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!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Sunday, October 17, 2010
National Run at Work Day
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.
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.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Heat Up Summer Race Participation
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!
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!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Making the Switch to Trails
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.
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.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
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 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.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Hills
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!
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!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Running Through the Holidays
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!
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!
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