2 Runner Girls Race Columbus 5K

Last weekend we had three people do actual races! Congratulate them when you see them. Jessica Muhn power-walked her first 5k out in Stewart and Natalie & Tammy both ran a 5k in Blendon Woods, one of the parks around Columbus.

This was Tammy's second 5K since beginning running this winter and she had an even better time than the first one. It was especially cool since Josh did the 5K with her (his first). Jeff G. rounded out the Columbus group and was gracious enough to not mind too much when Natalie, who had run the first 3 miles with him, took off at the end to beat him in the last 1/10th of a mile.

Afterwards they celebrated by consuming massive amounts of breakfast. Natalie (at least I think it was Natalie) took pictures of the breakfast to show how great it was, but pictures of breakfast are never nearly as good as the real thing, so I'll spare you the visuals.

One of the great things about participating in local races is that 99% of the people there are not there to win. They are just there to enjoy the festive atmosphere, see how fast they can actually go, get a t-shirt or beat their own performance from a past event. So even though it is technically a competition-it doesn't feel very competetive. If you've been thinking about signing up for a 5k--don't feel intimidated. You'll have a blast, especially if you can rope a friend into doing it with you. (you know, someone like me, maybe??? whaddya say?)

Jessica's first race

Jessica does her first 5k. Jessica power-walked a 5k out in Stewart on Saturday. She had a blast and wants to do another one. We are awaiting a picture of her in her t-shirt and race number and will post it soon. The other cool thing is that the entire family was out on Sunday for our group outing. Nolan, Michael and Matthew rode their bikes while Jessica and Cheryl walked with the group.

Runners

"The difference between a jogger and a runner is an entry blank."

G. Sheehan

Kids love to run too

Shonda and her 10 year old niece Jill run the Flying Pig 5k. Jill's first 5K-and she loved it. Ran a little, walked a little, sprinted at the end. Wore the snouts with pride. The bag on the table is all of the stuff Jill got for free at the race and the fitness expo afterwards. This was a great experience. There were so many kids at the 5k, which was sponsored by an after-school program called Girls CAN! Everyone got a medal and a t-shirt and a snout if they wanted!

More on the kids

Be a good parent--and run! Kids want to be like their parents and copy what they do--that means parents need to set the example by getting involved in physical activities. By concentrating on the positive aspects of exercise, like family participation and fun, exercising may lead to healthy lifestyles later in life."
-Carol Goodrow, RW kids running editor

I have loved seeing all the kids at our Sunday walk/runs! Not only are they having a good time and great association but they are building a love of exercise that will help keep them healthy in the future. It is so easy today for kids to be sedentary (like me playing on the computer!) and because of safety issues, children can't just roam the city or country quite like they used to. Keep bringing them!

We didn't get any pictures this week-we'll try again next week-but so far we've seen Olivia, Hannah, Parker, Kaylie and a few "big" kids out with their parents or siblings-Sarah, Amanda with Debbie and Josh with Tammy. Denise fits in there too-three generations out walking today.

What really gets me about the kids is their ability to find pleasure in just moving! I remember that-and get it back sometimes. But usually I am so focused on my goals and the need to exercise that I don't get the full benefit of the fun of it all. Going out with all of you guys as a group though really helps me get into the fun spirit. Thanks.

First Club Group Walk-Run

It was terrific to see so many of us out as a group today. We think that we had 18 people for the first 4:30 Sunday walk/run. What was great was that everyone seemed to find someone to be with on the walk: Nat & Tammy ran; Esther & Sandra walked & ran; Linda, Serena & Danielle walked really fast; Olivia & Hannah did some running and scootering; Shonda just mainly hung out and took pictures; Donna & Cheryl walked and left too early for the group picture (as did Nat); We had a BOY show up (thanks for the support Josh-you're welcome anytime!); Couldn't see what Sarah, Josh, Devona, Jennifer & Kristi did--but they look happy in the photo--wait, this just in, Sarah was seen both walking and running. It was very cool to be together with all of you. We really hope that we keep it up.

Exercise: You don't have time not to

A beautiful day-out on the bike path near the hospital. For anyone who missed it-there is still next week...and the next...and the next.

That's Esther running-the day after her "Walk for the Cure" 5k. She said there were a ton of people and it was totally non-competetive. Keep your eyes open for anthing similar in the future. There is a link on the right side of this blog for a walking series up in the Columbus area.

Serena, Danielle & Linda lookin' great on their way back in.

ps. you can click on any photo and see it full-sized.

Athens Runner Dogs

"What really helps motivate me to walk are my dogs, who are my best pals. They keep you honest about walking because when it's time to go, you can't disappoint those little faces." ~W. Malick

Athens Runner Spouse

Walking & Running aren't the only forms of exercise--but they do require less of an investment in silly clothing than does cycling. Tom looks happy enough in lycra as he trains for a 100 mile bike ride on Saturday.

Athens Runner Girls are pulling for you!

This just in: a small group of newbie Athens Runner Girls were so motivated by the kick-off party that they went directly from Esther's to Ping to work-out! We don't have their photo, but this picture demonstrates a benefit of joing ARG: That extra push (or pull) of your friends to help you get moving.