Let’s go for a run!

It may be June in Florida but it’s time to start training for fall half and full marathons and/or the 41st Track Shack Running Series. I’m aiming for a 10k in September after a long year of recovery and strengthening a back and hip injury. My running life began in the 70’s. I’m slower these days and take those coveted walk breaks but no longer is “jog” a bad word in my vocabulary. I actually still use the “run” word and you should too, whether running or using the run/walk method. In my book we are exercising, moving forward and making our lives more positive.  So, what is your running goal for the fall? 

This year certainly started with a bang; of fireworks in particular, at the 25th Disney World Marathon weekend! Our Track Shack Events team is proud to have been a part of every single Marathon since 1994! But there’s no rest for the weary! Park Avenue 5k, Lady Track Shack, Winter Park Road Race and of course the IOA Corporate 5k continued their popularity and growth within our community of runners! 2018 is half way to the finish line! The Track Shack Running Series begins in August and includes six of Central Florida’s favorite events.

Both of our popular training programs begin each June. Marathonfest and Galloway inspire runners to reach their fall half and marathon goals. Coach Susan Paul has over 400 participants on the roads this summer sweating and training. She has an entourage of volunteer supporters and group leaders who make our program successful and fun. Many of the runners are gearing up for the 42nd OUC Orlando Half Marathon in December. Our training programs began in the early 1990’s and have encouraged many runners to achieve lifetime goals over the years. I have fond memories of marathon training with this group and although my long run days are over, running and finding new shorter goals continue. 

My 10k goal in September coincides with Jon’s marathon goal the same day. Wish us luck! We are thankful we have professionals in our running circle who help keep us fit. Our slogan at Track Shack is exactly that, “Keeping Central Florida Fit!” It seems it takes a village to keep us fit after 40 plus years of running…physical therapy and Pilates have helped us enormously! One of our favorite morning activities is foam rolling to get the blood flowing before a run. I encourage my customers to keep their foam roller in sight; we have several in our living room and it’s a great reminder each morning and we’ll do whatever it takes to keep us on the roads. :)

Track Shack is a busy place this summer. We have changed things up a bit on our shoe wall and are excited to announce a strategic partnership with lululemon! Their apparel line for runners is amazing and we now offer yoga twice a month at Track Shack. Of course, we continue with our Good Form Running classes, led by our son Chris. Wednesday evenings at 6:30 is our Mid-Week run/walk and we are fortunate to be near the Urban Trail which takes us over Lake Formosa and around the Mennello Museum. Look at our website for all our upcoming events. Since the beginning, Jon and I have prided ourselves on maintaining simply the best specialty running store in Central Florida. I can hardly believe we are planning our 41st celebration! I think we have a unique culture here at Track Shack. Our passion for the sport and for our customers is matched by our store and event team. Jon and I have truly surrounded ourselves by special and caring people who respect and love not just one another but this community. Thanks to them and Central Florida’s support, Track Shack has again been selected as one of the nation’s 50 Best running retailers. It is always an honor and we don’t take it lightly. “Shoes and feet are our business, but people are our specialty.”

Let’s go for a run, I’ll see you on the roads!

Betsy