GeorgiaRunner.com

Running as a Team Sport

2011-10-19T03:22:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I have always loved about running is the fact that it is not a team sport. When you want to run, you can - anytime, anywhere. You don’t have to rely on someone other than yourself to get out and run. You just lace up your shoes and you are good to go.

This weekend, I learned that running can be a team sport when I ran a running relay race that covered 190 miles in North Georgia. There were twelve members of my team, and there were nearly 50 teams that were all a part of this “team” event. It was a new and very unique running experience.

When we started, we did not know quite what to expect. We planned for what we thought we needed for the two day race. Running in the dark, running as a team, and running over 190 miles in two days. Even with all the planning, there were things that we could not have planned for. There were hills that we had not anticipated, a few more miles than we had planned on and there were unexpected local animals that came out to see who on earth was running through their neighborhood.

In spite of the fact that our planning did not cover everything we encountered, what I learned that running as a team sport is where fellow teammates encouraged and supported each other to get you through all of the unexpected “surprises” on the course. We laughed, we complained, we whined a bit and some even threw up, but in the end, we all had such a great time. This encouragement showed me a different side of runners that were all bound together to conquer 190 miles in two days.

Support came not only from teammates, but other teams who shared the experience. Along the course, when someone got lost, there were runners who directed them back to the course. When someone was struggling up a hill, there were those who ran or walked along side rather than breeze by them to finish first. And, when someone needed water, gu, food, or even a laugh, the support teams were there – whether they were your support team or not. There were also volunteers stationed in the middle of nowhere that offered words of encouragement, candy, water and directions. I appreciated every one of them.

This weekend provided another new and different opportunity to share my love of running with over 500 fellow runners all running as a team.

When I am Your Age

2011-09-21T03:21:00.000-07:00

I know time is passing by much too quickly these days. I am reminded of this anytime I run into someone I have not seen in awhile and see the passing of years in the way they look. Whether it is someone that I knew when they were an infant that now towers over me, or someone that I went to college with that I barely recognize because time has not been kind to them, I see the effects of time all too well. I remember when time seemed to pass so slowly. It does not see that long ago, as a child waiting for the summer break from school or as a young manager waiting to have enough years of experience to get the job that I wanted, time used to crawl. Now looking back, the reality is that it has just flown by, and now I find myself in the “when I am your age” group.

I learned this for the first time as I was recently competing in a triathlon. The only thing I do not like about triathlons is that fact that your age is plastered on your leg for all to see. So, when you breeze by the “30 something” racer up a hill, you feel great, but likewise, when the “70 something” racer speeds by you out of transition, you begin to wonder where you went wrong.

In a race recently I had a younger triathlete pass me on the bike portion of the race who said “I hope when I get to be your age I am as strong as you” while pumping up a hill, she went on to say “I am just a beginner at triathlons…” Somehow I think there was a compliment somewhere in that comment, but I did not hear anything after “when I get to be your age”. As I glanced at the young biker’s age on her leg, she was 39. Ugh. I thought to myself, I was just 39, then looked down at my leg and was reminded that 39 for me was over 10 year ago. How does that happen?

In every race that I compete in, there are always – still – several people competing that are older than me. So, I too can say that I hope when I am their age…
But maybe not for long, as time continue to pass by, much too quickly. I am just glad that I am still out there, hopefully an example for some young beginner runner or triathlete as I get to be the ages of the competitors that I now look at and think “I hope I can look as good as they do when I get to be their age”. I remind myself that we will all get there someday…if we are lucky. And, I would much rather be in the race than not.

A New Year, More Points

2011-01-11T05:06:00.000-08:00

The 21st year of the Run and See Georgia Grand Prix came to a close with the year end awards celebration on New Years Day at the ‘New Years at Noon’ race in Athens. The 2010 Grand Prix series was the biggest ever with just under 500 races and over 70,000 runners participating in races that represented all parts of our great state. The number of races was impressive, but even more than the number of races or number of participants, was the number of runners who ran hundreds of races in the race for points. The runner of the year was Linda Zieman who ran 198 races and earned 4755 points. The male runner of the year was Roger Keel, who ran 203 races, earned 4597 points and logged many more miles in his car. Amazing. But what is even more amazing is the range in ages for Grand Prix runners – from under 10 years old to 70 year olds who are still running a race or two every weekend – mostly looking for Grand Prix races where they can earn not only a trophy, but the ever coveted Grand Prix Points.

The Run and See Georgia Grand Prix will be bigger and better than ever this year and is sure to break 500 races. If you are looking for a new challenge with a great group of runners for 2011, look no further than the Georgiarunner.com web site and e-magazine. The race calendar features the races that participate in the series and where you can earn points for being one of the top 20 runners in your age group. And this year you can track your points and plan your running to maximize your points with our new system on the web site.

A great kick off to your running for the year and motivation at the beginning of the year is always a good thing. But even better is a way to stay motivated beyond the first part of the year. The Run and See Georgia Grand Prix does just that. So check out the calendar for January and get started. Even though many got points for the race on New Years Day, there are plenty more coming up this weekend and ever weekend throughout the year.

Happy New Year and Happy Running!

National Run at Work Day

2010-10-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

Corporate America is growing. And I don’t mean in numbers of workers. I mean in waist size and pounds. And what workers are gaining in pounds, they are loosing in health. Obesity, diabetes and heart disease are all on the rise.

In Georgia, we have been ranked among some of the unhealthiest states, not an accolade that we are necessarily proud of or will be promoting I am sure. But it is a ranking that should make us think about making a change in our habits – eating and wellness.

In September, the RRCA promoted National Run at Work Day. The purpose of the national observance was to encourage Americans to incorporate 35 minutes of walking or running into their daily routine to improve overall health. Was it successful? Hard to say. How do you change a culture that supports workaholism, overeating and excess?

But it is a start and is part of a growing trend to turn the unhealthy workplace around. And it is encouraging to see events like this and the other corporate wellness initiatives that expose workers to healthier options at work. I hope that many were able to take advantage of the National Run at Work Day. If you were not, I hope that you will start your own “run or walk at work day” some day soon. We all need it. And hopefully together we can change this trend of unhealthy lifestyles. Wouldn’t it be nice to see us change the Georgia ranking as one of the unhealthiest to one of the healthiest? It is worth a try and one that will be a great legacy of our community of runners today.

Heat Up Summer Race Participation

2010-06-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Is the heat starting to build and race participation starting to flounder? Let the GeorgiaRunner.com Race Calendar jump-start your Summer participation by offering online registration for your race!

How Online Registration Works

If you are on our Race Calendar - better yet your race has signed up to be on our Georgia Runner/Run and See Georgia Grand Prix Series, you can be qualified to utilize our online registration system. It's simple and has been proven to enhance race participation by offering the runner a way to sign up for a race, while they are searching for a race to run.

Contact us for more information and we would be happy to assist your race with more information about our online registration!

Making the Switch to Trails

2010-05-31T21:22:00.000-07:00

In the summer because the schedule is a bit more relaxed and I don’t have to be out the door at 6:45, I get to run with a group early in the morning. For me running with a group is a nice change of pace and gives me an added motivation, knowing that someone is waiting for me to run. This makes it much harder to decide not to run or not run as long or hard because no one is watching, as is the case when I run by myself. Although the group is made up of runners of all ages and running abilities, we all agree on the course that we will run. Normally, I like to run on the road, but the group will sometimes “agree” to run trails in a local park. Even though I am not normally a trail runner, I go along and hope to make it through the run without turning an ankle or falling.

So, in anticipation of having to run on trails again through the summer, I recently ran in Big Creek Park to get used to running trails again. As I ran the shady trails through the park, I began to think of many friends who prefer running trails to the road and wondered if I could ever get to that point. I do love the cooler temperature under the trees on the trails and the occasional deer that I may see in the park. But the roots and rocks always give me trouble, probably because I tend to be clumsy, even on flat pavement, let alone rugged trail.

But there are so many great parks in the Atlanta area that offer some great gravel, or even paved trails, that to me offer the best of both worlds. Oh, I know the true trail runners think this is not ‘real’ trail running, but for me, it is a great alternative.

If you are looking for a great change of pace to your normal road running routine, check out some of the great parks that we have in Atlanta. I found a great site that lists many of the great trail running locations around our city with great descriptions of each. Go to www.smcadam.tripod.com/trails to find a new trail that may help you get into trail running or just offer an alternative to pavement from time to time. Whether you do it for a nice change or get hooked on trails, it is a great way to explore more of the great running venues we have in Atlanta and change up your running routine.

2010-04-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

Farwell to Our Dear Friend: Will Chamberlin July 9, 1952-April 9, 2010

The Georgia running community suffered a huge loss recently. And this week, our dear friend and long time Georgia running advocate, Will Chamberlin, was laid to rest.

Anytime we suffer a loss it is hard to take. But when someone is taken from us suddenly and before his time, it makes it even harder. For those who ran the Run and See Georgia Grand Prix races, you may have been there or heard when Will Chamberlin suffered a stroke at the Hogpen Hill Climb in January. We kept up with his progress and knew Will had been doing well since his stroke and even directed his first race recently, which made it even more shocking to hear that Will passed quietly in his sleep on April 9th.

For those that knew Will, you knew that he loved running and putting on races. He approached every race as his gift to the runners who ran his races. He stressed perfection and always wanted to do the right thing and wanted the runners to do the same, as anyone knows who did not turn in their finish card after a race. And he cared, he genuinely cared about the runners as his words “have a good race, have a safe race” reminded us before each one of his runs and at the end of each run his resounding voice encouraging each runner by name and telling them to finish strong.

Will’s life was celebrated at a memorial service at the church he loved where those who knew him best shared stories of what we all loved about Will and what we will remember most. But for those who only knew Will by his races, it was a chance to know more about what made Will get to each race early and carefully plan each detail down to the bullhorns for each volunteer. I think the story that summed it up best was shared by the Associate Pastor, Reverend Julie Thompson who shared a quote that she saw on Will’s refrigerator at his home that said “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal.” For Will, it was his courage to take risks is what mattered most. The courage to follow his heart and do what he loved was the gift that Will gave us all. Those of us who knew Will and ran in his races are thankful that he did.

Please share your thoughts and stories to help us celebrate Will’s life as we say goodbye to our beloved friend.

The Hills

2009-12-15T07:15:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't going to be about that MTV "reality" series. What I am talking about here is a workout all runners should incorporate into their training program. Hill repeats! With two of the toughest races on the Run & See Georgia Grand Prix Series coming up soon (The Brasstown Bald Buster 5K on 12/20 and The Hogpen Hillclimb on 1/16), this workout can really help to improve your performances.

Hill repeats are not designed to build speed specifically. This workout is for building strength. However, what you will probably discover is that building strength will lead to an increase in speed, also. A nice little bonus!

If you have not been doing hill repeats, you will want to start out slowly and build up (always a good philosophy for just about anything new). Find a hill with just a gradual slope (you can find steeper hills after you've gotten used to doing the easy ones). 100-200 meters is plenty to start with. For those of you who live in areas where there are few hills, you can use a bridge approach or even stadium steps (you may need to increase the repetitions).

First: warm up. Run easy for about ten minutes and then stop and stretch. If you are just starting out, break up the workout into sets. For example: 2 sets of 4 x 100-200 meters. The rule is "hard up and easy down." Run uphill easily enough to make it all the way without stopping, but hard enough so that you are breathing hard when you get to the top. Then jog down slowly enough so that your breathing has returned to normal by the time you get back down to the bottom of the hill. Then: repeat! End up the workout with an easy 10-20 minute run to cool down.

As you get used to doing hill repeats, you can make the workout harder by increasing the length of the hill, increasing the repetitions, or by increasing the difficulty (slope) of the hill. Just be sure that you aren't increasing too much, too soon. Do each workout at least once a week for a couple of weeks before making the workout any harder.

Unless you are trying to peak for a certain race and/or you are focusing on speedwork, I'd recommend doing hill repeats at least once a week. Do them early enough in the week so that you have time to recover before your next hard workout or race.

Try this workout for a few months and see if you don't notice an improvement in both your strength and your speed. And maybe Heartbreak Hill won't break your heart this year!

Running Through the Holidays

2009-11-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

Does it seem like the holidays are being thrust upon us earlier and earlier? I had not even carved my pumpkin this year before I walked into a store to hear Christmas carols and see Christmas decorations. What happened to Thanksgiving?

On a long morning run on October 31st with a friend, she said “the rush starts tomorrow”. At the time I did not know what she meant, then, later that day was when I saw my first Christmas tree of the season, and I knew what she meant.

What does that mean to us runners? Well, it means that we don’t have to worry quite so much about Christmas cookies and sweet potatoes and dressing – with gravy. But it also means that we have to keep up our running schedules in spite of all of the hustle and bustle, on top of the usual hustle and bustle. Holiday parties, changes in schedules as kids are out of school, oh, and who can forget the shopping, wrapping and cooking!

But, if you are like the many who love to run late fall and winter longer distance runs, the last long runs are critical to having a great race. I know I have suffered through a Disney marathon in January when I “cheated” myself out of those last long runs because my schedule would not allow. I paid for it dearly at about mile 17 when it hurt more to walk than to run. I know I am not alone.

So, as we enter the downhill slide into the holidays, be sure to not only make holiday plans, but make running a priority. The holidays will take care of themselves.

And, let me be the first to put in a word for Thanksgiving that seems to have been skipped this year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cross Country Season in Full Swing

2009-09-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Fall is cross country season and middle school, high school and college cross country programs all over the state of Georgia are getting ready to enter (for some) the third month of competition. Some schools had their first meets at the end of August!

High school competition in Georgia runs until the first weekend in November, when the GHSA State Championships take place in Carrollton on Nov. 7 and there are meets every week until then, ranging from two-school duals to multi-team, multi-race events like The Mill Run Invitational taking place in Douglas County this weekend (Sept. 26). Thirty-six teams and over 1500 runners are scheduled to run in eight races (including the middle school races).

If you are a runner or just like to see good, clean, spirited competition, you should check out your local school's cross country schedule and attend one of their events. They would appreciate the support. And they would appreciate even more if you offered your help at some of the meets (meet directors hardly ever refuse volunteers!). And who knows... you may see a future Olympian or two!

You can find out more about Georgia high school cross country at gatfxc.com. Here you can check out a comprehensive schedule of meets, view team rosters, even read what runners, coaches and fans have to say on their bulletin board. If college cross country is more appealing to you, visit the college's athletic website and find out what's going on with your favorite team.

And if you are tired of pounding the pavement and want to find some trail races for yourself, check out the Race Calendar at GeorgiaRunner.com. There are several trail races of varying lengths offered during the year.

Happy trails to you!

Getting Hooked

2009-09-07T05:38:00.000-07:00

It does not seem that long ago when I used to train for the Peachtree Road Race each year and then take the rest of the year off. Then, by accident at a local race, I placed in my age group. I will never forget the day I walked by the posted results and saw my name and later went up to the stage to collect my "hardware" as the more experienced runners called it. I was hooked. I began training for the next race, then the next distance. With each achievement, I learned that I could do it.

It is great running into a fellow runner, especially this time of year because you run into many first timers training for their first half marathon or marathon. There is an energy in the air because, as the weather gets cooler, and many runners are doing longer runs, and some are running distances that they have never run before. It is so exciting trying to describe to a first timer what it will feel like to reach the finish line when you never thought you could run that distance.

There are many different ways that runners get "hooked". The hardware is one, or a new race, distance or event, or the Run and See Georgia Grand Prix. When runners realize that by placing in the top twenty in their age group when they run a Run and See Georgia Grand Prix Race they get points. The points accumulate throughout the year and at the end of the year, the top twenty in each of 28 age groups awards, in addition to the top overall male and female point earner. You can always spot a serious Grand Prix competitor when they ask fellow runners their age or watch on turnaround race courses for others in their age group. Even if you are not competitive, it makes it a fun and a great way to meet other runners.

So, however you became "hooked" on running and forever long, I hope you find a new way to experience the joy of running this season.

Fall is in the Air

2009-08-07T04:31:00.000-07:00

When I walked out the other morning to run, I felt a hint of fall in the air, even though the temperature got up to 90 degrees later in the day. The fall, for many, seems to be a kind of “new year”. A time to start over, get going on projects that they have let go over the summer or get back on track as they settle into their fall routine. For me, it reminds me to gear up my running to prepare for one of my favorite race distances – the half marathon.

After running 10K’s and feeling pretty confident with that distance, I set my sights on the half marathon distance, many years ago. Not knowing if I could ever run that far, I began to train. I will never forget finishing my first half marathon. Being a non-runner until my late 20’s, I never thought I could run a 5K, let alone 13.1 miles. It was such a great feeling of accomplishment. Now, 10 marathons later, and many more half marathons, I still love the half marathon the best. As I describe it, the distance is challenging, but you don’t feel like you want to die after it, like you sometimes do with a marathon.

If you have not attempted a half, now is the time to choose one of the wonderful races scheduled for the fall and begin your training. As the weather gets a bit cooler—well, maybe in the next few months – doing a long run in one of the many great running spots in Atlanta, really makes you appreciate our city. The Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving Day has always been an Atlanta running favorite, but there are many other half marathons that offer great courses and a chance to see a new part of Georgia. Check out the Locomotive Half Marathon on October 4th in Kennesaw. This is a first year for the event, but looks like it is going to be a great one, and a great way to get you ready for the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving Day.

My How Things Have Changed

2009-07-01T04:54:00.000-07:00

As we get older, there are many things that happen that make us take notice of how fast the years pass. It is hard to believe that this year will mark the 40th running of the Peachtree Road Race. For avid Georgia runners, the Peachtree is a tradition – an annual event that we look forward to each year. But for those of us who have run the Peachtree year after year, it reminds us of how things are changing.

The first time I ran the Peachtree was with my brother as a teenager, when I was in college. Then as the years went by I ran with my husband, before he was my husband, before I had kids and I was a much faster runner. Now, my kids are almost old enough to run with me, which I hope will start another tradition of running the Peachtree or other races as a family.

But as I think back on when I used to stand on the Peachtree starting line with 25,000 other runners in my teens, it reminds me how time has flown. Now, there are 50,000 others on the start line and I have a teenager myself. How can that be!

The Peachtree is not the only Georgia running event that has become a tradition. The Run and See Georgia Grand Prix is another running tradition that has become a more than just a tradition. It is a community of runners – a family – who all run together and celebrate each year that includes birthdays, births of children, new running achievements, and gracefully moving into new age groups.

Although the milestone running anniversaries remind us that we are getting older, it is a great way to age – staying healthy and fit with a great group of friends who share the love of running.

Runners and Birthdays

2009-05-05T13:06:00.000-07:00

Aging is a normal part of life. But for many of us, another birthday is something that we dread, especially the big ones- turning 40, 50, and 60. Even talking about age is not always comfortable. Many women, for instance, will not willingly tell their age.

But for runners, this is not the case. Not only do runners need to admit their actual age at each race, each passing year is something to look forward to – especially the birthdays that move us into another 5 year age group – 35, 45, 50, 55, and so on. Each new age group is a new chance to compete against a new group of runners. Being the youngest in the age group oftentimes gives you an added advantage if your prior age group was very competitive. And the “big” milestone birthdays that depress non-runners, runners look forward to, with the big “4-0” putting you into the master’s category and 50 the grand masters, which gives you a new chance to compete for an overall award in the masters division.

I remember recently standing next to a gentleman at the start of a marathon who was looking around to see if his “nemesis”, as he called him, was going to show up for the race. He told me that he was in the 70-75 age group and that in his age group he knew his competition by name because there was so few of them. He shared that he and his competitor took turns winning their age group depending on who showed up for the race. He said that his strategy for winning races was to outlive the competition and keep running. I shared that I hoped to be able to do the same.

So, with each year, I get closer to my goal of being able to keep winning another award by looking forward to each birthday, still running, and when all else fails just showing up when the competition doesn’t.

Spring Running

2009-04-08T04:26:00.000-07:00

The weather is warmer-- most days-- and Spring is in the air. Although, in Atlanta, I think they call that pollen. But nevertheless, it's time to dust off the running shoes and excuses not to run that we sometime use during the winter months, if you are like me!

If your training dropped off during the winter months, it is time to pick some races and get your training back on track. That is my plan. Even if you missed the Chattahoochee 10K, or the ING half or whole marathon, there are several great races coming up this month alone that would be a great way to get back into the shape in time for the Peachtree Road Race. Check out the Earth Day 5K in Roswell put on by Spikes Running in Alpharetta or the Corners To Crossing 10K in Norcross, or other Georgia Runner featured races. They are all on the Run and See Georgia Grand Prix race series where you can not only win hardware at the race, but also points for running a Grand Prix race. If you don't know about the Run And See Georgia Grand Prix race series, check it out. The series turns 20 this year and offers more than just another race, but a community of runners that you see each week at the Run and See Georgia races. Even if you are in the same age group competing from the same points, you meet runners and make friends.

So, as Nike says, "Just Do It". We are out of excuses. See you at the races.

Turning 20

2009-04-07T06:51:00.000-07:00

The Run and See Georgia Grand Prix Series is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009. Started in 1989 with just 34 running events, the race series has grown to over 400 races that take place throughout the state of Georgia.

Started as a way to encourage runners to travel around the state, get fit and have fun participating in quality running events, while at the same time seeing some of the great tourist attractions and cities, it has now grown into an all out competition. At each Run and See Georgia Grand Prix event participants earn points for placing in their age group in 15 different age groups from 10 and under to 80 years and older. The runners accumulate points throughout the year, running as many Run and See Georgia Grand Prix Races as they can to earn the maximum number of points. Some runners run as many as four running events per weekend to earn as many points as they can, with the record being 8 running events run in one weekend. In 2008, over 70,000 runners competed, earning awards for the leading point winners at the annual awards banquet and run on January 1, 2009. The winner for 2008 participated in over 150 running events and traveled over 25,000 mile traveling across Georgia.

"It can get quite competitive", said Gary Jenkins of Pacesetters P.R. who organizes the race series. "I have many people that follow their point standings very closely and they watch what their age group competition is doing too."The Run and See Georgia Grand Prix Race Calendar and Point standings are tracked in real time on the Georgia Runner online Magazine for subscribers at www.georgiarunner.com

New Races, New Ideas

2009-02-19T07:09:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wanted to run and race in a particular place? Are you looking to plan a race for your business or charitable cause? Although most races are repetitious from year-to-year, we're always interested in new ideas. What are your thoughts?

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