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.
