like sunscreen, hats, and avoiding long-term exposure to sun can make a big difference.

The 4th annual Save Our Skin 5K takes place at Perimeter Place in Dunwoody on Saturday, May 29th. One of the unique benefits to this race is the complimentary spot skin checks from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. In the past, doctors have found participants with melanoma and pre-cancerous cells.

You can register online or at several local running stores, including Big Peach Running, Fleet Feet, Phidippides and West Stride. The race course is available at the event site.

Stay safe and smart - protect your skin.

Spring is Here! Atlanta Races to Run in April

I grew up in Florida, so I’ve never been fond of winter weather. While Mother Nature is inching her way to spring (enough already with the rain and gloomy skies), the calendar is showing lots of road races for runners. Here’s a list of intown events to check out:

Run for Success – April 3
The women’s engineering and technical sciences sorority, Alpha Omega Epsilon, is hosting this inaugural 5K at the Georgia Tech campus. The race benefits Dress for Success which helps low-income women dress professionally for job interviews. The race course starts and ends at the intersection of Atlantic and Ferst.

Run Before You Crawl – April 10
Running + Pub Crawl = Great Fun. Yes, the businesses of East Atlanta have created a truly unique event. The 5K race begins at 9:00 a.m. and the pub crawl starts at 10:30. As the event site states, why not replenish the calories you burned on the run with a beer (or more).

Sweetwater 420 Fest 5K – April 17
The annual Sweetwater 420 Festival delivers a weekend of music, good beer, and environmental activism. The race starts at a weekend-friendly time of 11:00 a.m. and the course travels through the Candler Park neighborhood. Proceeds benefit the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization.

Dow Live Earth Run for Water – April 18
Pemberton Place (next to the World of Coke) plays host to this global 6K event – road races, music and water education activities will take place in a 192 countries. Why a 6K? According to the event site, women and children in Africa walk on average 6 kilometers to access safe drinking water. The big draw to this event may be the post-race concert featuring Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas. A portion of the registration fees will support Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and Global Water Challenge.

Take Back the Night – April 24
This Decatur event raises funds for the Dekalb Rape Crisis Center. The 1-mile run starts at 5:00 p.m. and the 5K kicks-off at 5:30 p.m. The race takes place at Agnes Scott College (ASC) and the course runs through the neighborhoods of Oakhurst and East Lake before ending back at ASC. Sign-up online or at Big Peach Running Company.

The Green Dash: Atlanta’s Earth Day 5K – April 24
Head to Piedmont Park to join fellow Atlantans celebrating Earth Day. Runners can register at Phidippides’ Ansley Park store or online at Active.com. The race is limited to the first 1,000 runners. Proceeds benefit the Piedmont Park Conservancy.

Atlanta Road Races Galore in February and March

There are nearly 30 road races taking place around metro Atlanta – from Madri Gras fun runs to the ING Georgia Marathon. Here’s an overview of some the races:

Chattahoochee Challenge 10K – February 6
Believe it or not, it’s not too soon to get a qualifying time for July’s Peachtree Road Race. The Chattahoochee Challenge boasts a flat, fast course along the river. Online registration is closed but you can still sign-up at Big Peach Running Co. locations.

Front Page News’ Madri Gras Half-Fast 5K – February 13
If ever there was a “fun run” this is it. Runners race through Atlanta’s lovely Candler Park neighborhood. The race ends a short distance from Front Page News where discounts and celebratory drinks are on hand. Register online at Active.com or at Phidippides’ Ansley Mall store.

KSU Owls Making Stride 5K – February 20
Kennesaw State plays host to this on-campus event. The race starts and ends near the school’s convocation center. Runners and volunteers receive 4 free tickets to the KSU women’s basketball game, which follows post-race festivities. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

Run Thru the Forest 5K – February 27
In its 2nd year, this Smyrna race raises funds for the Georgia Transplant Foundation. The American Legion hosts a post-race breakfast for $6. Registration is available at Active.com or at Big Peach Running Co.

Red Devil Dash 5K – March 6
Help support high school sports. The race benefits the Phillip Hicks Memorial Scholarship Fund and the booster club for Druid Hills High’s soccer team. Register in advance at Active.com or on-site on the day of the race.

O’Highlands Jig & Jog 5K – March 13
Here’s a neighborhood event that welcomes everybody … runners, walkers, strollers, and dogs. In the holiday mood? Wear an Irish-themed costume for a chance to win $25. Stick around after the race for prize drawings. Sign-up at Phidippides or online at Active.com.

Tour DeCatur 5K – March 13
Celebrating its 8th year, Tour DeCatur is an annual fundraiser for the Decatur Education Foundation. Along with the 5K, there’s also a 1-mile run/walk and a tot trot. The race starts and ends at Decatur High School. Register online at the event site.

Shamrock ‘N Roll Road Race – March 14
Hit the streets of Atlantic Station with the Junior League of Atlanta. The 10K race is a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race. Want to bring a friend? Dogs and strollers are welcomed. There’s no onsite registration so be sure to sign-up in advance. You can do so at Active.com.

ING Georgia Marathon & Half-Marathon – March 21
It’s the big race of the season. Thousands of runners will race through some of Atlanta’s best neighborhoods - Inman Park, Little Five Points, Decatur, Druid Hills and Virginia Highlands. Routes for both races are available at the event site. Registration is available at Active.com and at the race expo.

Run Off Those Holiday Pounds with January Road Races

Over the past month, my office saw its fair share of chocolate, cookies and other holiday treats. It can be hard to resist. But no fear –- there are plenty of road races in January to help run off the holiday pounds.

Atlanta Track Club Resolution Run in Kennesaw – January 1
Along with the 5K and 10K courses, this family-friendly event includes a 1-mile fun run and a tot trot. Register online through today (December 29). Keep in mind that on-site registration is not available. For more info, visit the ATC site.

Wonderful Days of Winter 5K – January 2
Proceeds from the race support Marietta’s Wonderful Days Preschool, which is a pre-K program that serves low-income families. Top finishers receive handmade awards. Registration is available at Active.com.

Run with the Dogs: Frostbite 5K Run/Walk – January 9
This neighborhood run benefits sports programs at Decatur High School and Renfro Middle School. Don’t leave your four-legged friend at home – the race is open to runners with dogs. The event starts and ends at Decatur H.S. Registration is available at Active.com or you can sign-up at Decatur H.S. on race day.

Marietta Polar Bear Run 5K/2K – January 23
Johnson Ferry Baptist Church plays host to this annual event. The race is limited to 2,000 runners and on-site registration is not available. While it may be cold outside, post-race festivities take place inside the church’s Family Life Center. You can register at Active.com or at Big Peach Running Co.

Eagle Run 5K - January 23
In Alpharetta? Check out this event. The race course runs through Will’s Park, located off of Old Milton Parkway. Proceeds benefit the Milton Boys Lacrosse Team. Registration is available at Active.com or on-site at the event.

Tartan Trot: Fun Run, Tot Trot, 5K and 10K – January 30
St. Luke's Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody hosts this local race, with proceeds supporting the church’s youth outreach program. Got a young runner? Bring them along for the free tot trot. You can sign-up at Big Peach Running Co, St. Luke’s or online at Active.com. On-site registration is also available.

Around Peachtree Battle 5K - January 30
Here’s an opportunity to “do good” while you run. The race benefits the Atlanta Union Mission’s shelter for women and children. Runners are encouraged to bring canned food, clothes and other items for donation to the shelter. The race takes place in the Haynes Manor neighborhood, near W. Wesley Road and Northside Parkway. Register online at Active.com.

Easy Gift Ideas for Runners

Completed your holiday shopping yet? Me neither.

The thought of traffic and mall crowds doesn't necessarily put me in the holiday spirit. If you've got a runner on your gift list, here are a few stocking stuffers that don't require a stop at the mall.

• Pedicure: Taking proper care of the feet is essential for runners. Hang nails, black toe and other common problems can make running a painful experience. Add a gift certificate for a pedicure to your runner's stocking.
• Sports Massage: Does your runner need more pampering? Consider a gift certificate for a massage. Natural Body has neighborhood locations throughout Atlanta.
• Socks: A great pair of socks keep feet comfortable and dry. Avoid the crowds by heading to a local running store. Big Peach Running Co., Fleet Feet, One Step At A Time and West Stride have knowledgeable staff and convenient neighborhood locations.
• Reflective Vest: Keep your runner visible and safe. The local running stores mentioned above can offer lots of options for reflective gear.
• Race Registration: Is your runner training for the ING Georgia or another big event? Race fees often go up after December 31. Pay for their registration online and place the confirmation print-out in their stocking.

Happy gifting!

This week’s running route comes from the Oakhurst Running Club. A map of the course is available at the club's site.

Halloween Day Race Offers Family Fun

I’m a fan of events that support local schools. Here’s one that offers something fun for every member of the family.

Oakhurst Preschool Cooperative hosts its 3rd annual Beat the Street for Little Feet at Candler Park. The event includes both a 5K and 1-mile race plus a fun run for kiddies. After the race, stay for the children’s festival. Activities include live music, a costume contest, face painting and food. The 5K route is available at the event site. Register at Active.com or at your neighborhood Big Peach Running Co. Proceeds from the race help the school provide tuition assistance and classroom supplies.

Have an old pair of running shoes lying around? Donate them at the race to Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program. Nike’s site features a cool video showing how old shoes are deconstructed and repurposed for a variety of play surfaces.

It’s Fall … Get Out and Run Atlanta!

It’s almost the middle of October and Run Georgia’s Race Calendar shows over 50 race events scheduled for the remainder of the month. There’s no excuse not to get outside and run. Here are a few races to consider:

Big Peach Fall 5 Miler – October 17
If you’re in Marietta, don’t miss this race. Big Peach always hosts a great event. The course runs through the neighborhoods of East Cobb. Register at any Big Peach Running Co. location.

Monster Dash 5K and Little Goblin Run – October 17
You gotta love a race with a Halloween theme. The beautiful neighborhood of Grant Park hosts this family-friendly event. While online registration closes October 12, you can sign-up on race day.

Atlanta Dog Jog – October 24
Looking for an easy run with your four-legged friend? This event offers the choice of a 1 or 2-mile course. If you run the 2-mile course, you and your pup are eligible to win. Awards given to the top three finishers in the small, medium, and large dog categories.

Run Like Hell 5K – October 31
What better way to kick-off Halloween festivities than a race through Oakland Cemetery. Run past the headstones and mausoleums of Atlanta’s most notable dead. Proceeds benefit the cemetery’s restoration efforts.

Callaway Gardens Twilight 10K – November 7
It’s not likely you’ll find a more scenic course in November. Spend the evening running through gardens and holiday lights display. The race is limited to the first 500 registrants. It’s a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race.

Cabbagetown Romp and Stomp 5K – November 7
Looking for an intown run? Check out the Cabbagetown Romp and Stomp. After running the quick course, race participates can celebrate over a bowl of free chili. Registration is available online at Active.com or at Big Peach Running Co. locations.

A Race Event That Could Save Your Life

A unique 5K event offers multiple health benefits for runners. The SCAN Foundation (Skin Cancer Awareness Network) hosts its third annual race next Saturday, May 23 at Perimeter Place. Starting at 7:00 a.m., dermatologists will offer complimentary skin spot checks. At last year’s event, doctors found one melanoma, and several basal cell carcinomas and other pre-cancerous lesions.

Why is it important for runners to pay attention to skin cancer? Here are a few facts to consider:

· Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.
· More cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year than breast, lung and prostate cancer combined
· Approximately 90% of all skin cancers result from over exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight

Warm weather often means runners spend more time outside, which makes their skin vulnerable to over exposure. Runners can reduce their risk by using sweat-resistance sunscreens. While cancer is scary, the good news for skin cancer diagnosis is a 96% cure rate when it’s discovered early.

Registration for the race is available at SCAN’s site, at Active.com or at Big Peach Running Co. locations. You can also sign-up at the event. The race starts at 8:00 a.m. The running route is available at SCAN’s site

Mother Nature Provides Ideal Weather for Big Peach 5K

Spring rain storms are traveling through Atlanta, but skies were dry for this morning’s Big Peach 5K. Runners of all ages showed up to run the 3.1 mile course through Brookhaven. The course was a lot nicer than I had expected and the hills on E. Roxboro were a good challenge. I was hoping to run the race at an 8 minute-mile pace, but I ended up averaging an 8:20 pace. What really impressed me were the finish times for some of the oldest runners in the race, especially 72-year-old Danielle Emory whose time of 24:07 puts her at a 7:45 pace.

Post-race, food and drink offerings were quite generous. Lots of fruit, bagels, muffins, energy bars – even pizza. My favorite was the Jersey Mike’s turkey subs, which offered a perfect combo of protein and carbs.

Proceeds from the race benefited the Georgia Chapter of Leukemia & Lymphoma Society/Team In Training. Kudos to the team at Big Peach Running Co. for hosting a terrific event – I plan to participate again next year.

If you’re looking for a new running route this week, check out walkjogrun.net. The site features more than 30 routes to run in Atlanta that are posted by local runners.

Celebrate Running at May Events

Spring temperatures have finally arrived in Atlanta, which means great running weather. Be sure to check out these events during the first week of May.

Big Peach Running Co. 5K Run/Walk – May 2
Brookhaven is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Atlanta. Runners hit the streets of this neighborhood next Saturday for Big Peach’s 5K race. The race starts near the Brookhaven MARTA Station and ends at the Big Peach location on Peachtree Road. Top overall finishers and age group winners receive Big Peach gift cards. Proceeds from the race benefit the Georgia Chapter of Leukemia & Lymphoma Society/Team In Training.

Fit & Feminine Fiesta – May 5
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with women runners at West Stride’s Fit & Feminine Fiesta. The evening includes sports bra fittings, special deals for ladies throughout the store (including a buy one sports bra, get one $10 off deal), free massages, margaritas and Mexican food. As part of the event, West Stride will raise funds for Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure. The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Contact info@weststride.com or call 404-467-1010 for more information.

This week’s route is the 5K race rout for the Big Peach run. You’ll find a map for the route at Map My Run under my group Atlanta Running.


· Start at the corner of N. Druid Hills Rd. and Standard Dr.
· Run down N. Druid Hills and turn right on Lenox Park Blvd.
· Veer left onto Park Vista Dr.
· Turn right on E. Roxboro Rd.
· Turn right on Peachtree Rd.
· End at Big Peach Running Co.

Nursing a Running Injury

In August I wrote about recovering from a bruised toe. This week, I learned that I was suffering from a strained ligament in my knee. During my runs, my knee literary felt like it would give out from under me. Needless to say, I was not happy. Since I’m trying to increase my mileage for the ZOOMA Atlanta Half-Marathon next month, this was not the time to encounter an injury. I’m taking nearly two weeks off from running to give the knee time to recuperate. Thanks to my trainer, Calvin, here’s the approach I’m taking to treat my injury:

· Take ibuprofen twice a day
· Lap swimming for my cardio exercise (in place of running)
· Ice packs on knee for 15 minutes followed by heating pad

I also decided to purchase a new pair of running shoes. My current pair felt as if I wasn’t getting an adequate level of support as my mileage increased. I had been running in Adidas Supernova Classics (which I loved for the high-arch support). It was a tough decision to select a new shoe – I literally spent 30 minutes at Big Peach Running Co. in Decatur deciding between a pair of Mizunos and Sauconys. I ended up with the Mizunos. Hopefully, I’ll returned to a comfortable running experience by next weekend.

Since I’m not running this week, I decided not to post a route. However, if you’re looking for a running route, here are a couple of sources:

Map My Run (Atlanta Running) – This is where I keep maps of my running routes. Currently, there are 20 routes available.

Run.com – The site offers 18 different routes, which are primarily located within intown neighborhoods.

Atlanta Track Club – You’ll find 9 routes in neighborhoods across Metro Atlanta

Recycling Old Running Shoes

I love the feeling of slipping on a new pair of running shoes. Nothing beats the cushioned support and comfort on my feet. And that first run with new shoes is always terrific. What I don’t like is collecting a closet full of old running shoes. Fortunately, I’ve come across a variety of sources for recycling running shoes:

Big Peach Running Co.
This local retailer offers a 5% discount off the purchase of new running shoes when you give them your old pair. The old shoes are donated to local charities that assist the homeless.

RecycledRunners.com
As noted by its title, this site is dedicated to encouraging runners to contribute old shoes to recycling programs. It features information on programs in the U.S. and select countries. As an additional bonus, purchase a new pair of shoes from Running.Zappos.com and the web retailer will donate 50% of the proceeds to RecycledRunner.com’s Charity of the Month.

Reuse-A-Shoe
Nike offers a very cool program to donate your shoes. The material from old running shoes is grinded and manufactured into soft play surfaces for tennis courts, running tracks and playgrounds. You can donate your shoes at the NikeTown store at Phipps Plaza or by mailing them directly to Nike at this address:

Nike Recycling Center
c/o Reuse-A-Shoe
26755 SW 95th Ave.
Wilsonville, OR 97070

I found a new source for Atlanta running routes this week at Run.com. The route listed below was originally posted by Kelly S. at Run.com. While Run.com does provide a map, I find the map feature at Map My Run is easier to follow. You can access a map of the route at Run.com and at Map My Run under my group Atlanta Running.

Buckhead West Loop – 3 Miles (from Kelly S. at Run.com)

· Park in the Cross Creek Clubhouse lot (free parking).
· From parking lot, go back to main road and turn right on Bohler.
· Turn left onto Hanover Drive before the bridge.
· Turn left at dead end.
· Turn right at next dead end onto Defoors Ferry Road.
· Go about a 1/2 mile, and turn right onto Warren Road immediately after the baseball field.
· Turn right onto Moore's Mill Road. You will cross a bridge and go up a hill.
· Turn right at the first light onto Peachtree Battle Road.
· At the top of the last hill, turn right at the stop sign onto Bohler Road. This will take you back to the Cross Creek entrance.

This loop is easily extended. You can pass Warren Road and instead turn right onto Moore's Mill later- this will tack on about an extra half mile. You can also turn left onto Bohler at the beginning (instead of right) and then go right onto Defoors Ferry - this will eliminate the Hanover leg and tack on almost 2 miles. However, this also adds a steep 3/4-mile hill at the start.