Train for a Marathon in the Summer? One Runner’s Journey

It seems like summer weather arrived early this year in Atlanta. So when I learned that Norman Black (my group director at UPS) was training for a June marathon, I was amazed. But Norman was celebrating a special occasion. To commemorate his daughter Ellen’s graduation from college, he and Ellen decided to run a marathon together – the first one that either of them had run. They choose Grandma’s Marathon which took place on June 19 in Duluth, Minnesota. I sat down with Norman to learn more about his experience and how he survived long runs during Atlanta’s heat wave.

Q. Norman, when did you start training?

I began in January. Ellen recommended that I extend the amount of time I spent on my weekend runs. In March, I decided to take a different approach and signed up for Jeff Galloway’s program. Since it was my first marathon, the run-walk regime that Galloway teaches seemed like a good option for me.

Q. What did you learn from Jeff Galloway’s program?

Galloway believes that first-time marathoners use too much energy during the first half of the race. So, they end up struggling to complete those last miles of the event. By adding walk breaks throughout the run, it helps marathoners to better manage their overall pace and energy level.

Q. Why did you choose Grandma’s as your first marathon?

When my daughter and I decided to celebrate her graduation by running a marathon, we knew we needed to pick a race in a cooler climate. Grandma’s had a great reputation as a well-organized and friendly event. The race course runs along the shore of Lake Superior and the old scenic highway – it was really beautiful.

Q. The hot weather hit Atlanta in early May. How did you “beat the heat” during your training runs?

Unfortunately, I couldn’t escape it. I’m not a morning person – I’d get up around 6 or 7 a.m. to start my long runs. By mid-morning, the heat became unbearable and I was forced to cut short some of my planned runs. While I had hoped to complete a training run of 24 miles before the race, the longest run I was able to complete was 20 miles.

Q. How was the race? Did Grandma’s live up to your expectations?

The event was terrific. The folks in Duluth went all out to welcome runners. The community hosted a pasta dinner the night before the race. During the marathon, bands and spectators were lined up along the course to cheer on the runners. And at the finish line, there was a big party to celebrate the end of the race.

My goal was to complete the race in 5 hours. My daughter and I followed the Galloway program during the first half of the event. Around mile 14, we came across a 5-hour pace group and decided to join them. The pace leader did a great job keeping everyone together and encouraging the runners. And I met my goal with a finish time of 4 hours and 57 minutes.

Q. What was the hardest part of the race?

The last 6 miles -- I was mentally and physically exhausted. My daughter kept reminding me that I’d run dozens of 10K races, so I should think of the last 6 miles as just another 10K. If it wasn’t for Ellen’s encouragement, I don’t know if I could have made it.

Q. So, what did you learn from your first marathon experience?

A few things. I’ve gained a lot of respect for people who run this distance. Not only is it physically demanding, it also requires tremendous mental determination to complete the race.

I also came to appreciate the importance of training with other people. I did most of my long runs by myself. When Ellen and I did get a chance to train together, I realized how beneficial it was to have someone to talk with and help you maintain a pace.

Q. What is your favorite memory from the race?

The sense of accomplishment I felt. My daughter and I achieved this together and I will always cherish that memory.

Q. Will you run another marathon?

At this time, I have no plans to sign-up for another marathon. However, if my daughter has a say, then it’s possible there could be more marathons in my future.

Mother Nature Gives Peachtree Road Race Runners a Break from the Heat

The biggest news at this year’s Peachtree Road Race was the cooler weather that welcomed the race participants. The temperature was near the high 60s at the start time, giving runners a refreshing break from the sweltering heat that Atlanta had been experiencing. The event is one of those great Atlanta traditions that welcomes runners (and walkers) of all levels to celebrate their achievements and our country’s birthday. It’s been several years since I last ran the Peachtree Road Race, but I appreciate the camaraderie it instills among Atlanta’s running community. According to Runner’s World, more than 3,000 people run Peachtree-themed 10Ks in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.

This year’s participants shared their experiences and PRs on Facebook and Twitter. Fortunately, the race did not see a repeat of the cheating claims that dominated discussions at last year’s event. While I didn’t join the 55,000 racers on Peachtree, I did run my own version of a 10K on Sunday morning. Looking for a good intown 10K route to run? Here are a few to consider:

· Decatur to Druid Hills
· Weststride and Westminister Neighborhoods
· Candler Park to Piedmont to Beltline

To find more options on running routes, check out WalkJogRun.net for dozens of intown courses.

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.