The 2012 Women Can Run/Walk 5k will be held on Saturday, May 12th on our new course at Conway High School WEST.  Registration will open February 1, 2012.

2012 Race Brochure

The 2011 WRA 5K results are available here.  You can also view results at The Sporty Runner or Arkansas Runner.

Congratulations to all participants! It was a pleasure to share the road with you.

Many of you are going to get up on May 7th and walk or run your first 5K. That’s 3.1 miles. It’s going to be an exciting experience where you feel all sorts of emotions: nerves, anticipation, giddiness, worry. It is the standard welcome to most races, and it makes you officially normal.

Sometimes, in the excitement of completing a new goal, our minds-like our feet-start moving quicker and, before you know it, plans have run amok. You hear yourself saying, “I need new outfits: cute shorts, matching shoes. What to do? Where to go?” We are women after all. A great pair of shoes is serious business!

Or you find, as a caretaker for many people/animals/carpools/jobs, that you’ve got to make sure your “racing entourage” is ready to go to cheer you on. This is a big goal you’re establishing. It won’t be done in a vacuum. People are going to see you, and you have got to make sure that your people are taken care of properly. It’s what we do.

This is where someone will need to step in and tell you to stop. You have made big strides (literally), and many changes have occurred-with your life, with your body, with your confidence. Now everything must stay the same. What you have done in training to get here is what you must continue to do to finish. No major changes necessary.

Here’s a guideline for your race prep.

1. Have your race outfit and shoes laid out and ready to go the night before your race. This outfit should be something you have trained in. It should feel comfortable to you. Nothing needs to be broken in on race day.
2. If you picked up your bib number and chip timer prior to the race those will need to be placed with your outfit as well. Timer should be attached to your shoe correctly.
3. Place any hats, visors, sunscreen, lip balm that you have trained with by your outfit. Nothing new here.
4. Any food or drink that you have used in training should be the same as on race day. Don’t take this time to try a special breakfast or smoothie. If you do, know your race port a potty locations.
5. Provide a map, in advance, for your entourage. Tell them to bring signs, lawn chairs, loud enthusiasm, pockets for keys, etc. Pick a location to meet after the race. They are now on their own. You’ve got a race to finish.
6. If possible, drive your race route prior to racing. If not possible, review your race map.
7. Make sure you have trained at least once during your scheduled race time. If you are a person who loves night running it might be a rude awakening to meet the sun and higher temps at 8am.
8. If desired, pack an after race bag. Nothing fancy. A change of clothes, towel, and some shopping money for race items you may want to purchase.
9. Get a good night’s sleep before race day.
10. At the starting line remember your racing pace. Your walking or running is not dictacted by your neighbor’s pace. Some will be faster. Some will be slower.
11. Pay attention to race course volunteers. They will keep you on the course. Tell them thank you.
12. Soak it all in. Enjoy it. There are people that don’t even know you who will be yelling for you-genuinely excited to see you achieving a goal.
13. Once finished, congratulate yourself. And if you still want that cute new matching outfit and shoes now is the time to make the purchase.

Good Luck.

5 weeks of WRA Clinics up..5 weeks down.

Congratulations!

A great profile in the Maumelle Monitor about one of our own, WRA Clinic Director, Karen Hayes. Keep up the excellent work ladies.

A hearty congratulations to all the Women Run/Walk Arkansas athletes who are entering week 4 of their 10 week clinics. The halfway point is fast approaching!

The Women Run Arkansas Walk/Run Clinics are finally here. Anyone can still register at the Free Clinics Tab above. Find a clinic close to you and join in on the fun. Good luck and Good Walking and Running to everyone!

Check the Active Style Section of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette Feb 21st for an article highlighting the statewide Women Run Arkansas Clinics.

 Little Rock Family Magazine has spotlighted the Cabot Women Run Arkansas Clinic for their February 2011 issue. Check out the article here.