Hey, guys:
The Northwest Indiana Times ran a great story last week on our marathon team. Here's the link to the article:
http://nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/article_110571b6-176e-55d5-8c5d-600008efb22b.html
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Keep Hydrated During the Race
Here's a great article on staying hydrated during the marathon from Runner's World. Thanks to team member Anne Kinsella for sending this in!
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-302--8785-1-3-2,00.html
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-302--8785-1-3-2,00.html
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Money for a Good Cause
I'm running the marathon this year for a good cause -- the American Heart Association. Part of my commitment to the marathon team is fundraising. We've each agreed to raise $1500 for the AHA, and I could use your help! If you can make a donation to the cause, please do so at www.runwithheartchicago.org.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Marathon Reading List
Hello, Start! Running Marathon Team! Can you believe the marathon is next month? I know you’re all training hard, and hopefully the cooler weather Chicago’s been having recently has made those longer runs a little easier. Keep with it! You’re doing a wonderful thing for yourself and for a great cause.
A few of you have asked me which running publications I read, so here are a few books and magazines that I’ve found especially helpful as I train for the marathon:
“Runners World”
This magazine is just fantastic. They have tips for runners of all levels, from novice to expert. I highly recommend picking this one up – they offer terrific advice on all aspects of running (training, equipment, diet, etc.) Great website, too!
“Marathoning for Mortals” by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield
“Marathon” and “Running: Getting Started” by Jeff Galloway
These books have been excellent resources for me. They’re incredibly thorough, and they address many of the problems you might be having as you progress in your training.
I know we’ve got some folks who follow this blog who aren’t part of the marathon team, and I’d like to encourage you to make a donation to the American Heart Association at www.runwithheartchicago.org. Your support means so much to me, and every dollar you donate goes to a wonderful organization. Please consider making a gift to the AHA to help us wipe out heart disease and stroke!
A few of you have asked me which running publications I read, so here are a few books and magazines that I’ve found especially helpful as I train for the marathon:
“Runners World”
This magazine is just fantastic. They have tips for runners of all levels, from novice to expert. I highly recommend picking this one up – they offer terrific advice on all aspects of running (training, equipment, diet, etc.) Great website, too!
“Marathoning for Mortals” by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield
“Marathon” and “Running: Getting Started” by Jeff Galloway
These books have been excellent resources for me. They’re incredibly thorough, and they address many of the problems you might be having as you progress in your training.
I know we’ve got some folks who follow this blog who aren’t part of the marathon team, and I’d like to encourage you to make a donation to the American Heart Association at www.runwithheartchicago.org. Your support means so much to me, and every dollar you donate goes to a wonderful organization. Please consider making a gift to the AHA to help us wipe out heart disease and stroke!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Great to meet you!
Thanks to all of you who came out to last night's marathon training run! It was a pleasure to meet you. Your dedication to your training and to the American Heart Association are an inspiration to me. I am proud to be a part of your team!
Here are some pictures from yesterday's run:
Here are some pictures from yesterday's run:
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Meet the Team on Thursday!
Hey, marathon team! I’m getting excited for our 4 mile run on Thursday. We are meeting at the NBC Plaza on Michigan Avenue (just south of the Tribune Tower) starting at 5:30 p.m. At around 6 p.m., we’ll head down to the lakefront path for our run.
I can’t wait to meet you guys! I want to take part in your journey and support you in your goals, just as you’re supporting the AHA through the marathon. And you’ll get to meet the other members of your team, people like you who are making positive changes in their own lives and in the lives of others.
I’m really looking forward to hearing your stories about why you’re running the marathon for the AHA. Every time I hear of a personal connection to the AHA, I get even more motivated to keep training for the race and raising money for this great organization.
So come on out and join us on Thursday! And bring any questions you might have about running – I may not have the answer right away, but we can do some research for you and get you the answer you need. Thanks, everyone! Looking forward to seeing you.
I can’t wait to meet you guys! I want to take part in your journey and support you in your goals, just as you’re supporting the AHA through the marathon. And you’ll get to meet the other members of your team, people like you who are making positive changes in their own lives and in the lives of others.
I’m really looking forward to hearing your stories about why you’re running the marathon for the AHA. Every time I hear of a personal connection to the AHA, I get even more motivated to keep training for the race and raising money for this great organization.
So come on out and join us on Thursday! And bring any questions you might have about running – I may not have the answer right away, but we can do some research for you and get you the answer you need. Thanks, everyone! Looking forward to seeing you.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
How many miles are in a 5K?
My uncle is running the marathon for our American Heart Association team, and he completed his first half marathon in Chicago this weekend! He loved the experience, and it’s made him even more excited to take on the marathon this fall.
His experience reminded me how important it is to get a few races under your belt before you get to the starting line of this year’s marathon. Start testing the waters by participating in a 5K or 10K race. That way you’ll learn what a corral is, you’ll know where to put your racing number, you’ll familiarize yourself with a running course – you’ll have the answers to all of those racing questions before marathon day. And you’ll experience what race-day jitters are like. Running a race is a completely different experience than training, and you can alleviate some of that stress by learning the racing culture ahead of time.
I can tell you firsthand how much that helped me. My first race was for the March of Dimes in April 2008. I can be a little absentminded, and I wasn’t as thorough as I should have been when I was preparing for it. I was sure it was a 5K race, and it wasn’t until mile 4 that I realized there was a problem. If a 5K race is only about three miles long, why is there a fourth mile on this course? I’m running, and I’m panting, and then I’m thinking, “are some 5Ks longer than others?” Turns out it was a 10K race.
So…lesson learned. You don’t go straight to graduation – you have to take the classes to get there. So sign up for smaller races and get a few notches on your belt before you take on the big race this fall. And hey, if nothing else, you can use all of those race medals you get to decorate your Christmas tree. :)
His experience reminded me how important it is to get a few races under your belt before you get to the starting line of this year’s marathon. Start testing the waters by participating in a 5K or 10K race. That way you’ll learn what a corral is, you’ll know where to put your racing number, you’ll familiarize yourself with a running course – you’ll have the answers to all of those racing questions before marathon day. And you’ll experience what race-day jitters are like. Running a race is a completely different experience than training, and you can alleviate some of that stress by learning the racing culture ahead of time.
I can tell you firsthand how much that helped me. My first race was for the March of Dimes in April 2008. I can be a little absentminded, and I wasn’t as thorough as I should have been when I was preparing for it. I was sure it was a 5K race, and it wasn’t until mile 4 that I realized there was a problem. If a 5K race is only about three miles long, why is there a fourth mile on this course? I’m running, and I’m panting, and then I’m thinking, “are some 5Ks longer than others?” Turns out it was a 10K race.
So…lesson learned. You don’t go straight to graduation – you have to take the classes to get there. So sign up for smaller races and get a few notches on your belt before you take on the big race this fall. And hey, if nothing else, you can use all of those race medals you get to decorate your Christmas tree. :)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Saving lives, one dollar at a time
Hello, Start! Running Marathon Team! Thank you again for being part of this journey with me.
We’ve each got a $1500 fundraising goal, and I’d like to talk a little more about that today. The funds you raise for the American Heart Association during this process will save lives. By joining the team and raising money for the AHA, you’ve taken a personal goal of running the marathon and turned it into something that has outside supporters. For me, raising money as part of the marathon training has really upped my accountability – it keeps me focused and helps to keep me motivated. Now that I know I’ve got people counting on me to run this race, I know I have to keep training.
I’m also finding that fundraising has been a great way to reconnect with people and keep them involved in my life. When we talk about the marathon and why I’m running, it gives us the chance to get into things that we would never normally talk about. I’ve been through some big changes in my life in the last few years, and this has been a way for me to introduce the people in my life to the new me, to involve them in my new goals and how I live my life now.
There are some easy ways to reach your fundraising goal – I’ve been contacting friends and family through email and also through Facebook and Twitter. I know we’re in some tough economic times now, and that’s why I think it’s important to note that every dollar helps. Not everyone can make a $50 or $100 donation these days, but every little bit does help. Here’s what the AHA can do with the money you collect:
$10
Educates 50 people about nutrition, physical activity or the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke through our brochure publications.
$15
Makes the newest CPR Guidelines available to an emergency care provider, giving them the most effective skills to treat a patient in cardiac arrest. (Visit AmericanHeart.org/CPR and enter your ZIP code for classes near you.)
$35
Provides training for healthcare providers who care for infants and children in pediatric advanced life support.
$50
Provides schools with lesson plans and activity guides to teach children about heart health and nutrition.
So keep plugging along with fundraising, and be proud of what you’re doing. You are helping to save lives!
We’ve each got a $1500 fundraising goal, and I’d like to talk a little more about that today. The funds you raise for the American Heart Association during this process will save lives. By joining the team and raising money for the AHA, you’ve taken a personal goal of running the marathon and turned it into something that has outside supporters. For me, raising money as part of the marathon training has really upped my accountability – it keeps me focused and helps to keep me motivated. Now that I know I’ve got people counting on me to run this race, I know I have to keep training.
I’m also finding that fundraising has been a great way to reconnect with people and keep them involved in my life. When we talk about the marathon and why I’m running, it gives us the chance to get into things that we would never normally talk about. I’ve been through some big changes in my life in the last few years, and this has been a way for me to introduce the people in my life to the new me, to involve them in my new goals and how I live my life now.
There are some easy ways to reach your fundraising goal – I’ve been contacting friends and family through email and also through Facebook and Twitter. I know we’re in some tough economic times now, and that’s why I think it’s important to note that every dollar helps. Not everyone can make a $50 or $100 donation these days, but every little bit does help. Here’s what the AHA can do with the money you collect:
$10
Educates 50 people about nutrition, physical activity or the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke through our brochure publications.
$15
Makes the newest CPR Guidelines available to an emergency care provider, giving them the most effective skills to treat a patient in cardiac arrest. (Visit AmericanHeart.org/CPR and enter your ZIP code for classes near you.)
$35
Provides training for healthcare providers who care for infants and children in pediatric advanced life support.
$50
Provides schools with lesson plans and activity guides to teach children about heart health and nutrition.
So keep plugging along with fundraising, and be proud of what you’re doing. You are helping to save lives!
Friday, July 17, 2009
More than $12,000 raised so far!
Congratulations! The Start! Running Marathon team has raised more than $12,000 for the American Heart Association so far. A special shout out to our top fundraiser Will Haverkamp -- great job, Will!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Let's get physical
I’m sitting with my friend Rebecca, who is a runner and a registered dietician. She has a few great tips for staying in shape for the marathon that I’d like to pass along:
Follow your training program: it’s so important to make sure that you stick with your plan. If you over-train, you run the risk of injury, and you’ll be out of the marathon before you even start. I’ve heard stories of runners who train so hard for the marathon that their bodies give out weeks before the race. When you train, make sure you do your homework, but there’s no need for extra credit right now.
Rest and heal: if you’re feeling sore, make sure you take the time you need to rest and heal. It’s important to listen to what your body is telling you. You want to challenge yourself, but you don’t want to push too hard.
If you’ve got any training tips you’d like to offer, post them here! I’d love to hear them.
Follow your training program: it’s so important to make sure that you stick with your plan. If you over-train, you run the risk of injury, and you’ll be out of the marathon before you even start. I’ve heard stories of runners who train so hard for the marathon that their bodies give out weeks before the race. When you train, make sure you do your homework, but there’s no need for extra credit right now.
Rest and heal: if you’re feeling sore, make sure you take the time you need to rest and heal. It’s important to listen to what your body is telling you. You want to challenge yourself, but you don’t want to push too hard.
If you’ve got any training tips you’d like to offer, post them here! I’d love to hear them.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Little steps add up to big things
Welcome to week five of your marathon training!
The short distances that you’re running this week – the 3 and 5 miles runs – are just as important as that 10 mile run on Saturday. I know we tend to focus on those longer runs, but it’s the shorter runs that prepare you and keep you safe for the long distances. So keep going, and remember how big these small, everyday runs are to accomplishing your goal!
Now is the time to get to know your body and how it reacts to the running experience.
This is a perfect time to learn how much water you need when you’re out for a run – how much is too much and how much is too little? What kinds of energy drinks work for you? What doesn’t? I know I can drink both Gatorade and Goo during a run, but some of my friends get sick when they combine drinks. These smaller runs are a good chance to figure out what’s best for you.
Also, pay attention to what you’re eating throughout the week and how it makes your body feel. I love to eat a big bowl of pasta on a Friday night (with some lean protein mixed in!) – that gets me ready for my big Saturday run.
If you have any tips for your fellow marathon team members or any questions for me, please feel free to post them here!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Welcome to the Start! Running Marathon Team
Congratulations on joining the American Heart Association’s Start! Running Marathon Team! I am really excited to be a part of this fantastic group of runners.
You are starting an incredible journey. You’re making a difference in your own life by achieving your marathon goal, and at the same time, you’re helping to raise funds and visibility for a worthwhile organization.
As you start your training, I encourage each of you to think about what you hope to gain from running this marathon. Why is this important to you? The answer to that question will keep you motivated throughout the next few months. When you have to get up early to train on a Saturday, or when you’ve had a long day at work and running is the last thing you want to do, those goals will help you get moving. They’ll help you find the strength to get out there and keep moving toward the finish line.
If you’d like to share what those goals are, please post them on the blog. I’d love to hear from you!
Thanks again for joining the team. I’m excited to run alongside you!
You are starting an incredible journey. You’re making a difference in your own life by achieving your marathon goal, and at the same time, you’re helping to raise funds and visibility for a worthwhile organization.
As you start your training, I encourage each of you to think about what you hope to gain from running this marathon. Why is this important to you? The answer to that question will keep you motivated throughout the next few months. When you have to get up early to train on a Saturday, or when you’ve had a long day at work and running is the last thing you want to do, those goals will help you get moving. They’ll help you find the strength to get out there and keep moving toward the finish line.
If you’d like to share what those goals are, please post them on the blog. I’d love to hear from you!
Thanks again for joining the team. I’m excited to run alongside you!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Biggest Loser Finale
Thanks to all of you who watched “The Biggest Loser” finale on NBC Tuesday night! I was proud to be a part of the program, and even prouder to tell viewers that I am running the Chicago Marathon for the American Heart Association.
Please join me in supporting this wonderful cause. If you’re a marathon runner, we have a few spots left on our team! We’d love to have you as part of the Start! Running Marathon Team. If can’t run this year’s race but would like to contribute to my fundraising efforts, you can make a donation at runwithheartchicago.org. Training begins on June 13th and will start blogging then!
Thank you for your support!
Bernie
RunWithHeartChicago.org
Bernie
RunWithHeartChicago.org
Monday, May 4, 2009
Registration for the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon has now closed, but we still have a few spots available! Sign up by contacting Jayme Lutsch jayme.lutsch@heart.org or 312-476-6687
Bernie Salazar, season 5 at home winner of the biggest loser will Run With Heart in the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon! Click here to support Bernie!
“My name is Bernardo Salazar, known as Bernie by my family and friends. A little more than a year ago I weighed 283 pounds, an unhealthy weight for anyone. I was fortunate enough to be selected as a contestant on The Biggest Loser. Over the course of the show I lost 130 pounds and as a result was season 5’s at home winner.
In May of 2008 I set out to run my first Marathon. I had never even thought of running one mile let alone 26.2. The training was difficult but as each month past and with the support of my running group I found myself gradually running further and further. With the appropriate information and support of my new running buddies I completed my first marathon in October of 2008. Every journey does in fact begin with one step and the confidence in oneself to realize that through hard work and dedication anything is possible.
This year I will be running the Chicago Marathon and at the same time raising money for the American Heart Association an organization that has always promoted health and wellness. I invite you to begin your journey, please join me in helping to raise funds for the AHA by running the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. As a member of the Start! Running Marathon Team, I will blog about my training ups and downs and invite you to join me!”
Run with the American Heart Association in the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, October 11, 2009.
The American Heart Association's Start! movement is a call to action for all adults to make the necessary lifestyle changes to live a heart-healthy life. By taking on the challenge to train and run 26.2 miles in the Bank of America Chicago marathon while raising necessary funds for the American Heart Association, you will allow the AHA to fulfill our mission to building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke while changing your life along the way. By becoming a dedicated member of this remarkable team you will certainly make a difference in thousands of people's lives including your own. The AHA Start! Running team will train with Chicago Area Runners Association's (CARA) Marathon Training Program. CARA's training program is geared toward both beginners and experienced runners and has training locations in downtown Chicago and the suburbs.
Each runner is required to raise a minimum of $1500. After registering for the marathon and the American Heart Association's Start! Running marathon team, you will receive a personal fundraising web site that you will be able to customize, send emails from, receive secure online donations and track your progress. You will also receive a fundraising guide with sample letters, fundraising ideas and more. The American Heart Association staff is committed to your success in every aspect of the program and is here as support along the way.
Benefits to all American Heart Association Start! Running members raising a minimum of $1500:
Participation in the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) marathon training program and 1 year membership to CARA
Personalized fundraising Web page
Fundraising Guide
Official American Heart Association Start! Running Team singlet
Monthly Newsletter with day of event information, fundraising tips, training tips and more
The personal satisfaction that comes from training and competing a marathon WHILE raising crucial funds to help the American Heart Association continue it's mission to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke
Participation in various fun runs and discounts/giveways from sponsors
Support from teammates training for a common goal and cause
To register for the American Heart Association Start! Running team please contact:
Jayme Lutsch 312-476-6687 jayme.lutsch@heart.org
Bernie Salazar, season 5 at home winner of the biggest loser will Run With Heart in the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon! Click here to support Bernie!
“My name is Bernardo Salazar, known as Bernie by my family and friends. A little more than a year ago I weighed 283 pounds, an unhealthy weight for anyone. I was fortunate enough to be selected as a contestant on The Biggest Loser. Over the course of the show I lost 130 pounds and as a result was season 5’s at home winner.
In May of 2008 I set out to run my first Marathon. I had never even thought of running one mile let alone 26.2. The training was difficult but as each month past and with the support of my running group I found myself gradually running further and further. With the appropriate information and support of my new running buddies I completed my first marathon in October of 2008. Every journey does in fact begin with one step and the confidence in oneself to realize that through hard work and dedication anything is possible.
This year I will be running the Chicago Marathon and at the same time raising money for the American Heart Association an organization that has always promoted health and wellness. I invite you to begin your journey, please join me in helping to raise funds for the AHA by running the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. As a member of the Start! Running Marathon Team, I will blog about my training ups and downs and invite you to join me!”
Run with the American Heart Association in the 2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, October 11, 2009.
The American Heart Association's Start! movement is a call to action for all adults to make the necessary lifestyle changes to live a heart-healthy life. By taking on the challenge to train and run 26.2 miles in the Bank of America Chicago marathon while raising necessary funds for the American Heart Association, you will allow the AHA to fulfill our mission to building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke while changing your life along the way. By becoming a dedicated member of this remarkable team you will certainly make a difference in thousands of people's lives including your own. The AHA Start! Running team will train with Chicago Area Runners Association's (CARA) Marathon Training Program. CARA's training program is geared toward both beginners and experienced runners and has training locations in downtown Chicago and the suburbs.
Each runner is required to raise a minimum of $1500. After registering for the marathon and the American Heart Association's Start! Running marathon team, you will receive a personal fundraising web site that you will be able to customize, send emails from, receive secure online donations and track your progress. You will also receive a fundraising guide with sample letters, fundraising ideas and more. The American Heart Association staff is committed to your success in every aspect of the program and is here as support along the way.
Benefits to all American Heart Association Start! Running members raising a minimum of $1500:
Participation in the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) marathon training program and 1 year membership to CARA
Personalized fundraising Web page
Fundraising Guide
Official American Heart Association Start! Running Team singlet
Monthly Newsletter with day of event information, fundraising tips, training tips and more
The personal satisfaction that comes from training and competing a marathon WHILE raising crucial funds to help the American Heart Association continue it's mission to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke
Participation in various fun runs and discounts/giveways from sponsors
Support from teammates training for a common goal and cause
To register for the American Heart Association Start! Running team please contact:
Jayme Lutsch 312-476-6687 jayme.lutsch@heart.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
