We're Trucking Along!

Happy Friday, everyone!

It's a great day, as our planning committee is meeting later this morning. Always a fun time when you're surrounded by running and fitness enthusiasts - even better when we're working together for a common cause....to benefit the youth of Hutchinson!

We hope that you're doing well in the heat that only summers in Kansas can provide. I'm still amazed that we never really experienced spring this year.

Speaking of the heat...how is everyone doing with their runs and training programs? We're about 12 weeks out to our big race - a common time when training programs kick in! Check out our training information for tips. Another excellent resource is the Runner's World Smart Coach (go to www.runnersworld.com). I have used this FREE tool for a variety of races - from 10Ks to half-marathons to the full marathon. I love it because it's not only FREE, but it allows you to create your own workout regimen that fits your lifestyle. You plug in the info, and it does the rest. Glorious!

Feel free to share your tips in our comments section or e-mail me at aconkling@hutchrec.com. Who knows? Your tips could appear on our Website!

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate in these hot summer days, fellow runners. And you've heard it before, but I'll "preach" it again - try to get your workouts in during the early morning hours or late evening hours, but be safe when doing it!

Have a great weekend, everyone!
Amy

Running for the Rocks in Spirit...

Being a Co-Race Director for the Run for the Rocks has really been a dream come true.  The only thing I miss - the excitement of training for the race.  Today I had a revelation, an epiphany, a "ah-ha" moment... just because I'm not running it, doesn't mean I can't train right along with all the runners training for the Run for the Rocks. I'll run the race with you in spirit!  But know - I'll be training with you for real!  Check back, I'll keep you posted on how training is going for me and I hope you will share how training is going for you!

New Shoes!

I love how my birthday falls in June. One of the biggest reasons? New running shoes! I can always ask for new running shoes for my birthday in June and again at Christmas. Depending on the year, I squeeze in an extra pair somewhere in between, but there's nothing like new shoes to celebrate your birthday or the holidays.

There's also nothing like the feeling of new shoes! You don't know how much you need them until you actually wear them. This morning I carefully laced up my beautiful Asics GT 2160's that my hubbie and daughter so carefully picked out for me at Sport Shack. The shoes smelled fresh and new - just waiting for a couple of miles to be put on them.

What's your favorite running shoe? Are you loyal to one brand and style of shoe, or do you simply goes for what fits best at the time? In my early running days I preferred Nikes, but they just didn't work when I started upping the miles. That's when I made the switch to the Asics 2100 series...and haven't looked back! Runner's World has some great shoe and gear reviews if you're ever in the shoe-buying market.

Have a great weekend running, everyone! Remember to check out our website at http://www.runfortherocks.com/for the latest updates on Run for the Rocks!

- Amy