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Betsy's Corner

Betsy's Corner...............................

News, Updates and Tips from the Track Shack

Spring 2010 |Winter 2010 | Fall 2009 | Spring 2009 | Winter 2009

Betsy's Corner is featured in the Track Shack Event Guide

Summer 2010

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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Spring 2010

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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Winter 2010

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

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Fall 2009

Use it or lose it. That is not just my motto, but the motto of many people in my life. My mom, my in-laws, Sam Maxwell, Gary Oakley and my customer who was desperately attempting to tie her own shoes with her arthritic hands. “Use it or lose it,” she told me.

Sure made me stop and think, especially because we were similar in age. I thought about this again yesterday as I struggled to finish my run, my leg hurt, I was thirsty and there was Jim, riding by on his bike encouraging the other runners and me to finish strong. Well, my leg was sore and tight but seeing Jim with his artificial leg made me push myself a little more. Jon says God puts people in our lives for a reason. Well, we have a lot of incredible people in our lives and in this running community.

It is football season yet again. Although I’m a Gator, I find myself rooting for the Seminoles. Probably because our son, Chris is a second year Seminole (in his mind he’s been one for 19 years!)
I really wish, as I did during the Magic’s championship season, the games would start earlier. Our Track Shack Events team plans all these great races that I have to get up early for, or else we have our early morning long runs, and I need my beauty sleep.

There is a great article in October’s issue of Runner’s World about sleep and it makes so much sense. Tired and not recovering well after a hard workout increases your chance of injury; so try to fit in an extra 15 to 30 minutes of sleep each night. Even if that means missing Tebow’s last touch down throw of the game. (Sorry, Chris!) Pick up October’s issue to read the rest, we have it at Track Shack, and read Susan Paul’s training advice on her favorite workout – one mile repeats! Susan, our MarathonFest super coach was also recently quoted in the New York Times. We are going global at Track Shack!

‘Tis the season for events. The Track Shack Grand Prix, the Distance Dare, cross country meets, and fall marathons and halfs, of course! Triathlons, Disney events…it never ends. Isn’t it awesome? Healthy living at its finest! We are running, we are walking, swimming and cycling and don’t forget my favorite; stretching!

Taking a rest day? Great, but start off the day with some light stretching. Maybe a little cross training including some upper body work. My “girlie” push ups help me so much with my distance running. I no longer have shoulder pain, and what a difference it makes with my energy level. I think, too, that by starting the day off with some physical activity we have more brain cells doing their job. Our critical thinking skills are sharper and our energy level is up.

Of course, don’t forget your gels or our new “Gu Chomps” to wake your body up before exercising early in the a.m. What a difference a few complex carbs can make on an early morning run. There are some great nutrition articles in both Runner’s World and Running Times. We carry Nancy Clark’s book at Track Shack, which is a great source for diet and nutrition advice. I asked a young runner at the store the other day if she carries a water bottle with her during the day at school, knowing the need to stay hydrated before cross county practice; she told me it is not allowed at her school so I encouraged her to stop at each and every water fountain between classes. That is my favorite Nancy Clark tip.

Lots to think about this fall. Stay healthy and busy and remember, Use it or Lose it. See you on the roads…

— Betsy

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Spring 2009

Every Friday, for almost four years Lori and I solved the problems of the world. Isn’t what running partners do? Back in 1990 Lori and I were both pregnant with our second children and often compared tummies, fifteen years later with an opportunity to run together we compared our middle age spread. Before Lori, my friend and mentor Judy and I shared an hour on the roads for ten years of Thursdays. Carolyne and I were quite the site for a couple of years in the early 90’s pushing two kids each in our double baby joggers down 17-92. I have had another seven years of consistent early Tuesday mornings with Sandy and often share Wednesday’s with my high school friend and teammate Kathy. Natalie, my fellow Track Shack employee, and I are on the roads together now as well.

But I’m lucky to say that over the years my most consistent partner is still my husband Jon. He’s kind enough to slow down and run with me; some of our best conversations often take place on the roads.

Our Track Shack Foundation training programs offer many opportunities to meet your new running partner. Our WRAP and 5 and Dime program have four ten week sessions each year. Our Marathonfest and Galloway programs begin again in June for those of you wanting to cross the marathon off your bucket list. Last season over 700 did just that. Take a look at our incredible new website for details on all our programs.

Accountibility and consistency, good for running and good for life. Central Florida has many folks like my mom, Jon’s mom and Pepper Davis who are still out there on the roads at 80 plus years! A new knee here and there…that’s consistency ladies! Pepper often tells us how her running career began as a child in her Keds. I think that our children’s technical running shoes we carry at Track Shack are probably a bit more comfy than those Keds were. We fit and sell a variety of children’s shoes now for those high and low arches as well. Just like the grown ups!

If you haven’t been by the store for awhile you are in for a treat. Easier parking for starters and the best selection of apparel ever! The colors are fun and vibrant. Ladies, new styles of bras by Moving Comfort. New sock brands, a great collection of running hats and visors. All our hats are machine washable (thank goodness) lightweight and comfy, new styles of Tifosi sunglasses, some are polarized and fit great on your face or for holding your hair back.

Well, 2009 is a year of new beginnings. Find yourself an accountable running or walking partner. Be consistent and you too can solve the world’s problems, right Lori?

See you on the roads,
Betsy

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Winter 2009

As we cruise toward the finish line of 2008, we have much to be thankful for. We have had a year of continued service to the community; we have encouraged the runners and walkers of Central Florida to achieve their athletic endeavors…both with the gear and support they need as they realize their dreams and goals of completing their first 5k or even marathon. Working with each customer is an exciting opportunity for me and for our Track Shack staff. There is pride in finding the right shoe for someone and explaining the benefits of a heart rate monitor or even the various food products we sell. And then to see them smile and
wave at the finish line of an event: well, that’s just what it’s all about.

So, are you considering your 2009 goals? Family and business goals are all important, but you will benefit most from your own fitness goals. After all, if you take care of yourself, you’ll feel good, and life in general is just better in every which way. Make sure you look at our new and improved Track Shack web site, trackshack.com, and review our walking and running programs – the price is right, the coaching is fantastic and we’ll help you reach those goals! We continue to see running and walking events grow throughout the US. Our regional Track Shack calendar gives you an option to participate in something almost every weekend!

We’ve been producing events for 31 years! Can you believe that? But still, one continues to stand out as a favorite among the staff, the Lady Track Shack 5k. Ladies, please join us, and encourage your friends, your PTA chapter, your Book Club or your spin class to run/walk on Saturday, February 7, 2009. We are again raising awareness and money to help those less fortunate, with mammograms and other cancer programs…So, ladies, the challenge is on! Think Pink! Register soon, (and often)! This year is extra special to the Track Shack family, Donna (a Track Shack staffer) has finished her treatment and is on the road to her next goal, a half marathon! We have no doubt this will just be another stepping stone for her.

Staying fit is great for the body and the mind, especially now, have your seen the price of milk, fruit and even cheese? At least, gas prices have been declining but if a fancy new TV isn’t on your Christmas list this year, think about the gift that keeps on giving. To stay fit and healthy we have put together some great gift ideas in our Running Winterland section of this Event Guide. A Track Shack gift certificate can easily fill a stocking for your athletic someone. The new Asics 2140’s are here, Suunto and Polar Heart Rate Monitors are just waiting for the right chest, and check out our cool new Adidas watches. Who doesn’t need a foam roller or The Stick? Choose your favorite school with the new Sock Guy socks. Hmm, I’m a Gator but our son Chris is now a Seminole, that will be tough…don’t forget everyone’s favorite Chocolate Mint GU and of course, WIN detergent for your always smelly running clothes.

Before we break the finish line tape of 2008, Jon and I want to thank you, our Central Florida community and our incredible store and event staff for making all our dreams and goals come true…

See you on the roads,

— Betsy