I updated the race guide the other day and found some spectacular races to get you running again. Here are my top picks for fall:

1.) Dec. 1o: Summit Rock Half Marathon; half, 20K, 5K; Sanborn County Park, Saratoga. Brazen racing is the promoter and they do some pretty spectacular events.

2.) Oct. 15: OctoberRun; Redwood City; 5K, half marathon; First half marathon on the Peninsula in years!

3.) Oct. 29: Marsh Madness; 5K, 10K, half marathon; Palo Alto Baylands; One of my favorite places to run!

4.) Nov. 5: Oakland Caribbean Sounds; Oakland; 5K, 10K; This is a new race and if the music is any indication on the Website, it seems pretty fun.

5.) Nov. 6: Run for the Jets; San Mateo; 5K, 10K, half marathon; Another run through Coyote Point.

 

Mothers on the Run will be holding sessions as follows in 2012:

SPRING

• 5k/10k/Half Marathon class: Sunday, March 11-May 13 @ 8:30 a.m. @ Seal Point Park. End of class coincides with Bay to Breakers (12K) AND Santa Barbara Half Marathon AND See Jane Run Half-Marathon and 5K (June 3) race. 

SUMMER

• 5k/10k/Half Marathon class: Sunday, June 3-July 29 @ 8:30 a.m. @ Seal Point Park. End of class coincides with San Francisco Half Marathon

FALL

• 5k/10k/Half Marathon class:Sunday, Sept. 9-Nov. 11 @8:30 a.m. @ Seal Point Park. End of class coincides with Big Sur Half Marathon. Also at that time:Silicon Valley 5k/10K Turkey Trot or San Mateo Rotary 5K/10K (no link yet for this race).

YEAR-ROUND

• Conditioning class: Starting in December this class will be year-round.

Mothers on the Run’s spring session starts Sept. 11, less than a week from now. If you are contemplating getting back into running or setting a new goal sign up now! Below is more information about the program and details on how to sign up.

I also wanted to let you know about a few changes to the Wednesday night class. It seems the Burlingame High School track remodel project is going to take a bit longer than the district anticipated. So we are out of space until December since there are no other free lighted tracks on the Peninsula. I don’t want to cancel the class, because it’s fun and I know many of you rely on it for of speed and conditioning. I also need an excuse to scoot out the door every Wednesday for a kid-free workout . So until December here’s the deal:

 

• WHAT: Track workout and strength training
• WHEN: Wednesday nights, 7 p.m. (from Sept. 14 to whenever daylight makes it impossible for us to see
• WHERE: Hillsdale High School Track on corner of Alameda and 31st Avenue
• COST: FREE!!!!!!!!!!! But you must sign up and TELL me which classes you will be attending. First come, first-served. I am capping the class at 15 participants per session.
• THE WORKOUT: This class will be slightly different than the very structured, goal-oriented paid class. We will warm up and stretch together and then perform various lap drills around the track. I will be working out with you and you will move around the track at your own pace. Every session will include leg strength and core exercises. Each week will be slightly different than the week before.

Let me know if you want to sign up. Again, space is limited. Hope to see some of you soon! If you signed up for the MOTR fall session, look for an e-mail in the next few days detailing all you need to know about the first session.

MOTR’s FALL SESSION PROGRAMS

5k Program: Train to run 3.1 miles. It doesn’t matter whether you can walk or run. This program will teach you how to handle every new runner situation from the mental hurdles to the physical difficulties (breathing patterns and form). You will start off running/walking 1 mile and build distance each week through speed play. Each participant will receive a program to implement during the week. Class time is spent stretching, running and doing strength training. Class is held at Seal Point Park from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sundays.

10K program: Train to run 6.2 miles. It doesn’t matter whether you are the slowest runner on the planet or new to running or looking to increase your speed. This program will teach you how to build endurance. You will start off running/walking 1 mile and build distance each week through speed play. Each participant will receive a program to implement during the week. Class time is spent stretching, running and doing strength training.Class is held at Seal Point Park from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sundays.

Half marathon program: Train to run 13.1 miles. You must be able to currently run/walk 5-6 miles in order to sign up for this program. You’ll learn how to run faster and farther, and get all the information and support you need to handle a half marathon. You will start off running/walking 6 miles and build distance each week through the principle of speed play. Each participant will receive a program to implement during the week. Class time is spent stretching, running and doing strength training. Class is held at Seal Point Park from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sundays.

ALL CLASSES INCLUDE:

• An individual assessment of your current workout program and fitness level
• Strength training
• Progressively longer runs built on your current fitness level.
• Instruction and information to help you succeed on your own.

COST

• 5K/10K program …… $139 (you must sign up for the 5K program through the City of San Mateo)
• Half marathon ……….. $159
• Rerun club ……………..$10 per class drop-in rate for former MOTR participants. Come when you want and run with the group. You must pre-pay and commit to at least six sessions.

TO SIGN UP:

Send me an e-mail (mothersontherun@gmail.com) noting the following information:

1.) Your name

2.) Which program you are interested in

3.) Whether you will pay by check or PayPal

To pay by check, send money to: Mothers on the Run, 449 Highland Avenue, San Mateo, Calif. 94401

To pay by PayPal: Log on or set up an account at paypal.com and enter my e-mail as jenchristgau@yahoo.com. You will have to pay a small fee.

To sign up for the 5K program, go through the City of San Mateo (note the course catalog for the fall session has not been issued yet.)

The training plan for the fall session has been updated. We start training Sept. 11 for the Sunday a.m. class and Sept. 14 for the Wednesday class. Looking forward to working out with you and watching you all grow.

Also, note that the free Monday workouts are Aug. 8, 15 and 22 @ 10 a.m. at the Hillsdale High School track on the corner of Alameda and 31st Avenue in San Mateo. For more information or to sign up, e-mail me at mothersontherun@gmail.com.

 

 

I hope you are all enjoying your summers! Mine’s been full of dirty diapers and late nights thanks to our newest edition, John Aquino, who was born in June. While I’ve enjoyed my maternity leave, I’m looking forward to seeing you all and helping you reach your fitness goals. I’m also itching for some companionship on my own road to running. Here’s what’s up for MOTR’s falls session:

• Sunday classes start Sept. 11 and end Nov. 20. Runners can choose to train for the Big Sur Half Marathon on Nov. 20. Also at that time: Silicon Valley 5k/10K Turkey Trot on Nov. 24 or San Mateo Rotary 5K/10K on Nov. 13 (no link yet for this race).
• I’m hosting several free workouts in August and stroller babies are welcome. (Note: You are responsible for your wee one.)
• The Wednesday class will run in 10 week sessions year-round starting Wednesday, Sept. 14. There will be two week breaks in between sessions.

To find out more, read the details below. Don’t forget to drop me a line if you are training or just completed a race. I love to hear how it went.

FREE MONDAY WORKOUTS

Come workout with me! MOTR is offering free track workouts at the Burlingame High School track August 8, 15 and 22 at 10 a.m. Stroller-bound babies are more than welcome. This will be a self-paced workout. I’ll be giving you all cards outlining the workout. It’ll be up to you to pace yourself. Together, we will warm up and do core. Feel free to bring friends or family. You must RSVP, though.

WHEN: Aug. 8, 15, 22

WHERE: Burlingame High School track

TIME: 10-11 a.m.

 

MOTR FALL SESSION STARTS SEPT. 11

Train with other women and reach your running goal in MOTR’s fall session. This is my favorite training session as the weather is always cooperative and the race calendar is full of fun, beautiful runs.

If you are a former MOTR runner who wants the companionship of the group and some motivation, but don’t need the program, pay a $10 per class drop-in rate and come when you want! You must commit to at least six sessions.

If you are new to the program, find out what so many women last session discovered: The ability to run farther and faster than you thought. We don’t care what your fitness level is or whether you’ve ever run before. This is an inviting, supportive group set to help you get in better shape (re: We know you’re too busy wiping spaghetti sauce off your ceiling and locating matching socks to spend hours at the gym.)

5k Program: Train to run 3.1 miles. It doesn’t matter whether you can walk or run. This program will teach you how to handle every new runner situation from the mental hurdles to the physical difficulties (breathing patterns and form). You will start off running/walking 1 mile and build distance each week through speed play. Each participant will receive a program to implement during the week. Class time is spent stretching, running and doing strength training. Class is held at Seal Point Park from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sundays.

10K program: Train to run 6.2 miles. It doesn’t matter whether you are the slowest runner on the planet or new to running or looking to increase your speed. This program will teach you how to build endurance. You will start off running/walking 1 mile and build distance each week through speed play. Each participant will receive a program to implement during the week. Class time is spent stretching, running and doing strength training.Class is held at Seal Point Park from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sundays.

Half marathon program: Train to run 13.1 miles. You must be able to currently run/walk 5-6 miles in order to sign up for this program. You’ll learn how to run faster and farther, and get all the information and support you need to handle a half marathon. You will start off running/walking 6 miles and build distance each week through the principle of speed play. Each participant will receive a program to implement during the week. Class time is spent stretching, running and doing strength training. Class is held at Seal Point Park from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sundays.

Conditioning class: Join and you might win a $50 gift card to Lululemon! This class is an intense Wednesday night track workout that is based on the principles of interval training. You will mix sprints and high-energy cardio drills with strength training. This method will help build your capacity to run longer and faster. The person who shaves the most time off their .5 mile or 1 mile test run wins the $50 gift card. $40 for Sunday MOTR participants; $80 otherwise. This class takes place at the Burlingame High School Track at 7:30 p.m. (Starting Sept. 14 this class will run year-round in 10 week sessions with two week breaks in between. You will pay in 10 week packages.) NOTE: There’s a 15 person maximum for this class.

ALL CLASSES INCLUDE:

An individual assessment of your current workout program and fitness level

Strength training

Progressively longer runs built on your current fitness level.

Instruction and information to help you succeed on your own.

COST

5K/10K program …… $139 (you must sign up for the 5K program through the City of San Mateo)

Half marathon ……….. $159

Rerun club ……………..$10 per class drop-in rate for former MOTR participants. Come when you want and run with the group. You must pre-pay and commit to at least six sessions.

Conditioning class …… $80 or $40 if signed up for Sunday classes.

TO SIGN UP:

Send me an e-mail (mothersontherun@gmail.com) noting the following information:

1.) Your name

2.) Which program you are interested in

3.) Whether you will pay by check or PayPal

To pay by check, send money to: Mothers on the Run, 449 Highland Avenue, San Mateo, Calif. 94401

To pay by PayPal: Log on or set up an account at paypal.com and enter my e-mail as jenchristgau@yahoo.com. You will have to pay a small fee.

To sign up for the 5K program, go through the City of San Mateo (note the course catalog for the fall session has not been issued yet.)

 

The City of San Mateo is hosting Families on the Move  Sunday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central Park. The event will feature:

• Fitness class demos for kids and adults.
• K-9 fun with Social Club Behaviorist and dog trainer.
• Old-school playground games with the Boys and Girls Club of the MidPeninsula.
• Wheel and safety gear rodeo.
• Tennis demos and lessons.
• and much more!

For more information, check out the city’s Families On the Move flyer for the event. I’ll be presenting at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. a demo on strengthening your core.

Due to popular demand, MOTR has started a free run/walk stroller-based group. Below are all the details.

• WHERE: Burlingame Avenue area
• DISTANCE: 3-4 miles (almost everyone is a walker but one person.)
• WHEN: 3-4 p.m.
• DAY: Thursdays (first meeting will be March 24)

The group will meet Thursdays at the Runner’s Mind store on Howard Avenue. The route I’m thinking of takes you down California to Carmelita. You go up Carmelita to Paloma to Oak Grove and then you can cut through downtown Burlingame Avenue on Park Avenue. It’s about 3 miles and mostly residential.

If you are interested, the first meeting will be Thursday, March 24 at 3 p.m. at the Runner’s Mind store. I’ll walk the first one with you and get you all started. Then you are on your own. If this time does not work for you, still come to the first session so that we can pair you with someone who might also be interested in a different meeting time.

 

 

MOTR is offering a free track workout and drawing to win a $50 gift card to A Runner’s Mind in Burlingame. The class will be held Wednesday, March 2 at the Burlingame High School Track. See below for more information.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Dress in layers as it can be cold to start, but really hot once we start moving.
• Water — at least 16 ounces
• A matt — I focus on core work, so we will be on the ground.

WHERE:

The track is located off Oak Grove on the northern edge of Burlingame High School’s campus. We meet near the “monkey bars” next to the tennis courts.

WHAT:

This class can range from very intense to entry-level, depending on how hard you push yourself. For this session, we’ll be doing laps around the track (you decide the pace) mixed with strength training old-school-style (lunges, squats, wall sits, A LOT OF CORE, push ups). We will also be doing very small short-burst drills mixed with strength (again, you decide your pace). For instance, I might have you do step ups followed by a 30-second wall sit. Some moves will be new to you, but developing strength and endurance through the interval training method is all about how you organize your workout. We move around a lot and there’s little down time, but I promise it’s fun! Afterward we’ll do the drawing and those new to the program are welcome to ask questions. I’ll also have hot chocolate (the best post-exercise drink due to its mix of protein and carbs) and bananas.

QUESTIONS:

If you have any questions or can’t make it, just e-mail me (mothersontherun@gmail.com) back. If you have a friend who’s interested in the program or just wants a kick-butt workout and advice, bring them along.

I look forward to seeing all of you!

 

FIRST MOTR SESSION OF 2011 LAUNCHES MARCH 14

• Class location
• Conditioning class
• What to bring to class
• How to sign up
• Cost
• 2011 schedule

It’s the first MOTR session of the season — so get your run on! In this session, you will have the opportunity to train for the Historic 100th San Francisco Bay to Breakers May 15th, a 7.46 mile route through San Francisco. However, if you just want to run for the thrill of running or develop a new exercise routine, that’s fine too. You can also train for any number of other events; we’ll help you choose. If you are a former MOTR runner who wants the companionship of the group and some motivation, but don’t need the program, pay a $10 per class drop-in rate and come when you want! You must commit to at least six sessions.

If you are new to the program, find out what so many women last session discovered: The ability to run farther and faster than you thought. We don’t care what your fitness level is or whether you’ve ever run before. This is an inviting, supportive group set to help you get in better shape (re: We know you’re too busy wiping spaghetti sauce off your ceiling and locating matching socks to spend hours at the gym.)

• 5k Program: Train to run 3.1 miles. It doesn’t matter whether you can walk or run. This program will teach you how to handle every new runner situation from the mental hurdles to the physical difficulties (breathing patterns and form). You will start off running/walking 1 mile and build distance each week through speed play. Each participant will receive a program to implement during the week. Class time is spent stretching, running and doing strength training. Class is held at Seal Point Park from 8:30 a.m.  to 10 a.m. Sundays. (March 13-May 15 OR Sept. 11-Nov. 20 )

• 10K program: Train to run 6.2 miles. It doesn’t matter whether you are the slowest runner on the planet or new to running or looking to increase your speed. This program will teach you how to build endurance. You will start off running/walking 1 mile and build distance each week through speed play. Each participant will receive a program to implement during the week. Class time is spent stretching, running and doing strength training.Class is held at Seal Point Park from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sundays. (March 13-May 15 OR Sept. 11-Nov. 20 )

• Half marathon program: Train to run 13.1 miles. You must be able to currently run/walk 5-6 miles in order to sign up for this program. You’ll learn how to run faster and farther, and get all the information and support you need to handle a half marathon. You will start off running/walking 6 miles and build distance each week through the principle of speed play. Each participant will receive a program to implement during the week. Class time is spent stretching, running and doing strength training. Class is held at Seal Point Park from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sundays. (March 13-May 15 OR Sept. 11-Nov. 20 )

• Conditioning class: Join and you might win a $50 gift card to A Runner’s Mind! This class is an intense Wednesday night track workout that is based on the principles of interval training. You will mix sprints and high-energy cardio drills with strength training. This method will help build your capacity to run longer and faster. The person who shaves the most time off their .5 mile or 1 mile test run wins the $50 gift card. $40 for Sunday MOTR participants; $80 otherwise. This class takes place at the Burlingame High School Track at 7:30 p.m. (March 16-March 18 OR class becomes year-round Sept. 14. You will pay in 10 week packages.) NOTE: There’s a 15 person maximum for this class.

All classes include:

• an individual assessment of your current workout program and fitness level
• Strength training
• Progressively longer runs built on your current fitness level.
• Instruction and information to help you succeed on your own.

COST

• 5K/10K program …… $139 (you must sign up for the 5K program through the City of San Mateo)
• Half marathon ……….. $159
• Rerun club ……………..$10 per class drop-in rate for former MOTR participants. Come when you want and run with the group. You must pre-pay and commit to at least six sessions.
• Conditioning class …… $80  or $40 if signed up for Sunday classes.

For more information, click the tabs on the right under Running Class.

TO SIGN UP:

Send me an e-mail (mothersontherun@gmail.com) noting the following information:

1.) Your name

2.) Which program you are interested in

3.) Whether you will pay by check or PayPal

To pay by check, send money to: Mothers on the Run, 449 Highland Avenue, San Mateo, Calif. 94401

To pay by PayPal: Log on or set up an account at paypal.com and enter my e-mail asjenchristgau@yahoo.com. You will have to pay a small fee.

To sign up for the 5K program, go through the City of San Mateo.

It’s the last MOTR session of the season — so get your run on! In this last session, you will have the opportunity to train for any number of events. MOTR half marathoners will be training for the Nov. 14 Big Sur Half in Monterey. 5k/10kers can either run with a race in mind or just feel the thrill of developing a regular running regimen again!  If you are a former MOTR runner who wants the companionship of the group and some motivation, but don’t need the program, pay a $10 per class drop-in rate and come when you want! You must commit to at least six sessions.

If you are new to the program, find out what so many women last session discovered: The ability to run farther and faster than you thought. We don’t care what your fitness level is or whether you’ve ever run before. This is an inviting, supportive group set to help you get in better shape (re: We know you’re too busy wiping spaghetti sauce off your ceiling and locating matching socks to spend hours at the gym.)

• 5k Program: Train to run 3.1 miles. It doesn’t matter whether you can walk or run. This program will teach you how to handle every new runner situation from the mental hurdles to the physical difficulties (breathing patterns and form). You will start off running/walking 1 mile and build distance each week through speed play. Each participant will receive a program to implement during the week. Class time is spent stretching, running and doing strength training. Class is held at Seal Point Park from 8:30 a.m.  to 10 a.m. Sundays. (Sept. 12 to Nov. 14. )

• 10K program: Train to run 6.2 miles. It doesn’t matter whether you are the slowest runner on the planet or new to running or looking to increase your speed. This program will teach you how to build endurance. You will start off running/walking 1 mile and build distance each week through speed play. Each participant will receive a program to implement during the week. Class time is spent stretching, running and doing strength training.Class is held at Seal Point Park from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sundays. (Sept. 12 to Nov. 14. )

• Half marathon program: Train to run 13.1 miles. You must be able to currently run/walk 5-6 miles in order to sign up for this program. You’ll learn how to run faster and farther, and get all the information and support you need to handle a half marathon. You will start off running/walking 6 miles and build distance each week through the principle of speed play. Each participant will receive a program to implement during the week. Class time is spent stretching, running and doing strength training. Class is held at Seal Point Park from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sundays. (Sept. 12 to Nov. 14. )

• Conditioning class: Join and you might win a $150 gift card to A Runner’s Mind! This class is an intense Wednesday night track workout that is based on the principles of interval training. You will mix sprints and high-energy cardio drills with strength training. This method will help build your capacity to run longer and faster. The person who shaves the most time off their .5 mile or 1 mile test run wins the $50 gift card. $40 for Sunday MOTR participants; $80. This class takes place at the Burlingame High School Track at 7:30 p.m.  (Sept. 22 to Nov.  24 and yes I realize this is just before Thanksgiving, but can you think of any better way to prep for turkey?) NOTE: There’s a 15 person maximum for this class.

All classes include:

• an individual assessment of your current workout program and fitness level
• Strength training
• Progressively longer runs built on your current fitness level.
• Instruction and information to help you succeed on your own.

COST

• 5K/10K program …… $139 (you must sign up for the 5K program through the City of San Mateo)
• Half marathon ……….. $159
• Rerun club ……………..$10 per class drop-in rate for former MOTR participants. Come when you want and run with the group. You must pre-pay and commit to at least six sessions.
• Conditioning class …… $80  or $40 if signed up for Sunday classes.

For more information, click the tabs on the right under Running Class.

TO SIGN UP:

Send me an e-mail (mothersontherun@gmail.com) noting the following information:

1.) Your name

2.) Which program you are interested in

3.) Whether you will pay by check or PayPal

To pay by check, send money to: Mothers on the Run, 449 Highland Avenue, San Mateo, Calif. 94401

To pay by PayPal: Log on or set up an account at paypal.com and enter my e-mail as jenchristgau@yahoo.com. You will have to pay a small fee.

To sign up for the 5K program, go through the City of San Mateo.

Check back in October for the 2011 MOTR training schedule.