CHILDREN S’MILES August 2002

NACoA-thoners Newsletter #3

COACH’S CORNER

Schedules

For first-time marathoners, it's essential to get yourself on an appropriate training schedule and to follow that schedule carefully! It's a good idea to begin training NOW, easy. Learn to enjoy your time out as a welcome respite from every-day activity. Check those books I recommended in the July issue… check out websites. They're loaded with good information!

Shoes

I was chatting with Tom Henderson, a fellow marathoner who writes for Runner's World, Michigan Runner, The Detroit News, and other publications. Tom runs several races and marathons each year, and I often turn to him for advice. Here's a good piece about shoes: buy a few different pairs from the same manufacturer and alternate running in them, so that if you get in a bind for an upcoming event and don't have your favorite shoes, at least you'll have a comparable pair to run in. For example, I've been running in Saucony shoes for years. Tom suggests that I buy different kinds of Saucony's and alternate running in them. (For '02's Run for the Children I was forced to switch from Saucony to another manufacturer and finished the Mickey with terrible blisters --which NEVER happened in my normal shoes!)

The Heat

It's hot, hot, hot out there this summer! We're having a long heat wave, Friends. It's important to be VERY CAREFUL when running in high heat and high humidity.

Wet Towels & Cap. I run with a light cotton towel around my neck, and I carry 2 small towels loosely wrapping each hand/wrist. I also use a white cap to reflect heat/sunlight. When I begin my run (after I've drunk the appropriate amount of water to start out), I soak the towels/hat in water. At every opportunity I re-soak them --sprinklers, drinking fountain, a puddle (!). It's amazing how my fingers do not swell, and what relief the neck towel and hat bring. I also soak my singlet!

Water Bottle. I always carry a water bottle, most convenient for me on a special belt (purchased at your local running store).

Sunscreen. Per my dermatologist, wear at least 15 UV protection, every time you're out in the sun. Put in on first thing in the morning.

Places to Run

A really fun way to get into walking/running is to enter events. They=re all over the place. In late August I'm running a FAVORITE EVENT: The Bobby Crim charity fundraiser in Flint. Like many events, it=s a great family outing because there=s something for everyone: walks, wheelchair, runs --varied distances. Go to your local Arunning-walking@ store and get the lowdown on events. The excitement and camaraderie are thrilling! Guaranteed to better your normal pace! And the "goodies" are great!

Create your own event by choosing special places to run on the weekends. Make it an outing for you and yours.

How GOES that fundraising?

New to fundraising? Me too. Never thought I=d devote several hours a week raising dollars for charity. All it took was special identification with a cause: either a touching story, a 1^st-hand awesome experience, or an admired friend whose devotion we wish to support.

Everyone we know is Acharitable.@ We need to simply lure people to our cause! You=re “Doin’ Disney” for a very special reason. Share your story, your passion, your commitment with potential donors.

I'm doing "The Donald" Half-Marathon this year (so I'll have a Mickey and a Donald medal!), and dedicating my Run for the Children to Denise Smith, and her children Julianne & Dale, a remarkable trio who courageously epitomize a now-healthy family in recovery. Denise is a new role model for me as one who's found her values and honors them every moment.

My goal in honor of the Smith Family and NACoA's Children is $5,000. What's yours?

Keep S-Milin’ !!

Christina

313.886.6910

christina@odysseyprojects.org