Tour deCatur: Running is a Family Affair

On March 24, Decatur hosted its namesake race --Tour deCatur. This is one of those events where the whole community comes out to support it. At the Decatur elementary schools, students participated in track clubs to train for the 1-mile race distance.

This was my second year running the race with my daughter and husband. And it was one of my proudest moments as a runner. I loved watching my child complete the 1-mile course while maintaining a steady pace. I was watching a budding athlete and my future running partner come to life.

My pride was shared by hundreds of parents who joined their children on the race course. More than 800 kids participated. My neighbor Nick ran the 5K distance with his 3rd-grader. It was great to see his son’s excitement and anticipation as he prepared for his first 5K race.

Proceeds from the event directly benefit Decatur schools through the Decatur Education Foundation. It funds educational programs in the schools and provides financial aid to students and their families whose situation may impact the child’s success in school. One of the foundation’s programs provides “Book Fair Bucks” to students who otherwise would not be able to purchase books on their own.

A love of running and a love of learning … thank you Decatur Education Foundation for hosting an event that delivers both to our community.

Photo Blog: Scenes from Publix Georgia Marathon

The city of Decatur marks the half-way point for runners in the Publix Georgia Marathon. Here are some scenes from this morning's race.

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.

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.

Race Review: Take Back The Night 5K

For the past few years, I’ve wanted to run this race. But my bad habit of procrastination meant I always missed registering for the event. Not this year. I got my act together and signed up the day before the race.

And it was great. A good neighborhood turnout in Decatur, an evening start time and tasty post-race food. I’m a big fan of races that don’t start in the morning – after all, I’m already getting up early for work 5 days a week. The course was hilly, particularly at the start. After the race, runners were treated to pizza and frozen yogurt. I’m sure it was a bit of challenge to keep the yogurt cold, but it was the best post-race treat I’ve ever had – a nice change from bananas and dry bagels.

The event was in support of the DeKalb Rape Crisis Center (DRCC) and it’s part of Decatur’s Grand Slam series, which encourages Decatur residents to participate in 4 out of 6 neighborhood races. The t-shirts displayed along the fence featured messages of hope and survival – which appear to have been created by clients of DRCC.

Tour Decatur Race Recap

What a terrific day for a run! Over 1,700 people signed up for this neighborhood race in support of Decatur schools. And it was truly a community event. Each Decatur elementary school fielded a team of students (joined by parents) while Decatur High School students served as event volunteers. As a parent, it was a great experience to run the 1-Mile Fun Run with my child and her friends. We ran the city block that circled around Decatur High and the school’s football stadium. At the finish line, student runners proudly received a medal to commemorate their success. The 5K runners hit the road after the Fun Run – and the rain fortunately held off until after the race.

Tour Decatur celebrated its ninth year and race organizers do a great job of running an efficient yet friendly and slightly informal event. Despite the number of people who participated in the race, I saw several friends and neighbors – and that makes an event really fun. Proceeds from Tour Decatur benefit the Decatur Education Foundation which serves the needs of students in the Decatur school system.

Looking for a good 5K route? Here’s the course for yesterday’s Tour Decatur:

• Start at Decatur High School on N. McDonough Street

• Head south, running past the high school and turn right on Howard Avenue

• Turn right on Commerce

• Turn right on W. Trinity

• Turn right on N. McDonough (head past the high school again)

• Turn right on Howard

• Turn right on Patillo Way

• Turn left on Greenwood Circle

• Turn right on Ridley Lane

• Turn left on Hibernia

• Turn right on Greenwood Circle

• Turn right on Howard Avenue

• Turn right on Adair

• Turn right on Ponce de Leon

• Turn right on Trinity

• Turn right on N. McDonough

• End at Decatur High School

Tour deCatur: Run for Kids with the Kids

Most road races are geared towards adults. Sure, you’ll typically see a handful of kids running with a parent. But for the most part, it’s grown-ups who are running the races. That’s not the case with Tour deCatur.

Started by Kira Wilsterman, who’s the P.E. Coach at Clairemont Elementary, Tour deCatur is geared around kids. Decatur elementary schools host track clubs that help students train for the race’s 1-Mile Fun Run. Last year’s event hosted 1,200 participants – with school-age kids representing a notable number of the runners. Proceeds from Tour deCatur support schools in Decatur through the Decatur Education Foundation.

My husband and I have been runners for years, so I was excited to sign my child up for the track club team at her school. Tour deCatur will be our first opportunity to run a road race as a family and I hope the experience will foster a love of running for her.

Interested in joining the fun? There’s still time to register for the race. Sign-up online until March 22 (that’s tomorrow) or at the event (registration starts at 7:30 a.m.). The 1-Mile Fun Run starts at 8:45 a.m. and the 5K race kicks-off at 9:15 a.m.

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.

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.

The Inside Scoop of Volunteering at a Road Race

Over the past 10 years, I’ve run in a variety of races – from fun runs to half marathons. I was always amazed at the number of volunteers who came out to operate the event and cater to runners. For big events, like the Peachtree Road Race, hundreds of helpers are needed. I decided it was finally time to get a different experience from a road race by serving as a volunteer.

The Fall Five was a new 5K race in my neighborhood that benefitted a local school. I’ve helped manage large-scale events for my company, but I figured there was a lot I could learn by volunteering at a local road race.

As with any event, there are many details to coordinate – like a web site and online registration, traffic cones to mark the route, signs to alert neighbors who live along the route, along with safety pins for race numbers and food and water for runners. On top of that, you also have to deal with the weather. Atlanta has seen rain all week and Saturday was no exception for the race. Runners found shelter at Navo Church as they waited for the race to start – a nice offering that most running events can’t easily provide.

I tried to help out wherever I could. Since I’m not the quiet type, I landed the job of race announcer. This meant I got to talk a lot on a bullhorn, which was fun. Along with starting the race, I also cheered the runners as they neared the finish line. I got a glimpse of what it meant to be a race director. You’re the person that everyone looks for to make decisions and keep the show running. It’s a tough, demanding job that requires a lot of dedication. While I’m not looking to lead a race anytime soon, I plan to look for more opportunities to volunteer. It’s a worthwhile experience for every runner.

This week’s running route is the course from the Fall Five. A map of the course is available at WalkJogRun.net.

· Start at the corner of Oakview Rd and Spring St.
· Head north on Oakview, towards East Lake Dr.
· Cross East Lake Dr.
· From Oakview, turn right on Adams St.
· Turn right on Hill St.
· Turn left on McKoy St.
· Run through McKoy Park
· Exit McKoy Park and turn right on Spring St.
· Turn left on Oakview Rd.
· Turn right on 2nd Ave.
· Turn right on 3rd Ave.
· Turn right on East Lake Dr.
· End at East Lake and Oakview