GE ‘Run Thru The Woods’ Approaching

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The 19th Annual GE Run Thru The Woods charity event will be held on Thanksgiving morning, November 27. While for some the idea of training for this event may seem unappealing or even scary, others may reassure you that it’s the perfect opportunity to do something good for your body and that is greatly rewarding come Thanksgiving Day.

Sandra Sutherland is one such runner. As a certified triathlon trainer and five-year participant in Run Thru The Woods, she provides instructional training for the event. “Training for the event requires lifestyle changes,” said Sutherland. “Those lifestyle changes include daily workouts, healthy food choices, and a positive mental attitude (PMA), one that motivates you to keep going.”

Sutherland’s group began training at the end of August with a workout program that consists of running three days a week, starting with two miles each run, and cross-training (swimming, biking, or aerobics) two other days in the week for an hour a day. One of the group’s early goals was to develop what Sutherland calls an “aerobic hop”, adding a light bounce to their normal walking pace and creating a run. They then got their breathing under control by talking while running.

Through continuous workouts, the group gradually increases their distance by one-half mile each week. Aiming to reach a running distance of 10k (6.2 miles) by the end of training, they’ll increase their distance every four weeks with a rest week in between each four-week build-up, in which they’ll again run their starting distance of two miles. Once they reach a running distance of four miles for the week, they’ll then increase that distance by one mile each week. By mid-October, they’ll be at a running distance of five miles, and come Thanksgiving Day, running five miles for Run Thru The Woods will be like a run during a rest week.

Just as important as the workouts for successful training, are healthy food choices. Those who train for Run Thru The Woods are burning a lot more calories and energy during workouts, so it’s important that they provide their bodies with the proper nutrition, eating the right foods before and after workouts and staying hydrated during workouts and maybe having some form of protein after longer workouts. Sutherland suggests avoiding empty calories and says food intake should be 50 percent carbohydrates, 25 percent protein, and 25 percent healthy fats, such as salmon, avocado, and olive oil. Her advice on choosing what to eat is to go with natural foods that are God-given. Fruits, vegetables, grains and lean meats, such as chicken, fish, and lean beef are healthy eating choices.

The day before the race, Sutherland suggests doing an easy workout with a one to two mile run. Dinner for the evening should consist of foods with carbohydrates and protein: pasta or rice, lean meat, fruit, and bread. Try to avoid foods that are fiber-full. Follow that with a good night’s sleep to wake up early, refreshed and ready to Run Thru The Woods.

Thanksgiving morning, two hours before race time, Sutherland will eat a carbohydrate filled breakfast that will give her the energy she needs to run. It will include a bowl of oatmeal, half a banana, a slice of toast, and eight ounces of Gatorade; but a healthy breakfast isn’t all she has on race day.

There’s an automatic adrenaline a runner gets the day of the race. Surrounded by a community of friends and family and filled with anticipation to finally do what they’ve been training for so diligently, they can’t help but feel energy and excitement as they gather at the starting line.

It’s important that they still maintain healthy habits on their Run Thru The Woods. The Montgomery County YMCA will have water stations set up at approximately every mile. Runners should re-hydrate about every 15 minutes. After the race, race participants can refuel at a complimentary breakfast table, which this year will have pancakes from The Egg & I, followed by a post race party on the Pavilion Plaza. Conversation about the race and other runners is a definite occurrence, with a great feeling of accomplishment that carries on into the rest of the day.

“Run Thru The Woods is an exciting event that brings families and communities together and really makes you appreciate what’s there,” said Sandra Sutherland. “Plus, you get to start the day with some healthy activity before filling up with Thanksgiving dinner, and that’s a good feeling. In participating, I am amazed at the body and what it can do, and I am so thankful to have my family with me to partake in the event.”

When it comes to training for a successful race, attitude is everything. It’s important to maintain a PMA (positive mental attitude). If you believe you can do it, you will do it. Sutherland encourages people to go out and try it, even if they don’t have a run program. “Run Thru The Woods is a fun experience that you’ll enjoy, so just do it.”

For more information about the GE Run Thru The Woods or volunteer opportunities, please contact Roxanne Davis at (281) 367-9622. Online registration is available at the Web site below.