Check out this post from our Guest Writer: Kelly Melang. Kelly joined us for our Black Walnut Festival Fun Run. As an avid runner and triathlete Kelly doesn't shy away from an occassional run in the run... this one was a special one...
Black Walnut Social Run
We thought about building an ark for the people on this run as the heavens opened up and the rain came in sheets 15 minutes before we were scheduled to start. But true to Fleet Feet’s luck, the skies cleared exactly at 10:30am. This social run is a quick 3 miles through historic Bethania in celebration of the Black Walnut Festival.
Bethania, NC is a tiny jewel hidden in Forsyth County. Bethania was founded in 1759 as the first settlement of the Moravians. The Black Walnut Festival celebrates this historic town and vendors are setting up booths while a wood fire is lit beneath a black cauldron. There’s not many of us (there weren’t many on the ark) and Stacey is there to cheer us on. We start from the visitor’s center and go up Main Street, the beautiful leaves of trees framing the street, the rain falling softly. We turn halfway towards the first school house in Forsyth County, the school bell sits silent as we hear the soft crunch of feet on the gravel road.
The run then moves down past the historic buildings complete with a beautiful authentic log cabin. What’s different from the other buildings is true to the atmosphere, there’s an old man sitting on the porch in overalls and on a rocker, playing banjo music. No, not the type of banjo music that makes you run faster, music that fits right in with the buildings, the falling leaves, and the light chill of a fall day. You half expect to see someone go by on horse and buggy. We come back through the festival before turning onto a wooden trail behind the restored church.
The trail is quiet, we can hear our breath as we run, watching people ahead of us dodge puddles, roots and other items on the trail. There’s the squish of mud, the splash of puddles, the crunch of leaves. It feels like we’re out in the backwoods somewhere, though 100 yards away the road and civilization. The trees are in varying stages of fall, and each turn in the trail brings a beautiful view. We come back as the festival comes to life, the run just long enough to enjoy the morning, but short enough that everyone emerges from the trail happy. There are prizes for the runners, beer for the festival, and as we walk back to our car we know we’ll be back after that hot shower. We didn’t need the ark anyway.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Hang on to your Fork No Boundaries Fall 2009
This past weekend we had the opportunity to watch our No Boundaries Participants finish their season at the Ardmore 5K. I was so excited and proud to cheer them all on. This is their "race day" cheer... which of course - coming from me - had to be a poem...
Greetings No Boundaries Folks:
In just a few minutes
You’ll toe the start line
And after 12 weeks of training
Now it is time
Cuz after all that hard work
Your race day is here -
So before I let you all go
Raise your water for “Cheers”
Because today we will celebrate…
Signing up for a program
Is not always easy
But to take it one step further
And risk being cheesy
You’ve made me all proud -
You did what had to be done.
You trained, stretched, and strengthened
For your walk and your run.
And when all of that training
Started to get tough
You didn’t throw in the towel
Or say you’d had enough.
Instead you pushed through the distance
When one more step seemed too long,
You got mentally tough
And you grew physically strong.
We started with many
But you’re one of the few
Who has seen this whole program
All the way through.
So the next time you shower
Or powder you nose
Take a look in the mirror
(Wearing your run/walking clothes)
And say “Self, I am proud…
Cuz you took on this task
And whether you run or you walk
- move slow or move fast –
You’ve committed to something
and crossed the great finish line
And self – it’s been tough-
But you did it just fine.”
And give yourself a li’l wink
Then a big grinning smile…
And know that just out your door
Awaits yet one more mile.
Because after the Ardmore
5 K is done
You’ll have more days to walk
And more days to run.
My mom had a phrase -
After each meal she’d say –
Once the main course was done
And the food put away:
Hang on to your fork
Because the best part is here –
So I tell you No Bound’ries
Your next challenge is near.
Whether you run a 10K
Or take on a Tri…
Give yourself a new goal
And reach for the sky.
You’ve proven today
You’ve got what you need
To challenge the distance
And move with great speed.
We love you No Boundaries!
Greetings No Boundaries Folks:
In just a few minutes
You’ll toe the start line
And after 12 weeks of training
Now it is time
Cuz after all that hard work
Your race day is here -
So before I let you all go
Raise your water for “Cheers”
Because today we will celebrate…
Signing up for a program
Is not always easy
But to take it one step further
And risk being cheesy
You’ve made me all proud -
You did what had to be done.
You trained, stretched, and strengthened
For your walk and your run.
And when all of that training
Started to get tough
You didn’t throw in the towel
Or say you’d had enough.
Instead you pushed through the distance
When one more step seemed too long,
You got mentally tough
And you grew physically strong.
We started with many
But you’re one of the few
Who has seen this whole program
All the way through.
So the next time you shower
Or powder you nose
Take a look in the mirror
(Wearing your run/walking clothes)
And say “Self, I am proud…
Cuz you took on this task
And whether you run or you walk
- move slow or move fast –
You’ve committed to something
and crossed the great finish line
And self – it’s been tough-
But you did it just fine.”
And give yourself a li’l wink
Then a big grinning smile…
And know that just out your door
Awaits yet one more mile.
Because after the Ardmore
5 K is done
You’ll have more days to walk
And more days to run.
My mom had a phrase -
After each meal she’d say –
Once the main course was done
And the food put away:
Hang on to your fork
Because the best part is here –
So I tell you No Bound’ries
Your next challenge is near.
Whether you run a 10K
Or take on a Tri…
Give yourself a new goal
And reach for the sky.
You’ve proven today
You’ve got what you need
To challenge the distance
And move with great speed.
We love you No Boundaries!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Runner's High - Redefined
Our customers and program participants often ask me, “When do I experience the runner’s high?”
Ah… the elusive runner’s high. AKA: The promise of a somewhat euphoric experience that is supposedly achieved through distance running.
The truth: Despite the promises of Runner’s World magazine and movies like Chariots of Fire, the runner’s high is not really a common experience.
The really true truth: Running isn’t always easy, and the runner’s high is a sort of rare treat.
After 17+ years of distance running I can specifically remember the number of long runs that I can confidently say were fueled by the runner’s high. On that handful of days my legs seem to lift effortlessly, my lungs seemed super-human, and there weren’t enough miles to accommodate my desire to run, run, and run some more.
But seriously – over the course of 17 years – just a handful of runs fit into that category of special, effortless, and euphoric. Hmmm….
So why do I keep running?
Because I have re-defined the runner’s high.
For me, this is how I define the runner’s high: (All of you crazy runners can add to this list!)
The Runner’s High Is:
• Standing around the water cooler at work talking about your morning and casually tossing in the statement “yeah… I got out for my easy 8 miles this morning… just before the sun came up.”
• Knowing that no matter what kind of craziness might happen in your day you have 20, 30, or 60 minutes that you have given to yourself to get your heart pumping and your legs moving.
• Really noticing the homes and people in the neighborhoods that you quickly drive through on a regular basis by traveling them on foot.
• Inhaling fresh air and appreciating the seasons when you battle the elements of the weather on the run.
• Finish a hot summer run and wondering how in the world you have sweat so so much… and feeling clean like you had a shower from the inside out!
• Feeling strong enough to help a family member or friend get through a tough run and knowing that your encouragement made a difference.
• Sitting through a less than thrilling business meeting, class, or family function and knowing that you – thankfully – already got in your run for the day and no matter how annoyed you might get, NO ONE can take that away.
• Running in the rain, the snow, the wind, the dark, the extreme heat, the extreme cold… and feeling like a rockstar because you know somewhere there is someone who is trying to decide if he or she is going to lace up their shoes for the day.
So add to the list… what is your runner’s high re-defined?
Happy Running Folks – Coach S Batt
Ah… the elusive runner’s high. AKA: The promise of a somewhat euphoric experience that is supposedly achieved through distance running.
The truth: Despite the promises of Runner’s World magazine and movies like Chariots of Fire, the runner’s high is not really a common experience.
The really true truth: Running isn’t always easy, and the runner’s high is a sort of rare treat.
After 17+ years of distance running I can specifically remember the number of long runs that I can confidently say were fueled by the runner’s high. On that handful of days my legs seem to lift effortlessly, my lungs seemed super-human, and there weren’t enough miles to accommodate my desire to run, run, and run some more.
But seriously – over the course of 17 years – just a handful of runs fit into that category of special, effortless, and euphoric. Hmmm….
So why do I keep running?
Because I have re-defined the runner’s high.
For me, this is how I define the runner’s high: (All of you crazy runners can add to this list!)
The Runner’s High Is:
• Standing around the water cooler at work talking about your morning and casually tossing in the statement “yeah… I got out for my easy 8 miles this morning… just before the sun came up.”
• Knowing that no matter what kind of craziness might happen in your day you have 20, 30, or 60 minutes that you have given to yourself to get your heart pumping and your legs moving.
• Really noticing the homes and people in the neighborhoods that you quickly drive through on a regular basis by traveling them on foot.
• Inhaling fresh air and appreciating the seasons when you battle the elements of the weather on the run.
• Finish a hot summer run and wondering how in the world you have sweat so so much… and feeling clean like you had a shower from the inside out!
• Feeling strong enough to help a family member or friend get through a tough run and knowing that your encouragement made a difference.
• Sitting through a less than thrilling business meeting, class, or family function and knowing that you – thankfully – already got in your run for the day and no matter how annoyed you might get, NO ONE can take that away.
• Running in the rain, the snow, the wind, the dark, the extreme heat, the extreme cold… and feeling like a rockstar because you know somewhere there is someone who is trying to decide if he or she is going to lace up their shoes for the day.
So add to the list… what is your runner’s high re-defined?
Happy Running Folks – Coach S Batt
Friday, October 9, 2009
Touching feet isn't so scary...
Just a quick message:
I say this a lot, but I truly feel like I have the best job in the world. Everyday I get to wake up and head to work to do what I love: share the message and habits of both fitness and health with our customers. The scariest thing I do in a day is touch feet - and that really isn't so bad at all.
But there a lot of folks who head to work everyday to do what they love and they see things a lot scarier than feet.
Fireman, EMTs, doctors, police officers, military personnel...
These are the people who run INTO danger when the rest of us are running in the opposite direction.
This week the Winston-Salem community has seen the danger that two of our officers faced in a simple call regarding a domestic dispute. While Officer Clark is now recovering at home, Sergeant Hutchens continues to fight for his life at WFUBMC after both men suffered gun shot wounds. This is a scary wake up call for all of us, and many of you know that for me - this hits a little close to home.
So whether you pray, dance, meditate, or sing... please remember these families and the entire WSPD community as they recover from a tough week.
I love our servicemen and women... they face a different reality on a daily basis. They keep these streets safe for us to run, walk, cycle, and play with our kids. I am glad that they are so brave - because aside from running, counting backwards, and touching feet - I am not so good with the tough stuff.
Thank you WSPD - and thank you Winston-Salem for supporting our dear friends! - Coach S Batt
I say this a lot, but I truly feel like I have the best job in the world. Everyday I get to wake up and head to work to do what I love: share the message and habits of both fitness and health with our customers. The scariest thing I do in a day is touch feet - and that really isn't so bad at all.
But there a lot of folks who head to work everyday to do what they love and they see things a lot scarier than feet.
Fireman, EMTs, doctors, police officers, military personnel...
These are the people who run INTO danger when the rest of us are running in the opposite direction.
This week the Winston-Salem community has seen the danger that two of our officers faced in a simple call regarding a domestic dispute. While Officer Clark is now recovering at home, Sergeant Hutchens continues to fight for his life at WFUBMC after both men suffered gun shot wounds. This is a scary wake up call for all of us, and many of you know that for me - this hits a little close to home.
So whether you pray, dance, meditate, or sing... please remember these families and the entire WSPD community as they recover from a tough week.
I love our servicemen and women... they face a different reality on a daily basis. They keep these streets safe for us to run, walk, cycle, and play with our kids. I am glad that they are so brave - because aside from running, counting backwards, and touching feet - I am not so good with the tough stuff.
Thank you WSPD - and thank you Winston-Salem for supporting our dear friends! - Coach S Batt
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Control Freaks
As we approach major fall 5Ks, half marathons, and marathons I am reminded of our Marathon Training Program from the Fall of 2008.
The 2008 Fleet Feet Sports Marathoners-In-the-Making had trained for 4+ months to prepare for the Richmond Marathon. With anxiety high, a nervous and excited group of Fleet Feet-ers prepared for the big 26.2 miles awaiting them in Virginia. After enduring long runs through extreme heat, downpouring rain, and cool frosty mornings, it seemed as though the crew was ready for anything. But mother nature still had a surprise for us all.
Throughout the week leading up to the race we were haunted by forecasts of 40 degree weather combined with a 90% chance of thunderstorms. Everyone was working to develop a creative plan for tackling what looked like it would be a tough race day environment. We ventured north with suitcases full of warm apparel and water proof clothing. But Saturday morning proved that you just never know what to expect.
Race day turned out to hit a high of 80 degrees with 90% humidity. Headwinds added an additional challenge to the final 10 miles of the marathon, and the entire day left us all overdressed, dehydrated, and struggling to endure the unexpected conditions. While many race participants were unable to finish the event, we were proud and impressed to see our Fleet Feet Sports trainees all make it through the finish line – although each one of them had a story of how the conditions had affected them on the course.
Unexpected heat left many participants dehydrated, under-nourished, and forced many of us to adjust our race strategy to a more appropriate goal based on the conditions. Excitement over finishing the race was slightly tarnished with disappointment in slower-than-anticipated race times and tough memories of race day struggles.
But we all learned something from the Richmond Marathon 2008. We learned we just can’t control everything.
A lot of people in the world are very “in tune” with the fact that some things in life are not within our control. But then there are those of us who might be considered “control freaks”. We don’t want to adjust our plan for anything or anyone – we are living/training/racing on a mission – and nothing will get in the way of that mission.
The reality is that a smart athlete will adjust his or her plan to conditions. These conditions might involve a crazy and unexpected day of bad weather. Or these conditions might involve a nagging injury that forces us to alter our training schedule. These conditions might even be a child who keeps us up all night before a long run and forces us to adjust our approach to the day of training. Whatever these “conditions” may be, we will be more successful in our training and racing if we learn to adjust, to be flexible, and to make the most out of our run based on the opportunity that we have before us.
If you consider all of the “greats” in the history of athletics we will find a singular common trend. Athletes who have maintained a high level of performance for an extended period of time are the athletes who have been flexible and dynamic. Olympic Swimmer Dara Torres is an ideal example of an athlete who has adapted to changes in life and maintained success throughout this variety of conditions.
So – my fellow control freaks – as we ramp up for an exciting fall of racing and training I encourage you all to be flexible. Make the necessary adjustments to maintain success. And if I can’t convince you on my own, then look around for someone who ran the Richmond Marathon 2008…. The conversation usually starts out “Oh Richmond… (sigh)”.
Happy Running and Training Fleet Feet-ers – Coach S. Batt
The 2008 Fleet Feet Sports Marathoners-In-the-Making had trained for 4+ months to prepare for the Richmond Marathon. With anxiety high, a nervous and excited group of Fleet Feet-ers prepared for the big 26.2 miles awaiting them in Virginia. After enduring long runs through extreme heat, downpouring rain, and cool frosty mornings, it seemed as though the crew was ready for anything. But mother nature still had a surprise for us all.
Throughout the week leading up to the race we were haunted by forecasts of 40 degree weather combined with a 90% chance of thunderstorms. Everyone was working to develop a creative plan for tackling what looked like it would be a tough race day environment. We ventured north with suitcases full of warm apparel and water proof clothing. But Saturday morning proved that you just never know what to expect.
Race day turned out to hit a high of 80 degrees with 90% humidity. Headwinds added an additional challenge to the final 10 miles of the marathon, and the entire day left us all overdressed, dehydrated, and struggling to endure the unexpected conditions. While many race participants were unable to finish the event, we were proud and impressed to see our Fleet Feet Sports trainees all make it through the finish line – although each one of them had a story of how the conditions had affected them on the course.
Unexpected heat left many participants dehydrated, under-nourished, and forced many of us to adjust our race strategy to a more appropriate goal based on the conditions. Excitement over finishing the race was slightly tarnished with disappointment in slower-than-anticipated race times and tough memories of race day struggles.
But we all learned something from the Richmond Marathon 2008. We learned we just can’t control everything.
A lot of people in the world are very “in tune” with the fact that some things in life are not within our control. But then there are those of us who might be considered “control freaks”. We don’t want to adjust our plan for anything or anyone – we are living/training/racing on a mission – and nothing will get in the way of that mission.
The reality is that a smart athlete will adjust his or her plan to conditions. These conditions might involve a crazy and unexpected day of bad weather. Or these conditions might involve a nagging injury that forces us to alter our training schedule. These conditions might even be a child who keeps us up all night before a long run and forces us to adjust our approach to the day of training. Whatever these “conditions” may be, we will be more successful in our training and racing if we learn to adjust, to be flexible, and to make the most out of our run based on the opportunity that we have before us.
If you consider all of the “greats” in the history of athletics we will find a singular common trend. Athletes who have maintained a high level of performance for an extended period of time are the athletes who have been flexible and dynamic. Olympic Swimmer Dara Torres is an ideal example of an athlete who has adapted to changes in life and maintained success throughout this variety of conditions.
So – my fellow control freaks – as we ramp up for an exciting fall of racing and training I encourage you all to be flexible. Make the necessary adjustments to maintain success. And if I can’t convince you on my own, then look around for someone who ran the Richmond Marathon 2008…. The conversation usually starts out “Oh Richmond… (sigh)”.
Happy Running and Training Fleet Feet-ers – Coach S. Batt
Monday, October 5, 2009
Daisies to...
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~Winston Churchill
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ~Leo Buscaglia
Thank you to our volunteers who support us in all of our Fleet Feet Sports events.
Yesterday Fleet Feet Sports partnered with Mock Orange Bikes and the William G. White Jr. YMCA for the first annual Tri4Fun un-timed triathlon. It was a fabulous event, and only made possible by the power of our volunteers.
Our local paper back in my hometown of Midland, Michigan has a weekly column that sends “Roses to…” folks who have done great things throughout the week. So today, I want to send a bunch of daisies…
Today a bunch of daisies are going out to:
All of the first time triathletes who took on and finished an exciting challenge yesterday.
The volunteers who “woo-hoo-ed” every swimmer, runner, and rider who crossed their path… our volunteers made sure that every participant felt like a rockstar!
The crowd at the YMCA pool who applauded the first person out of the water… the last person out of the water… and who cheered on every swimmer along the way.
The volunteers who endured the odd behavior of crazy drivers who don’t seem to understand the logistics of a Sunday afternoon triathlon!
The participants who were assisting OTHER participants in climbing out of the pool and heading to the transition area.
The volunteers who discovered their inner police officer and risked both life and limb to keep traffic controlled as the riders exited the parking lot and the runners returned.
The experienced triathletes who competed step for step alongside brand new triathletes, and proved that this awesome world of athletics truly is a common ground for all of us.
The volunteer who ran the entire run course with one participant who wasn’t feeling so confident in herself.
The husband who waited for his wife to finish their first triathlon step for step and side and by side – Happy Birthday!
The finish line volunteers who cheered for every single participant until the very very end of the day.
The countless people who said to me “I just want my - friend, my spouse, my parent, my co-worker – to discover this sport that I love so much.”
Emily Davis – who saw a Tri4Fun in Lake Placid, New York, and new that Winston-Salem, NC needed one too… and made it happen.
I am continuously amazed at the folks who challenge themselves to new goals as well as the folks that come out each weekend to assist in these events to support the development of the sport. From the bottom of my heart – thank you.
Some people see God at work in church on Sunday mornings, but I know I saw His work in the energy, enthusiasm, and camaraderie of the volunteers and participants who make our events at Fleet Feet Sports possible. Thank you! - Coach S Batt
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ~Leo Buscaglia
Thank you to our volunteers who support us in all of our Fleet Feet Sports events.
Yesterday Fleet Feet Sports partnered with Mock Orange Bikes and the William G. White Jr. YMCA for the first annual Tri4Fun un-timed triathlon. It was a fabulous event, and only made possible by the power of our volunteers.
Our local paper back in my hometown of Midland, Michigan has a weekly column that sends “Roses to…” folks who have done great things throughout the week. So today, I want to send a bunch of daisies…
Today a bunch of daisies are going out to:
All of the first time triathletes who took on and finished an exciting challenge yesterday.
The volunteers who “woo-hoo-ed” every swimmer, runner, and rider who crossed their path… our volunteers made sure that every participant felt like a rockstar!
The crowd at the YMCA pool who applauded the first person out of the water… the last person out of the water… and who cheered on every swimmer along the way.
The volunteers who endured the odd behavior of crazy drivers who don’t seem to understand the logistics of a Sunday afternoon triathlon!
The participants who were assisting OTHER participants in climbing out of the pool and heading to the transition area.
The volunteers who discovered their inner police officer and risked both life and limb to keep traffic controlled as the riders exited the parking lot and the runners returned.
The experienced triathletes who competed step for step alongside brand new triathletes, and proved that this awesome world of athletics truly is a common ground for all of us.
The volunteer who ran the entire run course with one participant who wasn’t feeling so confident in herself.
The husband who waited for his wife to finish their first triathlon step for step and side and by side – Happy Birthday!
The finish line volunteers who cheered for every single participant until the very very end of the day.
The countless people who said to me “I just want my - friend, my spouse, my parent, my co-worker – to discover this sport that I love so much.”
Emily Davis – who saw a Tri4Fun in Lake Placid, New York, and new that Winston-Salem, NC needed one too… and made it happen.
I am continuously amazed at the folks who challenge themselves to new goals as well as the folks that come out each weekend to assist in these events to support the development of the sport. From the bottom of my heart – thank you.
Some people see God at work in church on Sunday mornings, but I know I saw His work in the energy, enthusiasm, and camaraderie of the volunteers and participants who make our events at Fleet Feet Sports possible. Thank you! - Coach S Batt
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