E-List in Branford for Ladies Night

On December 7, 2011 the E-List, along with many of the merchants will be hosting their first E-List Ladies Night in Branford…We have participated in the Madison and Old Saybrook Nights and had a blast. Stay tuned for details for the night.

Labor Day

 

All Sound Runner locations will be closed in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen in all locations at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6.

We hope that everyone is able to celebrate Labor Day in one form or another. I will be running New Haven Road Race…this year the 5k. Not prepared to run fast, but prepared to be out there and to enjoy the day.

Celebrate Mom Contest

Every year around the time we think about the Branford Road Race, we ask ourselves, “why don’t we do an event to Celebrate Mom?’ So this year, 2011 we did just that. All soundRUNNER locations held a month long opportunity for children to come to the store and fill out a “petaled” flower and describe why they “celebrate” their mom. The reception was amazing…and the mom’s were excited to see what the children wrote about them…my hero, makes snacks, reads to me, it was beautiful.

All school-aged children (kindergarten to high school) went to their soundRUNNER location to get your flower and participate.

The winner was chosen at random in each soundRUNNER location on May 26 and was asked to go to their “home” store to take a picture with their child. Each winner (mom) received a summer running/active outfit. There was also a grand prize winner (also chosen at random) to receive $100.00 towards their school’s field day. That  winner was Bryce Walker…can’t wait to hear how that worked out!

We will continue to do this next year, but will start a little earlier with the promotion…one can never appreciate their mom enough!

Michelle and her daughter Melenky…(others in the photo…Julie, Melanie and Malenky’s sisters)

Donna and Bryce Walker

Karen and Kristina Alsante

If you have any questions about “Celebrate Mom” please contact Amy Parker at amyparker@soundrunner.net

Running in the Heat

The Branford Road Race is this Sunday, June 19 at 10:15 a.m. Each year it seams to be the hottest and most humid day of the season. The following is some advice from Jenny Hadfield…Coach Jenny Hadfield is the co-author of the best-selling Marathoning for Mortals and Running for Mortals, and a columnist for Women’s Running Magazine and RunnersWorld.com. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology, a Masters Degree in Exercise Science and is a certified coach and personal trainer.

Summer is a great time to run. However the heat and humidity can play havoc on your running pace. The warmer the weather, the more challenging it becomes to adequately cool your body. Heart rates are higher and breathing is more rapid than your normal running pace. The body has to work double time in the heat. The good news is there are a few tricks for beating the heat and getting in your runs this summer.

Switch gears and adapt. It takes about two weeks for your body to adapt to the heat and cool itself more efficiently. Slow your pace and reduce your intensity and get the run in rather than pushing through it.  Doing so will allow you to more efficiently acclimate and continue to run. Your body will gradually become better at cooling itself in the warmer weather allowing you to continue to run at your normal pace.

Work with the heat. Run by your effort level rather than your typical pace until you acclimate. If you are new to running, add power walk breaks every 4 to 8 minutes to cool yourself during your runs. It is all about managing your body core temperature and not allowing it to rise too much, risking overheating and really slowing down. Like a car, if the temperature rises too high you will overheat.

Accessorize. Wear light colored, loose fitting wicking running gear. Technical apparel will allow moisture to pass through them to be evaporated, keeping your cooler. Wear sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB rays, waterproof sunscreen, and a hat or visor to protect your skin and eyes from the sun.

Timing is everything. Run at cooler times of the day in the morning or in the evening. If you run in the morning, you’ll avoid the heat, but may encounter a higher humidity. The air quality is also better in the morning, since ozone levels increase soon after dawn, peak at midday, and then again in the early evening. Times to avoid running are noon till 3pm.

Extreme measures. If there is a heat alert or poor air quality day, take your workout indoors. You won’t get any super-human reward for pushing in dangerous heat and it most likely will take your body longer to recover from the workout. Train smart.

Hydrate during your workouts. For workouts shorter than 45 minutes, water works just fine. For longer runs, research suggests consuming about a cup of sports drink every 15 to 20 minutes to fuel your muscles and aid in maintaining electrolyte levels. 

Hydrate and pay attention to the warning signs of heat issues.

Branford Road Race 2011/ Press Release

Branford, CT – The 31^st annual Father’s Day Road Race takes place on Sunday, June 19, 2011 and race organizers are expecting a record crowd of nearly 3,000 participants in the 5-mile Road Race, Fitness Walk and Fun Run. The race field is already well ahead of last year’s record number of participants. Race Director Ray Figlewski states, “We’re overjoyed about the way the local running and fitness community has supported the event.  Thousands of Branford residents come out each year to cheer on the participants. Thirty years ago we never could have imagined this level of support.”  The race is one of the Country’s largest 5 mile races and one of New England’s top running events.

Starting on the Branford Green, the Health Walk (2 miles) kicks off the day’s festivities at 10:05 a.m. The 5-mile race starts ten minutes after the walk begins and the Fun Run (1 mile) follows after the last runner in the five-mile race finishes at about 11:30. This year’s 5-mile race will once again serve as a State Championship. Many of Connecticut’s top runners are expected to participate.  Julie Francis, Branford Road Race Committee member and owner of Sound Runner says, “We are dedicated to bringing Connecticut’s best athletes to Branford and making the Branford Road Race one of the best in the Country”.  Runners can enjoy musical entertainment along the racecourse at seven locations.

The race also supports the Branford Rotary and the Italian American Club by purchasing food for over 20,000 race participants over the years.  This year’s event will support scholarship funds in honor of two local students (Branford’s Sandra Ciccone and North Branford’s Nicole DeFilippo) the James Blackstone Memorial Library, The Harkness House, The American Heart Association and the Branford Community Dining Room. The Sandra Ciccone Scholarship is given to a Branford High School Senior who demonstrates academic achievement.  Sandra, a frequent race participant, passed away eight years ago at age 22.  The Nicole DeFilippo Scholarship Fund has been established to provide financial support to a graduating senior who is entering the special education field.  Nicole, also a past event participant, passed suddenly on November 15, 2006 from Viral Myocarditis.  Participants can contribute to the James Blackstone Memorial Library as well.  The library provides information, resources and programs for residents on the Connecticut shoreline. The race is supporting the Harkness House whose purpose is to provide transitional housing for veterans. The American Heart Association is accepting donations in honor of Lisa Pelosi, friend and employee at Planet Fitness who died last year. In addition, we support Branford’s Community Dining Room which is committed to serving the community by feeding the hungry.

Participants who raise $100 or more to any of these 6 charities will be given an entry to the Branford Road Race free of charge.

The Branford Festival weekend offers much in the way of food, fun and entertainment.  Saturday will feature juried crafters, a business expo, and fun for all ages throughout the day. The race kicks off the final day of the Branford Festival, a community celebration that attracts tens of thousands of people.  All 5-mile race participants receive t-shirts, food, and many other race amenities.  For race information visit our website at branfordroadrace.net. Or call (203) 481-5933.  You can pick up your race packet or register at SoundRunner in Branford on June 17^th  and June 18^th.

The major sponsors for the 2011 event are H.D. Segur Insurance, Stratton Faxon Law Offices, Chapin & Havlicek Physical Therapy, Pasta Cosi, Planet Fitness, RE/MAX Alliance, Sound Runner, Lynn’s Restaurant, Delicatessen & Caters, The Sound and 99.1PLR.

Middle School Running Program

This is one of those times when you get inspired by someone…it happens to be a middle school runner. Jess has run in our summer running program and has made such huge strides in her running…additionally she loves it and the way it makes her feel. She decided to put a program together where she could share her love of running with her middle school friends…the following is the result of her efforts.

This program will meet once a week from 3:00 – 4:00 afterschool at Walsh on Thursdays

First meeting is Thursday, May 5^th.

It is open to anyone who wants to run, beginner or experienced.

This program will not only help you exercise, but raise awareness about health and fitness in our community. 

There are limited spots in the program. 

First come, first serve!

I will be there to lend a hand…another excuse to run…LOOK FOR UPDATES ON THEIR PROGRESS!

runSTART…you can do it!

First full week back in the stores…made my way to Branford for runSTART.

I LOVE talking to the new runners about what prompted them to join the program…the stories are mostly the same. The one that I hear that always makes me cringe is; “I’m doing it because  (blank…you fill in the name) said I couldn’t.” The point is, we should be encouraging each other…we shouldn’t be telling people no you can’t, we should be encouraging them…”YES YOU CAN” and give them the tools to be successful.

Runners come in all shapes and sizes…they all come from a different place. The key is to provide a strong foundation, encouragement and tools to help them reach their goal.

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see,  only as  much as I dream can I be.”

 

 

Group Runs

Several people came in to Madison and Old Saybrook today to discuss their training and their worry that they may not be ready for their “upcoming” race. When I asked if they had ever thought of coming out for our group runs…and explained that we were finishing up with our 1/2 marathon and marathon training…that we also just completed the Winter Warriors Series and our Mid Winter Blues Marathon Relay…their comment was that they were unsure that they could “keep up, ” that no one would want to run with them because they are “slow”, etc.

Okay, so here’s the deal…these runs are social, informative and VERY inclusive. soundRUNNER understands that everyone comes from a different place. Some of you have run for years and need to connect again, while others are newbies that really need to get advice. Whatever your reasoning…we are here to support you and give you some additional tools to be successful.

I hope to see you soon…Our group runs are Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 8:00 a.m. in all locations…Sunday’s we do a special run at 7:00 a.m., called Benny’s Run…Julie

Madison Leprechaun 5.Miler

Are you ready for Spring?  Punxsutawney Phil says it’s on the way, so that means it’s time for the Madison Leprechaun 5-Miler!

This year’s race will be held on March 20th at the Madison Surf Club, and we expect record crowds. We’ve teamed up with Sound Runner this year as the first race in their “Shoreline Road Race Series.”  Learn more at http://www.soundrunner.net/shoreline_race_series. ;

Join us for the 5 mile run, 2 mile walk, or kids fun run and help raise funds for the prevention of child abuse!

Early Bird Registration Ends March 11, 2011. Pre-Registration Ends March 18, 2011. The first 200 registrants get a free long sleeved T-Shirt!  Don’t miss the early registration discount

For more information and to register: http://www.madisonexchange.org/leprechaun-run

Thank You!

PS. Registration is also available for the 2011 Dave Parcells Madison Triathlon (http://www.active.com/triathlon/madison-ct/dave-parcells-madison-triathlon-2011) and the Sound Runner Madison Turkey Trot (http://www.active.com/running/madison-ct/sound-runner-madison-turkey-trot-2011?int=29-6)!

Shoreline Road Race Series

To celebrate our 10 year anniversary we will be launching a road race series called the Shoreline Road Race Series. I will be posting information on the blog, website and Facebook pages (soundRUNNER group, soundRUNNER business and Shoreline Road Race Series).

The great news is that the soundRUNNER Madison location will be adjusting their weekly runs to align themselves with preparing for the SRRS. This week Chaz has scheduled the Wednesday runners to run 3-5 miles and on Saturday they will run 4-6 miles.

The first race is the Madison Leprechaun 5 miler to be held on Sunday, March 20. So, lace up your shoes and come out this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. for a 3-5 mile run…and this Saturday at 8:00 a.m. for a 4-6 mile run. All of these runs go through the amazingly beautiful shoreline community of Madison. Can’t wait to see you…any questions call me…Chaz 203.318.8190

In addition to that we continue to have our Winter Warrior Series, 1/2 and full marathon training.