Spring training links

http://www.runillinoismarathon.blogspot.com/

This is the group that was training for the frost toes now carried over for the marathon. They have formal meetings tues/thurs and sat.

http://frost-toes.blogspot.com/

http://springfieldhalfwits.blogspot.com/

The New Year is coming and we want you back in 2009!!

SO It may have been a while since you have done anything, but NEW YEAR and NEW YOU!
I hear we already had one "biggest Loser" from our group Chris K. Congrats from all of us Sticks.
Maria, Christi and myself combined have lost at least 60 lbs with hopes of more in next year. We completed the 9.3 miles at Shoreline and The FROSTBITE 10 miles... Let's all work together to meet our New years Resolutions.. Putting them in writing and achieving them is part of it! If you need anyone to be accountable to we would love to help you!
Don't forget to sign up for Abe's Army again.
Looking forward to a great new year and new STICKS!
Melanie, Maria, Susan and Christi

Hello out there...

Is anybody out there??? Running??? Walking??? Breathing????
If you haven't been out there, you need to get out there! The weather has been awesome, no excuses please... Fall races coming up are The Halloween Hustle-fun run, Arthritis Jingle Bell run or walk-5k Run, Frostbite 2 or 10 miles.
I will not tell you any lies! The frostbite course looks very intimidating. But if you train hard, anything is possible. Look forward to seeing some of you out there !
Melanie, Maria, Christi and Susan

Shoreline Classic 15K

Susan busts a move to the fun music. . . it was amazing, every song was one of her favorites.
Karol busts a few moves with Suan before the race.
Melanie taking a picture of me taking a picture of her.
Team Sticks represent at the Shoreline Classic 15K. Susan places 3rd in her age group. WAY TO GO SUSAN!

Hello ladies and gent

Haven't heard from any of you sticks, hope you haven't fallen off the branch and become floating logs! Hope to see you out at a few of the fall races. The leaders minus Christi(on call) are doing the Shoreline, we have all four been doing the runs on the weekends, just on Sunday mornings at the trail. We did our long one last week and that was a challenge but we did it!
Keep in touch your leaders..
Melanie, Susan , Maria and Christi

Celebration with Wine

A huge thank you to the team for the great cake, wine and gifts for your leaders. I plan to return to It's All About Wine for more Wednesday and Friday night fun. Thanks for being such a great team. Your Leader! Maria

Anyone wanting to run on Sunday morning is welcome to join us. . . Melanie, Christi and myself at 630am at Lost Bridge Trail. . . Distance determined that morning. FYI we covered 7.45 miles last Sunday.

Celebration with Team Sticks

Next Wednesday Aug. 27 at 5:45 stop by It's All About Wine for a Team Sticks celebration.
Flights by the glass or bottle. Bring your 10% discount card and lets celebrate one last time as a team.

If you can make it drop Vera a note at the email listed below.

mtcookie57@comcast.net

The Team Photo

Less than 24 hours to go!

Hello Sticks!
Less than 24 hours to go. I hope you are relaxing today. Don't forget to drink your water and watch what you eat. No heavy greasy food. Try pasta or rice dishes and maybe some lean protein. Please eat in the morning at least one hour before the race, preferably 2 hours before. We will meet you at the restrooms for a group photo and any last minute questions. Don't forget to pick up your packet today 12-5pm at Athleticare South Sixth Street.
Maria

Picnic Head Count Needed

Abe's Army needs a head count from our group regarding who might be attending the final picnic next Tuesday at 5:45 (same place in Lincoln Park). It will be catered by Turasky's and there is no cost involved. Adult beverages may be brought as well as long as people are discreet. Obviously, us STICKS would sit together. Please let Susan know if you'll be able to attend by the end of today or first thing tomorrow. Remember, we're meeting at the bathrooms just south of the pork patio area at 7 ayem on Sunday for a group huddle and photo. Go, STICKS!! Sergeant Stick

Walk in the Park

Way to go everyone. Great times tonight and loved the Popsicles. Thank you Jill. Things to remember. Don't over do it on Thursday, 2 miles is enough. Eat right and rest. Sunday will be an awesome day for everyone. You have trained hard and we can't wait to see what you will do.

We will meet everyone Sunday morning at 7am in front of the bathrooms. We will take a team photo and then talk about race strategy. Please eat in the morning but no later than 6:30am.

Your Leaders,
Susan, Melanie, Christi and Maria

Shirts

Team Sticks shirts are ready. $10 each. We will have them tonight (Tuesday, Aug 12th) at Washington Park Tennis Courts at 5:45 pm for anyone interested in purchasing.

Last Tuesday

Tuesday night we will be meeting at Washington Park by the tennis courts at 545pm. We will be talking about Race Day Strategy, Packet Pick Up, Hydration, pre race Food.

The shirts should be finished and anyone wishing to buy one can that night. We should have them with us and know the total for each shirt. They are a sleeveless white dri release shirt with the Team Sticks Logo. Hope you plan to wear your shirt on race day.

Go TEAM STICKS!

JJ on Thursday

Jill and Jasmine hit the trail tonight for 5 miles. Way to go ladies. Times are looking very good for both of you. I loved the enthusiasm to tackle the hill at the end.

The shirts should be ready for Tuesday night. We should know the final cost by then too.

Notes for the week

Thursday night (Aug 7th) - IDOT Lost Bridge Trail 4-5 miles with Susan & Maria @ 545pm

Saturday morning 730am with Maria, IDOT Washington Park Picnic Pavilion (start of WDF 2008) 5-6 miles - I have a confirmation. Way to go Jasmine, I will see you there!

Sunday morning 630am with Melanie and Christi, IDOT Lost Bridge Trail 6 miles.

Don't pass up these opportunities to get this distance in. Next week we will be cutting back to prepare ourselves for the race on Sunday.

TeamShirts are going to the shop for imprinting. They are a sleeveless non fitted dry wicking shirt. White with the logo shown previously on the blog. Hope you plan to wear them on race day. We do!

Please be thinking about next Saturday. There will be packet pick up on Saturday from Noon -5pm at Athleticare on South 6th Street and you will receive another shirt for Abe's Amble and you need to start thinking about your pre race supper for Saturday night. Maybe consider pasta as a main dish. For tips on breakfast for Sunday see a posting earlier on this site. Drink plenty of water all day Saturday and Sunday morning too. We are nearing the end of your training and we are excited to see what everyone can do. We are proud of our TEAM STICKS!

Finishing

The finish line at last years Abe's Amble.

This was when Melanie was crossing the line.

Remember, We will be there for you. Whether we are behind you, next to you or meeting you at the milkshake stand for the last run in.

Melanie and Christie coming out of the Cemetery.

Saturday update

Congrats to Angie P., Karen, Vera and Jill for finishing the Abe's Amble course this morning. The weather wasn't bad...all things considered. Angie learned something the hard way but I"ll let her share her story on Tuesday. Which brings me to Tuesday - let's meet at the IDOT Lost Bridge Trail at 5:45 for 6 miles of shade. I'll have water at the 2 and 3 mile marks. I'm going to ask that you all pay more attention to pace and attempt to buddy up with a running/walking partner that evening. Also, STICKS shirts are in the making so we'll talk about those more on Tuesday as well. Remember, cotton is rotten....:-) Sergeant Stick and Maria
It's not too late to see the course - join Mel and Cristie Sunday ayem.

Or another option..

Sunday AM at the Grandstand, at aprox 0645 we will take off for the same course
Melanie and Christi

Saturday - Abe's Amble

Hope to see several STICKS 7:30 ayem in front of the Grandstand Saturday morning ready to give it a try. We'll cover the entire course and have several water stops available (stop as you want or need). It's going to be another hot, humid day so hydrate the evening before. Also, if possible eat some breakfast at least one hour before we take off. See you then. Sergeant STICK and Maria

Idea For Shirt Design

This is an idea that I came up with. Let us know if you like it. We can get prices for shirts. We will need sizes too.

Pre Race Food

Taken from

http://www.yourrunning.com/forum-best_pre_race_food

The night before:
Higher carb meal: 300 g carbs in meal and snack, moderate in fiber, easy on fat, plenty of fluid. ex: pasta dishes, rice dishes, lean protein, cooked veggies.

The day of, about 2 hours prior:
cereals, breads, crackers, fruit, juices, jelly
Example of pre-event meals:

390 calories and 75 g carbs (this is my pre-event meal of choice for 10k)
2 slices of toast of 1 small bagel
1 large banana
1 tbsp jelly
1 tbsp peanut butter
water

Last July workout!!!!!

It's hard to believe that we're almost there but it's true. Many of you have put in a lot of hard work and it's starting to show. Great job this morning. Jazmon completed 5 miles!!!! This Tuesday we're going to meet at the Main Gate of the fairgrounds and leave from there for the mock Abe's Amble. I'll have water for everybody when we return and there will be water on the course. Please hydrate BEFORE you leave that day and consider combining gatorade with water (1/2 of each). You can park your cars in the old Happy Hollow are along the street down "Main Street" of the fairgrounds or behind the Illinois Building. We'll meet at 5:45 and take off then and return to that point. Next Saturday we'll attempt a full Abe's Amble for those who wish starting at 8 a.m. at the Grandstand and I'll have water at the beginning of the Cemetery and the 3 mile mark (war memorial). The final Tuesday I was thinking about having us return to the Lost Bridge Trail for a solid 10K workout with pacing, shade and fun. Let me know what you think. It's YOUR workout and I want you all to feel like it's helping you meet your goal. Sergeant Stick, Maria, Cristi and Melanie

Awesome!

You all did a great job tonight. I personally love this trail and feel good on it. It was a nice change of pace and kept everyone pretty cool.
I have posted a few questions if you could so kindly respond.
1. The leaders will do everything in our powers to make sure you all have someone to run you in on race day ( unless of course you beat me......:) but Susan will make sure you come in if you are ahead of me! and Maria will make sure you have a picture to prove it, we were thinking that if we had a "team" shirt of some sort like orange it would help us identify you on the course and cheer you on when we see you and run you in... I remember last year my boss came and ran me in , it was nice to have that much needed motivation and inspiration at the end of the course. We will let you know details of price etc if you show the interest!
2. We were thinking of a get together sometime before the race to sit and chat and of course eat some good food.
See you all on Saturday at the war memorials at 0800... for another 4.5 miles of fun.
Melanie

Crunch Time

Two things....if you're going out in this heat and humidity, be sure and hydrate well prior to doing so and possibly consider a route that keeps you close to home in case you get to feeling light headed. All STICK leaders will do everything in our power to help you reach your goal as we close in on the last month of training. If you feel you'd like extra help, please contact any of us and we'll try to accommodate our schedules to train with you. I can possibly train early in the morning (like 6 or so) on any week day or any evening except Thursdays. Let us know if you want or need our help. Don't panic about the upcoming mock Abe's Amble at the end of the month. We are considering starting at the Main Gate vs. the Grand Stand which would give us around 5 vs. 6 and be more where we are then. If you feel completely comfortable with the challenge of a full 10K, you are welcome to go with the rest of the training groups but that is our current thought now. Everyone should be pretty comfortable (hah!) with run/walking 4 miles now and we're going to work up from here. No, it's NOT EASY but you're doing it and that's all that matters. Keep showing up. Enlist friends and family to help as your support team. Put running/walking in your calendar. Make it a priority. Your health should be a priority. Sergeant Stick

Dodging a bullet

Many Sticks took advantage of Saturday's run opportunity and the opportunity to see the hardest part of the course. Great Job! It started raining - hard - about 10 minutes after we finished. Phew! That would not have been fun. We'll be working up to 4.5 miles this Tuesday and probably will include some hill work - sorry, it's necessary. I'm very proud of each and every one of you for all your hard work and dedication. It's paying off. You're close to meeting your goal. See ya Tuesday. Don't forget Sunday's opportunity with Mel and Cristi if you missed Saturday. Maria and Susan

Sunday

Will be at the war memorial as well. 0700. We will be there!
Hope to see you,
Melanie and Christi
Please let us know by email or call my cell phone so we wait for you..
741-6469

Saturday grind

If you want to be prepared for Abe's Amble, consider joining fellow STICKS at the War Monument end of the cemetery tomorrow morning at 8 ayem for 4 miles back and forth through the cemetery portion of the course into Lincoln Park. You will once again work at your own pace. I'll have water available at one of the shelters at Lincoln Park. No, it's not easy but it will definitely prepare you for the race. You'll see the majority of the hills of the course. Please consider joining us. IT'S FOR YOUR OWN GOOD!!!! If you can't make it, I believe Mel and Cristi or running at the IDOT Lost Bridget Trail Sunday morning. See you tomorrow at 8. Maria and Susan

Just an update on a fellow stick

Just spoke with Vera she said she was being babysat by her neighbor, she wanted to thank everyone who came to her assistance tonight and helped her out. She was feeling much better.
Just a reminder to everyone let your body be your guide. Tonight was the true test of endurance. Way to go to all that came out an endured the heat.
Keep drinking - water that is....
See you Sat or Sunday AM both will be at the war memorial for about 4 miles, Sat time I think I heard was 0800 and Sun time about 0700,
I will post if a different time.
Melanie

Tonights Route 4 miles

Tonight we plan to run about 4 miles. There will be water at the 2 mile mark.

Way to go Sgt. Stick!

Way to go Susan you are officially know on our blog and the Abe's blog as Sgt Stick! No really,
You did an awesome job of coordinating the Women's Distance Festival, great turnout, great shirts, great prizes and a great time!
Glad to see all of our female sticks out there participating and doing some killer times, as well as some of the male ones out there cheering them on! The results are posted on the link if you want to see your fellow runners times. Proud of you all for your efforts.
See you Tuesday,
Melanie, Christi and Maria

Sergeant Stick reporting

I'm not sure what was a prouder moment - seeing all those STICKS (including my fellow leaders) today at WDF or being the race director of the Women's Distance Festival. Your support was very much appreciated and I loved see you this morning. I have to say lack of sleep can make the mind a little crazy but I hope all of you had as much fun as me. I heard some good stories about your successes today and I want to hear more on Tuesday so be prepared to share. Because some of you missed last Tuesday's make-up run on Wednesday so we'll stay at the 4 mile mark and repeat the route of last Tuesday. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate on these hot humid days. Proud Sergeant Stick (Susan)

Looking Good!

Christi and I ran with Linda and Jeff they kicked some butt!
Linda beat her 3 mile time by almost 5 minutes (40:--) and Jeff right on target with consistency at 40 minutes and some change, they finished out at a pretty good pace didn't catch the exact time for their 4 miles. I know the first 5 ladies that went out had some good times too! WAY TO GO STICKS!!!! Hope to see you Saturday at the park, I could probably do another lap after for anyone wanting to run 4 there would just be a break in that time. That is the hardest part of the course and to have those times shows that you guys are doing something in between the week!
Keep up the good work,
Melanie, Christi, Susan and Maria

Satruday Run

This Saturday we will be running in Washington Park at the Women's Distance Festival. If you haven't signed up yet do so now. The link to the website is at the right of this post. The race is $20 and you get a great shirt for the price. If you can't run come out and cheer on those of us who are running. Melanie, Christie and my children will be running in the Kids Fun Run. I will post photos after the race. Have a great week running. See you Saturday, if not then on Tuesday. - Maria

Saturday Senators

Hats off again to those who showed up Saturday to join Maria and me (Jill, Angie and Karen - Carol is on the DL) for a repeat of last week. We once again did the back half of the course which is the toughest part - starting from the war memorials back into Lincoln Park and returning. It's hills, heat and humidity - what Abe's Amble is all about. Jill actually had some great training partners - her husband Bruce, boxer Maggie and Maria and she completed 4 miles on Saturday. Great job, Jill. Angie improved her 5K time from Tuesday. Karen led the pack. We encourage all STICKS to join us on our Saturday or Sunday morning workouts. There is definitely power in the group.

Tuesday we will work towards 4 miles and also allow everyone to work a little more at their pace, similar to the 5K. This means some will run 5 and walk 2 and some will still keep with the current 2 and 2 pace which is great. We will indirectly head back to the fairgrounds by way of Ridgely School and the back roads through the main gate and to the grandstand and then west and back south out gate 11 on to Lincoln Park and then loop around for a total close to 4. After this week, we may have to move our longer runs to the weekends but we'll talk as a group. Hang in there....you're all improving and meeting your goal - to FINISH!!!!!! Susan, Maria, Christi and Mel

5k Practice Race

Way to go STICKS! You are half way there. Please remember on race/run days to hydrate and eat properly. This will help with your overall time. Susan and I (Maria) will be running on Saturday again from the War Memorials. We will cover about 3.5 miles and attack the hill from both directions. This is great practice for race day. If you can't run on Saturday and want to run on Sunday you need to email Christi. She will not go if she doesn't hear from anyone. Keep pounding the ground at least 2 mores times this week and we will see everyone on Tuesday.

Half Way and Going Strong

The Sticks showed what they were made of during the half way 5K tonight, with everybody finishing under an hour. The course had some hills and lots of hot pavement so it was less than ideal. Good job to all. Saturday Maria and I will once again be available for the same 3.4 mile course starting at 8:30 at the war memorial side (parking available) of Oak Ridge Cemetery and basically covering the harder half of Abe's Amble. We'll continue the two and two pace and start to allow people to cover it at their own pace. Water will be provided at the half way point. Next week we'll move to closer to 4 miles (probably 3.8ish) and continue the 2 walk/2 run pace. PLEASE BE SURE AND RUN/WALK AT LEAST TWO TIMES BETWEEN EACH TUESDAY. It's only going to get tougher from here on out. We want to make sure everybody can finish in August. We're very proud of all of you. Susan, Maria, Christi, and Mel
P.S. Don't forget to register for the Women's Distance Festival at womensdistance.com or getmeregistered.com. That's July 12th. I'm the race director and it would mean a great deal to me to see you there. Bring your kids (if you have them). The kid's fun run is FREE! Thanks.

Saturday - more than cartoons

Four sticks joined Maria and me for an almost 3.5 run/walk Saturday on the toughest part of the course. We started at the war monument end (normally at the 3 mile mark of the regular course) and headed back through the cemetery up and down a few hills out of the cemetery down 4th street and to Lincoln Park for a quick water break. We hit "big bertha" both ways. Our weather was good but the humidity was climbing. A special "hats off" to Jill, Carol, Angie and Karen for coming out on a Saturday and facing the toughest half of the course. You are putting yourselves in great shape for a good finish in August. Come join us next Saturday at 8:30 when we do it again. We'll see everybody else at the Grandstand on Tuesday (park in lot 21) for the mock 5K (3.1 miles). Leaders will be available if you want their support. Go, sticks!!!Maria and Susan

Half Way

You all did a great job tonight so give yourself some credit. We increased both our mileage (3.1) and pace - 2 minute walk/2 minute run, not to mention a couple of hills including "big bertha". Thanks for your continued smiles and support of each other. It won't get easier but I have great faith if you continue to put in the work, you WILL succeed. Next Tuesday we'll all meet at the fairgrounds and park in lot 21 I believe. We'll be running a fun run 5K (same distance as tonight) and let's plan to run together if you wish or try to run it yourself if you don't want the support. This Saturday, Maria and I will meet interested STICKS at 8:30 a.m.the war monument side of the cemetery (off Walnut) - park there- where we will run that side of the course for 1.5 miles and then return to our starting point. We'll do the same pace as today. Congratulations. Continue to train at least 2 more times/week 35-40 minutes/each time. You can count your Saturday or Sunday run with us as one of those. We've been lucky on the weather. Trust me...it could be worse. Susan, Maria, Christi and Mel

Be Careful Out There

Attack last night on Wabash Trail.

http://www.sj-r.com/news/x415944972/Jogger-fights-off-would-be-rapist

Please read the article above and run with a partner.

Below is taken form Abe's Army Website.
Know Your Running Safety Rules:
Information obtained from the book "Running for Dummies"~

Most running safety rules are just common sense. But you see so many runners — both male and female — who violate them every day that a rules review is indeed in order.

Consider the following:

Don't wear headsets. This is the No. 1 rule for safe running. Why? Because when you listen to music or the radio while running outside, you can't hear car horns, cyclists, or, heaven forbid, the footsteps of someone coming up behind you.

"But I love to listen to my music!" is a common response from those who refuse to give up their headsets. Fine. Wear them when you're running on a treadmill. But when you're outside, especially when you're on the roads, you are simply asking for trouble if you tune out your surroundings. (Side note~I no longer run with my IPOD but when I did I used to only wear one headphone in one ear).

Run against traffic. A bicycle is considered a vehicle, so it is subject to the same laws as cars and trucks. Cyclists ride with traffic. You are not a vehicle. You are a runner. You are also in a highly vulnerable position if you're running near cars, trucks, and bicycles.

So the best way to prevent an untimely meeting with one of these vehicles is to be able to see them. That means running on the side of the road or on the sidewalk and running while facing traffic.

If you run at night, make yourself visible. Wear light-colored clothing and invest a few dollars in a reflective vest, which you can purchase at a local running store.

Don't challenge cars to a race. If you and a car are both approaching an intersection, stop and let the car go first. (News flash: They're faster than you.)

Beware of stopped cars waiting to make a right turn. Stop and wait until they make the turn, or run behind them.

Run with others. This may be the easiest way to avoid problems altogether. Sharing the road with other runners is also a great way to stay motivated and to enjoy the sport.

If you must run alone, a treadmill at home or at a health club is a much safer option. A local track also offers some protection, but not if you're running alone and after dark.

Avoid running alone in unpopulated, unfamiliar areas and stay away from trails surrounded by heavy brush.

Do not wear jewelry. But do carry identification or write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe. (Side note~Your Abe's Army Smart ID Tag should be worn at ALL times).

Always trust your intuition. If you're unsure about a person or a place, avoid it.

Carry a noisemaker or get training in self-defense and the use of pepper spray. And always call police if something happens to you or someone else or if you see something or someone suspicious.

Don't stop to give directions to strangers in cars if you are running alone.

Sorry you missed the run

Well we were out and ready to go at 7:00 at the IDOT trail, we managed to get a good 4 miles in despite not having any sticks to lead. I will be out of town the next two Sunday mornings, so if you want to run you will need to respond on the blog, so that Christi knows whether or not to go to the trail. Keep training!
We are appoaching the half way mark and have had AWESOME weather compared to last year.
Way to go Linda and Jill, that last hill is a killer when you are feeling a little exhausted already. Just goes to show you will have it in you come August!
Melanie

New Tuesday Route

Sorry about the confusion but here's the new Tuesday route. We'll head out of our starting point, turning right and taking the same loop around Lincoln Park as last week but continue almost back around to our starting point. Then we'll heads turn towards the Cemetery (right and left) and down "the hill" and staying on 4th street until we turn west or right on Eastman. Then right or north on Monument to the entrance of the Cemetery and a water stop. That will be our 1.5 mile mark. We'll reverse the route and, yes, this time we'll go up "the hill". We'll use a 2 minute walk/2 minute run pace this week and get feedback from all. Into the next week (July 1st), we'll all meet at the fairgrounds for a mock 5K race (fun run). Please be sure and hydrate and get at least two other walks/walk-runs in per week. Enjoy this cooler weather. Susan

Saturday morning run

I was one proud leader this morning watching Linda and Jill run/walk 3 miles at the new 2 minute walk/2 minute run pace. They did an excellent job and even ran at the end up that "not so nice" hill. The rest of you missed a great day, terrific weather and the opportunity to witness two ladies having a great day. I didn't realize the fairgrounds is closed AGAIN on Tuesday so we'll have to plan another route. This is frustrating for all of us. I'll be back in touch with a new route once I put my thinking cap on. Thanks for your patience. Susan

Saturday morning run

Next Tuesday - meeting starting/ending point

Next Tuesday we'll head left out of the parking lot in Lincoln Park and out of the park turning right onto Sangamon Avenue and then straight east until Gate 11 by the Department of Ag and Frannie's buildings. We'll turn left and head down that hill past where the high school rodeo is held on the left and past the UofI extension office on the left and then turn right just past the extension office at the sheep barn on the right (yes, I used to work out there). We'll go one block to a "T" and turn right and head back towards the Grandstand. The grandstand is on the left at this point. We'll stop there for some water or gatorade. This is the starting and ending point of Abe's Amble. We'll then head south from there, following the road up past the firestation and past Ethnic Village to the Main Gate and turn right and head back to Lincoln Park but enter the park and swing left vs. right, heading back to our original point. We'll be attempting a 2/2 pace - 2 minute walk/2 minute jog. Please be sure and hydrate and please be sure and get a workout in this weekend. Again, no consecutive days of running. I did that this week I confess and I'm paying for it today!!!! I know better. See you soon. Go, Sticks!!! Susan

Way to go!

We are very proud of everyone that made it tonight and put in the distance. I will be with Susan on Saturday to help everyone make that 3 mile challenge. The hard work pays off and you will be very proud of yourself on race day when you cross that finish line.

Hanging Tough

Another Tuesday night has come and gone, a few STICKS have moved to other groups (good for you) and a few STICKS are missing in action but we all still love you. Tonight we covered 2.5 miles at our 3 minute walk/2 minute run pace. Next week we'll move to something close to 3 miles and attempt a 2 minute walk/2 minute run pace. This Saturday I'll run with anybody for 3 miles at IDOT again (Lost Bridge Trail) at 8:30 a.m. Please respond on the Blog if you plan to attend. Thanks. Susan
P.S. I think Maria might join me and I'm pretty sure Mel and Christi will do the Sunday morning walk/run.
Congrats to all of you who are sticking with it (pardon the pun) and making the commitment. It's not easy but, yes, it's worth it.

More of the course - of course

Rumor has it the Fairgrounds is closed on Tuesday for the other half of Abe's Army, but we'll still meet at Lincoln Park. We'll use this time to explore more of the course, covering parts of "miles 4ish and 5ish and then heading back and covering parts of 1 and 2". I realize that doesn't make much sense to you now, but it will. We will continue our 3/2 walk-run pace and cover 2.5 miles. The following week, we'll head into the fairgrounds and possibly use a Saturday workout to cover the cemetery, starting from the war monuments.
Great job to all you STICKS you made it out for a weekend workout, whether with the group or otherwise. Continue to hydrate, use the stairs whenever you can, park far away from stores and shops for that extra workout and remain positive. You are a very positive, wonderful group of people. Susan, Melanie, Marie and Christi

Making It

Whether you got to the end of our course first or last you should be proud. Everyone that started out finished the course. That is great, and if you keep up the hard work I promise come August you will be ready to run or run/walk Abe's Amble and you will be so proud of yourself. Please do your best to get some more runs in this week. I know it is hard to do by yourself but it does help with runs on Tuesday nights. Susan and I will be available on Saturday to run and Melanie and Christi will be available on Sunday. Way to go STICKS!!!

Getting it Done

Great job to you all for finishing another week. PLEASE don't forget to train at least 2 other times between Tuesday's. This can be a long bike ride, swim or long walk or walk/run. Ideally, it should be at least 30 minutes in duration. I'll post everybody's name and number tomorrow so you can possibly find a workout buddy in the group.
You are welcome to join Maria and me on Saturday at the IDOT Lost Bridge trail at 8:30 for another workout. I believe Christi and Melanie will be holding one on Sunday morning. I'll provide water.
Finally, some of you may feel you need to move to a faster group with more running vs. walking. We're all about supporting you and making sure you have a successful race day. If you are interested in this, please let one of us know and we'll help make that happen. You can always return to The Sticks if you wish.
Hydrate, rest and know that you are on target to reach a true milestone - complete a 10K. Susan

Sticks Explore the Course

Tomorrow, we'll increase our time slightly and explore part of the Abe's Amble course. We'll take the downhill side of heartbreak hill (go down, not up :-)) and then head to the entrance of the cemetery, get some water, stretch and regroup and then head north on Monument Avenue to North Grand Avenue, turn west until we hit 4th Street and then head south back into Lincoln Park, taking the left fork back to our starting point. In a couple of weeks we'll use a Saturday training to hit the cemetery, starting at the War Monument end and working our way backwards to the entrance. Be sure and hydrate all day tomorrow - water or juice or gatorade preferred. Get some sleep tonight. We're all proud of our awesome STICKS. Susan, Maria, Melanie and Christi
P.S. I want to hear some success stories tomorrow like if anybody is using part of their lunch hour to walk or taking some stairs vs. elevators.

Terrific Two

Showed up this morning bright and early for the run walk combo of two miles at a 3:2 run/walk combo. You are doing great!! Keep your head up and feet on the ground and you will cross that line on August 19th with pride!
I think Christi and I are going to stick to a Sunday morning run, for now at IDOT until we get a little more hill work under our belts. This will help the couples in the group that have a spouse that is doing it with them and offer variety of training times on weekends.
Just let us know if you plan on attending so we know if for some reason we have to cancel at the last minute.
Keep up the good work,
Melanie

Elite Eight

Eight brave Sticks hit the Lost Bridge IDOT trail Saturday morning and got their 2 mile walk/run combination in between storms. Great job, everybody. We did the usual walk/run combination out for a mile - had a quick water stop and returned. Somebody asked about running clothes (dri release). I'd check Kohl's, T.J. Maxx or the Running Center. I know Kohl's is having a sale now. For those of you having some shin splints, etc....come to practice early on Tuesday and let's talk to the AthletiCare trainer. Finally, if you need to get in touch with me directly, my e-mail is susan.helm@comcast.net. Again, I'm very proud of each and every one of you. You're on track to finish Abe's Amble. Take Pride!!!! Susan

Sunday morning run

For those of you who can't make it on Saturday, Melanie and I will be at the IDOT trail bright and early (and before it has time to heat up) at 7am on this Sunday morning. Great job yesterday! Everyone should be run-walking 30 min tomorrow... I know it is going to be hot but drink plenty of water, grab a friend and go for it! You can do it!

I Agree, Great Job

Hey Sticks, What a great job everyone did. According to my Garmin you burned approximately 300 calories last night. You should be very proud of yourselves.

Great Job!!!

Great job, Sticks! You completed close to 2 miles on a very humid evening. You're 1/3rd of the way there!!!! Next week we'll head towards the cemetery and look for more shade. I'm going to be available at the IDOT (Department of Transportation) trail at 8:30 this Saturday for anybody who wants to go 2 miles. It's a very shady course. I'll provide some water and there is a porta potty. Please let me know if anybody will be showing up. We'll go the same pace. Continue to hydrate on your walking/running days. You are all doing a great job and on pace to complete Abe's Amble.

Tonights Route

Don't be scared. This is just a bit more than what you ran last week when your group was put together. We will start with a warm up walk. See you tonight.

Body Glide

Body Glide is a friend to runners of all sizes. It helps with blistering and chaffing. You can use it were two parts might rub together. . . arms, thighs, or even your toes. I recommend it for anyone with red sore areas after running. We can talk more about it on Tuesday. You can find it at the Running Center behind County Market in White Oaks West.

Tuesday Night

Weather Forecast
Looking ahead, we meet rain or shine just not lightning or shine, so come if it looks bad we will call then, we can at least meet and discuss our plans, introduce a bit etc... Look at it like there is a 40% chance nothing will happen and we get to run!
Of course if like Friday night certainly take cover and email later.
Melanie

Tuesday - 2nd meeting

I've created a route for Tuesday that should take us about 30 minutes to complete. We'll do some power walking and try a combination of walking and slooooooooooooooow running. We'll stretch first, stretch mid-way and stretch again at the end. Please be sure and drink throughout the day prior to us getting together. If you want to bring bottled water with you, label it and I'll carry it with me and we'll stop mid-way. I personally think it's dangerous to run with bottled water in your hand. We'll have a leader at the front and the back and two in the middle so you'll have lots of support. We're not going to focus on distance yet...only time. I'm very proud of all of you just for returning on Tuesday. We'll discuss getting together this Saturday morning if you'd like.
Go, Sticks!!!!!!!!

Tuesady Night

Can't wait to get started Tuesday night. Go Sticks!
Maria

What have you been doing???

Just a reminder even though we have not started "officially" every foot in front of the other counts. Don't wait for Tuesday, get out there and smell the fresh air! Last year one of our leaders said it doesn't matter about speed, pace at this point COVER THE DISTANCE(or TIME FRAME with some form of physical activity) . So at least walk and we will coach you into the other next week. Start small THINK BIG!
You can all do it!
Melanie

The Group

First look at the Group. See everyone next week.

After Abe's Amble 2007

After Abe's Amble 2007
Susan and Maria

The Sticks

WELCOME to Team "The Sticks"

Welcome

You found it!
Look forward to seeing you next Tuesday night!
Melanie