Run Scheduled - March 6th @ 7:30 a.m.

All runners - and those training to be runners - are invited to join Horizons Runners this Saturday, March 6th at 7:30 a.m. for a run.  We'll meet in the Horizons Church parking lot and will do a 3 mile run for anyone training to do the Park Ridge 5k - and will do a longer distance for anyone who desires that as well.

Hard to believe that the Park Ridge 5k is only 18 days away - a sure sign of spring.  There is a 60 degree day in the 10 day forecast, so I'm ignoring the snowflakes that are in today's. :)  Parents, did you know that there is childcare provided for the 5k?  See their site for details.

I have spring fever bad.  I only had to wear a long sleeve shirt and jacket today instead of my typical 2 jackets and shirt.  That's a good sign.  Once I can run in shorts without gloves and a hat, I'll really know that warm weather is here!

Hope to see ya'll on Saturday and don't forget to register for the Park Ridge 5k.

Blessings,
Karen

Park Ridge 5K - March 20th

In 2002, I ran my first organized race. It was the Park Ridge 5K. I received a trophy. Since then, I have gone on to run several ½ and full marathons, but there’s still something special about that 5K. (In the interest of full disclosure, the trophy was for 2nd place in my age division and I think there might have only been 3 people in my age division…thankfully I can’t find the results online.)
The 2010 Park Ridge 5K is coming up in a few short weeks on March 20th at 8 a.m. The reason for my email about the race is two-fold:

Would you consider registering for this race and supporting the school that is in Horizon’s backyard? The registration is $20 and includes a t-shirt if you register by this Monday, March 1st. (http://www.racetimingunlimited.com/) After that the cost goes up and you don’t get a shirt. I know that many of you are used to running much longer distances, so why bother with a 5K? Others of you are intimidated by the thought of running a 5K. There is great value to both groups to running this distance. For the long distance runners, it’s a great time to work on speed – think about the burst needed at the end of a marathon. For those new to running, this is a great distance that gives you a very achievable goal and will build your confidence…refer back to my trophy :). (There is also a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk that is great for kids who aren’t ready for the 5K distance.) But even if you don’t care much about the running part, please consider the following…

Horizons Church will once again be a sponsor of the event. I think this is a great way for the church to reach out to support our local community. We will also be able to promote that there is a group of people at the church who love to run and for those looking for a running group – we’re right in their backyard. Would you consider donating to the church’s sponsorship? If we each donated $25, for example, it would cover a sponsorship that will allow us to have a banner at the start/finish line, a link on the website and materials in the runner’s packet. If you are interested in donating, simply mark the $ amount and “5K” on your check or online gift. Let me know if you have any questions about this part. Also, if you or someone you know would love to run the race but would not be able to afford the registration fee, please let me know.

So, tell your friends, family, co-workers, etc. about this run and come out and join us. It’s a great time of fun, competition, and it’s good for the community. I’m hoping to win another trophy, but chances are I won’t see another one for quite some time. Please contact me should you have any questions.

Run Scheduled - Saturday, February 20th @ 7:30 a.m.

Predicted high for Saturday - 45. Nice. Unfortunately, it won't be quite that warm at 7:30 :)

We'll meet up in the Horizons Church parking lot this Saturday at 7:30 a.m. for a run.  For those who may be new to the group, we generally run about 5 miles - but at least 3. We'll have to be careful on our run as the sidewalks/running paths are still nonexistent, but at least the roads are generally cleared. It may be significantly better by Saturday if we get sun and warm temps before then, but I'm not to confident that we'll see that much melting in the next 2 days.  Email me if you have any questions about the run (karenegyud@gmail.com).

Well done to Dave & Bob in their completion of the Holiday Lake 50K last Saturday in less than ideal conditions!  Here's Bob (in the gray) running through the water - which as I undertand they had to cross twice.

Happy Running & Blessings,
Karen

Run Postponed Due to Weather Conditions

Normally we would have a run scheduled for this Saturday, but due to the fact that we now live in a winter wonderland, I'm not even going to try...  As it stands, most sidewalks and paths are not cleared of snow and ice and the fine forecasters are predicting another blizzard for Saturday. 

I hope to enjoy a run either way, but I'm not holding my breath. 

Happy Running - wherever it may be :)

Run Scheduled - Saturday, January 23 @ 7:30 a.m.

First, I have to say that the trail run last Saturday was a blast!  I'm still in a little pain from it, but it was a great time.  I didn't feel bad while running - the muscle soreness was after the fact.  Thanks to Bob & Dave for helping those of us who are directionally challenged not get lost!

This Saturday at 7:30 a.m., we'll meet at the Horizons Church parking lot for our normal 5ish mile road run.  Hope you can join us.  If you have any questions about the group, feel free to email me at karenegyud@gmail.com. 

Hope you have a great week!

Blessings,
Karen

Trail Run at PW Forest Park - Saturday, January 16th

We will be doing a trail run at Prince William Forest Park this coming Saturday, January 16th.  I'm inexperienced when it comes to trail running, but thankfully Bob H. and Dave R. will be leading the way for this run.

Here's the plan and information on a baseline of experience that will be necessary.  We'll meet at the HC parking lot next Saturday, Jan. 16th at 7:00 a.m. to carpool together to PW Forest (let me know if you want to/need meet us at the park instead). Bob will lead us on a 1 1/2 - 2 hour (approx.) trail run.  Because of the distance, you should plan on carrying water - if you don't have a hydration belt or pack of some sort, let me know as Bob and others have extras.

New to trail running and curious if you have "what it takes"? Here's Bob's response: "If you can run/walk for an hour and you don't mind being on a trail, you should be set. The base loop I am thinking of is ~9 miles and it runs around 1:40-2hrs - combination of single track trail and service roads, but we can easily adjust the course distance to incorporate anyone interested. PWF is a gem, I will look forward to running there with the group of Christian brothers and sisters. My trail running last year really provided unique opportunities to grow in my faith. http://www.eco-xsports.com/terrapin.php is a link to an event that Dave and I both did last year...Terrapin Mountain 1/2 marathon and 50K. The 1/2 is a great intro to trail running -- challenging terrain, but a distance that is easier to get your mind around. May be of interest to anyone who has fun next weekend."

Please email me (karenegyud@gmail.com) if you plan on attending and/or if you have any questions about the run.

Run Scheduled - January 9th at 7:30 a.m. (New Time)

Happy New Year everyone. I hope running made it onto your list of New Year's resolutions.

I am embracing a new love of running in the cold - okay, not really - but I'm trying. Because 39 remains the highest temp in the forecast for the next week, and the highest low is 24, I've decided that I can't wait until it warms up to run. That said, I am really looking forward to the next time that the sun is shining and the temp is 60 with the slightest hint of a breeze. I may be waiting a while.

Speaking of cold weather running, we'll meet up for our first run of the year this Saturday, January 9th at 7:30 a.m. PLEASE NOTE THE NEW TIME. We'll meet at 7:30 a.m. for the next couple months so it will be a little lighter when we start. See you in the Horizons Church parking lot at 7:30 a.m.

Cold weather running tip - where a scarf over your mouth/nose so you don't breathe the cold in directly. Saves you from the cold lung cough for the rest of the day. I'm also layering my hands - mittens on top of my gloves.

Hope to see you Saturday - happy running!
 
Blessings,
Karen