RRKC Run Lit 2017

Run Lit Collage 2016 courtesy of Amy Stucky

Run Lit Collage 2016 courtesy of Amy Stucky

Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to run
on a beautiful winter day, hey.

We're dashing through the town
Our bodies all adorned
Along the roads we go
Laughing all the way, hey hey hey
Lights on body shine
Making spirits bright
Oh what fun it is to run
on Ward Parkway tonight.

Come celebrate the holidays with RRKC's annual Run Lit. Meet in the parking lot near the Filling Station Coffee Shop Westport location at 6pm on December 8th. We will run through the plaza. The course is 2.5 miles with the option to repeat the course for 5 miles. Dinner and drinks at the Beer Kitchen after the run. Bring your friends; the more the merrier!  

Battery operated lights can be found at many area hardware stores. 

Do run shoes matter? and How do I safely transition to new running shoes?

As most of you know, I am a licensed physical therapist. I specialize in injury prevention and treatment of all active people, but especially endurance athletes like area runners, cyclists and triathletes. 

I am excited to introduce you to my physical therapy website: coachamypt.com. It is a work in progress so it will evolve of the next several months. Check out "Coach Amy Says". This is a blog where I will post articles about injury prevention, injury treatment, and other topics related to maintaining wellness with an active lifestyle. The site also includes information on what I do as a physical therapist and how to make an appointment. 

Check out my first two articles from "Coach Amy Says": Do Run Shoes Matter? and How to Safely Transition to a New Run Shoe. Feel free to share them with friends and on social media! 

How Long Should My Training Plan Be? 5K, 13.1 and 26.2 Miles

 

As with many of my answers...it depends. Generally, plans can range from 12-30 weeks depending upon race goals, experience, age, life schedule, base mileage, and injury history. For example, runners age 40+ or those with a history of injuries need to factor in more time for recovery. Runners with hectic, stressful lives need to factor in more time to allow for missing runs. While those who are frequent racers, properly recover, maintain base mileage and fitness between races, can train in less time.

Recommended Base Mileage for Goal Pace Oriented Runners Prior to Commencing Training

  • Half: min base mileage 12 miles/week with a long run up to 4 miles
  • Full: min base mileage 22-24 miles/per week with a long run up to 10 miles. 

Goal pace oriented runners with experience and proper base mileage should consider 16/20 weeks, half/full marathon respectively, for a plan that takes into account recovery weekends and potential illnesses and other setbacks. 

Novice runners with less base mileage should consider 24/28 weeks, half/full marathon respectively, for a plan that takes into account recovery weekends and potential illnesses and other setbacks. 

True Couch Potatoes (inactive, no run experience) should consider a conservative walk/jog program of 6 mo. to safely prepare for a 5K. Training and racing 5K's and 10K's for a year is recommended before considering longer distances. Cardio fitness comes quickly but muscles and tendons take years to adapt to running. 

FAQ's Regarding RRKC Changes

We are excited about our new format! Thank you for your patience as we make this transition and please contact us info@roadrunnerskc.com if you have questions or feedback. 

With the changes, there are a lot of questions circulating. Here are the answers to some FAQ's:   

What happened to the run sessions?

Instead of run sessions or "seasons", we now offer ongoing Saturday morning group runs throughout the year (3-5 runs per month, depending upon the length of a month, holidays etc.). 

How do I sign up for membership?

Go to Home. Scroll down to see the menu of options: You will see Group Runs, Speed Work and Training Plans. To sign up, select the months you want to train from the drop down menu "Select Time" and add them to your cart. 

Can you auto charge my credit card every month so I don't have to remember to buy each month?

Currently, we are not set up for auto payment. It is a possibility for the future. In the meantime, if you would like to sign up for more than one month at a time, simply click on the months that you want to run with us and add them to your cart. 

What about speed work and training plans?

RRKC's offerings are now a la carte. Speed work and training plans are available at an additional cost. Go to Home for more details and to sign up. 

Where can we find the details about the group runs?

In the past, we posted details on the blog each week. Now you can find details about start location, time and distance on the Events section of the website. Home>News>Events. 

Are there still going to be aid stations?

Of course! We will have aid stations every two miles with sports drink, water and other needed supplies. 

Where are the flags?

The flags and mile markers are a thing of the past. But no worries! Members have access to the maps on the website: Home>News>Events. If you have a Garmin, you can download the map to your device. We recommend you study the map ahead of time and print the PDF version of it to bring with you on Saturday mornings! A group run leader will go over the map prior to the run. 

Will there still be group trips/races?

Yes! We are planning on the Newport Rhode Island half/full marathon for Spring 2017. Details will be announced soon. 

What are the distances going to be for the group runs?

Training runs will be anywhere from 10-22 miles and will reflect traditional race seasons. e.g. distances will gradually climb in January and increase through the spring in accordance with spring race training schedules. 

Jennifer Curtis Returns to Running Post Baby and Back Injury

Jennifer Jogging with Baby Laurel Rose 

Jennifer Jogging with Baby Laurel Rose 

Returning to running post pregnancy is no easy feat. There are lifestyle and physical changes after giving birth and these can make it an extra challenge to get back on the road again.

Sleepless nights, fluctuating hormones and a new schedule can wreak havoc on the best intentions to get up early for a run. 

During pregnancy, hormones cause ligaments to relax for the birthing process and abdominal muscles get stretched with a growing belly. These things can lead to instability of the lumbar spine and pelvis which in turn can lead to back injury and pain. 

Strengthening and a gradual return to sport and pre-pregnancy activities is important to prevent injury and maximize success. 

Jennifer is a great success story. She battled back injury and recently completed the KC half marathon, her first race after pregnancy just as her beautiful baby Laurel Rose celebrated her first birthday. 

Congratulations Jennifer and welcome back to the wonderful world of running!