AORTA News: July 14th, 2025
Local Upcoming Races
2025 Opelika Summer Swing 5K Series
September 20th: Mercy Medical 5K/10K
When: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile) 8:30 (5K/10K)
Where: Town Creek Park, Auburn
Distance: 1M, 5K, 10K
Fee: $20 (1M), $30 (5K), $35 (10K)
Description: Come join us for the 3rd annual Mercy Medical R
un to raise money from this race, all of it, will be donated to Mercy Medical. For over 20 years, Mercy Medical has fulfilled this mission through the generous financial support of our community. The clinic is staffed primarily by volunteers who selflessly give their time to love and serve the underserved of our community.
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
Dealing with Summer Heat
The Auburn hills are tough enough—but add in summer heat and humidity, and it’s a whole new challenge. As the saying goes, it’s not just the heat, it’s the humidity—and it can zap even the most dedicated runner. Use the table below to help pace yourself, and take extra precautions anytime the apparent temperature tops 90°F.
Why Does Marathon Potential Take So Long to Reach?
Jenny McCoy, Runner's World
** Summary of original article **
Reaching your potential in the marathon is, well, a marathon.
For most runners, improvement in the marathon is gradual. What starts as simply finishing the race becomes a years-long pursuit of personal bests. According to coach Jason Fitzgerald, it typically takes 10–15 years to hit marathon peak performance due to the physical and mental demands of the distance.
Why does it take so long to reach your marathon potential?
The marathon is exceptionally challenging, demanding long-term endurance development. While short races can be “faked” on lower fitness, the marathon requires consistent high-volume training (50+ miles/week), which takes years to safely build. Key reasons for the long timeline include:
- Endurance base: Built over years of easy mileage.
- Mental strength: Learning to embrace racing discomfort takes repeated effort.
- Skill development: Abilities like pacing, body awareness, and strategy evolve slowly.
- Limited race frequency: With only one or two marathons a year, learning opportunities are fewer.
- Running success is cumulative—built through consistent training, experience, and adaptation over many seasons.
What factors influence your marathon potential timeline?
Fitzgerald's 10–15 year estimate is based on adult starters. Variables that affect the timeline include:
- Age: Younger runners tend to progress faster due to recovery ability, hormones, and lower life stress.
- Training quality: Progressive overload, coaching, and proper recovery lead to faster progress.
- Injury history: Frequent setbacks extend the timeline.
- Starting age: Early starters must wait for full physical maturity; older starters face age-related decline sooner.
Ultimately, smart, consistent, and evolving training leads to better outcomes.
How can you steadily progress and maintain motivation?
Start With Shorter Distances
Training for shorter races like the 5K builds foundational speed, power, and efficiency. Even elites like Kipchoge started this way. Racing shorter events between marathons helps refine skills and allows more frequent competition.
Lace Up With Others
Running with others boosts motivation and performance. Studies show social running leads to better enjoyment and faster times. Joining a club or running with friends increases accountability and fun.
Focus on the Process—Not the Outcome
Sustainable success requires loving the act of running itself. Rather than obsessing over results, find joy in routines, group runs, and the mental benefits of training. Even if you never reach your absolute potential, the journey itself has tremendous personal value.
Link to RW article: https://tinyurl.com/bd52kh4m
Quote of the Week
You do not rise
to the level of your goals -
you fall
to the level of your habits.
James Clear
Video of the Week
Switzerland Wonderland (1:15:41)
Enjoy this video as you join fellow runners in the beautiful Swiss mountainside... in the snow! Put this on your treadmill and enjoy!
** 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!).
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