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Volume 5, Issue 3 • MARCH 2014 •

P A G E

Running Zone Foundation donates $75,450

4th Annual Corporate 5K Race Date Approaches

P A G E

Why I Run: Lisa Hamelin

2 Running Zone The Starting Line Don & Denise’s Den

Maintaining a Balance Staring at a computer. Recording data on a chart.

Meetings lasting into the lunch hour. Parties for retirement, anniversaries, winning a case, birthdays, Tuesdays... Commuting in your car. Chasing kids around a cafeteria. Overtime. Conferences in Fargo. Greeting customers. Cooking in a kitchen.

Working on an assembly line. The late shift.

In This Issue: Running Zone Foundation donates to Space Coast Charities......... 3 Running Zone March Special................................. 3 Meerkat Mosey 3K – Different Race, Same Results................. 4 4th Annual Corporate 5K Race Date Approaches................... 6 New Products at Running Zone...... 6 Popular 2014 Space Coast Half Marathon Registration Caps After 1 Day........................... 7 Running Zone Staff Spotlight.... 7 New Balance March Special.... 7 Gecko Club March Special..... 7 Fun Run Time Changes........... 7 Runner's High........................ 8 March Thursday Night Fun Runs............................... 8 Why I Run: Lisa Hamelin......... 9 The Next Steps...................... 9 Gecko Club Social & Fun Run.... 9 Ask Pete.............................. 10 Running Zone Foundation Race Series Registration........ 11 2013-14 Running Zone Foundation Race Series Calendar............................ 13 Gecko Club Registration Form................................... 14

Do you see where we are going with this? We know your work life is stressful and exhausting.

How can you maintain the balance of work, health, family and general wellness? It takes some planning and dedication to coordinate the schedules, and stay on track. With a busy work schedule it is imperative that you commit to your health, and to help, we have some tips for you! n Move as much as possible! Set a timer every hour to remind yourself to get up and walk around, to stretch at your work station, and to step away from the computer. n Pack a lunch, and your snacks. Vending machines offer the sweetest, saltiest forms of "food" however they will zap your energy faster than munching on something healthy. Try nuts, carrots, and trail mixes to fuel your body and mind.

n Water, water water!!! Keep a large water bottle on your desk, in your car or near you all day and refill it as often as possible. Drink water instead of soda, tea, juice or coffee. n Use lunch breaks for exercise, and do not eat at your desk. The break should be used as a way to recharge and stop working!

n Take the stairs instead of the elevator. When you need to talk to a colleague walk to their office instead of messaging or calling.

Park in the back of the lot and walk further to the office.

n Start an after work fitness program, offer a challenge and fitness related rewards to those that meet their goals.

On March 13th, Running Zone Foundation is excited to host the 4th Annual Corporate 5K at FIT Aviation. This event is intended for companies to participate and motivate one another to be healthy and incorporate fitness into their daily routine.

We have read the articles about productivity, sick time decreasing, lower stress levels and boosts in employee morale when staff if healthier. This 5K is designed to help your business, (large and small), show your commitment to the health of its greatest assets.

So as you read this from your cubicle, (we won't tell), gather at least 4 others and form a team and attend the Largest Office Party in Brevard County! runningzone.com/corp5k See you on the 13th!

3 Running Zone The Starting Line

Running Zone Foundation donates $75,450 to Space Coast charities

By Mark DeCotis

Charitable donations to the Space Coast community from Running Zone Foundation, Inc. totaled $75,450 for 2013.

Organizations benefitted directly. In some cases those organizations in turn donated to other causes. For example, Space Coast Runners, which stages the annual Space Coast Half-Marathon and Marathon with Running Zone Foundation, received $15,000 from half- and marathon proceeds and donated that money to their favorite charities.

“From the bottom of our hearts we would like to thank each and every runner, walker, volunteer and sponsor who participated in a Running Zone event in 2013 and made it possible to contribute to our partner beneficiaries. Each beneficiary greatly assists with the success of each of our events by bringing an awesome volunteer base” said Running Zone co-owners Don and Denise Piercy.

“We look forward to continuing to work with not for profit organizations in our community in 2014 and beyond.”

Running makes a community healthier and a healthy, supportive community is a benefit for all.

n J. Kyle Braid Leadership Foundation Ghostly Gecko 5K .......................... $3,500 n Space Coast Runners SCM............................................... $12,000 (distributed to their charities)

2013 Running Zone Foundation, Inc. beneficiaries Groups who manned water stations n Brevard Zoo for Space Coast Half-Marathon and Brevard Zoo 3K............................... $7,000 Marathon & the amount they raised n Ronald McDonald House for donations: Longdoggers Kids Marathon & Half.................................................. $1,200 n Morgan Project Pirate Plunder.................................. $3,500 n United Way of Brevard Corporate 5K................................... $2,500 n Brevard Rescue Mission Run for the Gecko 5k...................... $3,000 n Honor America Firecracker 5k.................................. $4,000 n Space Coast Runners SCM 2013........................................ $3,000 n Wego Ministries Pizza Run......................................... $2,000 n SVYFL Pizza Run......................................... $2,000 n Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy SCM 2013........................................... $500 n Holland Elementary RZF..................................................... $250 n Glory of God Anglican Church SCM 2013........................................... $250

n Space Coast Crew SCM ................................................ $2,000 n Rosette Behymer SCM ................................................ $2,000 n Brevard Virtual School SCM ................................................ $2,000 n Brevard Future Educators SCM ................................................ $2,000 n Rockledge Presbyterian SCM ................................................ $2,000 n Morgan Project SCM ................................................ $2,000 n Scott Center For Autism SCM ................................................ $2,000 n Holy Trinity SCM ................................................ $2,000 n J. Kyle Braid Leadership Foundation SCM ................................................ $2,000 n Coastal Boxer Rescue SCM................................................. $2,000

n Space Coast Parrot Head Club SCM................................................. $2,000 n Team in Training SCM ................................................ $2,000 n Law Enforcement Officer Surfing SCM ................................................ $2,000 n M. Town Track Club Jingle Bell............................... $4,000

4 Running Zone The Starting Line

Meerkat Mosey 3K – Different Race, Same Results

By Mark DeCotis

The Brevard Zoo’s Meerkat Mosey 3K, the fifth race in the seven race 2013-2014 Running Zone Race Series was run on Feb. 15 and overall and women’s winners were certainly no strangers to the top step of the podium.

Melbourne’s Peter Clusener scored his third overall victory in the five races while West Melbourne’s Kaitlin Donner was the overall women’s winner for the fifth time in five races.

Clusener, 36, bested a field of 1,135 runners and walkers with a time of 9 minutes, 49.2 seconds, 11 seconds ahead of Michael Fisher, 21, of West Melbourne who crossed in 10:00.3. Jim Van Veen, 31, of Vero Beach, was third in 10:01.9.

“I was happy with the time and happy with the effort,” Clusener said. “It's a fun race because it's short enough so that I can go all out without worrying about falling apart. I don't have enough speed to completely bonk in two miles. Even if I did hit some lactic acid wall, the race would be almost done by then.

So I can run aggressive, stupidly aggressive, and not worry about it. It's a lot of fun.”

As for the rest of the series season: “I would like to run the remaining two races,” Clusener said. “I'm planning to work out west on a wildland fire crew again this coming summer. That is, if I can get hired. There may be a lot of competition. So depending on whether I can get a job and when wildland fire season starts, I may have to leave Melbourne before the Gecko race. We'll see.”

Donner, 24, a professional triathlete seeking a spot on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team, was fourth overall in 10:08.5, besting second-place Beth Mihlebach, 27, of Melbourne, who was ninth overall in 11:00.3.

Kim Hunger, 33, of Palm Bay was third among women in 11:06.8.

‘It was a lot of fun to run a short cross

country style race,” Donner said. “I have the final two series races on my calendar, but the last one is dependent on if I race in Yokohama, Japan the next weekend. I

Melbourne’s Beth Mihlebach, who finished second overall among women, leads Walter Klaas of Viera early in the race.

Collin Quigley, 15, of Melbourne gives his all during the Meerkat 3K.

Melbourne’s Peter Clusener crosses the finish line first to score overall victory in the Brevard Zoo Meerkat Mosey 3K.

Huggable Meerkats – the race mascot – await snuggling before the race.

Brightly clad Runners present a rainbow of colors during the Brevard Zoo Meerkat Mosey 5K.

The crowd of 1,135 runners and walkers awaits the start of the Brevard Zoo Meerkat Mosey 3K.

5 Running Zone The Starting Line

Meerkat Mosey 3K – Different Race, Same Results

continued from the previous page

West Melbourne’s Kaitlin Donner scores her fifth overall female victory in the five Running Zone Series races to date at the Brevard Zoo Meerkat Mosey 3K.

Three next generation runners lead a pack of more experienced athletes during the Brevard Zoo Meerkat Mosey 3K.

Brendyn Fritz, 11, of Patrick Air Force Base (No. 1878) strides across the finish of the Brevard Zoo Meerkat Mosey 3K.

Olivia Menendez, 31, of Melbourne, finishes strong in the Brevard Zoo Meerkat Mosey 3K.

Hugs and smiles were plentiful at the Brevard Zoo Meerkat Mosey race.

Eric McDuffie, 22, of Port St. Lucie, FL, finishes the Meerkat Mosey 3K.

Sierra Spencer, 9, of Cocoa, concentrates on the task at hand at the Meerkat Mosey 3K.

Addie Spradlin, 8, of Viera, streaks across the finish line of the Brevard Zoo Meerkat Mosey 3K.

start my triathlon season in two weeks at the Continental Cup in Clermont followed by another Continental Cup in Sarasota the following weekend.”

Joe Hultgren, 54, of Melbourne, won the Male Masters laurels in 11:23.4. Tracy Dutra, 41, of Melbourne won the Female Masters title in 12:13.8.

Bill and Brenda Gillespie, both 65, of Palm Bay, complete their stroll through the Brevard Zoo Meerkat Mosey 3K.

Team Running Zone of Clusener, Donner, Steve Hedgespeth, Ron Abel and Jonathan Howse captured the team title with a total time of 51:47. Health First was second and Jackson’s Jet and Joggers was third. Twentytwo teams participated. Indian Harbour Montessori had the top school participation with 27. Holland Elementary had 12 and Fairglen

Elementary 11. Twenty six schools participated with a total of 115 students taking part.

Next up in the series is the Pirate Plunder 2-Miler set for 6:30 p.m. April 5 at Meg O’Malley’s in Downtown Melbourne.

The series concludes with the 7 a.m.

May 10 Run for the Gecko Hawaiian Luau 5K at the main pavilion at Melbourne’s Wickham Park.

6 Running Zone The Starting Line

4th Annual Corporate 5K Race Date Approaches

By Mark DeCotis

The Packet Pick up Party for the March 13 Corporate 5K will be held from 6 to 7 p.m.

March 11 at the Running Zone.

Team captains can pick up packets and all are invited for beer, refreshments and fun gift with purchases.

The race is set for 6:45 p.m. on March 13 at FIT Aviation at the Melbourne International Airport.

This is the fourth year for the event that fosters intra- and inter-company camaraderie and benefits the United Way.

Event co-organizer Denise Piercy expects 70 teams for this year’s race up from 50 in 2013. Also, a field of as many as 1,200 runners and walkers could traverse the course that runs parallel to the airport.

The theme for the fourth annual race is “Improve the bottom line, shrink the waistline, see you at the finish line.”

FLORIDA TODAY Communications and Health First Health Plans are presenters for the event.

Designed to promote health and fitness among Brevard County companies and their employees, this workplace fitness program starts with an eight-week Fit n’ Fun Training Program and concludes with the race.

Highlights include: n Awesome Office Party (St. Patty’s Day theme) n Celebrate with co-workers, family and friends n Free T-shirt to all run walk finishers n Create a team, identify a team captain and sign up individuals to your company team. n Registration must be through a corporate sponsor. n The price per team member is $23 until March 1. It increases to $28 starting March 1 until the day before the race. There is no race day registration.

For more information call Running Zone at 321-751-8890 or email info@runningzone.com.

New Products at Running Zone New Balance 980 $110

Feel the science of soft with Fresh Foam, an innovative midsole created from a single piece of foam that provides a lower, more natural underfoot feel. Developed using specialized design software, this lightweight women's running shoe also features breathable air mesh and simple no-sew overlays that wrap the foot in the right places. A full-ground-contact, blown rubber outsole complements the shoe's cushioning and delivers a smooth ride with a 4mm offset. The New Balance Fresh Foam 980: incredibly soft yet stable.

Weight: 7.27 oz.

• Save, plan and share progress at Garmin Connect™ • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= t33p123AXW0

Feetures Socks in New Colors

These UltraLight socks are super thin and extra breathable, they are designed to keep your feet cool under the most intense conditions. Now if fun, bright, new colors!

VivoFit by Garmin $130

Fitness Band That Moves at the Pace of Your Life • Learns your activity level and assigns a personalized daily goal • Displays steps, calories, distance; monitors sleep • Pairs with heart rate monitor¹ for fitness activities • 1+ year battery life; water-resistant²

Adidas Boost 2 $160

Picture the best run you’ve ever had. Now picture it lighter, faster and with more energy. The all-new boost™ midsole on these men’s shoes gives you an amazingly soft and bouncy feel. The techfit™ upper has a seamless, sock-like fit that stretches and flexes as you run, and a TPU cage gives the foot stability. With TORSION® SYSTEM support in the midfoot and a stable heel counter.

• Weight: 9.7 ounces (size 9) • youtube.comwatch?v=mvPv1TVmKhQ

7 Running Zone The Starting Line

Popular 2014 Space Coast Half Marathon Registration Caps After 1 Day

By Mark DeCotis

The popularity and prestige of the Space Coast Marathon – the 43rd edition of which will be run on Nov. 30 – was never more evident than between 9 and 9:10 a.m. on Feb. 14.

That’s when 500 runners from among those who completed the 2013 Space Coast half- or full marathon showed their Valentine’s Day love for the event by signing up for the 2014 race in those first 10 minutes.

By the time registration was open for one hour - only for those who took times in 2013 - the field was at 1,000.

General public registration opened at 9 a.m. on Feb. 15. By 5:08 that afternoon the half-marathon was full at 3,400.

By the end of the first day of general registration the marathon field was at 1,098. By midweek the marathon field exceeded 1,500.

“We were very excited and somewhat surprised that the half-marathon registration filled to capacity within eight hours of open-

ing general registration,” said marathon co-organizer Don Piercy.

“We believe that the half-marathon is already full and the marathon is well on its way speaks to the efforts of the entire community to ensure that Space Coast is a top-flight event.”

In 2013, the half marathon was capped with 3,200 and the full marathon at 2,000.

The races will be run beginning with

the half at 6 a.m. and the full at 6:30 in Cocoa Village. The entry fees for the full marathon until April 30 are $95. The price increases to $105 until Oct. 31 and then $110 until Nov. 29.

As usual race headquarters are at the Running Zone, 3696 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne across from Eastern Florida State College.

For more information visit http://www.spacecoastmarathon.com

March 9th set clocks ahead an hour!

Monday Night Fun Runs 6:00pm

Wednesday Night Fun Runs 6:00pm

Thursday Night Fun Runs 6:00pm

Sunday Long Runs 6:30am

8 Running Zone The Starting Line

Runner’s High

By Richard C. Wilson, DPM Melbourne Podiatry Associates

Runner’s high, or the feeling of well-being that occurs during or after running has been touted as a benefit of running for the last 40 years and, during that time, it was and continues to be a source of controversy among runners and scientists alike. Indeed, many investigators have studied it, and the verdict on its cause and maybe its very existence is still out.

Have you ever experienced runner’s high?

In questioning my friends and patients who are runners, about half report experiences consistent with runner’s high. Some experience a feeling of well-being, or a zone, during a run, while others experience a euphoric feeling after a run.

I have personally experienced the latter type, an energetic, pleasant feeling an hour or two after a moderate run. This type of runner’s high is what Dr. George Sheehan described in his quotation: “Gaining energy through the expenditure of energy is one of the mystical effects of running.” The other type of experience, the Zen-like zone, that occurs during a run was described in detail by the famous runner Amby Burfoot in a 2004 essay in Runners World. He related that it lasted for about 15 minutes during a long run, and only occurred on one occasion. He described it as a timeless dissociation, where he felt as if he were floating in another world, a feeling of nothingness.

Reports of runner’s high began shortly after the beginning of the running boom in the early 1970s. Indeed, many people then began running with the intention of getting high. In 1975, scientists discovered a class of chemicals

called endorphins (endogenous morphine).

These neurotransmitters are produced in the parts of the brain known as the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. These chemicals are similar to opioid painkillers and reduce pain and produce feeling of well-being. Because they are produced during exercise (as well as excitement, pain, sexual activity, and consumption of spicy food), runner’s high was attributed to these endorphins.

For many years, this theory was accepted. However, recent studies have found that endorphin molecules cannot pass through The experience of well-being that occurs during the blood-brain barrier therefore they cannot or after running is called "runner’s high." produce the effects of runner’s high. Other studies utilized endorphin-receptor antagonists (such receptor merely for an outside substance such as naloxone) that would stop any endorphin as THC. Therefore, a naturally occurring effects. These drugs did not stop runner’s high. chemical, called an endocannibinoid, must exAll of these data suggest that endorphins are not ist. Such a chemical was discovered in 1992. responsible for runner’s high.

It was named anandamide, from the Sanskrit

What, then, produces runner’s high? Some word for bliss. It was found to produce effects scientists suggest that other neurotransmitters very similar to those experienced from smoking such as epinephrine, dopamine, or serotonin may marijuana. The substance has been extensively be responsible. These, however, have not been studied over the last two decades. It was found thoroughly studied. that the substance is produced during exercise,

A breakthrough in understanding runner’s with runners producing more than cyclists or any high occurred in the early 1990s, when a new other athletes.

The quest for runner’s high continues. A brain receptor site was discovered. It was shown writer named Ben Rubenstein even wrote an to be a receptor for THC, the active ingredient article entitled “How to Get a Runner’s High.” in marijuana. This site was named the cannabiThe technique he described was essentially a noid receptor (after the scientific name for the fartlek, or speed-play run. marijuana plant, Cannibis sativa).

If you get runner’s high, enjoy it. If you

Obviously, our bodies would not have a don’t get it, don’t worry. It’s not really a big deal.

Perhaps your body just doesn’t produce enough of whatever substance causes it. It doesn’t affect your running performance in any way.

The good news is that if you want to get high don’t go to mile-high Colorado. Just stay here and run.

3/6..........Newton demo run

5:30pm 3/13........NO THURSDAY NIGHT

FUN RUN – Corporate 5k 3/20........end at Long Doggers

6:00pm 3/27........New Balance Demo Run

6:00pm

Dr. Wilson, a Melbourne native and Florida Gator,

earned his doctorate degree from the Illinois College of podiatric Medicine in Chicago. After completing a surgical residence in Chicago, Dr. Wilson returned to Melbourne where he has been practicing with Melbourne Podiatry Associates for 30 years. The good doctor is passionate about his profession; running – a sport in which he has reveled for more than 45 years – and writing, particularly about all things running and foot related.

9 Running Zone The Starting Line

Why I Run: Lisa Hamelin

By Mark DeCotis

Lisa Hamelin, 42, of Indian Harbour Beach has been running since 2009. She is Software Development Center Lead at Millennium Engineering with degrees from University of Central Florida and Florida Tech. She is married to husband Keith and they have threee children Ben (11), Devin (9), Keeli (5).

Why do I run? I started off running for one

basic reason - to lose a few pounds. At first, it was more of a chore; a means to an end. But, after running a few 5K's I was hooked. Now I run to feel strong (physically, but mostly mentally), to ease stress, to start off my day and to socialize with friends.

Where do I run and why? During the

week I run near my neighborhood and at Eau Gallie Causeway. On the weekends, I'll typically run South Tropical Trail. All of those areas are close to home, so that is the main reason. I don't have too much time to do things, so staying nearby is helpful, plus I love the beachside area. Occasionally, I'll drive and meet friends at Melbourne Causeway or Cocoa Village.

When do I run and why? I am an early morning runner. I am a morning person and so getting my run on before I head to work usually puts me in the right frame of mind and with young children, it is much easier to do my running while they are still sleeping. This means most of my running is in the dark.

With whom do I run? I run solo a couple

times during the week and meet my Beachside Bootcamp instructor friend Shana for

Lisa Hamelin began to run to lose weight and now enjoys and mental and physical benefits.

causeway runs. I meet up with the Sunday Hot Squad for long runs at Oars and Paddles (Rene, Lea Anne, Catherine, Janet).

Worst running experience you learned the most from? I haven't had too many bad

running experiences (and hopefully won't), but probably having multiple stress fractures over the course of the five years that I have been running has been the worst. The problem is that I haven't quite totally learned from them yet, other than to not continue running when you have one. I would love to learn why I keep getting them so that I can change whatever I need to change in order to not get them any more. My thought is that injuries are the hardest part of being a runner - trying to convince a runner to not run when all they want to do is run is no easy feat. Life is a journey and learning is part of it.

April 5th, 2014 at 6:30pm Meg O'Malley's A fun pirate-themed 2 mile run/walk! n Pirate Costume Contest! n Awesome Technical Tees n Fun Race Packets n Great Pirate Awards n Random giveaway of a 3-day cruise for 2 to the Bahamas out of Port Canaveral!

Benefits Cocoa High Track Club and The Children's Hunger Project Backpack Program!

10 Running Zone The Starting Line was never in sync with the course mile markers. Was the course long or is my garmin broken?

Got a question about common running problems,

shoes, aches & pains, racing, chili, beer, or animal crackers? (well, mainly the first 4) Send an email to pete@runningzone.com or tweet @runningzonefl with #askpete. Each month we will feature some of the questions and answers in our “Ask Pete” column.

Pete Vaughn is the General Manager of Running Zone. He is also a certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). Pete completed his undergraduate degree at Towson University in Baltimore, MD and his Masters in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology at the University of Florida, where he served as graduate assistant for university sports and the high school outreach program.

He was an assistant ATC with the United Football League for 2 years before joining Running Zone full time.

From NL: Real easy- does compression work??? Should I buy compression sleeves?

Short and to the point, I like it! The one word answer: yes. And maybe. But at least a little bit. How’s that? The long answer goes like this: at the very least, compression garments will provide a heightened sense of proprioception and reduce muscle vibration. Simply, you will feel something wrapped around your leg and that can make you feel good.

Many of the studies on the effectiveness of compression garments in athletics have been inconclusive. However, strong anecdotal evidence does exist to describe the various performance and recovery benefits. Medical-grade graduated compression stockings have been used for decades to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVTs- blood clots in plain English) by increasing circulation and blood flow.

Graduated compression (garments that are designed like medical-grade compression stockings to effect change in blood flow) can also improve performance by decreasing the amount of time necessary for warm up & returning more oxygenated blood to the muscles, and manage fatigue. The recovery aspect of compression gear is another potential benefit to consider. Typically you see much quicker recovery times and decreased soreness.

We recommend sleeves for before & during activity only (NOT for recovery), for events from the ½ marathon and down. Full

length compression socks are recommended for before, during, and after activity for all events distances and for long car/bus/plane/ train/horse-drawn carriage/hot-air balloon trips. (Bonus points if you take a horse-drawn carriage trip and wear compression socks and double bonus points for the balloon scenariomust take a picture!)

From DB: After running the Meerkat Mosey and feeling like I may have been able to run it a bit faster than I did a question came to mind. For people who may be somewhat new to running or any who only run one distance of race, is there a formula that one can use to determine a good pace to try for when running a race of a different distance? For instance, in 2 years of running I have run several 5k races and 1 half marathon. I knew I would be able to run a faster pace for a 3k but feel like I could have run it 30-60 seconds faster than I did but I mis-guessed the pace I should try for.

Good question- there are a few good apps and formulas out there that serve as race predictors for going up in distance but not down. For example, the Race Time Predictor from runningahead.com gives you the option to put in 2 different race times to predict a time & pace in another race. Again, this is more geared toward moving up in distance. Another option that some have found useful in the past is to train with a goal pace in kilometers instead of miles. This can allow for more in-race adjustment to pace. Working with a coach can help build better pacing as well, like coach Doug Butler’s Set Goals Not Limits camp.

Another factor to consider is this race in particular has a heavy traffic load, varied terrain, and some narrow spots along the course that could all have played a role in your time being slower than your goal.

From PA: Hi. I finished my ½ marathon and

my garmin said 13.35. The 1 mile auto-lap

Write an angry email to the race director!!! Just kidding. You’re both correct.

Let’s assume you’re running a race utilizing a USATF certified course. A USATF certified course is measured to be accurate to within 1/10 of one percent and measured to insure that the actual distance ran is at least the advertised distance, or "not short." Yes, you may actually run more than 13.1 miles (sorry, guess you need to get another sticker for your car!)

Compare that accuracy to a standard wrist-held or recreational GPS device (like most Garmin models), which are accurate to 3-10 meters, 95% of the time. The other 5% of the time, your device may be off as much as 10 meters or more. This does not mean your Garmin is wrong or broken.

To determine GPS location, the device must receive signals from at least three satellites. Since each satellite emits a unique signal, the device can then match the signal to the satellite and its orbital position. This process is called triangulation. Following the route of the course, the GPS device does not create a continuous line, but rather a series of readings that can be plotted on a chart (see graphic below). The readings create a series of dots which are connected to make lines (real high level thinking here!) and measure the distance traveled.

To put it in simple terms, imagine (for those of you that run with your favorite 4-legged friends) your Garmin is like your dog. He/She will run near or next to you 95% of the time, but 5% of the time, they see a squirrel or another dog and go crazy (and effectively off course).

Also, GPS position accuracy can be affected by several factors, including satellite availability and positioning, signal interference, atmospheric and weather conditions, and natural barriers like buildings or trees during a trail run. To recapany accurate course should show up on your Garmin as longer than the advertised distance.

Thanks for all the emails, keep ‘em coming!

11 Running Zone The Starting Line

2 I RUN FOR PIZZA FOOTBALL KICKOFF 5K, Saturday, August 10th, 7:00 am at The Avenue in Viera ■ Support your Favorite Football Team on Race Day ■ Awesome Pizza and Football Awards ■ Special Award for the Most Supported Football Team!

■ Zippy the Gecko Mascot to lead the Kids’ Run ■ Tailgate Party after race catered by Pizza Gallery & Grill!

■ Benefits Suntree/Viera Youth Football & Cheerleading League, & WEGO Ministries ■ Random giveaway of NFL Football Tickets (any Florida Team) plus 1 Hotel night stay for two!

FIRECRACKER 5K, Thursday, July 4th, 7:00am at the Liberty Bell Museum (across from Holmes Regional on Hickory St.) ■ Start the race with the ringing of a replica of the Liberty Bell ■ American Flags to all Finishers ■ Most Patriotic Costume Contest ■ Special awards to top Local Hero Teams (Military/Fire/Police)!

■ Zippy the Gecko Mascot to lead the Kids' Run ■ Breakfast catered by Suntree Café II ■ Honor America Parade after the race ■ Benefits Honor America ■ Random giveaway of one iPad!

Our 2013-2014 Series:

Health First Health Plans and Running Zone Foundation welcome you to the 9th annual Running Zone Foundation Race Series. This year’s Series offers seven fun and family-friendly events including four 5Ks, one 3K and two 2-milers.

We offer these shorter distances to promote participation among both walkers and runners of all ages and abilities.

And, knowing that being part of a team can provide a sense of camaraderie and extra encouragement, we offer team awards in two categories for each race as well as the overall series.

Our Team Challenge lets any five friends, family members and/or co-workers enjoy the fun of competing together against other teams in the same category.

The School Team Challenge provides fitness and increased self-esteem for those 14 and under. More than 1500 children in elementary and middle school have participated this season and Running Zone can help your school develop a walking or running program for your students. Parents and teachers can form an open team under the school name.

Team division details appear later in this brochure or can be found in the Running Zone Race Series section of our website at www.runningzone.com/series/

6 PIRATE PLUNDER 2 MILER, Saturday, April 5th, 6:30 pm at Meg O’Malley’s ■ Best Pirate Costume Awards ■ Fun Pirate Awards ■ Zippy the Gecko Mascot to lead the Kids' Run ■ Great Pirate Party at Meg O’Malley’s after the race!

■ Benefits Cocoa High School Track & Field Program and the Children's Hunger Project Backpack Program.

■ Random giveaway a 3-day cruise for 2 to the Bahamas out of Port Canaveral!

7 RUN FOR THE GECKO HAWAIIAN LUAU 5K, Saturday, May 10th, 7:00 am at BCC/Wickham Park Pavilion ■ Hawaiian Luau with hula dancers!

■ Festive Leis for all Finishers ■ Dress in your favorite Hawaiian Attire ■ Fun Gecko Awards ■ Zippy the Gecko Mascot to lead the Kids’ Run ■ Hawaiian Breakfast catered by Pizza Gallery & Grill!

■ Benefits Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training!

■ Random giveaway of a paddleboard from Paddleboard House!

*Must show participant’s race number for discounts to the Zoo.

5 BREVARD ZOO’S MEERKAT MOSEY 3K, Saturday, February 15th at the Zoo (7:00 am – No Monkey Business, 7:35 am – Scenic Route at the Brevard Zoo) ■ Check out Zoo Animals during the Run/Walk ■ Fun Meerkat Awards ■ 50% Off Admission for All Participants on Race Day* ■ Zippy the Gecko Mascot to lead the Kids' Run ■ Breakfast catered by Pizza Gallery & Grill!

■ Benefits Brevard Zoo ■ Random giveaway of one day Disney Tickets and 1 Hotel night stay for two!

4 JINGLE BELL 2 MILER, Saturday, December 21st, 5:45 pm at the Satellite Beach Library ■ Santa Hats to the 1st 500 Entrants ■ Jingle Bells for Everyone’s Shoes ■ Best Holiday Costume and Fun Stocking Awards ■ Santa Arrival on Fire Truck ■ Zippy the Gecko Mascot to lead the Kids' Run ■ Food provided by Long Doggers!

■ Benefits M Town Track Club – Gowins Youth Foundation ■ Random giveaway LCD TV!

3 GHOSTLY GECKO 5K, Saturday, October 19th, 6:30 pm at the Eau Gallie Civic Center ■ Best Halloween Costume Contest ■ Halloween Goodie Bags to All Finishers ■ Fun Ghostly Gecko Awards ■ Zippy the Gecko Mascot to lead the Kids' Run ■ Food provided by Squid Lips!

■ Awards ceremony following all races on Squid Lips beach ■ Benefits J. Kyle Braid Scholarship Program ■ Random giveaway of Halloween Horror Night Tickets & 1 Hotel night stay for two!

($21.43 per race versus $28.00) (before Race Day) (before Race Day) (Race Day) (Race Day) (No Race day registration)

$15.00 ($20 Race Day)

Corporate/Organizational Group Rate: Put together a group of 10 or more participants and receive a group rate.

Call Running Zone for more details.

**Children 12 years old or under will receive a cotton shirt. You may upgrade to a technical shirt by electing an individual or team registration.

(Youth Medium & Adult Small sizing only in cotton)

Kid’s Registration:**

*Receive a $46.00 discount for signing up for all seven races in the series at once. Must be received by July 3rd, one day prior to the start of the 2013-2014 series.

Series Registration: $150.00* Individual Registration: $28.00 Gecko Club Members: $25.00 Individual Registration: $31.00 Gecko Club Members: $28.00 Team/School Registration: $25.00

Fees (Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.)

Please use the back page of this brochure to register for any of Running Zone Foundation Race Series races. Registration is also available online at www.runningzone.com/series. Day of race registration opens 1 hour before all races. Late registration closes 10 minutes before each race begins. Award ceremony will begin immediately following each race.

Please mail all registration forms to: Running Zone, 3696 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32935 Make checks or money orders payable to: Running Zone.

Registration

School Participation Awards: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Plaques

Overall Male & Female $1000 CASH & Free Entry to the 2014-2015 Race Series 2nd Place Overall Male $500 CASH & Free Entry to the & Female Winners 2014-2015 Race Series 3rd Place Overall Male $350 CASH & Free Entry to the & Female Winners 2014-2015 Race Series Top Male & Female $250 CASH & Free Entry Masters Winners to the 2014-2015 Race Series Age Group Male & $100 Gift Certificate to Running Female First Place Zone Age Group Male & $50 Gift Certificate to Running Female Second Place Zone Age Group Male & $25 Gift Certificate to Running Female Third Place Zone Team Awards: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Plaques

Series Awards

Being a part of a team can be very rewarding. All you need is a minimum of 5 people (1 person of the opposite sex) that want to be part of the team. Everyone on the team saves $3.00 on the entry fees and you may be able to start training together for one or all of the upcoming races.

All races provide participants with awesome technical (moisture wicking/non-cotton) tee shirts, Chronotrack timing and a festive post-race party. In addition, there will be a guest appearance by Zippy, our Gecko mascot, to start each of the free kids’ runs and to help with the awards presentation. Our standard overall and age group awards will be presented for each race along with door prizes and giveaways.

There is a $10,000 purse in prizes and gift certificates for the top series finishers.

9-11 35-39 65-69

12-14 40-44 70-74

15-19 45-49 75-79

20-24 50-54 80+

25-29 55-59

The standings after each race will be calculated and displayed on Running Zone’s website at www.runningzone.com/series/

Standings

Scoring will be based on 6 races. If you participate in all 7 events, your lowest score will be dropped.

Note: Your age group for the Series is determined by your age in the first series event in which you participate in during the season.

At the end of the series, individuals who accumulate the most points receive awesome cash, gift certificates and prizes, and are recognized by Running Zone in June 2014.

Race Drop

The first 10 runners/walkers overall will receive 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 points in the open competition. The first 10 runners/walkers within each age group will receive 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 point in their age group competition.

Scoring & Points

8 & Under 30-34 60-64

Standard Race Series Age Divisions

Series races are scored for runners and walkers in all age categories. Participants in the series must complete a minimum of FOUR series races to be eligible for the series awards.

Eligibility

Gather your family, friends and co-workers! Teams must participate in at least four series races to be eligible for the series award.

Awards will be given to the top three teams. Each team consists of at least five members with one of the members being the opposite sex. The top four of the same sex and the 1st member of the opposite sex will be scored.

School Team Challenge: (Elementary and Middle Schools Only) An award will be given to the top three elementary or middle schools that have the largest participation. The School Team Challenge applies to each race as well as the series. Schools must participate in at least four series races to be eligible for the series award. Students only count towards participation challenge. Parents and teachers can form an open team.

(No Team Race Day Registration)

Team Competition

Start A Team

Amenities

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FOUNDATION

A Running & Walking Club “Not Just for Lizards”

Promoting fitness & healthy, active lifestyles.

Membership includes:

● $25.00 Off Coupon* on any purchase of $75.00 or more

to Running Zone ● Brooks Technical (not cotton) Gecko Club Tee-Shirt ● Gu or Powergel ● Laminated Gecko Club Membership Card ● Monthly Newsletter and periodic email bulletins ● Weekly Fun Runs / Walks – FREE ● 10% Off All Running Zone Merchandise (all year long) ● Discounts from other area businesses partnering with Gecko Club ● $3.00 Off All Running Zone Foundation Race Series Races ● 10% Off All Training Programs offered

Membership Options & Pricing Annual Membership Plan – $40.00 Kid’s Plan* (12 & Under) – $15.00 *$25.00 Off Coupon excludes Kid’s Plan

For more information contact: Running Zone Gecko Club, 3696 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32935 Call 321-751-8890 or visit www.RunningZone.com

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