Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon: Newsletter 9 November 2009

Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Newsletter

Sponsored by Sportwax

9 November 2009

Stuff Sneaks Up on You.

So, during the build up to the 2009 Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, something surprising happens. President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. Of course, I was busy working on the marathon and didn't watch the news, which left me totally in the dark about WHY. I'm not getting into politics here--maybe it was totally deserved, maybe it wasn't. There are people who figure out that stuff. I'm not one of them. (I did see a pretty interesting theory though.)

So, I'm thinking a couple days ago, I'll never win a Nobel prize. Even in my most testerone-inspired delusional visions of grandeur, I wouldn't imagine such a thing. Then yesterday I checked my email.

Subject: Your Nobel Prize Nomination

Hi Don!
Thought you'd be interested in seeing this!
Happy running!
CLICK

Yeah, I know. It's all baloney anyway, but I think I love this girl. I'm honored, humbled, and thankful.

OK, I also have a policy--you can rest on your laurels for about 5 minutes, then it's time to get back to work and do something. Here's what I did yesterday.

I delivered all of the age group medals for local runners to Gazelle Sports. For out of town people, I put the rest in the mail this morning. Which Gazelle Sports, you ask? See the list at the bottom right column of this newsletter. The ones for Gazelle in Holland and Kalamazoo should be there on Tuesday.

PICTURES

The pictures are in!! ASI Photo once again has your pictures ready for you. CLICK HERE

AWARDS

See the discussion above and the list below!

SHIRT EXCHANGE

There are a few shirts for exchange at the Gazelle Sports store in Grand Rapids. You can go in there and exchange if you like. THERE ARE NO XS SHIRTS LEFT. I'm ordering more, however for those who didn't get a shirt. They're backordered. I'm lobbying Brooks as much as I can to get them.

SOCKS, HATS, EXTRA SHIRTS

Extra Red Shirts are available at the BUYSTUFF link. (Give me until tomorrow morning to get these on there!!) $20 Socks, $5.00. Hats are $10.00. We'll have some available on the web shortly at www.cooladventures.net/buystuff.htm. Still have a bunch of the 2008 shirts too, if you like.

Feedback Welcomed!

Lots of people have sent me comments, most of them praising the event. A few (VERY FEW) sent suggestions for possible improvement. We're ALWAYS happy to hear those things--they help us to improve for next year. (In fact, the staff always comes up with a lot of ideas. We're our own worst critics.) Feel free to share any ideas you have. We'd love to have your feedback.

XS SHIRTS

The XS shirts - I know you're waiting. I'm working on it. Still working with Brooks to get them. They're backordered. Hang in there!!

Congrats from Ours Sponsor, and a Little Bit of Follow-Up by Dr. Ed Kornoelje

Let me be (hopefully) just another person saying "congratulations" after your race. It has been over 2 weeks, and some of you are wondering what to do next. Here are a few things to keep in mind after a long race.

Some rest from heavy training is needed after any race-the longer the race the greater the time. After a half or full marathon, 4-6 weeks is good. After a few days of complete rest, it is OK to start to do 20-30 minutes of light cardio work, 2-3 times a week. Push-ups, sit-ups, and light weight training are OK too. What if you have some pain and it persists? It is not unusual to have some muscle or bone pain after a race. This should have improved quite a bit by now. If pain is still there and it localizes to one area, consider seeing a physician.

When can you race again? After a half or full marathon, 3-4 months is appropriate, (except if you are "Marathon Don"!). Muscle regeneration continues to occur for many weeks after an event like this. Racing too quickly can damage muscles that are still healing, causing pain, limiting performance, and setting you up for other injuries. Running a shorter race (5K) is OK as part of your 20-30 minutes of light recovery.

Finally, do it again. If this was your first long race, great! Take a break, then sign up for another one. If it is not your first race, keep going. When done correctly, running has many health benefits, and is a wonderful lifetime sport. If you have questions, persistent pain, or would like stay active over the holidays (always a good idea), I will be at Gazelle Sports in GR on Tuesday November 10 at 7 PM for our monthly Metro Health Injury Clinic. We can discuss injuries (both specific to you, or in a generic sense), training, or anything else on your mind. You are welcome to bring family members or friends as well-high school cross country will have just wrapped up-any runner or walker is welcome. Have a great run!

Ed Kornoelje DO
Medical Director of the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon

The next session--a super-secret "Underground Bootcamp" to take us through the winter. We'll be training in out of the weather in the pre-traffic early mornings. Hill work in the parking ramps. Fun times in the Grand Rapids underground with personal trainer Jim Patch, along with his trusty sidekick, (me) on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting on December 1. 26 scheduled sessions, plus bonus sessions. It's only $250 for a winter of adventure and fitness! More info at www.cooladventures.net/bootcamp.htm

Hey!

The lovely Francine and I are off to Richmond, VA for the marathon there this weekend. Also get to visit aunts & uncles and cousins while I'm there. I've not often seen Uncles Ronnie and Jim and my dad all together, but when I have, it's been PRETTY FUNNY. They were raised in the mountains of western Virginia, and the way they tell about their antics while growing up is a blast. Can't wait for this weekend.

Did you read Dr. Ed's article above. Check out the bold print--and go to the seminar tomorrow night!

and the adventure continues....

Don Kern

Race Director, Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon

P.S. If you want to respond to this newsletter, change the subject line so I don't just end up thinking it's a bounce notice or something. Thanks!

In This Issue

Quick Links