NEW TEAM GEAR and SPECIAL PRICING

After many attempts in getting new gear for our teams and special pricing as well, Dirty Red Gear will be offering TEAM gear on the web along with special TEAM DIRTY RED discounts! It was a bit of a journey but we have finally completed work on the DIRTY RED GEAR website from the inside out and will not be offering team discounts on the site for team members!

There will be a special code that will be given to you by your team leaders! If you would like to order TEAM GEAR, there will still have to be group purchases in order to get the gear in a reasonable amount of time.  "This will be implemented by the end of July and you can start purchasing during that week and beyond!"

Also for the 2009-2010 running season DIRTY RED is looking to update the TEAM logo and feel in order to attract more runners to help with their efforts in raising money for the Stand UP For Kids organization!  "The Stand UP for Kids Organization is very excited about the groups that we already have and would love our continued support in helping provide food, books and resources to kids that are homeless from the ages of 14-19 years of age"!

If you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact us at info@dirtyredgear.com! To learn more about the Stand UP for Kids organization in your town, please check them out at http://www.standupforkids.org!

Happy Running! 

Team Dirty Red San Diego is now training for the AFC 1/2 marathon! This is the final 1/2 marathon race for San Diego's Triple Crown! Last week, the team completed a nice and easy 5 mile run. This week if you were with the team or not 6 miles should have been completed! So far we have 6 of our runners registered and ready to go! If you would like to join us, please come out to Carmel Mountain Frog's Fitness for our meetups! For more information please check out http://www.meetup.com/teamdirtyred!

If you are keeping up with the DIRTY RED Fitness Challenge, Nicol and Kate (without 8) are deep into their training! Their next run is the 15K in Coronado, CA on the 4th of July weekend! Nicol is asking to donate a dollar per mile! We are at $870 total! We want to raise nearly $1500 by December 2009! For more information please go to http://www.active.com/donate/DIRTYRED! Join us and help kids get off the street, into the classroom and enter a bright future! Go to http://www.StandUpForKids.org!

Happy Running Team!

Keep Your Cool in the Summer Heat!

Hey Team Dirty Red Runners and Fans! With the heat rising and the training becoming more intense or just LONGER, you need to take care of yourself in the heat! It is summer time in the states and I have to say, I did a nice long run last week and regret that I didn't have my water! My head started to hurt and it took a while for me to recover. As soon as I got my hands on some water, my body was relieved almost instantly!

There are several ways that you can "beat the heat" this summer and here are a few that can help you through those hot training sessions!

"Miami Ice": When the temperature is extremely high and you have to get through your training run or competition you can take a thin wet sponge, place some ice cubes on top and then place your running cap over both. As the ice melts into the sponge, it can create a cool spot on your head and a nice trickle of water running down your neck! This worked well at the "Iron Girls 10K" in Delmar, CA!

"The Tucson Cold Cap": You can also keep your head cool in the extreme heat by soaking a baseball cap in water, put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight before a morning run! This will keep your head and body nice an cool for those hot desert runs!

"The Badwater Bandanna": Lay a bandanna out in a diamond shape. Place a row of ice cubes in a horizontal line, just below one tip of the bandanna. The fill it up "like a burrito" and tie it around your neck. This is the great way to keep runners cool and it feels wonderful!

For more information on how to "keep your cool this summer", check out

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267-269-11985-0,00.html!

National Running Day JUNE 3, 2009

National Running Day is a national initiative whereby many of the major organizations within the running industry are joining forces in an unprecedented unified effort to nationally and locally promote running as a healthy, easy and accessible form of exercise.  The inaugural National Running Day will be Wednesday, June 3rd!

From New York to San Diego, the day will celebrate the benefits of running as a part of a healthy and active lifestyle aimed at combating some of todays most pressing health issues.

You can participate in National Running Day anywhere-you do not have to be in one of the cities hosting events to take part.  At the least, all it takes is to wear your running shoes throughout the day, go for a run and invite a friend to join  you!

So, what do you think? Ready to get out and run!  Lets GO!  For more information go to http://www.runningday.org!

DiRTY ReD Indiana Tackles Clinton Lake

DiRTY ReD Indiana Tackles Clinton Lake

Clinton Lake is another success for the DiRTY ReD Racing Team. Even with the unexpected cold tempature, wind and rain, the team proved once again, that 30 miles is "not that far"..
Congrats to Mike Groce for his very first distance longer than 17 miles! Who needs to run a marathon when you can run an ultra, right? Bob Sweitz ran an awesome race, he is ready to sign up for The Dances With Dirt 50 miler in September. Congrats to Josh for doing your measly 30 miles! Good luck on your 100 miler in a few weeks. Your team will be cheering for you! Frank, great job as always! Noelle and Brian, welcome to the land of ultra running! Great job! 
We had a great time in DeWitt this weekend. I hope the rest of the team wants to join us there next year. Team DiRTY ReD Indiana is well known down at Clinton. Next time we will need some more red shirts! 

Great job team!
Misty

10K and LaJolla Half Marathon Complete! CHECK!

TEAM DIRTY RED San Diego is now on a roll!  After completing their first 10K this year and the beautiful LaJolla Half Marathon, they are looking forward to train for America's Finest City Half Marathon!  The training has been casual and fun!  Everyone is having a great time!  Erica and Nicol are still dedicated 5am runners every Tuesday and Thursday morning!  Francesca, Annie and Chad lead the long runs on Saturday mornings with a few Thursday nights sprinkled in there.  Nicol is gearing up for the DIRTY RED FITNESS CHALLENGE which will include a 5K, 10K, 15K, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, Duatlon and Triathlon! Whew!  It's a heavy load but it's worth the time and energy!  Nicol will be raising money for the Homeless Kids of San Diego! Stand Up for Kids is a non-profit organization that helps kids get off the street, back in school and ready for a bright future!  If you want to be a part of this challenge or start your own challenge in your area, contact Nicol at nicol@dirtyredgear.com!  Stand Up 4 Kids is nationwide and they would love our help!  Don't Run Away . . . Run with Us!

Let's Go TEAM DIRTY RED!

Don't Run Away . . . Run With Us Campaign!

TEAM DIRTY RED . . . LOOKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Hey TEAM DIRTY RED!  I hope we are all well and running happy!  

As some of you may know, I have been trying to figure out how my running group could run and stay fit with a purpose.  I know that we all have our reasons for running, whether it be losing weight, staying fit or just for the friendships that we build.  All of that is fantastic but I wanted a little bit more!  I came across an organization that a friend told me about and we went to visit late, last year called STAND UP 4 KIDS!  I didn't know what to expect when I collected the clothes and cooked food for the organization but was impressed, suprised and shocked all at the same time.

http://www.standupforkids.org

Did you know that there are more than one and a half million children, teenagers and young adults trying to survive on U.S. streets today and even though we are in a very meatless economy right now, we are still one of the richest countries in the world!

So, one of my good fitness friends Kate Deering from KateDFitness and I wanted to do SOMETHING to help this cause! We have come up with the DIRTY RED FITNESS CHALLENGE!  Now, for us, this will include the following events 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon, marathon, duathlon and triathlon.  We are guessing this will be within a 6-8 month time frame and for every mile we run, bike or swim we will ask for a donation of $1!!! Now, throughout this fitness challenge, we will update our supporters, talk about our workouts, gear and challenges that lie ahead.  

If you are interested in joining this challenge, please contact us at info@dirtyredgear.com or call us at 1.800.719.9403 ext. 1!  If you want to put together different events in your area, that will be fine.  We are working on a points system so that one person can win a series of prizes as we move through and finish this grueling challenge! We will let you know how to get started and direct you to your local Stand Up 4 Kids Organization!

Come on team!  Let's Help and Stay Active at the same time!

Don't let them Run Away, let them Run with Us!

Nicol Akins

St. Patricks Day Run

TEAM DIRTY RED SAN DIEGO completed their 1st 10K together this year at the Mission Beach St. Patrick's Day Run! The weather was a little chilly but the team had a blast! There were so many costumes and green hair, it was a great distraction while running that last mile!  This race is the first in a series of events that TEAM DIRTY RED will be a part of!  

As mentioned below, TEAM DRSD is currently training for the LaJolla 1/2 marathon that will take place on April 26th.  

This is the 2nd - 1/2 marathon race which is part of the TRIPLE CROWN series here in San Diego!  Francesca, who is one of the core members of the group will participate in the Devil Dog Duathlon this weekend, March 28th!  This is a RUN BIKE RUN event that can be grueling but fun! Good luck Francesca, we will see you at the finish line! GO TEAM DIRTY RED!

LaJolla 1/2 Marathon Training

The training for the 2009 LaJolla 1/2 Marathon is knee deep!  TEAM DiRTY ReD San Diego should now be up to 10 miles!  We still have a full month to go and we need to run!  So, for those of you that have not been running, the LaJolla 1/2 is not going to tickle if you do not put in the miles!

In the past few weeks, the team has tackled the hills of Carmel Mountain, Ranch Bernardo and parts of Poway, CA.  We have enjoyed routes around Lake Mirmar and Lake Hodges.  This weekend members of the group will be participating in the Devil Dog Duathlon! Good luck, ladies with this event.  It is a great event to get those legs moving and in hard core shape.  The LaJolla half will take place on Sunday, April 26th at 7:30am!  I hear that it is more difficult of the 3 big half marathons of the year!

Also, The San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon now has a team relay! If you want to be a part of the San Diego Marathon but can't put in the miles to do a full marathon, you can now register as a team and run the marathon as a relay!  This would be a great way to cheer on your friends and be a part of fantastic event!  For more information go to http://www.rnrmarathon.com!

Have a GREAT RUN!

Nicol A

SATURDAY RUNS, BABY!

TEAM DIRTY RED San Diego

Saturday Morning Runs!

Hey Ladies and Gents! It's been a while since I have posted on the website! Well, I am BACK! TEAM DiRTY ReD San Diego is growing and according to MEETUP.com we have 45 members! So, "WHERE YOU AT"? Team DiRTY ReD San Diego is now meeting on Saturday mornings at 7:30am and Thursday nights at 6:30pm! Once a month we will change the venue and will post the new venues on the site as well as the distance and "cut off" runs!

Last weekend we ran Lake Hodges and it was a nice change from our regular neighborhood runs! So, for the month of March, we want to head out to beautiful LaJolla to get a feel for the route and the HILLS! LaJolla Half Marathon is Sunday, April 26th at 7am! For more information and registration go to www.lajollahalfmarathon.com!

This weekend we had a GREAT turnout on Saturday and covered 8 miles!

Don't forget that the TEAM tanks are $22.00 and if you don't have yours, let us know!

Happy New Year TEAM DIRTY RED!

Happy New Year TEAM DiRTY ReD and DiRTY ReD Racing! 2008 was a great growing year for most of us and now 2009 is going to be AMAZING! With the growth of DiRTY ReD Racing and TEAM DiRTY ReD San Diego, I am very excited to see what is in store for us this upcoming year!

Misty Chandos has done a great job in getting people out there and moving those legs! The San Diego team is growing like wild fire and with the help of Francesca Witte and Annie Larsen, TEAM DiRTY ReD San Diego has been SO MUCH FUN!

I want to thank everyone for their support and I am happy to see their love for running grow! Have a prosperous New Year and keep us posted on the west side of all your plans, accomplishments and achievements! Peace and Shine in 2009!

Nicol Akins

http://www.dirtyredgear.com/

http://www.dirtyredracing.com/

Rose Bowl 1/2 Marathon Saturday, December 13th

Dirty Red is back on track and will be completing their expo year at the famous ROSE BOWL in Pasadena, California!  It will be first "Rose Bowl 1/2 Marathon" set up in the Court of Champions!

If you are in town, please come by and say hello to the DiRTY ReD family and check out our end of the year specials!     The DiRTY ReD family would like to thank you for a great year and all your support!  Have a fantastic Holiday Season and Happy New Year! Nicol Akins

TEAM DIRTY RED San Diego!

Team Dirty Red San Diego just completed their first 1/2 marathon together!  The Silver Strand Marathon in Coronado, CA was absolutely beautiful, dry and hot! 

Once you hit mile 9 and 10 you were quickly reminded of those California families that were dealing with the wild fires.  You could see the smoke over the horizontal near interstate 5 south!  This run will be dedicated to all those that have suffered in the fires this past month!

Silver Strand 1/2 marathon and TEAM DiRTY ReD had great energy! We even had TEAM DiRTY ReD fans cheering us along the way!  Let's congratulate Francesca and Chad for completing their first 1/2 marathon!  YEAH!!! Also, Abby, thanks for joining TEAM DiRTY ReD on the fly! Your energy was fantastic!

We will be hitting the pavement this Sunday with a nice little 8 mile run!  Everyone have a GREAT Thanksgiving Holiday and don't eat too much Turkey! Check out our schedule on meetup.com!

DiRTY ReD Racing Team

Check out the blog page for the DiRTY ReD Racing team. The racing team consists of the fastest 9 men and the fastest 9 women within Team DiRTY ReD Indiana. This blog will follow our runners on the many adventures of the team. From the 5k to the 100 miler, off road and on, through trails and mud. It's time to get out there and get a lil' dirty and have alot of fun.

www.dirtyredracing.blogspot.com

BOTTLE DRAMA

Due to recent warnings, many runners are wondering if our plastic water bottles belong in the recycling bin.

By Christie Aschwanden

They're in our cars and gym bags. But due to recent warnings, many runners are wondering if our plastic water bottles belong in the recycling bin. Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical in polycarbonate bottles, has been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and endocrine damage in animals. And while research is needed to determine whether BPA is dangerous to humans, animals given low doses of BPA—an amount equivalent to what people are presumed to ingest—have experienced health problems, says Scott Belcher, Ph.D., a runner and cell biologist at the University of Cincinnati. The FDA says polycarbonate bottles are safe, and a panel from the National Institutes of Health concluded that there is only "negligible concern" regarding BPA's effects on adults. Still, many people (including Belcher) prefer to avoid BPA. And the industry has responded: Nalgene has stopped making their bottles with BPA; Patagonia has pulled polycarbonate bottles from store shelves. Because runners can't stop drinking on the go, we asked some experts to weigh in on the plastic bottles available.

Bottled water

The polyethylene terephthalate ethylene (PETE) in these bottles doesn't contain BPA, but when scratched or heated, other chemicals could be released into your water, says Kathleen Schuler, author of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's Smart Plastics Guide.Expert's take: Use just once.

Soft plastic bottles

Low-density and high-density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE) bottles are BPA-free, but the plastic degrades with heat and harsh soaps.Expert's take: A good choice, but hand wash and rinse regularly. Water that sits too long develops a plasticlike taste.

Old Nalgene bottles

These were made of polycarbonate, which contains BPA. BPA can get into water, especially when the plastic is heated. Expert's take: Federal regulators consider these bottles safe, but Belcher recommends BPA-free versions.

To learn more about Bottle Drama and detailed information on various bottles and what chemicals are in your water bottles check out http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-302--12843-0,00.html?cm_mmc=nutrition-_-2008_10_02-_-nutrition-_-HEALTH%3a%20Bottle%20Drama

See ya!

PUBLISHED in Runner's World Online 09/03/2008

BREAST CANCER NETWORK OF STRENGTH
A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Right away, you’re confronted by uncertainty about the future and questions from family, friends and your health care team. Your head is spinning, and you don’t know where to turn – until you find Breast Cancer Network of Strength. Network of Strength has been a trusted resource for 30 years and has helped thousands find the information they need to make educated decisions. From articles on our Web site to the knowledge of our YourShoes peer counselors on the 24/7 Hotline, Network of Strength keeps you informed. While we do not give medical advice, we do explain in plain language the information you’re likely to encounter. No matter what the breast cancer topic is, Network of Strength provides information you can trust with a survivor’s touch. Learn more about us at http://www.networkofstrength.org/. Purchase anything PINK from DiRTY ReD and 20% of your purchase goes to supporting Network of Strength!

RUNNER'S WORLD SHOE DONATION PROGRAM

RUNNER'S WORLD SHOE DONATION PROGRAM
A complete listing of all organizations that accept used running shoes.

Runner's World has continued its commitment to find a place for your old running shoes. We sought out worthy organizations that will take your used running shoes and bring them to the less fortunate in throughout the world. If you would like to contribute, here are a few places you send your old running shoes.Soles4SoulsShoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear both new and used to those in need around the world. Soles4Souls has coordinated relief efforts for the Asian Tsunami and Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike, netting over 1 Million pairs donated for these disasters.

Send your old running shoes to:
Alabama (Primary Warehouse Facility)
Soles4Souls, Inc.
315 Airport RoadRoanoke, AL 36274

Tennessee
Soles4Souls, Inc.
619 Old Hickory Blvd.Old Hickory, TN 37138

NevadaSoles4Souls, Inc.
Foreign Trade Zone #896620 Escondido Street
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119

For more information, go to www.soles4souls.org,
call (615) 391-5723, or e-mail info@giveshoes.org.

A Really Cool Find!

So, TEAM DiRTY ReD San Diego had to cover 10 miles yesterday and since I am still kind of new to the north county San Diego area, I jumped in my car and mapped us out a 1o mile route. Not a big deal, right? Well, not until a fellow TEAM DiRTY ReDder informed me of a website that can help you map your run, calculate the mileage, even the elevation levels and save each route for future runs! And with gas prices, I could have saved some GAS! Well, thanks to Annie, I was on the website all day yesterday afternoon! So, now I have all my routes marked and saved!

You may already be familiar with this website but if you are not check it out at http://www.mapmyrun.com/! You will love it!

I hope everyone is having a great week and doing well with your workouts and running schedules! We are doing great on this end and excited about our upcoming events!

Have a fantastic week!

Nicol

What is DiRTY ReD?

What Team Dirty Red Means to Me....

Team Dirty Red is about friendship, dedication, inspiration and motivation. Team Dirty Red Indiana started with only 4 women. Within 6 months the team has grown to almost 40 members. This is an example of how camaraderie amongst runners is powerful and magical. The support and encouragement that comes within the group is amazing.
Each member has their individual running goals, whether it be a 5k or an ultra marathon, but as a team we support and encourage one another to be the best we can be. It's not just about helping someone get to the start line or to the finish line..it's about the journey in the middle. It's about the training, the dedication, the commitment, and the hard work. It's about remembering where you started and where you are today.
Some of us are super fast and some of us are just beginning, but it's somewhere in the middle that we connect as friends, as training partners, as coaches, as students, as family. It's about staying focused and staying strong. It's about getting out there, turning a lil' red and getting a lil' ( or alot) dirty! It's about challenging yourself to see who you really are and what you are really made of. It's about diggin' deep to be the best you can be and helping someone along the way..
It's about being DiRTY ReD!

Misty Chandos

The DiRTY ReD Girls Run Chicago

We had a great time in the city last weekend running the Nike Human Race 10k. There were 14,000 runners and it was 95 degrees outside, but Team DiRTY Red still ran a great race and had a awesome time!

Great job Team! I think that race was the true meaning of turning a lil' red. Keep your eye out for us at your next race and ask us how you can be a part of Team DiRTY ReD!

TEAM DiRTY ReD's Top Leader Misty Chandos

It's time to give "Misty Chandos" a shout out this month for her fantastic efforts in building TEAM DiRTY ReD Indiana! I have praised Misty a thousand times but now I can tell everyone! LOL!

I met Misty last year at the Chicago Marathon and we chatted for a little while about building a TEAM DiRTY ReD in Indiana. I have to admit, Misty and her friends were really nice but I didn't think anything would come out of our conversation!

Well, that evening, I had to open my mouth and insert foot with running shoe on because somehow she put together 10 women to join her in her quest to build TEAM DiRTY ReD! It wasn't even 24 hours that I received an email from her and we started to get the ball rolling!

Once we built this team of women, it seemed like every day, Misty would send me an email about a new member! TEAM DiRTY ReD Indiana is now NEARLY 40 members strong and it continues to grow!

Misty is truly an inspiration to everyone that she touches, from 'beginner' to 'experienced' runners, she has that "golden running shoe" touch! Even though we are 2000 miles away, I am inspired by her excitement and passion for her group!

In a recent radio interview with WVLP Indiana radio, one of the interviewers asked Misty "why, why are you building this team and why with DiRTY ReD?". Well, if you don't know, now you know! LOL! It is her love for running and high energy that shows when she trains, competes and coaches others. Misty exemplifies the reasons why I developed and built DiRTY ReD!

Thank you Ms Misty for all your support and CHEERS (I got Gaterade in a glass)! We love ya, girl!

Nicol

Team Indiana Wins Wooden Shoes!

On August 9th Team Dirty Red Indiana ran one of Northwest Indiana's largest 5k's and brought home wooden shoes as awards. Talk about getting some new shoes? These were well earned as we tackled the rolling hills of DeMotte, Indiana. It was a beautiful day and the team had alot of fun. Our own Betty Funkhouser was honored by the RRCA for winning Masters. Betty is a true inspiration to all of us. She even passed me at the finish line! I guess that's why her nickname is ROCKSTAR! Keep up the great work Betty!

Dirty Red Indiana Race Team 2009 Race Schedule

DIRTY RED RACING TEAM COMING SOON!

Date Event Distance Terrain City State
Saturday, September 20, 2008 WVLP 5k Road Valparaiso IN
Sunday, November 23, 2008 Zoy Relapse 15k Dunes Sawyer MI
Saturday, December 06, 2008 Tecumseh 26.2 Mi Trail Bloomington IN
Monday, December 29, 2008 Huff 50k TBD Trail Huntington IN
Saturday, January 03, 2009 Siberian Express 7.45 Mi Trail Kickapoo IL
Saturday, February 28, 2009 Foot Pursuit 5k Trail Chesterton IN
Saturday, March 07, 2009 Vasque 15k Trail Indianapolis IN
Saturday, March 28, 2009 Clinton Lake Ultra 30 Mi Trail DeWitt IL
Sunday, March 29, 2009 Bride of Zoy 15k Dunes Chesterton IN
Saturday, May 09, 2009 Ice Age 50 TBD Trail LaGrange WI
Sunday, May 17, 2009 Buffalo Trail Race 5 Mi Trail Mahomet IL
Monday, June 01, 2009 Trail Run Xtreme 8k Trail Portage IN
Saturday, June 13, 2009 Lake Mingo 7.1 Mi Trail Kennekuk IL
Saturday, July 04, 2009 360 Minute TBD Trail North Vernon IN
Sunday, August 02, 2009 Muddy Buddy 6.5 Mi Trail & Bike Gilberts IL
Saturday, August 29, 2009 Reilly's Run 5k Trail Hobart IN

Email info@dirtyredgear.com and find out how you can be a part of this growing team!

Team DiRTY ReD Indiana Gets DIRTY

On August 3rd, Team Dirty Red Indiana took on the challenging 7 mile adventure race called, "Muddy Buddy". With a name like that you can only imagine what we looked like when we got done. We gave true meaning to the word, "Dirty"! Within the 7 miles, the team leapfrogs each other with running, biking and completing challenging obstacles. At the end of the race, each team member waits for their partner, then crawls through a MUD pit to the finish line. Our pretty red racing shirts were not so pretty when we got done..but that's OK! We gave true meaning to the team name DiRTY ReD. We wore our mud with honor as we finished in the top of the racing field. It's all about getting out there..getting a lil dirty..turning a lil red and having a great time!

With team names like Team DiRTY ReD Indiana, The Dirty Red Girls, Dirty Red and Teen Dirty Red we proved that no matter how you say it, WE ROCK!

P.S. The all female team " The Dirty Red Girls" were the fastest of the group. Like the saying goes, " Some girls chase boys, we pass em!

Team DiRTY ReD Captain, Misty Chandos

Suzy Favor Hamilton and TEAM DiRTY ReD!

Team DiRTY ReD Indiana meets Suzy Favor Hamilton at Fleet Feets 10K Run! To check out Suzy and her upcoming events go to www.suzyfavorhamilton.com!

RRCA Keeping Pace

THE ULTRA MARATHON MAN

So, you think you like to run and you can run all day and all night! Well, I know one man that would challenge that . . . Dean Karnazes! I read about this amazing, marathon man a couple of years back in Runners World. I don't think he sleeps and if he does, its when he is running!

Well, RRCA recently announced that in New York, NY (July TK, 2008) – Screenvision, a national leader in cinema advertising, will present the national premiere of Journeyfilm’s feature documentary UltraMarathon Man: 50 Marathons • 50 States • 50 Days. The film, which chronicles the amazing feats of running legend Dean Karnazes and The North Face Endurance 50, in which he ran 50 marathons in 50 different states in 50 consecutive days. Tickets, purchase information and show times can be found at http://www.50marathons.com/.

RUN TO WORK DAY 2008

In 1997, the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) founded the National Run to Work Day. The purpose of the event was to get runners to leave their cars at home and run to and from work. While the event was successful in cities with well developed pedestrian networks and mass transit, the organization realized that running to work was probably not feasible for most of the working population.
On September 19, 2008, the Road Runners Club of America will promote the 3rd Annual National Run@Work Day. The goal of National Run@Work Day is for RRCA members and individuals across the country to host community based events that encourage people to incorporate at least thirty-five minutes of exercise into their daily lives. This goal can be achieved by a running club, an individual, or a corporation hosting a running or walking event with the duration of at least thirty-five minutes before work, during lunch, or immediately after work. The RRCA encourages the American public to incorporate at least thirty-five minutes of exercise into their daily lives which can markedly improve one's overall physical health. For more information, check out http://www.rrca.org/.

Running Partners

This past weekend, TEAM DiRTY ReD San Diego met for their usual meetup. We had two new ladies join us. They were getting back into running and looking for a local group to join. One of the ladies brought her adorable son and he had the best seat in house . . . the jog stroller! We all started out together and later I decided to switch things around. I wanted to push our new little friend in the jog stroller while his mother ran hands-free. I have to say the jog stroller brought back memories of trying to hold onto my love for running and my love for my girls!

Later I started to focus on the other runners I noticed how much fun they were having talking about life, kids and what was in store for them after the run. It reminded me of my 5:30am morning runs with my neighbor and good friend, Ms E. Even though rolling out of bed at 5am to prepare for a 5:30am run can be difficult, we really become energetic once we get going! When you have a dependable running partner, it makes the deed so much sweeter. You are committed to this person and ready to Rock n Roll when it is time to get up and get out!

If you are fortunate enough to have a group, partner or team, remind yourself of how fantastic it is to have someone else motivate you and create a fantastic base for you day to day and week to week.

I have to say, since TEAM DiRTY ReD has formed, it has really helped me become a better runner and it pushes me to motivate others. Whether they are fast, slow or average, it is just fun to be around other people that enjoyrunning.

Check out your local running groups at http://www.runningnetwork.com/. If you can not find a team or group that fits your needs, start your own! If you would like to start your own TEAM DiRTY ReD let us know at info@dirtyredgear.com.

Have a good one!
SeeNicRun

In the Moment

Today, I stumbled over a YouTube testimonial by P.Diddy on Runnersworld.com.

You heard me, the hip-hop mogul on the Runner's World website! Of course, my curiousity wanted to see what this rapper possibly had to say about running! I have been running for over 20 years, what could he have to say? Right?

I have to say, Diddy / Puffy / Puff Daddy always seems to amaze me in some way or another. He spoke of his experience on the treadmill and how his initial reason for running that day was to sort things out in his head. In the midst of it all, he realized in a moment that he was just human. He could hear himself breathing, taking each step and just being a human being!

For me, running can be everything but when you do have a moment like that and you are listening to your body in motion, it is just an amazing feeling! Our lives are always moving so fast and we have to meet deadlines, rush across town to get this and meet someone over here to talk about that, we do not take the time to just listen and be!

Running can get you there!

When your brain is just tired of all the racket, just stop and listen to every foot step, look at your hands, feel your heart beat and the wind hitting your face. Our bodies are an amazing setup, one that still boggles the greatest minds in the world. Take care of it, notice it and treasure it while you can!

Your body is a gift! Keep running!

Check out Diddy's YouTube Epiphany at http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/.

SeeNicRun