A Summer to BRAG About

BRAG-header-2016

Woohoo! BRAG starts 6/25 at 6:45 a.m. Whether you’ve been wanting to start a regular run/walk routine, or recently woke up with the burning desire to run a 10-K or half marathon, it’s time to get started! (If you’ve been stalling, you can still register now through July 12 HERE.)

This is going to be a summer of fun and challenges. New friends, sore muscles, and exhilaration are all part of the package. Nerves play a role too. Sometimes they’re the good kind—the ones that convince you to sign up for BRAG–and sometimes they’re not. If you’re feeling nervous about showing up for BRAG this week, don’t. Here’s what’s going to happen.

On Saturday, you’ll meet Head Coach Helen Wilms, and the leading run and walk group coaches, Amy Medina and Sheila Wood.  There are more KCE coaches and mentors you’ll meet over time. They’re all very nice, non-scary people who’ve been running and coaching for a long time.  Each week the coaches will share quick tips and inspiration for building your mileage. Then we’ll go for a run or walk. Some of the participants will be BRAG members, and others will be long-time KCE members. Run or walk with whoever you like!  We don’t assign pace groups. Run or walk at your own pace and don’t feel pressured to keep up with anyone else.  And whenever you can, stay for coffee after.

Then you can go home and sit around for a week. Ok, not really. You’ll need to run or walk and do some cross-training between Saturdays. But you won’t be completely alone in this. Your BRAG schedule will suggest some workouts.  Over time, you’ll connect with other BRAG and KCE members to share the ups and downs of training– that’s a big part of what our club is all about.

Don’t worry about feeling like a beginner or asking “dumb” questions. KCE is full of former beginners who just keep taking on new challenges, whether in distance or speed, or other aspects of our lives. We look forward to BRAG season as a time to meet new friends, share our experiences, and learn from you too.

After a summer of training, we’ll be ready for our goal races. In September, we’ll run/walk the Plaza 10-K, and in October, we’ll tackle the Kansas City Half Marathon. If your goal is the 10-K, you should still plan to volunteer with us at the half. (We’re known for our crazy, costumed water stop!)

And that’s it. Show up, run/walk, repeat. Smile and make new friends. Do something you never thought possible. Not a bad way to spend a summer, huh?

See you Saturday!


 

 

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