FLEET FEET Flyer: November 2009
| STL Solo 26.2 | Visibility Gear | Heart Zones | FFTT | Apparel |
| Eric's Wedding | Sunset Social | Garmin 310XT | Upcoming Races | Lola |
Welcome,
Friends! (And a goodbye...)
You know what's so great about the running community? It's really more like a family. From the friendships forged during training runs to the camaraderie at local races (and, of course, our love for the latest gear), runners are an intrepid group always ready for fun and adventure. No sooner are we done with one race than we sign up for another.
It is with much gratitude, humility, and excitement that I complete my run with the FLEET FEET Flyer and introduce to you the new editor of the Flyer, Rachel Schroeder. We are thrilled to have Rachel as a member of the FLEET FEET family, and we look forward to continuing the Flyer under her skilled direction!
Thank you, again, FLEET FEET family, for a great
run. As always, all the best with your training and happy running!
Sincerely,
Amy Marxkors
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We are excited to send out the FLEET FEET Flyer, and we would love to hear back from you! Feel free to send any comments directly to me via email. Happy Running!
Sincerely,
Amy Marxkors
Editor
Click here to view past FLEET FEET Flyers!
Running the St. Louis Solo Marathon
How faith, family, and friends created a marathon experience to
remember.
Avid runner Michelle Pottebaum was excited about making her debut in the marathon distance. A homeschooling mom with six young children, she knew finding the time to train for a marathon would not be an easy task. However, with the support of her family and the anticipation of running with her brother and good friend, she began training for the 2009 Chicago Marathon.
Little did she know her first marathon would take place far from the bib-numbered masses in Chicago.
When unforeseen events prevented her from making the trip to Chicago, Michelle was faced with a choice: postpone her big marathon until a more opportune time or run her first marathon… alone… on the streets of St. Louis county.
She opted for the latter, and thus the St. Louis Solo was born.
As it turned out, however, the St. Louis Solo was anything but “solo.” An outpouring of family and friends created a marathon experience (they even set up aid stations!) along the 26.2-mile route, cheering her on from her first steps to the moment she crossed the finish line on her parents’ driveway.
Michelle will be the first to tell you it was more than just the challenge of running a marathon or the love of the sport that motivated her to run despite a succession of obstacles. There was a purpose behind her marathon—a deeper purpose that extended beyond physical endurance, a purpose that would continue to make itself clearer with every mile.
After four months of training and two weeks prior to the Chicago Marathon, Michelle canceled her trip in order to visit with her family, including her brother Michael, who was flying in from Wyoming. Her husband and six kids, however, weren’t going to let her dream of running a marathon come to naught.
After I explained to my family my reasons for staying home, my three oldest sons came up with a plan of their own. “You have to run the race! You’ve worked so hard!” John exclaimed. “You can run your race in St. Louis!” Caleb suggested. Josh came up with the idea of me running my own marathon from our home in west St. Louis County to my parents' house in Ladue where Michael would be staying. The rest of the kids quickly jumped on the idea, and the St. Louis Solo was born.
The kids were excited about the plan, and my dear husband Joe engaged the crazy project. He drove the streets and created a detailed map of the 26.2-mile course, ensuring there would be safe sidewalks and desirable bathroom stops along the way. Heather [Michelle’s friend who originally was to run the Chicago Marathon with her] now had her cast off and had nursed her leg back to health. She offered to run an eight-mile leg of the race with me in the memory of the Chicago dream. Meanwhile, our neighbor Jeff-- without my knowledge—informed our friends and family about the race, route, and time.
Race day finally arrived. It was forty degrees and dark. My Dad and brother jumped in the back seat of the car as my husband drove me to the starting point. They dropped me off in the middle of a country highway. Michael-- even with his injury-- jumped out of the car and surprised me by announcing he was going to run the first leg. We yelled, “On your mark! Get set! Go!” and we were off, listening to the cheers of Joe and my dad as we set our pace.
Mile after mile, Michelle was surprised by friends and family. Some
were there to cheer; others were there to run with her. They brought GU
packets and energy bars, orange slices and electrolyte tablets. They
took turns carrying her water bottle. They gave advice. They prayed with
her. They talked about future marathons. Michelle’s husband Joe
continued to drive the course as the “lead vehicle,” directing the way.
Within the first mile we came to an intersection with people cheering and holding signs. Our neighbors and their kids had come out to encourage me. They handed me GU packets and orange slices and refreshed my water. I was humbled and deeply moved. At miles two, three, four-- and every mile after that-- stood other friends, cheering wildly, waving homemade signs, and offering love and support. Adults and children moved from mile marker to mile marker, cheering and stomping. Our dear friends, the Parhams, drove alongside me, blaring music from their car to pump me up with the biggest variety of songs I've ever heard on a single iPod. Emily, the sister of my "uber-runner" friend, joined me for several miles. Then my neighbor Mindy, an elite triathlete and runner, jumped in with a fanny-pack full of goodies, offering me energy bars and tissues and gels the entire time she ran. During the whole race, I was never without support and sustenance.
At the most unfamiliar and hilly section of the race, our dear friend from Bible study, Ray, a veteran of forty-eight marathons and numerous ultramarathons, joined us. He had run this particular portion of the course before and was familiar with its challenges. He ran in front of me to block the wind, protect me from cars, and allow me to draft. Ray prayed out loud as we ran. The prayer was simple. He asked Jesus to help me run this race the same way I want to run the race of life: with my whole heart and effort, for the glory of the Lord. I fed on that prayer.
The last miles were challenging. Unpredictable hills left me taxed, and the cold left me numb. But my friends and family were there, refocusing me and running beside me until the end. My mind was set and my focus was fixed on the finish line.
As I neared my parents’ house, I saw my six children, rooting me on. “Go
Mom...you can do it!” they yelled. Even our four year-old cheered! We
rounded the last curve that led to my parents’ neighborhood, and I
spotted my youngest brother and sister-in-law on a curb, cheering for me
and holding post-race water and Starbucks. In the final mile, a sea of
twenty young people—my kids, their cousins, and their friends—joined me,
running beside me down the hills that led to the finish line. “C’mon,
Mrs. P.!” “You can do it, Mom!” Even my husband Joe ran the last
half-mile with me.
Soon, we came to the finish line at my parents’ house. There was a hot pink banner, three feet high and twelve feet long, stretched between the two brick pillars at the end of the driveway. My mom, dad, friends, and family lined the street as I officially crossed the finish line. I looked at my watch. It was Boston-qualifying time.
The way the St. Louis Solo unfolded was all so unexpected. It was humbling, amazing, and so much more than my race. It was a picture of the race of life. It was a picture of my reliance on Jesus who satisfies me in all areas. Far greater than the joy of completing the race was the joy of seeing genuine love being poured out. Any observer would note that “Many Working to Help One” was the headline story. It was a showering of love-- unexpected and undeserved-- but so needed for the completion. That day transcended an accomplishment of one person; it was a collective effort. We need each other. Together, may we help each other run the race of life set before us, with our whole heart, with all our effort, and to the glory of the Lord.
Visibility Gear for Night Running
Be visible. Be safe.
It's official. The clocks have fallen back. And while the days are shorter, our long runs aren't. Night running (or early morning running, for that matter) demands visibility gear. It's a fairly simply philosophy: The more visible you are, the safer you are. Thus, if you find yourself running sans sun, you need something that screams, "Watch out! I'm here!"
Enter our visibility gear. From Brooks' Nightlife Visibility Cap (check out the flashing LED light on the back) to Amphipod's Xinglet's ultra-minimalist design (it's a reflective "non-vest" for those who want the visibility of a reflective vest without all the bulk), we've got what you need for smart running.
Brooks Nightlife Visibility Cap: All the perks of a technical running cap (lightweight, breathable) in Brooks' heralded Nightlife line. Featuring Nightlife neon yellow, reflective seaming, logo, and insets, as well as a flashing LED light on the back adjustable strap, this hat is a year-round, go-to staple. Price: $23.99.
Amphipod Xinglet: The newest addition to our visibility line, Amphipod's Xinglet is a hybrid between a reflective vest and freewheeling suspenders. Ultra-minimalist and ultralight, the Xinglet is perfect for those who want al the benefits of a reflective vest without all the bulk. Price: $24.99.
Amphipod Flash LED Arm/Ankle Band: It's lightweight, it flashes, and it can be worn around the arm or ankle. Detach the LED light from the band and clip it on your shirt, your shorts, a bag, or whatever else needs to be seen. Price: $15.99.
Amphipod 360 Full-Viz Reflective Belt: Staying true to classic Amphipod tradition, the 360 Full-Viz Reflective Belt is streamlined, lightweight, and highly visible. The best feature? A zippered pocked to store your key, I.D., money, or even a wayward GU. Price: $19.99.
Nathan Acid Reflex LED Snap Band: Providing more than 1200 feet of flashing LED visibility, the Acid Reflex LED Snap Band easily attaches to your wrist, arm, ankle, or backpack. Price: $16.99.
Nathan Reflex Reflective Snap Bands: Loved snap bracelets back in the day? Check out Nathan's Reflex Reflective Snap Bands. Offering more than 400 feet of visibility, these snap bands come in pairs (so feel free to share). Price: $9.99.
Petzl Tikkina and Tikka Plus Headlamps: Simply put, if you can see what's in front of you, you're less likely to trip over it. (This I know from experience.) For a basic floodbeam, check out the Tikkina Headlamp; for various modes of brightness (ranging from maximum to economy to a flashing "visibility" mode), try the Tikka Plus. Both the Tikkina and Tikka Plus are lightweight, bounce-proof, and water resistant. Price: Tikkina: $23.95; Tikka Plus: $34.95.
Heart Zones Showcase with Sally Edwards
Learn to get fit (and fitter) with innovative training programs
for fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike!
Join Heart Zones founder and CEO and legendary triathlete Sally Edwards on November 7th-8th at the West County Family YMCA in Chesterfield for the Heart Zones 2009 SHOWCASE, the debut event for four new individual and health club fitness programs. Each program in this exciting event features cardio-training that incorporates the latest in science-based training to help you maximize your workout. Whether you are new to exercising, a veteran triathlete, or a fitness professional, the Heart Zones 2009 Showcase has a program for you.
Wanna register? Simply
visit the Heart Zones 2009 Showcase website and choose the program
that fits your interests!
Power Training for Indoor and Outdoor Cycling
This program,
designed to improve both indoor and outdoor riding performance, offers a
new way to cardio-train using power meters and the Keiser M-3 Indoor
Cycle. Led by one of America's most experienced outdoor and indoor
cyclists, Gene Nacey, this program teaches participants how to use a
power-meter on an indoor bike to maximize indoor and outdoor riding, how
to administer a threshold power test to set power riding zones, and how
to lead an indoor ride using the new watt meter to individualize the
ride in a group setting.
Fresh Off the Couch
Led by Marla Fields and Cris Kessler,
the authors of the the book of the same name, Fresh Off the Couch is an
8-hour course designed to teach participants how to "launch or restart"
a fitness lifestyle. Participants will learn how to use a heart rate
monitor; estimate, understand, and use individual heart rate zones; know
the benefits of each heart rate zone; set personal fitness goals; and
create a personal training plan. Each participant will also receive a
copy of Fresh Off the Couch and a new heart rate monitor, the BION
Blink.
Kids to the Max
This program is designed to help
you make a difference in the fight against childhood obesity. The new
"Kids to the Max" 8-week program provides the tools, skills, and
certification you need to lead an after-school or health club program
for children ages 8-15.
Indoor Triathlon Coaching Program and Certification
An
8-hour course designed to teach and certify individuals to lead an
8-week group training program for an indoor triathlon. Triathlon is one
of the fastest-growing activities in sports. Learn the coaching skills
and techniques you need to work with groups, teams, and individuals
training for an indoor triathlon. Plus, get equipped to be a race
director for an indoor event!
The Heart Zones 2009 Showcase will be held on November 7th and 8th at the West County Family YMCA in Chesterfield, Missouri. For more information, contact Joy Jones at the West County Family YMCA: 636-532-6515 (ext. 259).
To register, contact Jocelyn Young at Heart Zones USA, Sacramento, California: 916-481-7283. You can also register online.
For more information about Heart Zones and all of the Heart Zones 2009 Showcase programs, visit the Heart Zones website.
Learn more about legendary triathlete, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and pioneer Sally Edwards!
Register Now for FLEET FEET's Spring
Training Teams!
Want to run the GO!St. Louis Marathon or Half Marathon this spring? We'll get you there.
Join the FLEET FEET Training Team Spring Program and be on your way to a
successful race day! Whether you are ready to take your first steps or
you are running your tenth marathon, the FLEET FEET Training Team has a
group for you. All of our programs are led by experienced and dedicated
coaches who are ready to help you reach your personal goals and provide
encouragement and support- from the first day of training to the finish
line. Training schedules are professionally and specifically designed
with the goal distance and pace groups' abilities in mind.
Other Training Team program perks include group long runs on Saturday mornings showcasing St. Louis' best running routes, optional weekly group workouts, training tips and support from the coaching staff, pre-run dynamic warm-up and stretching, discounts on FLEET FEET purchases during training program, interactive clinics, race day pacing and support, a post-race celebration, and social events with coaches and fellow members.
Registration for the Spring Marathon and Half Marathon Programs is now open! The Full Marathon Program begins Saturday, December 12th; the Half Marathon Program begins Saturday, January 16th. Download a registration form and learn more about the FLEET FEET Spring Training Team. Visit the Training Team website for more information about all of the FLEET FEET Training Team Programs!
Apparel Highlight: Saucony
DryLete Sport Top (Men's and Women's)
The sleeve blinks. How cool is that?
Leading the way in running technology, Saucony combines next-to-skin comfort and LED visibility technology in their DryLete Sport Top. The DryLete fabric provides superior moisture transfer and warmth, while the Optech LX contrast panels at the shoulder and collar provide 360 degrees of breathable visibility. The kicker is a flashing LED light and holster on the right sleeve for ultimate night (or early morning) running safety. (See? We told you the sleeve blinks!)
The DryLete Sport Top also features a smooth face zipper and zipper garage, a zippered front security pocket, and a shaped hem for improved fit and style. For those daytime runs, the DryLete Sport Top provides 50+ UPF permanent UV protection.
Saucony's DryLete Sport Top is available at FLEET FEET Chesterfield, FLEET FEET Fenton and FLEET FEET St. Charles. Price: (Women's) $69.99; (Men's) $74.99.
FLEET FEET-er Eric Krone Ties
the Knot
Congratulations to longtime Fleet Feet-er Eric Krone and
his wife Angie who tied the knot on October 10th!
Popular Sunset Social (and Wear Test) Runs Return!
FLEET FEET is excited to announce the return of our popular Sunset Social Runs! The Sunset Socials are weekly group runs designed to bring together runners of all different ages and abilities for group runs in a fun, relaxed setting. Running routes vary from 3 to 5 miles in length (depending on location), and you have the choice of running in St. Charles (Tuesdays), Fenton (Wednesdays), or Chesterfield (Thursdays). After the run, Sunset Socialites can head out for food and drink! Sunset Social Runs are open to everyone and free of charge.
Sunset Social Runs will meet weekly from November 1st, 2009, to March 14th, 2010 (Daylight Savings Time end to begin). Note that Sunset Socials have a new, earlier starting time of 6:30PM
Plus, join us in St. Charles on Tuesday, November 10th, and in Fenton on
Wednesday, November 11th, for an opportunity to wear test the New
Balance 1225 and the 758. Everyone who participates in the New Balance
wear test will be entered in a drawing to win a free pair shoes!
St. Charles Sunset Social Runs will be held on Tuesday evenings at 6:30PM from FLEET FEET St. Charles. Check out the St. Charles Sunset Social 5-mile route! After the run, head to Tequilla Mexican Restaurant for food and drink. The first St. Charles Sunset Social is Tuesday, November 3rd.
Fenton Sunset Social Runs will be held on Wednesday evenings at 6:30PM from FLEET FEET Fenton. The Fenton Sunset Social route is 3 to 5miles. After the run, head to d.Dooley's 026 Grill for food and drink. The first Fenton Sunset Social is Wednesday, November 4th.
Chesterfield Sunset Social Runs will be held on Thursday evenings at 6:30PM from FLEET FEET Chesterfield. Chesterfield Sunset Social route 3 to 5miles! After the run, head to East Coast Pizza for food and drink. The first Chesterfield Sunset Social is Thursday, November 5th.
We suggest that runners at the Sunset Socials wear reflective vests or apparel, headlamps, and/or flashing L.E.D. armbands for safety and visibility. If you have any questions, please contact Kristen via email.
We hope to see you there!
Get $50 back on the Garmin 310XT between 10/09 and the end of the
year!
There has never been a better time to purchase a Garmin 310XT! Whether you are training for an upcoming triathlon, searching for that perfect Christmas gift, or just love the latest and greatest in sports technology, look no further than the Garmin 310XT, the paradigm of GPS distance monitors. Featuring swim-proof construction and a 20-hour battery life, this trainer tracks your workouts from the pool to the bike to the run and back again. And now through December 31st, 2009, you can get a $50 mail-in rebate on your Garmin 310XT.*
Download the Garmin mail-in rebate offer form.
Garmin 310XT
is available at FLEET FEET Chesterfield, FLEET FEET Fenton, FLEET
FEET St. Charles and
online!
*Terms and conditions apply.
Up Upcoming Races
City of Arnold Gobble-Gobble 5K/10K
Start your Thanksgiving Day with a cool, breezy 10K or 5K in scenic Arnold City Park. Join over 600 participants on Thanksgiving morning in the 3rd Annual Gobble Gobble Run/Walk presented by the City of Arnold Tourism Commission and sponsored by St. Anthony's Urgent Care, Koch Development, and Bethesda Health Group. Both the 10K run and a 5K run/walk start at 8:00AM.
Awards will be given to the top overall male and female finishers, and to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 14 & under, 15 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 & over. An awards ceremony will begin at 9:30AM. The entire course is in the park and closed to traffic.
All participants will receive a long sleeve shirt. There will be plenty of post-race attendance prizes, Starbucks coffee, 180 energy drinks, and other refreshments available. There will also be post-race massages by Mother Earth Natural Solutions.
You may register online, by downloading an entry form, or in-person at Arnold City Hall through Tuesday, November 24th. After that, you may register in-person at Arnold City Hall on Wednesday, November 25th, from 9:00AM-8:00PM. You may also register on race day (until the start of the race). Registration is $20; race day registration is $25. For more information, please visit the race website or call 636-296-2100.
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10th Annual Chesterfield Turkey Trot 5K and Kids 1K Fun Run
Join over 2,500 participants on Thanksgiving morning in the 10th Annual Chesterfield Turkey Trot! This fun event is presented by the City of Chesterfield Parks & Recreation Department and will be held at the West County Family YMCA in Chesterfield. The 5K starts 8:30AM, and the 1K fun run for ages 10 & under begins at 9:15AM.
Long sleeve t-shirts will be given to the first 2,000 registered 5K participants and to the first 200 fun run participants. Awards will be given to the top overall male & female finishers, as well as to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 12 & under, 13 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 & over. Awards ceremony will begin at 9:30AM. Roads are closed to traffic for the duration of both events.
You may register by mail (download an entry form); in-person at Chesterfield City Hall through Tuesday, November 24th; or online through Sunday, November 22rd. After that, you may register in-person only on Wednesday, November 25th, until 7:00PM, at Chesterfield City Hall. No race day registrations will be available. Packet pick-up will be at Chesterfield City Hall on Wednesday, November 25th, from 10AM-7PM; and on race morning, starting at 7:00AM, at the West County YMCA.
For more information, please visit the race website or call 636-537-4000.
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The 50th Annual Great River Road Run is set for Saturday, November 28th, at 10:00AM, in Alton, Illinois! This 10-mile race is an out-and-back course that is both flat and scenic, perfect for a PR or for those wanting a beautiful run. This event will also feature a 2-mile run/walk beginning at 10:10AM. Join us for this fun event-- a holiday tradition-- held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving!
The first 1500 entrants will receive a long sleeve Dri-Fit t-shirt, a commemorative pin, and post-race refreshments. Plaques will be given to the top 3 men and women in the Open Division (39 and under) and to the top 3 in the Masters Division (40 and over). There will be an awards ceremony at the finish line for these finishers. Medals will be awarded in the chute to the top 50 men and women, as well as to the top 15 finishers in the Supermasters (65+).
Race day registration and packet pickup is at the Eagles Club in Alton from 8:00AM-9:30AM. Cost is $25 online through November 25th; $30 mail-in through November 21st; and $35 on race day. In the 2-mile race, registration for participants 17-and-under is $15. You can register online or download an entry form.
For more information, visit the race website, call 618-259-2261, or email Russ.
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Join us in celebrating the 4th Annual Dash to the Den 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, December 6th, presented by the Timberland Track and Field Team. This event will be held at Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville and is for all ages and furry friends! The race starts at 9:00AM.
Awards will be given to the top overall male & female finishers, as well as to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 12 & under, 13 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 and over. There will also be a pet and stroller division to include all members of your family. An awards ceremony will begin at 10:30AM.
You may register online. Registration is $15 before November 25th and $20 after that. Race day registration is available. Packet pick-up and race day registration is from 7:00AM-8:30AM. Long sleeve t-shirts, breakfast, and water will be given to all participants. For more information, please contact Ami Schulte or call 636-327-3988 x 27572.
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View Full Race Calendar