Sports Talk: Run The Bluegrass--Why Not?

As a correspondent sports writer for The Casey County News, I write an weekly editorial column for the publication. Published Feb. 5, 2014.  
January is over so it's time we all ask ourselves... How are those New Year's resolutions going??

Good, great or not so great is not the point. The point should be that no matter how you're doing on a goal you've set for yourself, any day can be the day to buckle down; not just the start to the year.
 
If you're looking for something to give you a little extra motivation on a fitness related goal, I have just the thing for you: the Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon.
 
This race, which covers the beautiful horse farms of Lexington, takes place on March 29--exactly two months away. And don't worry--if you don't think you're cut out for a 13.1 mile race, they offer a seven mile option.
 
I love that there is a seven mile option. This is long enough to be more of a challenge than your typical 5K, but not so daunting to train for as a half or full marathon.
 
In addition to being a great race that's not far away at all, it's considered America's prettiest half-marathon's, attracting runners from across the country. The event itself is more than just a race, aimed to show off all the beauty of our state and some of its stand out features--like our horses and bourbon.
 
One of the really cool things this year's race has focused on is their Guest of Honor, Heather Abbott of Newport, Rhode Island. Heather was one of the victims of the 2013 Boston Marathon and has since had her lower left leg amputated. Heather and a loved one will be attending the race and get a full Bluegrass experience while the race coordinators are encouraging race participants to donate toward helping with her medical expenses for the prosthetic leg. Their goal is $10,000 and they were well past $5,000 as of December.
 
I should also mention, for anyone who has already signed up for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, which will be held on April 19, the two races have created a partnership, The Kentucky Half Classic. Those who finish both races get all sorts of awesome amenities like a unique finisher's medal and exclusive access to food, drinks and bathrooms.
 
Look to some of those in our community who hit major milestones last year--Nell Duggins, Erica Turner and J.J. Tarter who all became Iron Women. If you need words of encouragement for achieving your goals--whether it be this race or something much simpler--I guarantee you there are people nearby ready to give you whatever motivation you need to remind you that you can accomplish your goals.
 
January may be over but don't let that be the end of your 2014 goals!

Follow the Run the Bluegrass Facebook Page

Sports Talk: Running for Fun Around the Area

As a correspondent sports writer for The Casey County News, I write an weekly editorial column for the publication. Published June 26, 2013.  

Late June and July bring some of our hottest days of the year, so thinking of being outside and breaking a sweat from physical activity may not be exactly appealing to most people. A raft floating in the pool with a cold drink or a trip to the lake definitely sounds 10x more refreshing.

However, taking advantage of the cooler mornings is always a rewarding way to start the day. I love seeing the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle becoming a bigger part of our community. The young running group that has been working out together the past month is such a turn around from what I had to train and run with ten years ago. I made semi-regular trips to Danville just to find running partners.

The additions of Back and Body as well as the walking/running trail connecting downtown to the Ag/Expo center in the past several years have brought great motivation and convenience to the county for making fitness a part of our lives. It’s no longer uncommon to see runners of any age getting in their daily mileage on the streets of Liberty. Today I even saw bikers out and about.

If you have not yet done so, sign up for Liberty’s 5K on the morning of July 4, which kicks of the county’s Independence Day festivities.  Sure, 8 a.m. may be an early activity for a holiday, but (a) nobody wants to be running once the sun gets high; (b) you always feel good when you’ve completed such a big task by 9 a.m.; (c) the company is great!

With running growing in our community, it’s also growing around us. Right now Casey County has four regular runs a year (July 4, Apple Festival, Turkey Trot and Cabin Fever), which I am thrilled about. Meanwhile, on practically any given weekend, it’s not hard to find a nearby 5K to kick off your Saturday. (I’m sorry to report we’re too late for the Twinkie Run in Danville held yesterday.)

Upcoming area runs include:

JULY

4: Casey County Liberty Bell 5K Run/Walk, 8 a.m. at Courthouse Square

6: Firecracker 5K, 8 a.m. Stanford (Main Street)

13: Rockcastle 5 Miler, 8 a.m. Mt. Vernon (Renfro Valley)

20: Bluegrass State Games 10K/5K, 8 a.m. Nicholasville

27: Jingle in July 5K, 8 a.m. Lancaster (Garrard County High School)

AUGUST

3: Coach Plummer’s 5K Run, 8 a.m. Danville (Admiral Stadium)

10: Run with All Your Hart/Walk , 8:30 CDT Russell Springs (Russell County Auditorium)

10: Dash for Life 5K, 8 a.m. Junction City (Junction City Park)

17: Run Bike Hike, 8 a.m. Mt. Vernon (Lake Linville)

17: Bluegrass Drug Run for Camp Can Do 5K Run/Walk + Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. Danville (Ponder Court)

24: Pigskin Classic 5K and 1 Miler, 9 p.m. Danville (Admiral Stadium)

31: Run for the Pets 5K/15K, 8 a.m. Burgin (Shawnee Run Baptist Church)

SEPTEMBER

7: Smokin’ Butt Ride, 9 a.m. Danville, (Downtown)

15: Constitution Run for the Arts 5K, Danville (Constitution Square)

21: CASA Superhero Run 5K and Kids 1K, 9 a.m. Lexington (Coldstream Park)

28: Hope 53 5K Run/Walk, 8:30 a.m. Danville (Millenium Park)

A great resource and “in” to a wonderful running community is Danville Bike and Footwear. Their website (www.dbfky.com) includes a calendar of many of the local runs as well as a pretty complete listing of races taking place throughout the state.

I speak from personal experience and connections when I say those in the running community just north of us are fantastic people and encourage those of our own running community to connect with this group.

For more information about the Liberty Bell 5K visit www.libertykentucky.org.

Sports Talk: Spin Around

As a correspondent sports writer for The Casey County News, I write an weekly editorial column for the publication. Published Dec. 19, 2012. 

I know this comes a little early, as we still have a week of Christmas goodie indulging to partake in (and might as well carry on until New Year’s), but the new spinning bikes at Back and Body Fitness Center are quite exciting—and just in time for anyone contemplating a New Year’s resolution!

Spin bikes are different from your standard stationary/exercise bikes. The spin bike has a “free wheel” that controls the resistance of the workout. The seat is adjustable and handlebars sit low. Basically, the bike is as close to a stationary road bike as you can get.

The lower handlebars can be found on a standard bike, but they tend to look less like real bike bars. These bikes also have more of a chair-like seat as opposed to a real bike seat.

Additionally, the spin bikes do not have digital settings to help an individual change settings and resistance in their workout. Because of this, spinning classes have became popular across the country, much like other group workout classes like zumba, yoga and pilates.

When still living in Louisville the gym I attended had spin classes; however, I never made it to any. I stuck with yoga and my own workouts that carried over from my previous Bellarmine training regimen.

The free weights, mats and medicine balls were just on the other side of the spin classroom, though, and I oftentimes heard the classes taking place. I would hear the instructor shouting instructions with the music pumping. I have to admit I was very curious about the classes.

While all of my friends who have used spin classes as their preferred workout method tell me of their love of the classes and how much fun their are, they never sugar coat the difficulty level.

But that’s exactly what any excellent workout or fitness routine should be, right? One that you thoroughly enjoy—partially because of the energy and power it demands. It should leave you utterly exhausted.

My hubs informed me of the gym’s new cycles last week, and I had the opportunity to test them myself.  Again, I have never myself been through a spin class, so the two of us guessed at our own style of a workout. I’m sure it was like a leisurely, afternoon ride in the park compared to what a certified instructor would put us through.

Maybe if he and I take a few of our ‘strolls’ we will still be capable of walking by the time we get the opportunity to partake in a real class.

It’s good to see Casey County’s gym continue to grow and bring the community new opportunities to maintain their health. If you are a member, be sure to stay tuned spinning classes are likely to be on the horizon. If you’re not a member, hey, there’s nothing like the new year to give you reason to join!