Dickens of a Long Run!

As many of you no doubt know, this weekend is Ebensburg's annual Dickens of a Christmas celebration.

To put our own stamp on the event, we EARCites thought we would try something new. So how about:

A Dickens of a Long Run

Saturday, December 5, 7:30 AM

We will meet at Up-n-Running Ebensburg, and go out-and-back on the Ghost Town trail. The distance and pace are entirely up to you. We can't predict who will be there, nor how fast/far they will be running. So bring a friend or six, and let's see what happens.

As an added bonus, our friends at Up-n-Running will have donuts and coffee at the store for when we finish!

Don't Forget the DDC Collection!

For this year's Turkey Trot, EARC will once again hold a collection on race morning to benefit our friends at the Dorothy Day Center.

Please bring along non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products. The drop-off truck will be parked outside of Dauntless Firehall.

We thank you in advance for your contributions to our community!

Veterans Day Run and Turkey Trot Preview

Join us this Wednesday (11/11) at 6:00 PM for a Veterans Day run! We will be previewing the Turkey Trot course, which will be marked with turns and miles.

This is a non-competitive "just for fun" event. So wear your red, white, and blue, as well as reflective gear and blinking lights if you have them.

Runners will meet at Up-n-Running at 6:00 PM. From there, we will walk over to the start (by the fire hall) and begin.

Just a reminder, if you haven't signed up for the Turkey Trot yet, make sure to take care of that soon. The race is almost full, and you don't want to miss out!

Also, if you are not running but can volunteer, please contact our volunteer coordinator. We can always use the help.

The Turkey Trot course

The Brother Shamus Shuffle

Here's a fun, non-competitive event that has become an annual tradition: The Brother Shamus Shuffle on Saturday, August 22, 2015.  Proceeds go to the Dorothy Day Center at Saint Francis University.

See the flyer below for details or visit the event website.

Track Night and C25K Begins!

Just a reminder that tonight (Wednesday, May 27), we will be kicking off our Beginning Runners group at 6:15 PM at the Central Cambria High School track! Unlike previous years, to register, just stop by Up-N-Running Ebensburg (208 W. High Street). If you can't make it before tonight, come out to the track anyway, and complete the registration another time.

In addition to our new runners, we hope that our veteran EARCites will be on hand for a workout this evening. This group generally does between 2-3 miles of quality. So an EARC favorite is something like 8-12 x 300s, with a 100m recovery jog.

If you think that speed work is only for the hardcore few, you're wrong. Anyone who runs regularly (at least 3 times per week, 3 miles or more) can benefit by doing workouts. They break up your routine, improve your stride efficiency, and help improve race performances. So if you've never tried a track workout, now is your chance.

One last note... our rain policy. If there is thunder and lightening, consider track night canceled. Otherwise, running in the rain is one of the joys of the sport. So we'll be out there.

Beginning Running Group 2015!!!

Our Beginning Running Group is back for 2015!

As always, this group is ideally suited for brand new runners, recreational joggers (people who can complete 1-2 miles), and people looking to get back into shape.

We are excited to have two new faces taking the lead: Kevin and Julie Doyle. Well, I guess they aren't technically "new." Kevin and Julie are founding members of EARC and owners of Up-N-Running Ebensburg. So you've seen them around at races and on the roads.

They will be following the same format used with our previous groups, starting with the "Couch-to-5k" training program. And our "graduation race" is still the Ebensburg Homecoming 5k on July 25.

So below are further details. Please feel free to share far and wide!

-------------------

WHAT: Training group to prepare beginning runners to complete a 5k (3.1 mile) race

WHEN: Wednesday Evenings at 6:15PM, May 27-July 22

WHERE: Central Cambria High School Track 

REGISTRATION:  Please register before the first session at Up-N-Running Ebensburg (208 W. High Street). The cost is $20.00 (Cash or check payable to Ebensburg Area Running Club). This covers the weekly training sessions, an EARC/UNR shirt and entry into the Ebensburg Homecoming 5k on July 25, 2015. Runners under age 18 must be accompanied on all runs by an adult. All Participants are responsible for their own safety.

HELPFUL HINTS: Wear running shoes and comfortable attire. If you aren't sure if you have the right shoes, just ask at Up-N-Running when you register. After doing a gait analysis, you will be provided with many options to try. Be sure to bring your own water bottle. It's important to stay properly hydrated and to drink water to replace what you lose when exercising.

CONTACT INFORMATION Julie and Kevin Doyle julie@runpa.com (814) 472-2200

Meet and Greet with Olympian Brian Sell

If you haven't had a chance to visit Up-n-Running in Ebensburg yet, here's a good excuse: Olympian Brian Sell will be there from 2:00-4:00 on Saturday (May 2) for a "meet and greet."

Additional details can be found here.

Brian is a friend to many EARCites, having done his high school running at Northern Bedford and completed his college career at Saint Francis University.

After a few years of running with the Hansons Distance Project in Detroit, he qualified for the 2008 Olympics in the marathon. The trials for the Beijing games were held in New York City in November of 2007. Brian was, to say the least, a long shot to make the squad. But a smart race plan and a remarkable work ethic resulted in a third place finish.

Some come on out and meet Brian Sell!

Oh, and make sure to ask him about the macaroni statue that the good folks at Brooks made in his honor...

The Return of Wednesday Workouts!

Now that the weather is clearing up, we will be resuming Wednesday evening workouts. However, since the track is currently covered in snow, we are running the roads for the next few weeks.

So here's the plan...

Starting this Wednesday (March 18), we will meet at 6:00 PM at Up-N-Running (208 W. High St). Runners/walkers will have two options:

1. A workout, such as mile repeats around Elderwood or hill repeats up S. Cherry Street.
2. Or a run/walk through town, such as the Turkey Trot course.

Needless to say, everything depends on who shows up and our collective ambition level. So bring a friend, and come join us!

Elderwood Loop: It's exactly 1 mile, and it's a "segment" on Strava. If you're not familiar with Strava, check it out. Before too long, you'll find yourself running way too hard at random places on random runs. Because... SEGMENT!!!

Saturday Group Run Starting From Ebensburg's Newest (and only) Running Shop!

I case you haven't heard, Up-n-Running will be opening their Ebensburg store this Saturday at 10:00 AM! The location is 208 W High St.

UnR is owned and operated by EARCites Kevin and Julie Doyle. Kevin's dad, Ed, started the store in Valencia over a decade ago. Kevin worked there when it opened. Prior to that, he ran professionally in Detroit as a member of Hansons-Brooks Distance Project. Julie is a lifelong runner as well, having raced everything from 2 miles to the marathon. So needless to say, these people know their stuff!

To celebrate the opening, Up-n-Running is hosting a group run this Saturday, starting at 8:30 AM. We will start from the store, which is right next to Everyday Gourmet.

Runners can cover whatever distances they choose, and UnR will provide drinks and goodies for post-run recovery.

So come on out for the fun, bring a friend, and please help us to welcome this terrific addition to our local running scene!

Yep, the new store is right where Gearhart's used to be. Don't worry, the gerbils are long gone. Only running shoes and gear from now on.