AORTA News: December 9th, 2024
Jingle Jog 5K / Santa Stroll Fun Run Results!
Upcoming Local Race This Saturday!
Auburn Toys for Tots 5K/10K and Fun Run
- When: Saturday, December 14, 2024
- Time: 8:00 (1-Mile), 8:30 AM (5K/10K)
- Where: Wrights Mill Road Elementary
- Fee: $20 (1-Mile), $30 (5K), $40 (10K)
- Description: Mark your calendars and start the holiday season in a festive mood with a 10K, 5K, or 1-Mile! All participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy. to be distributed to children in need. This year, Toys for Tots donations are especially important. the weak economy has caused many to lose jobs, be furloughed, or be forced out of work for long periods of time. Families in these difficult situations desperately needed a little extra holiday cheer this holiday season. The Toys for Tots race will help bring people together during the holidays. All participants who register online by November 25th will receive a souvenir festive t-shirt!
Upcoming Local Races and Holiday Runs!
Christmas Eve Morning Reindeer Run!
*** All Runners /Walkers Welcome! ***
Come and celebrate this Christmas Eve with a morning group run! Choose to run, jog, or walk a 3 or 5 mile course… your choice. We’ll kick off the run at 7:00 AM!
Date: Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Location: TCBY (next to Kroger), Auburn, AL
Time: 7:00 AM
Cost: Free (No t-shirts or medals for this one!)
2024 Reindeer Run 3.2 
2024 Reindeer Run 4.9
2024 Reindeer Run 9.8
2024 Last Chance 5K/10K Run
Looking for one last end-of-the-year group run, or trying to log the last few miles to make it into the coveted 600 or 1200 mile club? Here’s your chance to do so! There will be a 5K or 10K route that you could modify to reach your goals! Meet at our normal group run location.
Date: Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Location: TCBY (next to Kroger), Auburn, AL
Time: 7:00 AM
2024 Last Chance 5K
2024 Last Chance 10K
2025 New Year’s Resolution Run
Join fellow runners as we ring in the New Year for an early morning… ok, not so early, New Year’s run! We’ll kick off the run from our normal Saturday run location. You can choose either a 3M or 5M route, links below.
Date: Wednesday, January 01, 2025
Location: TCBY (next to Kroger), Auburn, AL
Time: 7:00 AM
Cost: Free! (No t-ishirts or medals for this one!)
2024 Resolution Run 3M
2024 Resolution Run 5M
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
How to Train in the Off Season
Laurel Leicht, Runner's World
** Summary of original article **
The article emphasizes the importance of an off-season for runners to recover physically and mentally while preparing for the next racing season.
What is the Off-Season?
- A period of reduced structured running after a training cycle or race.
- Focuses on maintenance rather than progression, with lighter workouts or other activities.
Benefits of an Off-Season:
- Physical Recovery:
. Prevents fatigue and overuse injuries by allowing muscles, hormones, and the immune system to recuperate.
. Helps rebalance cortisol and testosterone levels, avoiding muscle breakdown and other stress-related issues.
- Mental Refreshment:
. Alleviates the mental strain of structured training.
. Even short breaks of a few days can rejuvenate motivation and performance.
Duration and Adjustments:
- Duration depends on recent training intensity:
. Marathon runners may need weeks to months off.
. 5K runners might only reduce intensity or take a short break.
- After intense training cycles, take at least one full week off, followed by light runs or cross-training.
Off-Season Workouts:
- Incorporate activities like cycling, swimming, Pilates, or snowshoeing.
- Add two strength training sessions per week to address imbalances and strengthen joints.
- Include mobility work and prioritize restorative sleep.
Sample Weekly Plan:
- Monday: 30-40 min easy run.
- Tuesday: 40-50 min weight training.
- Wednesday: Rest.
- Thursday: 40-50 min moderate run.
- Friday: Rest.
- Saturday: 40 min cross-training (strength/mobility/biking).
- Sunday: 40-60 min easy run.
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritize what feels good for your body and have fun with varied activities.
- Gradually rebuild mileage post-off-season to avoid injury and maximize recovery benefits.
Link to archived Runners World article
Quote of the Week
It’s not about how
fast you go, but
making the journey count.
Anonymous
Video of the Week
26.2 to Life Trailer: Inside the San Quention Prison Marathon (2:23)
ESPN Films' 26.2 TO LIFE follows incarcerated men in San Quentin’s 1000 Mile Club as they train for a 26.2-mile prison yard marathon. Guided by volunteer coaches, the film captures their pursuit of redemption, community, and second chances. Available on Disney+
** 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.