Alcohol at the Races

Is it just me or are there others who feel that alcohol should not be served as a post race beverage at the end of a race.  I have seen a few races that have promoted their event by offering alcoholic drinks at the end of the race.  Luckily this has not become the norm.

Locally in my hometown of Columbus Ohio there was one particular race that promoted tequila drinks at the end of their race.  The race had 500+ participants who braved cool temperatures to run in a 4 miler and then enjoy a post race alcoholic beverage.

The question to ask, are these races promoting healthy lifestyles or has the sport become so corporate that the phrase "healthy lifestyle" simply is just a tag line that is used to create a perception that we are in it for the right reasons.

I am against alcoholic drinks at these events for two reasons;

1.  I don't believe that alcohol promotes a healthy lifestyle and is inconsistent with the healthy messages we are trying to promote in the sport.

2.  Will offering these drinks at events create an expectation that other races offer drinks likewise in the future much like the post-race buffet has become norm even for small races such as a 5k.

I will end it at this, but should a dialogue develop out of this post I will be happy to dive into the subject a little more.

Strength Training for a Better Runner

When I was 14 years old I had an injury where I could not run so one of my friends who ran the sprints at school asked me whether I wanted to go to the gym with him to lift weights. I thought he was crazy, I am a middle distance runner why would I want to bulk up by lifting weights. He then explained to me that I would not bulk up since we would not be lifting heavy and that if I incorporated a program of weight lifting into my training regimen I probably would not get injured as often and would likely run faster due to the increased strength I would have gained. This was all music to my ears, especially the run faster part. I cautiously went with him to the gym and from then onwards was never afraid to lift a weight. In fact, afterwards found out that all runners of every distance lift weights for primarily two reasons, to avoid injury and to run faster by being stronger.


Every runner of every distance persuasion can benefit from a strength training program which uses weights, or other mechanisms to increase overall strength. From the weekend 5k to the end of season marathon runner, all will be better runners by being stronger.

Let us dispel some myths before moving on.

Myth - Lifting weights will bulk me up.

Lifting light weights with more repetitions will increase your endurance. If you not eating a diet rich in protein then the chances of gaining weight through more muscles is very minimal.

Myth – Lifting weights will decrease my flexibility.

Running long distances will decrease your flexibility if you do not incorporate stretching into your fitness program. All runners need to stretch to maintain their flexibility, especially as they age. So lifting weights will not decrease your flexibility, not stretching will decrease your flexibility.

Lifting weights can also be described as resistance training. In this training method you are attempting to condition your muscles to bear an increased amount of resistance against it. Over time the increased muscle strength gained will allow the runner to better handle the weakening muscles caused by fatigue during a race.

Lifting weights will also allow a runner to work muscles that are routinely not fully exercised during the running motion. In many instances these muscles can become imbalanced from the other opposing muscles. In a racing situation the opposing strong muscles will have to work harder than the weaker muscle. By increasing the strength of all the muscles the resistance placed on them will be more evenly distributed and will allow the runner to effectively run stronger for longer.

If you have any concerns about starting in a weight lifting program, start light. Lift light weights and gradually over time increase the amount of weight and gauge how you look and feel. If it works for you, continue and if it does not, then stop. However, give it a try and I expect you will see the same benefits I saw many years ago.

Written by Speedy Sneakers Walking and Running Clubs for Women.  With club locations in Dublin and Westerville Ohio, Speedy Sneakers offer a non-competitive training environment for runners and walkers of all abilities and fitness levels.

Game Day 5k - September 13, 2008

Don't forget to signup for the Game Day 5km on September 13 at Glacier Ridge Metro Park.

There will be a drawing for Ohio State Football tickets, post race breakfast catered by Der Dutchman and lots of fun and entertianment.

Use this link to register today.

http://www.unitedwayofunioncounty.org/gameday5k.htm

An Awesome Day to Run in Dublin Ohio

Today, our group met and ran the Muirfield 5km race in Dublin Ohio and what an awesome day it was.

Clear blue skies and just a little chill in the morning air, which warmed up nicely as the day went on.

I think everyone will admit this is a fun family event and one which we will go to for many years to come.

Great job ladies.