Running Shorts
Setting and achieving goals
Setting and achieving goals is just as important in running as it is in other endeavors. We have to know where we are going and how to get there. Most importantly, we have to make the trip. So many people set running goals, but then let other activities get in the way of achieving those goals. We run for our health and we have to make running a priority.
If you are just starting a running program, set interim and long-term goals for yourself. Make a commitment to yourself and to your family and friends. By getting them involved, you are soliciting their support and encouragement.
Dr. David Ficklen recently told me that he was going to run the Houston Marathon next January. Mary Sweeten of the Financial Aid Office at Sam Houston State University told me that she is running the Texas Marathon in Kingwood next January. This will be the first marathon (26.2 miles) for both. Both have set a goal and now they have to train and follow through. If you know these runners, offer them encouragement and support as they complete their long training runs necessary to achieve their goal of completing a marathon.
While a marathon is a long-term goal for most new runners, completion of a 5K (3.1 miles) race is a great interim goal for many. There are many 5Ks in the Huntsville area in the coming months, but one of the best is the Polish Pickle 5K in Bremond on June 27. Bremond is a small Polish community 90 miles northwest of Huntsville. The race is held in conjunction with Bremond’s Polish Day celebration. About 500 runners and walkers, including many from Huntsville, participate in this race each year. The race starts and finishes in downtown Bremond. The entry fee is $12 and you get a T-shirt and all the food and drink you can consume after the race. Plus, you are eligible for door prize drawings for a heifer (or $500 cash) and 20 bales of hay (or $100 cash). Stay around for the pickle parade and visit the booths. Whether you walk, run or do a combination of both, you will have a good time at this race. An entry form is available on the Seven Hills Running Club Web site, http://www.7hills.us. Click on Race Schedule.
Establish your running and racing goals and stick with them. Do not use your busy schedule and other excuses to detract from what is important to you and your family – your health.
Recent race results
Blue Bell Run, Brenham, Apr. 18
10K (6.2 miles)
Adrienne Langelier, 26 39:45 (1st female)
Christine Gann, 33 1:07:52
5K (3.1 miles)
Karen Fowler, 33 37:43
Run Thru the Vines 10K, Bryan, Apr. 18
Sara Krum, 28 1:02:45
Davy Crockett Bear Chase, Groveton, Apr. 11
Marathon (26.2 miles)
J. C. Guzman, 37 3:27:36
Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
Len Hill, 55 2:18:22
Jan Parks, 52 2:21:13
Crescent City Classic 10K, New Orleans, Apr. 11
Robert Duncan, 49 40:35
Big D Texas Marathon, Dallas, Apr. 5
Celeste Harris, 35 5:20:16
Next race in Huntsville
Apr. 25 – Spring Fling 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk, 8 a.m., Bowers Stadium Parking Lot.
- Running Shorts
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Running hills is actually good for you
Huntsville has plenty of hills. That can be good or bad, depending on your perspective. As runners, we complain about the hills and many of us try to avoid them when we are out on our training runs.
- Plenty of Huntsville runners in Houston races
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Now is the time to start making running resolutions
It’s January. We ate too much over the holidays and know that we need to lose that extra weight and improve our health. This should start with healthy eating and an exercise program. Above all else, quit smoking and using other tobacco products.
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A few helpful tips for safer running during the winter
With fewer daylight hours during the winter months, many of us have to change our running habits and schedule. If work and/or school forces you to run in the dark, here are some tips to make your runs safer:
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Seven Hills Running Club elects new officers
The Seven Hills Running Club of Huntsville elected new officers for 2009-2010 at a recent meeting.
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Downhill Dash to precede Christmas Parade
Some of you may remember the Charity Mile, a one-mile race down the Huntsville Christmas Parade route just before the start of the parade.
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Give your body enough fuel for the long run ahead
Now that cooler weather is here, many of us are doing longer training runs and longer races. As we increase our distance, it is important that we fuel our bodies accordingly.
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Several runners on hand for Huntsville Half Marathon
Nearly 500 runners and walkers from 60 different cities and several states were in Huntsville for the 31st Hillcrest Huntsville Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk on Saturday.
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Deadline quickly approaching for Hillcrest Huntsville Half Marathon
The early entry deadline for the Hillcrest Huntsville Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk is Saturday. The entry fees go up after that.
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Learning the running lingo
Just like any other sport, running has its own lingo. So, if you are a runner or you want to converse with a runner, you need to learn the lingo.
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Running hills is actually good for you
