Volvo Wellness Warriors

If you did not already know, Volvo Construction here in Asheville has a phenomenal wellness and fitness program - the Wellness Warriors. Here at Foot Rx, we have a few great connections with this program and we love to see them out in races and events. Foot Rx staffer, Ellen, has played a pivotal in the program - acting as its wellness coordinator from the Reuter YMCA. Ellen is a supreme motivator... just being around her makes me want to bang out push-ups and go for a 10 miler. A few of the warriors themselves are staples on our Wednesday morning group run crew (6 AM @ Reuter YMCA - join us!) and we are lucky to call many more of these Volvo folks loyal customers.

Without further ado, here is a BIG shout out to the Volvo crew who braved the cold wind to put up some great performances at the Knoxville Half Marathon and Marathon.

Back row: Jennifer Culberson, Mona Saranathan, Steve Bratsch (all first-time half marathoners!) and Bill Sauber.
Front row: Todd Gothberg and Chris Clements.

Foot Rx favorite and Wednesday morning group run staple, "Hardcore" Bill Sauber summed up the races well:

Jennifer, Mona, Steve, and Chris all ran the half (Chris’s 2nd half, first for the others). Jennifer ran a 2:12, Mona ran a 2:40, Steve ran a 2:09 and Chris ran a 2:06

Todd and I ran the full marathon. Todd was 4th in his age group (7 seconds from 3rd) at 3:15. I ran a 3:38 for 1st in the Veterans (over 60) division which goes to show if you keep running long enough all your tough competition eventually gives up and lets you get an age group win. I think everyone was shod with FootRx shoes and at least 3 of us wore our FootRx shirts in the race.

Congrats to all who stepped on the line! (Thanks for reppin' Foot Rx!)

*For more info on the Wellness Warriors , check out this excellent article from the Citizen-Times (featuring another Wednesday morning group run regular, Chris Clements).

Until next time - keep logging the miles and staying fit.

Spring!

Spring has arrived and it is glorious! (I am choosing to ignore the cold rain outside...)

With Spring comes blossoming flowers, chirping birds and new arrivals of short sleeve technical tees @ Foot Rx Asheville. I know I am not the only one sick of layering up to brave the elements. Be sure to stop by soon to check out the new gear from some great brands like GoLite, Brooks, Mizuno, Adidas, and Sugoi.

Fresh threads for the guys

Only the finest pieces for the ladies















You want to know what else is so great about the arrival of fresh Springtime swag? The 50% off rack is now stacked with everything that used to be on the walls. There are some serious deals over there... and we aren't talking just winter clothes, either. Right this minute I am looking over at a few Brooks & Mizuno vests - perfect for the unpredictable Spring weather.

Raise your hand if you like saving money!



















OK - all this salesman talk is making me feel like I need to take a shower...

Blue Ridge CrossFit

Acceleration Sports Institute in Arden has been a big Foot Rx supporter since day one. We wanted to give them a quick plug for their new program, Blue Ridge CrossFit. CrossFit is a well-rounded strength and conditioning fitness program. It focuses on 10 fitness domains: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination, and accuracy.

If you are looking for a new program to supplement your running, definitely check it out. Blue Ridge CrossFit is offering free childcare for their 9 AM weekday classes - one more reason for those with young ones at home to give it a shot!

For more info, contact Acceleration Sports Institute's certified trainer, Eddie, at 828-329-9056.

Upcoming Races

Still planning your race calendar? Be sure to check out the Foot Rx Asheville race calendar. We are constantly updating it and adding new races, group runs, and events so check back often. If you are a race director, or have some info on a favorite race that you want to pass along, contact us!

Here are a few great races coming up in the next few weeks:

March 14, 2009
Shamrock Run 10k / 5k
Asheville, NC

March 14, 2009
Race For The World 5k
Cross Country Race
Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC

March 21, 2009
Dupont Forest 12k - Trail Race
Brevard, NC

March 21, 2009
Flint Ridge 5-Miler
Wesser, NC

April 4th, 2009
Black Mountain Greenway Challenge
Black Mountain, NC


Pick a race (or 5) and take advantage of this beautiful weather!

( Not So) Breaking News!

This Just In!!! (Actually, its 2 days old, but who is counting?)

Foot RX favorites - Jerad Crave, Mark Lundblad and Ann Lundblad win titles at Black Mountain Marathon & Mount Mitchell Challenge in brutal conditions.



Nothing like sub 40 degree temps, freezing rain and snow to make a 26.2 mile or 40 mile race memorable, right? At least they are both flat... oh, wait - they aren't? Both courses go up and down MOUNTAINS, you say? Come on, now. That's just... wrong.

Right or wrong, everyone who competed this past weekend is a stud in our mind. Congrats to the winners and to ALL who stepped on the line.

For more on the races (and some great photos) check out this Citizen-Times article and the Team Inov-8 blog.