NOT in this ALONE

Good Form Lacing

The always-popular Run Camp Shoelace Tying Clinic was a big hit this year when Gazelle introduced a new, heavy-duty shoelace, guaranteed not to come undone during a race or long run. Team Leader Mark Kanouse demonstrates the difference between the Standard Overhand Knot, the Half Knot and the Ian Knot ( World's Fastest Shoelace Knot") with the 2012 Asics Crossfit Lace. "There's a downside I suppose," said Kanouse, "because the laces are heavier than my shoes, but I really feel secure in these." To learn more about shoelaces, click on Mark's photo.

Why no Blaine?

Several run campers have asked why Blaine Lam has deferred to Chris Lampen-Crowell in recent weeks for Saturday morning speaking duties. Turns out, in a classic "win-win" tradeoff, Blaine suspects Chris will have more imporant things to do than speak at Blaine's funeral, so Blaine is letting Chris take Run Camp speaking duties for awhile, and in return Blaine will sub-in for Chris later on, and speak at his own funeral. He has written his own eulogy, entitled "I'm so great," and you can read it by clicking on Blaine's photo

A chance to get naked, no less.

Courtesy of Joel Pennington, as summarized by Dr. Mary Vajgrt, here's a summary of hydration tips:

1. Weighing one's self NAKED pre and post run is the most accurate way to determine fluid loss. This will change as the weather warms up! A pint's a pound!!!

2. Everyone is DIFFERENT when it comes to fluid and electrolyte needs... learn what you need.

3. Drink water if you are exercising less than 1 hour 30 minutes. Add sugar/electrolytes if exercising longer than this.

4. Ef you know you'll be exercising longer, take in the sugar/electrolytes (gu/gatorade) before you get to that time so it gets into the system.

5. Take GU/gel/shotblocks/beans/etc. with water!!! The sugar/electrolytes are very concentrated and water helps them digest.

6. TRY stuff on a TRAINING RUN!!! It's better to cramp up and get in trouble on a training run than on race day!

7. If you are particular about what you like/dislike, carry your own fuel... don't rely on race to have everything you need when you need it!

8. If you are going to carry stuff with you, do it in practice!!! again... NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY!!!! 26 miles with a sloshing rubbing fuel belt can a nice blister make!

9. DRINK when it's cold out!!! Our thirst mechanism decreases, but we still SWEAT and lose more water through RESPIRATION.

10. Find what works for you!!!!

26.2 Reasons To Run A Marathon

(courtesy of Dr. Terry Nelson)

1. To have fun

2. To give yourself a challenge

3. To improve your health

4. To get to know yourself better

5. To raise your self-esteem

6. To meet people and make friends

7. To be an inspiration to others

8. To see the world

9. To make business contacts

10. To eat more

11. To get back to nature

12. To have a better sex life

13. To sleep better

14. To get over a disappointment

15. To get to know your city

16. To expand your wardrobe

17. To control your weight healthily

18. To reduce your stress levels

19. To learn how to practice visualization

20. To live longer

21. To listen to good music

22. To get smarter

23. To help save the earth

24. To channel your compulsiveness

25. To be a part of an ongoing revolution – 2,000,000

26. To fulfill a dream

26.2 To say that you did it!

Got that right!

In one of her weekly emails, Team Leader Elaine Nagel offered this:

Here are 12 reasons we love Borgess Run Camp:

1 Great way to check off “Run a 5K” from your bucket list
2 Feels good to strive for a goal with others
3 Good excuse to buy new running shoes and apparel
4 Opportunity to learn new information and avoid injuries
5 Bagels and cream cheese
6 Organized, supportive, and enthusiastic leaders (Thanks to Janeen, Blaine, Chris, Coaches & volunteers!)
7 New ideas for running routes
8 Good reason to get out of bed early on a Saturday
9 Friendly people who become your friends
10 Springboard to the pursuit of lifetime fitness
11 Best team ever – Divas, Dan, & Mark!
12 What’s your reason? __________________

It's That Time of Year

We hear it all this time of year -- from ecstasy to sheer despondence. Injuries, illness, discouragement certainly take their toll. Remember, folks. Take the long view. Fitness and wellness are the goal, and if you happen to do the race, that can be the reward. Chin up.

Then, there's this from a Plaidiator, who wrote to a friend:

This run camp has been great. Would never run that long mileage on my own. Just have to show up on Sat. and run. They map everything out, have water stops and food and drinks after! Wish my pace time was faster but..."

NOT in this ALONE

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Fantastic Grief! January 5 in downtown Kalamazoo

Run Camp 2017 Comes to a Close!

Could this look be coming to Run Camp?

It's That Time of Year