On Your Left - November 2012

Official Publication of

NOVEMBER 20 1 2

Fall Back, Spring Ahead

Registration is Open for Our 2013 Events

WORD ON THE STREET

There’s a Time of Year to Give Thanks and a Time to Give Tanks

Don't be Huffin' and Puffin' to Get to the Finish Line

Breathe Easy and Win at the Arbor Day 5K/10K

Share your Thanksgiving Day activity on our facebook page!

/dfwruns

Strengthening the Running Game

Fantasy Picks for the Thanksgiving Day Game

Doc in the Box

By Holly Johnson, M.D. Guiltless Gobble.

Counting Holiday Calories

Letter from the Editor Chief Running Officer, Eric Lindberg

A REASON FOR EVERY SEASON

T

is the season… I know, I can’t believe it is here either… which means it is my favorite time of year. It’s time to celebrate with friends and family and do things that are good for the heart. For just a brief moment, the entire world seems to come together with a feeling of peace and happiness.

With that I want to wish everyone a VERY HAPPY WORLD RUN DAY! And you thought I was going to say Happy Holidays! Nope. We have another running holiday coming up on November 11!

This whole thing started in 1999 when a runner from Long Island, New York, Bill McDermott, founded World Run Day in honor of his brother who was tragically killed in an automobile accident. The annual event takes place the Sunday closest to November 8 (the day of the accident). Since 1999, over 10,000 runners have participated in World Run Day which is a simple grass roots movement dedicated to celebrating running worldwide by promoting the health benefits of running while also encouraging runners to donate to their favorite charity.

Bill has started a Virtual Run Series which combines traditional holidays and events like Mother’s Day, Independence Day and the Super Bowl with the World Run Day mission. For complete details visit www.runday.com.

VISIT RUNDAY.COM

DFWRUNS has a gift for wrapping the active lifestyle around your

marketing theme. Give us a jingle at 214-339-7867 and let’s celebrate!

DFWRUNS encourages you to spend at least 30 active minutes a day together as a family during this holiday season.

— Eric Lindberg

WHO’S SHOUTING “On Your Left!”?

OWNERS & EDITORS IN CHIEF Eric Lindberg – elindberg@dfwruns.com Sharon Lindberg – slindberg@dfwruns.com

DESIGN Cathy Hutzler – cat@dfwruns.com

WRITING & EDITING Cherilyn Wilson – cwilson@dfwruns.com Seth Gonzales – sgonzales@dfwruns.com

CONTRIBUTORS Lindsay Musielak – lmusielak@dfwruns.com Paul Hutzler – phutzler@dfwruns.com Kelli Conway – kconway@dfwruns.com Gabriella McCord – gmccord@dfwruns.com Maggie McCarthy – mmccarthy@dfwruns.com

CATCH US! (IF YOU CAN)

MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP

Like the explosive growth of our sport and the active lifestyle in general, running holidays seem to be sprouting up all over the place.

Take as an example, Brooks’ marketing campaign around National Running Safety Month, or the growth New York Road Runners’ National Running Day initiative, or the RRCA’s Run at Work Day. By the way, I hope you took advantage the discounts we offered on each of these running holidays!

Unlike traditional holidays, the message of World Run Day is about health, as opposed to the blur of beer and hot dogs on the 4th of July, the Eggnog and family squabbles at Christmas or massive amounts of food and football at Thanksgiving.

Now don’t get me wrong — I love participating in these endeavors and I’ve even set a few personal records in said activities. What I like about World Run Day is that it falls on a time of year when families and friends are already gathering to celebrate each other; only now, they can enjoy the healthy activities together too!.

What is next for running holidays? How about celebrating Pre’s birthday (America’s greatest running legend, Steve Prefontaine), on January 25? We could call it Premas. Or how about the anniversary of Pheidippides’ run from Marathon to Athens? Can you help me find a date? Dean Karnazas completed 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days on November 5th. If that isn’t cause for declaring a running holiday, I dunno what is. Heck, all of these running gods deserve a holiday in my book!

All that said, DFWRUNS encourages you to create or continue a tradition in your family by spending at least 30 active minutes together during this holiday season. It is guaranteed to strengthen the heart!

Fall Back, Spring Ahead

Registration is Open for our 2013 Events

S

UPCOMING EVENTS

o you know what happens after Halloween has passed, right?

You officially run face-first into the busy holiday season. We at DFWRUNS, however, just finished our busiest season in the history of our company. Between merely August and October, we traveled to 14 different cities where we either directed, promoted, or managed more than 17 events for 8 separate clients. For a few of those clients, we designed and ordered at least 6000 t-shirts, polished and handed out an estimated 4000 medals and awards.

For others, we created rack cards, ads, online marketing tools or social media opportunities. Then, we flexed and set up more than 350 tables and tents, and ensured over a hundred port-o-lets were stocked with roughly 4 rolls of paper each. As we look back on the fall season, we’re excited to have played a role in these events raising around $275,000 for charitable causes!

So what will we do now? We’ll celebrate World Run Day and continue to spring ahead into 2013 that’s what! Yes, we’ve already finished stuffing our turkey, signed our Christmas cards and are raising our Rahr Finisher pint glasses to toast a new year.

Registration is already open at lowest cost right now for our Spring 2013 races; the 2nd Annual Form Follows Fitness 5K, The Original Mud Run and the 5th Annual Thrill of the Grill 5K. (Heck, we’ve even sprung ahead into next autumn by opening registration for the Plano Balloon Festival Half & 5K and the Rahr Oktoberfest 5K!) Don’t fall behind and miss this financially smart opportunity. RESOLVE NOW to SAVE and BE MORE ACTIVE in 2013!

The Original MudRun - Houston Saturday, November 10 , 2012 RACE WEBSITE

Arbor Day Run Saturday, November 10, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

CATCH US IF YOU CAN!

Mighty Mud Dash - Dallas Saturday, November 10, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

Juggernaut - DFW Saturday, December 1, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

Word on the Street

There’s a Time of Year to Give Thanks and a Time to Give Tanks

W

hen success flows over an event space like good gravy, clients are thankful. Moreover, if the participants are happy, they’ll ask for seconds and thirds. With huge helpings like this, everyone feasts.

Although DFWRUNS directly serves the client, we know that in order to master the recipe for success we must also remember to pass the goodies down to all that come to the table. This means keeping the sponsors smiling, and the runners and walkers happy in addition to making sure the client is more than satisfied. To guarantee we continue to gather the freshest ingredients going forward, we asked DFW athletes what they are most thankful for on race day. Here are just a few things we’d like to share with our clients in order to understand what keeps them coming back for more.

Brandon Rosser, Fort Worth, TX

Monica Ortigoza, Coppell, TX

I’m not a distance runner. I usually stick to 5ks but I choose the Turkey Trot to double up on that and go for 10. It always puts me in a good place the rest of the day which includes the traditional Cowboys game and turkey-induced coma!

What are you most thankful for at a race? I would be thankful for a GOOD shirt that I can actually wear to run in — Tanks for Spring/ Summer races and long sleeve tech shirts for fall/winter races. I

What are you most thankful for at a race? I’m a dirty boy.

The mud, obstacles, scene afterward, and of course beer is what I dig (pun intended) about the mud runs. It also feels good to know I’m being philanthropic at the same time.

What is your Thanksgiving Day active tradition? An early morning run (not a race), a BIG lunch and afternoon walk/hike with the family.

UPCOMING EVENTS

don’t like getting beanies for winter races. I like age group awards other than a plaque/medal (like the wine glass for a vineyard run). Good food at the finish for longer runs (like Hottest Half with all the vendor sponsors). Lots of port-a-potties… eeeewwww! I always look to see if beer/wine/margaritas will be served, then I rarely end up drinking it… maybe I should stop letting that be a factor. I like to see at least some % of race profits being donated (maybe that just helps me feel better about myself). And of course I’m always thankful for discounts :)

GPCC - Tuscon Sunday, December 2, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

The Grafitti Run - Houston Saturday, December 2, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

Juggernaut - Houston Saturday, December 8, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

The Grafitti Run - San Antonio Saturday, January 27, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

THE “GREENEST” RACE IN NORTH TEXAS 5K & 10K DISTANCES • LIVE MUSIC • AWARDS • TREE PLANTING

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve 2801 E. Spring Creek Plano, TX

Benefiting:

ArborDayRun.com

Word on the Street, Cont.

Kimberly Tobey, Dallas, TX

My tradition in recent years has been to participate in the YMCA Turkey Trot. It’s a great way to start the day bright and early with a fun event and work up a nice appetite for our afternoon Turkey meal. It’s an awesome way to feel less guilty about a second helping of mashed potatoes or pumpkin pie!

What would you be most thankful for at a race?

The excitement at the start and the camaraderie of being with other runners and walkers looking to achieve a goal. But I’d have to say when it comes to the actual race experience I am most thankful for the volunteers that distribute water throughout the route and for spectators who cheer and motivate us. It’s amazing how encouraging a complete stranger can be to help you push to get to that finish line to get your BLING.

Phil Hatton, Coppell, TX

I like to start Thanksgiving with a hard workout, usually a run. I’ve done several Turkey Trots and really enjoy them. The workout sets the stage for the rest of the day.

After the workout it’s time to get cleaned up and ready for Friends, Food, FOOTBALL, and oh yea, Beer! It’s my favorite holiday by far. It’s about getting your friends and family together, sharing stories and love, and watching the Dallas Cowboys while eating good food and drinking a few beers, Are you kidding me!!

What would you be most thankful for at a race?

My favorite events are those run by an organized group, I don’t like to see the event scrambling at the last moment.

I enjoy an announcer who’s upbeat and gets the crowd involved, someone with a good sense of humor (Tom Ryan is great). I like music. I like a nice course that well marked. Once completed, I like the finishing area to feel like it’s a party, once again upbeat, and some cool snacks and maybe a few beers. That type of event gets me coming back every year.

Marcie Adame, Garland, TX

I always meet friends for a turkey run. We each bring our favorite breakfast treat & share a cup of warmth.

What are you most thankful for when you race?

I’m thankful to get a medal even for 5K or 10K distances.

The last half gave each finisher a T-shirt, a hat, a 13.1 magnet, towel, AND a medal!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Share YOUR Thanksgiving Day ACTIVITY on facebook or tell us what you’d be thankful for at our next race. Don’t forget to visit our Compliments Department!

The Grafitti Run - Fort Worth Saturday, February 2, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

Form Follows Fitness 5K Saturday, February 23, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

Original MudRun - DFW Saturday, April 13, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

Seton Soles 5K Saturday, April 13, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

CAN YOU BEAT THE JUGGERNAUT? DFW/North Texas – 12.1

LIVE MUSIC

COOL FINISHER MEDAL

RACE SHIRT

AFTER PARTY

BEATTHEJUGGERNAUT.COM /BeatTheJuggernaut

@BeatTheJuggernaut

Throughout the 2012-2013 event series, The Juggernaut will donate 15% of registration fees, and 100% of funds raised to Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s participating Affiliates. For breast health information visit Komen.org or call 1-877-GO-KOMEN.

Don't be Huffin' and Puffin' to Get to the Finish Line

Breathe Easy and Win at the Arbor Day 5K/10K & Hike with Huffines Subaru Street Team

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unners are a unique breed. They’re always finding better ways to efficiently use their energy and take on those miles. Running gives a non-runner confidence and the power to control when and where it will take them. Subaru owners are also people with the confidence and control to take on the world and have fun along the way. This is only one reason why we’re always revved up to see the Huffines Subaru street team on race day. Here’s four more reasons: Edgar Licea, Megan Brennan, Jonathan Smith, and Kyle Teichmann. These are people who love to share the finish line celebration and never show up short of giveaways! “We love talking to people and showing them why Subaru is a great option for their adventurous spirit.” Huffines Subaru’s Marketing Manager, Edgar Licea tells us. This year, they’ve shared our joy for the outdoors at The Original Mud Run and The Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon. Now it’s your chance to meet them at the Arbor Day 5K/10K & Hike and leave a winner no matter where you’ve finished at the end of the beautiful, tree-lined course. Spin the wheel and walk away with a prize but here’s something else you should know. Huffines Subaru is raffling off a new iPad via their Facebook page! Simply become a fan of their page and you’ll be eligibleto win an iPad or possibly an upcoming race entry! There are plenty of reasons to be a fan of this awesome sponsor.

For example, the Arbor Day Run in particular encompasses Subaru’s commitment to the environment. If you’ve got any kick left in you after 6.2 miles, come kick the tires of the new 2013 Outback. They’ll have the car on site, equipped with an advanced gasoline engine that produces ultra-clean emissions with zero evaporative emissions. It’s the vehicle to pace us toward a healthier environment.

Did you know that Subaru has set up a recycling design project team to design future vehicles that allow for easy recycling? Subaru has also improved recyclability by making vehicles easier to dismantle, using materials that are easy to recycle, easier material identification and reducing substances that endanger the environment.

We’re breathing easy knowing our vendors and sponsors are such strong supporters of great causes, particularly the Plano Parks Foundation. Stop by Huffines’ booth on November 10th where everyone finishes a winner!

Call 940-321-2504 and tell Huffines Subaru Denton the Street Team sent you for special pricing!!

PROUDLY SPONSORS

Huffines Subaru Denton 5150 I-35E, Denton, TX 76205 www.huffinessubarudenton.com

MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP

Stop by any event and say “Hello” to our STREET TEAM!

Strengthening the Running Game

U

nlike the Bengals, Saints, or Tampa Bay, YOU can improve your running game! I am not a tight end or a nutritionist, but during my research for last month’s story on Whole Foods Market, our awesome sponsor of the Arbor day 5K/10K Run & Hike, I touched on plenty of convincing studies proving certain foods may actually increase an athlete’s endurance and even boost your speed.

Instead of turning over the ball like San Diego Chargers quarterback, Philip Rivers, I’m throwing in the towel on processed white flour foods, dyes, artificial ingredients, and empty calories. In the spirit of autumn and the Arbor Day Run, the only thing I’m turning over is a new leaf. I’ve taken the information I gathered about the benefits of whole, raw, and organic fruits, vegetables and grains and am changing the way I grocery shop. For two weeks, I’ve stayed in the game by eating mostly whole foods, by increasing my fruits, vegetables and natural proteins, by adding prebiotics and cutting back on the sugars and white-flour foods that my body can’t properly process. I feel better already and have clocked my best track workout and tempo runs to date! It’s like my 1st and goal. Watch me score a touchdown with a PR and a BQ at the finish line of my December marathon — both arms in the air!

MY FANTASY PICKS FOR THANKSGIVING DAY GAME

Kickoff the meal with Kale and Almonds

» Almonds supply a decent dose of vitamin E which studies have shown can help stave off post-workout soreness.

— Sarah Bowen Shea of Self Magazine, Self.com

» Kale is a vegetable that is packed with nutrient rich

photochemicals and health promoting benefits. Kale is rich

in calcium, lutein, vitamin C, A, E and K, and tons of betacarotene. Loaded with fiber, kale is a superior vegetable by any standards. That translates to e-n-e-r-g-y! Best to buy organically grown kale if possible.

— besthealthyrunners.com

MY TIP: Just Google Kale Salad with Almonds and Butternut Squash!

Trade the Mashed Potatoes and Gravy for Sweet Potatoes

» Sweet Potatoes provide sustained energy rather than the

flash-and-burn jolt of simple, or white, carbs. These orange spuds’ serious punch of complex carbohydrates means they’re in it for the long haul! They also have protein, fiber, potassium and vitamins C and A. — Sarah Bowen Shea of Self Magazine, Self.com

Sideline tackle with Quinoa

» Quinoa is a complete protein. It contains all eight muscle-

mending amino acids, so it can help your body bounce back after a workout. It’s a low-cal alternative to traditional grains.

Punt the can of cranberry sauce and go after Fresh Cranberries

» Cranberries are full of antioxidants which protect cells from damage by unstable molecules called free radicals. The deep red, unbaked berries make great holiday garnishes on salads by adding unique antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties of anthocyanins.

» “Your legs can take a pounding from high-impact activities

like running; soreness you feel after a hard run may be caused by micro-tears in the exercised muscles. That’s why, in addition to their high fiber content, berries are a good option for runners: the vitamin C and potassium they contain

— From the editors of Fitness Magazine

Be UnBEETable by picking up some Beet Root!

» “Scientists have discovered athletes who eat baked

beetroot before a race run put in a faster time.” I’m not sure, yet, how to work this one into the feast at my house but it’s become a staple in my own personal diet this training season! “The purple root vegetable contains high levels of chemicals called nitrates, which have been shown to boost exercise performance. Researchers at St Louis University in America found athletes were able to run five kilometers faster after eating beetroot than after eating cranberries.”

Gimme a beet!

— Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor of The Telegraph)

The Hail Mary Ending Pass — Pumpkin Pie

» Be the open receiver

in the end zone when it comes to this low in calorie/high in fiber pass down the table.

Researchers have found that pumpkin extract improved physical fatigue and exercise performance in mice. Scurry to save those pumpkin seeds too because they’re an excellent source of magnesium — which helps your muscles contract properly and aids metabolism, and they also contain almost twice as muchpotassium as your average banana, making them an ideal post-workout snack to help repair muscle and replenish electrolytes.

CALLING ALL STUDENTS, TREE-HUGGERS & ROCK STARS!

F

rom the start to the finish, our registration volunteers, water stop volunteers and course monitors are right in the middle of the action. Finish line volunteers congratulate runners and walkers and direct them to water, food, goodies and more. Regardless of whichever fun duties you’ll manage when volunteering your time at our races, you’ll earn community service hours for your sorority/fraternity group or high school credit all while having fun in an active environment. Speaking of “environment”, we are looking for more wonderful people willing to give just a few hours of their early morning to help at the Arbor Day Run/Walk & Hike on November 10.

You could make a difference in the community before lunchtime as our races always benefit a wide range of non-profits and it is a great way to get involved and meet people with similar interests. Come on out and show your support for the Plano Parks Foundation at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve by getting in touch with us today!

EMAIL KELLI TO SIGN UP!

— Licensed dietician, Jessica Kovarik on Livestrong.com

Thanks for this Food which we are about to Receive!

— Cherilyn Wilson

REACH OUT!

Learn how DFWRUNS can help grow your brand or event. Contact us today!

PHONE: 214-DFWRUNS EMAIL: info@dfwruns.com WEB: www.dfwruns.com

MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP

help the body repair itself.”

JOHNSON PHOTO BY: SPENCER FREEMAN

Doc in the Box

By Holly Johnson, M.D.

GUILTLESS GOBBLE Counting Holiday Calories

T

he American Council on Exercise (ACE) reports that the average American consumes about 3000 calories and 229 grams of fat while gorging themselves during a Thanksgiving meal.

Remember, that 3000 kilojoules of lipsmacking is not counting your breakfast, lunch, and sneaky-snack bites you are likely to digest before you even dig into the feast!

You would think that those numbers are hard to swallow, but apparently they are not!

Those seemingly harmless numbers add up fast and easy when you are surrounded by a Southern Living fairytale of holiday tables piled high with the big golden bird, succulent prime rib, Grandma’s celery stuffing, side dishes full of cream, butter, and gravy, and Mom’s casseroles with crunchy unknowns on top, not to mention the sideboard loaded with sweet pies, mile-high cakes, and soft, chocolatey cookies.

ACE goes on to say that a 160 lb person would have to run at a moderate pace for four hours, swim for five hours, or walk for thirty miles to burn those 3000 calories! Ha-ha to the person who says that running just a 5K Turkey Trot or Reindeer Run will let you have a guilt-free day of pigging out, huh? So, how do you do it? How do you stay on track during the holidays so you can enjoy the food and drinks you love, yet stay on track with your fitness goals?

mindset from weight loss to weight maintenance. After you commit to your goals, here are some smaller ways you can make them happen. Stick to a low calorie breakfast and lunch. Incorporate both fiber and protein into your earlyin-the-day meals and snacks to stay satisfied longer...less likely to gorge later. Before sitting down at the overflowing table between big, loud Aunt Bertha and chewing-with-hismouth-open Cousin Sam, drink a couple of glasses of water, eat a green salad with a cube of low fat cheese, or have some veggies or fruit with a few whole grain crackers. If you fill your tummy with a pre-meal snack, you will be less likely to overeat at the table!

WEIGHT MAINTENANCE

PRACTICE PORTION CONTROL

The first step is to commit to staying healthy and in shape as the table of temptation and all-day football beckons in the background. Find balance between your exercise plans and your caloric intake. It takes 3500 calories to gain one pound of fat, (almost the amount in that average Thanksgiving meal). You’ve either got to eat less or you’ve got to burn it off if you want to maintain! During the holidays, shift your

Fit your meal on one non-heaping plate. One half of the plate should be vegetables, one-fourth protein, one-fourth starches. Choose wisely and choose only your favorites.

You do not have to try everything. Savor each bite. You love food, right? Slow down, be grateful for the tastes you love, and enjoy the meal! Avoid going back for seconds. Wait twenty minutes after eating before you decide if you need

AHHH, THE MEAL (You know your numbers, right?

Blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index, and cholesterol level.)

Here are some new numbers (again mostly from ACE) to help you get through the savory Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas meal times. A six ounce serving of white turkey meat with no skin = 180 calories, 3 grams of fat. The same size of dark meat with skin = 370 cal, 20 g fat. Prime rib, small end 6oz = 494 cal, 44 g fat. Fresh cranberries boiled in a bit of sugar (1/2 cup) = 100 cal, <1 g fat. Cranberry jelly (in the shape of a can) = 200 cal, <1 g fat. A medium sweet potato, pat of real butter= 136 cal, 4 g fat. Candied sweet potato casserole with marshmallows (2/3 cup) = 220 cal, 3 g fat. Mashed potatoes with whole milk and butter = 237 cal, 9 g fat. Steamed green beans (1/2 cup) = 20 cal, <1 g fat. Green bean casserole = 130 cal, 7 g fat. Pumpkin pie (1/8 pie) = 340 cal, 15 g fat (180 cal without the crust).

Pecan pie = 500 cal, 25 g fat. Choosing the lower calorie options fills your plate with about 780 calories and 25 grams of fat as opposed to the other choices adding up to a whopping 1500 calories and over 85 grams of fat.

OH! DON’T FORGET THE DRINKS! A serving of eggnog has 343 calories, 19 grams of fat, so it may be wise to choose this or dessert, not both. Instead of cocktails made with high calorie spirits, choose champagne with low calorie punch, a small glass of wine or wine spritzer, or a lite beer.

What happens if you do splurge and overeat? You could become bloated, nauseous, have abdominal discomfort, belch more, feel tired (and therefore more likely to skimp on exercise that day), or even gain a fraction of a pound.

If you eat too much, don’t beat yourself over the head with the leftover mashed potatoes; forgive yourself, move on, pledge to do better the next day, and then, do better the next day! Still feeling guilty? Go for a walk around the block.

It may not seem like much, but you’ll still be lapping everybody else who is sitting on the couch with a full belly yelling, “Touchdown!”

Happy Thanksgiving, ya’ll!

Please Note: The info in this article is not a substitute for medical advice from your own PCP; you should always discuss diet and exercise plans with your own doc. Dr. Johnson and DFWRUNS are not liable for your holiday meal guilty pleasures leading to extra pounds, a dry bird, or embarrassing aunts and food-spitting cousins.

Keep your employees on track by implementing one of DFWRUNS’ corporate wellness programs. Take two [minutes] and call us in the morning! 214-339-7867

REACH OUT!

Learn how DFWRUNS can help grow your brand or event. Contact us today!

PHONE: 214-DFWRUNS EMAIL: info@dfwruns.com WEB: www.dfwruns.com

MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP

more. Focus on the main event of the season: socializing with family and friends and being thankful, not the meal itself.

ABBY ROAD

CROSS COUNTRY SEASON

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By Abby Werner

ell it’s official, the cross country season is over. 21 practices and 4 meets later, I can now run a mile and a half without stopping. Think about it, it took me about 5 months to do that the first time. This time it, took me 6 weeks — IMPROVEMENT! The first meet was at home, at Worley Middle School. I ended up placing 23rd out of about 90 to 100 girls. It was nerve wrecking not knowing what to expect out of a meet and I couldn’t wait to get it over with at first. It was a pretty flat course, with us running in the woods, grass, sidewalk, and track. I did fairly well, having to walk twice. At the finish, you ran one lap around the track. Of course, by that point I was dead and four girls passed me. From that, I learned that no matter what, I need to give it all I have at the finish line.

The second meet was held at the Midlothian stadium, and there were about the same amount of girls as the first. This course was also fairly flat, with only one hill that wasn’t too hard to climb.

Someone stepped on the back of my shoe and I fell down the rest of the hill, but I kept going. There was also a lot of high grass and a dangerous, ankle twisting, rock field to run through, but I surpassed it. I walked only once, briefly, sprinting my heart out at the end.

Much to my disappointment, I got 42nd; I knew I had to make more progress.

The third meet was at Danny Jones with about 170 to 200 girls. We ran on the grass, road, and track. This meet had lots of short, steep hills that weren’t the easiest to conquer. I hadn’t learned how to do hills yet and just had to fight through them.

I passed a ton of people, throughout the race, slowly increasing my speed. I finished on the track, once again, extinguishing every last drop of energy I had left. Even though I got 64th, I was thrilled when I realized I hadn’t walked at all!

The fourth and final meet; the district meet, was in Midlothian again, just not at the same place. It was definitely the most scenic course, but the hardest. They had us start and after about half a mile they stopped us. They messed up the clock so we had to start all over again. I was fuming — imagine wasting half a mile’s worth of energy and then having to start all over again! We ran on grass, gravel, the sidewalk, and the road. The part that killed me though, was where there were four crazy steep hills. Still not having been taught how to properly run up hills, I had to fight the urge to walk them. I finished sprinting and passed three girls. I felt like crying when I found out I got 93rd.

Looking back, even though I increasingly got a worse place, my time improved from the time the season started to the time it ended. I enjoyed going to practice and the meets (most of the time) and am now stronger and healthier. I met a ton of new people at my school that I would have never even talked to if I had not done cross country. And most importantly, I have improved over all as a runner and look forward to cross country next year!

“ I passed a ton of people, throughout the race, slowly increasing my speed.”

Keep track of Abby each month as she grows in her running! Watch for her reviews of UPCOMING DFWRUNS EVENTS in forthcoming issues of On Your Left!

PHONE: 214-DFWRUNS EMAIL: info@dfwruns.com WEB: www.dfwruns.com /dfwruns

@dfwruns