The racers were giddy as they handed out the ribbons at the end of a recent Tucson City Parks Road Race. Blue for 1st, red for 2nd and so on… Fellow racers cheered and clapped during the ceremony; and when my name was called for 1st (in my age group), I was through the roof. It seemed everyone shared similar sentiments when called to the front – from the 10 year-old boy who out-kicked me (oh, I’ll get him next time), to the couple married longer than I have been around. All of them winners.
If you ever participated in an activity as a kid, you probably received a ribbon – swim meets, 4-H projects, science fairs or art contests. There are many. Those ribbons were proudly displayed on your bedroom wall – or better yet on the fridge for all to see. Proof to the world that you had participated and accomplished great things.
Now you can travel back to your childhood every week courtesy of Tucson City Parks. For just $3.00, these low key, family fun races are a blast. Staged at various parks throughout town, between 60 – 80 racers compete in a one-mile predict, 2K and 5K cross country style race. No need to be the fastest runner in the park, ribbons are awarded in five-year age group categories, meaning everyone can compete. Run enough of the races and you might be in the running to be the Tucson City Parks Grand Prix Champion (updated - I finished 3rd!).
The staff is great and really makes it fun for everyone. The best part – when they announce your name for your fabulous prize. Mine is on the fridge…
Tucson City Parks Road Races (and track meets)...
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Running in the Rain...
I hear conflicting reports that the monsoons may arrive a little earlier in Tucson this year. This made me happy, not just because it will help my outdoor plants currently on life support, but because I love to run in Tucson’s summer rains. Actually, I think it’ right after the rain stops, when steam comes up from the desert floor, carrying the smell of dirt, rocks and creosotes that is my favorite time.
Yesterday’s rain was kind of a tease, but it did get me to thinking about precautions to take while running during the monsoon season in Tucson (many of these make sense all the time).
-Stay off the roads if you can, Tucson drivers have a hard enough time negotiating the roads as it is. Plenty of beautiful places to run here in southern Arizona.
-Lightning is bad. Do not run if lightning is present - ever. If you get caught in a lightning storm, low lying areas are the best and stay away from trees.
-Know that a dry wash can turn into a flooded wash at any time. Ask some of my friends that got airlifted out of Sabino Canyon last year…
-Carry ID, cash and a cell phone.
-Always, always let someone know where you plan on running and when you plan to return. Good advice all the time.
-A hat – keeps the sun out of your face and the rain out of your eyes.
It doesn’t take much to get out and hit the trails, and with these precautions you’ll be sure to enjoy your run no matter what Mother Nature throws at you…
What are your favorite times to run?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Because Goats Rule. Obviously.
This is our running team in Tucson – The Slow Old Goats, a subsidiary of The Workout Group. Many have tried, but it's not easy to qualify for the Goat squad. There are three criteria:
We will consider two out of three, because we do have some on our team that are obviously not Slow, but they are Old Goats. We even bumped a guy up from the JV team (he was 39), because he forgot his anniversary to go running, thereby proving that he is a Goat (at least according to his wife), and well on his way to being Old.
We’re thinking of branching out too. The women’s team will now be known as The Nanny Goats, while those that do not meet the OLD criteria will be relegated to The Billy Goats (because they’re just kids anyway…).
You must also have a sense of humor, obviously.
Go to any local race and you’re sure to see The Workout Group (WOGGERS), The Grinders, and a host of other racing teams toeing the line. Why the uniforms, why the team names when we’re not really racing for a team prize? Maybe they’re like me, being on a team or part of a group makes running easier – having 'teammates' that understand the effort it takes to stay motivated and train goes a long way. Maybe being on a team is fun because, even deep down, it appeals to our desire to be a part of something bigger, even in this individual of all sports.
The Slow Old Goats (aka The Soggy Woggers) is our team. This is our Slogan:
We may be OLD, but we're SLOW...
- You must be SLOW
- You must be OLD (over 40)
- You must be a GOAT
We will consider two out of three, because we do have some on our team that are obviously not Slow, but they are Old Goats. We even bumped a guy up from the JV team (he was 39), because he forgot his anniversary to go running, thereby proving that he is a Goat (at least according to his wife), and well on his way to being Old.
We’re thinking of branching out too. The women’s team will now be known as The Nanny Goats, while those that do not meet the OLD criteria will be relegated to The Billy Goats (because they’re just kids anyway…).
You must also have a sense of humor, obviously.
Go to any local race and you’re sure to see The Workout Group (WOGGERS), The Grinders, and a host of other racing teams toeing the line. Why the uniforms, why the team names when we’re not really racing for a team prize? Maybe they’re like me, being on a team or part of a group makes running easier – having 'teammates' that understand the effort it takes to stay motivated and train goes a long way. Maybe being on a team is fun because, even deep down, it appeals to our desire to be a part of something bigger, even in this individual of all sports.
The Slow Old Goats (aka The Soggy Woggers) is our team. This is our Slogan:
We may be OLD, but we're SLOW...
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Will Running Save the Economy?
I read an article the other day pointing out that, even in these tough economic times, several retail categories and brands have bucked the downward trend and continue to show positive growth. Gold coins, Wal-Mart, Dollar Tree and Goodwill Industries are up. Booze sales are down at bars, but up at local retailers. Times are tough no doubt, but these products on the rise caught my eye: Spam, running shoes and chocolate. These are hot items in cool economic times and for a good reason – they make us feel good. Well, SPAM is debatable, but there is no doubt about chocolate and running shoes.
A good pair of running shoes will get you about 400 miles down the road. Depending on your training, this can be anywhere from 2 – 5 months or more (we'll talk shoes later). A minimal investment for a pair of shorts and shirt and you are well on your way. Running produces endorphins, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and removes stress, just a few of the ways to ‘improve’ your body’s economy.
If you think about it, running improves the Tucson economy as well:
Undoubtedly we are blessed with one of the best places to run in the world. Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Monument East (and West), Catalina State Park, the Rillito River Path, Agua Caliente and Reid Park are just a few places runners convene to ‘improve’ the economy. Maybe it is a stretch to think that running will change the economy – but it will improve yours (that and about 30 minutes to burn off the SPAM sandwich you had for lunch…).
A good pair of running shoes will get you about 400 miles down the road. Depending on your training, this can be anywhere from 2 – 5 months or more (we'll talk shoes later). A minimal investment for a pair of shorts and shirt and you are well on your way. Running produces endorphins, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and removes stress, just a few of the ways to ‘improve’ your body’s economy.
If you think about it, running improves the Tucson economy as well:
- The Southern Arizona Roadrunners have nearly 5,000 finishers in their first eight races this year. Races were held all over town using the resources of local retailers, merchants and facilities.
- More than 150 meet regularly at the Meet Me at Maynard’s social run downtown.Many stay and eat, drink and socialize.
- There are nearly 10 local running groups that provide coaching, workouts and training partners for free or a small fee. These runners patronize local running shops, health food stores and other establishments.
- Tucson is home to many world class athletes, proving a draw for other athletes to travel here and train.
Undoubtedly we are blessed with one of the best places to run in the world. Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Monument East (and West), Catalina State Park, the Rillito River Path, Agua Caliente and Reid Park are just a few places runners convene to ‘improve’ the economy. Maybe it is a stretch to think that running will change the economy – but it will improve yours (that and about 30 minutes to burn off the SPAM sandwich you had for lunch…).
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Break a sweat with a running man
Tim Bentley is an avid and active member of Tucson’s running community. He’s also on the board of the Southern Arizona Roadrunners, regularly runs with the Workout Group and even directs some races.
You may break a sweat trying to keep up with this “Running Man,” but your efforts will surely be rewarded with some insights, tips and info on the running scene in Tucson and beyond.
You may break a sweat trying to keep up with this “Running Man,” but your efforts will surely be rewarded with some insights, tips and info on the running scene in Tucson and beyond.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)