Road Runner

In an ideal world, there would always be a trail, a sidewalk, or a path to run on, but as we all know, that's not always the case. Most veteran runners (except for the lucky ones) have experienced running on the road at least once before.  We know the risks, the annoyances, and the thrills of running alongside a speeding car, but do we always practice safe running? I've been a runner for many years and I still don’t take all of the safety precautions that I should. I don’t always run facing traffic, I don’t always take out my ear buds, and I never carry an ID or a cell phone.

So if you’re a veteran who needs a reminder (like me) or just getting into running,  it is very important to know, and follow, the ‘rules of the road’ for runners.

•  Run on the shoulder of the road (if possible) against traffic
• Stop at a stop sign, stop light, and all intersections, wait for the driver to wave you through—then acknowledge the driver with your own wave
• Respect a driver’s right to the road
• Don’t assume a driver sees you
• Do not run with music, or turn your music down low while running on the road so that you can hear cars that you cannot see
• Run with proper ID, and carry a cell phone with emergency contacts taped to its back
• If you run with a group, run in single file so that cars can pass
• Wear reflective clothing, especially at night

Happy Running!

Spud 2 Stud - Couch 2 5K

Do you find yourself bee-lining for the couch every day after work? Do you choose to watch TV instead of work-out, play with your kids, or go for a walk with a friend? Do you envy the slim celebrities or the toned athletes you watch on television?  If you answered ‘yes’ to at least one of those questions, then it’s time to do something about it. It’s summer, there’s nothing good on TV right now anyway.

The Couch 2 5K program is rapidly growing in popularity. It’s a nine week program that starts off short and slow, while gradually increasing in speed and distance. The first three weeks you'll start  off with alternating between walking and short bursts of jogging. By the fourth and fifth weeks, you'll be walking and jogging equal amounts. Once you make it to the sixth week, you will be able to jog longer than you’re walking and by the seventh you'll be able to jog for a full ten minutes. At the end of the eighth week you’ll be running 2.5 miles and by the ninth week you’ll be putting on your bib number for your first 5K!!

Our store offers two Couch to 5K training groups! One group meets Tuesdays at 6:30 PM and Saturdays at 9:00 AM at our Edgewood, KY store. The second group meets Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 PM at England-Idlewild Park. They both start next week and we'll be training for the Check Your Genes 5K on September 21st.

Training with groups is a great way to meet new people and to give you motivation to stay committed. If however, you cannot make any of our meeting times, there are great Couch 2 5K online programs and mobile applications you can do yourself.

There are many Couch 2 5K success stories already, but there’s always room for one more! 

Benefits of Running:

• Weight Loss
• Boots Immune System
• Prevents Disease
• Relieves Stress
• Increases Energy
• New Friends