Blogs

Social Distancing and the Avid Runner: 5 Common Sense COVID-19 Tips

Across the nation, state and local governments are issuing “Shelter in Place” or “Safer at Home” decrees in an effort to flatten the curve of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infections. At the time of this writing, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has not issued such a mandate, but many Texas cities have expressed their own orders. Likewise, hundreds of thousands of mindful Texans have entered “self-quarantine” to help quash the spread of COVID-19.

Virtually Happening

With the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a sudden proliferation of virtual races.  With the stay at home orders and social distancing measures in place, it has become impossible to have a physical race so enter the virtual event.  What the heck is a virtual event many of you have asked?  A virtual event is simply an event where you participate but at a different location and possible time from the actual event.  For a race, that means you run on your own at a location of your choosing but at the same distance as the advertised race.  When you are done, you provide

Coronavirus Concerns

The Coronavirus pandemic has many concerned and rightly so.  While none of us has a crystal ball to really know what the downrange medical fallout will be, we do know that the financial effects will be felt far and wide.  As event coordinators, we are very concerned about the repercussions to the non-profits that we work with.  These non-profits host these events because they help to raise much needed funding to satisfy their organizational needs.  While participants attend these events to have fun, win an award, have social interaction, meet a goal, or possibly to just

Running to Beat Multiple Sclerosis

March is National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. Fundraising runs/walks are popular ways through which runners can help find the cure for this enigmatic affliction.

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition in which the body’s immune system turns against the central nervous system. Inflammation caused by these episodes damages nerve cells and the surround soft tissue, blocking or altering messages sent from the brain to various parts of the body.

Race Director Corner - Volume 2, Issue 2

One of the most often questions that we get asked is how to handle packet pickup.  This is actually a really good question and some thought needs to go into as to how a race wants to handle it.  For small races, it really doesn’t matter a whole lot as anything that you do will be fairly easy.  As the size of the race grows though, you need to put some thought into how you want to handle it.  You want to make it as smooth and easy for both your volunteers as well as the participants.  A packet pickup that is confusing and slow can be frustrating for everyone in

Get Your Heart Racing With Running-Themed Date Ideas

We now find ourselves in the mad grips of February. Love is in the air, the stores swell with flowers and candy, and everyone's pulse tends to tick up a notch or two. While runners are familiar with the take-your-breath-away exhilaration of a good exercise high, why not share some excitement with an agreeable cohort?

The following running-related Valentine's (or any time) date ideas are great for spending quality time with someone who makes your heart race.

Race Director Corner - Volume 2, Issue 1

Welcome to 2020!  We are excited for the prospects of the new decade.  We are especially excited for the opportunities in the racing business.  Athlete Guild is now entering its 11th year of operations.  Some of you have been with us from the very beginning and we really appreciate your business.  We always look forward to helping your events in every way possible.  While we are certainly a race timing company, we hope that to you we are so much more.  Those of you who utilize all of our tools recognize the power of our online tools and what we

Runs in the Family

Welcome to 2020! As I spent this past holiday season surrounded by relatives of every stripe, it got me thinking about how families can enjoy fitness together. Let’s kick the new year off right by examining just a few ways families can stay active, healthy and have fun while doing so.

1. Explore the Neighborhood

7 Safety Tips for Women Runners

The world can be a dangerous place, especially for women. A recent poll conducted by Runner’s World Magazine showed that a whopping 84 percent of the women interviewed experienced harassment while out on their daily run. Incidents ranged from cat calls and horn honking to physical groping, foul language, threats, and even pursuit. These numbers, while sickening, are not surprising.

What Can Be Done?

Race Director Corner - Volume 1, Issue 4

Managing your data properly is one of the most important things you can do as a race director.  The data is not only important to you but is also required for the timer, photographer, and possibly the medical staff.  The question is how do you handle that data?