DAC New Year's Eve Race Winners Named

The official 2010 race shirt featuring artwork by a Page Robbins' client

On December 31, DAC Fitness Collierville hosted the third annual DAC New Year's Eve 10k Race that once again benefited Page Robbins Adult Day Care Center, a Collierville-based nonprofit organization that provides care for those suffering from dementia-related diseases. Since 2008, DAC has donated more than $5,000 to Page Robbins.

Herbie Krisle, Executive Director of Page Robbins, and Mandy Macri, DAC Fitness Community Outreach Director

More than 100 people participated in the 6.2-mile race, which was open to individuals and two-person relay teams.

A map of the race's 6.2-mile course

The official start of the 10k

The overall male winners include Ben Knoerschild (time - 34:08), Mark Frazier (34:56) and Luke Frazier (36:10).

The overall female winners include Meredith Crane (38:59), Ashley Spriggs (44:18) and Lucia Colbert (45:54).

Relay winners included the mixed male/female team of Pete Hawkins and Lindsay Berrios (45:52), the female team of Pam and Katie Schnell (1:07:43), and the male team of Jeff and Paul Konrad (1:15:42).

For a complete listing of race results, click here. To view all of the race photos, click here.

Congratuations to all the winners!

Don't Miss the DAC New Year's Eve 10K Race!

With 2011 just around the corner, jump-start your New Year's resolutions by participating in the third annual DAC New Year's Eve 10k Race on Friday, December 31st at 9 a.m.!

The race, hosted by DAC Fitness Collierville, will once again benefit the Page Robbins Adult Day Care Center, a Collierville-based nonprofit organization that provides care for those suffering from dementia-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.

Since 2008, DAC Fitness has donated more than $5,000 to Page Robbins. To see the results from last year's event, don't miss this blog entry.

The 6.2-mile race, open to individuals and two-person relay teams, will begin and end at H.G. Cox Park, 440 West Powell Road in Collierville. Both members and non-members are eligible to participate, with all proceeds going to the Page Robbins Center.

Pre-Race Details
Entry Fees: $25.00 for individuals and DAC Members prior to December 31st

$50.00 for relay teams and DAC Members prior to December 31st

$35.00 day of race for non-member individuals

$70.00 day of race for non-member relay teams

Registration is available online via RacesOnline.com or by mail or in person: DAC Fitness Collierville, 440 W. Powell Rd., Collierville, TN 38017.

Pre-race shirt and packet pick-up will be held at DAC Fitness Collierville on December 30 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Race Day Details
Registration will be available the day of the race (12/31) at DAC Fitness Collierville from 7 - 8:30 a.m.

Age Divisions: 12-18, 19-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56+

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top male runner, female runner and relay team, and medals will be given to the top male/female and relay team in each age category.

For more information, call 901-861-2110.

DAC Fitness Hosts Third Annual New Year's Eve 10k Race

DAC Fitness Collierville will host the third annual DAC New Year's Eve 10k Race on Friday, December 31st at 9 a.m. The race will once again benefit the Page Robbins Adult Day Care Center, a Collierville-based nonprofit organization that provides care for those suffering from dementia-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Since 2008, DAC has donated more than $5,000 to Page Robbins. To see the results from last year's event, don't miss this blog entry.

The 6.2-mile race, open to individuals and two-person relay teams, will begin and end at H.G. Cox Park, 440 West Powell Road in Collierville. Both members and non-members are eligible to participate, with all proceeds going to the Page Robbins Center.

Pre-Race Details

Entry Fees: $25.00 for individuals and DAC Members prior to December 31st

$50.00 for relay teams and DAC Members prior to December 31st

$35.00 day of race for non-member individuals

$70.00 day of race for non-member relay teams

Registration is available online via RacesOnline.com or by mail or in person: DAC Fitness Collierville, 440 W. Powell Rd., Collierville, TN 38017.

Pre-race shirt and packet pick-up will be held at DAC Fitness Collierville on December 30 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Race Day Details

Registration will be available the day of the race (12/31) at DAC Fitness Collierville from 7 - 8:30 a.m.

Age Divisions: 12-18, 19-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56+

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top male runner, female runner and relay team, and medals will be given to the top male/female and relay team in each age category.

For more information, call 901-861-2110.

Revamp Your Outdoor Workout

With summer drawing to a close, you may be bored with your outdoor exercise routine. Summer temperatures can often limit what exercises you're able to safely do in the heat, so take advantage of the cooling temperatures and add some variety to your outdoor routine.

If you're a runner ...

Consider signing up for an upcoming 5K race and start training now (if you've recently started running, check out our tips for preparing for a 5K). If you aren't the competition type, incorporate running stairs or sprint intervals into your jog. If you are truly looking for a change of pace, consider trying the latest trend: barefoot running.

If you're a cyclist ...

Get friends and family to join in a day of fun: take a bike trip to a nearby park or neighboring town and enjoy a picnic. Or, explore your town or city by bike, stopping along the way to check out the things you miss while traveling in a car. If you don't have time for an all-day adventure, vary your speed, resistance and elevation (i.e., try some hills) to increase your calorie burn and improve endurance. And, don't forget your helmet!

If you like to hike ...

Tackle a new hill or trail, tracking your time. If you want to stick to the same trail, make it your personal goal to shave off a minute or two each time you hike. Remember that part of the fun in hiking is to experience nature in new ways, so bring friends along and document your hike through photos or video.

If you're a walker ...

Increase your distance by adding a new loop or do your typical routine twice. Add some hand-weights or a weight vest to increase your calorie burn. Don't forget to wear a pedometer to track your steps. If you'd like to increase the amount of steps you take each day, don't miss DAC's tips here.

Remember to enjoy your time outdoors while keeping your workouts interesting.

Preparing for a 5K

Some people are natural runners, others train to become runners and some shun the idea altogether. Whatever group you identify with more, running is one of the best and most accessible cardiovascular exercises.

Even though running 3.1 miles may seem difficult to some, it isn't impossible. In fact, even the most unseasoned runner can train and prepare to complete a 5K run. All you need is motivation, time and dedication, which are all a part of achieving any goal.

Here are a few tips to get started:

Enough with the excuses! Just because you don't consider yourself a runner doesn't mean you aren't capable of running. Find an upcoming 5K race in your area and set a goal to train and be ready by that date, allowing at least eight weeks to safely prepare. If you're an active runner, expand your goal to beat your personal best time.

Instead of focusing on running as merely a workout, think about the changes your body is undergoing. Document the process, so you can track your heart rate, as well as improvements in speed and endurance.

Find a running partner or group. Training with a friend or group will not only force you to be accountable to someone other than yourself, it can push you to run faster and longer. To join a DAC or DAC Fitness running group in your area, find the location nearest you here.

Change routes. Running the same path every day can get old and cause you to lose focus on your goal. Incorporate course changes every few days by adding hills or extending your normal route.

Update your playlist. Listening to music while running can help you track your pace and keep you motivated. Adding a little variety to the usual mix can completely change the tone and pace of your run. Select songs that make you feel upbeat and empowered.

For more information about running a 5K or to identify a training schedule, visit the Runner's World online training section.

Remember to check with your physician prior to starting a new exercise routine.