3 Things I Love About Autumn

Au revoir Summer!!!!  Bonjour Autumn!!!!  *speaking with a Parisian accent*  Without further ado and in no certain order, the following are the 3 Things I Love About Autumn (not Fall, but Autumn):

1. First Day of School

Technically, the first day of school is still in Summer.  (But just go with it, okay?)  Parents, let’s be honest.  We absolutely love it when our kids go back to school.  A little more “me” time for us, am I right?  Just kidding.

In all honesty, as we watch our children learn and grow, we should also make every effort to do the same.  Learn new things.  Try new things.  Every.  Day.

With that, I’ve met a number of wonderful people at Fleet Feet Sports who have passionately taken on new challenges.  Diana K. just completed her first duathlon and triathlon, and Cheryl C. is hooked on stand up paddleboarding and is training for her first JFK 50 Mile Run.  Absolutely inspired.

As the school year begins and as Diana K. and Cheryl C. have both shown, we should follow our kids’ leads and never lose our sense of adventure and the joy of learning and doing new things.

2. Races

With the arrival of Autumn, there’s a whole host of fantastic races to choose from.  Our No Boundaries runners (who are amazing, by the way) recently completed their 5K Training Program, and kicked off the Labor Day Weekend at the Kentlands/Lakelands 5K.

The awesome group of No Boundaries Runners who completed their
5K Training Program at the Kentlands Lakelands 5K on August 31st.

The motivated runners in our 10K Training Program and Full Marathon Training Program are gearing up for the Home Run 10K/5K and the Marine Corp. Marathon respectively.  And Fleet Feet Sports’ new 10 Mile Training Program covers those who have 10 milers scheduled on their race calendars.

On Sunday, I’ll be running the Parks Half-Marathon--the goal race for the Half-Marathon Training Program.

Confession.  I registered for the race on somewhat of a whim.  Mel B. and I were just chatting about upcoming plans, if any, and the next thing I know we agreed to run it together.  (Still unsure how that happened.)  All the same, we’re really looking forward to seeing everyone there.

3. Change of Season

Most consider the New Year as the most fitting time to make changes.  A New Year.  A New You.  However, use the colorful and vibrant changes of Autumn to inspire you, and resolve to make positive changes now.

Take out your personal roadmap and see what you can do to be better.  If there’s one thing I’d like to change in my life is the way I eat.  My eating habits suck.  While at Fleet Feet Sports, I’ve been encouraged to consider healthier options such as “clean” eating and gluten-free and vegetarian diets.

How about other forms of training to improve your running?  Yoga?  Yes!  Flexibility is important because it promotes greater and a more natural range of motion.

Our marketing director, Brittany (pronounced briTH-tuh-nee), is dedicated to all things CrossFit.  For me, this is something worth exploring since she can bench and deadlift more weight than I can.  Who doesn’t want to be a stronger runner?

So, wave a bittersweet goodbye to Summer, and embrace Autumn with all your heart.  You’ll be better for it.  Just ask Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character in the movie (500) Days of Summer.  (Watch it.  It’s a really good movie.  Go on, watch it.)

Thrasher's and Fisher's and Grotto's, Oh My!!!

Our blog, Trampling Down Walls and Eradicating Excuses, is back!!  I’m Joel, and I’ll be your new friendly blogger.  On most days you’ll find me at Fleet Feet Sports, Gaithersburg meeting amazing people like you (as well as playfully teasing my colleagues).  The one thing you need to know about me is that I’m quick to laugh.  So, let the blogging begin.  *cue the trumpets and confetti*

________________________________

It’s summer, and that can only mean one thing--summer vacation!!!!  Despite all the wonderfully indulgent diversions associated with summer, such as lounging perpetually by the pool or reverting to your childhood and adopting your kids’ eating habits, you can still incorporate a run or two while on vacation.

To start my summer, my family and I headed to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  In the past, “running” would be found nowhere on my itinerary.  I approached a vacation as that--a vacation or break from work, eating in moderation, and, above all, working out.  Not this time.  I made sure to pack my running shoes and gear, and my Nike+ SportWatch GPS.

So off I went early each morning before my wife and kids would rouse from their Thrasher’s-induced comas.  Although I’ve been to Rehoboth many times, with each run I came to truly appreciate the things I easily overlooked before.  I ran through Henlopen Acres--a cozy seaside community that borders Rehoboth.  With a friendly wave or a cheery “good morning,” I would run past long-standing locals out for a stroll or walking their oh so, eager dogs.

Along the boardwalk, vendors quietly prepared for the frenzied day ahead.  I caught a glimpse of a lonely fisherman on the beach as well as a group entranced in meditation.  On the sand-dusted wooden planks, I could feel my feet gently shift with each stride.

I usually run with music, but I intentionally left my iPod at home because I didn’t want to drown out the symphony of ocean waves breaking and crashing along the shore.  Of course, how could you not marvel at the brilliance of the ocean?

With that said, despite the attractions (or distractions) available at the beach or any other destination you’re headed to this summer, you can still make time for a run and really enjoy it.  Honestly.  Have a happy summer Fleet Feet runners!!!!

One of my early morning routes while on vacation.

- Joel

Passing the Baton

I’ve had a good run here as Fleet Feet Gaithersburg blogger but now it’s time for me to pass the baton—even though that was a double pun and I’m clearly on a roll.

I’m headed to Alabama for graduate school, but I have sincerely enjoyed my time at Fleet Feet. My phenomenal co-workers and customers have made my work experience a very positive one. And I have enjoyed sharing my running life with you, FF Gaithersburg fans. While writing this blog, I’ve run through Maryland, Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and now, I look forward to new paths in Alabama. Now and always, here and far away, happy running, my friends!

- Maggie

Although Maggie is leaving, we will be announcing a new Fleet Feet team blogger soon!! Stay tuned :) In the meantime, we wish Maggie the best of luck on her future endeavors!

Your Help Required

Runners, Triathletes, Countrymen, Lend me your ear! I have awesome news: I’m going to graduate school in the fall in Tuscaloosa, Alabama of all places. I’m beyond excited, but what does this mean for my list of run-scuses? It means I have a time-frame. I have to find new trails, train up, and race by the first week of August. I have an inflexible deadline and no way to worm free. This is probably good practice for graduate school, along with instituting coffee as a form of liquid sleep.

So, back to my list:

1) I have persistent IT Band Syndrome

2) It’s too damn cold

3) I’m bored of running Seneca Creek/I don’t know other trails in the area

4) I’m not signed up for any races, so I don’t have a goal

Reviewing my run-scuses, I should be on #2, facing the cold but it’s nearly April and winter is all but done. So, I’m going to knock #2 out real quick and focus on 3 and 4.

To face those last bitter days of winter, I’m looking to film again for inspiration. And who are my role models, my fortitude when my fingers and toes feel numb? The brave crew of 4 men on the Jamaican bobsled team of Cool Runnings, who were actually based on a real Jamaican bobsled team that competed at the 1988 winter Olympics in Calgary.

If a group of Caribbeans can compete in frigid Alberta, I can face a 40° day.

O.K., on to the last run-scuses on my list! And this is where I’m really relying on help from you guys: I need new places to run. I run Seneca Creek all the time, but I’ve gotta test out some new trails. And yes, I’ve tried running the loop backwards.

And related to exploring new trails, I need a goal race. I think I’d like to do a trail half marathon, but I’m open to suggestions. If anyone has a favorite race they want to recommend, I’d love to hear about it.

Readers, if you’re in the know, share your wisdom. Your two-cents is invaluable to me— no pun intended. Comment below with trails and races and help a fellow runner out. And if you’re susceptible to bribes, I’m an excellent baker!

Happy running,

Maggie