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