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December 2009
Start the new year with a run
Now’s your opportunity to start the new year right — with a run!
- First Night Austin New Year’s Eve Run: Run in the New Year with RunTex and all of your running buddies. Meet at the South First Street Bridge at 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31 for the “First Night Austin New Year’s Eve Run.” The 2-mile run should get you ready to enjoy the festivities of the First Night Austin celebration. Pick up your First Night Austin long sleeve T-shirt at the finish to wear as you watch the fireworks in style. Register here. Registration ends at 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31.
- Red Licorice Events 1.1 Run: The 1.1.Run was originally conceived as a one time run on New Year’s Day, but interest has grown the event into a monthly series. Runners will line up at the designated location (for New Year’s day the starting line is at Jack & Adam’s) with no clue where the run will take them, or even how far. Just before the gun goes off athletes will be given the mystery destination. The challenge will be mapping out the shortest route on the fly because there is no set route. The races will be out and back to the starting point where a Sweet & Twisted post race party and awards presentation await them. To make things even more Twisted (and Sweet depending on your viewpoint) these runs will be underwear runs. Athletes are encouraged (but not required) to race in their undies. The runs are free, but runners are encouraged to donate to a designated charity at each event. For the first race on Jan. 1st, everyone is asked to either donate a coat to Coats for Kids or make a contribution to Running For Ryan. The Jan. 1 run starts at 11:10 a.m. at Jack & Adams, 1210 Barton Springs Road.
- Resolution Run 2010 Round Rock: The Resolution Run is an annual 5K race through the Brushy Creek neighborhood. The course is certified and chip timed. The run starts at 11 a.m. at St. Phillip’s United Methodist Church, 16321 Great Oaks Drive in Round Rock. Doughnuts, coffee and hot chocolate will be provided before the race and black-eyed peas, bananas, oranges, bottled water, coffee and hot chocolate at the end of the race. Wheelchair participants, strollers and leashed dogs welcome. Registration is $25 for adults and $15 for children. For more information go here.
- Hill Country Running Company New Year’s Day Run: Hill Country Running Company, 215 S. Lamar Blvd., will host a New Year’s Day run. Meet at the store at 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1. Breakfast tacos will be provided. Please RSVP. Canine companions welcome. For more information go here.
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Is Austin a better place to live for men than women?
Apparently, Austin’s a better place to live if you’re a man than a woman.
That, according to Men’s Health and Women’s Health magazines, which just released its annual ranking of America’s Best & Worst Cities for men and women in the January/February issues of both magazines.
Austin came in 10th place on the men’s list. It didn’t even break the top 10 for women.
The editors factored in 35 criteria when making their lists. Among them? Air quality, employment, life expectancy and commute times. They also looked at death rates from more than a half dozen causes, obesity rates and the ratio of single women to single men (and vice versa).
The best part about these lists is arguing about why they’re wrong.
I think Austin should rank higher. And I’d like to know what brought it down, especially on the women’s list.
Has the economic crash meant an exodus of men employed by the tech industry, making that guy to girl ratio suffer? And what about our fitness scene? The article mentions that Minneapolis, Minn., has the fourth highest number of female joggers. What? That frozen tundra has a better running scene than Austin, with it’s weekend races, crowded downtown running trails and wildly popular marathon? No way!
According to the magazines, Seattle is America’s top city for men and San Jose, Calif. is best for women. Birmingham, Ala. is the worst place to live if you’re a guy, and Philadelphia is worst for women.
I have to laugh at some of the cities that rank above Austin on the women’s list. Particularly Fargo, N.D., which came in at sixth. Really? Would you rather live there than Austin? Even in mid-February, when we’re out running a marathon in shorts?
What do you think?
Here are the lists:
The 10 Best Cities for Men
- 1) Seattle, WA
- 2) Madison, WI
- 3.) San Jose, CA
- 4) Fargo, ND
- 5) Burlington, VT
- 6) Manchester, NH
- 7) Minneapolis, MN
- 8) Salt Lake City, UT
- 9) Lincoln, NE
- 10) Austin, TX
The 10 Worst Cities for Men
- 91) Toledo, OH
- 92) St. Petersburg, FL
- 93) Louisville, KY
- 94) Charleston, WV
- 95) Memphis, TN
- 96) St. Louis, MO
- 97) Detroit, MI
- 98) Jacksonville, FL
- 99) Philadelphia, PA
- 100) Birmingham, AL
The 10 Best Cities for Women
- 1) San Jose, CA
- 2) Madison, WI
- 3) Seattle, WA
- 4) Aurora, CO
- 5) Minneapolis, MN
- 6) Fargo, ND
- 7) San Francisco, CA
- 8) Lincoln, NE
- 9) Salt Lake City, UT
- 10) Colorado Springs, CO
The 10 Worst Cities for Women
- 91) New Orleans, LA
- 92) Baltimore, MD
- 93) Jacksonville, FL
- 94) Oklahoma City, OK
- 95) Toledo, OH
- 96) St. Louis, MO
- 97) Detroit, MI
- 98) Memphis, TN
- 99) Birmingham, AL
- 100) Philadelphia, PA
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Try a plant-based diet with Rip
A year ago, as part of research for a story I wrote about former professional triathlete and firefighter Rip Esselstyn, my husband and I changed the way we eat. It’s essentially a vegan diet plan — no meat, no dairy and no oil — designed to lower your cholesterol.
I was skeptical about the program, outlined in Esselstyn’s book, “The Engine 2 Diet.” But we tried it, and for a month our plates were bursting with beans, leafy greens and tofu. We had our blood tested along the way, and at the end of the month, both of our cholesterol levels had dropped nearly 40 points. (Read the entire article here).
I haven’t stuck to the program 100 percent, but I’ve taken a lot away from my plant-powered month. I saute in vegetable broth instead of oil; I make my own hummus, with garbanzo beans and no oil; I eat tons of spinach and beans and Swiss chard and not very much meat at all.
Now the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine and conducts clinical research, is encouraging people to try the program for 21 days — and they’re offering free online support to those who do.
The online program goes live Jan. 1 here. There is no cost to join.
Participants get daily emails with recipes and cooking tips, a 21-day meal plan and an interactive vegan restaurant guide. They also get access to online videos and discussion boards featuring registered dietitians and physicians including Dr. Neal Barnard and Dr. Dean Ornish.
A few celebrities are getting on board as well, including “Oprah” chef Tal Ronnen, author of “Skinny Bitch” Rory Freedman and Austin’s own Esselstyn, who has retired from his firefighting career and is focusing on helping other people get healthy through his Engine 2 program.
They all will offer advice on what to eat and grocery shopping, plus personal stories about eating a plant-based diet.
“This makes it more accessible,” says Susan Levin, a nutritionist and dietician with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. “We’re doing more hand holding — here’s a grocery list and here’s a community message board, where people can pose questions and nutritionists and each other will answer.”
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, a plant-based diet can help participants lose weight, lower blood sugar and reduce their need for medications used to treat diabetes and other health conditions. They also can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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Win cool free fitness books!
Happy holidays!
Another batch of books has settled onto my desk. Want to win one? Post your name, which book you want and why you need it.
I’ll pick winners next week. (And be patient if your comment doesn’t post right away. I’ll be in and out over the holidays.)
- ”Age Erasers for Women: The Revolutionary New Plan to Strip Away 10 Years or More!” by the editors of Women’s Health. Remove wrinkles, whiten your teeth, do yoga … and curse! Yes! This book actually says that research has shown using swear words can reduce stress and boost camaraderie among co-workers.
- ”The IntenSati Method: The Seven Secret Principles to Thinner Peace,” by Patricia Moreno. This book’s all about creating positive energy and executing exercises while shouting out life-affirming things like “I am strong now, I can handle this!”
- ”The Stress Eating Cure: Lose Weight with the No-Willpower Solution to Stress-Hunger and Cravings,” by Rachael and Richard Heller. The research scientists who brought you “The Carbohydrate Addict’s Program” now present a book full of information about why we eat and how to curb eating that results from the hormone imbalance caused by stress.
- ”The Female Body Breakthrough,” by Rachel Cosgrove. Forget treadmill running, do strength training instead. This book walks you through dozens of exercises, and includes plenty of nutrition advice.
- ”Core Performance Women: Burn Fat and Build Lean Muscle,” by Mark Verstegen and Pete Williams. It’s all about quality, not quantity, when it comes to exercise, according to this guide. Do intense intervals of hard cardio alternating with lower impact recovery cardio to get the job done.
- Austin - Sport, 10616 Research Blvd.
- Hancock Center - Sport, 1000 E. 41st St.
- Parmer - Sport, 12400 N. Interstate 35
- Lake Creek - Sport, 13802 N. Highway 183
- William Cannon - Sport, 4625 W. William Cannon Dr.
- Vern’s No Frills 5K: Race No. 9 in the Vern’s No Frills series starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 at Berry Springs Park and Preserve in Williamson County. No awards, no Tshirt. The course is two loops and then a downhill finish. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Free to students K-12; $1 for adults. To get to the park, take Interstate 35 north to exit 265. Stay on the access road, turn right at the stop sign and stay on Tollway 130 access road for 0.8 miles. Turn left at the stop sign, go 0.8 miles and turn left into Berry Springs Park. Sponsored by Georgetown Running Club, Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department and RunTex. For more information call Bill Schroeder at 512-724-3774 or go here.
- Holiday bike drive: REI at 601 N. Lamar Blvd. is hosting a holiday bike drive for the Austin Yellow Bike Project from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20. Donated bicycles and parts in any condition will be accepted. Donations will fuel the operations of Yellow Bike’s non-profit community bike shops, giving Austinites access to the parts, tools and skills they need for affordable and self-sufficient two-wheeled transportation. For more information go here.
- Bootcamp: Cody Butler, owner of HEAT Bootcamp, is offering a city-wide bootcamp session for $10 a person at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 at RunTex, 422 W. Riverside Dr. Proceeds will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of the brother of John Sanchez, a regular bootcamp participant. Nathan Sanchez was diagnosed with lymphoma in July and has undergone chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. He remains hospitalized but is expected to recover. Bring a yoga mat, water, towel and workout attire. RSVP by calling Butler at 924-2440 or emailing heatbootcamp@yahoo.com.
- Free yoga: Empower Yoga, a new Vinyasa yoga studio at 1611 W. Fifth St., will celebrate the new year by offering free classes all day Friday, Jan. 1. Class times are 9:30 a.m., noon, 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. For more information call 512-472-8884, email info@empoweryogaaustin.com or go here.
- New Year’s Run: Hill Country Running Company, 215 S. Lamar Blvd., will host a New Year’s Day run. Meet at the store at 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1. Breakfast tacos will be provided. Please RSVP. For more information go here.
- ”Baby Boot Camp,” by Kristen Horler, an illustrated paperback guide designed to help moms get back into pre-baby shape in as little as 9 minutes at a time, three days per week.
- ”The 90-Second Fitness Solution,” by Pete Cerqua, a paperback book that aims to help you firm up, lose fat, strengthen bones, improve your mood and boost energy in just 15 minutes a week.
- ”The Serotonin Power Diet,” by Judith J. Wurtman and Nina T. Frusztajer, a guide to a 12-week program that uses the power of carbohydrates to suppress your appetite and stop emotional overeating.
- ”Dance It Off & Firm Up Fast,” a DVD starring instructor Bethany Lyons, who leads viewers through three easy-to-follow dance routines.
- ”Resistance Band Strength Training,” a DVD starring trainer Summer Montabone, who presents a workout program using resistance bands for use at home or while traveling.
- ”The Biggest Loser: Last Chance Workout,” a DVD featuring one intense 25-minute interval routine and two 10-minute programs that work your upper and lower body.
- ”The Biggest Loser: 30-Day Jump Start,” a DVD featuring five 10-minute start-up routines including two cardio segments, upper and lower body strength and an abdominal and core program.
- ”Cutting Myself in Half: 150 Pounds Lost, One Byte at a Time,” by Taylor LeBaron, a 17-year-old who describes how he went from a 297-pound 14-year-old to a 145-pound 17-year-old.
- ‘Trek Women Series’ Holiday Half Marathon: The 2009 Trek Women Series celebrates its season finale with a Holiday Half Marathon in San Marcos starting at 8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 at the Tanger Outlet Mall. Registration is here www.trekwomenstriathlonseries.com. Bring an unwrapped, new toy for a child in need; a race day food drive also will benefit the Hays County Food Bank. For more information, call 1-877-221-9665 or email info@trekwomenstriathlon.com.
- Slim Pet Challenge: The Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation’s Slim Pet Challenge kicks off Monday, Dec. 14 and ends April 19, 2010. The challenge is designed to turn obese or overweight dogs and cats into healthy, happy and fit pets, while raising awareness about the importance of regular veterinarian visits. More than 44 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats in the U.S are overweight or obese. For more information go here visit www.slimpetchallenge.org.
- Bike Races: Holland Racing presents The Incredible Bulk powered by OurRaceToWin.com, a morning of cross racing and an afternoon of closed course road circuit racing Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Harris Hill Road Race Track Facility in San Marcos. For more information go here http://www.txbra.org/events/event.asp?EventID=1931. To register go here http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=9616.
- http://www.techtransfer.berkeley.edu/newsletter/99-4/bicycles.php
- www.bicyclinginfo.org/faqs/answer.cfm?id=3976
- http://www.nycsr.org/nyc/video-view.php?id=39
- http://www.streetsblog.org/2006/09/27/another-model-berkeleys-bicycle-boulevard-network/
- ”Hungry Girl: Chew the Right Thing,” by Lisa Lillien. The author of “Guru of Guilt-Free” unveils a boxed set of recipe cards for yummy stuff like Yum Yum Brownie Muffins, 181 calories each, and Woohoo Waffle Stack, 226 calories.
- ”101 Exercises for the Soul,” by Dr. Bernie S. Siegal. It’s not exactly physical fitness, but who can’t use a workout plan for the mind, body and spirit?
- ”The 100 Year Lifestyle Workout,” by Eric Plasker. A fitness program that focuses on endurance, strength and structure — with the goal of helping you live for a century. (Really?)
- ”Dancing with the Stars: Dance Body Tone.” You’ve seen those dancers on TV, right? Burn calories the fun way, through Latin, tango and freestyle dance with this DVD.
- ”Dancing with the Stars: Dance Off the Pounds.” Well, it’s better than dancing ON the pounds. This DVD focuses on swing, jive and quickstep.
- Cardio & Core Dance Blast with Karen Joy Allen.” A high-energy cardio and strength training workout on DVD. Watch for shrapnel.
- McDonald’s Lights of Love 5K and Kids K and Mueller Tower Lighting Holiday Celebration: Kick off the holidays with a tree lighting and run to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities. The Kids K starts at 6 p.m. Friday, followed by the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. and the 5K at 6:45 p.m. at the Mueller Hangar, 4550 Mueller Blvd. Real snow at the finish line! Registration is $30 untimed; $35 timed; $15 kids. For more information, go here.
- Run Like the Wind: Bring your dog (or not) to this 5K walk/run and distance run. The 5K starts at 7:30 a.m., 8:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Lee Mannix Center for Canine Behavior, 6901 Old Bee Caves Road. Multi-distance runs begin at 11 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Schrodi Training Fund, overseen by Animal Trustees of Austin. Money raised helps owners who can’t afford the cost of training. To register, go here. For more information email info@schrodifund.org or cscsammy@yahoo.com.
- Urban Farm Bicycle Tour: Choose from easy routes of 10, 14 or 24 miles for this bike ride, which includes tours of area hen houses, prizes and samples of locally grown food. Benefits Urban Roots Youth Launch. Starts 9 a.m. Saturday at Bicycle Sport Shop. To register go here.
- First CureSearch Milestones Walk to Conquer Kids’ Cancer: This 2-mile walk is all about increasing awareness of childhood cancer and raising money for pediatric oncology research. Registration starts at 8 a.m.; the walk begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd. in Bee Cave. Registration is $10 here.
- Spicewood Vineyards Half-Marathon & 10K: After completing a challenging out-and-back course along farm roads, runners in this chip-timed race get tortilla soup, chili and wine samples at the finish line. There’s even a costume contest, with Santa (male) and Elf (female) divisions and prizes. The race starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Spicewood Vineyards in Spicewood. Bring a new or gently used toy for Toys for Tots. For more information call 210-651-6096; to register go here.
- Decker Challenge: The 31st annual Decker Challenge Half Marathon and Relay kicks off at 8 a.m. Sunday at the Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Lane. Individual registration is $60 on race day; relay registration is $100 on race day. For more information go here.
- Friday, Dec. 4, 6-10 a.m., H.E.B. Four Points, 7301 N. FM 620
- Saturday, Dec. 5, Noon-2 p.m., Southpark Meadows, 9600 S. Interstate-35
- Tuesday, Dec. 8, 7-9 a.m., H.E.B., 600 W. William Cannon
- Wednesday, Dec. 9, 6-10 a.m., Freescale Oak Hill, 6501 W. William Cannon Dr.
- Wednesday, Dec. 9, 3-7 p.m., Freescale Parmer Lane, 7700 W. Parmer Ln.
- Friday, Dec. 11, 6-10 a.m., H.E.B., 10710 Research Blvd., Ste. 200
- Saturday, Dec. 12, Noon-2 p.m., University Oaks, 201 University Blvd. (IH-35 & University Blvd.), Round Rock
- Monday, Dec. 14, 6-10 a.m., Whataburger, 2740 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park
- Tuesday, Dec, 15, 7-9 a.m., Whataburger, 6301 W. Parmer Ln.
- Wednesday, Dec. 16, 7-9 a.m., Whataburger, 2011 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway
- Friday, Dec. 18, Distribution Day, 6-10 a.m., Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces St.
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Nutcracker experience rocked!
I had a blast playing Mother Ginger in the Austin Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker this year.
The view from atop a 12-foot skirt — part of the Mother Ginger costume — was stupendous.
And did I mention the royal treatment I got? I hung out in a dressing room complete with a star-shaped sign that said Mother Ginger before the show and during intermission. My sister suggested I demand bottles of Perrier and a dozen white kittens, but I was thrilled with the refreshments provided…
The dressing room is where the magic — in the form of thick blue eyeshadow and penciled-in eyebrows that looked like cigars — happened. After the makeup went on during intermission, I climbed up a stepladder and into the costume. Someone snapped a red silky outfit with large bosoms on, and buckled a gigantic Carmen Miranda-style hat brimming with candy canes and sugar plums onto my head.
Yikes!
When they wheeled the contraption out on stage, I went wild, flapping my arms and hamming it up as a dozen kids dressed in red and white suits scurried out from under my “skirt” to dance.
Let me tell you, three and a half minutes seems like an eternity under the bright lights.
My sisters came in from out of town to watch, and my dad and his wife joined the party, too. My friends even organized a pre-show cocktail party.
It’s not every day I appear on stage at The Long Center. Thank God.
Every year, the ballet selects members of the community to play the guest role. No dancing or theater experience required. I was honored to be selected.
Here are some (scary) photos from the night’s festivities.
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Free holiday workouts at 24 Hour Fitness
One more excuse, gone.
Twenty-four Hour Fitness is offering free workouts Dec. 24 through 31 at all of its 400 clubs around the country.
This from a press release:
“Back by popular demand, we want to be part of the solution for keeping people motivated to work out during the holidays,” said Chris Gurtcheff, vice president of personal training at 24 Hour Fitness. “Our trainers and group exercise instructors are available to support guests who are looking to continue their fitness routines and work hard towards their goals when temptation is calling and time is limited.”
There are five 24 Hour Fitness clubs in the Austin area:
Go here or call 1-800-224-0240 for more information.
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Big Bend Ultra returns!
It’s official. The Big Bend Ultra Marathon will return on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011.
That gives us just over a year to prepare.
I ran my first road marathon last year, but am hoping to do some trail running this year. This race gives me a goal to shoot for.
The event will include 50K and 25K trail races and a new 10K race. Everything is off-road and slightly downhill.
Proceeds will benefit Friends of Big Bend National Park, which raises money for park preservation and improvement. The number of participants will be limited to minimize impact on the park.
For more information, go here or email info@bigbend50.com.
Who’s in?
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Girls only dance party
Want to boogie but hate the club scene?
An Austin studio is now hosting a chapter of the female-only phenomenon known as Dance Dance Party Party.
Dance Dance Party Party was started in New York in 2006 by two friends loved dancing but hated cover charges, getting hit on and smelling like alcohol and cigarettes.
According to a press release that landed on my desk, it’s an hour-long session of tunes played in a dance studio with the lights turned low. The only rules? No boys, no booze and no judgement.
Participants can sign up to “Guest DJ” by creating their own playlist.
In Austin, the party starts at 7 p.m. every Sunday at NiaSpace, 3212 S. Congress Ave.
For more information go here.
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Austin Marathon has its own iPhone app
Attention iPhone junkies: The Austin Marathon now has its own mobile application.
The free app is available on the Apple App store. It allows users to find information about the marathon, challenge others to race, view course maps and receive race results.
Austin Marathon organizers partnered with Austin-based Brilliant Solutions Inc. to create the app, called Austin Marathon. Sign me up!
I’m tentatively planning to do the half marathon this year, by the way. I did the full 26.2 miles last year (my first marathon!), but am opting for a shorter distance this time out.
Austin Marathon uses the newest iPhone features, including Apple Push Notification. Runners are notified on their iPhone as soon as race results are available and can view them within the application.
Runners without access to an iPhone can access the application online at www.myirace.com.
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Last minute cycling gift idea
Here’s an excellent last-minute gift suggestion for your cycling buddies — a cycling jersey that says “Don’t Run Me Over.”
Or choose one that says “Slow Down” on the back and “Thanks” (in reverse) on the front. Also nice? One that says “3 Feet” on the back and “Thanks” on the front, or one that says (infiniti symbol) MPG.
Cool!
The jerseys sell for $59.95 on the Share the Damn Road website here. I like the website’s motto, too: “Fed up with Rude and Incompetent Motorists?”
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Your weekend fitness events!
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Skier claims sex change when caught with wrong pass
Snow is falling in Colorado and I can’t wait to get to the mountains and snap into my downhill skis.
But one eager (and cheap) skier took it to extremes: A Colorado woman claimed she was undergoing a sex change when asked why she was using a ski pass that belonged to a man.
The man turned out to be her boyfriend. She was no man and she hadn’t undergone a sex change.
Turns out that Sarah Nicole Fowke, 23, was trying to sneak through the lift lines at Keystone Resort using a season ski pass owned by her boyfriend, Nicholas Hemstreet.
She was charged with theft over $500 and criminal impersonation, according to CBS Channel 4 in Denver.
Read all about it here.
Thoughts???
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Running for Ryan update
Sarah Shay, who is running the 2010 Austin Marathon in honor of her brother Ryan, tackled 18 miles last weekend on her way to her first ever 26.2-miler.
Shay says she thinks of Ryan, who collapsed and died during the Olympic Marathon Trials in 2007, whenever she’s struggling to get through a difficult run.
No trouble this time, she reports.
“At mile 16 I kind of wanted to quit, but then at mile 17 I got back in that zone and wanted to finish. You just don’t pay attention to your legs,” she says.
It was the longest run so far for Shay, who is using the Austin Marathon on Feb. 14 as a way to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Her goal is to raise $10,000 for the non-profit agency. So far, she’s raised about $2,000.
One way to help her reach her goal? Make a donation at Rogue Running before the close of business Sunday. For every $10 you donate, your name will be entered into a raffle to win a basket packed with gear including free entry to the 2010 or 2011 half or full Austin Marathon, a $100 gift card to Rogue, Tshirts, socks and other runner-friendly stuff.
To donate online, go to www.runningforryan.com and email your name and contact information to Sarah at runningforryan@gmail.com.
Fund-raising has been harder than running, she says.
“Trying to mix that with work and being a mom and getting the runs in has been a challenge,” she says. “But it’s definitely worth it and I can wait for the race.”
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See me Friday in The Nutcracker!
Friday’s my big day!
The Austin Ballet has picked me as one of their guest Mother Gingers in their annual production of “The Nutcracker.” I get to climb into a gigantic costume, get wheeled out on stage at the Long Center and have a passel of candy-striped kiddos come running out from beneath my skirts.
Heck, that’s better than a glass of spiked eggnog or a drive through the neighborhood to look at holiday lights. It’s like both those things, plus a twirl under the Zilker tree and a visit from Santa Claus, all at once, only a hundred times better.
Both of my sisters are coming to Austin for this exciting event. They can’t believe I’m going to be on the big stage, and neither can I!
Come watch me, and say hello after the show. You can get a 20 percent discount on tickets by buying tickets here.
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Lance Armstrong book signing
Cycling champion Lance Armstrong and photographer Elizabeth Kreutz will sign copies of their new book, “Comeback 2.0: Up Close and Personal,” at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16 at Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces St.
Kreutz, who grew up in Austin and studied photojournalism at the University of Texas, followed the seven-time Tour de France winner from the time he announced his return to bike racing in September 2008, through the 2009 Tour and the birth of his son Max.
Among the 200 or so photos? Armstrong getting drug tested, riding on a snowy road near Aspen, grimacing after breaking his collarbone in a race in Italy, surfing and playing with his children.
The book sells for $27.99. Read more about Kreutz and the book here.
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Fitness freebies!
More fitness freebies for you to win!
I’m having a hard time believing some of the claims from today’s batch of books and DVDs (Fit in just a few minutes a week? I don’t believe it!), but here’s what’s up for grabs today:
If you want one of the freebies, post here. Tell me which one you want and why you deserve it. I’ll pick winners next week.
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Walk for a Day trail gets funds
A planned trail that will wind more than 30 miles from Zilker Park in downtown Autin to Onion Creek Natural Area in Hays County got a shot of funding from Congress this week.
The $300,000 allotment for the Capital Area Regional Trail System, or “Walk for a Day,” will be used to design and engineer trailheads for the system.
This from a press release from Congressman Lloyd Doggett’s office:
These funds will support local efforts to develop the construction of the Capital Area Regional Trail System, known locally as “Walk for a Day.”
This project will begin at Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park and ultimately wind more than 30 miles south to Onion Creek Natural Area. Specifically, these federal dollars will be used to design and engineer the trailheads — the ‘doorways’ to the trail for long-distance recreational users, neighborhoods, and trail users in general.
Trailheads, a type of educational marker, will provide an opportunity for the community to enjoy a rich educational component that will “come alive” at the trailheads.
This funding will make it possible for Hill Country Conservancy to bring the best design/build team possible to the table to create trailheads that will be the jumping off points for thousands of citizens to experience this extraordinary regional trail system and cultural heritage of Central Texas.
George Cofer, Executive Director of the Hill Country Conservancy, also praised Congressman Doggett’s efforts.
“The Walk For a Day regional trail project has long been a dream of parks and trails advocates throughout the Capital Area. Thanks to Congressman Doggett, we now have our first federal funding, which will allow Hill Country Conservancy and a diverse coalition of governmental, neighborhood, business and environmental organizations to move from the drawing boards to construction. Hill Country Conservancy and its partners will use these funds to promote recreational, educational and healthy lifestyle opportunities,” he said.
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Your weekend fitness events…
Time for your weekend fitness events! On tap this week:
Did I miss your event? Post it here!
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National Geographic Adventure ceases print publication
The death knell sounded for another magazine this week, as National Geographic Adventure announced through its website that it’s ceasing print publication.
The December 2009/January 2010 issue will be the last. Read the announcement here.
I’ve long slobbered over the mag, always packed with tales of hair raising adventure and exotic travel from around the world. Where else could you snuggle up to a story of dodging rampaging elephants, climbing Mt. Everest or encountering a whaling ship? I hate to see it go.
The magazine launched 10 years ago, and will continue to maintain a website.
The news follows last month’s announcement that Gourmet Magazine was stopping publication.
Ack! When does it end?
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Big Bend Ultra may make a comeback
Can’t think of anything dreamier than running miles and miles and miles across West Texas desert? I’ve got good news for you!
A movement is afoot to bring back the Big Bend Ultra Trail Run.
If you’re interested in seeing 50K and 25K races once again staged at Big Bend National Park, let organizers know.
The proposed date for the race is Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011. (That’s a little more than a year away, not next month.)
Organizers are also considering adding a 10K run and 45-mile mountain bike race.
The run was held in 2005, 2006 and 2007, but discontinued due to lack of interest. Race director Carroll Voss says he’s been hounded by people since then who want to reinstate the run, one of only two races held at a national park.
A portion of proceeds will benefit the Friends of Big Bend National Park’s efforts to preserve and enhance Big Bend National Park.
Participants will enjoy the scenery, excellent footing, post race cookout and traditional trip to the hot springs, Voss says.
The point-to-point, all off-road race will start about 5 miles from the park’s headquarters at Panther Junction. It’s a fast, slightly downhill course. Registration will be capped at 200 runners.
“It’s so beautiful in the Chihuahuan Desert and so quiet — there’s no noise, only your footsteps,” Voss says. “It’s only 6 more miles than a marathon, so if you’ve done that you can do this with another hour. It’s a great entry-level ultra.”
To have your voice heard, go to the Big Bend Ultra Facebook Page (you don’t have to be a Facebook member) and take a short poll in “My Stuff.” If you are a Facebook member, become a Big Bend Ultra page fan. Also check the race website. For more information, email here.
Who out there has run an ultra? Who’s done the Big Bend Ultra? What’s it like to run that far?
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Obesity snuffs out gains of declining smoking rates
Obesity is about to cancel out smoking in the grand scheme of things.
A new study shows that negative effects of obesity could soon overtake the health benefits the United States has seen from declining smoking rates.
The study, by University of Michigan and Harvard researchers, was published in the New England Journal of Medicine this month. Read more about it here.
“Obesity plays a large role in life expectancy,” said co-author Allison B. Rosen, assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan. “Despite the fact that we are smoking less, body-mass indexes are going up. These increases in obesity are overtaking these changes in smoking behaviors.”
Researchers say the remaining life expectancy of a typical 18-year-old would be held back by 0.71 years by the year 2020 because of the increased body-mass index of the general population.
In the past 15 years, smoking rates have dropped 20 percent, while obesity rates increased by 48 percent, says the study’s lead author, Susan T. Stewart.
Nearly half of the U.S. population is projected to be obese by 2020.
Public health efforts to discourage smoking have worked, and a similar effort could help turn around obesity rates, Rosen said.
The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging, the Harvard Interfaculty Program for Health Systems Improvement and the Lasker Foundation.
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Help Austin plan its first bike boulevard
Austin’s going to get its first bicycle boulevard — a shared roadway optimized for bicycle traffic.
The conversion of a stretch of Nueces Street to a bike-friendly street with less motor traffic is part of the Austin Bicycle Plan, approved by the Austin City Council this year, and the draft Downtown Plan.
Want to help design it?
The first — and most important — planning meeting is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9 at Pease Elementary School, 1106 Rio Grande St.
Additional meetings are set for 6 p.m. Jan. 13 and 6 p.m. Jan. 27.
Bicycle boulevards create a sense of place and are comfortable and attractive to pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicle users through the installation of signs, markings and traffic mitigation devices, according to Nadia Barrera, the city of Austin’s Bicycle/Pedestrian Project Coordinator,
The meetings will help determine where traffic mitigation devices will be installed.
To learn more about bicycle boulevards, check out these websites:
For more information, call Jason Fialkoff at (512) 974-7060 or email him at Jason.fialkoff@ci.austin.tx.us.
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Fitness freebies!
It’s time to clear off my desk. That means you get free fitness stuff. Post on this blog and let me know what you want. I’ll pick winners next week. Up for grabs this time:
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Your weekend fitness events!
Time for your weekend fitness events! On tap this week:
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Bikes For Kids
Remember the feeling you got as a kid, when you got a brand-new bike?
The freedom! The independence! The thrill of pedaling down the street, away from home, off on a great adventure!
The JB & Sandy Morning Show on radio station Mix 94.7 hopes to raise enough money to provide 800 new bikes, helmets and locks to needy kids in the Austin area this season. So far, though, fund-raising is off to a slow start, says show host JB Hager.
“In a couple of weeks we may be in a complete panic,” he says.
Over the last 13 years, Bikes For Kids has given away about 12,000 bikes. (That’s Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, above, helping at the giveaway last year.)
One presentation stands out. About three years into the program, JB & Sandy gave bikes to eight kids from a family who had just immigrated to Texas from Viet Nam.
“They were all riding around the parking lot, talking in broken English about how back home getting a bike is like getting a car,” Hager says. “It was pretty neat.”
The disc jockeys started the program six months after starting their radio program in Austin.
“There are lots of great charities that give kids what they need — coats, blankets, school supplies and food,” Hager says. “We asked ourselves ‘What do kids really want more than anything?’ Most kids’ coolest moment, especially during the holidays, is getting a brand-new bike.”
I still remember the bike I got for Christmas one year — purple with a sparkly banana seat. It was beautiful!
Donate to Bikes For Kids (or nominate a recipient) online here or stop by one of the following locations to do it in person:
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Austin bodybuilder in Ironman Magazine
Look for Austin bodybuilder Dave Goodin on the cover of the January 2010 issue of Ironman Magazine.
Goodin, 50, former owner of Hyde Park Gym, capped the year by winning the Over 50 age group at the International Federation of Body Building and Fitness’s Masters World Championship in Bialystok, Poland last month.
He looks pretty buff and bronzed in the photo above, taken at the end of the competition, doesn’t he?
I know, I know. Most folks don’t look like that. But you have to admire someone so dedicated to his sport that he can stand on a stage in a tiny swimsuit, skin glistening, muscles rippling.
Add Goodin’s latest victory to a slew of other awards this year, including first in the Over 50 division and second in the Open Middleweight class at the NPC Europa Championships in Dallas; first in the Over 50 Middleweights and first overall at the IFBB North American Championships in Cleveland in August; and first in the Welterweight division at the NPC Team Universe in New York City in September. The Team Universe victory qualified Goodin to compete with the U.S. team at the IFBB Men’s World Championships in Doha, Qatar earlier this month, where he placed eighth in the world.
Goodin, a personal trainer in Austin, has competed in bodybuilding for 27 years and has won nine international titles. He also promotes the NPC Texas Shredder Classic in Austin, a drug-free body building competition.
Congrats Dave.
Thoughts, readers?
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World AIDS Day run tonight
Today is World AIDS Day.
Join the Capital City Front Runners tonight in a special run to show the community that the fight against AIDS is not over.
Meet at the stretching area under the MoPac Bridge at 5:30 p.m. Participants will run and walk to City Hall with red flowers and flashing red lights. (Bring a light if you have one.) After a ceremony at City Hall, the group will return to the MoPac Bridge. Total distance is 3 miles.
The run is free and open to everyone. Wear red and white.
After the run, the group will meet at Rusty Spurs, Trinity and Seventh Street, for food and drinks. For more information go here.
More than 2 million AIDS-related deaths were reported globally in 2008, according to the World Health Organization. New HIV infections have declined each year since 2001, but for every five people infected, only two start treatment.
Go here for more information.
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