As we set the clocks forward this coming Sunday, and get another week closer to Spring it's time for some of us to access where we are and where we are heading, wether returning from injuries, the holidays, between races or as we like to say a Life happened event, we seem to always be looking for a fresh start to running. Enjoy the time of year, the company and most of all the Run.
Congrats to everyone who took part in the Run into Madness 5k last weekend and to all those who found the new Double Tree downtown and made up the large group for the River Run Training, great job everyone!
River Run Training moves back to the East to Ultimate Fit this week, 5 miles out to Ultimate Fit and 5 back for those wanting to take part in the training run and a Westside route below for those not wanting to meet up and in need of a hill or two.
See you one of these Saturdays!
by Tim Cary
The end is near. No, I'm not a doomsday soothsayer predicting the apocalypse. Quite the opposite, actually. The winter doldrums brought on by cold, dark runs are ending soon (we hope). Spring is almost here. The four simple words “Pitchers and catchers report!” signify that daylight savings will have us leaping forward in just a few short weeks. Hooray for daylight!
Spring is an excellent time to polish up those old New Year’s resolutions gathering dust in a corner somewhere. We start the year with great intentions, but get worn down riding Mother Nature's bipolar-coaster. As Dorothy would say, "Floods and darkness and snow! Oh, my!" Now is the perfect time to ready ourselves for the spring and summer ahead. We don't want to be like Aesop's grasshopper, hopping into warmer months unprepared to achieve the goals we set at the beginning of the year.
So, how do we get ready for spring training? Here are a few tips:
Be Honest | Let's not kid ourselves. If we've put consistent training on the back burner for a few months, our overall fitness has suffered. The quickest way to failure and an un-fun spring is to try to jump right back into training at the same point at which we left off months ago. We need to be honest and realistic about our current fitness level and gradually build from there. The goal is to lay a solid foundation on which we can build our fitness. It is not to leap for our goals and hope we don’t crash too hard.
Accountability | Find a group, a friend—anyone—to train with. There is strength and support in numbers. Running buddies and groups help hold us accountable. More often than not, we will give up on ourselves before we give up on one another. Knowing that others are relying on us and expecting us helps us stay on task. A support network exponentially increases our chances of success. With a few new programs starting up this spring, Fleet Feet has group accountability covered.
Find A Race | Races will begin sprouting up around town quicker than the crocuses. Find a race to get those competitive juices flowing. Enjoying a fine weekend morning with several hundred kindred spirits is a great way to kick the winter from your feet. Plus, signing up for a race is an investment in your goals. It’s a contract we make with ourselves.
Gear Up | Set yourself up for success with the proper gear. The key word here is proper. Too often, we fail to invest in the equipment we need to be successful until after we've been sidelined by injuries. Not only does the right equipment help keep us healthy, but the financial investment works as a motivating factor as well. And never buy gear because you like the style or color or because it just happens to work well for your friend. We are all different runners with different needs. Might I suggest a friendly neighborhood Fleet Feet to help you select the right gear for your goals?
The Cardinals are at spring training, laying the foundation for a World Series season. We need to follow suit. Now is the time to enjoy our own spring training and turn what might have been into a triumphant, "Look what I did!"
Tim Cary is Head Track & Field and Cross Country for Lindenwood University at Belleville and the former Fleet Feet Assistant Training Manager. Over his more than two decades of coaching, Tim has coached athletes to three national team championships, five national individual championships, two national records, and numerous All-American and All-State honors.
UPCOMING RUNNING EVENTS:
Evansville's original St. Patrick's Day race carves out a 7K course through Downtown Evansville. Don't miss out on this unique and festive community running event. Be sure to wear your best Paddie's Day green!Only $25 pre-registration, and that includes the new Run Of Luck race t-shirt!
Early packet pickup will be Friday, March 17th from 2p-5p at Ultimate Fit. Extra chance for race day giveaways for those that pick up early!
Did someone say post-race beer? Yes, please! Plus free beer samples and hot Irish soup. Look for food and drink specials inside RiRa.
We'll have plenty of Irish music playing plus bagpipes at the start line. Hot soup for everyone after the race!
Early packet pickup will be Friday, March 17th from 2p-5p at Ultimate Fit. Extra chance for race day giveaways for those that pick up early!
Did someone say post-race beer? Yes, please! Plus free beer samples and hot Irish soup. Look for food and drink specials inside RiRa.
We'll have plenty of Irish music playing plus bagpipes at the start line. Hot soup for everyone after the race!
Water Stops:
4mi. - Tekoppel/Broadway
8mi. - Wimberg/Mesker Park Dr.
12mi. - Lohoff/1st Ave.
16 mi. route from YMCA 7:00 a.m.
Court to MLK/Mary
L on MLK to Franklin
L on Franklin to Mt. Vernon
L onto Mt. Vernon to Tekoppel
L onto Tekoppel to Broadway
L on Broadway to Barker
L on Barker to Mt. Vernon
L on Mt. Vernon to Harmony Way
R on Harmony Way to Wimberg
R on Wimberg to Mesker Park
R on Mesker Park to Bement
L on Bement to Mt. Auburn (across St. Joe)
Mt. Auburn to Maryland
L on Maryland to Fulton
L on Fulton/Kratzville to Loholff
R on Loholff to 1st Ave.
R on 1st. Ave to Morgan Ave.
L on Morgan to Heidelbach
R on Heidelbach to Walnut
R on Walnut to 5th
R on 5th to Vine
R on Vine to 6th
L on 6th to YMCA .....16.1 mi.
