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MENTOR PROGRAM NEWSLETTER March 8, 2017
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In honor of National Women's Day (March 8), I'm including the following quotes from notable women:
"Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement." -
Golda Meir
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." -
Mother Teresa
It's not the absence of fear, it's overcoming it. Sometimes you've got to blast through and have faith." -
Emma Watson
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." -
Anaïs Nin
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Thanks to all who participated in the GRRC Robinette's Benefit Run last Saturday, March 4! We hope you enjoyed the course, and of course, the Robinette's cider and donuts afterward! Thank you also for your generosity. We raised over $700 for the two charities, myTEAM TRIUMPH and No Surrender Running Club. I want to acknowledge Nan and Dave Hulst as race directors, Barb Minier for standing out in the very cold weather and helping with an aid station, and Paul for putting out the road cones so we didn't get lost! Please note we will be back at the Zoo this Saturday. I will be out of town, but Deb Snider will be leading this week's training run.
My article this week is titled
"Rip off the Band-Aid!" The article discusses how we need to work at overcoming the fear of facing struggles and challenges, then make a commitment, followed by a plan, and finally, believe in ourselves.
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For those of you new to our Mentor Group, you will recognize the Mentors who are here to help you train each Saturday morning by the bright green headbands or bandanas we wear. We are nick-named the "Green Bandits." We're eager to help you with your training for the 25K River Bank Run, so please don't hesitate to look for us if you have questions about your training, or if you just want someone to run with. My co-leaders include Kathy Haase, Paul Beuschel, Jerry Roersma, Deborah Snider, Abbie Stoppa, and Mike Lapp. I also want to thank Nan Hulst and Barb Minier for helping with aid stations each week.
This is a reminder to sign in each Saturday morning to take advantage of the new "Reward Program" our Club has implemented this year. The details are included in a separate space at the end of this Newsletter. We want to acknowledge Jeff, at Strider's Running Store, for his generous contribution of a $50 gift certificate for last week's winner of our Reward Program. Please show your support of our Club's sponsors, such as Strider's, when you have the opportunity.
Keep drawing on your inner strength, and you will continue moving forward one step at a time!
Francine Robinson
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Informational Handouts & 25K Training Schedule
I will bring packets of information with me to the Zoo each Saturday with informational fliers and a 25K River Bank Run Training Schedule. These documents can also be downloaded from the Grand Rapids Running Club website (
www.grandrapidsrunningclub.org)
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The Miles for this Week (Saturday, March 11, 2017) (8 a.m.)
Beginners: 8 miles. Intermediates: 9.5 miles (not 10 as first scheduled)
THE COURSE: This week will be an out-and-back. The turns will be marked with orange Grand Rapids Marathon road cones. A cone on the right means to turn right, and a cone on the left means to turn left. There will be two orange Grand Rapids Marathon road cones at the turnarounds. We will have two aid stations on the course.
THE COURSES:
The beginners (8 miles): Run out the south side of the Zoo to John Ball Park Drive; turn right (west) on Butterworth; run to the trailhead by the Coke Plant; enter the trail, staying to the right, and in about another mile you will come to a fork in the road; go left at the fork. Stay on the trail until it comes out at Veteran's Memorial Drive and Maynard. Continue straight on Vet's for about another 3/4 of a mile to the bridge/boat launch; turn around at the two orange Grand Rapids Marathon road cones and run back the same way.
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1477303816
The intermediates (9.5 miles):Run out the south side of the Zoo to John Ball Park Drive; turn right (west) on Butterworth; run to the trailhead by the Coke Plant; enter the trail, staying to the right, and in about another mile you will come to a fork in the road; go left at the fork. Stay on the trail until it comes out at Veteran's Memorial Drive and Maynard. Continue straight on Vet's to Butterworth; turn left on Butterworth and run about one-half mile to the turnaround, where there will be two two orange Grand Rapids Marathon road cones; turn around and run back the same way.
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1477314583
Please use caution when running on the roads, since these are not closed courses. Be particularly aware of traffic at busy intersections and run single file when vehicles are approaching. Your safety is our utmost concern.
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"
RIP OFF THE BAND-AID!
"
"No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn't trying." Unknown
"Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come." Unknown
"You can't be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute." - Tina Fey
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"Mom, rip off the band-aid!"
That's what my son-in-law Bryan told me over
the phone a few weeks ago
when he was finally able to fit in a word edgewise, as I continued to
vacillate about a decision I needed to make soon. I was trying to decide whether to sign up f
or an upcoming marathon, when I really didn't feel I was ready. He listened to me complain about my injuries, lack of training from being unable to
run for a couple of months, not to mention my residual fatigue from the concussion, blah-blah-blah. "However," I continued, "the marathon is in Washington D.C., it's a Rock 'N Roll Marathon event, and
Randy is going to be running in it!" Randy is my younger brother, and he has an apartment in D.C. where he often travels for his work. Bryan listened patiently as I kept rambling. "I could stay at Randy's and not have a hotel cost or rental car, but best of all, Randy would be there waiting for me at the finish line!" "On the other hand," I lamented, "I might have to walk the last 8-10 miles if I find myself too tired to run. But what if I can't make the cutoff--" At that moment, Bryan interrupted and exclaimed,
"Mom, rip off the band-aid
!"
I knew exactly what he meant, and I realized he was right. When you take off a band-aid slowly, it prolongs the discomfort. If you rip it off quickly, it only lasts for a second. I was creating more angst in myself by vacillating over my decision. Bryan knew deep inside I really wanted to do it, but I had to make the commitment--often the hardest part--and then move forward from there.
But more than that, my son-in-law was also telling me that he had confidence in me. He knows I've done this "marathon thing" before. I may not be as trained as I would like to be, but mentally and physically, I know what I need to do to get to the finish line. It will just take me longer than it used to.
I hung up the phone, and I thought long and hard about Bryan's words. Now, I have to admit that I didn't just "rip the band-aid off all at once!" I slept on it overnight. But promptly the next morning, I made the commitment and signed up. I
understood that signing up was the first step toward getting my head back in the game and regaining
my self-confidence. Once I committed, I
knew I would have to start focusing on making a plan to do the best I could with what time I had left to prepare.
So this weekend I'm traveling to Washington D.C. to do the
Rock 'n Roll Washington D.C.
Marathon. I already decided to do a run/walk to conserve my energy and put less strain on my injuries which are still healing. Also,
I am planning my nutrition a little differently since I'll be out on the course longer than usual. That's the physical part of getting ready for this event
.
But I'm also working on a plan for the
"mental part" of the run. And
for that, I will do my best to focus on the journey toward the finish line. I will enjoy the sites. I will talk with other runners around me who want to talk. I will remind myself I'm still a runner, even during those times that I need to walk. I will appreciate being healthy enough to be back "on the road again." And I will be most grateful for the time spent with my brother
Randy while I'm in D.C., as I reminisce about
our journey together about 13 years ago when he and I ran the North Country Trail Marathon together--his first, and my third! I can't describe the f
eeling of c
rossing that finish line with my brother back then. And now we're "getting the band back together," except we're each running our own race this time.
While my attitude is positive, I would be lying if I said I'm not nervous and still a little worried about holding up physically, no matter how strong my will is. I already know it will be a challenge, and there will
be some physical (and mental) discomfort
involved. But I also know it
is the challenges, and sometimes even suffering
that makes us stronger.
We have to put forth great effort to complete an endurance event such as the Fifth Third 25K River Bank Run or a marathon. But it's that effort that moves us closer to achieving our dreams and goals.
The Mentor Group is a reminder that we're not in this alone. Time spent with running friends helps us get through long runs, hill work, and sometimes
speed work. As we log miles and face challenges
together, we create stronger bonds. At the same time, t
hose bonds
strengthen us in other areas of our lives.
I experienced this feeling of gaining strength through support recently. I made a
new friend, Dawn,
at the Robinette's Run last week, and her incredible attitude about finding the positive in every situation gave me more confidence and optimism for my upcoming run. Just last night I ran with another friend, Christina, to whom I expressed some apprehension about the D.C. Marathon, and she told me, "For what's it's worth, Francine, I have confidence in you." My Mom told me the same thing last night, "You can do this." OK,
she's my Mom, but she knows some of the struggles I've endured this past year and still believes I can overcome them and finish the race.
I'm here to tell you that you, too, can finish your race. As you continue training for the 25K River Bank Run and moving up in mileage each week, there may be days when the effort and challenge starts to feel overwhelming. But you have it
within you to reach your goal.
It may still require considerable effort and great challenge at times, but it's overcoming the struggles that will build your inner strength.
And by all means, use your
support systems
when you need them to
help you along the way, including the mentors who are here each Saturday morning to encourage and support you.
Whatever your dreams, goals, or pa
ssions--not just in running, but in all areas of your lives--remember that everything you need to achieve your goals and pursue your passions
is within you.
Consider these words that I read in a greeting card. Although the card was meant for a graduate, it can be applicable to any of us, at any time:
"Behind you, all your memories,
Before you, all your dreams,
Around you, all who love you,
Within you, all you need."
So don't put off your dreams. G
o ahead and "rip off the band-aid
" because what lies within you is all you need.
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UPCOMING EVENTS/RACES
1.
Kent City Ridge Run 15K Run and 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, March 25, 2017, 9:30 a.m.
Kent City High School, 351 N. Main St., Kent City, MI 49330
[Kent City is located 20 minutes north of Grand Rapids (use M-37) and 25 minutes east of Muskegon (use M-46)]
I highly recommend this 15K (9.3 miles) race as a great tune-up for the River Bank Run! Come and run "Jill's Hills"--a rolling, rural route with a downhill finish, followed by refreshments in the cafeteria. 15K finisher medals. Choice of age group awards. Register online at:
www.macssportstiming.com. Race day registration is from 8-9 a.m. For more information, contact: Jill Evers at:
2.
Hope Network 1 in 5 Marathon Relay (see below). May 27, 2017.
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HOPE NETWORK 1 IN 5 MARATHON RELAY
Lace up for mental health at this year's Hope Network One in Five Marathon Relay on May 27, 2017, at Millennium Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
At the relay, teams of five will complete a full marathon. The first four runners each complete a 5-mile loop, and the last represents the one in five adults who will face a mental illness this year by taking on a more challenging 6.2-mile route. Proceeds directly fund early intervention programming, along with Hope Network services for those currently battling mental illness.
Register at
www.1in5relay.com and get $25 off your team's entry when you use coupon code "RUN2017" at checkout. You can register your team now as an individual and have teammates join at any time.
Please note the other events being offered in addition to the Marathon Relay. There is a 1.5 mile
Community Walk, a 6.2 mile individual race, a 6.2 mile accessibility race, and a 1 in 5 virtual 10K. See www.1in5relay.com for more details.
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GR RUNNING CLUB MENTOR GROUP "REWARD" PROGRAM
As mentioned briefly above, the GRRC Mentor Group has implemented a "Reward Program" as an incentive for you to sign in at each Saturday morning training run. For those of you who have previously signed in, we have your name on a typed list already and will bring the list (alphabetized) to the Zoo so that you will only need to put a check mark next to your name. New runners should add their names (and e-mail addresses) the first time they sign in, and their names will be added to the alphabetic list for the following weeks.
Rewards will be given out monthly. We will count the check marks by your names at the end of each month. The person with the most check marks will get a prize for that month. If there is a tie, we will draw names for the prize. Last Saturday we presented one of our runners with a $50 gift certificate, courtesy of Jeff at Striders. The first month of our Reward Program was a $50 gift certificate courtesy of The Runnery. Please show your support of our sponsors when you are shopping for your running needs. They do more than just sell running merchandise; they know running and are passionate about helping you make the best choices for your individual needs.
[P.S. Everyone has the chance to earn a reward by signing in a total of ten times during the training season. When you reach your 10th sign-in, you earn a
blue Buff-style headband with our GRRC logo, which are the same headbands as the green ones worn by the Mentors. If you don't want to wait and would like to purchase one now, they are available for $5.]
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Grand Rapids Running Club Group Runs
Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m., John Ball Park Zoo
The Grand Rapids Running Club meets year-round, every Saturday and Sunday, at 8 a.m., at John Ball Park Zoo (in the middle parking lot south of the duck pond). There are different groups running different paces and distances. You are welcome to join us! You do not have to be a member of the Grand Rapids Running Club to run with us. For more information on membership, go to the website: (www.grandrapidsrunningclub.org) and click on the tab that says "Join Us" to read the reasons why you should become a member.
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Grand Rapids Running Club
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