It probably
should go without saying in a state such as Kansas; but, I'll say it anyway,
participation in group runs can be severely limited by weather extremes
(excessive heat/extremely low temperatures combined with wind chills/heavy
rain/tornado activity/flooding). During those times, if you need a buddy to run
with (and who doesn't?), it would be better to contact somebody ahead of time.
Also, surface conditions (wet, muddy, snowy, icy) can alter where a run takes
place. That being said, if you go outside to run, don't forget to dress
appropriately to protect yourself including lights and reflective clothing if
you run in the dark. Beth says that a generous dose of hand/face lotion will
keep your face a lot warmer and protect the skin.
I understand that there were
about 550 at the Frosty 5 on New Year's Day---a new record. It was cold that day
and goes to show you that Kansas Runners are quite hearty. A couple of years ago
MA and I ran a half marathon in the mountains of Sun Valley, ID, during a
snowstorm and managed to place 1st and 2nd in our age groups despite the high
altitude. I guess it was about attitude not altitude or snow that day (the
natives were whinning about the conditions).
Last week, I reported that the
Wichita Half Marathon usually held in Sept. would be held on Sunday, April 25,
which was the day after the Emma Creek Classic 5k Women's Race. John reminded me
that April 25 is the day of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon/Half Marathon.
The OKC Marathon and Half have been very popular with Wichita Area Runners in
the past so I would imagine that there will be some hard decisions on which race
to run this year.
A little more info on the Prairie Fire Marathon Events on
10-10-10. I have been asked about the Kids Marathon that has been included this
year. It will follow the format that a lot of marathons across the USA have been
using. The kids run 25 miles before race day and then run the final 1.2 miles of
the marathon course on race day. Kids could run 2.5 miles a week for 10 weeks
before the marathon to get their total of 25 before race day. Of course, some
might run more or less each week. I would guess that phys ed teachers in the
schools will want to organize some group runs to encourage participation in
their schools. Maybe they will even have contests or challenges among the
schools. Sounds like a win/win situation to me.
For those of you who signed up
for the Boston Marathon before they sold out on Nov. 13 and care about such
mundane things, the first of the official clothing items are on the adidas and
Bill Rodgers websites (linked to the Boston Site).
The hale and hearty (don't expect anyone else) will be at Health Strategies at
7:00 am on Saturday. You are welcome to join them if you can stand the cold
(limited whinning allowed). Meredith says that hot chocolate at Panera after a
cold run is very comforting.
The Sunday Derby Group will meet at 7:30 am at the
corner of Woodlawn & Madison in downtown Derby for a 10 miler (same rules
apply).
The Wed Nite Group will meet at First Gear at 6:00 pm for a run through
downtown and the river paths. You are welcome to join them.
The Thu Nite Group
will meet at 5:45 pm at the North Chisholm Creek Park for a 5 miler on the K-96
Path. Everyone is welcome, the park is north of K-96 on the west side of
Woodlawn.
