Hello to the Run Tucson community!
We started the "Runner Profile" e-newsletter feature to bring attention to the many clubs, coaching groups, and organizations in our broader running community.
In this edition, we're happy to feature Joanie Rogucki, pictured above in a photo by Damion Alexander hurdling (with exceptional form) one of the cowboys from the TMC Old Tucson Trail Run a few years back.
Joanie Rogucki is well-known in the local triathlon community, the running community, and the nutrition community. She has volunteered at races and has been a nutrition expert guest speaker at our running workshops in years past. You can see her nutrition Linkedin here.
In 2008, Joanie moved to Southern Arizona with her husband Bill Hill, whom many of you may know from SAR and triathlon events. Before moving to Green Valley, they lived in Michigan and were long-time members of the Ann Arbor Track Club. Bill and Joanie collectively ran 18 Boston Marathons, both received the honors of "Most Improved Runners from the Ann Arbor Track Club." Bill has bragging rights at their house with the most marathons run.
As you'll see below, Joanie is a connector -- she connects runners with triathletes, women with trails, and everyone with good health. In her Q&A, she provides contact information for many of the communities that she embraces. We're thankful for all that Joanie provides the endurance community.
Finally, as always, farther below you'll our upcoming race calendar, with registration links to the April 22nd TMC Earth Day 5k at the Biosphere 2 and the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown, including the June 27th TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k Night Run and Walk.
Finally, finally, we have some more folks in the queue for these profiles, but if you want to nominate somebody, please send us your requests . . .
Happy fitness, all!
Randy and Tia Accetta
|
|
Runner Profile: Joanie Rogucki |
|
Name: Joanie Rogucki
Age: 69
Profession: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Two truths and a lie about you
1. I was a runner before I became a triathlete
2. I am from a family of ten children
3. I was a police officer prior to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
When and why did you start running? Right before I turned 30, I started running. Why did I start running? I started running as I was looking for a sport, I thought I would be less apt to get injured. Prior to running I played softball, and I had multiple injuries.
What is one of your favorite Tucson-area running locations? Where do I begin? All the offerings in Tucson invite people from around the country to run and train here. Trails keep calling my name. I plan to add to my bucket list. Yes, I would like to attempt to touch every segment of the Arizona Trail.
What is one of your favorite workouts and why? I do appreciate short intervals especially as I have matured. However, understanding your race pace is important. I would like to quote Caroline Gardiner: “I think it is important for runners to feel their pace without looking at their watches every two seconds for verification." That said training runs should offer the ability to practice the pace you will maintain for the whole race.
Do you have any sponsors you want to acknowledge? What groups, if any, do you run with? How can people contact them? I train with the Tucson Tri Girls, Excell Tri Coaching, and the Trail Sisters.
Years ago, I ran with The Workout Group, and Tia Accetta coached me. My goal was to improve my racing times as a 60-year-old. I recommend finding a coach to help you meet your goals.
The Trail Sisters, Tucson Run leaders are, Gisella Bonilla, Amy Dillion and Lisa Glick.
The Running Shop has been a big part of the running community for over 40 years. SAR members, Tucson Tri girls and Excell Tri Coaching Athletes receive discounts. In addition, Sharon has supported many races with gift certificates. Congratulations Sharon Bart on your stellar support.
Tell us about a run, a race, or a training cycle that did not go well. Did you learn anything from that experience? It appeared the more fit I was, the more at risk I was for overtraining and injury. So many no-no’s: My pacing was not ideal, and as a newbie to long distance in my 40’s I trained for my first marathon and developed ITB. I biked most of the year leading up to the Detroit Free Press Marathon. I ran uneven splits and ran about what I expected however a running friend had qualified for the Boston Marathon. Well of course I wanted to qualify as well. Though I had missed the QT by ~20 mins. I thought if I jumped into the Columbus Marathon two weeks later, maybe I could qualify. NOT, I walked the second half.
After review I took a break and started PT for Iliotibial Band Syndrome and I qualified the next spring. Lessons learned: listening to my body helped me to manage injuries as well as reduce the risk of injuries. Following a running plan was essential.
I had joined the Ann Arbor Track club several years earlier however I did not feel comfortable running with those “fast people”. I was encouraged to attend speed workouts and I met so many people and found the structure and camaraderie helped my training and confidence. Running with the group became my preferred way to run. I felt like I was part of this awesome community. Part of the “Team”. Soon after I also started trail running which allowed me to run shorter long runs and put less strain on my body.
What is your favorite race distance? Do you have any advice on how to train for that type of race? 5K’s have allowed me to return to running albeit run/walking. I always thought when I went to a shorter distance my mileage and long runs could be shorter. However, the reality is if you plan to race any distance the larger your base is the better your endurance. Which equals better outcomes in performance. A personalized plan based on your body and fitness maybe the best dollars spent on you.
When and why did you get involved with the Southern Arizona Roadrunners? Lucky for us when we moved to AZ, we met Jocie Riley who was very active in the running community and with her networking we met many others and joined the SAR family. The importance of welcoming and introducing athletes to our community and its resources became our mantra.
SAR has an amazing Race Resume. I enjoy sharing the races with our community. I am involved with the Tucson Tri Girls and over the years have set up teams for several of the races. I want to keep my hand in setting up teams. In addition, I am vested in supporting the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown. I am waiting with bated breath to see how the Old Tucson Studio Race morphs in the coming months.
Advice for non-running workouts? Pool running, walk with intervals, biking, swimming, and strength training.
Advice for trail running? Stay in the moment, lift your feet. Trails are not all equal. Be conscience of the elevation and other nuisances about the trail. Pace accordingly. Consider running with a partner.
Advice for triathlon running. When we started doing triathlons, we were burned out from running so many years and our bodies were worn down. I feel like training for triathlons can help your running. When you multisport train you can build fitness and reduce strain on your body. Interested: you do not have to have a road bike. The bike you have will work. As you dive into the triathlon you may decide to upgrade. Did you know that there are other multisport events and many options of distances.? Aqua Bike (swim/bike) Duathlon (run/bike/run).
Consider triing (pun intended) beginner distances; The Super Sprint can be fun at all levels. A local company that puts on triathlons is “On Your Left Fitness”. Their next triathlon event is the Oro Valley Tri.
Any advice for the getting-older-runner: Consider more rest days.
Any advice for how to use running to stay in a happy relationship?
Like many couples Bill and I have been through many miles together. We are now both finding our joy in alternate activity. Our together time is richer for these experiences. Shared experiences allow us to thrive and grow.
Self-Promotion: is there something cool we should know about you? I went back to school later in life. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science at age 54. I earned my Registered Dietitian credentials just months after graduating. New career and moving across country changed my life and my running.
The truth about "two truths and a lie":
I was a runner before I became a triathlete, and I am from a family of ten children. My youngest brother and I are the only ones out of ten that live outside of Michigan.
|
|
TMC Old Tucson Trail Run
DATE: TBD
|
|
We're trying to bring back the popular TMC Sunrise at Old Tucson 4-Mile and 1-Mile Trail Run.
We've proposed a series of dates to new management and they're considering a February date. We keep saying this, but we'll let you know more when we know more . . .
Details TBD
|
|
TMC Earth Day 5k Run/Walk at the Biosphere 2
Saturday Morning, April 22
|
|
We're comin' back to the Biosphere 2 for the TMC Earth Day 5k!
We had so much fun up in Oracle that we're heading back to the northern foothills of the Catalina Mountains to celebrate Earth Day, 2023.
Souvenir shirt, souvenir medal, free entry into the world-famous Biosphere 2, and more festivities for the whole family.
This will be our only event at the Biosphere 2 in 2023.
|
|
TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k Night Run + Festival of Miles
Saturday Night, May 27, 2023
|
|
Make plans for Memorial Day Weekend and the 17th Annual TMC Night Run/Walk and Festival of Miles
Staged at Armory Park and the Children's Museum in the heart of Downtown Tucson.
Adults will like the beer garden, live music, Cirque Roots, food truck roundup, and after-party at Hotel Congress.
Families will like the free entry to the SAR FitKidz Mile, the free High School Mile, the free entry to the Children's Museum, jumping castles, roving magician, and more!
Speedsters will like the prize money, age group awards, and RRCA West Regional Championships awards.
Festival of Miles includes the Open Mile, Free High School Mile, and Free SAR FitKidz Mile
This will be the first-race of the three-race Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown, raising funds for the BEYOND-Tucson Foundation. Additional Beneficiaries include the Children's Museum, Educational Enrichment Foundation, Greater Tucson Leadership, and Cox Charities.
The TMC 5k is part of the SAR's 2023 Running Shop Grand Prix.
Team discount of $5 off once five members join the team.
|
|
2023 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown, presented by TMC |
|
We continue to be grateful for the support of Ross Zimmerman, Emily Nottingham, and the entire Zimmerman family, allowing us to celebrate Gabe through these events.
Register for the Gabe Zimmerman Triple C and receive a special "Run Tucson" souvenir shirt, unique Gabe Z souvenir medal, and entry into three popular events:
- May 27th TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k Run/Walk
- September 10th TMC Tucson 10k, 5k Run/Walk
- October 22nd TMC A-Mountain Half-Marathon and 4-Mile
Thanks to TMC, $10 of every Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown registration goes to BEYOND-Tucson, one of Tucson's leading public health advocates.
|
|
Saguaro National Park Labor Day 8-Miler and 5k
Monday morning, September 4, 2023
|
|
52nd Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run
One of the only courses in the nation allowed on actual National Park land, the beautiful course rolls up and down the 8-mile paved road amid the lush Cactus Forest at the base of the Rincon Mountains.
Souvenir shirt to all registrants, plus entry into the Saguaro National Park. We at Run Tucson are proud to be the race directors for this Southern Arizona Roadrunners event.
|
|
TMC Tucson 10k and companion 5k
Sunday morning, September 10, 2023
|
|
Tucson's only fall 10k is back with a new date, now September 10, 2023!
We'll be back for the 5th annual event, on the same beautiful course among the rolling hills of the Painted Desert in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains.
All participants will receive a race shirt and souvenir medal.
This is the 2nd leg of the 2023 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown.
|
|
TMC A-Mountain Half Marathon, 4-Miler, and Cox Family Mile
Sunday morning, October 22, 2023
|
|
We're coming back to the A!
We're working on staging the TMC A-Mountain Half-Marathon at the Mercado Annex, tucked at the base of Sentinel Peak, with a route that includes scenic A-Mountain and the speedy Santa Cruz Riverpath.
We may introduce the TMC A-Mountain 4-Miler, as well as continue with our COX Charities and SAR FitKidz Mile.
The 3rd leg of the GabeZ Triple Crown will have goodies for all race registrants: souvenir coaster medal, cool race shirt, post-race fun, and more!
The TMC Half-Marathon is part of the SAR's 2023 Running Shop Grand Prix.
|
|
Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon and 5k Run/Walk
Saturday morning, November 4, 2023
|
|
5th Annual Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon Run and 5k Run/Walk
Run or walk a half-marathon or 5k in the beautiful and rugged Kaibab National Forest, just south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Souvenir race medal, colorful long sleeve shirt, race goodies, and more to commemorate your iconic journey through the trails near the South Rim.
Visitor discounts for hotels, food, and activities.
|
|
Thanks to TMC for everything it does for Southern Arizona - visit TMCNow for health care from your home
|
|
FREE RUN/WALKS + BIKE RIDES
Every Monday: Meet Me at Maynard's, Hotel Congress/Maynard's Kitchen
Every Wednesday: Meet Me Wednesday's, St. Phillip's Plaza
Every Saturday: Parkrun Himmel Park
https://www.parkrun.us/himmel/
Interested in building or maintaining local trails? Think about joining or supporting the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists -- see them here.
For a detailed list of social and recreational road and mountain bike rides in the Tucson community, see Damion Alexander's list at https://bikepilgrim.com/. To subscribe to the email list, email damion@damionalexander.com and put "ride list" in the subject heading.
|
|
We've updated our runtucson.net page and the all the registration pages, but if we missed anything, please let us know!
Cheers all,
Randy and Tia Accetta
|
|
|
How Do I Get Off This List? You can hit the "unsubscribe" button below or you can email us at randy@runtucson.net.
Who Sends These? Run Tucson (www.RunTucson.net) is a local event production company for running/walking events in Southern Arizona.
To promote our mission of making Tucson better through running, Run Tucson advocates for health & fitness, enhancing community engagement, and promoting the local economy.
In addition, we make significant contributions to worthy charities, providing over $300,000 to local organizations over the years.
Our partners include the non-profit Southern Arizona Roadrunners, plus Tucson Medical Center and a host of local sponsors.
Why Am I on This List? You've participated in one of the events we've produced, either one of our charity running events in Arizona, or as part of Meet Me at Maynard's, Meet Me Wednesday's, Meet Me Downtown PHX.
|
|
MORE INFO
For information about our events, the RRCA, and The Workout Group, contact Randy Accetta
(520) 991-0733
|
|
COACHING
For information about in-person, online, or group coaching, contact contact Tia Accetta.
(520)891-4369
|
|
|
|
|
Join the Southern Arizona Roadrunners |
We are grateful for our 25+ year friendship with SAR, one of the best running clubs in the nation.
Check out the great community programs offered by our local running club, the Southern Arizona Roadrunners.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
