Dash for Dad to be OKC’s only fall half-marathon
Here’s the info from ZERO — The End of Prostate Cancer:
Lace up your sneakers and join Urology Centers of Oklahoma, OPTIM Oncology and ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer for the Oklahoma City DASHFORDAD 1/2 Marathon, 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Walk on Saturday, September 8. The race is part of the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge, America’s premier men’s health event series, taking place in 34 cities in 2012.
“More than 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone, including more than 2,500 in Oklahoma,” said Skip Lockwood, CEO of ZERO — The End of Prostate Cancer. “The Great Prostate Cancer Challenge raises funds that are critical for increasing awareness and fighting the disease.” Urology Centers of Oklahoma is a group of urologists in the greater Oklahoma City area who have worked with ZERO over the last couple of years.
Last year, the inaugural DASHFORDAD was held at the Oklahoma River as a 5K race with good attendance. A half marathon was added this year mainly due to the efforts of Bill Snipes, past president and current board member of the Oklahoma Landrunners Club and a prostate cancer survivor himself.
To accommodate the half marathon, the race has moved to the Stars and Stripes Park at Lake Hefner and begins at 8 a.m. This is Oklahoma City’s ONLY fall half marathon. The DASHFORDAD Half Marathon is also a part of the OKC Running Club Series Race. Breakfast will be provided immediately following the race.
Funds raised from the race go to prostate cancer research, education, and free testing. ZERO provides comprehensive treatment information to patients, education to those at risk, and free testing to at-risk men around the country. ZERO also works to increase research funds from the federal government to find new treatments and better diagnostic tests for prostate cancer.
For more information, visit: http://greatprostatecancerchallenge.com/races/oklahoma-city/.
Muskogee schedules Freedom Walk
It’s not a run, but it is for a good cause:
Muskogee’s fourth annual FREEDOM WALK is scheduled for Saturday, September 8 at 8:00 a.m. The two-mile walk begins at Muskogee Civic Center Plaza, down to, and along Muskogee’s Centennial Trail to 21st Street and back. The event honors and remembers the victims and ‘First Responders’ of the September 11 attacks that left more than 3000 Americans dead.
Sponsored and created by Downtown Muskogee, Inc., this year’s Freedom Walk is co-sponsored by the Muskogee Civic Center, Three Rivers Museum, Homeland Grocery Stores and local citizen volunteers.
The walk is free and open to the public. Water and coffee along with fruit and breakfast pastries will be provided for participating walkers. Individuals, civic groups, local organizations and families are encouraged to join in this uplifting and moving celebration and remembrance. A short program of music, commemoration and prayer will precede the walk.
Cash donations for Blue Star Mothers will be received at the Freedom Walk. Blue Star Mothers will use the funds to purchase and ship care packages to troops currently serving overseas.
For more information contact Downtown Muskogee, Inc. at 918-683-2400.
Do-it-yourself weight workout
OK, I have a confession to make: I don’t do any weight-training.
Well, let me correct myself. I guess I do some weight training. If I happen to be running in the gym and I need to walk across the room to change the TV, I might do some random reps as I pass through the jungle of equipment. Then I proudly check off weight training. “Check! Good job, Carrie!”
But as I prepare for the half marathon in Tulsa this November, I’ve decided to actually do some lifting on purpuse.
Because, apparently, it’s important.
So I turned to my favorite personal trainer, Google, and put together a little list of some basic hand weights moves and a pair of ab exercises, or, as I like to call them, ab things. My husband and I gave it a go last night for the first time, and it was so fun! We did it in our bedroom after our daughter had gone to sleep. And then his dog came and stood right next to him. I couldn’t stop laughing because she was so awkward. I love it.
Anyway, here’s our list:
Do two sets of 15 reps. Use dumbbells: 5 pounds at first, 10 pounds later. Go through the list until you hit 30 minutes.
- Dumbbell chest press (chest) — Lie on a bench, elbows bent 90 degrees out to sides; straighten arms up and return.
- One-arm dumbbell row (upper back) — Stand with legs hip-width apart and place one hand on bench, opposite arm holding weight; draw elbow up toward ribs and lower.
- Biceps curl (biceps) — Stand with arms extended, palms up, and curl weights toward shoulders.
- Triceps extension (triceps) — Stand with legs hip-width apart. Lean forward from waist, elbows bent 90 degrees at your sides; straighten arms behind you.
- Lateral raise (shoulders) — Stand with arms down by your sides, palms in; raise straight arms to shoulder height.
- Basic squat (legs/butt)
- Front lunge (legs/butt)
- Bicycle (abs) — Lie face-up on floor, bend opposite elbow to knee, then switch sides.
- Superman (lower back) — Lie facedown on floor and lift opposite arm/leg; switch sides.
Volunteers needed Saturday for Red Hot Kettle Run 5K and 10K
We have a volunteer SOS for a run benefiting the Salvation Army’s 5k/10k this weekend. (I would be there, but I’m going to judge the children’s ice cream sundae contest at the Oklahoma County Free Fair. I’m pretty sure that is exactly the opposite of going to a 5k.)
The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command will once again host the Red Hot Kettle Run 5K and 10K on Aug. 25 at Regatta Park, 725 S. Lincoln, in Oklahoma City’s boathouse district. VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED!
All funds from the race will go to The Salvation Army Social Services office to help provide food assistance, utility assistance and shelter to Central Oklahoma’s neediest citizens. The run will begin at 7 a.m. sharp at the Regatta Park. Runners will receive a T-shirt and winning gifts for each age group.
The start and finish are located at Regatta Park, off Byers Avenue, just west of the Byers Avenue Bridge. Race day registration will be under the pavilion in the park.
Packet Pick will be noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24 at the Salvation Army location at 311 SW 5th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73109. Avoid the rush!
Pick up early.To REGISTER: https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/84958
Volunteers are still needed to help with water stops, registration and other tasks. Please volunteer by calling Lois Green at 405-246-1101.
Sign up for the OKC AIDS Walk
It’s not just a walk, folks. I just registered for the 5k! Here’s the info:
The 2012 OKC AIDS Walk, Run and Pooch Parade are set for Sunday, Sept. 23 at the Myriad Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City.
Walk teams and individuals may register by visiting www.aidswalkokc.org. Teams and individuals may also sign up the day of the walk. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. at the Myriad Gardens and the walk steps off at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Registration begins at 8 a.m. for the fourth annual 5k run sponsored by Dell at the Bricktown Ballpark. The run begins at 9 a.m. Registration is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the run. Register at www.aidswalkokc.org.
New this year is the addition of a Pooch Parade. Registration for the parade begins at 12:30 p.m. with the fashion show starting at 1 p.m. All dogs in the parade must be in costume and on a leash. Trophies will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. The registration fee is $5. The OK Save a Dog non-profit organization will again this year be in attendance to promote adoption.
Trophies will be given for the team with the most walkers, the walk team that raises the most money, the individual who raises the most money and the individual or team who has raised the most money online at FIRST GIVING.
“The FIRST GIVING website may be used to setup your fundraising page and e-mail family and friends so they may donate to it,” said AIDS Walk Board President John Greer. “It is safe and very easy to raise funds for the cause.”
In addition, vendor space is free to anyone wanting to set up at the event. Interested individuals and organizations should send an email to info@aidswalkokc.org to request space. Tables and chairs must be provided by vendors.
Since 1998, the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City has locally distributed more than $500,000 to fund local programs focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention, education, and direct services to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. Last year grants totaling $60,000 were allocated to support these programs. For more information, visit www.aidswalkokc.org.
The difficulty of choosing a race
So I know I want to run a race in December-ish. This is all I know.
Choosing a race is so difficult.
For me, the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is a built-in goal. Everybody around town who runs is usually running at it. A bunch of non-runners are volunteering for it. It’s for an important cause. It’s an easy pick to say the least.
But now that I’d like to do a mid-year half-marathon, I’m feeling a little intimidated. The Williams Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa would be a great fit, but I don’t know for sure yet if I’ll be ready that weekend (Nov. 17-18). So I either amp up my training or I start with a blank slate. Darn it. I guess I’ll spend more time looking than actually training this week.
Why is this so hard?
All these kids can beat me
I’m going to be honest: this is a race I would lose. For real. By a lot. Nevertheless, if your child is interested, here’s a really awesome opportunity coming up next month:
The Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department is looking for a few great kids! Seventy-five kids, in fact, who want to test their mettle in the Department’s inaugural Kidathlon on Saturday, August 4, from 7 – 11 a.m. at Earlywine Park, 3101 SW 119. The half-day event, which includes swimming, biking and running, is open to children aged 5 -17.
Participants will be grouped by age, with each age group competing at different distances.
“We’ve been looking at new events to integrate into our roster of activities,” said Christopher Hamilton, recreation division manager for the Parks and Recreation Department. “The Kidathlon gives children of all athletic abilities the opportunity to take part in their own triathlon and learn the basics of multi-sport competition.”
The warm-up for the Kidathlon begins at 7 a.m. on August 4, with the first age group kicking off competition at 7:30 a.m.
The age groups and event distances are as follows:
- Ages 5-6 25 yard swim, 0.5 bike, 0.5 run
- Ages 7-8 75 yard swim, 0.5 mile bike, 0.5 mile run
- Ages 9-12 75 yard swim, 1.0 mile bike, 1.1 mile run
- Ages 13-14 125 yard swim, 2.0 mile bike, 1.5 mile run
- Ages 15-17 125 yard swim, 3.0 mile bike, 1.5 mile run
The swimming portion of the Kidathlon will take place at the Earlywine Family Aquatic Center. The biking and running portions of the event will take place within the confines of Earlywine Park. Participants must bring their own equipment, including swim wear, bicycle and helmet, and running gear. Helmets and close-toed shoes are required for the bicycle portion of the event.
Pre-registration is required. Registration costs $30 for each participant and includes a t-shirt.
Those interested can register at Earlywine or Will Rogers Family Aquatic Centers, or by calling 297-2211. An online registration form can be downloaded at www.okc.gov/parks/kidathlon.
For the inaugural year, registration is limited to the first 75 participants.
For more information, call the OKC Parks & Recreation Department at 297-2211.
Runners at the Endeavor Games
Celebrate National Running Day in Oklahoma City with runhers
Last night, my daughter pulled my running shoes out of my bag and told me, “Want to race.”
Be still my beating heart.
After her absolute disdain for the Princess Run – at the time, only to apparently love it afterward – I thought she was out on the whole idea of running. I guess not. I don’t have any races on my calendar right now because I’m trying to choose my next big run, so I wasn’t sure what to tell her other than that we’d race again soon.
Then I got the best email ever today. What’s better than a 5k? A free 5k. Really? Yes, really. Here’s the info:
runhers, Metro Family Magazine and DG Productions have teamed up to produce a free Family Fun 5K on June 6th, 7:00pm at OKC’s Stars and Stripes Park at Lake Hefner celebrating National Running Day.
NewsChannel 4’s Joleen Chaney will be the hosting, along with Strive for 85’s 12 year old Mason Carter Harvey, who has lost 85 pounds and is on a quest to engage/encourage other kids and families to start living a healthier and happier lifestyle.
National Running Day, which was started by the New York Road Runners, is held annually on the first Wednesday in June, is a day when runners everywhere declare their passion for running. It is a coast-to-coast celebration of a sport and activity that’s simple, inexpensive, and fun. It’s the perfect way for longtime runners to reaffirm their love of running and for beginners to kick off a lifetime and life-changing commitment.
Sarah Taylor, Metro Family Magazines publisher states, “Taking part is easy. Just wear your running shoes, grab a friend, and come out to Stars & Stripes Park in Oklahoma City for a free 5K run! The free event is open to all ages and abilities. We will provide free chip timing compliments of OKC based DG Road Racing. Moreover, we will be providing free finish area fluids and treats (generously provided by Homeland Stores)!”
runhers special projects director Sheila Kidder states, “This free event is driven by our passion to help our community engage in healthier activities that most family members can do. A 5K (3.1 miles) is a very doable distance – many people can even walk at a 15 minute per mile pace! By introducing a low key, safe and free event – we hope to get more people started on the path for a healthier lifestyle.”
Here are 6 Great Reasons to Run!
1. Running is one of the most convenient and inexpensive forms of exercise available
2. It is a great way to meet new friends and socialize with a healthy activity bond
3. Most men and women run to stay in shape, stay healthy, relieve stress, socialize and have fun.
4. Running helps with stress reduction, emotional strain and even mild depression.
5. Regular runners tend to be happier than their sedentary peers
6. New runners can easily find a program that is right for them, based on their ability and available time to train.
about runhers® women’s association
runhers is a dynamic and creative women’s lifestyle organization. runhers is built on the belief that women must move to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. We produce lifestyle programs, trainings, creative forums, entertainment & amazing events. If you can imagine a better you, we can help you create it. To engage more, please visit us at www.runhers.com or facebook.com/runhers – twitter @runhers – email info@runhers.com
About Metro Family Magazine
Since 1998, our passion has been to help OKC/metro area parents be more successful and have more fun with their families. Each monthly issue includes the area’s best calendar of family events and quality editorial that supports family relationships. Just as valuable to parents is the connection to MFM advertisers who provide important local family services and products.
About DG Productions
DG Productions, Inc. intends to be the leader in road racing coordinating, management, and timing in Oklahoma. We will accomplish this by offering the client superior service in a courteous manner at a fair price. Our intent is to assist the Race Director in any practical means to create a professional and enjoyable event
Back pain: when things get awkward
So I’ve injured my pain. And let me just say, back pain is horrible, people.
I had a back spasm about a year ago, so I was sure that was what was going on this time. (It was the week before the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Really? Again? Yes, again. Back spasm the week of the race again. At some point, this is just statistically stupid.)
I went to the doctor and was treated for the spasm, but the pain still lingers. This time it was more than a spasm. I started physical therapy last week, and long story short, the bones in my back are not cooperating with one another. It was a long, gross story the physical therapist told me, and I honestly was blocking out half of what she said because I am the biggest medical wimp of all time. At one point, I actually asked her to put away the plastic spine model. She ignored me.
Anyway, I asked my doctor why this happens in the first place. I want to prevent this from happening again, which it likely will the week before the 2013 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. There are two main risk factors, he said:
1. Being an athlete.
2. Being overweight.
So when you’re an overweight athlete, it’s a 1-2 punch. My back never saw it coming.
But my doctor was quick to say that he’d rather I be an overweight athlete than an overweight sedentary person. (Really, the best case scenario is an athlete at a healthy weight, but we all already know that.) So as I recover, the goal is to continue running and playing sports. A little less weight on my bones wouldn’t hurt, either.
