February
2010: Love of Fitness
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Hello,
Friends!
In the midst of the frigid weather and ice-covered trails, we can still manage to find warmth somewhere. We can discover it in the heated rays of the sun, a steaming cup of hot cocoa, in the flames of a fireplace or right in our very own hearts.
Valentine’s day is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate than to remember the love for running. People who love runners. Or even runners who love runners. This month we highlighted the stories of a few couples who took their romance to the races.
The Go! St. Louis Training Team officially started last month for all participants and we wish them luck in their endeavor to complete the full or half marathon! For those not able to participate in this training team, there are still more opportunities for you! On March 17, No Boundaries kicks off their program to guide that TRUE beginner to complete your first 5K race in May!
We would like to extend our love for the sport out to you. Either through races, events, seminars or in social runs. Everyone loves running for different reasons. Some use it as a release at the end of a stressful day, others enjoy the fellowship of the running community. Whatever running means for you: Do what you love and love what you do!
“I always loved running - it was something you
could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any
direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt
like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet
and the courage of your lungs.”
--Jesse Owens
Running with you,
Rachel Schroeder
Editor
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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,
Rachel Schroeder
Editor
Click here to view past FLEET FEET Flyers!
How many miles would you go for the one you love?
This is not a hypothetical question, but instead, quite literal. The
love for running brought these couples together in three delightful
stories about Romance at the Races.
Doug Witzke and Heidi Siegrist - St. Louis Marathon
Remember that saying from elementary school: “First is the worst, second
is the best?" Ten years ago, at the Flat Five Race in St. Charles,
this saying held some truth.
Heidi Siegrist, a FLEET FEET employee, was timing the race. The expected first place finisher, Tom Breckenridge sprinted across the finish line followed by Doug Witzke, a new name in the racing world.
“I thought he was really cute. I grabbed his tag from him, said good job and only briefly saw him after the race before I had to rush to work,” said Heidi.
Heidi did not give a second thought to the cute guy until a month and a half later, when Doug wandered into FLEET FEET to purchase a shirt. Unaware that Heidi worked at the store, it was a pleasant surprise for both.
“He was trying to buy a FLEET FEET shirt, but in an XL. I told him that he needed a medium. That is when he laughed and said, 'You haven’t seen me do laundry!' ” Heidi said.
After the second “chanced” meeting, Doug worked up the courage to call the store and ask for Heidi’s number. Luckily, Heidi answered and Doug asked her out.
After running countless races together, the most memorable race was at
the 2001 GO! St. Louis Marathon. After dating for about a year, Doug was
ready to pop the question.
“My parents were even there. I had no idea what was going to happen, but I thought it was cute that they were out there braving the cold and the rain with me,” said Heidi.
Doug finished the race with time to spare. He changed clothes, rested and waited for Heidi to finish. Wearing his FLEET FEET singlet, he began complaining about something in his back shirt pocket. An irritable and tired Heidi reached in to help him and pulled out a ring.
“He didn’t get down on one knee, but I can’t blame him after running a
marathon,” said Heidi.
Since then, Heidi and Doug Witzke have ran a few races together and keep
the sport a part of their lives.
“Running is what brought us together! If I wasn’t at the race and he wasn’t running, then we wouldn’t have met,” said the now Mrs. Witzke.
Although the couple does not technically run together during the races, Mrs. Witzke always knows that her husband will be at the finish line waiting for her, a reminder of why she loves him.
“This sport has always been an important part of our lives, and I look forward to passing the love of the sport along to our kids,” said Mrs. Witzke.
The couple was married October 26, 2001 and now have two children: Emma and Abby.
Ron Gubitz and Leslie Smith - Proposed at Lewis and Clark Half
Marathon Mile 12
If you have ever ran a half marathon, marathon or even a 5K, you can
imagine what it would be like to somehow manage to kneel down on one
knee in the middle of a race. Your legs are screaming, your lungs are
wheezing and your heart is pounding. Now add the pressure of proposing.
Ron Gubitz managed to pull off a planned proposal to Leslie Smith at mile 12 at the Lewis and Clark Half Marathon.
“I just wanted it to be close enough to the end, but not at the end. I wanted it to be a moment just for us,” said Ron.
In 2008 Ron and Leslie ran the Lewis and Clark Half Marathon for their
first race together. The ending was not what they hoped. After the race,
they came home to a flooded basement due to Hurricane Ike. With their
lives placed on hold for eight months, Ron wanted to make the 2009 race
one they would remember; for different reasons.
Trying to keep the plans a surprise, Ron tried to lure all of Leslie’s family and friends under the guise of some other excuse. When that didn’t work, Ron called every single person and let them in on the plans. With the exception of two people, everyone was able to fly in for the special day. They waited at the finish line for the newly engaged couple.
“I had NO CLUE. Ron does not keep much from me, so when he did this, I couldn’t believe it. I think he was even kind of insulted that I didn’t think he would do this. I am not saying I don’t think he could pull it off, but I didn’t think he would go so BIG!” said Leslie.
Ron knew it was going to be big. That is why he claims it was the worst
12 miles he had to run.
“It is hard to run 12 miles when you know what is going to happen. I
couldn’t breathe and I barely slept the night before,” said Ron.
At the mile marker, one of Ron’s friends was standing at the side as a indicator that it was time. Ron ran over, grabbed the ring and knelt down on his exhausted legs. The rhyme that he recited is as follows:
“The race is almost over, but our lives are far from done.
You're compassionate, beautiful and we have tons of fun.
From the very start you crawled into my heart,
And if I ever tried to leave it was because of the farts.
It took a long time to save up this scrilla and I'll take it right back
if you become a bridezilla.
So now you got Ron G, down on one knee
Asking the question, will you spend the rest of your life with me?”
Leslie barely heard the rehearsed lines because her eyes were glued to
the sparkly item on Ron’s finger. As she finally let out a “Yes”, gave
him a kiss, the couple ran off to finish the last mile together.
Leslie, on the other hand, was having a great 12 miles before the proposal. While Ron felt like a the weight of the world had been lifted off of him, Leslie was so excited that she didn’t even care if they finished the race.
“I was in no mood to finish the race, I had to get my inhaler. It was the hardest last mile for me to do because I was so overwhelmed,” said Leslie.
Finishing the race together, Leslie and Ron were welcomed by all of their family and friends. The second biggest surprise.
“As we were running, I kept saying who I needed to call as soon as we finished. But then there they all were! They took a picture of my face when I saw everyone. I am just smiling with my hand on my heart,” said Leslie.
The couple plans on getting married on May 30, 2010.
Congratulations Ron and Leslie!
George Wescott and Sarah Ignash - Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
George Wescott had been planning this for months. After six months of
dating, all he had to do was finish a marathon and wait for his
girlfriend, Sarah Ignash to cross the finish line at the Indianapolis
Monumental Marathon. Sarah's first marathon was a success, with a small
added bonus at the end.
The plans for the big day had been assisted by the couple's running group, the race director and the announcer. George was able to arrive at the finish line in enough time to prepare for the proposal. He had the ring, an extra marathon medal and a customized water bottle created for Sarah that included a picture of them with the words "Sarah and George marathon" engagement November 7th, 2009.
The marathon was a rough one for the couple. George “went down” at mile 15, due to dehydration and Sarah hung back with a friend who was sick. George waited one nerve-racking hour for Sarah to cross the finish line. Sarah headed into the last stretch of the 26.2 miles, while a small girl (friend of the family) held up a sign: "Sarah Will You?"
"Sarah never even saw the sign!" says George. "She was more focused on helping her sick friend cross the finish line."
As she crossed the finish line, she saw her running group and the small crowd of people that had gathered to watch the proposal. George pulled her aside handed her the water bottle and placed the medal around her neck.
"She took a drink and handed it back to me," says George. "I don't think she realized what was going on until after it was all over."
George got down on one knee. "Will you marry me?" Of course, she said
yes! The wonderful news was announced over the speakers to the entire
crowd, who responded with a loud applause.
Congratulations to George and Sarah!
The couple plans on getting married on September 19, 2010.
Las Vegas Marathon
Run-Thru Wedding Ceremony
Running has brought couples together for years. The Las Vegas Marathon
brings it to a different level, allowing couples to tie the knot during
the race.
In the past year, 85 couples were married or renewed their vows in front of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, 3.5 miles into the course.
At a quick three minute ceremony, conducted by Running Reverend Jaimie Firzlaff, the couples are married in a mass group with the "Running Elvis" as their witness. Couples run in veils, white skirts and even top hats to make this moment one they will remember.
Ceremony is based on a 15-minute pace and as couples run through to the wedding site, they are quickly married and then they continue on to finish their marathon. Some couples even manage to be served wedding cake en route.
Interested in this race? Check it out online.
We hope that all of you will continue the love for the races. Who knows, maybe you will find your romance at your next race! The Romance at the Races will continue on. We wish all the happy couples the best of luck on and off the course.
Constantly changing weather leads to a constantly changing wardrobe. The right apparel is important whether you are trying to keep your New Year's Resolution at the closest gym or adapting to rain or shine for outdoor activities. To ease into the transitional season or workout, these are a few items that we think might do the trick.
-
Women's Pro Fitted
Short-Sleeve and
Long-Sleeve V-necks—The silky fabric is designed in a
semi-fitted style along with backwards wrapped side seams for
chafe-free workouts. Both shirts are non-restrictive and given a
fashionable neckline. These are two of our most popular styles
to date. $24.99 and $29.99 respectively.
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Women's Tempo Track Short—Made with a 3.5
inch inseam and awesome micro-fiber fabric that moves with the
body. The low-rise waistband does not constrict your mid-section
and the added mesh sides give ventilation and better range of
motion. Includes an internal key pocket. This continued #1 short
for Nike fits numerous women and works well in a wide variety of
activities. $27.99
-
Men's Pro Fitted
Long-Sleeve--Dri-FIT is a
stretch fabric perfect for your base layer. Designed for optimal
ventilation and moisture management and includes strategically
designed seams for enhanced comfort during performance.
Fashioned contrast piping on the neckband. $29.99
-
Men's Tempo 7" Two-In-One Short—This short
is not short of anything. With the perfect mix of a stretch
jersey boxer liner and stretch woven short, it is the
quintessential combination. Made with elastic waist, secured
zipper pocket at center back, contrast insets, internal key
pocket and reflective logo. $49.99
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Men's 5" Stretch Woven Short—This great Dri-FIT
stretch woven short has added mesh insets for breathability. The
short is superior to others when testing range of motion. Other
characteristics include: secure zipper pocket, external pocket
on right side seam for added storage, reflective taping on
outseam for safety and a built in Dri-FIT brief liner. Also
comes with interior key pocket too! This is a top seller at
FLEET FEET St. Louis. $34.99
Items are available online and at FLEET FEET Sports St. Louis locations: Chesterfield, Fenton and St. Charles.
No Boundaries Registration Now Open!
bound·a·ries noun (pl.): something that indicates the farthest limit.
No Boundaries: the program that helps you push those limits out of your
way!
Starting on Wednesday, March 17 the spring No Boundaries program begins.
This is a TRUE beginner 10-week program that will help you gradually
build up to running, run/walking or walking a 5K (3.1 miles) distance.
Our dedicated coaches will guide you from your first steps to completing
the May 22nd Run for the Stars 5K goal race. Coached group workouts are
on Wednesday evenings (6:30 p.m.) and Saturday mornings (7:00 a.m.) at
Creve Coeur Lake Park.
Check out this RUNinspired video on the
No Boundaries website!
Program Participants receive:
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10 week training schedule with daily workouts
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Coached group runs on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings for any ability: run, run/walk, or walk
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Seminars and clinics on injury and prevention, nutrition, how to dress in the ever-changing St. Louis weather, and cross training
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Race day support and post-party at the Run for the Stars 5K
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Discounts at FLEET FEET Sports during the training period
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A technical No Boundaries training shirt
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Support and encouragement from a dedicated coaching staff
Registration is now open. Program fee is $75 (race entry fee not
included).
Please contact
Kristen via email with any questions.
Quivering Quads Trail Half Marathon is
Back
In 1994, FLEET FEET Sports hosted the inaugural Quivering Quads Trail Runs within the boundaries of beautiful Cuivre River State Park. The unique event incorporated race distances of 10 kilometers, 13.1 miles, 50 kilometers and 50 miles. 175 runners entered the inaugural event - which immediately became a fixture on the St. Louis area's running calendar. By 1998, QQ was attracting the maximum field of 400 entrants, making it the largest trail run in Missouri and an event of some national prominence. The race was regularly featured in Ultrarunning Magazine and earned mention in Kirk Johnson's 2001 book To the Edge, which documented the world of ultramarathoning. The race went into hiatus after 2003's 10th annual event so that FLEET FEET could attend to the growth of their Lewis & Clark Marathon and Half Marathon.
On Sunday, March 21, 2010, QQ returns to the race calendar as the Quivering Quads Trail Half Marathon. Get more details and register now!
Need trail shoes for the big race? Check out our
stock online
or at any FLEET FEET Sports store:
Chesterfield,
Fenton and
St. Charles.
New February Seminars: Shin Pain and Knee Problems
Seminar topic: Shin Pain with Dr. Matt
Bayes, MD
The Orthopedic Center of St. Louis
Dr. Bayes will focus on shin pain: causes, treatments and prevention.
Registration is now open, please
RSVP. Spots are limited.
Seminar topic: Problems of the
Knee with Meg Taff, MPT
ProRehab
Physical and Sports Therapy
Problems of the knee, prevention, and treatment will be highlighted.
Topics will include Patellofemoral syndrome, IT band syndrome and
hamstring strains. Registration is now open, please
RSVP. Spots are limited.
FLEET FEET Runners Club
The FLEET FEET Runners Club members enjoyed a delicious Chili Supper
on Jan. 10. After the meal, they turned to business. Topics such as
how to build the running community, memorials, yearly calendar
information and charitable donations were discussed. The next
Runners Club event will be a held on Saturday, Feb. 20: Movie Night!
Running the Sahara will be showing.
Email David to join us!
The Runners Club meets every Saturday morning in Old Town St.
Charles. They take to the rolling hills and weave through the
neighborhood homes for a great running route. The run begins at 7
a.m. and then the group heads to St. Louis Bread Company for a warm
breakfast every third Saturday of the month. Come see what Runners
Club can offer you and/or
learn more
online.
Runner Club Member
Amanda Robinson
Ask the Expert: Do you have runner's
knee?
By: Matthew B. Lytle, D.C., ARTÒ
Most runners have experienced “runner’s knee,” and are familiar with its
symptoms. The pain occurs under or below the kneecap, and it gets worse
with longer runs. Walking up and down stairs after a long run can be
miserable, and if you can force yourself through an ice bath, the knee
feels better until the next long run. If this sounds like your knee,
then you are probably suffering from “runner’s knee.” Chances are you
may have tried: time off from running, quad strengthening exercises and
hamstring stretches. However, those recommendations typically result in
minimal progress.
Runner’s knee is most commonly caused by poor stabilization of the knee from the hamstrings. The hamstrings should pull back on the femur when the knee goes into extension, and when this does not efficiently occur then irritation to the patella and joint cartilage can arise. The hamstrings may not be stabilizing the knee for many reasons including: weakness, overuse/overtraining, hip dysfunction, or low back dysfunction. If a dysfunction exists in the low back or hip, then the hamstrings may be engaged as a protective mechanism to limit motion, and therefore will not perform as well when it comes to knee stabilization.
Icing or ice baths will help with the immediate inflammation, and patellar tendon wraps can help decrease pain while running. For long-term results, hamstring rehab exercises are usually necessary. However, if you have exhausted those options, then it is probably time to contact the doctor.
Contact Dr. Matthew Lytle directly or visit the Family Chiropractic website.
This core strengthening and stabilization class will get to the core
of your running. Your core muscles are the foundation of all of your
movements and are crucial in creating injury-free running. This five
week class begins Sunday, Feb. 21 and runs through Sunday, March 28
from 6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. at the
FLEET FEET St.
Charles store ( no class Sunday, March 14) . This is a
beginner/intermediate level class taught by a licensed Physical
therapist who will personalize the exercises to your ability level.
You will need to bring a yoga/exercise mat or large beach towel and
a stability ball. Class size is limited to 10. Cost $25.
Email Laura to reserve your spot in the class.
FLEET FEET Racing Team
The
FLEET FEET Racing Team had a fun-filled 2009 Awards party, honoring
members in overall performances and various racing categories. 2010
Racing Team has a few anticipated changes and will be incorporating
new elements in order to add to the racing team! Please join us in
making 2010 the best racing year yet! To be a part of this awesome
team, all you need to do is wear a FLEET FEET logo item in a race
and submit your race online within seven days. It is THAT easy to
start earning those Racing Team points!
Get the
details!
