Saturday, January 30, 2010

Decatur for Haiti – Help Spread the Word!

From the Decatur Minute blog, dine and shop in Decatur on Monday, Feb. 1 to help with the relief efforts in Haiti.














Local Decatur merchants and restaurants donating to the Haiti earthquake relief on Monday, Feb. 1

The following businesses have agreed to donate a portion of their proceeds from Feb. 1 to the American Red Cross.
  • Brick Store Pub
  • Cakes and Ale will be closed for a private party, but is still donating a portion of its proceeds.
  • Chick-Fil-A from 5-8 p.m.
  • Fleet Feet
  • Fresche, 12-6 p.m., $25 haircuts with all proceeds going towards the cause.
  • The Grange donating proceeds from their Saturday renaming party and on Monday.
  • Heliotrope
  • HairWerks is offering $25 haircuts and $10 brow waxings which will all be donated.
  • Iberian Pig
  • Little Shop of Stories will hold a special storytime at 7 p.m. about the importance of helping others.
  • Matador Cantina
  • Mingei
  • Nectar
  • Palate Cafe and Bar
  • Pambili African Artworks
  • Peggy’s Boutique
  • Saba during lunch and dinner.
  • Steinbeck’s
  • Twain’s  
  • U-Joint

Chattahoochee Challenge 10K, February 6

9th Annual Chattahoochee Challenge











February 6, 2010

One of the BEST Peachtree Qualifiers of the Season!

All Proceeds Benefit the Chattachoochee Nature Center

1-Mile Fun Run at 7:30 AM
10K at 8:00 AM

Race starts and finishes at CNC:
9135 Willeo Road
Roswell, Georgia 30075

Justin Richel Art Opening at Young Blood Gallery

"Columns, Stacks, Heaps and Piles" by Justin Richel


ART OPENING
Young Blood Gallery & Boutique
Friday, February 5th, 2010
7:00 - 10:00 pm

Show continues through February 28

Justin's work has arrived and it's what we hoped for and more! He has such a steady and creative hand and the work is so sweet and unusual! And I'm telling you, if you need a gift for any of the sweeties in your life this is the show for you. The work is VERY affordable, ranging from $45 to $175 and in our opinion is the perfect gift. It's heart-felt and unique. There will also be prints available for $10- $15!

Justin is snowed-in in his hometown in Maine and won't be able to make it to the opening so let's give him an extra warm welcome to the South by supporting his show.

Win a piece of Justin's art!

Bring a tray of home made baked goods or candies to the opening and you'll be entered into a drawing to win one of the original pieces from the show!

ING Marathon Will BE Here Soon, and Volunteers are Needed!

From the Decatur Active Living blog, ING volunteers are needed...






Race Weekend Events on Friday, March 19 - Sunday, March 21, 2010The ING Georgia Marathon includes events for the whole family as participants, volunteers, and spectators:


Friday 11am-7pm and Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. - ING Georgia Marathon Health & Fitness Expo Inspired by Mizuno at the Georgia Dome. Free and open to the public, the Expo features race packet pick-up, fitness-oriented speakers, exhibitors, and vendors.

Saturday 8am - Publix Run Wild 5K at 8:00 a.m. and Kids Fun Run for children 10 and under at 9:00 a.m. at Grant Park near the entrance to Zoo Atlanta and the Cyclorama. Race day registration for both events opens at 7:00 am. Participants can purchase discounted Zoo Atlanta tickets which are valid during 3/30/10 - 12/31/10.

Sunday 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. - ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon, start and finish at Centennial Olympic Park.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

AJC Peachtree Road Race 2010

Online registration for the AJC Peachtree Road Race 2010 will open at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 21, 2010 at www.ajc.com/peachtree.  The entry fee is $33 per participant. New this year, race number pick-up will take place at the Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo at the AmericasMart in downtown Atlanta on Friday, July 2 and Saturday, July 3.  Those wishing to have their race numbers mailed can do so for a $5 fee to cover the cost of postage and handling.

The first 45,000 out 55,000 total entries will be accepted through online registration. To register online for the AJC Peachtree Road Race:

1.      Go to www.ajc.com/peachtree after 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 21.

2.      Click REGISTER NOW.

3.      Fill out all the required fields on the online registration form including Start Wave Placement information (if you plan on submitting a finish time from a past race), payment information and the race waiver prior to clicking "SUBMIT".

4.      Click "SUBMIT".

5.      Print a copy of your race confirmation page for your records. You will also receive an e-mail confirming your race entry within 24 hours after successfully registering.

Peachtree Applications Available in the AJC on March 28, 2010

For those unable to secure one of the first 45,000 online entries or people who prefer mailing in their payment with a registration form, a race application will appear in the AJC on Sunday, March 28, 2010. The event’s remaining 10,000 entries will be selected at random from all applications received. To submit a Peachtree application, follow the steps below:

1.      Purchase the AJC on Sunday, March 28.

2.      Fill out the Peachtree application in the AJC. Be sure to legibly fill out the entire application.

3.      Place your application in an envelope along with a check or money order and race documentation for Start Wave Placement (if you plan on submitting a finish time from a past race).

4.      Mail your entry to:

For Georgia Residents:

AJC Peachtree Road Race, P.O. Box 105400, Atlanta, GA 30348-5400

For Non-Georgia Residents:

AJC Peachtree Road Race, P.O. Box 101754, Atlanta, GA 30392-1754

All entries must be mailed and postmarked by Monday, April 5, 2010.

5.      Check with your bank to see if your check has been cashed. Your cashed check is confirmation of your entry into the race.

If your application is not among the 10,000 randomly selected, your entire application (including your uncashed check/entry fee and supporting documentation) will be mailed back after the second week of April to the return address indicated on the outside of your envelope.

Running ING Georgia? Join Team Girls on the Run Atlanta & help a great cause.

From Girls On The Run

Running ING Georgia? Join Team Girls on the Run Atlanta & help a great cause.

If you will be running the ING Georgia Half Marathon, please consider joining Team Girls on the Run of Atlanta. If we are able to get enough team members to join, we will be able to have a free booth for our non-profit at the ING Expo, and that would be great! Thanks in advance! (Kelly Googe Lucas)

Information about team at ING: http://bit.ly/cEkUHx

Information about Girls on the Run Atlanta: http://girlsontherunatlanta.org/

Monday, January 25, 2010

Tartan Trot - Fun Run, Tot Trot, 5K and 10K

Tartan Trot 5K / 10K / Fun Run / Tot Trot
Saturday, January 30, 2010, 8am

St. Luke's Presbyterian Church
1978 Mt. Vernon Road

Dunwoody, GA 30338

All proceeds will benefit St. Luke's Youth Outreach Program

6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. - Race Day Registration
8:00 a.m. - Events begin.

Peachtree Road Race Qualifier

Parking: at St. Luke's and Dunwoody High School


Decatur Haiti Relief Event

Mark your calendars for Monday, Feb. 1. We're organizing a Decatur Haiti Relief Event with Decatur's local businesses.


Participating shops and restaurants will donate a portion of their Feb. 1 proceeds to the relief fund and the Beer Festival committee has agreed to match the donations using proceeds saved from the 2009 festival.

The money raised will be donated to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. So encourage your friends and family to shop and dine in Decatur on Monday. We'll publish a finalized list of participating businesses at the end of next week.


State of the City Address

The community is invited to join the Decatur City Commission for the annual State of the City Address delivered by Mayor Floyd and the State of the Schools Address delivered by Decatur Board of Education chair Valarie Wilson on Tuesday, January 26th at the monthly meeting of the Decatur Business Association. The reception begins at 5:15 pm and the program begins at 6 pm. The meeting will be held at the new Decatur High School Auditorium in downtown Decatur.

Glenlake Park Update

A message from Hugh Saxon, Asst. City Manager:


Glenlake Park Update

Construction of the Glenlake Park improvements has been delayed significantly by last year’s weather, especially the near record rainfall. Presently, completion of the work is expected in April, 2010.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

ING Marathon Community Meeting February 8

From The Decatur Minute blog...

The ING Georgia Marathon will be coming through Decatur again this year on Sunday, March 21st. We will hold a Community Information Meeting on Monday, February 8 at 6 pm in the City Commission Meeting Room in City Hall.


All members of the community are invited to attend the meeting. This is a great time to sign up to volunteer, get information about the cheering section and water stations, and have your questions answered by the Marathon staff.

The City of Decatur will compete for the best cheering section once again, but this year we have a new location. We will cheer the runners on from the sidewalks along Ponce de Leon in front of the Old Courthouse. The City will also have three water stations as in 2009 and would love to have as many volunteers as possible.

If you would like to participate and cannot attend the meeting, please contact Cheryl Burnette at 678-553-6573 or email cheryl.burnette at decaturga.com.

Around Peachtree Battle 7th Annual Charity 5K Road Race

Around Peachtree Battle 7th Annual Charity 5K Road Race






January 30, 2010; 9:00 a.m.
Race day registration will open at 7:30 a.m.

Start/Finish at 531 Westover Drive - neighborhood loop course. Runners, walkers, baby strollers, dogs encouraged and welcome.  Parking at Ahavath Achim ("AA") Synagogue on the corner of Peacthree Battle and Northside Drive.
Brave the sleet and snow to benefit Atlanta Union Mission's Emergency Shelter and Recovery Progam for Women and Their Children!  Any canned goods/clothes you would like to donate will be collected at the Start/Finish line (receipts provided).

The Course:

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up

Another reason to visit NYC and bring your running shoes, NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up

Each year, over a hundred runners from around the world participate in this unique race up a total of 1,576 steps to the Observatory deck on the 86th floor.

NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up FAST FACTS:

·       The race climbs 1,050 feet, or approximately 1/5 mile.

·       The 86 flights have a total of 1,576 steps (18-19 steps per flight).

·       The fastest-ever NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up finisher, Paul Crake of Australia, reached the Observation Deck in 9 minutes, 33 seconds, in 2003. The women’s record of 11:23 was set in 2006 by Andrea Mayr of Austria.

·       In 2009, Thomas Dold of Germany and Suzy Walsham of Australia both successfully defended their titles, finishing the race in 10:07 and 13:27, respectively.

From the NYRR site, talk about selective

Want to step up to a challenge? Test yourself up 86 flights of stairs in the Empire State Building Run-Up. A quick 1,576 steps will get you from the ground floor to the Observation Deck that looms nearly a quarter- mile above Fifth Avenue.

Please note that this is an invitational race, with selections based on athletic ability and background.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

MLK Day

MLK Day, his house in the MLK Historic District




Monday, January 18, 2010

Active Stretching Trounces Static Stretching For Hamstring Flexibility

Ive always wondered between the two because I practice both.

Active Stretching Trounces Static Stretching For Hamstring Flexibility

This randomized controlled trial pitted 6 weeks of active hamstring stretching against 6 weeks of static stretching. At the end, subjects who used the active routine had an 8.7 degree increase in hamstring flexibility vs. 5.3 degrees for the static stretchers. A month after the trial, the actives maintained a 6.3 degree gain vs. just 0.1 for the statics. The active routine also took less time. Conclusion: "Active stretching produced the greater gain, and the gain was almost completely maintained after 4 weeks." Source: Clinical Journal Of Sports Medicine.

Read the complete story here.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Gike and his Pedi-Cabs

Our own ORC runner, Gike, was featuredn on Decatur News Online. b The article, Bike-Powered Taxi Service Will Continue in Decatur, talks about Mike and Easy Living Pedicabs...

Bike-Powered Taxi Service Will Continue in Decatur

Have you been out on Decatur streets and seen a big yellow carriage being pulled by a bike? If so, it was likely Mike Gerke, owner of Easy Living Pedicabs, doing the driving. Get ready to see more of Gerke and his pedicab fleet.

After finishing a six-month trial period in December, Easy Living Pedicabs renewed an agreement with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) last week to continue the bike taxi service at least through the end of this year.

Read On...

City of Decatur Audio Walking Tour

As you can tell, I have spent a good amount of time on the City of Decatur website.  Here's another little gem I picked up.

City of Decatur Audio Walking Tour
Download a copy of the new Decatur Audio Walking Tour to your MP3 player, start at the front steps of Decatur City Hall, and press play. This walking tour was produced by Moira Bucciarelli. Narration by David Hirt.

Audio Tour MP3

Decatur 10 Mile Run

I was checking out the City of Decatur site and found this map for a 10 mile bike ride.  But it can easily be a 10 mile run route also.  Here's a link to the PDF map.  And here's the cue sheet.  Ride or run, it's 10 miles and a new route.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Decatur 101

A Great Way to Get to Know Your City
New Classes Begin In March

Decatur 101 is a program designed to educate the community about city government. If you want to learn more about how the City of Decatur works, who is responsible for what, and what steps you can take to make a difference, sign up for Decatur 101.

Decatur’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Project

Sign up to volunteer for the 8th annual Decatur Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Project on the weekend of Jan. 16-18. Volunteers will work on senior citizens’ homes in Decatur, making greatly needed repairs and doing yard work that the elderly homeowners have been unable to afford. The MLK Jr. Service Project is sponsored by the Decatur Preservation Alliance in partnership with the City of Decatur and other organizations.

Check out the City of Decatur site.

Run with the Dogs 5K is this weekend

Run With The Dogs - Frostbite 5K

Decatur High School, Saturday, January 16, 2010, 9:00 a.m.

All proceeds will be used by the Decatur Bulldog
Athletic Booster Club to help
fund the sports program
at Decatur High School and Renfroe Middle School

Decatur High School, Renfroe Middle School, Glenwood Academy
and City of Decatur elementary school students, parents, alumni, friends,
neighbors and runners of all levels are invited to participate.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

9th Annual Oakhurst Wine Crawl

February 27, 2010 from 4:00 - 07:00 PM.

This year's event will feature wines from around the world while you get to explore the neighborhood. With over 20 participating businesses, we expect a quick sell out.  Tickets are now available in your local Oakhurst Businesses including Steinbecks, Kavarna Cafe, and Universal Joint.
 
$20 Advance Tickets, $25 At The Event

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

2nd ANNUAL EAGLE RUN 5K

MILTON BOYS LACROSSE

Presents

2nd ANNUAL EAGLE RUN 5K

And 1 MILE FUN RUN – 8:30AM

Will’s Park – Alpharetta, GA

Saturday – January 23, 2010 – 9:00AM

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, January 23, 2010 – Start time for 5K is 9:00AM and 1 Mile at 8:30AM. Start/Finish is located at the Will’s Park Pool area, 1810 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

COURSE: The course will be a loop around Will’s Park on paved streets in downtown Alpharetta.

AWARDS: Awards will be presented to Overall Male/Female, Masters Male/Female, and top three Male/Female in age groups beginning 10 and under through 75 and over. All participants in the 1 Mile will receive a finisher’s ribbon.

REGISTRATION: $20.00 by 1/16/10, $25.00 afterwards to race day. All pre registered participants will be guaranteed a shirt and as supply last on race day. There is a family rate of $60.00 (pre registered only – Mail in only) Checks should be made out to Milton Boys Lacrosse. Registration is also available at www.active.com. Registration will open at 6:30AM.

PROCEEDS: The proceeds from the race will benefit the Milton High School Boys Lacrosse program.

INFORMATION: For more information, please contact Mary Patterson at (770) 361-6166.

http://www.runningintheusa.com/Race/List.aspx?State=GA
or directly to
http://www.active.com/running/alpharetta-ga/2nd-annual-milton-boys-lax-eagle-run-5k-2010

Editorial: I am a lacrosse fan.

Mizuno Inspires Runners

Mizuno Inspires Runners

Mizuno has been a proud sponsor of the ING Georgia Marathon since the inaugural event in 2007. From the inspired technical running shirts to the support on the course, Mizuno has helped to make the ING Georgia Marathon an event not to be missed.

This year, Mizuno is inspiring runners to achieve their goal of making it to the finish line on March 21 by sponsoring a series of training events in the Metro Atlanta area. The training events will be hosted by local running stores every Saturday beginning January 23 through March 13. At each training event you will have the opportunity to test a pair of Mizuno running shoes. Can't make it to one of the Metro Atlanta training events? Visit Mizuno online to locate a store nearest you to find the right pair of Mizuno shoes to inspire you.

The ING Georgia Marathon team will be at each of these events supporting Mizuno as they inspire runners to train for the race on March 21. Register at any of the Mizuno Inspired to Run Training Events below to receive a free Mizuno technical shirt.

Training Event Schedule:
January 23 - Phidippides Ansley Mall
January 30 - Big Peach Atlanta
February 6 - Fleet Feet Atlanta
February 13 - Big Peach Decatur
February 20 - Big Peach Marietta
February 27 - West Stride
March 6 - Fleet Feet Lawrenceville
March 13 - Fleet Feet Decatur

Note - All training events begin at 8:00 a.m.

The Mizuno Inspired to Run Training Events are FREE. Sign-up now and let Mizuno inspire you!

Monday, January 11, 2010

Pressed for Time?

From a Running Times online article

Pressed for Time?
What to run when your training time is slashed
By Mackenzie Lobby
As featured in the Web Only issue of Running Times Magazine

For the competitive runner, daily runs are not simply a means to an end; without them, normal sleeping, eating, socializing, and working patterns can suffer. You depend on the daily run, not only to log PRs, but also to help maintain a precious balance in life.


Unfortunately, balance cannot always be achieved. The scales tip, life steps in, and you are faced with the dreaded circumstance: a hiatus from your usual mileage, perhaps for many weeks, because of an unavoidable work commitment, a family health situation, lack of child care, etc. Fortunately, even several weeks away from regular training does not necessarily equate into loads of lost fitness, if you properly structure your more-limited training time.Run #1: Go Long
The long run is a staple in most runners’ weeks, and, as much as possible, shouldn’t be scrapped even when the number of days per week you can run diminish. The benefits of long runs—increased capillary density, improved ability to use fat as a fuel at a solid pace, biomechanical endurance, and more—will go a long way toward keeping you able to resume your regular training when things return to normal. (And don’t discount the value of time alone to think or to run with friends when under a lot of stress.) If you must cut your normal long run short, follow the lead of Giannoble, who says, “Typically I try to do a two-hour long run, but when you’re pressed for time you squeeze that down and make it a little more high-quality.”

Run #2: Go Fast

To maintain your high-end fitness, do short intervals at between 3K and 5K race pace. In addition to working on your VO2 max and running economy, these workouts will help you to maintain fast-running form for when you can return to normal training. Rea suggests repeats of 300m or 400m, but don’t worry about precise distances if getting to a track is going to cut into suddenly short training time. Instead, head out on one of your regular loops and, after a brief warm-up, do 8-12 surges at 3K to 5K effort level, leaving enough time at the end for a short cooldown. If anything, the run will take a little less time than just covering the course at a moderate pace.


Run #3: Go Longish and Fastish
“Of those three workouts, definitely the tempo/lactate threshold is the one I prioritize. All the research shows that’s the most important workout in terms of increasing and keeping your fitness,” says Giannoble. He suggests going “90% of max heart rate or 10K to half marathon pace, depending on how far you’re going.” More specifically, tempo runs/lactate-threshold workouts help the body more efficiently use lactate, allowing you to runner faster, longer. Training near that threshold improves the capacity of the heart muscle’s pumping abilities, as well as improving the blood supply and the ability to more efficiently disseminate lactate within the muscles. Again, don’t worry about getting to a track. Warm up, then run for 20 or so minutes at a pace you feel like you could sustain for 60 to 75 minutes, and finish with a brief cooldown.

All Other Runs: Go Easy
If your truncated schedule allows you to get in more than three runs, make the rest of them short and easy to preserve your time and energy for the big three above.

Obviously, you’re never going to run your best if you always follow this sort of schedule. As Rea says, “Nothing replaces running like running. Even easy runs go a long way towards developing strength of connective tissue and improving aerobic conditioning. But in the absence of being able to put those days in, at least over a short period of time, you’re better off getting in the harder days, and the recovery days are simply off days.”

In Giannoble’s busy months, he looks forward to the increased rest days because he finds it makes him fresher on the running days. “It’s amazing when you’re not running every day, you can recover a ton. Interestingly enough, I found that I could actually increase my intensity during my workout days because I wouldn’t run at all on my recovery days.”

This is good news, whether you’re a CPA during tax-season, a politician during an election, a parent during those weeks between summer camps, a small business owner working double time in a down economy, or a physician in an understaffed ER. Bringing home the bacon and taking care of your family sometimes translates into a loss of mileage. When something’s got to give, rely on quality, rather than quantity, to get you through.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Run With The Dogs Postponed to Saturday, Jan. 16th

Run With the Dogs 5K is now Saturday, Jan. 16th.

10 TIPS FOR RUNNING IN THE COLD

Tips from an article in Runnersworld.com; after this past weeks run and the snow/ice I see on the ground, this makes for a useful article.

10 TIPS FOR RUNNING IN THE COLD
Runners and readers like you give their best advice for plowing through the winter season.
By Yishane Lee
Image by Oksana Badrak

PUBLISHED 01/11/2008

1. Get Motivated
"Make a date to meet someone for a run," says Jean M., a reader in Colorado. "There's no wimping out when someone is waiting." John Stanton, the founder of the Running Room in Edmonton, Alberta, says the club's Wednesday and Sunday group runs are popular in winter, when the average high is 17°F. In January and February, the Running Room hosts the
Hypothermic Half-Marathon, which attracts 3,500 runners in 14 cities across Canada--even at temps as low as -40°F. "There's a big, free brunch afterward," Stanton says. "People will do anything for omelets and pancakes." Solo? "Tell yourself that you can go back inside after five minutes if it's really bad," says Patti Finke, a coach in Portland, Oregon. "Usually you stay out there." Of course, not everyone objects to winter weather. "A night run during a light snowfall is one of the most peaceful things you can experience," says Justin Lord of Kenmore, New York.

2. Arm Your Feet
To keep warmth in and slush out, run in shoes that have the least amount of mesh. If you have shoes with Gore-Tex uppers, all the better, says Mark Grandonico, president of the
Maine Track Club in Portland. Wear socks that wick away wetness but keep your feet warm. Runner Joe McNulty of Philadelphia swears by nonitchy SmartWool socks.

3. Get Dressed
You want to be warm without sweating so much you get a chill. "The rule of thumb is to dress as if it is 20 degrees warmer," says Maine Track Club president Mark Grandonico. "You should be slightly cool when you start." Think layers of technical fabrics, to wick sweat, with zippers at the neck and underarm area to vent air as you heat up. You'll learn your own preferences, but readers Darrell Arribas, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and Eric Maniloff, of Stittsville, Ontario, both helped create these general guidelines. Assume you always wear gloves or mittens and a hat.

30 degrees: 2 tops, 1 bottom. Long-sleeve base layer and a vest keep your core warm. Tights (or shorts, for polar bears).
10 to 20 degrees: 2 tops, 2 bottoms. A jacket over your base layer, and wind pants over the tights.
0 to 10 degrees: 3 tops, 2 bottoms. Two tops (fleece for the cold-prone) and a jacket. Windbrief for the fellas.
Minus 10 to 0 degrees: 3 tops, 2 bottoms, extra pair of mittens, 1 scarf wrapped around mouth or a balaclava.
Minus 20 degrees: 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 extra pairs of mittens, 1 balaclava, sunglasses. Or, says Arribas, "Stay inside."

4. Be Seen
With limited daylight, chances are you'll be running in the dark (Alaskans, sadly, get only a few hours of dim light per day). Tall snowbanks on plowed streets make you even harder to see. Wear reflective, fluorescent gear, and don't be shy about lighting yourself up like a Christmas tree, says RW's own Ed Eyestone, who runs in snowy Utah. Says Adam Feerst, a coach and trail-race director in Denver, "I use a headlamp or carry a flashlight, less so I can see where I'm going and more so people can see me."

Elvis Birthday Bash at Variety Playhouse

Heres an AJC article on Elvis Birthday.  And more
Mike play like their band name, Kingsized.  And not to mention hes a great chef and makes some killer tamales.

Elvis Birthday Bash featuring Kingsized Orchestra with Dames Aflame and Lil E.  Two day show, Friday and Saturday, January 8 & 9 at 8:30pm.
Big Mike Geier and his Kingsized orchestra deliver high Vegas glitz right here in the ATL with this annual birth day tribute to the King Of Rock N Roll. The big band reworks Presley standards, but in their own distinctive style, and of course backed by the gorgeous ladies of Dames A’Flame burlesque troop and even an appearance by Lil’ E.

Winter Wonderland


Its a winter wonderland this morning. i saw 1 die hard running along ponce.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Hogpen Hillclimb

Saturday, January 16
Hogpen Hillclimb 17K/5K, Helen, GA
12 p.m.; 678-795-0115

More info here.

Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia, Wildwood Outfitters, and Georgia Runner Magazine invite all runners to participate in one of the state’s most famous races and Georgia Grand Prix events: The 30th Annual HOGPEN HILL CLIMB 17K HOGPEN & 5K PIGLET FOOT RACE “ One of the toughest races in North America” This is a noon start time!

Deatur Beach Party Volunteers

www.decaturdba.com
2010 Decatur Beach Party PlanningWant to get involved with the planning of the 2010 Decatur Beach Party?This fun committee starts planning with our first meeting on Thursday, January 14th at 12;30 pm in the DDDA Conference room.The Beach Party is the major fundraiser for the Decatur Business Association. Email cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com to become a part of this great group of DBA members.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Dieters have a new place to eat: Fast-food joints

I found this article online in USA Today.


By Bruce Horovitz, USA TODAY
The usual January diet drill has an unusual proponent in 2010: the fast-food industry. Many of the nation's largest fast-food chains — better-known for their often fatty, high-calorie foods — are loudly touting diet and low-calorie offerings.
Familiar brands from Taco Bell (YUM) to Starbucks (SBUX) to Dunkin' Donuts are rolling out new products and ad campaigns in an attempt to lure calorie-conscious consumers during the month when the $170 billion fast-food industry typically sees sales slide.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

MLK Day Service Project

Decatur’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Project
Saturday, January 16, through Monday, January 18, 2010

Sign up to volunteer for the 8th annual Decatur Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Project on the weekend of Jan. 16-18. Volunteers will work on senior citizens’ homes in Decatur, making greatly needed repairs and doing yard work that the elderly homeowners have been unable to afford. The MLK Jr. Service Project is sponsored by the Decatur Preservation Alliance in partnership with the City of Decatur and other organizations.

Please mark your calendar to participate in project. Volunteers may work one or more of the following shifts:
Saturday, January 16: 9am to 1pm and 1pm to 5pm
Sunday, January 17: 1pm to 5pm
Monday, January 18: 9am to 1pm and 1pm to 5pm

Running Safety

I found this article in runnersworld.com; from the January 2010 issue of Runner's World. Safety first while running in the dark.

Running Safety

RULES OF THE ROAD

Some things runners must do to avoid a colliding with a vehicle.

• Don't assume a driver sees you. In fact, imagine that a driver can't.

• Run against traffic so as to view (and react to) any mistake an advancing motorist may make.

• At a stop sign or light, wait for the driver to wave you through—then acknowledge the driver with your own wave.

• Allow at least three feet between you and a passing vehicle.

• Be prepared to jump onto the sidewalk or shoulder of the road.

• During group runs, go single file when cars need to pass.

• Use hand signals to show which way you plan to turn.

• Respect a driver's right to the road.

• Run with proper ID, and carry a cell phone with emergency contacts taped to its back.

• Check with the police for local traffic rules.

• Make sure to look out for people pulling out of a driveway. They may not see you.

• At an intersection always wait and look for vehicles coming from multiple directions and lanes before attempting to cross.

• If you run with headphones, make sure you can still hear what is going on around you. Run with just one ear bud in at a time.

• In commercial areas, look out for high-traffic areas, such as the parking lots of grocery stores, restaurants, and bars.

• Watch for early-morning drivers who do not clear frost or morning dew off their windshields; they may not be able to see you.

• Wear bright and/or reflective clothing.

• Run only on roads with wide shoulders.

• Never cross against traffic lights.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Run With The Dogs - Frostbite 5K



Run With The Dogs - Frostbite 5K
Saturday, January 9, 2010, 9:00 a.m. in Decatur, Ga.; Decatur High School

All proceeds will be used by the Decatur BulldogAthletic Booster Club to help fun the sports programs at Decatur High School and Renfroe Middle School.

Decatur High School, Renfroe Middle School, Glenwood Academyand City of Decatur elementary school students, parents, alumni, friends,neighbors and runners of all levels are invited to participate.

Dog-loving Volunteers needed Jan. 9

We need volunteers to help with the dog portion of the “Run With The Dogs” fundraiser for the Decatur High Athletic Booster Club. Our group is going to do a couple of contests between the dogs as well as provide water at the final and dog biscuits. Would you like to help? We're looking for a few high school kids and/or parents who like dogs. he run is on Jan 09 Saturday, and we need volunteers around 8:45 – noon. We also need a couple of folks to make posters either on or before Jan 08Friday.

If interested, please contact Kathleen Maloney at ekm1959@comcast.net or call 404-667-0763 – leave a message.

The web site is : http://rungeorgia.com/runwiththedogs.html