Kirby Medical Center: February 2014

Thursday, February 20, 2014

KIRBY DERBY 2014- WHAT PART WILL YOU PLAY IN THE RACE? Kirby Derby 2014

The seventh annual Kirby Derby 5K/10K Run/Walk and Kids’ Race will be held on May 10^th this year. Since its existence, participant numbers have increased annually. Last year, over 1000 people participated in the Kirby Derby and organizers are hoping the growth continues this year. The Kirby Derby was created to include every member of the household; this event includes a 200 or 400 yard race for kids 10 years old and younger, while everyone else can participate in a 3.1 mile walk/run or a 6.2 mile run.

Many people refrain from entering 5k/10k races due to the idea that one must be an avid runner to actively participate. Dr. Cushman, a physical instructor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois begs to differ; research has shown that there are more and more “everyday people” getting involved with these types of races. One of our goals for the Kirby Derby is to get people involved who do not consider themselves to be avid runners. We want people to recognize that the Kirby Derby is more than just a competitive race; it is a community event that promotes wellness, positivity and healthy lifestyles for everyone.

Kirby Medical Center is dedicated to providing opportunities for wellness; KMC will be offering FREE training sessions to help members of the community prepare for the Kirby Derby. These training sessions will include both informational and physical training components. Individuals will be given tips, motivation and support from others while training with a group with similar goals. The training program is designed to help both “everyday people” as well as established run/walkers prepare for race day. Training sessions will be held at Monticello Middle School every Tuesday at 5:30 through race day.

This year’s training program will kick off on Tuesday, March 4^th at Kirby Medical Center with a Runner/Walker Forum. This forum is also free to the public and we encourage everyone’s attendance. Topics at the forum will include running tips, hydration, nutrition information, a CPR refresher course, and answer questions about training for the race. We are confident that the forum combined with the training program and will aide in the overall success of those who want to participate in this year’s Kirby Derby.

It is important to remember that the race is made possible by volunteers; if you are not able to actively participate in the Kirby Derby, organizers can still use your help on race day. For volunteer opportunities, please contact Courtney Adams at cadams@kirbyhealth.org. In addition, the race is also in need of spectators; participants greatly appreciate the support they receive from spectators along the course. So, come out and watch the race! Your support can help the walk/runners reach their Kirby Derby goals. Whether you are a participant, volunteer, or a spectator come out on May 10^th and be a part of a great community wellness event.

Kirby Derby: “Keeping Your Health in Stride”

Duane Schlabach is a Registered Nurse at Kirby Medical Center and he holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from Indiana University.

www.KirbyHealth.org

BEAT MOTHER NATURE AND START TRAINING FOR THE KIRBY DERBY

The cold and snowy winter weather makes it difficult to think about training for this year’s Kirby Derby. Race day is still over 11 weeks away; however, it is approaching quickly. If you have not already started training for the Kirby Derby, it is time to beat Mother Nature and get started. The Illinois weather leaves us with no choice but to train on the treadmill during the winter months. Although it is not the most popular choice for training, it will help you tremendously on May 10^th at the Kirby Derby.

Overcoming the idea of another training session indoors, on that rotating belt can be difficult, but there are many positives that come from treadmill training. Treadmills are guaranteed to facilitate controlled and precise training; running on a treadmill allows you to enter your desired pace and keep that pace throughout your workout. The treadmill also eliminates many excuses as it is never too cold, snowy, or dark when you have a treadmill.

Remember that some training sessions are going to be difficult, but it is the great feeling of accomplishment when you are done that makes those sessions worth it. It can be especially rewarding when the weather is nasty, yet you still completed your training by running on the treadmill. Use this sense of accomplishment to help get you motivated to start your next session or future sessions when you are struggling to get started. It is important to keep in mind that you will never regret completing a training session, but you will regret missing one. Always take pride in your dedication to completing a training session, especially when it is done on a treadmill.

Another way to ensure your success at this year’s Kirby Derby is by enrolling in Kirby Medical Center’s training program. The training program is free and meets at the Monticello Middle School every Tuesday at 5:30. Participants will be given tips, motivation and support from others while training with a group in which individuals share similar goals. This year’s training program will kick off on Tuesday, March 4^th at Kirby Medical Center with a Runner/Walker Forum. This forum is also free to the public and we encourage everyone’s attendance. Topics at the forum will include running tips, hydration and nutrition information, a CPR refresher course, and will answer questions about training for the race. Don’t forget to register for the 7^th Annual Kirby Derby which will talk place on May 10, 2014. You can register at kirbyhealth.org. Hope to see you at the Middle School and at the finish line on May 10^th.

“You have to wonder at times what you’re doing out there. Over the years, I’ve given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.” Steve Prefontaine

Duane Schlabach is a Registered Nurse at Kirby Medical Center and he holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from Indiana University.