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"Just came to your store for the first time today. Wrote a longer email to the store thanking you for all your wonderfull help in fitting me into my first pair of running shoes. I hope to run my first 5K in a month and the shoes you sold me are helping me get a great start!"
- Scott, Track Shack customer
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"Thanks Matt and Betsy for getting me the right running shoe (and socks) today. I know it took a while but I appreciate all your help (even at closing time). My new baby will enjoy the jogging stroller while I run in my new shoes!"
– Alyson, Track Shack customer
Betsy's Corner...............................
Winter 2011|Fall 2011|Summer 2011| Spring 2011 | Winter 2010 | Fall 2010 | Summer 2010 | Spring 2010 | Winter 2010
Betsy's Corner is featured in the Track Shack Event Guide
Recently I was informed by my son that my lifestyle is quite different than others. Excuse me? Apparently going to bed early each night and waking around 5a.m. is not the norm for his contemporaries. Well, that, I somewhat understood.
His idea of getting a run in may not as consistent as mine but thankfully growing up in our household at least taught him and his sister the importance of a healthy lifestyle. But I know that many of you reading this right now probably set your alarm early enough this morning to stretch a little, catch up on the news and get a work out in. I had a somewhat slow 4 miler this morning but what a great start to my day. I think my lifestyle is very normal and that as my son matures, he too, will realize that the early bird gets the worm (and the exercise.)
Marathon season is almost here. Really? Does it ever really end here in Central Florida? With weather like ours, marathon training is definitely year round. In fact, our MarathonFest Spring session is underway right now with many of our participants training for popular spring events, like the Jacksonville 26.2 with Donna Finish Breast Cancer event and even Boston Marathon in April. Coach Susan Paul thinks that 2:45a.m. is sleeping in on a Saturday morning . Susan helps coordinate more than 800 marathoners and half marathoners each year with the help of our incredible team of volunteer group leaders. Our fall MarathonFest and the Orlando Galloway programs begin in June and if you have ever considered training for a half or full marathon these are the groups that will not only help you complete your goals but they are run by the most encouraging people you’ve ever met.
This is a big year at Track Shack. We are preparing for a celebration of 35 years of running and keeping Central Florida fit this August. It is really amazing to even think back to the summer of 1977 when I first heard about a store opening up that was just for runners. How exciting it was to think that there were others out there in the big vast world of Orlando and Winter Park that enjoyed running like our little team at Winter Park High did. And then a year later I was a part-timer there, working with Jon, my friend and running encourager and coach. Fast forward to the next year when Jon and I were dating and I was getting ready to go off to college! Oh my! Where did those years go? Reminds me of the silly song, “Jon and Betsy, sitting in the tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Emma in the baby carriage” (Baby jogger, in our case!) Its 2012, both our kids are college grads themselves and we are still doing the little Track Shack thing with the best encouragers and staff anywhere! Whew, just thinking of all we do with the store and our many events, makes me glad I’m still running, because that is certainly what gives me my energy each day.
To encourage a friend, a relative, a co-worker or a customer to have a healthy lifestyle is like giving them a gift. Each day we at Track Shack, are in a position to encourage, to inspire and support people around us. We even take time to help each other and encourage each other. So many of staff are training for their own events and recently, Astrid ran her first marathon at the Disney Marathon. It was so awesome to be at the finish and seeing the enthusiasm, exhaustion yes, but happiness all over her face as she crossed that line. Kim and her now husband Tyler and their entire bridal party finished the Ragnar Relay in Key West recently and then they were married right at the finish line! We certainly have lots going on at Track Shack these days and supporting each other, and encouraging one another makes us quite the team. It is a great feeling to know that we have the opportunity to encourage you, our customer, to commit to a healthy lifestyle.
Our training programs like MarathonFest makes such a difference on those early mornings as we prepare and train for upcoming events. It really is all about having a group or an accountable partner to help make training easier and more fun. These programs often end with specific goals and many runners in our 5 and Dime program are aiming toward the 35th annual ZKS Winter Park Road Race on March 24. This 10k and 2 miler are truly events no one should miss. There is an event for everyone. Even our younger kids can do the mile or shorter events like the 200-400 yard dash. The 10k is our premier event and participants will receive an amazing medal. I’m not sure where most of my marathon medals are but this is one to keep! Seems like 35 is the magic number in running in Central Florida this year!
Stop by Track Shack soon and say hi. Tell us about your goals and what encourages you. Is it your running group, your coach or your accountable partner? Hey, it could be those cute new shoes you just bought from your very knowledgeable staff person at Track Shack :).
See you on the roads!
Betsy
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It is just hard to imagine that another year is almost over. It is so unbelievable to think that time flies by so quickly. All I can think is, did I get everything done? Probably not, but tomorrow is another day, and 2012 is another year. I might get all my projects done by next year but I’m sure I’ll find that my list is still full of more projects, more goals and more life to live. Without that list, life might seem a little boring. What’s on yours?
Many of our Track Shack customers come in for the first time with their bucket list. Maybe a 5k is on their list, for some it might be to lose a certain number of pounds and for others it may be to run or walk a marathon. We are genuinely excited for them. This is a new chapter in their life and they have entrusted us to help with their accomplishments. So, what’s first? Definitely, a good pair of shoes and educating each customer on why we do what we do when helping them with that purchase, what we look for. So we ask several questions. We want to know all about their list. So, shoes for sure, socks and a bra perhaps, and lots of answers. Some might like one of our books on running or walking but definitely a list of our training programs and events throughout the year. Our goal would be to help them cross something off that list.
Have you ever had to adjust your list? Change your goal just a little? I’ll never forget reading about Bree, the young lady at Freedom High School who after receiving a scholarship to play soccer in college, lost her leg in a freak accident. Her coach didn’t give up on her. She’s working out daily with that soccer team, having adjusted her goals and dreams a bit, but never giving up. I’d like to grow up to be just like Bree. My own running goals have been adjusted a bit over the years and although I may not put the big miles in, I’m still running, still loving it and able to use that love to encourage others. I’m hoping to run a half marathon with my sister next year; that is what’s on her list. Thinking of a new year inspires many of us to update our lists and sometimes adjust.
It is always extra busy around Track Shack as the new year approaches. We are preparing to work the Disney World Marathon weekend, we begin our new running and walking training programs and plan our first local 5k of the year. We keep talking in 2012 terms, yet our 2011 list isn’t complete. Personally, our son Chris graduates this December from FSU. Chris was born talking about being a Seminole. He always loved everything FSU and refused to even apply to any other college. Jon and I are happy to soon cross a second graduation off our list. Not that we can believe we will now be parents to two college graduates, I’m certainly not that old! Well, maybe, maybe not…2012 is also the year Track Shack will celebrate 35 years of business! Another big anniversary is the 35th running of the OUC Half Marathon. It has been fun going through old pictures of various events as we plan all these big milestones. It never ceases to amaze us that so many of our current friends and customers are from the late 70’s and 80’s. Like us, they too have made a lifelong commitment to themselves to stay fit and active.
2012 should be the year of commitment to yourself. Your list should include taking time to take care of your own self. Exercising, even 30 minutes to one hour each day gives you another two hours of life expectancy. I think that is just amazing. Perhaps joining a program will give you some accountability to take that time to get fit. Our website is loaded with information on all our training programs including our wonderful coaches. They help with all your goals from walking your first mile to running your first marathon. Check out our Runner 101 page, and our calendar of events that includes walking, running and racing. As we plan our 35th year at Track Shack we keep you, our customer at the top of our list. It is our daily goal to make it easier and more enjoyable to help you with your own fitness commitments. We continue to find the industry’s best possible products from shoes to socks, bras, and nutrition so we can properly serve you. Are you thinking about your list yet?
I’m excited to see what next year holds in store for us. Our own family dynamics continue to change. Our staff is planning many new events from running clinics to anniversary runs. Every day is a new challenge. Running and keeping fit in general is an everyday term we see now in the media. The 2012 London Olympic Games will be another historic event. Imagine the lists our Olympic hopefuls keep. Think about your list, start each day with a goal to mark something off. Remember, that first step is the key to a lifetime of fitness, whether you are our hometown Olympian Jenny Simpson or setting a goal to walk around the block for the first time. Let all of us at Track Shack help you with your list and for your personal commitment to a lifetime of fitness. See you on the roads!
Betsy
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Runners are dreamers. Dreamers are doers because, really, there are no options. Doing the training to make your dream come true is what makes you a runner. No matter where you live, the season of year, or your goal you’ve set, we are all striving to live our dreams.
This time of year in Central Florida is tough on all athletes. The humidity level makes running long training runs a sloshy mess. I love it when my friends “wring out their socks,” after a run, and question me about moisture wicking fabric. :) Training in late summer in Florida can just be plain gross. But we continue to strive toward our goal because we are doers. At Track Shack we become your cheerleaders, your encouragers and your nutrition, shoes and socks experts. We offer any and all training aides to help you reach your goal. Why choose one gel over the other? This hurts; should I stretch it? What hydration belt is best? Do you wear underwear with your compression shorts? We are all unique and have different needs, from socks to food intake; take advantage of our expertise…we’ve probably already experienced exactly what you want to ask us.
Oh, my, there is so much going on in the Central Florida running community this fall. Our Track Shack Running Series continues in October with Knightro leading the way at the U Can Finish 5 or 2 mile run at UCF on October 23rd. But first, there is Dr. Alexander’s “baby,” Miracles Miles, the only 15k in downtown Orlando. The Track Shack Training Programs are in full swing. It seems most of Florida is heading to Georgia to run Savannah this fall. Our Marathonfesters and Galloway folks are committed to their training, and our 5 and Dime program is bigger than ever. The fourth and final 10 week session for that and our ever popular WRAP program with Coach Bob, begins the first of October. If anyone can help you finish that 5k dream, it is Bob! He is just one of many coaches and experts, like our store staff, Jon and I have surrounded ourselves with to help you accomplish all your dreams.
We see the unity of running everywhere we go. This summer we had the opportunity to attend the USA Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Talk about a small world. I sat with local running standout Maite Moscoso and watched her daughter WIN the 10k Junior Championship and later that day hugged and congratulated former Oviedo High School and Olympic athlete and friend, Jenny Barringer Simpson after the 1500 meter run. We reminisced with running friends of 30 plus years. It’s such a small world that my sister was recently in a Texas airport and saw Jon on a TV show promoting the Disney Marathon! Runners have family everywhere, around the world; we share the bond of living our dream. We are all working toward maintaining good, healthy and strong bodies as well as friendships…Yesterday, Track Shack was busy suggesting nutrition for today’s long run…people were anxious, nervous perhaps about their first 20 miler on a hot and humid September day. But as friends ran into friends at the store, sharing their concerns, their goals, that little boost of confidence grew and they left with an extra spring in their step. These friends and group buddies will be doers together and dreaming of the goals they have set. And then they will become the cheerleaders and encouragers to others in their lives. It’s what makes our running world go round.
See you on the roads!
Betsy
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These days there are many proposed ways to “put one foot in front of the other,” as we go for our daily run or walk. Did you notice the word, proposed? Have you read about barefoot running or have you been to the drugstore lately and stepped on the machine that magically tells you what kind of arch you have?
Sorry, but it just doesn’t work that way… I can’t fix the TV when the power goes out. I have no clue how to DVR a show; (I don’t know what that stands for!). But…show me your running shoes and I’ll tell you a story.
Our goal at Track Shack is to keep you healthy so you can continue your fitness on the roads. We want to see your feet and do an evaluation of your foot strike, we want to measure your feet and watch for pressure points. It is so important to get the real scoop from people you can trust, people who are athletes and people with common sense. That’s why we’re excited to host six Good Form Running Clinics with one of our trusted vendors and running form expert from New Balance. These are small, intimate events where one gets videotaped running and they analyze your stride. The purpose is to encourage runners to think about good running form to prevent injury. We’ll be doing these once a month through December at Track Shack and the dates will be posted on our Facebook fan page and website. Keeping you injury free is important to us because that is our personal goal as well. Happy runners are happy people.
Whether you are training for Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon, thinking of joining our W.R.A.P. program, our beginning walker/running group, or gearing up for this year’s Track Shack Running Series, it is so important to get the real scoop from people you can trust, experienced people with common sense. And your shoes help us, help you. It is the beginning of seeing the whole picture. It is the why in why don’t we sell on-line.
We’ve had a slogan at Track Shack for many years, “Keeping Central Florida Fit!” It was a staff project and it was a good experience for all of us to figure out what exactly we want to say to you, our customers. And it is true, so we aren’t changing that but adding a little something to it. Our new slogan, you’ll see, perfectly describes what we have always set out to do…keep our customers happy and healthy, make their feet feel great; all while making your Track Shack experience a comfortable and fun one.
Our new slogan? I know you are excited now! But it is really quite simple:
TRACK SHACK, PROVIDING COMMON SENSE AND ADVICE TO ATHLETES SINCE 1977!
There is so much going on both here in Central Florida and around the state. What are your running and fitness goals? Set your goals now; is a half marathon on your horizon? Have you considered Rock n’ Roll Savannah, Chicago or OUC? Track Shack’s signature series of races is now called the Track Shack Running Series. It’s our seven race series of 5k, 5.2k 5 mile and 10k events that are connected by the Track Shack name and quality stamp. Just know that you can race, jog or walk in one race or set a goal to complete all seven beginning with the annual Celebration of Running 5k on August 13. Track Shack will be celebrating 34 years of keeping Central Florida fit that entire week. Imagine the running community in 1977, think short shorts for guys, really short…well, maybe don’t. We have many options to choose from these days, there are events everywhere.
We have been so fortunate with the weather this year. Until recently we’ve had some great mornings and could really enjoy our workouts. Now, it is truly time to think about what you eat and drink the day before a long run/walk. The humidity can take so much out of you. Getting light headed after a run is not normal and it is important to understand what works best for you, both in diet and hydration. The store has many nutrition and hydration options such has handheld water bottles or fluid containers you wear around your waist. Come in and let us help figure out what works for you.
Be sure to read Track Shack Training Program Coach Susan Paul’s great article on Florida Summertime Running. She offers excellent suggestions for avoiding muscle cramping and some hot weather running tips. Susan was named a Runner’s World Super Coach and is the "Beginner's Only" Blog Expert at Runner's World. We’re fortunate to have her expertise!
Remember to use common sense and train properly, in the right footwear, and don’t overdo your training. Just put one foot in front of the other, and use your common sense to stay healthy and happy.
See you on the roads soon!
— Betsy
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It is so much fun to watch a new customer come into Track Shack and see them experience, for the first time, our 33 years in Central Florida. Jon and I
have saved and collected many, (not all) but many things over the years and our displays tell a great running story. Sometimes we take that for granted
but when you see someone studying a shoe from the 70’s or an article written way back when…you think, wow, we’ve come a long way. I love explaining to a new runner where and how to pin a race number. Often when it is their first event you can just feel their energy! I am so glad our lives have been about running and fitness and as I look ahead to the spring I get excited about
all the events we’ll be doing, about high school track and our own running goals. Perhaps come February we’ll thaw out a little. I love running in the cold weather but it gets confusing to know how much or how little to put on. Our house will seem freezing in the early morning when I get up to run, so I’ll put on tights, two layers up top, ear warmers and gloves and half way down the street I’ll realize, whoops, too many layers. So much of our clothing decisions rely on the moisture in the air. Some of us are not dainty sweaters so often less is best. I think what is really important is getting off our wet clothes when its cold before we stretch out or drive home.
Our shoe wall has changed so much this last year. Shoe companies are doing extensive research and it is more important than ever to be fitted properly for shoes. Don’t assume your same ole, same ole is the same. Also know that our feet can and do change over the years. You know, running/walking is a sport that is relatively inexpensive. Sure, we need proper shoes, (ladies need a sports bra,) socks and a couple favorite and comfortable running shorts or skirts in some cases. You don’t have to spend a fortune to stay fit. There are lots of toys on the market, in fact we carry them; technology being one…but you can’t buy fitness. Shoes don’t run or walk for you. Toning shoes don’t shape your calves, actually getting out and moving does that. Wearing a heart rate monitor doesn’t get you fit, working out in your zone does. Buying a gym membership doesn’t take off inches unless you are there once in awhile. So…
Often you’ll find me or one of our staff on the floor of Track Shack showing a stretch to a customer, teaching how to use a foam roller to help with an IT problem or explaining some strengthening exercises. Boy, that’s reason enough for me to try and stay in shape. This year the injury du jour seems to be hips. Hip, hip, hooray! Not… Hips can hurt many different ways and for different reasons. Everyone is researching his or her own aches and pains, and that’s okay, but start your healing conservatively, it could be shoes, it could be a new workout you’ve added to a routine; it could be as simple as what side of the road you are running on. Many folks are trying out lighter weight shoes, like the Saucony Kinvara, Asics DS Sky Speed, the Nike Free Run and the New Balance Minimus line. These are shoes we carry and would encourage you to try if you are hoping for the minimalist run. We’ll
fit and educate you on how to start using a shoe like this. It is not for everyone and the period of time to adjust is different for each of us. Our ultimate goal is to keep you injury free so you can love being fit.
That is what spring is all about. A new beginning. One of consistency and moderation. Find a 5k to run or walk. Sign up and start moving. Our calendar is full of events! February marks our Run around the Pines 5k in Winter Park. Many of you might have set the Disney Princess ½ Marathon as your 2011 goal. March is right around the corner and on the 12th we anticipate almost 1000, 5-11 year olds running in our annual Track Shack Foundation Smile Mile. Plus there is the Winter Park Road Race, both a 10k and 2 mile. Oh, and April 14 is the annual Corporate 5k in downtown Orlando! We are looking forward to making Lake Eola full of fitness with 14,000 of our closest friends! And during this busy spring we’ll be watching our high school track athletes excel! Just for fun, next time you are in the store, check out the fun shoes these athletes wear! Just looking at them makes you feel fast. So
enjoy your fit spring and see you on the roads!
See you on the roads soon!
— Betsy
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Remember “Ghost Busters?” “Who ya gonna call? Ghost Busters!” I doubt it matters your age, you’ve seen the movie and heard the expression. It’s probably not every day you need an expert for exterminating ghosts, but it certainly makes you think about all the professionals in your life. The bug guy, the plumber, the electrician and the list continues. Jon and I would be up a creek without a paddle without the experts in our life both personally and in our business. I know who to call when I need an advertisement created, or my computer goes down. I knew who to call this summer when my arch went “boing!”
What experts in your life keep you running and fit? The massage therapist, your podiatrist, the chiropractor or your yoga instructor? How about your favorite shoe guy or gal at Track Shack? We make it our goal every day to play an important part of your life, to keep you on the roads. We can’t help with the ghosts in your life (unless you wear the new Brooks Ghost : ) ) but we’ll certainly attempt to keep you injury free with our experience. Even after all these years of fitting runners and walkers we continue to broaden our own knowledge of the running world to help you with yours. The passion for our sport and people in general makes for a great work environment and staying busy enjoying time with our customers makes everyday special. Our expertise doesn’t stop with shoes; often you’ll find one of us on the floor stretching or foam rolling explaining why this can help with a particular injury or just make your next run better. We sit and chat about the differences in socks, ways to lace your shoes for your foot type or how to get through the day with a nasty blister.
Several weeks ago we set our clocks back, and I’m everyone’s new friend because I can change the time on your watch. Who would have ever imagined that I would become a watch expert! My morning runs are brighter now, but the days do seem shorter. This is definitely the time to make sure you have some reflective clothing, a vest or a light. All these are great stocking stuffer ideas as well. But back to the watches...we have employees at Track Shack who are very experienced with hear t rate monitors and with our Polar and Garmin products. We host a Tech Talk the last Saturday of each month to help you become an expert with your own device. Did you know that we even have our own running trivia expert at Track Shack? Try and stump Bruce one day, I bet you can’t.
So the new year is upon us, and I was just getting used to the 2010 thing! The holidays make many of us realize that it’s time for goal setting again. And beginning in January we offer our WRAP (Walk Run Accomplishment Program) programs six days a week with Coach Bob, who is our expert in beginning running. We have four 10 week WRAP sessions throughout the year as well three different 5 and Dime programs led by incredible guys, Wayne, Dave and Nathan. You can find more information about our programs on our website or just come by the store and we’ll explain them. Many of our employees participate themselves, and we have many success stories each season. Each year it is exciting to watch, especially when beginners go from the WRAP program to our marathon programs which begin again in May and June. We our so fortunate to have a director/coach, a true expert in the coaching field, Susan Paul lead our Marathon programs. Susan has been named one of the ten best coaches by Runner’s World. Track Shack and Central Florida is lucky to have an expert in our midst like Susan.
Like many of you I’m looking forward to a new year of fitness goals. Last year I had an amazing opportunity to run a half marathon with my daughter Emma, but unfortunately shortly after a back injury took me to the pool instead for a few months. Thank goodness for a community of experts including a physical therapist who really helped me out. Although pool running was a little boring it was a great experience for me. Now I’m back on the road, somewhat slower but looking forward to a great year. Jon and I and our staff and family wish you a wonderful holiday season, a safe and healthy time with friends and family and we look forward to sharing 2011 with you!
See you on the roads soon!
— Betsy
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I love to cook. In fact, most nights I try to fix a home cooked meal for Jon and me, even after a long day. Both of us prefer that to eating out, it’s certainly better than fast food, less expensive than going to a restaurant and plus; we are home! And that is always a
positive. Now I didn’t sit and write that I prepare awesome and gourmet meals, that I don’t do. But I do some preparation (in my mind mostly) so I’m organized when I get home. I think about what’s in the pantry, what do I have in the fridge; what did Jon have for lunch? It’s no fun duplicating meals.
While the kids were home dinner time was our most important hour in the day. As they grew and matured that hour became later and later, sports and music were an important part of their lives, but so was dinner. Our goal was to eat by 6 or 6:30 pm but sometimes
we didn’t eat ‘til almost 8:00! And as important as it was to nourish our bodies it was equally as important to have that family time. Luckily my simple meals were well loved by Jon and the kids. Squash Pie, Twice Baked Potatoes or a great big salad with grilled salmon were a hit then and even now as we “empty nest.”
Don’t you love cleaning out the fridge? I always get in the mood to purge after we’ve taken the garbage out. It’s all about timing I guess. It is amazing how many extra plastic tubs I have to wash after realizing that half the items in the refrigerator are expired. I
tend to be budget conscious but it is ridiculous how many yogurts go uneaten! Why I decide to try a new flavor when really all I like is strawberry? And of course there’s the leftover issue. I save everything and Jon refuses to eat leftovers. I just don’t understand
that! They are so yummy at lunch the next day.
We are so fortunate that Susan Paul is our director of our training programs with Track Shack. She oversees a program of more than 800 runners and walkers! Susan has a world of expertise in many areas including nutrition so do read her article in this Event Guide. Susan is a coach, an exercise physiologist and a massage therapist and a mom who can cook! She has great info on eating on the run, literally.
Nutrition is such a big topic at Track Shack. It wasn’t something we thought of years’ ago while training but it is certainly important now with the growth of marathoning. Even if you weren’t a runner you would know someone who was. In the 70’s one wouldn’t consider
running 26.2 miles unless it was under 3 or 3 ½ hours. Now, a 7 hour marathon is the norm. And thus PowerBar was born; the first so called runner’s nutrition and from there, the market exploded. GU was the first gel we carried and now we have six brands of
gels, at least a dozen chewable complex carbs, recovery drinks, protein bars; the list goes on. We have a variety to choose from because just like with shoes we all have different needs. Hydration is important as well, and planning for both on a long run is critical. As the running movement has grown so has the need for good sports nutritionists. The most important thing Jon and I have learned from these professionals (who are often runners) is to “break the fast.” Seems so simple but it truly helps on a morning run to have done just that, with a piece of toast or a gel or some Chomps. Stop by the store with your questions, how much, how often, what not to mix, do I carry water with me and how, and we’ll do our best to share our knowledge with you.
Goals are so important to our training. Your goal may be to complete the 5-mile U Can Finish on 10-10-10 or it may be your first triathlon or half marathon. They all require preparation;
training, eating right, cross training, stretching, and of course getting enough rest. Ask questions, read lots but most importantly, make the time to get out and exercise. It is a commitment that will bring only positives to your life. And if I can say that as I sit here with a boot on my poor foot, then I must mean it!
See you on the roads soon!
— Betsy
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Staying healthy, staying fit, being strong physically and emotionally is an all day job. This is especially true each birthday we celebrate. My next one is a biggie, but it doesn’t seem like that at all. I know most of us feel this same way; we are so much younger than our parents were at this stage in the game. I think mine and Jon’s families might be a little unique, I mean how many 80+ moms do all the 5k’s together? But still, I remember my mom’s housedress she’d wear all day as I was growing up. Yuk! Thankfully she’s a jeans girl now.
Jon and I have just finished a book called Blue Zone by Dan Buettner. A little over the top, but we felt able to pat ourselves on the back and congratulate each other on already trying to live life like described in the book; healthy living, healthy eating, exercising daily and loving family time. Apparently there areseveral areas in the world where this Blue Zone occurs; where many folks have reached the 100-year-old mark. The book never mentioned Jon’s grandmom though. Do you know that Winter Park Towers doesn’t allow candles on bir thday cakes anymore? I think I remember alarms on grandmom’s 100th!
Goals are for setting but also achieving. Next week starts Track Shack’s annual Marathonfest and Galloway programs, and hearing the goals of each par ticipant is like music to our ears.
Chicago, Marine Corps, New York, Space Coast or Disney, these goals create commitment to be healthy. Just like our runners who commit to the Track Shack Grand Prix season, seven, even 10 races for the “SuperFans” to gear up for from August through March. These are obtainable goals because they are with others who have similar healthy living ones.
Now for the dorky par t of Betsy’s Corner. Track Shack really wants to be part of your goals and your commitment to a healthy lifestyle; we care about you, your body and your sole!
And yes, really, your soles! Our shoe fitting process is so important to us because we know it can make an incredible difference in all you do. Jon and I were away for two weeks (a
lifetime) this summer and truly know Central Florida was in the best hands when it came to keeping our community fit. Our staff has a passion for this same healthy lifestyle you do.
Stop by soon, or maybe I’ll just see you on the road,
— Betsy
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Life is short, time flies, he’s how old? Sometimes it seems there are just not enough hours in a day… do this, do that, will I pick up the kids on time? Is my watch really right, it’s already 4:00? Where does the time go?
Take off your watch, put it in a drawer and just head on out the door and enjoy your run. Running without a watch is like being free, this should be your time to decompress and not worry about what the day will hold. I was so proud of Jon this morning because he did leave the watch at home. It wasn’t a long run plus it was raining but normally he is so serious about timing each run and checking his splits. I love my watch on longer runs but not for the same reason; I use my interval mode to take my walk breaks. But on a regular day it is really nice to just go out and enjoy my time before the day gets underway. Before time flies…
This year started with the usual bang, Disney Marathon week, non-stop, go, go and go. It is exhilarating to be around so many active folks, to see the excitement of our customers completing their first 26.2 and for Jon and me to see the finish line of a year of planning. Our staff is amazing, they work hard and long hours and we all come away with a tiredness but also a warm feeling of knowing that our effort helped many runners/walkers earn that coveted medal and have an experience of a lifetime. And now, January is over, where did the month go?
This year also started with some sadness and it made many of us realize life is fragile and can be ever so short. Tragedy hit close to home in our small running community, and we’ll continue to keep those families in our thoughts and prayers.
There’s a slogan among us, “Running is Therapy,” and it is certainly true for many of us. I may not always have time for a run, but even a short walk through the neighborhood gets my day off to a good start. That’s where good planning comes in and sometimes juggling our precious time. 2010 is busy, busy but we are making time for our fitness, just as we plan time with family and friends.
We are so lucky to work in a positive fitness related environment. Most of you come by Track Shack because you have goals that our common with our own. Whether your “tires are flat” (a great new term a customer came up with comparing her old shoes to the new ones) or you are registering for an event or training program, or you just need a GU or someone to change the time on your watch, you are just like us; we all love our running therapy. This week one customer brought by flowers, another made cookies for Chris, and Donna became a grandmom. Life’s positive reinforcements. Bruce had knee surgery, Mike replaced a broken computer and we helped Annie collect medical supplies for her dad, a doctor in Haiti. And we all try to make time like you, for our fitness goals. Natalie and I have our Sunday running plans but first we are preparing for many upcoming events so you can keep running and staying fit! We love seeing you at the store and races as we all encourage one another.
It’s funny, really, how many watches we carry at Track Shack when the most important thing is just to be consistent with our running routine. But if keeping track of your mileage and calories keep you running then we’ll help you figure out the time! Timex, Garmin, Polar and Soleus, Suunto and Nike + can keep you on your schedule. There are still just 24 hours in a day so make yours count.
Have a great day!
— Betsy
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It is hard to believe the first decade of the new millennium is almost over. Hmm, what will we call next year? Twenty Ten? Two Thousand and Ten? Sounds so space age doesn’t it? There is probably a short cut version the texters have discovered and I haven’t. One thing I do keep hearing though is that 2010 is the “new normal.” And that most likely looks different to each of us.
I’m hoping my “new normal” will be continued fitness of my body and mind; that it includes time each day for Jon and our ever-changing family dynamics. I had a few challenging running goals in 2009 and I look forward to encouraging Jon and Emma with their 2010 goals. It is up to each of us to work on and figure out our own “new normal.” I do think though with all the technology around us we can be as busy as we want or not.
I think I speak for all our staff when I say the best part of any day is spending face-to-face time with our customers. Encouraging a new runner or walker, explaining differences in shoes, educating them about food products, our many different socks, our training programs for beginners and marathoners, even showing stretches with the foam roller. These things can’t be done on-line so we were excited to partner with Orlando’s Buy Local program. Do you know I even buy our bags we use at check out locally? But don’t get me wrong, I have grown to love technology, I have learned to text for instance, apparently college age boys (like my son) don’t do e-mail anymore. I use technology for bill paying, for store inventory and we are certainly up to speed in the event industry with the Chrono Track D-tag system. Our Web site, TrackShack.com is a great source of information for you, but if your feet don’t come into the store it is hard to help you. Our 30+ years of watching you walk and run is all about experience. One example is Anthony, a manager here for 14 years with a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology who we call the “shoe doc.” We also continue to educate all our employees through clinics with local docs and PT’s; but do look for some fun new tech toys here at Track Shack in 2010. In the long run, we really enjoy just chatting with you about goals.
The holidays will be a busy time for most of us. I’m going to practice my “new normal” and take time to stop and smell the roses, or poinsettias in this case. Our Track Shack Foundation wants to make your shopping easier as well; look for our Foundation Giving Tree at the store and make a donation in someone’s name and know that you can make a difference locally for a children’s fitness program like the Central Florida Gliders, just one of many charities the Track Shack Foundation has helped this year.
2010 will be full of new adventures for Central Florida runners and walkers. I know our “new normal” will be positive for all our team at Track Shack and Track Shack Events, not only their own desire to be fit but excited as they work with Jon and me to make your “new normal” fun, challenging and healthy.
See you on the roads,
— Betsy
