The Memphis Runners Track Club began an 8-week training program for women Monday night (July 7) at 6:30 in the Shelby Farms area. The program is open to anyone, regardless of fitness level or age, who wants to train to become a runner or a powerwalker. It starts out slow and helps you to build your endurance and stamina. Volunteers will be there with you to cheer you on and answer questions. The cost is $20, which includes registration for the graduation day 5k run at Audubon Park (Sept. 6). It’s not too late to join! You’ll need to get out there and practice at least two times a week, three would be better. You can also join two groups on Yahoo to see when people are getting together to walk or run. Here’s the runner’s link. Here’s the powerwalker’s link.
Isn’t parking a doozy! Next time I’ll know to arrive sooner. I don’t know about the other 1,000+ women who descended upon the Shelby Farms area to exercise Monday night but I had a really good time. I couldn’t believe how many of us there were! I’d love to see an aerial shot - five lines of women dashing through the park like colorful marching ants, weaving in and out of the trees.
So I may be young, but I’ve never been a runner. I never wanted to be a runner. Running, for me, always seemed painful and grossly unnecessary, yet here I am, trudging along with the rest of the group. It all started last year when I had to start running as part of a class at The University of Memphis where I’m a junior journalism major. Two to three times a week I had to hit the track, road, hill or whatever our instructor had in mind for calisthenics and always a healthy dose of running.
Suddenly, I could run. I could run in a steady stride and keep going for two miles before I ever felt a thing. That awful, painful exercise didn’t seem so awful or painful anymore. (I wish I’d figured this out in elementary school!) But when the classes ended, so did my motivation. It’s been two months and I’m sad to say last night was slightly more difficult than I’d hoped. I may need to try the advanced group but I’m a little intimidated of the word “hills.” Speed has never been my best ally.
Was anyone else a little thrown off by carrying your keys and a water bottle? I always heard that was a common problem but never having run outside the confines of school, it never occurred to me how annoying it would be. My cluttered key ring is definitely going to slim down before I try that again. Oh, and DJ and Terri were right- DON’T WEAR COTTON. My comfortable, worn in t-shirt felt like it like a wool blanket in Monday’s heat. Learn from my mistakes!
And now it’s Wednesday. They recommended we try to practice every other day, so I happily took last night off. Unfortunately the weather isn’t doing much to motivate me today. Dark and dreary clouds made our usually cheery office seem like dusk during the sun’s prime hours. It doesn’t help that the National Weather Service has been teetering off warnings and watches all afternoon. That’s where procrastination will lead you I suppose. Everyone be careful out there. The girls with Women & Running say they’ll meet no matter what, rain or shine, but even they draw the line at lightning. Watch out ladies and exercise smart.
I’d love to hear your opinions. What did you love? What did you learn? What about Women & Running inspires you to Shelby Farms? Comment below and let your voice be heard.
July 10th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I was actually reading the CA blogs looking for another site when I came upon this entry. I was one of the 1000+ women. I had done the Women & Running Series a couple of years ago and loved it. I too vowed to keep running long after. Unfortunately, that was easier said than done.
Many years ago (too many to mention)I would get up at the break of dawn and run. Unlike Ms. Harris, I was a runner and I loved it. The problem is once you stop it is soooo hard to get back into the groove.
I know Newton’s law of inertia was not meant to be used for exercise barriers, but I do think it applies in some strange way. Once you get up and move, it becomes easier and easier to keep moving but likewise when you stop and stay stopped for any period of time it is so hard to start moving.
I started in the intermediate level run on Monday. I was going to try to go to the group run in Bartlett last night but the rain got in the way so I just did it on my own near my house. But I did it, that is what is important. Because when Monday comes around, I want to be able to keep up and move on.
Thanks MRTC for being the unbalanced force to get me up and moving.
July 11th, 2008 at 8:14 am
I too had a problem with my keys! I ended up taking off all my keys except my car key and attached it to the blue bracelet they gave us. Worked pretty well!
July 13th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Fleet Feet sells an insulated water bottle for $20 that wraps around your hand. It has a zippered pocket, which is room enough for a key or two. I think it holds 20 or 22 ounces. I bought it for this event and used it for the first time last Monday.
You can find higher end workout wear at the sporting goods stores, or cheap stuff at Target. I spent the extra money for Nike Dri-Fit and Under Armour because they fit me better than some of cheaper stuff.
Good luck to all who are doing this!
July 14th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Hi Megan,
It’s going to be fun to read your blog. I did one a few years ago but mine was mostly whining about the heat. So it will be fun to hear from a young girl who is enthusiastic about running.
On keys, a simple thing to do is slip off your car key, unlace a lace on your shoe from one hole, slide the key on it and then put the lace back through the hole. Tie it up and slip the key under a few laces to tuck it flat. Even if your shoe comes untied it won’t come unlaced.
I used one of those handheld water bottles with a strap for a long time. You can find them cheaper at the discount stores like walmart and Target if you’re on a budget. I finally got one that fits into a fanny pack. Can’t wait to read more.
July 14th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Yes, the keys and stuff can be an issue. If at all possible, if you are coming from home, leave your purses and valuables there, just bring your car key and stick a few dollars and your driver’s license in a pocket in your car.
How did everyone enjoy their first week of practices? Remember: YOU ARE A STRONG, FIT RUNNER/WALKER!!! ON SEPTEMBER 6TH YOU DO 5K!!
July 14th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Hello,
I gave a safety and security briefing at the kickoff meeting for the Memphis Runners Track Club 2 weeks ago. I noticed that the “key” problem came up again on this blog. I introduced a “brand new” product that I sell exclusively and was offering a special price to all members of the MRTC and their families. Please visit either their site or mine to see this product…this product is perfect for carrying (ID, Keys, Money, etc.) while you run.
Also, I have the defense sprays that have the elastic band on your hand for whomever didn’t have a chance to pick up one or more at the kickoff meeting.
DJ has the discount code for all members who would like to order online or let me know and I will come to a Monday night run and everybody can get what they need then.
Thank You,
Mike
901-356-1284
July 14th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Sorry I know DJ will kill me if she gets a lot of phone calls from people asking for the discount code….so here it is 0514
That code will give you 10% anything that you need on the website…not just the spray and conceal items.
Thank You,
Mike