By Rick Smith '09
The journey begins tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited about it! Although training starts tomorrow, mental and physical training starts today - especially the foods we eat.
Soon we'll invite a nutrionist to come speak to the group about proper nutrition the day before a run, the day of a run, and what do eat/drink during and after a run.
I hope to see everyone at training Tuesday and Thursday!
A new run “popped up” for this weekend. It’s a 5k hosted by Life Time Fitness. A 5k is 3.1 miles. And because the training this weekend calls for a 3-mile run/walk, we thought we’d pass along this opportunity too. Lisa and I will be participating in this run instead of the July 4 Miler as originally planned.
Race:
- Saturday,July 3, 7:30 a.m., at Life Time Fitness on 281 and 1604
- $17 registration for adults; $10 for children. MAKE SURE YOU SAY/NOTE “UIW/RICK SMITH” FOR THE $17 RATE.
- T-shirt included (It's a nice New Balance technical t-shirt; not just a cotton tee)
Registration:
Registration has to be done in-person at the Member Activities desk at LTF on 281 & 1604. The desk is open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. OR…. You can fax me the completed registration form and I will turn it in on your behalf on Thursday. All information on the form must be completed. E-mail me directly for the form.
VIEW KICKOFF PARTY PICTURES HERE
Well, it looks like we have quite an eager group in the mornings! We are going on our third week now and have about 8-10 regulars. The meeting time is now 5:30 a.m., since 3 miles was too easy for them (ha,ha) and we will now be doing between 4-5 miles on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. We will still meet on the UIW track (side closest to tennis courts). This past Saturday, we ran 6 miles. The rather flat course (we are used to running hills!) took us down Broadway to Avenue B to Pearl Brewery and then to the new section of the River Walk - then we ran back! All in all it was a great run and everyone survived. If you would like to join our group, please e-mail me at lisas@uiwtx.edu and we will get you on our list. We would love to have you!
Keep up the pace!
Lisa Schultz, '91, '95
By Rick Smith '09; UIW Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
T-minus seven days until training starts.
This time last year, I was asking myself: "How am I going to train four days a week, for 20-weeks, RUNNING (which I hate), at the place where I work (because sometimes at 5 p.m., I just want to go home and not spend another hour on campus!), etc. etc. etc.
And at the end, I crossed the finish line and said "when is the next one?"
OK... that's a lie.
First, I said "I want to go home." Next, I said: "I really want a Moe's burrito right now." Then when I got home, and finished by two burritos (ground beef, cheese, sour cream, rice, black beans and queso... yummy!), that's when I said I was doing it again.
Anyway, you get the point. :)
20 weeks; 4 days a week. That's 80 days of training. Yes, some days will be tougher than others (the long runs are the toughest; the 30-minutes during the week are a breeze). But if it were easy, more people would be completing half-marathons and marathons.
Push Your Limits
Check out one of my favorite motivational clips.Push Your Limits
The main character, Brock, pushed his limits until the bitter end. He was only asked to go 50 yards (30 yards further than the 20 yards the team is accustomed to), and do it blindfolded. But Brock ended up pushing his limits.
This video reminds me a lot of half/full marathon training: for the first-timers, you are going in blindfolded, not knowing what to expect. And for all us, we'll be pushing our limits.
But with the support of our teammates, we'll finish again this year.
See you at training!
--rick
By Rick Smith '09; Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
What a great start to our training for the 2010 San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and 1/2 Marathon! We had 40 trainees at Saturday's kickoff party. Overall, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and are excited about the challenge ahead.
Remember that there will be two training sessions, so please don't confuse the two. Both take place every Tuesday and Thursday, but with different start times and different start dates.
'Advanced training," which are those that timed 8, 9 and 10-minute miles, start Tuesday, June 8. Meet at the UIW Track (where we gathered for the kickoff party) at 5:45 a.m. Also, if you plan to attend, e-mail Lisa at lisas@uiwtx.edu or text message her. Her phone number is in the e-mail that you received today.
The other training is for all levels and it starts Tuesday, June 28 at 5:45 p.m. That doesn't mean you can't already begin some training on your own though. Some of us have agreed to meet at least once a week at UIW to take a walk so that we can start getting our legs/feet/bodies use to exercising! (if you want to do this too, e-mail me).
The official training schedule is posted here: TRAINING SCHEDULE.
We'll post pictures on the blog throughout the week.
Thanks,
--rick
By Rick Smith '09; Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
We just received our updated roster from the Competitor Group. Welcome to our team members!
| Rene Alvair |
half-marathon |
| Samantha Duncan |
marathon |
| Sonia Flores |
marathon |
| Eileen Gaughran |
half-marathon |
| Allison Hicks |
half-marathon |
| Daniel Lazarine |
half-marathon |
| Eric Luna |
half-marathon |
| Ann McKee |
half-marathon |
| Melissa Reyes |
half-marathon |
| Lisa Rodriguez |
half-marathon |
| Mark Turner |
half-marathon |
Also, don't forget to check out our Facebook group here.
KICKOFF PARTY
Mark June 5, 2010 as your starting date to the finish line! We'll be hosting a kickoff party with a one mile, two mile or two-and-a-half mile walk/jog/run. You pick the pace and the distance and we'll time you. There is no fee to attend.
By Rick Smith '09
It wasn't too long ago that we crossed the finish line at the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. Or team was awarded first place in the inaugural Get Fit Challenge (GFC), which pitted businesses, schools, etc. against each other to see which team can have the most participants cross the finish line on race day. We won the extra-large division (companies with more than 1,000 employees), beating UTSA and Trinity respectively.
Our team is poised and ready to defend our title, as well as recruit and train new members.
Haven't run in a race like this before? That's OK - neither did I. In fact, besides high school volleyball training (mostly when we made too many mistakes during the game and ran miles as punishment), I rarely ran anywhere except the refrigerator.
I wasn't alone either. Our team had a total of 97 people - 60% of which were first-time race participants.
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN TO JOIN OUR TEAM!
We'll again have a voluntary, complimentary, 19-week training program that provides the teamwork, camaraderie and peer support you need to be successful.
The training caters to all experience levels and everyone's goals - whether you're walking the half-marathon or trying to win the full marathon, and everything in-between.
Look for more details in the coming weeks on www.uiwalumni.org.
See ya at the finish line!!! (well, to start, I'll see you at training. :) )
--rick
Congrats to all of the Rock'n Red Birds! We finished in first place in the city in the Get Fit Challenge - Extra Large Division. UTSA took home second; Trinity took home third.
Pictures and stories below. Send yours to rcsmith@uiwtx.edu and we'll add them to the blog!
STORIES OF SUCCESS:
Sylvia Kutschenreuter: "My good story is that I DID cross the finish line and I had NO injury."
Lisa Schultz: "I don't think we could have asked for better weather. The crowd of runners/walkers was phenomenal. The crowd of spectators was awesome. The run itself was inspirational. My 'sole sisters' Lisa and Heather were the best! I can't wait until the next one!" (below are some before and after photos)
David Allwein: "I ran the race with my daughter who has been diagnosed with cervical cancer and is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy (I was proudly wearing my Rock'n Red Birds hat!!!) Not only did she finish her first 1/2 marathon...but tied her dad's time! Nothing could have made me prouder!"
Lisa Wescott: (paraphrased) "The Rock and Roll ½ Marathon this year was an amazing experience from the beginning of training to the finish line. I was blessed to be surrounded by my loving and supportive family and a wonderful training team with the UIW alumni and staff.
We started training at the end of July, and I found Lisa Schultz and Heather Rodriguez running at around the same pace. Each Saturday morning (at training) I could count on running with Lisa, and I got so used to being right behind her – pacing and watching her hat and ponytail.
As we approached the starting line Sunday morning, I was thrilled to have Lisa and Heather in the same corral as we strived and encouraged each other throughout this journey. Unfortunately, somehow after the half-way point we lost Heather in the huge crowd, and I struggled to keep up with the back of Lisa’s head and ponytail swaying from side to side.
She kept looking back at me, slowing her pace, running side to side, and cheering me on with her words of encouragement. I kept telling her to keep going, don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine, don’t let me hold you back…but she didn’t listen. Lisa kept looking back, encouraging me, and I was just waiting for her to slap me across the head to keep me going!
Lisa likely could have finished at least 20 minutes better, and I might have finished at least 20 minutes later, but we pulled through (well, she practically dragged me through!) the finish line. I was breathless and somewhat lightheaded at the end, and I could not have finished successfully without her. Lisa was truly my inspiration and I will always be grateful, appreciate her thoughtfulness, and remember her kindness. "
Rick Smith: "As I came closer to the finish line on Sunday, I text messaged my family and friends and said "Home stretch. I see the Alamodome finish. Pain is temporary (or maybe in my case a week) - achievement is forever." Well, my assessment may have been spot-on.
I was jogging and walking the first three miles, and slowed to a fast walk miles three through eight; and eventually to a severe limp the last five miles. My podiatrist said he was surprised I finished the race with my blisters the way they are - and he saw them two days after the race.
Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories, your time and your achievements with me. If it wasn't for the team support, especially knowing that I HAD to cross the finish line to represent the team I help lead, I would have bowed out of the race at mile three."
PICTURES:
Heather, Andrea & Lisa are ready to cross that finish line at the Expo!
(photo by Heather Rodriguez)
Who should Lisa, Heather & Andrea run into at the Expo? ...none other than world record holder and personal coach to the Rockin' Red Birds, Michael Hennessey! Thank you to you and your family for all of your support and dedication to your "extended family." We couldn't have done it without you!
(photo by Heather Rodriguez)
Crowd at the finish line (photo by Rick Smith)
Left to right: Keri (mutual friend) poses for a picture with Olga Herranz and Rick Smith, who were members of the Rock'n Red Birds. (photo by Rick Smith)
Rick Smith, Sylvia Kutschenreuter, Carmen Tristan, Gladys Delgado, Isabel Alvarez and others started in coral 34, which was the furthest back someone could start. This was their view when the race finally started. They were so far back - they couldn't see the actual starting line.(Photo by Rick Smith)
Lisa, Heather and Lisa before the Big Run in Corral #8. Sole Sisters all the way! What a blast we had training together for six months. The fun will not end with the Rock n' Roll marathon. (Photo by Lisa Schultz)
Lisa & Lisa at the finish line! A little tired, but a lot stronger in spirit.
(Photo by Lisa Wescott)
Nikki Lee and her dad Victor pose for a picture after she completed the half-marathon. (Photo by Nikki Lee)
Sylvia Maddox and John Casanova before the start of the race (Photo by Itza Casanova)
Allison Hicks, Dawn Cunningham and John Casanova after the race (Photo by Itza Casanova)
Amy Soupiset (Photo by Itza Casanova)
Andrea Cyterski-Acosta and Bobby Acosta prior to the race (Photo by Itza Casanova)
Beachballs at the start line (Photo by Itza Casanova)
David Allwein (Photo by Itza Casanova)
Dr. Doyle and Dr. Light volunteered at the start village (Photo by Itza Casanova)
Feik School of Pharmacy students at the start line (Photo by Itza Casanova)
Gladys Delgado (center) at start line (Photo by Itza Casanova)
Itza and John Casanova at start line (Photo by Itza Casanova)
Karen De Mello (right) and her co-worker Aida Albair (left) at the start line (Photo by Itza Casanova)
Rick Smith before the race (Photo by Itza Casanova)
Rick approaching ramp to the Alamodome (Photo by Pamela Rodriguez)
For racing coral information, please see the blog entry below this one.
T-SHIRTS/JERSEYS
We will have jerseys ready for pickup on FRIDAY for those who have indicated they want to purchase a jersey. They are $20. Please bring check or cash. Our office will stay open until 6:30 p.m. to accommodate those who can’t get theirs until after work.
If other accommodations need to be made (i.e. Saturday pickup), please let me know. We need to avoid this at all cost, but will accommodate if necessary.
HATS
We also secured a donation from The Total Source for 50 hats. The hats are reserved for those who have been training with the group. Please pick those up on Friday as well. Thank you to Heather Rodriguez for her help with this.
TRAINING and RUNNING/WALKING
Tuesday – 6 a.m. at the UIW scoreboard (Michael Hennessey); 5:45 p.m. at the back trails (Scott LeBlanc)
Wednesday – 5:45 p.m. (Rick)
Thursday – 6 a.m. (Michael Hennessey)
HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO
$10 to park. It’s on Friday and Saturday at the Alamodome. Fewer people go on Friday, so that’s when Lisa, Gladys and I will be heading down there. We’ll depart campus around 2:30 p.m. in our own vehicles. You are more than welcome to follow us/meet us there.
QUESTIONS
Most questions can be answered at www.rnrsa.com. If you can’t find the answer, feel free to contact us and we’ll try to find it for you.
Less than a week to go! I'm getting a bit nervous, but excited at the same time.
RACING CORALS
Many of you have asked about changing your racing corals. The way we understand it from the RNRSA Web site is that if you want to move to a lower-number coral (from 34 to 23, for example) that would move you further toward the FRONT of the starting line, which would start you sooner than those in back of you. Ideally, moving forward would mean your estimated finish time has improved. If you want to move BACKWARDS, you can’t. To change corals, find the CHANGE CORAL booth at the Health and Wellness Expo.
Here are the corral numbers of our fellow Rock'n Red Bird team members. Look for them on race day! If you want to meet up with them prior to the race, contact me and I'll facilitate an e-mail among all of you.
--rick
Last update: Nov. 8 at 1 p.m.
| First Name |
Last Name |
Corral |
| Anthony |
Harpel |
3 |
| Kevin |
Rubel |
6 |
| Raul |
Moreno |
13 |
| Kristen |
Dicanna |
15 |
| Regina |
Galvan-Garcia |
21 |
| Leslie |
Ponce |
21 |
| Javier |
Rivera |
21 |
| Dawn |
Cunningham |
26 |
| Tracie |
Easton |
26 |
| Martha |
Flores |
27 |
| Rachel |
Guajardo |
27 |
| Olga |
Herranz |
27 |
| Veronica |
Whitacre |
27 |
| Itza |
Casanova |
28 |
| John |
Casanova |
28 |
| Tracy |
Garcia |
28 |
| Mia |
Martinez |
29 |
| David |
Allwein |
30 |
| Sharon |
Herbers |
30 |
| Nicole |
Jackson |
30 |
| Denise |
Staudt |
30 |
| Michelle |
Gove |
31 |
| Cory |
Kyle |
31 |
| Heather |
Rodriguez |
31 |
| Amy |
Soupiset |
31 |
| Aida |
Albiar |
32 |
| Andrea |
Cyterski |
32 |
| Karen |
DeMello |
32 |
| Lisa |
Schultz |
32 |
| Vanessa |
Garcia |
33 |
| Carmen |
Tristain |
33 |
| Isabel |
Alvarez |
34 |
| Allison |
Hicks |
34 |
| Terri |
O'Neill |
34 |
| Rick |
Smith |
34 |