What it Takes to Organize a Company Team for the Peachtree 10K

I work at UPS, which has fielded a team of runners for the Peachtree Road Race for the past 10 years. We’re a big company and more than 1,000 employees and their family members sign up to run the race together.

I was curious to learn more about what’s involved. So, I spent some time chatting with my friend and colleague Phil Mittenzwei. Phil, along with Pat Kramb and Andra Ozolins, comprise the UPS Peachtree Road Race Committee.

Planning for the race kicks off in January where the committee talks through logistics. As part of UPS’s sponsorship, employees and family members are offered early registration for the race. Along with coordinating registration, the committee produces team T-shirts, organizes food, drinks and volunteers for the hospitality tent. One of the highlights is driving a UPS truck (known as a “package car” by UPSers) to Costco to pick-up hospitality supplies. The biggest task? That would be distributing team T-shirts to more than 1,000 employees. Phil orders extra shirts to sell at UPS as a United Way fundraiser.

This will be Phil’s 19th year running the Peachtree. It’s become an annual tradition that he enjoys celebrating with fellow Atlantans. Each year, Phil’s wife cheers from the same spot on 14th Street where he stops to give her a kiss.

While planning the UPS sponsorship and race team is a big undertaking, it’s an opportunity that Phil and the committee members eagerly anticipate each year. As a fellow UPSer, I say “Go Team!”

Yeah, it's Hot. But There are Summer Races to Run in Atlanta

The temperature is raising but that’s no reason to skip out on lots of neighborhood races around town. Here are a few to check out:

Magnolia Run – June 12
In its 27th year, this race raises awareness and funds for the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia. Conveniently located at the Perimeter Mall, the race includes 4-mile and 1-mile fun run. Registration is available online at active.com or at Fleet Feet stores in Sandy Springs and Duluth.

Run4Dad 5K – June 19
During Father’s Day weekend why not run a race in honor of dads? This Sandy Springs event includes a 5K race and 1-mile walk. Proceeds benefit prostate cancer and local support groups of the Men’s Health & Wellness Center.

Beltline 5K – June 26
Help celebrate the opening of the Beltline trail in Southwest Atlanta. An added bonus – this is a free race. The run starts at Rose Circle Park and ends at Kipp Strive Academy. Registration is available at active.com.


Peachtree Road Race – July 4
Registration for the mother of all Atlanta races closed months ago. If you’re not running it, you can still join the celebration by cheering on the 55,000+ people racing. Hit Piedmont Park afterwards to party with the race participants.

AIDS Faith Walk + 5K Run – July 5
Didn’t register in time for the Peachtree? Here’s a local event in South Atlanta that aims to raise awareness, hope and funds for AIDS. Changing A Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church hosts the event. This is a race that’s sure to uplift your spirit. Register at the event site.

Clyde’s Run – July 17
People organize road races to support a variety of causes. Clyde’s Run honors the memory of Clyde Mays, who suffered from a rare genetic condition. The race takes place at Mountain Park, GA, located near Roswell. Proceeds benefit the Prader-Willi Syndrome Foundation. Registration information is available at the race site.

Amazing! Man Loses Half His Body Weight By Running

It sounds like a headline from the National Inquirer or the Guinness Book of World Records. But it’s a true account of Jeff Le’s amazing feat. I came across Jeff’s story in this month’s issue of Runner’s World. Two years ago, Jeff weighed 290 pounds and exercise wasn’t a priority. But a serious illness triggered a new perspective on life. Jeff joined a gym and stepped on a treadmill for the first time. It wasn’t the most positive start – after five minutes he vomited.

But he returned the next day and two months later Jeff had started running 10-K races and was down 45 pounds. Jeff was hooked. He started running half-marathons as he pursued his goal to race the Marine Corps Marathon. By race day, Jeff had lost 130 pounds – within less than a year. He finished his first marathon in 3:42. A year later, he qualified for the Boston Marathon with a finish time of 3:10 at the California International Marathon.

While Jeff started running to improve his fitness, he became addicted to the feeling of freedom he experienced. Like Jeff, I run to stay fit but at times it’s the mental benefits that make running essential. Running helps me unwind from a stressful day. And morning runs provide both a physical and mental energy boost to start my day. To borrow from the well-know milk ad, running does the body (and the mind) good.

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.

The North Face Endurance Challenge Comes to Atlanta

I’ve always admired trail runners. The ability to navigate rocks, tree roots and foliage while racing along a ground path is quite a skill. You see, I’m not exactly coordinated. There have been more than a few occasions where I’ve tripped on sidewalks.

Last month, The North Face announced that it is extending its well-know Endurance Challenge to Atlanta. And I say it’s about time. Not only is Atlanta a city with lots of runners but it’s also in close proximity to a variety of trails. The metro area will play host to the Southeast Regional event on October 16 and 17. The competition will take place at F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain, which is 20 miles east of Atlanta. Correction: the park is actually located 80 miles southwest of Atlanta.

The North Face Challenge offers competitions for every runner – from the grueling Gore-Tex 50-mile competition to a 5K race and Kid’s Run. The event site promises it will be the “toughest test of off-road endurance.” Registration is now available online and discounts are offered to couples and families. The field is limited to a small number of runners for each race. Regional winners for the Gore-Tex 50-mile race compete in the championship, which takes place in San Francisco. The top male and female finishers win $10,000 each.

If you’re a serious trail runner or just someone who aspires to race alongside mountain scenery, don’t let this event pass you by.

Product Review: Sorbothane Insoles

I love insoles. I really do. The comfort, support and cushioning that insoles provide make my feet feel great.

I was recently offered an opportunity to review a pair of insoles from Sorbothane. Here’s my disclaimer: I received one pair of insoles for free to review plus two pairs of sole cushions for dress shoes. I’m under no obligation to publish my review, and the opinions that I share are based on my experience. O.K -- so now for my review.

I received the insoles a few days after running the ING Georgia Half-Marathon. I ran the race with the standard insoles in my Adidas shoes. And I got a blister during the race. I tried out the Sorbothane SorboAir insoles and found them to be really comfortable. I felt an immediate difference in the feel of my shoes. The cushioning left my feet feeling more supported during my run. I’m someone who likes a lot of arch support in my running shoes, which is probably why I’m a big fan of insoles. I haven’t tested the cushions for dress shoes and I don’t plan to write about them since this blog is dedicated to running.

So what do others have to say? You can read more reviews at Zappos.com.

Wonder why manufacturers don't put better insoles in their running shoes? Here's what I learned when I explored this topic last year.

Happy running!

Volunteers Needed for May 1st Girls on the Run 5K

If you’ve read my blog before, then you know I’m a big fan of Girls on the Run (GOTR). This terrific organization hosts running programs for girls aged 8 to 13 to foster a healthy lifestyle, self-confidence and build positive relationships. At the end of the program, the girls “graduate” by running a 5K with their team mates, coaches and family.

And now, you can help. Support the girls as they celebrate their achievements by volunteering at the Spring GOTR 5K. Along with the good karma you’ll gain from your effort, you’ll also score an event T-shirt, coffee from Caribou plus breakfast courtesy of the Flying Biscuit. This year’s race host, West Stride, will also offer volunteers a 10% discount. So, what are you waiting for? Get out and volunteer!

Here are the details:
· Race starts at 8:00 a.m.
· Event location is West Stride at 3517 Northside Parkway in Atlanta (near OK Café)
· Contact Sara Butler at sara.butler@cxostaffing.com to sign-up

This week’s route is the GOTR 5K race course from West Stride’s group page at MapMyRun. Enjoy!