Healthy Memphis

I promise - I didn't fall off the wagon. In fact, I think I may be driving it.

After a fantastically lazy weekend at the Current River in Missouri, I came home injured and vowing not to run no matter how guilty I might feel. We spent our Sunday floating in inner tubes for seven hours over what had to be the sharpest rocks I've ever had the displeasure of walking on. I'm now sporting a 1" long, 1" deep cut on the inner pad of my right foot. Next time I'll pack more adequate footwear. But when I walked through my door at 4 p.m. Monday afternoon, I realized I couldn't just not go. I mean, I am writing about it.

And then the weather...

Monday was by far the hottest, stickiest, most gruelling afternoon of exercise I've ever endured, bar none. That being said, I'm still glad I went. The crowds were down, the spirits were struggling, but the coaches were there, smiling as always and encouraging us all to keep moving, despite the heat.

It felt like my lungs were filling with hot water instead of air. OK, that's an exaggeration. Blame it on the day job. (A big thank you goes out to all the coaches. I'm genuinely impressed by your dedication.)

On a side note, I've had no trouble with either the water bottle or key-issue since I last wrote. Thanks girls, the tips are great. On the other hand I'm now facing a new enemy: dreaded tan lines. I despise them in ways men hate Lifetime movies or shoe-shopping on Saturdays. I wear SPF 50 sunblock and I'm still developing a despicable little line around my ankles that drives me positively batty. I'm ranting now, please overlook it.

I'll see you all again this Monday. Take care of yourselves and don't forget to work in a few sessions during the week. I know, I don't love them either, but I'm more afraid of embarrassing myself at the 5K than I am of impending mosquito bites or allergy-inducing lawn mowers. Don't you just love summer in the South??

We're having an online conversation with Mike Ross-Spang, head trainer, certified fitness instructor, and owner of Healthy Habits. He will answer questions about great ways to enjoy exercise and get fit. 

So girls, how was Week 2?

Last week I got in three practices with the advanced schedule, but I chickened out and ran with the Intermediate 2 group again Monday night. I’m telling you, the word “hills” just scares me.

On the other hand, running three miles straight through for a week is already working wonders on my body. My calves are coming back! Runners’ calf muscles are beautiful. If you’ve never noticed, take a look. And the best part: they’re one of the first muscles to develop. I love ‘em.

I hope everyone’s doing OK with the program. DJ, Terri and others do their best to keep us informed and motivated. You girls are doing a great job! By the way, if any intermediate or advanced runners are practicing throughout the week and want some company let me know. I’d love to work another practice into my schedule.

And thank you to everyone who wrote in last week! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all your valuable tips. I didn’t have any trouble with my keys this week. I tried Cindy Wolff’s idea of stringing it through my shoelace and it worked like a dream. Cindy is a staffer here at The Commercial Appeal who worked out with the Women and Running program a few years ago, so she knows what it’s like. (She’s an amazing writer. If nothing else, please check out her blog, Pets on My Mind. She’s a real hoot!)

Talk to the expert
We’re having an online conversation on our Healthy Memphis blog with Mary Cay Oyler, manager or Wellness Education and Nutrition at the Church Health Center and chair of the Harvesting Good Health initiative for the Memphis Farmers Market. Oyler will answer your questions about how to buy and get the most out of fresh fruits and vegetables.

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.

The organizer of the new Fit City Race Series hopes to attract Mid-South athletes looking for challenges close to home. "With the cost of traveling on the rise, racers will be doing even more local race events and we are already offering three," said Doug Ruddle, who is launching the new series with support from WellWorX Sporting Clubs. "My goal is to help motivate Memphians to get fit. The races are spaced out in such a way to give athletes goals throughout the year to help everyone stay fit all year long."

 The series kicks off with an August 9 triathlon at Herb Parsons Lake.

 The Fit City Dash n Splash is set for October 10 at WellWorX, 6161 Shelby Oaks. The event will include two 150-yard swims and two two-mile runs. "I designed this race to lure those people that would otherwise not participate in a multisport event. The distances are much more palatable," said Ruddle, who is also a personal chef.

 The series finishes up March 7 with a four-mile run through Downtown Memphis.

 Ruddle said series proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

 For more information or to register, visit the Fit City Race Series web site.

Evolv Pilates and Fitness Studio set July 25 for the grand opening of its facility at the 6159 Poplar. It is located near the intersection of Poplar and Ridgeway.

Elena Jenkins, the studio's owner and a certified Pilates instructor and fitness coach, is marking the event with a weekend workshop featuring Siri Dharma Galliano. Galliano owns Life Arts Pilates studio in Los Angeles, which Jenkins said has attracted a host of celebrity clients.

For more information, call 461-9948. 

Free dental checks for those age 5 through 15 will be offered in two Memphis locations beginning July 1.

 The Memphis & Shelby County Health Department's School Based Dental Program staff will provide dental examinations and protective sealants to guard against cavities. Services will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis weekdays in July. The clinic will be closed July 4. Appointments aren't necessary.

The July clinics are set for Latino Memphis, 2838 Hickory Hill, and Southside Boys & Girls Club, 677 Richmond. There will be Spanish-language translators at the Hickory Hill clinic.

 Young people must either be accompanied by a parent or guardian or bring a signed parental consent form. The necessary forms will be available at the clinics.

We're hosting an online conversation with Joan Carr, assistant public information officer at the Health Department. She will answer questions about heatstroke and ways to beat the heat. Read more at http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/lifestyle/ 

Ask your question or post your comment here. She'll respond.

An e-mail arrived recently from a pharmaceutical company offering this truly useful service - an informational Web site ranking public restrooms nationwide.

The makers of Cystex, an over-the-counter urinary pain reliever, have partnered with The Bathroom Diaries in a project that might reduce the number of times you gingerly open the door of a public bathroom and find yourself immediately backing out.

Each entry includes the bathroom's location as well as space for an overall ranking plus space for commentary on the bathroom's style and practical information like cost, handicap accessibility, safety and cleanliness.

The 11 Memphis-area entries include four Old Navy Stores (every retailers dream), a Borders Books, two Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Bookstar (including helpful advice on exactly where to find the bathroom), The Peabody, Wild Oats Natural Marketplace and the Texaco at 3975 Summer. Wild Oats and Texaco get the biggest raves.Here's the address. Check it out and add your own. (Personally, I think fast food restaurants aren't a bad option.)