RUN RSVP: 03/03

Seems like people are getting back into the swing of things. Our groups are getting larger every week. I am heading out of town on Saturday, so I will only have a very short run, but let's still plan to organize a group run, for those who want to run longer.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday
• Time: 8:30 a.m.
• Where: Ford's Colony Food Lion
• Distance: 4-13 miles
• Route: Cart Path Routes (10 out-and-back or 6 loop route)
• Supported: TBD
• Weather: Forecast

If someone would like to help, we could drop mini-Gatorades like we did two weeks ago. It might be a little chilly at the start (upper 30s), but it should warm up during the run. The highs are in the mid 60s. Post a comment if you plan to run.

Dont forget to complete your survey! Even if you are new to the team, I want to hear from you.

So, what ya gonna run?

Spring is on the way, and with it comes "racing season". I am not talking about NASCAR either. I wanted to provide some reminders of upcoming races. Several people are showing interest in these events, so you would likely not be alone. These are all shorter races, and could be a great motivation to get you back on the roads.

• Shamrock 8k: Jeff, Patti, and Scott are all running in the Shamrock Marathon at Virginia Beach. There is also an 8k the day before the marathon. Great chance to race 5 miles, and then cheer on the marathoners.
• Muddy Buddy: Several people are looking to compete in this event. Jeff, Patti, Ursula, and others have all shown interest in this Richmond event. It fills up every year, so if you want to participate, find a buddy and sign up. This is a bike/run team event. They even have a Mini Muddy Buddy for the kids! Check out the site for more details and click on Richmond
• Dismal Swamp Stomp: This is another Virginia event. Tim found this race for the team. He is planning on running. Frank is back on the roads, and would like to run. He is working on getting Andy and Carol to run as well. This really seems like a great race option if you are looking for a half. It is run through a swamp, but I believe the path is paved.
• Monument Avenue 10k: This is one of the largest 10ks in the world (24,000 runners), and it is only a short two and half hour drive to Richmond to be part of it. This race is 92% full, so it will fill up very soon. Tracy H and her sister are running this event. If you want to run in a major race this is one of the closest and affordable options out there.
• Cooper River Bridge 10k: Although not as big as the Monument Avenue 10k, this Charleston race is still a massive and has been around for 30 years. Ryan is registered for this race already. Ursula and I may also enter the race if we travel to Charleston that weekend.
• National Half Marathon: I am still on the fence about doing this race. Ryan is also considering this one. It is a fun race, and a great family trip to DC. We are trying to decide if we can make it to this race or not. It largely depends if we run the Cooper River Bridge 10k the previous weekend. This race does not fill up, so you can enter a few days before.

If you look in the February archives of the blog and scroll down to 02/07, I posted lots of other local races at the beginning of the month. Those are other great options as well. The races above are ones that I knew some RMEC members were doing that I wanted to share.

There will soon be races happening every other weekend as the weather gets nice. Now is the time to get back on the roads, so your legs will be ready when your heart says "lets go do a race."

Triathlon Relay in Raleigh

I know that many of you may not be ready to jump into a triathlon. Here is a chance to get to experience the event, without having to do all three legs. Patti, Kinnie, and Mary are entered as a team in the Duke Liver Center Half in September. I know this event is more than six months away, but they fill up fast. This one is in Raleigh, so there is no travel expense.

This event has 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and a 13.1 mile run. If you are reading this blog, I know you all can run 13.1 miles by September. This is not about trying to win the race. This is about trying something new.

So, if you know a swimmer and a cyclist, give them a call and make a team. If you don't maybe you should try it, and get one of our runners to join you. Bottom line, if you are interested, act fast. If you need some partners, post a comment, and let them know which leg you are willing to do.

Come on. . . give it a tri!

$10 Under Armor Shirts

If you like the Under Armor shirt style (compression) this is a great deal. You place the order through rangerjoes.com, which is a military gear sight. The only color they have is brown, but for 10 bucks, who cares. The inventory on this site is not updated live, so they may run out of stock, and cancel the order. Probably worth taking a chance for $10. If canceled, you will of course be refunded, if your card was already charged.

Bike Ride

There is a potential bike ride this Sunday at 2:00 for those who are interested. The potential rain may kill the ride, but I wanted to post it here just in case. Eric Seale plans on riding Sunday afternoon from the dentist office on the corner of Winstead and Michael Scott. It is pretty easy pace and route. Check out the Rocky Mount Road Cyclist Yahoo Group to see more information.

Ride Details:

• Day: Sunday
• Time: 2:00 p.m.
• Where: Corner of Winstead and Michael Scott (Dentist Office)
• Pace: ~15 mph
• Distance: 18.5 (Not sure about this)
• Route: Reservoir Loop

RUN RSVP: 02/24

Another good turn out last weekend for a run. I think we had six meet at Ford's Colony. I will switch it back to a Harris Teeter run for tomorrow. Mileage can vary to meet your needs. I plan to run 13.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday
• Time: 8:30 a.m.
• Where: Harris Teeter
• Distance: 6-13 miles
• Route: Candle Wood, Knob Hill, etc. (link) - add on or subtract to meet your needs
• Supported: TBD

If we get enough people, I will put fluids at the tracks, so be sure to reply in the comment section if you are coming. Hope to see you tomorrow.

Survey - Please Complete

Last weekend I finally got around to creating a mini survey. I am really trying to get a pulse for what the runners in Rocky Mount are looking for from our group, and also if there is interest in another Fall Marathon Training team. If you run every weekend, or if you have never been out with our group yet, please take a few minutes to complete the survey. I am interested in everyone's opinions. I want to hear from you, even if you do not plan to run a marathon or join us on weekends.

If you have a spouse that runs, each of you should fill out the survey. . .even if your answers are the same. This will make sure I can get a good headcount on the number of people interested. If you have a friend that is not on this email, but you know is interested in running a marathon, or just running on weekends, feel free to forward this to them as well.

I tried to make the survey easy to complete, and included some humor so you would not get bored. It has 18 questions, but it should take you no more than five minutes. There are two pages in the survey, and the questions are broken out into the following sections:

• Fall Marathon Training Team
• Rocky Mount Endurance Club
• About You

Here is a link to the survey. Please try to complete it as soon as possible. I will share the results if you are interested. Thanks!

RUN RSVP: 02/17

Last weekend we had nine people show up to run! What a great turn out. We would love to see even more tomorrow. It is supposed to be cold tonight, but warm up to 51 on Saturday. It will likely still be chilly in the morning, so dress warm.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday
• Time: 8:30 a.m.
• Where: Fords Colony (Food Lion Parking Lot)
• Distance: 6-12 miles

As stated before, we will run on the cart paths at Ford's Colony. The out and back route is 10 miles, and the loop back down 301 in 6 miles. I plan to run 12, so I will likely add in a few extra holes of the golf course.

Hope to see you in the morning! Use the comment feature if you plan to come. Also if you cannot run in the morning, but are looking for a running buddy at another time, lets us know.

USA Marathoning: 2006 Overview

If you like marathons, and you like numbers, this is the article for you! Every year MarathonGuide does an annual recap of US marathons. They look at the breakdown of races, runners age, runners speed, and more. It is a fun read when you have a few minutes. You can take a look to see where your 2006 marathon performance stacks up against the rest of the country. You might be surprised to find you are doing better than you thought. You can see what the average time is for your age group and more. Enjoy!

NYC Marathon Registration Open

Start spreading the news. . . For anyone who was interested in running the ING New York City Marathon, registration official opened today at noon. The odds of getting in are stacked against us making it in, but from what I have been told, this is the best race in the world. Next time you run with John Tracey, ask him about his experience. You will likely run home and register right away. There is a $10 application fee regardless of acceptance or not, so it cost money even to be rejected. Ryan and I are both in the lottery. I hope others will join as well. Link

RUN RSVP: 02/07 (UPDATED)

Well last weekends run did not go so well. I think only Arthur made it out there with my last minute cancellation. Lets try this again for Saturday. It has been a while since we have had a big group run. Hopefully we can start to get more of us out on the roads. Tell a friend. . . even better, bring one with you. Many of us that were recovering from injuries are back running. It would be great to see you again!

If you can't run Saturday, post when you can run. I know several of you are running 20 miles or more this weekend. Let us know where and when you are running. You may pick up a running buddy for at least part of your run, which can come in handy around mile 18.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday
• Time: 8:30 a.m.
• Where: Harris Teeter (UPDATED)
• Distance: 5-12 miles
• Route: Candle Wood, Knob Hill, etc. (link)
• Supported: Yes - Fluids at the train tracks

This is a pretty standard route for us, and is "pace-friendly", because we should pass each other regardless of pace. I do not have time to create written directions, so make yourself familiar with the route. This is also an easy route to shorten or add to if you need to adjust your miles. The water stop is marked on the map.

Race Options

For those who are interested in racing (but not marathoning) there are several races coming up soon that are just a short drive away. I have mentioned many of these before, but some are new to the list. Every where you look there are new races, and some old races you probably did not know about. Running races is a great way to stay focused on your running without getting bored of the same things day after day. You don't need to enter to try and win, and even to "race" it. Just get out there to enjoy it.

03/17 Run for the Oaks 5k - Raleigh, NC

This local race begins at City Market, and drew 891 runners last year. The 5K is the first race of the day starting at 9:30 a.m. The kid's run for children ages 10 or younger begins at 10:15 a.m. The course, which is generally considered Raleigh's fastest 5K course, starts and finishes at the City Market. There will be water at the start and finish plus a water stop at the ½-way point. Splits will be called each mile.

03/24 The Great Human Race 5k - Durham, NC

This is a charity event benefiting nonprofits throughout the Triangle. Runners are encouraged to stay near the finish line when the race is over and cheer on the walkers at the end of the nonprofit portion of the event. There will be refreshments and activities for everyone following the race. The 5K course begins at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Downtown Durham, North Carolina.

03/31 Monument Avenue 10k - Richmond, VA

Enjoy the rockin’ music and imaginative cheers from the Spirit Groups along the scenic, tree-lined medians. Soak in the cheers from thousands of partying spectators. Celebrate people watching at its best as costumed runners and walkers mingle amongst the 24,000 participants. Then join the awesome post race party in Monroe Park. It’s all part of the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, voted the best road race in the southeast!

03/31 Cooper River Bridge 10k - Charleston, SC

The Cooper River Bridge Run provides a world-class 10-K foot race. The race promotes continuous physical activity and a healthy lifestyle through education and opportunity. The Cooper River Bridge Run is the best organized and the best conducted 10-K race in the world. It includes world-class competition in a unique setting with unparalleled participant satisfaction. It broadens community cooperation and participation in healthy events throughout the year. The Cooper River Bridge Run serves as a model of health motivation for other communities throughout the world.

04/14 Cary Road Race - Cary, NC

10k, 5k, and a 1 mile fun run. Last year over 550 runners finished the races. The 5k and 10k start at different times, so you could run them both if you were interested.

For even more races, check out the North Carolina Road Runners Club. If you plan to run a race, or would like to share one of your favorites, use the comment feature for this post.

Ursula's Disney Update - Feeling Goofy?

As you may know, I traveled to Florida last month to run (walk) in the Disney 1/2 Marathon. The whole family went. The Millers were there too and also ran the 1/2 race. Even though I had been injured, I was already signed up and determined to still participate even though I couldn't really run it. Since my approach to the race was a little more casual and it was Disney, I took the opportunity to cross off an item on "Life's To Do List." I ran the race in costume. I thought you may enjoy seeing some of the pictures taken during the race -- both with my camera and by the Enjoy!

Ursula

P.S. Next year will be the 15th anniversary of the Disney Marathon. I must have lost my mind. I registered for the Goofy Challenge this week -- which means running the 1/2 Marathon on Sat. and the full marathon on Sunday. It is Jan 12-13, 2008. It is already 85% full because they cap registration at 3,000. Patti is up for the challenge too. Anyone else crazy enough to do it? It will be fun and exciting! You have to sign up soon though...

Note from Michael: If any body wants to publish information on the Blog, let me know. I am glad to put anything out here for you. I am not sure, but I think anyone can make a post, but if it easier, just shoot me an email.

Run and Some Family Fun

Ryan and I have kicked around running the National Half Marathon in March. This is the second running of the race. About a dozen of us went last year for the inaugural event. Frank ran the full marathon, but everyone else (Jeff, Patti, Ursula, Kinnie, Kevin, Brad, Gerry, etc) ran the half. For a first time marathon it was a fun race. This year the course is improved, and they will have a full 12 months to get people entered. The end result is a bigger and better race.

This is a great race to take the family to. They do not have any kids races, but DC is loads of fun to do with the family, and the trip does not require airfare. Last year after the race, we visited the Botanical Gardens, the Washington Monument, the Air and Space Museum, and even took in the kite festival that was going on. The Metro makes it easy and affordable to get around.

So if you are looking for a early spring race, and a mini family vacation check out the National Marathon.

RUN RSVP: 02/03

Time for a "Super Bowl Saturday" run! Several of you have said you are interested in running this weekend, so hopefully we can get a good crowd. You can run a little extra so you can eat more at the Super Bowl party at our house on Sunday. You can run any distance and any pace you would like. Please reply if you plan to run.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday
• Time: 8:30 a.m.
• Where: Ford's Colony
• Distance: 6 miles (loop) / 10 miles (out-and-back)
• Route: Cart Path Route