In This Issue

Friday, May 31 7PM 

Hudsonville Fairgrounds

2829 Park Dr.

Jackson, MI 49203 CLICK

        

Grand Rapids Running Club Mentor Program

Train for the Fifth Third River Bank Run January thru May CLICK

Pick your distance, Pick your race, something for everyone! CLICK

May 17, 2013

Marathon News from

Grand Rapids

Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon

Groundhog Day Marathon

You know what's worse than sore legs after the River Bank Run? It's the mosquito hatch that usually happens the next week. It's nature's way of telling you that you need to do tempo runs. Because, if you stop running for even a second or two, you suddenly become a blood donor. Your only hope is to keep moving. What a great training opportunity!

 

Inspirational stuff.

I try and write something that will inspire people in this newsletter. But this time, I can't really come up with anything better than the article that the lovely Francine wrote in her GRRC Mentor Group newsletter. Check out her article below. (Incidentally, she won her age group at the Fifth Third River Bank Run)

 

 

Boot Camp

We're starting up our Marathon Adventure Boot Camp again for the summer season. Info below. See you there?

 

Beer Runs

Summer Training wouldn't be complete without a good beer run. Or maybe a dozen of them. More info below on that too!

 

Book

And the Adventure Continues. It's at the publisher, getting laid out and in the final phases. You've been reading excerpts here for the last too-many-to-think-about months. Sometime this summer, you'll be able to get an autographed copy. It's not my first book. The first one was a long time ago, and was entitled Not Even Close to 101 Uses for Hamburger. I wrote it so I could put an ad in the National Enquirer and make millions of dollars. It didn't work. But you can read about it here if you're feeling really bored.

I'm trying to figure another subheading that starts with a "B" but maybe I've been alliterative enough already.

 

 

Shirts and Other Cool Stuff

 

 

by Francine Robinson

 

"No one who achieves success does so without the help of others.  The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude." Alfred North Whitehead

 

I was trying to find just the right quote to express myself this week. As many of you know, I had a very good River Bank Run on Saturday--it was my best time (2:02:29) since 2004! I was very pleased, and surprised, to learn that I also placed first in my age group, 55-59.  I've received all sorts of congratulations, and I appreciate them all.  My good friend Sue, whom I run with throughout the week, sent me a very complimentary e-mail, crediting me for "setting my sights high, working hard to achieve my goals, and proving to myself and everyone what I am capable of."

 

But while I will acknowledge that I train hard to reach my running goals, and constantly work at drawing on my inner strength when the going gets tough, I can honestly say that my success WOULD NOT be possible without the continual support and encouragement from family, friends, fellow runners, running coaches--and even the occasional stranger! Allow me to elaborate by sharing with you parts of my journey at last week's race and the "Lucky Seven' lessons I learned.

• My journey really started before the race, when my friend Bree (a RBR pacer) said to me, "So, is it going to be an age group award today?"  I laughed at her, giving her every reason why that wouldn't happen ("two marathons in April, tired legs, stressful day at work on Friday, etc.")  Lesson one.  Be grateful for friends who believe in you, and then believe in yourself.
• Next, I was lined up at the start line with another friend, Andrea, and telling her that I was concerned that the stress I was under from circumstances the day before would cause me to have less energy for the race.  Andrea said,"Don't think about that.  Just go out there and enjoy the run, and focus on the race experience."  Lesson two.  Stay positive, and don't waste energy on negative thoughts.
• I went out a little faster than I originally planned, and around mile five there was a runner who heard me talking to friends that I met on the course about how I should back off, because I went out too fast. When I began to back off, this woman said to me, "Hey yellow! (I was wearing a yellow singlet.) Keep up that pace--you can do it!"  I thought to myself, "Hey, thanks random stranger!" And I kept going.  Lesson three.  Don't give up so easily. Other people, even strangers, can recognize your potential.
• All along the course I came in contact with other runners or spectators who knew me and gave me thumbs up or said, "You're looking strong!"  Lesson four. Let the support and encouragement of people who care about you lift you up.
• About halfway through the race, I thought if I stayed at or near my pace, I could finish faster than last year.  However, at mile 13, I was feeling ill and sore, and I started "negotiating" with myself. You know--"Well, I have been running 8's for so long, even if I back off to a 9-minute pace, my finish time will still be respectable." At that point, I was blessed to be spotted by Mike Lapp. Mike knows me, and he only had to look at my face to know what I was thinking.  He knew I had the inner strength to stay on pace, and so he jumped in and ran a mile with me, staying just a step or two ahead to keep me from slowing down.  At mile 14, he knew he had helped me enough that I could get through the remaining miles by myself, and he ran off to help someone else.  Lesson five. Take advantage of the help others offer you.  You don't have to do this yourself! Inner strength is important, but sometimes it is drawn out through the kindness and encouragement of someone else.
• As for the final miles of my race, there were even more familiar faces closer to the finish line, and constantly hearing, "Good job, Francine!" lifted my spirits and kept me strong, knowing I didn't have that much farther to go.  Lesson six. Embrace the energy and enthusiasm around you.
• My success was also made possible by the amazing volunteers. From the cheer stations, to the course marshals, to the aid stations (where they carefully hold the cups just right so the runners can grab them as they pass), to the medical volunteers, and finally to the finish line volunteers who stand there for hours supporting the runners.  Lesson seven.  If you recognize the contribution of the volunteers and express your gratitude, you will feel a positive energy.

So I leave you with this thought that occurred to me after my race last week. While I have written many times about being successful in your running and your life through your own efforts--by having a positive attitude, by recognizing your inner strength, and by digging deep when you're struggling--don't think you ever have to "go it alone."  Let the people who care about you be your support and your strength when you need it. Then make sure they know that you are grateful to have them in your life!

 

Don't stop dreaming, and always keep moving forward! 

Starts JUNE 4 at 5:30 a.m. Get a great workout in before work! Targeting strength for runners, speed work, tempo runs, core conditioning. Certified trainer Jim Patch and (some say certifiable) race director Don Kern (yeah, that's me) will help get you in shape for your best fall marathon! 

Cost for the full summer (Tuesday and Thursday June thru September) is $250. Try an introductory session with us on Wednesday, June 29 at 6PM (We know you'll be out of bed at that time.) and see what you think. Then on June 4 we'll be ready to kick off the summer right.  MORE INFO

Beer Run #1 Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at New Holland Brewery, downtown Holland.  6:30PM

Our regular beer runs will start on June 4 - New Holland Brewery

June 18 - Derby Station

July 2 - Buffalo Wild Wings

Every beer run has a target charity, and we make a contribution out of the entry fees. Your entry also includes your first New Holland beer and some appetizers. Door prizes, fun, hanging out with really cool people. It's all part of the Beer Run culture. We'll usually feature both a long (around 5 miles) and a short (3 miles or so) course with each run. (The super-hot, middle of summer stuff we may go a little shorter though.)

Your first beer run is $20, which includes a shirt.  After that they're only $10.

Still In The Game