Cool Illinois Marathon Schwag!

Hey, Randy! Whatcha’ doin’?

Body N' Sole, IL Marathon merchandiseHe’s helping pack up everything for the Illinois Marathon, taking place this Friday and Saturday, April 26-27th.

I popped into the store last week to check out some of the sweet schwag that you’ll find at the race expo on Thursday and Friday. Manager Van was more than happy to show me all the cool things they’re packing up and getting ready to display at the expo.

Illinois Marathon Apparel

I can attest that the women’s apparel is suuuuuuper-nice. Technical tees, fitted running tops, and half-zips, oh my!

Illinois Marathon women's apparelI also tested out a running jacket and IL marathon headband. For non-apparel schwag, you can also pick up an IL marathon insulated Polar bottle (with 26.2 and 13.1!) to keep yourself hydrated and a car decal sticker to let everyone know that you’ve run the distance.

Illinois marathon merchandise, Body N' Sole Sports

So are you ready for the Illinois Marathon? Come visit the Body N’ Sole booth at the expo this Thursday and Friday to load up on bananas-awesome running apparel and accessories. Can’t wait for the expo? Well, then drop into the store this week or check out the merchandise available online on the store’s website.

And for all you last minute packers, I’ll see you on Friday. Don’t worry, we’ll be carrying GUs, socks, and nipple protection just in case you left yours at home!

Nipple Protectors for running

 

 

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Please fill out the Ladies’ Night Survey

Please do the survey

if you went to Ladies’ Night.

It helps us a lot.*

*This is a haiku, not a weirdly-spaced request.

If you attended Ladies’ Night 2013, please take a minute (Seriously, like 45 seconds–less time than it takes to suck down a GU) to fill out our survey. Your responses help us improve the event for next year.

Much love and appreciation,

-The Body N’ Sole team

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Fusion to 5k Part 10 (Are we there yet?)

It’s been a year since my surgery and I am frequently asked the question “Are you running yet?”
And presently the answer is “Not yet, but I’m slowly making progress.” This brings back memories of childhood family vacations driving across the country where we would constantly ask our parents “Are we there yet?”

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For Real Runner: Jason Retz

It’s time to meet a new local runner in the next installment of For Real Runner. This week’s runner is Jason Retz from Arcola. Jason is dedicated to his coaching job, but he still finds time to run some lots of miles!

Jason Retz

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For Real Runner: Thad Sweet

Welcome to the first installment of For Real Runner! We’ll be featuring local runners in the Chambana community on the blog. I’ve found that running is actually a very social sport despite being a seemingly solitary activity. With For Real Runner!, runners can get to know each other and share their hard-earned wisdom from over the years and miles.

Our first interview comes Thad Sweet who responded to my call on our Facebook page.

Thad at The North Face Endurance Challenge 50k 2011

When you’re not running, what do you do? 

I serve as a Small Group Pastor at my church, The Vineyard in Urbana.  I’m also a husband and father of 2 girls (7 and almost 5) so that all keeps me very busy.

When did you start running and why? 

In 2003, the place I worked decided all the staff would participate in the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon as a fundraiser.  At the time I weighed 280 pounds, and started my training by walking 1/2 mile a day.  Eventually I got up to 3 miles before running the race.  I finished in just under 3 hours, and then went to the medical tent with heat exhaustion and a wonderful iv set up.

What is your proudest running achievement? 

By far, my proudest running achievement was running the 2010 Comrades Marathon in South Africa, a 56 ultra marathon dubbed “The Ultimate Human Race”.  With a 12 hour time limit, it was my proudest running moment to finish in just over 11:44.  This was by far the most challenging thing I’ve ever done.  I went with a group of 20 from the States and Team World Vision to raise support and awareness for World Vision projects in South Africa.  I even got to meet one of the girls that my family sponsors in a rural community in South Africa.  We spent a few days with her and her family, and was by far one of the most memorable moments of my life.  My dream is to one day bring the rest of my family there to meet her.

What advice do you have for running newbies? 

The biggest piece of advice I have is to start off slow.  Be very patient in regards to seeing progress and achieving goals.  I think the main goal of every runner should be to enjoy themselves.  I would also suggest choosing a race to participate in, and then telling everyone about it.  This will give you a specific goal to work towards, and the accountability when times get tough and you don’t want to continue training.

Where is your favorite place to run in Champaign-Urbana? 

Actually, my favorite place is nearby at Kickapoo State Park near Danville.  I love trail running and get out there as often as I can.  I also enjoy the trails out at Homer Lake.  Most of the time I’m either running near my home in Ogden, or with some friends in Urbana.  My church also has a running club that we do in the springtime.

Do you have plans to participate in the Illinois Marathon race weekend?

Yes, this year I’ll be joining my step-brother in the half marathon.  He just picked up running last fall, has lost a TON of weight, and is really kicking some teeth (a little phrase I like to use) right now.  He’s going to do amazing at the half, and I’m so excited to be a part of it with him!

Thad and friend Tom Roth at the Illinois Marathon 2012

Do you like to run solo or with a group?

I have certainly come to enjoy running with a group, but there’s nothing I love more than to go for a good long trail run alone.  I love being alone in nature, taking my time on the trails, and just taking in all of God’s beautiful creation.

What pre-race rituals do you have?

Well, I really love showing up early to races and just watching all the people.  About the only thing I do that’s the same every time is how I get dressed.  Always in this order, compression shorts, shorts, undershirt, race day shirt, socks, shoes, hat, watch, and then other accessories depending on the race.  For 1/2 marathons and shorter I don’t need anything else, but for trail ultras I take a race vest, and a handheld bottle or my Simply Hydration bottle.  Also maybe a headlamp, trail gaiters, etc.  In regards to food, I usually don’t eat before training runs.  I just wake up and go.  For races, I’ll usually have something light like a bagel and peanut butter, or a banana, and some coffee.

What are the best and worst runs you’ve ever had? 

I think by far, Comrades was my best run.  I’ve never run that distance before or since, and the terrain was pretty grueling.  The worst is probably one of many training runs I’ve had where I’ve gotten an asthma attack within the first 1/4 mile, and had to walk back home.

Comrades Marathon 2010 in South Africa

Who is your running idol? 

Anyone who is just starting out running, trying to turn their life around by getting in better shape.  I love seeing new people running!  It just inspires me so much to see their efforts and progression.  On a professional level, there are many ultra runners I follow (Kilian Jornet, Anton Krupicka, Hal Koerner, Timothy Olson)

 

Complete the sentence: I’d rather give up ______ than running.  

I’d rather give up sleep.

Thad & friend Scott Olthoff at The North Face Endurance Challenge 50k near Madison, WI (Sept, 2012)

Thanks for the answers and pictures, Thad! I’m so impressed by how far your running has taken you, both literally and figuratively. Your journey is really an inspiration!

Readers, if you see this well-traveled travel out on the streets, make sure to say “hi” loudly…or, you know, do the classy runner “I acknowledge your journey” nod.

Got a good story or piece of advice? Just want to be featured on the Body N’ Sole blog? Leave a comment below or send me an e-mail at mllemica [at gmail dot com].

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Be Featured on the BnS blog!

Hi,  friends! Are you enjoying this unseasonably warm January running weather?

Anna & Me, just because.

I’m excited to announce the start of a new feature on the Body N’ Sole blog. Body N’ Sole prides itself on being part of the running community, and I think it’s time that I extend that commitment to its digital presence. I’d like to share stories from local runners on the blog each week so that we can get to know each other a little better. Though running seems like an inherently solitary endeavor, I’m sure many of you can attest to the connections you’ve made out on a long run or waiting for the Porta-Potty before a race.

If you’d like to be featured on the BnS blog, leave a comment on this post or send me an e-mail as mllemica [at] gmail [dot] com. I’ll send some interview questions to answer and begin featuring cool runners as soon as possible. This is open to runners of all levels, speeds, and shoe-preferences. The goal is to connect runners with other runners and contribute to the Body N’ Sole community.

I’m excited to see what stories you have to tell, so leave a comment or drop me a line!

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Gift Ideas: Awesome Gadgets!

Hi, readers! It’s December 21st. I may be hasty in saying that the world will not end today (Sorry, Mayans!), but if that’s the case, the shopping procrastinators didn’t get off the hook for buying Christmas gifts.

No worries, there’s still time to pick up some of awesome running gadgets at Body N’ Sole!

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Gift Idea: May your runs be warm and dry

Funny weather we’ve been having this December, don’t you think? While my Pandora station is set to play non-stop holiday music about frosty air and letting it snow, the weather outside tells a different story.

Prior to moving to the Midwest, I had no idea that Mother Nature could be so fickle; the temperatures swing wildly here, and a day that starts out with sunny promise might be dreary and wet by the mid-afternoon.

Maybe you or your friend/family member is preparing for a winter training period before a spring race (Perhaps this one?). With the weather fluctuating wildly, what’s a dedicated runner to do? The holiday season is in full swing, so head over to Body N’ Sole to check out some of the great products we carry to keep you or your favorite runner warm and dry this [weird] winter.

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Dressing for Winter (+ Fit Asian Grimace!)

Have you seen the temperatures lately? It’s frickin’ cold! When wintry winds and finger-biting frost appear, seasoned runners don’t shy away from the plunging temperatures; they get out there and run those streets like they own them.

This is 6am.

If you’re a new runner though, the idea of leaving a toasty warm house to trot around in sub-freezing temperatures is intimidating, indeed. This week, we asked our followers on Facebook to share some advice on dressing for a winter run. Let’s see what our 15+ respondents had to say!

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“Gift” idea: 2Toms Stink Free Spray

Feet are kind of gross, wouldn’t you say? They take a lot of wear and tear, and as runners, our feet bear the signs of a lot of regular abuse. However, I’ve generally found that in the right company (i.e., other runners!), it really helps to be honest about whatever grossness is currently plaguing you: tummy troubles (maybe from eating concessions food before a race–you know who you are), toenails of all shades, or the cringe-inducing nipple chafe. Just get it all out there because chances are someone else has suffered through the same embarrassing bodily issues and has some tips.

Unpleasant food odor is no exception. Do your shoes smell really terrible? Or do you live with someone whose foot odor constitutes a crime against humanity?

Spread toes

If so, don’t be ashamed, and certainly suffer no longer! Drop by Body N’ Sole and pick up a bottle of 2Toms Stink Free Spray!

2Toms StinkFree Spray

If your running (or any!) shoes are emitting noxious fumes, just spritz Stink Free spray inside to deodorize them! Afterwards, you can reapply 2-3 times a week to help keep funky odors at bay.

Stink Free Spray with Brooks

So maybe Stink Free spray is not a thrilling holiday gift, but it is a useful one, for sure. This holiday season, give yourself and those around you the gift of fresher smelling air. (Fiancé-friend, hint hint hint!)

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