On Your Left! October 2012 eZine

Official Publication of

OCTOBER 20 1 2

HALLOWEEN Another good excuse for a costume

Eat. Clean.

Run Green.

Whole Foods Returns, Reuses and Recycles their Sponsorship of the Arbor Day Run 5K/10K & Hike

Why Naut?

Because It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

They’re Living Fit in Grapevine, TX RRCA Designates Grapevine, Texas as Runner Friendly Community

Doc in the Box

By Holly Johnson, M.D. Cough, Sniffle, Fever: Is it the flu and can I run?

Letter from the Editor Chief Running Officer, Eric Lindberg

RUNNING FOR OFFICE

Reforming How the Community Cares about a Healthy Business Plan

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re you ready for the elections? It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again, when political issues weigh heavily on the minds of many in our country.

As a businessman, I understand the wide role politics plays in every aspect of the job. I’m not just talking about the politics that come from Washington, but also the internal and external politics that exist within every organization, it’s customers and it’s vendors.

When we started DFWRUNS four years ago, I ran for the love of the sport and to do something healthy for myself; I’m proud to say it’s still what I do today. But as our business crossed the starting line, I never imagined how political the active lifestyle industry could be. I run in all types of races, I shop in all types of stores and buy all types of brands. Typical business politics never entered my mind; to me, runners just loved running and were always eager to support the people, products and brands that were associated with the sport.

As a business owner, I try to spread my love of running far and wide. One thing that sets DFWRUNS apart is that we don’t own any events. All of the events we touch are owned by another entity. As a result, everything we do

Elect DFWRUNS as your leader for your brand or event.

Vote Yes on number 214-DFWRUNS (339-7687).

WHO’S SHOUTING “On Your Left!”?

The DFWRUNS philosophy allows us to grow the active lifestyle pie so that everyone gets a bigger slice.

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

CONTRIBUTORS Lindsay Musielak – lmusielak@dfwruns.com Paul Hutzler – phutzler@dfwruns.com Kelli Conway – kconway@dfwruns.com Seth Gonzales – sgonzales@dfwruns.com Gabriella McCord – gmccord@dfwruns.com Rosemarie Coletto – rcoletto@dfwruns.com Maggie McCarthy – mmccarthy@dfwruns.com

CATCH US! (IF YOU CAN)

MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP

is more sharply focused towards the interests of our customers — not our own. We hire multiple timing companies, partner with multiple running stores while encouraging the entire community to participate in our client’s events.

The DFWRUNS philosophy allows us to grow the active lifestyle pie so that everyone gets a bigger slice. Don’t get me wrong, I love competition; it only makes DFWRUNS work harder and when that happens, everyone benefits, especially consumers.

When we listen to them, good things usually happen; and when we don’t, it usually means political trouble. Look what just happened to the Pasadena Marathon or closer to home the resolved conflict of interest on the board of the Fort Worth Runners Club (kudos to them for resolving the issue). Our commitment to listening to consumers is one of the reasons we started the COMPLIMENTS department a few months ago.

Like competition, politics can be positive. After all, our elected officials are supposed to act in the best interests of us, the citizens.

When the right person is in office, great things begin to happen for our cities, states and countries.

To me, the biggest difference between politics and business is this: businesses are looking to make the best decision for their respective customers and ultimately the bottom line, not necessarily what is best for the community. So my challenge, or request for that matter, is to change that — just a little bit. When building a business, consider taking the approach of doing what is right for the overall active lifestyle community. I’m a firm believer that such an approach will only grow your business and ingratiate your brand within the hearts and minds of your consumers.

— Eric Lindberg

Eat. C l ean. Run Green.

Whole Foods Returns, Reuses, and Recycles their Sponsorship of the Arbor Day Run 5K/10K & Hike

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UPCOMING EVENTS

ou don’t put cheap, gunky gasoline into your gas tank because you know the engine can’t run efficiently and will eventually give out on you, all while emitting destructive pollutants. So why would you put unnecessary chemicals and contaminants into your body and expect it to run well?

It just wouldn’t make sense. Something that does make perfect sense, however, is Whole Foods as presenting sponsor of the Arbor Day Run 5K, 10K & Hike.

On November 10, 2012, runners and walkers will enjoy a scenic route through Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve in Plano for the 4th Annual running of the Arbor Day Run 5K, 10 & Hike. This race, which is held in celebration of trees, healthy living, the outdoors and an eco-friendly environment, raises money for the improvement projects throughout city parks thanks to the Plano Parks Foundation. While the race does its part to save our planet by composting the water cups, eliminating use of plastic bags, providing ample recycling bins and hosting a tree planting ceremony on race day, the Arbor Day Run’s presenting sponsor, Whole Foods, is also winning the race against contamination — inside and out.

Whole Foods has reduced their landfill waste by up to 75% in some regions by composting and banning plastic grocery bags. The corporation also eliminates harmful runoff by not supporting the use of artificial fertilizers and other toxic

GPCC - Fort Wayne Saturday, October 13, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

Run, Walk & Roll Saturday, October 13, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

REGISTER NOW! chemicals in the growing of their wonderfully organic goods, and the use of biodiesel in their truck fleets is reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Won’t the improvement of air quality help you to breathe easier while trucking through the beautifully tree-lined 5K/10K courses DFWRUNS has mapped out?

Athletes work similarly in their need for good clean fuel.

“According to Lisa Cooper, a registered dietitian who has worked with many athletes, food is more than something that quells hunger; it is fuel composed of nutrients essential for maintaining optimal health and top performance during an endurance event like a race.” Experts seem to agree

Life Walk and Run Saturday, October 13, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

The Original MudRun - DFW Saturday, October 27, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

that during at least 75% of training, athletes should focus on eating whole, plant-based foods. Good fuel can only affect your engine positively. After all, a properly maintained, well-cared-for engine will give you better fuel efficiency and without stomach distress!

I’m a runner, not a mechanic, but here’s how I think a runner’s innards are designed like that of a car. That “gunk” gasoline can harden on the cylinders, pistons and valves of an engine. If too much collects, this gunk can negatively affect engine performance causing your car to burn more oil, overheat and even burn gas less efficiently. Valves inside an engine are designed to let in a specific amount of air and fuel, and when this process is interrupted by carbon deposit build-up, your car won’t be performing up to its potential.

Now, how about grabbing a friend, merging into that carpool lane and heading to your local Whole Foods Market? Fill up with the good stuff—whole foods micro nutrient dense and free of unnecessary additives like some asparagus spears, a lemon, some runner’s miracle quinoa, and a fillet of salmon!

Don’t just idle on the sidelines, rev up your internal engine and get outside with us next month! REGISTER NOW! It’s only natural an active lifestyle agency and an environmentally cognizant company like Whole Foods is at the roots of a run supporting the trees and healthy living. So don’t miss out on what eating clean and running green can do for you.

Check out the Whole Foods 28-Day Challenge clean meal plans, find great recopies based on the Four Pillars of Healthy Eating, or learn more about the programs Whole Foods initiates for a healthier planet at www.wholefoodsmarket.com. Make a fresh start. Then, step up to the starting line to celebrate.

REGISTER NOW!

— Cherilyn Wilson

Mighty Mud Dash - Houston Saturday, October 20, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

Dash for Dad - Austin Saturday, October 27, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

The Original MudRun - Houston Saturday, November 3, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

Arbor Day Run Saturday, November 10, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

Why Naut?

Because It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

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uring this National Breast Cancer Awareness month of October, The North Hills Hospital of Dallas published on their blog, “The Top Three Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer.”

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Control What You Consume

2 Know Your Family History 3 Get Screened Regularly We at DFWRUNS agree but believe there is one more!

SIGN UP for The Juggernaut which helps fund research, local programs, and build awareness through its beneficiary, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®.

The Juggernaut is coming to Austin on November 10, to Dallas on December 1, and will be in Houston on December 8. Be active while being proactive about your health!

UPCOMING EVENTS

REGISTER NOW!

Juggernaut - Central Texas Saturday, November 10, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

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

Juggernaut - Central Texas Saturday, December 1, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

GPCC - Tuscon Sunday, December 2, 2012 RACE WEBSITE

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!

They're Living Fit in Grapevine, TX

RRCA Designates Grapevine, Texas as Runner Friendly Community

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n 2011, The Road Runners Club of America launched the new program called, Runner Friendly Community. The goal of the program is to shine a national spotlight on communities that stand out as runner friendly and provide incentives and ideas for communities to work towards becoming runner friendly communities. Last month, Grapevine, TX received designation as one of the nation’s top Runner Friendly Communities in 2012.

Mayor of Grapevine, William D. Tate, accepted the Runner Friendly Community plaque from Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers Club President/RRCA North Texas State Rep, Kathryn Alvarez Gleghorn, at the Grapevine City Council Meeting on September 4.

Another benefit of being a Runner Friendly Community is the great relationship between running clubs and your city. The City Parks & Recreation Board has worked with the running club, Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers (RAW), over the last 15 years to make the city’s trails runner friendly. The members of RAW give their time in order to promote the active lifestyle throughout the city, they help keep the trails of Grapevine clean by partnering with the city of Grapevine and their Keep Grapevine Beautiful (KGVB) initiative and commit to at least three additional trail clean-ups each year on our own.

We at DFWRUNS feel lucky to run with RAW when we aren’t busy with some partnering of our own—like growing our relationship with the local health and fitness magazine, Living Fit. Every month, DFWRUNS tells about one of the many Dallas/Fort Worth area running, walking or tri groups and why you might like to shred some tread with them. Watch for the November issue to read more about the runners & walkers of Grapevine and when you can go meet them on their clean, marked trails this fall! Living Fit is a beautiful (and beautifully FREE!) full-color magazine filled with everything going on around the metroplex on the health and fitness scene. You can grab one at numerous Dallas Locations or subscribe to receive your free copy by mail.

— Cherilyn Wilson

If you’re part of a running group you’d like to see profiled in Living Fit, email us at info@dfwruns.com

Halloween

Another Good Excuse for a Costume

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k that’s it. Ironman training has caused me to miss birthday dinners, Girl’s Nite Outs, and some really cool work events. It’s time for this girl to shake some fun out of life-- and since I’m in bed by 7:30 p.m. every night, my options are greatly limited. As a diehard fun-addict, I will find a way.

This time of year evokes a childlike spirit from everyone: Excellent weather, tons of spectacular events, and costume shops on every corner.

I’m saddened that I can’t trickor-treat anymore. Well, I can, but the neighbors told me to just go buy my own candy. Sheesh — so judgy! I’ve since taken to races that are “costume-friendly”.

(Ironman Florida is presently NOT. But I’m working on that.)

Running in a costume is a permissible way for a serious runner to behave in a juvenile manner. And I do so love that. I need it. My fun-muscle is getting so weak.

So last weekend, I ran the 3rd Annual Rahr & Sons Oktoberfest 5K in a “German Beer Maid” costume, petticoat and all. I cannot tell you how fun it was to see how many other people took part in such shenanigans. So many “Gretchens” and so much love. It was like a family reunion.

Showing up at a race in any decorated manner creates immediate friendships. It’s like wearing a sandwich sign that says “I’m a fun person! Let’s be friends!” (Which actually would be an AWESOME COSTUME!) I think fun people typically have fun-radar. They find each other. But on race day, their fun-radar senses are somewhat dulled by excitement, commotion, or intimidation. The costumed runner makes their position exceedingly clear. I’m a runner, but I’m fun. I’m a “Funner”.

When “Funners” show up at races, everyone wins. For people like me with pre-race jitters, all that small talk is the perfect distraction before lining up at the start line. Even the crowd perks up when a fun-loving costumed runner passes.

People can’t help but smile, comment, and encourage. Sometimes it will even get you in a picture with Dean Karnazes.

— Gabriella McCord

JOHNSON PHOTO BY: SPENCER FREEMAN

Doc in the Box

By Holly Johnson, M.D.

Cough, Sniffle, Fever: Is it the flu and can I run?

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remember it like it was yesterday. I was about eight years old. I sat feverishly on the edge of my grandmother’s fig newton-colored couch with the fraying edges, throwing up into her pink bathroom trash can. There was a glass of bubbly 7-Up and a package of Saltine crackers on the TV stand beside me. The boxy-furnitureTV set blared scenes from the 70s soap operas General Hospital followed by The Doctors.

“Grandma,” I whined from the couch. “Can I watch cartoons instead?”

My chubby, lovable grandma with the black hair (well, graying hair) piped back, “No, honey. I have to watch this so I know how to make my baby feel better from the flu.”

Good grief, I thought to myself; even as an eight year-old, I knew that watching a man and a woman hugging on top of pink satin sheets wasn’t going to help my granny know what to do to help me. (Gag! I threw up again just thinking about those sheets.)

A million years later, I know now that I didn’t have the true flu. Many people today are just as confused about the true flu (also known as influenza), a common cold, and a stomach virus. First, what’s the difference? Second, can you run through these illnesses? And lastly, should you get a flu shot?

STOMACH VIRUS A stomach virus, or gastroenteritis, is sometimes called the “stomach flu.” (It really isn’t the flu and the flu shot won’t protect you from this!) Its symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and body aches. It usually lasts 2448 hours and only supportive care such as fluids, rest, and over-the-counter acetaminophen, Emetrol, or Imodium is needed for treatment. If symptoms last longer than a couple of days or you are dehydrated (with a headache, dark or little urine output, dry skin, or dry mouth), take a visit to your doc

or your local urgent care center. You should not work out during these 24-48 hours as you may find yourself too far from a lavatory or even more dehydrated!

COMMON COLD The common cold starts gradually with a scratchy throat, runny nose, stuffy nose, ear pressure, and/or a cough. You may also get a low-grade fever with it. A cold lasts anywhere from seven to ten days. Some common colds progress to bronchitis, sinusitis, or pneumonia which is why if you are worse after five days or not any better after seven days, I recommend that you seek medical care. (Note: the flu shot will not protect you against the common cold! There are literally hundreds of viruses that cause a cold, so don’t hold your breath that there will be a vaccine anytime soon!)

Treatment of the common cold is supportive care as well: drink plenty of fluids, rest, and take a simple over-the-counter cold medication. Listen to your body. If you feel like getting in an easy workout while you have a cold, it is probably safe to do so. If you don’t feel like running, however — especially during your peak symptom days — it is best to rest.

Finally the true flu — the grandmammy of them all — the influenza virus. The flu strikes suddenly (no gradual onset here) with fever, body aches, headache, sore throat, and cough. Often, patients tell me that they feel like they got hit by a bus and their hair and eyes even hurt! If you seek medical care within the first 48 hours of your symptoms, you may be a candidate for the antiviral medications Oseltamivir or Zanamivir. (These are not antibiotics which only work against bacteria.) These medicines stop the flu virus from making more of itself, so you get better a little quicker than if you had not taken it. Rest, fluids, (yes, feed a fever and feed a cold!) Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, salt water gargles, and time on the couch or in bed is what the doctor will order for the flu! Do not try to run through (or even go to work with) this illness! Once you feel rested, and the body aches and fever are gone, it is okay to go for a walk or a light, short jog. Build up gradually over the next several days to your pre-flu workout.

Should you get vaccinated? The Centers for Disease Control, The American Academy of Family Practice, and other respected professionals recommend that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine every year, but especially people at high risk of influenza complications and their close contacts. This includes people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, the elderly, the very young, pregnant women, and chemotherapy patients.

Everyone should talk with their doctor to make sure they are a candidate for the vaccine and for which one (there are live and inactivated vaccines and indications and contraindications for each). The flu shot changes every year and protection only lasts one year. The vaccine this year

includes type A/California H1N1 virus; type A/Victoria H3N2 virus; and type B/Wisconsin virus. The other best prevention is to wash your hands and keep your hands away from your face.

To sum it up this month...get your flu vaccine. A common cold is not influenza. Listen to your body when choosing whether or not to work out during an illness. Wash your hands! And of course, remember, soap operas will not heal vomiting and diarrhea.

Please Note: The info in this article is not a substitute for medical advice from your own PCP; you should always discuss exercise plans with your own doc. Dr. Johnson and DFWRUNS are not liable for complications arising from your flu season illness, if you are running and the stomach bug hits you and there is no bathroom in sight, and if we hurt your feelings regarding pink satin sheets.

It makes us sick to think your active lifestyle brand or event might be suffering.

Take two business cards and call us in the morning! 214-DFWRUNS (339-7687)

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

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INFLUENZA VIRUS

ABBY ROAD

RAHR & SONS OKTOBERFEST

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By Abby Werner

n Saturday, September 15, 2012, I ran one of the Rahr & Sons Oktoberfest 5K Social Runs. There were about 40 people in all running, which included my mom, brother and of course, me. It wasn’t timed, but I had my iPod anyway, just so I would know a ballpark estimate of my time. I ran without stopping for what I think was about a mile.

Then I walked off and on for the rest of the way after that. I ended up finishing in about 39 minutes. Now, keep in mind that there were several steep hills and I hadn’t run that distance in quite a while. I knew that I had to get back into the swing of things and start running more if I wanted to improve.

Later in the week, cross country practice started at my school. Practice starts before 7 a.m. and as you know, I am not a morning person. My dad usually drives me to practice, with me eating my breakfast in record time in the car. I work hard, always focusing on getting faster and increasing my stamina. (My shoes from RunOn! feel great!) After a few minutes, I always warm up and really enjoy it.

In my athletics class period that week I also ran the mile and 50 meter dash. Plus, one day, we did a Fun Run to raise money to pay for the speakers from Rachel’s Challenge to come and talk to our school. So basically, I ran more in that one week than I ever had in my life!

That next Saturday, September 22, I ran in the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge DFW 5K race in Arlington.

Before it started I positioned myself so I was in the middle, so I wouldn’t get trampled by the faster guys. I started off at a nice easy jog and didn’t stop to walk until the turn around point which was situated around 1.3 miles. I gratefully grabbed 2 cups of water and walked off and on after that.

There were lots of little kids at this race who I loved to cheer on and tons of people with shirts that said who they were running for. Towards the end, I kept pace with a boy who was about my age. He would be a little up ahead, barely jogging when I was walking. Then I would start jogging again and pass him, but when I needed to walk he would pass me.

This went on for about 15 times to the point where he started looking back after he passed me to see when I would start jogging again. At the last turn, I sprinted and ended up beating him by a whole minute.

My time was 34:42, which meant I dropped about 5 minutes off my previous time. It wasn’t as good as my first 5k, but I’m still improving. I look forward to seeing what other progress I make in the near future!

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!

Last Month, Runners Took Off!

What will we be Serving up Next?!

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fter a successful marketing campaign which sold out the Half Marathon distance, the packet pick-up management at multiple locations for our participants, and the oh-so-early morning set-up, DFWRUNS staff led between 800-900 runners and walkers 3.1 colorful miles beneath balloon-filled skies. Then we routed about 550 more half-marathoners through the beautiful paths of Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve for our second year of The Plano Balloon Festival 5K & Half Marathon.

Thanks to all the participants for another successful year! So successful, we’re already gassed up about inflating the course. We’re so excited that we’ve already opened REGISTRATION FOR 2013! Much appreciation also to those who have taken the time to send in your compliments to OUR COMPLIMENTS DEPARTMENT. We were glad to hear many enjoyed the post-race breakfast of bacon, eggs, muffins, yogurt and OJ! Our friends at Central Market go Up Up UP above and beyond at many of our races so now it’s time to get your head out of the clouds and register for the 4th Annual Neuro Assistance Run, Walk & Roll 5K. The race starts and finishes at the Central Market Southlake location during some cool fall temperatures. Some tempting reasons to get signed up for this fall race?

Your registration not only helps to raise money for people in our community living with spinal cord injuries and disabilities, but with your race entry comes post-race pumpkin pancakes, applewood bacon, coffee and juice served in the Cafe after the event.

Register online before 11:59 PM Thursday, October 11.

Following some mud-slinging in DFW and Houston and some dashing for dad in Austin, we’re heading back to support the Plano Parks Foundation at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve for the 4th Annual Arbor Day Run 5k/10k and Hike.

Looking for your next race? View our ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR and catch us if you can.

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

@dfwruns