A Year in Pictures

What a great year! As always running has brought together many new people that may not have met otherwise. I can't wait to see what next year brings!

Enjoy!

3rd Annual Jingle Bell Jog for the Hungry

Our 3rd Annual Jingle Bell Jog is right around the corner. This is one of my favorite events of the year. It is festive and fun - lots of people show up decked out with holiday spirit. The feeling of community and sharing fills the air.

Date: Saturday 12/15/12
Time: Run starts at 9:00AM
Location: The Mailroom - 156 North Trade Avenue, Landrum, SC
Entry Fee: Non-perishable food item(s)
Distance: Choose the 4 mile or 2.5 mile loop
Prizes: Random drawings for prizes - you don't have to finish first to win!

This is an important event for us because it serves to feed the hungry, specifically children. All food donations are going to the Tryon Elementary School backpack program. We are trying to do our part to help the where we can. The Tryon Running Club's motto is "Giving Back One Step at a Time". Help us do more!

There are so many heartbreaking statistics about all the children living in poverty. Take some time to check out this article and video on PBS - Childhood Poverty in the US.

Bundle up, grab your Jingle Bells and join us!!!

Results and Race Photos

Thanks to the 180 runners who ran our first-ever Tryon Half Marathon yesterday!

Results are here!

A board member from Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry (race beneficiary) took these great pics!

Check in this week for a race report!

Thanks to all who ran, sponsored, volunteered and cheered!

Scarlette

Course Info!

The Morgan Chapel Road intersection is going to be a great central point on the course for the following needs while you're running the half:

- Portojohn COURTESY of All Bright Sanitation

- Medical assistance

- Transportation

- Orange slices

You Can Still Register!

Online registration is now closed for the Tryon Half Marathon, but you can still sign up at the following dates and times:

Friday, Nov. 16 / 4-7 p.m.
Packet Pick-Up at Harmon Field Cabin

Saturday, Nov. 17 / 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
Harmon Field Cabin

Due to the overwhelming response to this first-ever race, we have to order more finishers' medals, but all should receive a shirt unless you all come out in droves. Please know that we will mail your medal to you as soon as the shipment comes in!

Guaranteed goodies include hot breakfast, beautiful handmade pottery OA, Masters (both 3-deep) and 1st in AG.

Remember - this course is not certified and is on a hybrid surface - a mix of asphalt and packed dirt/gravel.

Thank you all so much for your support and hope you have an awesome race with us on Saturday morning!

Please contact me if you have any questions!

Scarlette Tapp
Race Director
864-680-1770
sbtapp@windstream.net.

Exceeding Expectations

The Tryon Half Marathon is one week from today. When the TRC took on this endeavor, we did it with realistic expectations. It's a first time race. It's 13.1. It's in a smaller, more rural area. We wanted to keep it simple.

But, as the registration numbers come in and the volunteers step forward and sponsors donate funds and in-kind goods and services, we are realizing that this half marathon is exceeding our wildest expectations.

So, in advance, we want to thank those that are participating in whatever way you are. Even the folks that will come out cheer, you play an important role.

Today is the last day to sign up online at the early bird rate of $40. You have until 11:59 p.m. EST at www.strictlyrunning.com. After that, we will take registrations at packet pickup at Harmon Field in the Cabin from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and then again on race morning, same place, from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 a.m.

Here are directions to the race and packet pick-up: Harmon Field.

Looking forward to seeing you cross the finish line and helping Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry outrun poverty!

Scarlette Tapp
Race Director

Quick Race Facts for Tryon Half Marathon

Hope you all are making the most of this peak fall running weekend! We are less than a month out from our first half marathon in Tryon, NC, so I wanted to share some quick race facts:

Early Registration Online for $40 until Nov. 10th at www.strictlyrunning.com. You can also mail in an entry form and download here. 

Same Day Registration for $45 will be available at Packet Pick-Up on Friday, Nov. 16th from 4-7 p.m. at Harmon Field Cabin and from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on race morning (11/17).

Course Map is here. Please note the course is not certified.

The course is marked with the start on Harmon Field Rd. in bright YELLOW paint and follows course. Mile markers are painted on asphalt and marked with bright orange flags on roadside when on gravel. Turnaround point is marked with a TA on the bright orange flag.

The best part of this race is truly the fact that race proceeds for this first year will benefit 501(c)3 nonprofit Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry.
Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry (Outreach) strives to meet the multiple needs of individuals, children and families in Polk County, North Carolina. Whether it is providing food through its Food Pantry and Feed-A-Kid programs or by helping families facing the loss of their home or utilities being cut off, Outreach seeks to bring the necessities of life to those who need a helping hand and a caring heart. And, through this half marathon, Tryon Running Club is helping Outreach OUTRUN POVERTY!


Please make note of our SPONSORS to the right on this site. Their support truly makes an event like this possible!

Scarlette Tapp
Race Director

Tryon Half Marathon Course is Marked!

For those who want to check out the full course, it is now marked!

Mile markers are painted yellow on the asphalt or marked with bright orange flags with mile numbers on the roadside. There is a "TA" flag at the turnaround point. Aid stations will be at miles 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. More details to come soon. One month from today is the big day!

Half Marathon & 5K Training Runs This Weekend!

Our training runs for this weekend are as follows:

Saturday, Oct. 13 @ 7:15 a.m. 
Red Fox Country Club
8 Miles or 3.1 Miles

Group Training Run for the upcoming Tryon Half Marathon (11/17) AND Tuesday School Tot Trot 5K (10/27). The half-ers will run 8 miles doing 2+ loops around Red Fox CC. The 5K runners will make the 3.1 mile loop around this scenic golf course. Registration for both events is at www.strictlyrunning.com.

Sunday, Oct. 14 @ 7:30 a.m. 
Park at Lynn Post Office on Highway 108
8 Miles for Tryon Half Marathon training

This group run will be a long run for those in half training mode. We will pick up around mile 1 of the half course at the intersection of Clarence Rhodes Rd. at the Lynn Post Office and head toward Screven (or Scriven on some maps) toward River Rd. Out and back 4 miles. Please text 864-680-1770 before 7:25 a.m. if you need us to wait for you before starting. 

Handcrafted Pottery Awards!

We are pleased to announce that artist JIM CORNELL is handcrafting beautiful awards for the Tryon Half Marathon! Overall & Masters are 3 Deep. 1st place for age groups. No matter what, though, everyone will have something nice to take home and mark their accomplishment! 

Tryon Half Marathon: Accommodations!

Thank you, Pine Crest Inn in Tryon! They've put together a race weekend package for our runners that is great for those who want to enjoy some time in our beautiful area throughout the race weekend.

The Beautiful Pine Crest Inn, Tryon, NC

 Pine Crest Inn will offer a 10% discount on a two-night stay for those who are participating in the Tryon Half Marathon on November 17th. Just call for reservations on 828-859-9135. They will provide a "Runner's Breakfast Box" available for race day!"

Check out our Race Logo for the T-shirt & Medal Logo!

Thirteen Point One

You've seen the magnets. Maybe one is on your car. Maybe you want one. Why is 13.1 so...so...

What's the big deal?

I can't speak for everyone, but the half marathon distance is the ultimate runner's distance for many reasons.

1. Before the half marathon, there was nothing "in between" the 10K and the marathon. For runners who have mastered and PR'ed their 10K race to the point of boredom, what else can you do? If you've ever done 26.2 miles, you know how that distance transcends your hardest race or PR. It tests your will more than your body. And lopping on 20 more miles to your best 10K is a significantly tough challenge.
2. The time commitment of the half marathon is very manageable. You can work up those miles with your longest maybe around 10-12 before your half and still enjoy time with your friends or family on the weekend without feeling completely wiped out for the rest of your day. A couple of hours of running that do not stress your body to the point of ice baths make half marathon training less daunting!
3. Many runners incorporate walking into their training and some people enjoy walking long distances. However, walking 26.2 miles does not sound appealing to many. But 13.1 miles at a 15-minute mile walking pace, may give you a 3 hour and 17 minute race time. That is a great walk and, again, doable!
4. And to me, there's something magically strengthening (envision the "Hulk" busting out and turning green or "Forrest Gump's" skinny legs breaking free from his braces) in crossing over into double digit miles. Once you've run 10 miles, you know there is only a 5K left. Your legs and heart have enough left to help you finish strong. You've got this!

If you're running a long run of 5 or 6 miles right now, you have plenty of time to train to reach a HALF MARATHON GOAL on Saturday, November 17th at the Tryon Half Marathon. We've designed a terrific course highlighting some of our favorite training routes in Polk County and the terrain will be forgiving as you hit the softer surface. If you've ever wanted to take it up a notch, NOW is the time.

You know you want this on the back of your car.

To sign up for Tryon Half Marathon, go to to www.strictlyrunning.com. All proceeds benefit Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry.

Tryon Running Club member and triathlete/endurance coach Katie Malone has provided us with a half training plan for all levels of running (beginner to advanced). Check out our Facebook page to get the plan!

Fall Training - Week 4

Happy week 4! Our training is just moving right along. I hope everyone is seeing progress and feeling good.

This week's group run will be:

Saturday 9/1/12
7:30AM
Lake Lanier - park at the Tea House

Hope to see you!


"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."


-Jim Ryan

Fall Training - Week 3

We have had some really nice group runs the past few weeks! It is good to see everyone working hard at a goal.

Our next group run will be Saturday 8/25 at 7:30AM on River Road. Meet at/near Morgan Chapel Church and we will start from there. If you are following the Malone Coaching plan for beginners we are at 5 miles this week. We will be doing a 2.5 mile out and back.

Quote of the week:
"Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you're young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don't let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself." John Bingham, running speaker and writer


Don't forget! Take some running pictures of your "rave" runs - either local or on vacation. Post them on Facebook! Here is one of the trails I ran on a couple of years ago in Arizona. It was amazing!

The Official Training Starts Now!

If you are planning on following one of Coach Katie Malone's training plans for The Ache Around the Lake and/or the Tryon Half Marathon, then training starts Monday August 6th. The plans all include three days of running and some cross training. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced plans that on differ with weekly mileage.

We will be posting weekly group runs on our Facebook page so please check in often so you can join us!

Let the Fall Training Begin!

The hot days of summer are still here, but if you want to run a fall race you need to start training now! We have two big local events coming up soon - The Ache Around the Lake on 9/22/12 and our very own Tryon Half Marathon on 11/17/12. There are many fun miles to be logged!

We have started a beginners running group that meets each Saturday. We are just focsed on getting out there and running, run/walking or maybe just walking. Hopefully you plan on training for one of our local races but even if you don't please join us. The more the merrier.  Times and locations are posted on Facebook as well.

This weekend's run will be a track workout at Harmon Field. Many of us participated in the running clinic held by Coach Katie Malone so we want to put into practice what we learned. It's all about muscle memory!  We will have some simple track workouts for you to do, but if you would just rather come and do your own thing, please do!

See you then!

Running Clinic July 31 at Harmon Field

Don't forget--we have a great running clinic on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. The cost will be $10 per person... BUT, if you register for our Half Marathon before the clinic it will be free! Please take advantage of this offer!


For more information about the event, please visit us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/439527442735640/

Summer Updates!

We've been busy at TRC this summer! If you haven't checked in with us here recently or on our Facebook page, here are the highlights:

• We joined RRCA and are now a nonprofit running club. We are still taking new members for the 2012 year and thought it best to keep membership open until our first clinic on July 31. Benefits of membership include discounts on club sponsored events (including the Tryon Half Marathon). 
• You can find us online with our new URL:  www.tryonrunningclub.com or you can still use the old blogspot address to find us here. 
• Our Facebook page is mainly a way to communicate with members and also a message board for members and nonmembers to set up their own runs. Please post and help motivate your fellow runners to get out there!
• TRC has put together a Clinic Series that includes the following:
• July 31(Tuesday) - Running Clinic with Endurance and Triathlete Coach Katie Malone. Coach Katie will focus on running form (new techniques!), beginner basics, and tips for building up to a half marathon. There is something for everyone. The cost will be $10 per person... BUT, if you register for TRC's Half Marathon before the clinic, it will be free! 
• Mid-August - Nutrition & Stretching with John and Diane Cash of Nature's Storehouse. Stay tuned for more details.
• October - Injury Prevention by Pro PT.

• Beginner's Group: We've started a Saturday morning group focused on beginners, new runners and even seasoned runners who have taken time off. We're building using the Jeff Galloway method of run-walk intervals. Next Saturday's (July 28) Run will start at 8:00 a.m. at Morgan Chapel Road to be mostly done on River Road (flat and dirt/gravel - soft!). Park at Morgan Chapel Church on Hunting Country Rd. Contact sbtapp@windstream.net for more information. We'll run-walk for a total time of 40 minutes.
• Though not a TRC event, as a club, we always train for local races. The 7th Annual Ache Around the Lake 8K and 2-Mile Ouch will be held on Saturday, September 22 at Lake Lanier. We'll be starting training runs for that soon. Stay tuned!
• TRC is organizing its first race on November 17, 2012:  Tryon Half Marathon. This 13.1 mile out-and-back course will offer the beauty of the mountains without the elevation! This course is flat and mostly on soft dirt/packed gravel and begins at Harmon Field. Registration is open online at www.strictlyrunning.com and more official information will be coming out in the next couple of weeks. Please see our race page for more details. 

Also, a final thought to leave you with. This club is made up of what I like to call "everyday runners." We love to get our hearts and legs pumping on the roadways of Polk County, NC and Landrum, SC. And many of us started this process by walking. No matter your pace. No matter your background. We welcome you to join up with us at our next adventure.

~ Scarlette

Tryon Running Club to Become Local Chapter of Road Runners Club of America

Tryon, NC—April 22, 2012—Members of the Tryon Running Club (TRC) are making their organization “official” by joining the Road Runners Club of America to form a nonprofit running club. The group, often self-described as “just a Facebook page,” is excited about taking their social running club to a new level: a socially responsible running club. As a nonprofit organization, the Tryon Running Club will be able to give back to the community.

The group, which formed in January 2009, has built quite a network of runners and walkers that meet regularly at the Harmon Field track for 5:30 a.m. workouts and on Saturdays for longer, more scenic runs. Members routinely participate in and train for local running events including the upcoming PAC Trail Race on May 5, 2012. In addition to training runs, the Tryon Running Club has teamed up with Malone Coaching to offer running clinics geared to new runners.

The Tryon Running Club welcomes all levels of fitness—walkers, new runners and seasoned athletes. "When we meet for the track workout or group run, the idea is to start off together and break off into pace groups,” explains one of the groups’ organizers Laura Phelps. “We all have different goals we are working on, but being out there together and supporting each other makes the run so much more fun. The best part is being able to see people accomplish goals they have set for themselves. Being part of this group is very rewarding." 

The first official meeting of the Tryon Running Club will take place on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Harmon Field Picnic Shelter. Dues are $12 per year and include a member discount to events hosted by the club.

Better Together

When I started running in 2008 I logged every mile by myself mostly around Harmon Field. Nobody knew me so I could easily plug in my music and run anonymously around the park. Nobody knew me and I liked it that way. I mostly ran at night so nobody would see me and I could remain invisible. I didn’t want the attention as I huffed and puffed my way around the track.


That all changed one night in 2009 when there was a group of a few other runners out there as well. I could see them running together and chatting, enjoying each other’s company. I was a bit envious on the camaraderie, but who would ever run with me? I was overweight and slow… not like them. They were athletic looking and probably fast. They were the runners I could only hope to be. I kept my head down and continued to run. Before I knew it they were coming my way and invited me to run with them. I told them I couldn’t keep up and I would only slow them down but they insisted.

I ran with them and, although I had a hard time talking and got out of breath, I managed a mile with them before my workout was done. It was nice. That was the first time I heard of the Tryon Running Club. My training continued and I am sure they continued to run as well, but I never managed to meet up with them again until the Ache.

Sometimes in running, as in life, you just have to be ready to take that first step. Scarlette posted an Ache Around the Lake training run and I decided to go. It was scary to show up by myself not knowing what to expect. Thank goodness I did! Not only was the training run just what I needed but I met people that would become my friends. That one day changed my life… and I am not saying that lightly. I needed to take that first step to get out and meet other runners and get involved.

Since that day I have met so many new and wonderful people; people I never would have met if it were not for our little running club. There are so many out there with different goals and experiences to share. I love being with them and sharing in their success; from the first time someone ran a mile without stopping to others qualifying for the Boston Marathon… there is no limit.

Now we are ready to take the next step for our running club and make it official. Why? We want to get the word out about our wonderful little club. We want to share the joys of running and find ways to give back to the community. Now is the time to make it happen. I hope you come out and see what we have in store.

As Bart Yasso autographed in a book for me, “Never limit where running can take you.”

Next Local Race - The PACRun!

It's time to get ready for the 2nd Annual PACRun 5K Trail Run on May 5th, 2012.  This race is held on the beautiful trails surrounding Tryon Estates. It is a TRAIL race so there are no smooth paths here, but it is not terribly technical so it is a great trail run for someone new to trail running or someone (like me) who is lacking coordination. 

The PACRun, along with the PACWalk held the same day, benefits the Pacolet Area Conservancy which strives to protect mountains, forests, farms, waterways and greenspaces.

 Race Director Caroline Eller is an active member of the Tryon Running Club and does a great job coordinating everything on race day. Last year the race was fun and well organized with plenty of volunteers to keep things running smoothly. After the race there is an awards ceremony and FREE LUNCH!

You can register for this run online at Strictly Running or on race day before the race.

Location:
Tryon Estates
617 Laurel Lake Drive
Columbus, NC 28722

Schedule of events:
PACRun:
7:30 AM - Check in and registration
8:00 AM - Trail run start

PACWalk:
9:00-9:45 AM - Check in and registration
10:00 AM - PACWalk begins

Approximately 11:30 AM - awards and lunch

Hope to see you there!

The Most Meaningful Runs

In between runs, when I'm going about daily life in my car, making my way hurriedly from point A to point B on the roads I pound with my Asics, I often think back to this run or that run. The most memorable runs, it seems, are not races. Those runs that evoke quiet laughter or accomplishment or friendship were usually confined to an ordinary day when I did a memorable thing. I either conquered a hill without walking or I ran with a friend that I needed that day or I donned reflective gear and a watch to put my all into a training run that would prepare me for race day.

Our running club members have logged many memorable runs in the last few years. Some we've shared together. Some we've run alone with texts and Facebook messages greeting us afterward telling us "way to go!" Take a moment to think about why you run with us. Yes, races and Age Group wins and Overalls are amazing moments in our lives that prove to ourselves that we can push and do anything we put our minds to, but social runs and training runs are sometimes the ones that make our hearts smile and push us to lace up our shoes on days that we'd rather forget.

Please join us for a run soon!

Scarlette

Spring Running is Almost Here!

It's been a crazy winter, routinely enjoying 60s and 70s. For the Thermal Belt, we've pretty much been blessed with excellent running weather (minus the rain). Many of our TRC members have been hitting the roads and trails pretty hard, racing and training throughout the winter months. Of course, these die-hards would be out there no matter what kind of weather!

We've got a lot to look forward to as Spring comes to our area. We hope you'll join us as we ratchet up our training runs. Many area races are on the calendar and that means many miles to conquer. Whether you're training for your first 5K or training for Boston (we have a couple of our members doing just that!), it's time to get out there with us.

Please check our Facebook page as that's where we post our runs. I'll try to do better about updating the blog, too. As it stands now, there are a dedicated few that meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Harmon Field track at 5:30 a.m. We will also start up our Saturday morning runs usually starting at 8.

Happy Running!
Scarlette