Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Zoom Zoom at the Zooma Annapolis Races

6 week training group to be held in Crofton

This 6 week program is designed for every level of runner, from beginner to experienced, looking to improve their fitness and confidence by building up to, or racing your fastest, 10k or half marathon.  Depending upon individual capabilities and aspirations, you will be paired with runners of similar ability and train appropriately to meet your goals.   
You will receive a 6 week training schedule asking you to run at least 3 to 4 times a week.  There will be two plan options each for both the 10k and the half depending on your capabilities.  These can be tweaked individually with guidance from Coach Christine.  The group will officially meet once a week on Saturday mornings at 8:00am.  We can discuss mid week group runs as our individual schedules allow.  Each runner is expected to follow the 6 week daily training program on the days we do not meet as a group.  Email communication is encouraged between the coach and your fellow group members.

Participants should be in general good health and, (depending on the race distance you choose and your goals), be able to run at least 30 to 45 minutes continuously without difficulty for 10k or half marathon participation.  If you would like to join the group and need assistance in being prepared for our first group run, please contact Coach Christine for guidance.
A signed waiver will need to be signed prior to running with the group.

Start Date:  April 21, 2012 at 8:00am.  Plan on at least an hour (more as we progress).

Location:  The group will meet at Crofton Elementary School, 1405 Duke of Kent Dr., Crofton, MD 21114.
Runs will take us  in and around the Crofton Parkway area.   We will run outside under almost all weather conditions (it’s a lot of fun) so it will be important that you wear the proper clothing for the conditions.
**Location is subject to change.  You will be notified prior.

Goal race date: June 2, 2012 Zooma 10k or Half Marathon. 
Instead of the tradition finisher’s medal you will receive a beautiful charm necklace.  I love mine!

It is each runner’s responsibility to register for the race.  Make sure to include the discount code below to get $5 off the 10k fee and $10 off the Half fee.  I suggest you sign up as soon as possible to avoid increased fees and the possibility of it being sold out.

Link to register:
http://zoomarun.com/annapolis/
CODE: ANNCON7

Cost for 6 weeks:   $60

What you also get:
Unlimited email access to a well known and published RRCA certified professional coach (Runner’s World, Women’s Health, Women’s Running, Train like a Mother plan contributor, as well as other local and regional publications) that is highly experienced with group and individual coaching as well as an athlete herself.
Mini information sessions mixed into the sessions that will cover various topics, such as nutrition, form, gear, hydration, stretching, race day prep, etc…
Ongoing Q&A to become an educated runner
Weekly email newsletters
Discount at Charm City when you mention your are training with Coach Christine Hinton
Various other running related goodies as they become available to me.

For more info on the coach see:  www.TheRunningCoach.com
Please contact Coach Christine Hinton at 410-562-2277 or TheRunningCoach@comcast.net if you are interested in participating. 
Stay in the Zooma loop:                                                       
Check out Zooma on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/ZOOMARun)   and Twitter at ZoomaRun as well as updates on Crofton Cuties Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/groups/128959450452230/)

Zooma Press Release:

ZOOMA Annapolis Provides Unique Racer Experience
Patriotism, Pride, and Scenic Course Fuel Runners

(March 19th, 2012, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND) – Combine a scenic, challenging race course, motivating ambassadors, free training programs and an opportunity to run for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and you get a memorable race experience at ZOOMA Annapolis, June 2, 2012. 
Registration is open for the Women’s Half-Marathon and 10K races and runners can enjoy a discounted rate between now and April 19th.  Come April 20th, fees for the half marathon increase.
ZOOMA was founded to encourage women to live full, healthy lives and take on challenges such as an endurance race.  For this reason, ZOOMA is even more thrilled to be charity partnering with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training. Runners can make their running experience an even greater accomplishment by helping cure cancer by raising funds for research.
In 2011, Competitor Magazine selected TNT as the Mid-Atlantic’s Best Charity Training Program. Since it’s inception, TNT has trained over 500,000 athletes who have raised over $1 billion for cancer research and patient programs. Those interested in participating can visit www.teamintraining.org/nca.

COURSE INFORMATION
Half marathon and 10K courses start at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and cross the scenic Severn River on the Naval Academy Bridge. With the national anthem playing at the start of the race, racers feel a surge of patriotism and energy.
Race start time for the Half Marathon and 10K is 7:00 a.m.
ZOOMA Registration                   
March 12- April 19th:
$95 (half)                                 $55 (10K)
April 20-May 30:
$105 (half)                               $65 (10K)

About ZOOMA:
The ZOOMA Women’s Race Series is dedicated to promoting health and fitness by providing an encouraging, inspirational, healthful venue in which to run. Organizers welcome both men and women to participate in all ZOOMA events. For more information, please visit http://www.zoomarun.com

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Patuxent River Trail 10k: Feb. 25, 2011

Despite my desire, I am not as a huge of a trail runner as I'd like to be.  Most of my trail running has been done during races, mostly ultras.  The fact is, it's too easy to step out my door for a run than drive 30 or more minutes to a good trail.  I am hoping, as the kids get older, that will change.

We're off!

I jumped at the chance to run a 10k on the trails.  This would be my first non ultra distance trail race.  I was excited to try to run faster on the trails.  The weather had been wonderful the week leading up to the race, but that day was super windy and cold and rain the day before had made for some muddy footing on the course.  

The Quantico Orienteering Club put on the race for the second year.  Luckily, for me, I didn't have to use a compass to find my way, although the whole orienteering thing has me intrigued.  Described as mostly flat and non technical, I found it more challenging than expected.  

There were tons of muddy sections.  I have zero fear of getting down and dirty, but at 40 years of age the last thing I want to do (but often do do) is fall.  Slippery, squishy mud and my feet don't always mix well.  I stayed upright through all the mud, but of course tripped over a root or rock or something just as I was feeling confident.  I started to tumbled forward, but somehow managed to stay upright.  The lady behind me remarked that my core would be sore tomorrow.  I did roll my ankle a couple times, but all in all avoided kissing the dirt.

When I describe a course as flat, it's well, flat.  This course had some fairly steep, although on the shorter side, climbs that in the later stages had me power hiking. I didn't plan on doing any walking (which is par for the course in ultras) for this 10k, but  I was not the only one who decided to conserve some energy up the steep slopes that had fallen leaves covering a rocky terrain.  

Once on the open field, with the finish line in sight, I picked up the pace and finished strong.  Passed quite a few younger ladies.  Ultimately I didn't pass the lady that mattered.  I ended up getting 4th in my age group (40-49).  I hate to even share my time (61:45), which for road standards would be one of my slowest 10ks ever in my life!  But trail running is totally different.  Not only is each race course different, the trails are to be approached in a different way and with different outcomes.  Finishing time doesn't really prove or disprove anything about a the runner.  That's why I am pleased with the 4th place finish in a 10 year spread age group.



I hope to be lining up again next year.  Great race in a fun atmosphere.