Summer Safari- End of the Season Celebration

Hi Runners,

This is your reminder that the end of the season celebration RSVP is due today, you can drop off the money to Gazelle Sports.  If you can not make it to the store today, please drop off your RSVP tomorrow (10/30) at the latest.

You have accomplished great things this training season and we want to celebrate you.

Details:

End of the Season Celebration– November 7th

Wednesday, November 7, 2012 Summer Safari End of the Season Celebration Come runners and their significant other Fellowship and cash bar: 6pm

Family Style Fest: 6:30pm $20/person (adults only) Beechwood Restaurant, Ottawa Beach Road Holland, MI 49423

Menu includes: appetizers, salad, dinner rolls, vegetarian pasta, chicken masala, a variety of side dishes, ice tea, soda and coffee, and celebratory cake.

RSVP by dropping exact cash or checks made out to Amy-Lynn at Gazelle Sports by October 29.

I’ll see you out there running!

Allison

Summer Safari

Hi Runners,

Congratulations to everyone who ran a race in the Grand Rapids Marathon or Detroit Marathon yesterday! You all gave the race everything you had in you. I am proud of all of you.

Last night as I read through all the post on Facebook I was at a loss words. I was too emotionally moved yesterday by speculating the Grand Rapids Marathon and Half-Marathon and watching the support that the Gazelle Sports runners gave each other to formulate anything other than I am proud of you all.

Watching Eddie and Virginia run back along the course looking for friends and running buddies to run in was extraordinary.

Watching Heather, Deb, and Jaye run Missy in as she finished her marathon made me think about what it really means to be part of the Gazelle Sports training programs.

Summer Safari 2012 was a great season. New running partners were made and old friendships grew.  The support you all pour out onto each other, is what it truly means to be a part of the running community. I wish I could have seen everyone cross the finish line in Detroit as well, so thank you for supporting each other at the Detroit Marathon yesterday.

Now that Summer Safari is over, we would like to hear from you. What are your thoughts on the season? Please take a few minutes and take the Summer Safari on-line survey.

Upcoming Events-

Pilates for Runners– Is this coming Saturday (10/27) at 10am

Join Gazelle Sports and Align Fitness for a FREE Pilates Class.

Gain core strength and flexibility when you add Pilates to your fitness routine. Running is a fantastic cardiovascular workout but can lead to imbalances in your body when it’s the only exercise you do. Pilates is an excellent compliment to your existing running routine as it strengthens the muscles that support the joints like the hips, ankles and knees. When Pilates is done consistently, it provides for a stronger back, reduced risk of injury, and a more efficient running form.

Space is limited to 30 participants. To save your spot email Aeisen@gazellesports.com by October 26.

End of the Season Celebration– November 7th

Wednesday, November 7, 2012 Summer Safari End of the Season Celebration Come runners and their significant other Fellowship and cash bar: 6pm

Family Style Fest: 6:30pm $20/person (adults only) Beechwood Restaurant, Ottawa Beach Road Holland, MI 49423

Menu includes: appetizers, salad, dinner rolls, vegetarian pasta, chicken masala, a variety of side dishes, ice tea, soda and coffee, and celebratory cake.

RSVP by dropping exact cash or checks made out to Amy-Lynn at Gazelle Sports by October 29.

I’ll see you out there running!

Allison

Summer Safari- Grand Rapids Marathon!

Hi Runners,

Great pasta dinner last night. I hope you all enjoyed the good food, great company and pre-race talk. Thank you to everyone who made the dinner possible. We would not be able to have a pasta dinner without all the help and willingness from all of you.

As race day gets closer your nervousness may start to increase, rest assured that a little bit of nervousness is normal. The hard work of training is behind you. Enjoy the race on Sunday for what it is.

Be sure to get enough sleep, eat properly and stay hydrated in the days leading up to the race.

Saturday October 20- No group run

Grand Rapids Marathon

Race expo- Saturday October 20, 9am-6pm at David D. Hunting YMCA

Group picture- We will be meeting near the Gazelle Sports tent at 6:45am for a picture

Race start-  7am- Velocity Challenged

8am- Official start of the Marathon and Half marathon

Upcoming Events-

Pilates for Runners– October 27th at 10am

Join Gazelle Sports and Align Fitness for a FREE Pilates Class.

Gain core strength and flexibility when you add Pilates to your fitness routine. Running is a fantastic cardiovascular workout but can lead to imbalances in your body when it’s the only exercise you do. Pilates is an excellent compliment to your existing running routine as it strengthens the muscles that support the joints like the hips, ankles and knees. When Pilates is done consistently, it provides for a stronger back, reduced risk of injury, and a more efficient running form.

Space is limited to 30 participants. To save your spot email Aeisen@gazellesports.com by October 26.

End of the Season Celebration– November 7th

Save the date: Wednesday, November 7, 2012 Summer Safari End of the Season Celebration Come runners and their significant other Fellowship and cash bar: 6pm * Family Style Fest: 6:30pm $20/person (adults only) Beechwood Restaurant, Ottawa Beach Road Holland, MI 49423 RSVP by dropping exact cash or checks made out to Amy-Lynn at Gazelle Sports by October 29. Menu details are fourth coming!

I’ll see you out there running!

Allison

Important Information for Wednesday

Calling all runner!

Wednesday, October 17 is the Semi Annual Pasta Dinner at Bill’s Clubhouse. This is an amazing event for us to share our celebrations and talk out the jitters. We’ve worked hard….records are going to be made on Sunday. Let’s take some time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Plus we want to hear war stories from Park 2 Park.
We are looking for pasta dishes and cold salads. Interested in helping with menu! Contact Amy-Lynn alhalverson@hotmail.com

Below is the food we have currently.
Cammi: pasta

Nancy Best: pasta

Kelli: pasta salad/dessert

Beth: salad

Cindy Snellers: salad

Cherylyn: salad

Nancy Hansen: dessert

Diane: dessert

Tonya: dessert

Linn: bread

Jay/Deb: punch

Reminder: bring your RSVP cash for end of season party!

Save the date: Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Summer Safari End of the Season Celebration
Come runners and their significant other
Fellowship and cash bar: 6pm * Family Style Fest: 6:30pm
$20/person (adults only)
Beechwood Restaurant, Ottawa Beach Road Holland, MI 49423
RSVP by dropping exact cash or checks made out to Amy-Lynn at Gazelle Sports by October 29.
Menu details are fourth coming!

Summer Safari

Hi Runners,

There is a lot of information in this post about the upcoming events for the coming weeks. Please take the time to read through it all and ask any questions you may have. The group page on Facebook will be very helpful this week as race day approaches.

Great run on Saturday minus the wet and cold weather. Good thing there was good company to help you through the miles.

Saturday winners are, Dave Bekker, Tonya Kimber, Jane Clark, Jim Dumerauf, Nancy Best, Nancy Hansen and Jenn Hendrie. All swag bags can be picked up at Gazelle Sports.

Wednesday October 17- Pasta Dinner

Wednesday, October 17 is the Semi Annual Pasta Dinner at Bill’s Clubhouse. This is an amazing event for us to share our celebrations and talk out the jitters. We’ve worked hard….records are going to be made on Sunday. Let’s take some time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Plus we want to hear war stories from Park 2 Park.

6-6:30: Drinks and fellowship (feel free to bring wine or beer to share) 6:15: Announcements regarding carpooling, packet pick up and general Q and A. 6:30ish Dinner will start being served

If you are interested in bringing a dish, please contact Amy-Lynn at alhalverson@hotmail.com. We’ll need pasta dishes, cold salads or dinner rolls. There is no need to RSVP….all running group members are welcome! We are always in need of people to stay late and help with cleanup. Consider contributing in that way!

Here are directions to Bill’s Clubhouse. For mapping devices, the address is 11414 East Lake Dr, Holland. For those that don’t need electronic mapping devices, the clubhouse is located off of 112th St. between James and Riley. When coming from James St., it is the second condo complex on the left—not the first—going north on 112th. From Riley St., it is the first street on the right. The condo complex is called Pointe Lake Village Condominiums, and the entrance is marked with signs and a white, rail fence. Proceed into the complex, towards the clubhouse, which sits in the middle of it all. The parking lot is a small parking lot. The first people to arrive should park in the circular driveway right in front of the clubhouse, and close to one side to allow easy access. This gives us about a half-dozen more spaces. You may park along the street next to the clubhouse, but . . . .Please do not park on the grass! Bill’s cell is 616-430-9880 if you get lost.

Saturday October 20- No group run

Grand Rapids Marathon

Race expo- Saturday October 20, 9am-6pm at David D. Hunting YMCA

Group picture- stay tuned for more info

Race start-  7am- Velocity Challenged

8am- Official start of the Marathon and Half marathon

Upcoming Events-

Pilates for Runners– October 27th at 10am

Join Gazelle Sports and Align Fitness for a FREE Pilates Class.

Gain core strength and flexibility when you add Pilates to your fitness routine. Running is a fantastic cardiovascular workout but can lead to imbalances in your body when it’s the only exercise you do. Pilates is an excellent compliment to your existing running routine as it strengthens the muscles that support the joints like the hips, ankles and knees. When Pilates is done consistently, it provides for a stronger back, reduced risk of injury, and a more efficient running form.

Space is limited to 30 participants. To save your spot email Aeisen@gazellesports.com by October 26.

End of the Season Celebration– November 7th

Save the date: Wednesday, November 7, 2012 Summer Safari End of the Season Celebration Come runners and their significant other Fellowship and cash bar: 6pm * Family Style Fest: 6:30pm $20/person (adults only) Beechwood Restaurant, Ottawa Beach Road Holland, MI 49423 RSVP by dropping exact cash or checks made out to Amy-Lynn at Gazelle Sports by October 29. Menu details are fourth coming!

I’ll see you out there running!

Allison

Summer Safari- Last Group Run

Hi Runners,

We are officially 10 days away from the Grand Rapids Marathon! Remember the next 10 days are part of your marathon taper. Rest, recover and relax. All the hard work is behind you. Use your free time, now that you are not running as much, to get excited about the marathon. It is almost here!

Saturday October 13Riley Trails, 7am

We will NOT be running the trails at Riley Trails on Saturday. We are just using the park as a meeting spot.

Saturday will be your last long run of the season. Take it easy and be relaxed, it is taper time.

Route

Upcoming Events-

Pasta Dinner– October 17th
Come one! Come all! Wednesday, October 17 is the Semi Annual Pasta Dinner at Bill’s Clubhouse. This is an amazing event for us to share our celebrations and talk out the jitters. We’ve worked hard….records are going to be made on Sunday. Let’s take some time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Plus we want to hear war stories from Park 2 Park.

6-6:30: Drinks and fellowship (feel free to bring wine or beer to share)
6:15: Announcements regarding carpooling, packet pick up and general Q and A.
6:30ish Dinner will start being served

If you are interested in bringing a dish, please contact Amy-Lynn at alhalverson@hotmail.com. We’ll need pasta dishes, cold salads or dinner rolls. There is no need to RSVP….running group members are welcome! We are always in need of people to stay late and help with cleanup. Consider contributing in that way!

Here are directions to Bill’s Clubhouse.
For mapping devices, the address is 11414 East Lake Dr, Holland.
For those that don’t need electronic mapping devices, the clubhouse is located off of 112th St. between James and Riley. When coming from James St., it is the second condo complex on the left—not the first—going north on 112th. From Riley St., it is the first street on the right. The condo complex is called Pointe Lake Village Condominiums, and the entrance is marked with signs and a white, rail fence. Proceed into the complex, towards the clubhouse, which sits in the middle of it all.
The parking lot is a small parking lot. The first people to arrive should park in the circular driveway right in front of the clubhouse, and close to one side to allow easy access. This gives us about a half-dozen more spaces. You may park along the street next to the clubhouse, but . . . .Please do not park on the grass! Bill’s cell is 616-430-9880 if you get lost.

End of the Season Celebration– Noveber 7th

Save the date: Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Summer Safari End of the Season Celebration
Come runners and their significant other
Fellowship and cash bar: 6pm * Family Style Fest: 6:30pm
$20/person (adults only)
Beechwood Restaurant, Ottawa Beach Road Holland, MI 49423
RSVP by dropping exact cash or checks made out to Amy-Lynn at Gazelle Sports by October 29.
Menu details are fourth coming!

I’ll see you out there running!

Allison

Summer Safari- Wednesday October 10

Hi Runners,

Congratulations to everyone who ran the Chicago Marathon yesterday! It was perfect marathon running weather. I have enjoyed reading everyone’s post on the Facebook page and look forward to hearing the stories in person.

Thank you to the runners who left comments about their running achievements and proudest moments this summer. The winner of the Grand Rapids Marathon entry is Sheri.

Wednesday October 10– Holland East k-7th Track, 5:45pm

Workout-

1 Mile warm-up

Beginner: 2x 1600 meter w/ 400 meter recovery

Social: 4 Miles at Tempo

Challenge: 7 Yassos

1 Mile cool-down

Saturday October 13- Riley Street Trails, 7 am

Up Coming Events-

Urban Herd– Every Tuesday at 5:45pm at Gazelle Sports Holland. Come meet other runners from the area and log some miles.

Dirty Herd– Every Sunday at 5pm. The Dirty Herd alternates between Ridge Point Church and Pigeon Creek.

I’ll see you out there running.

Allison

Summer Safari- Saturday October, 6

Hi Runners,

We escaped yet another track workout without rain! In the coming weeks we will be increasing the number of Yassos each week.

Good luck to everyone running Chicago Marathon this weekend! Have fun and enjoy the experience. Get lots of rest in the coming days and take it easy on the legs once you arrive in Chicago. Don’t do too much walking around the city before the big race! Share photos and stories on Facebook, we are all want to hear about your race.

I have been given one FREE entry to the Grand Rapids Marathon or Half Marathon for one Summer Safari participant to win. To be put into the drawing to win the entry,  leave a comment on this blog post telling me what you are most proud of this training season by Monday morning at 8am. Have you increased your speed? Did you run an awesome race? Have you accomplished a goal? Tell me all about it. I’ll be drawing a winner on Monday morning.

Saturday October, 6- 184 East 7th St.

We will be meeting at my house (184 East 7th St., Holland 49423) and having brunch after the run. Bring warm clothes to change into after the run, as we will be hanging out outside for brunch.

Route

Upcoming Events

TONIGHT- Lole Yoga Meet Up, 6pm Join us for a yoga class suited to all levels. Enjoy yoga followed by refreshments, prizes and personalized wardrobe shopping afterwards. All Lole appeal will be 20% after yoga class.

I’ll See you out there running!

Allison

Summer Safari- Wednesday October 3

Hi Runners,

I hope you all enjoyed running the Grand Rapids Preview Run on Saturday. I always find it comforting to have run part of a race course before the race so I know what to expect.

It is all about the taper of marathon training from here to race day. Tapering can be a hard for many runners. You are running less, but your body is trying to fully recover. Tapering can be mentally hard as well. Check out the marathon taper section of the Digital Note book to read more on tapering.

Wednesday October 3– Meet at Holland East k-7th Track, 5:45pm

6 Yassos

Upcoming Events

October 4- Lole Yoga Meet Up, 6pm Join us for a yoga class suited to all levels. Enjoy yoga followed by refreshments, prizes and personalized wardrobe shopping afterwards. All Lole appeal will be 20% after yoga class.

I’ll See you out there running!

Allison

Summer Safari- Saturday September 29

Hi Runners,

It may have been a smaller group last night at the hills, but it was a great run. Last night was the last hill workout of this marathon training season; this could be good or bad depending on if you enjoy running hill repeats. The next two-weeks we will be meeting at Holland East k-7th track off of 24th St.

Saturday September 29- Grand Rapids Marathon Preview Run

Grand Rapids Marathon Preview Run is this Saturday. This will be our Saturday group run.  The run will be marked for 10 and 20 miles. There will be full support along the course and a majority of the run will be on the Grand Rapids Marathon course. You can use the discount code SAFARIRUN to receive $10 off of your entry for the preview run. If you wish not to get a shirt, the run will be FREE with the discount code. There is not a map published on-line for the preview run, so be sure to pay attention to directions Saturday morning before the run starts.

Use Saturday morning as your rehearsal to marathon race day. Do your morning routine, eat your long run breakfast and leave yourself plenty of time to meet your carpooling buddies and get to the start of the run.

If anything should come up on Saturday morning and you need to get ahold of me, feel free to call or text me. I’ll have my phone with me all morning (616-915-2441).

Carpooling for Saturday,  Facebook is being used currently to coordinate carpooling for Saturday morning. Join in on the conversations.

Upcoming Events-

October 4- Lole Yoga Meet Up, 6pm

Join us for a yoga class suited to all levels. Enjoy yoga followed by refreshments, prizes and personalized wardrobe shopping afterwards. All Lole appeal will be 20% after yoga class.

I’ll see you out there running!

Allison