Twelve weeks ago, twenty one women and two men signed up with Solstice Outdoors to form a 10K and Half Marathon Training Team, a group designed to take on the Whistlestop Half Marathon, Cruisin' the Corridor 10K and other local races. These dedicated participates began a twelve week training program with Certified Personal Trainer, Mari-Kay Nabozny that has successfully prepared them physically and mentally for the big race this coming Saturday!
Group leader, Mari-Kay Nabozny, has coached several runners who completed their first races or set new personal records while igniting their passion for distance running. She provides fun and effective fitness programs that improve overall fitness level while offering positive support, encouragement, and proper workouts! Mari has completed 28 half-marathons, 2 marathons, and a 70.3 half-Ironman.
"Training with a running group is a fabulous way to enter into the sport of running and meet other new runners and have your questions and fears addressed by a trainer. Training groups also keep seasoned runners motivated towards their goals and connected to their community. The 2013 running group has put in countless hours and miles getting ready for Whistlestop weekend and very prepared to race and cross that finish line smiling and in their goal times. Friendships have been forged over the last 3 months and will continue to grow as the team is already planning spring races to compete in together and plan to train over the winter together, says Mari.
Katie Gellatly, owner of Solstice Outdoors and one of the primary sponsors of the Whistlestop commented, “ We are excited to support this group of dedicated individuals and to be a part of an event that supports our mission to be a catalyst in the community for connecting customers to the outdoors and to one another. We can't wait to see the members of our group and all the other racers cross the finish line!”
If you are interested in running but not ready to commit to a race, Solstice Outdoors encourages you to try out their Thursday night Happy Hour Run Group. Anyone interested simply can meet at the store at 5:30 pm every Thursday to head out on a three to six mile jog around town. Multiple levels of experience from fast runners to beginners are welcome to join. As a bonus, Solstice Outdoors is now giving away long sleeve t-shirts when you run with them for four weeks!
The Whistlestop Marathon and Half Marathon is Saturday, October 11th and 12th. The course begins in Iron River, Wisconsin and finishes in Ashland, Wisconsin on Lake Superior's south shore. Before the race, be sure to check out the Solstice Outdoor booth at the finish line and also visit the shop on Main Street for the latest in fall fashions, essential running gear, and for more information regarding their running groups.
