AORTA News: April 21st, 2025
2025 D1 Life 5K and 1-Mile Results and Video!
5K Results: https://tinyurl.com/z22m4n6f
1-Mile Results: https://tinyurl.com/yr9v8a8b
Local Races This Saturday!
Apr 26th: St. Michael’s Literacy in Motion 5K / 1-Mile
When: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 7:30 AM (1-Mile), 8:00 AM (5K)
Where: Town Creek Park, Auburn, AL
Fee: $15 (1-Mile), $30 (5K)
Description: Mark your calendars! Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join our community for a day of fitness, fun, and fellowship! St. Michael’s 1-Mile Fun Run and 5K event welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re an experienced runner, a walker, or just out to enjoy the day, this event is for everyone! All proceeds will go to benefit our local school libraries.
Apr 26th: Warriors for Freedom 5K
When: Saturday, Apri 26, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile), 8:30 AM (5K)
Where: Opelika Sportsplex
Fee: $25-40 (5K), $15-25 (1-Mile)
Description: The Warriors for Freedom 5K Race is in memory of Lily Alyscia Ledbetter. Lily's dream was to graduate from Auburn University's School of Building Science. In 2022, Lily went to St. John, USVI for an internship with a local developer. Tragically, Lily's life was suddenly cut short while living in St. John. The circumstances surrounding Lily's death were linked to exploitation and possible trafficking, and the investigation is ongoing.
** AORTA members can use the code AORTA20 for a 20% discount!
Local Upcoming Race
May 18th: Race for a Summer of Second Chances 5K
When: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile), 8:30 AM (5K)
Fee: $20 (1-Mile), $30 (5K)
Where: Town Creek Park
Description: Lace up your sneakers and join us for a cause that's close to our hearts! We are thrilled to announce our 2nd Annual Race for a Summer of Second Chances benefiting CARE Humane Society™️! Whether you're up for the challenge of a 5k or prefer a leisurely walk/run one mile, there's something for everyone!
Have Gently Worn Running Shoes?
Are your running shoes past their useful running life? Most are normally good for 300 to 500 miles but can still have a lot of “sole” left in them! If yours are ready for retirement, bring your gently used running shoes to Love2Run, our local running partner store, where they’ll collect them for a fantastic organization called “Sneakers4Good”, a social enterprise that ships them to developing nations for micro-entrepreneurs.
When you bring them, please check for the following:
1) Gently worn means they are clean in usable condition and have no holes.
2) Soles are intact and not too worn, cracked, or breaking apart.
3) Laces intact, in good condition, not frayed, and tied together.
Weekly Whimsy
Why Am I So Tired After Long Runs?
Ashley Mateo, Runner's World
** Summary of article **
The Reasons Long Runs Wear You Out
Long runs tax multiple body systems, including muscles, glycogen stores, the central nervous system, and hydration levels. The repetitive impact causes microscopic muscle damage and soreness. Glycogen depletion during prolonged exercise leads to energy crashes, while fluid and electrolyte loss reduces blood volume and oxygen delivery, contributing to fatigue.
Signs of “Normal” Fatigue After a Long Run vs Overtraining
Some fatigue—like soreness, stiffness, and mild tiredness—is expected and typically resolves within 24–48 hours. However, excessive exhaustion, such as needing naps or being too tired for basic tasks, could indicate overtraining or pushing too hard. Persistent fatigue may be a warning sign that your training or recovery needs adjustment.
What To Do When You’re Really Tired
Recovery begins right after the run. Replenish with carbs, protein, and fluids to restore energy and support muscle repair. Short naps (30–60 minutes) can help, but avoid total inactivity. Light movement, stretching, foam rolling, or massage guns can promote circulation and ease soreness.
How to Avoid Feeling Totally Exhausted After a Long Run
Focus on Quality Sleep
Sleep is critical for muscle repair and overall recovery. Poor sleep slows recovery and raises fatigue.
Fuel for More Volume
As training increases, so should your fuel and hydration. Undereating or underhydrating amplifies fatigue and muscle breakdown. Nutrients like protein, omega-3s, iron, magnesium, and potassium support recovery.
Progress Gradually
Avoid overloading too quickly. Build volume and intensity at a sustainable rate, incorporate rest days, and avoid stacking hard workouts before long runs.
Pay Attention to Stress Levels
Mental and emotional stress contributes to physical fatigue. Managing total stress load (called "allostatic load") is key. Use relaxation strategies like breathing exercises and mindfulness to aid recovery.
Take Notes
Track your fatigue patterns, sleep, nutrition, and stress in a log. This helps identify if you’re overreaching and when you may need to scale back.
Check With Your Doc
If fatigue continues despite good habits, consult a doctor. Blood tests can detect issues like iron or B12 deficiencies, which shouldn’t be self-treated without confirmation.
Conclusion:
Long runs naturally cause fatigue, but when properly managed with good recovery, nutrition, and stress balance, it shouldn’t derail your day—or your training. Pay attention to what’s normal for your body and take action when it’s not.
Link to article: https://tinyurl.com/2dza8hk7
Quote of the Week
Running:
Side effects may include
sweating, euphoria, and
general awesomeness.
Anonymous
Video of the Week
Boston Marathon 2025 Preview (1:07:25)
Join Michael Doyle, Alex Cyr, and Katelyn Tocci for our definitive 2025 Boston Marathon preview. From elite field predictions and American hopefuls to personal stories and pro course strategies, we cover everything you need to know heading into race weekend.
** AORTA provides this informational video to its members as a courtesy and does not endorse any particular product, process, or service.
Ongoing Events
RunGo For Turn-By-Turn Directions!
RunGo provides turn-by-turn navigation allowing you to just enjoy your runs without having to think about looking for street names and when you may have to turn next. Other great features include, audio cues with your running stats, split updates, the ability to share your runs via social media, and create new routes. Another great feature of the app is the ability to work offline. You can create and download your routes ahead of time, before your run so you don’t have to use data during your run.
Race Volunteers Needed!
As a runner, we know your time is valuable. But if you have a couple hours to spare, we could use your help for one of the upcoming AORTA supported or directed races! Assisting at a local race is a fun and rewarding experience. You are surrounded by health conscious individuals that, like you, are motivated fitness enthusiasts and appreciate the effort of volunteers.
Water Stop Volunteers Needed
Water stop signs and coolers are available at the following location: 1536 Professional Parkway, Auburn, AL. (Thank you Adahli Massey!). Coolers and signs can be picked up Monday-Thursday from 8AM-4PM and on Fridays from 8AM-12 noon. Items are in the room next to the back door. If you are unable to pick up supplies on these dates/times, e-mail clemster@aol.com to make alternative arrangements (we deliver!).
Forward any comments to the webmaster.our Watch