MAKE IT A DOUBLE: CATCHING UP WITH GO! ST. LOUIS AND ILLINOIS MARATHON CHAMPION JACKIE PIRTLE-HALL |
Speed, by nature, is flashy. Showy. Even a bit ostentatious. (Think fire engine red Ferraris and low, brooding Lamborghinis.) Speed is a superiority complex in a fancy package. It is elitist, turning up its nose at those it leaves flailing in its wake. Speed rarely inspires. Instead, it makes us acutely aware of our own inability to keep up, and we find ourselves spilling forth admiration even as we cough in the dust of being left behind. That is speed. Usually, anyway.
And then there is Jackie.
Jackie Pirtle-Hall walks through the doors of the Elite Athlete warm-up room, exactly one hour before the start of the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon. She is dressed in black warm-up pants, a black jacket, and a hot pink hat. She is smiling. (She is always smiling, it seems.) Her easy, I'm-just-here-for-the-free-t-shirt demeanor belies her fierce competitiveness and is a refreshing contrast to the solemnity of the room. The dozen or so bodies that mill about in focused silence are studies in efficiency and control, every muscle and tendon visible and precise. Not a single movement is wasted, and one is left with no doubt that this anatomical economy will carry over into the grueling miles ahead. The room is relaxed, but there is also a tightness to it, as though the pent up speed and power cannot be repressed much longer. The scene is striking.
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The Karen Weidinger Foundation (KWF), St. Charles County's Breast Cancer Foundation, will host the 7th Annual Karen for a Kause 5K Fun Run/Walk, 1-Mile Walk and Children's Mad Dash Against Cancer on Saturday, May 12th, at Frontier Park in St. Charles. The course is flat and fun along the scenic banks of the Missouri River and Katy Trail. Bring the entire family and enjoy a visit from Fredbird (9am-10am), FREE Facepainting, FREE Children's Activities and lots more. Last year, over 1300 runners/walkers, spectators and volunteers helped raise $30,000 to assist breast cancer patients in St. Charles County.
The Karen Wiedinger Foundation (KWF) was founded in 2004 after Karen, a St. Charles resident and Duchesne High School graduate, lost her battle with breast cancer at age 38. To date, nearly $300,000 has been donated to fund local breast cancer programs, with every dollar remaining in St. Charles County.
You may register online or by mail until 5/9/12, in person at packet pick-up, or on race day. To register for the event, or to learn more about the KWF, go to www.karensfoundation.org.
Together, we can make a difference. |
Join the FLEET FEET Training Team by May 5th for a chance to win a free Brooks apparel package! |
Want to be outfitted head-to-toe in some sweet Brooks apparel... for free?
Sign up for FLEET FEET's Fall Training Team Program by May 5th, and your name will be entered in a drawing to win a sweet Brooks apparel package! Four lucky winners will be selected to receive some rockin' Brooks attire and kicks.
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UPCOMING EVENTS/RACES |
- May 6th, Clarkson Eyecare Foundation 5K, Queeny Park, 9:30am
- May 12th, PTA Scholarshop 10K/5K/1M Run/Walk, Hazelwood, 8:30am
- May 12th, Karen for a Kause 5K, St. Charles, 9:30am
- May 20th, Conquer Castlewood Team Adventure Race, Castlewood, 8am
- May 26th, Passavant-Powerade 5K/10K, Jacksonville, IL, 7:30am
- May 26th, Run for BONIFEST 5K, Edwardsville, 8:30am
- May 28th, Highland Lions Club Biathlon and 5 Mile Run, Highland, IL, FLEET FEET Tailgate!, 8am
- Free Sunset Social Runs every week until Memorial Day
- Free Speedwork starts May 29th! Get the details.
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Photo of the week!
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Rick Dungey, AKA Rickster, racing the Eads Bridge Duathlon!
See your photo here! Email amanda@fleetfeetstlouis.com.
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Way to go FFTT!
A few of the FLEET FEET Training Team members (about 120) raced the Christie Clinic Half and Full Marathon this past weekend. Many of them PRed and look forward to the next great training session!
for their Fall 2012 Half and Full training programs. Enter by May 5th for your chance to win the Brooks Apparel Package! |
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How old are your shoes?
Ladies, how old is your sports bra?
Running and walking shoes do NOT last forever. Neither do sports bras. Shoes and bras wear out over time, and worn-out gear can lead to injury. If you are just getting going with your spring fitness goals, just starting to train for your first 5k, or you are training for a half marathon or marathon, drop by and let our friendly, knowledgeable staff "FIT" YOU for success.
YOUR SHOES AND BRAS SHOULD NEVER HAVE A BIRTHDAY!
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