March 27 Running News: TMC Now, Trail Closures, Business News, Event Updates & more
Hello again to the Run Tucson community. We hope this note finds you well in this difficult time. Below is our end-of-the-week review with resources and topics of interest:

  • Health Care
  • Training Advice
  • Local & National Running Resources
  • Local Small Business News

Locally, some of our Workout Group friends have created a way to help neighbors in need, so please feel free to reach out to us if you have any needs and we'll get in touch with the appropriate local resource.

Best wishes,

Tia and Randy

Randy Accetta randy@runtucson.net
Tia Accetta tia@runtucson.net
HEALTH CARE
First and foremost, as we all make our way through this public health crisis, please draw on   expert medical advice from the CDC .

Locally, check out the Pima County public health site .  

Our long-time race sponsor, Tucson Medical Center, is at the forefront of the local response. If you're worried about any medical needs, no matter where you are you can stay at home and get 24/7 care with the TMC Now app. You can communicate with Arizona licensed physicians via phone, video, or mobile app. It's free to download the app, and only $20 per virtual visit when you use the code SPRING20.

You can also follow TMC's Twitter feed to receive TMC updates here or view the TMC website here. For questions regarding COVID-19, reach out to the TMC Hotline at 520-626-6016 or 844-542-8201.

TRAINING ADVICE
As races and events cancel, you may lose your motivation to train. Remember, this is a great time to cycle into a phase of Base Training. Easy conversational pace running has proven mental health benefits and proven cardiorespiratory benefit, so spend this time doing easy running at a low heart rate.  

Depending on your fitness, a base program of 1-2 runs of 25-35 minutes, 1-2 runs of 45-60 minutes, and a longer run of 75-90 minutes will keep you in excellent aerobic shape (more running for those who run more and less for those who run less.) 

A couple of times a week, add in a 10-20 minute protocol of standard body-weight strength work and any of the standard flexibility/mobility routines and you’ll be strong and fit heading into your next race training cycle. Continue reading Tia's training advice here.

Read our full document on exercise during COVID-19 here, with information from immunology experts, and advice on motivation, nutrition, and cross training -- plus information on handling event postponements and closures. Given the significant uncertainty about the implications of the coronavirus and COVID-19, our advice should always be taken in conjunction with current CDC guidelines.
LOCAL & NATIONAL RUNNING RESOURCES
Please follow the regulations set forth by local and national authorities at our city parks, county paths and parks. On Friday March 27th the Arizona Daily Star is reporting that Coronado National Forest is closing while Pima County is closing access to portions of its parks. Here are some resources for up-to-date information:


Check out the www.azroadrunners.org for announcements about their upcoming races and events.

For national running club updates, see www.rrca.org .

Our race registration platform RunSignUp has helpful information on the national event scene.

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS NEWS
Local run specialty stores are still serving runners, walkers, and others:
  • The Running Shop is open during regular hours and has been holding virtual run contests, delivering purchases, and holding curb-side pickup.
  • Fleet Feet has reduced their in-person hours to 12-5 but has an online store and merchandise pickup.
  • Performance Footwear will be closing their store for a few weeks, but has an online store and pre-ordered pickup.

Please check with each of these cornerstone community stores for your specific needs.

Thanks to our race partners the Downtown Tucson Partnership for great advice on managing small businesses during this health crisis. See their March 27 update here.

Likewise, the Arizona Small Business Association provides this guide , and the SBA disaster loan site information can be found here.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR RUN TUCSON EVENTS

POSTPONED

Well, in partnership with the University of Arizona, we have finally made the unhappy decision to postpone this event until we can gather together in person at the Biosphere 2.

We've written to all race participants with more details, but if you have any questions, please email us at randy@runtucson.net.

STILL NOT SURE

All indications are that we will have to move this to a Virtual event. We're working with suppliers to ensure that we have the ability to provide shirts.

Please see the "Public Health" tab on the race registration page for updates.

VIRTUAL OPTION AVAILABLE, WITH HOPE FOR IN-PERSON RACES
It is looking more and more likely that the first event, the TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k and Festival of Miles will be held virtually, but we're holding out hope that we can offer an in-person running of September's TMC Tucson 10k and October's TMC Get Moving Half Marathon.

Having said that, we've long had a VIRTUAL CROWN option, allowing all runners and walkers to participate even without being on hand on the scheduled event day. Please see the "Public Health" tab on the race registration page for updates.

HOPING TO BE IN PERSON

Given that this fun race is in November, we're moving forward with planning in full expectation that we'll hold this event in the beautiful Kaibab National Forest, adjacent to the Grand Canyon National Park.

For current visitor information on the area, please see our friends at the Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce.

WOG IS ON A BREAK, SO WE'RE MEETING VIRTUALLY

For now, the Workout Group training group has come to its first halt since its inception in August 1997.

We've held a zoomWOG and are planning other ways to help stay motivated and healthy.

You can join up, so if you would like to receive zoom, telephone, or email coaching, please contact Tia at tia@runtucson.net.
Friends, if you'd like to stop receiving emails from us, simply hit the unsubscribe link down below. Thanks!
For information about our events, the RRCA, and The Workout Group, contact Randy Accetta
(520) 991-0733
For information about in-person, online, or group coaching, contact contact Tia Accetta.
(520)891-4369