By Tracey, on July 28th, 2010
As you can see from Amy’s awesome half-marathon recap yesterday, participating in races doesn’t have to be about being an elite runner. Yes, it’s no secret that a lot of the Fit Milwaukee crowd loves to run. However, did you know that a majority of 5Ks have a 2-mile walk paired alongside the running race? In fact, at many fun-runs a number of people sign up for the 5K distance and walk the whole thing.
Here’s some truth: Walking is not easy. I remember walking in the Komen Race for the Cure nearly 10 years ago. This was years before I had ever had the inkling that I wanted to run because frankly, I thought people who did so were out of their minds and I would never have that kind of endurance. Anyway, I walked 3.1 miles (in the rain) in about 45-50 minutes and let me tell you the next day my hips were SORE. Even last week while on vacation my muscles were aching from walking everywhere. Walking for long distance can utilize a completely different set of muscles than running, and it takes much longer to cover the miles- meaning you spend more time on your feet out in the hot sun, rain, or whatever the conditions may be.
Wait! I wasn’t trying to scare you away from walking. I’m just trying to emphasize what a great workout it can be. I’m also not saying you should walk a half marathon. (Although that would be pretty cool, right?) However, if you’re a walker and feel left out of all the races going on this summer, don’t be! There’s no reason why you can’t get out there too. In fact, here’s a little list of upcoming 5Ks to get you started:
Hank Aaron State Trail 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Miller Park
Race Start: 8:30am
Arthritis Foundation’s 5K Run/Walk to Irish Fest
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Veteran’s Park
Race Start: 10:30am
Walk & Run for Wishes 5K
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Henry Maier Festival Grounds
Race Start: 10:00am
Feel Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Veteran’s Park
Race Start: 8:30am
Any walkers interested in getting together to do a 5k? Let’s see if we can help some people connect.
*Photo by mollyali
By Amy, on July 26th, 2010
Last weekend, I completed my first half marathon. I wasn’t first, and I wasn’t last. My time was, well, twice that of some of my friends, but in the end it didn’t matter. I checked the ol’ half marathon off my bucket list. I also learned some valuable lessons throughout training and the race itself. Oh, and I got a kick-arse medal. Let’s not forget about the medal.
Before the race:
 Pee. Trust me on this.- Drink lots of water all week long, especially the day before and morning of the race. This is why #1 is important.
- Don’t drink four margaritas 18 hours pre-race, even if you tell yourself it’s okay because you’re getting top-shelf margaritas on the rocks with extra lime and salt on the rim. Margarita salt is not an acceptable substitute for an electrolyte sports drink.
- Go to the race expo. Pick up your packet. Make some impulse purchases you will later regret because everyone else is buying that balance bracelet. Stare at your race bib. Smack yourself in the head for thinking you could actually do a half marathon.
- Follow a training plan. There are so many plans out there – find one that works for you and your schedule. Mine included 3 days/week of walking and/or running, 1-2 cross training or strength training days and 1 active recovery/yoga/pilates/easy walk day.
- Don’t be afraid to modify the plan. I suffered many setbacks due to knee problems and a sprained foot/ankle. I made adjustments (like biking or doing the elliptical instead of walking or running because they were low-impact). I had to cut one long “run” short because my foot hurt so bad.
» Continue reading Lessons I learned from my first endurance race
By Tracey, on July 26th, 2010
You may have noticed that Milwaukee has been experiencing a sort of “fitness boom”. No longer satisfied being called one of the country’s fattest cities, people in the Milwaukee community are getting up off the couch and whipping themselves into shape. Every weekend you can find numerous running and cycling events while boot camps are popping up all over the city. On Saturday August 7th, Milwaukee Fit Fest will be a great way for everyone in the local fitness community to network and discover new, exciting fitness-related businesses and groups in the Milwaukee area. Held at MOCT in the Fifth Ward, the event will attract dozens of local business and hundreds of professionals, exercisers and consumers.
This fun-filled evening will feature a Jockey fashion show highlighting their new 2010 fitness clothing line, a drink launch of XB-Fit with specials by Effen, and a musical performance featuring Jonathan Frost and The Cranberry Show. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Autism Speaks and efforts to create wellness programs designed for autistic children. Mark your calendars:
Where: MOCT, 240 E. Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, WI 53713
When: Saturday, August 7, 2010 – Expo starts at 5pm
Jockey Fashion Show: 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Drink Launch of XB-Fit/Specials by Effen: 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Music Performances: 11:30 p.m
There will also be chances to win free personal training sessions & tons of other prizes from this city’s top health & wellness professionals. If you are somebody who is interested in being fit and healthy, this is the event you don’t want to miss!
By Tracey, on July 22nd, 2010
 So you think that Fit Milwaukee is just a bunch of runners talking about running while running mile after endless mile? Not so! Did you know there is a softball team with the Fit Milwaukee namesake? Yep, there is. A couple of months ago there were rumblings on our Facebook discussion boards about people wanting to get together and play softball. After forming a team, they hooked up with Milwaukee Social Club and they’ve since been playing every Thursday night at Dyer Field in Wauwatosa. I talked to team member Sarah Hanchar about how it’s been going so far and she said jokingly to me, “Just warning, we aren’t good, but we do have fun!”
I decided to stop by the field one Thursday evening to take a few photos. I was invited to play, but ended up being a little too chicken to join in. (I seriously can’t remember the last time I swung a bat!) However, I could see that there was a wide range of skill level across both teams and everyone seemed to genuinely be having a really good time. It was definitely a more friendly competitive spirit over a cutthroat one. Plus, I hear everyone goes out for beers after the game. What a fun way to spend a summer evening!
There are still three games left in the season if you want to swing by and check one out:
Thursday, 7/22 @ 6:15pm
Thursdsay 7/29 @ 815pm
Thursday, 8/5 @ 6:15pm
All games are played at Dyer Field, 151 N. 80th St. in Wauwatosa.
Looking around on Milwaukee Social Club’s website I could see that not only do they have a softball league, but also volleyball, touch football, kickball, Ultimate Frisbee and more. If you’re looking to form a team for any kind of sport it looks like a great place to start. There’s even winter leagues for basketball and dodgeball.
Do you play team sports? How did you get started? Where do you play?
By Guest Author, on July 21st, 2010
Fit Milwaukee welcomes guest author Jordan Henkel.
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of competing in Madison’s Paddle & Portage, an annual event that brings canoe enthusiasts of all skill levels together for a few hours of fun and camaraderie. Oh, and free beer.
The first leg began at James Madison park, on the beautiful and choppy Lake Mendota. For 51 minutes and 21 seconds, my father and I worked together to reach the finish line. Six of those minutes were spent enjoying the lukewarm water after our canoe tipped, but the wonderful event volunteers were able to reach us and help us empty our boat so that we could continue on our journey.
 The walk across the state capitol with the canoe on my head was as memorable as our wipeout, though for much more positive reasons. Crowds lined the streets, police officers kept traffic at bay, more volunteers graciously helped us re-hydrate as we plugged along. The cheers of encouragement from total strangers helped me push on even as my legs began to tire.
The third leg of the adventure was a paddle along the shoreline adjacent to John Nolen Dr, on the much calmer and equally as beautiful Lake Monona. By this time, the ‘serious canoers’ from waves that began the race after we did, began to pass us. My father and I just tried to keep our strokes consistent, but as we neared the end, we decided to pick one tandem to try and beat to the finish. We pushed hard the last quarter mile, but they pulled in just before we did.
The finish line was at the Olin Park landing. My father and I hugged, received our T-shirts, and, recalling that the beer was free provided you had your wristband on, headed to the beer tent. The heat combined with the physical activity had us in stitches by about the third beverage. Live music was also provided, and added to an already electric atmosphere.
My father and I have already agreed to do this event together again next year. Now we have a time to beat, and a better idea of what kind of preparation will be required to improve upon this year’s performance overall.
Visit for more information on this memorable event.
By Anne, on July 20th, 2010
Are you tired of the hot weather running? Wouldn’t it be nice to be back in the cool 55 degree temps?
If that sounds like heaven to you, join Fit Milwaukee at the Pettit Center this Thursday July 22nd at 6:30 pm for a short fun run. Admission to the running track is $4, or $3.50 for Badgerland Strider members. For more info about the Pettit Center running track, check out the #fitmke article here. Hope to see you there!
By Guest Author, on July 20th, 2010
Guest post by Tim Cigelski – Originally posted on beerrunner.draftmag.com
Seems like you’re doing something wrong if you run 19 miles on a 13.1 mile course. But I just did that, and it was one of my favorite races ever.
It actually had nothing to do with the wine at the end.
Since March I’ve been coaching the Wisconsin chapter of Team Challenge, a half marathon training group raising money for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. This morning about 1,000 Team Challenge members from around the country met in a vineyard to run the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon.
Many of these runners are racing because a loved one or they themselves have Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis, an irritable bowel disease beset by random and severely painful flare-ups of the digestive tract. There currently is no cure.
In one case, one of my runner’s training was disrupted when his son accidently destroyed his medication, and he fell behind on treatment. Another runner — who has one of the most positive attitudes of anyone I’ve ever met — was told by her doctor last year that she needed her colon removed. Thankfully, her condition has improved and she hasn’t needed surgery.
Many join the team because they’re raising money to find a cure, not because they necessarily like to run. Several are first-time racers, and some have never really run before.
At the first practice I told everyone we were going to run easy for 30 minutes. We would have to go slow to build up to 13.1 miles.
One runner later confessed to me that his mouth dropped open when I told him we were running for 30 minutes. I need to train before running that long, he thought. The first few practices were tough. Some runners later told me they couldn’t move the rest of the day after our progressively longer Sunday runs.
But as any runner knows, something happens when you faithfully put in your miles, bit by bit. One day you go out to run and realize you feel better than you ever thought possible. You may even wake up some morning to find you actually enjoy running.
Finally race day was here, and my job was to run back and forth on the course to run with as many teammates as possible. It was a unique challenge that required me not to run for time, but to cover as much distance as possible.
In reality, we coaches were incredibly lucky. I got to keep crossing the finish line over and over again, the best part of the race. And I got to see the look on people’s faces as they realized what they accomplished.
As a nationwide group, Team Challenge raised $2.2 million in this one event alone. I won’t soon forget the sea of orange Team Challenge members rallying around the finish line to bring home the final finishers. This is one of the most inspiring events I can recall.
Then the party began. They gave each finisher a wine glass, and you took that around from table to table for wine tastings. Yes, I had some finish line wine.
But then I found the lonely keg of local Lagunitas IPA, and immediately changed course. It’s one more reason to come back next year with Team Challenge.
*Or, join Team Challenge in Las Vegas on December 5th!
Weds, August 11, 7:00 pm
Wauwatosa WAC |
Join over 900 Team Challenge participants for the ultimate Vegas experience. Whether you walk or run, this event is guaranteed to rock your socks off! Expect 13.1 miles of a high-energy, action-packed course that screams the excitement of Vegas. With bands along every mile and more live music at the post-race concert, you are in for a one-of-a-kind event. Grab a friend and get ready to rock the strip on December 5th 2010! |
Sat, August 14th, 9:00 am
Westwood Health & Fitness |
Tues, August 17th, 6:00 pm
JCC Milwaukee |
Thurs, August 19th, 6:30pm
Oak Creek Library |
Weds, August 25th, 5:30pm
Koss Corporation |
By Amy, on July 15th, 2010
Does the thought of a fitness boot camp intimidate you? Maybe you’re more likely to go shopping than try bootcamp. You could do both this Sunday!
The Jewish Community Center is hosting free fitness boot camps every Sunday in the Town Square at the Bayshore Town Center.
The hour-long class is led by certified instructor Heather Prach and will include 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of yoga.
In case of rain, the class will be taught in the center of the mall.
Head on down to Bayshore this Sunday, July 18 at 8:30 a.m.
By Anne, on July 14th, 2010
 I have watched a team of people transform before my very eyes. Many of these people had never run more than a few miles before, and now they are getting ready to run the Napa to Sonoma half marathon on July 18th! And they have made a ton of new running buddies along the way!
It’s all part of Team Challenge!
Crohn’s and Colitis is the reason they are doing this. They trained together with Team Challenge for 16 weeks and will take the trip to Napa, California together this weekend.
Team Challenge is wrapping up the spring season but we have another race upon us in December.
 We’re going to VEGAS, BABY! The Las Vegas Rock n Roll half marathon (hello, Bret Michaels!) is our destination this December 5th and we would love to have you on board with us!
Participants raise money for the CCFA (one of the top rated charities in the country) in exchange for training for the event. You receive a training schedule, coaches, clinics, your transportation to the destination race, race entry, as well as guidance and motivation along the way!
You probably have a ton of questions about Team Challenge. Get them all answered at one of the info sessions. I’ll be at all of them, so come say hi!
Weds, August 11, 7:00 pm
Wauwatosa WAC |
Join over 900 Team Challenge participants for the ultimate Vegas experience. Whether you walk or run, this event is guaranteed to rock your socks off! Expect 13.1 miles of a high-energy, action-packed course that screams the excitement of Vegas. With bands along every mile and more live music at the post-race concert, you are in for a one-of-a-kind event. Grab a friend and get ready to rock the strip on December 5th 2010! |
Sat, August 14th, 9:00 am
Westwood Health & Fitness |
Tues, August 17th, 6:00 pm
JCC Milwaukee |
Thurs, August 19th, 6:30pm
Oak Creek Library |
Weds, August 25th, 5:30pm
Koss Corporation |
By Tracey, on July 9th, 2010
A lot of times when I’m in the middle of a tough workout or a particularly long run, I start to focus on what I will get to do once I am finished- or more specifically what I get to eat and drink. The very first thing you need to do after a long workout is to start replacing fluids and electrolytes. I usually chug a bunch of water first and then maybe follow it up with some Gatorade. But the real treat for me is chocolate milk. Apparently a combination of carbohydrates and protein is best for your muscles when they are in recovery. Really? Yes! Some studies have concluded that it’s even better than regular sports drink. Lately I’ve taken to drinking chocolate Muscle Milk for added protein after runs as well. It even comes in 100-calorie boxes if you’re concerned about replacing too may calories right off the bat. Also, drinking a bit of this will sometimes take away that craving for a gargantuan hot fudge sundae. Um….sometimes.
What’s your favorite recovery drink?
*Photo by hleo.
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