InFlight Prayer and Volunteer Help!

If you’re interested in being on the KSBJ Marathon Prayer Team and volunteering on day of race to help cheer on the individual runners, email ljordan@ksbj.org!

You’ll receive occasional emails with details on how and what to be praying for and also on fun upcoming events you can be part of!

The Benefits of Running.

I got this email today from Coach Michael with In Flight Running:

“ A new study from Stanford University

makes me feel much better about being a long distance runner. In fact it may make me want to be more diligent about my running as I grow older. Running has been trashed a bit over the past few years as a method of exercising that will put your body on a path toward knee and hip replacement but the new study shows quite the opposite. This study showed that runners were 7 times less likely to need a knee replacement later in life than non runners. 
Beyond the obvious benefits of running the 24 year study highlighted the following benefits of running early in life and into your golden years. The study reveals that aging Americans who have been runners can expect the following benefits.Runners suffer from fewer disabilities

• Runners live more active lives
• Runners are half as likely to die than non runners
• Running delays the disabilities of aging by an average of more than 16 years
• Benefits of running increase even as runners approach their 60s, 70s and beyond
• Contrary to popular believe running is not as likely to contribute to knee, back and hip problems
• Runners are 7 times less likely to have a knee replacement than non runners
• Runners suffer from less cancer and neurological problems
• Strenuous exercise like running makes you feel better, longer in life

For more details on the Stanford running study click here or check out the NBC News Video below.

NBC News Video – Older Americans Run For Their Lives, Literally

Record Setting Sell Out.

The Houston Chevron Marathon is officially SOLD OUT!!

I spoke with Steven Karpas, Director of Marketing & Race Development for the Chevron Houston Marathon this afternoon and he said “Yes, this is a record setting sellout for us. Closing registration over 6 months before the race is testament to the success of our event! For those of you who didn’t register,  visit our website for more information on a newly created Wait List.”

To add your name to the wait list, click here!

So exciting! Way to go Houston!

In Flight Running Info Meeting

In Flight running is the official training program of the KSBJ Marathon Team, as chosen by Liz Jordan, Jen Driskill, and Nikki Sparks. If you’d like to train with us, we’d love to have you! The second group of training starts June 28 and we encourage you to come to one of the info meetings to learn more about the training program!

“Want to learn more about our group marathon and half marathon training programs? Join us for an informational meeting this Spring at one of the following locations. All attendees can enjoy our free 30 minute presentation, “The Top 10 Things You Need To Know Before Training For A Marathon or Half Marathon”. After the presentation learn more about our programs, ask questions during our Q & A session, meet the head coaches and sign up for In Flight programs on the spot.”

Thursday June 5th – 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Fleet Feet Sports – Rice Village
2408 Rice Blvd
Houston TX 77005
Google Map Link
713.520.6353
Rice Village Shopping Center – Rice @ Morningside Dr.

For more upcoming info meetings, click here!

KSBJ’s Evening Announcer Makes It Official!

Welcome to the team Jen Driskill!

Jen says: “I always thought people who ran marathons were crazy!!!  26.2 miles…ya gotta be kidding me!!  But I’ve actually been wanting to run a marathon since I got out of high school, and I figure now is as good a time as any to run one of these crazy races!  I’m excited about the training and getting into really good shape, as well as having lots of fun on our KSBJ team!”

KSBJ’s N. Sparks Joins The Team!

I was so floored the other day when Nikki came into the studio and shared how she’d not only decided to run the Half Marathon, but that she’d also already registered! Nikki is an amazing mother, wife and incredible asset to the KSBJ family, serving as the Senior Director of Communications.

Nikki says: “Beyond catching Liz’s “marathon fever,” which is totally infectious, the word “discipline” has really hit me on multiple levels since the KSBJ 30 Day Challenge and Year of New Beginnings commitment. I have always lived a fitness lifestyle but I have never taken it to the level needed to complete something as demanding as a marathon. My hope is that the discipline it takes to train for this event will carry over into every aspect of my life that I feel needs more definition and concentration. This includes my spiritual life. I cannot make to the end of a thirteen mile run on my own strength, so depending on God to help me achieve this goal will resonate beyond the incredible physical journey for me. Not to mention I am truly jazzed about the weight that will be falling off with every step of every mile. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate turning 38! Thanks Liz for the extra push I needed to make the commitment. I can’t wait to meet the team!”

Upcoming Fun Runs.

We want to see you there! These are GREAT for practicing and getting excited for the big race, January 18th, 2009.

::Mark Your calendars!::

Houston Heights Run 5K
Historic Houston Heights
Saturday June 7, 2008
Race Website & Sign Up
This race welcomes the dog days of summer with a nice steamy 5K run/walk down Heights Boulevard in the historic Houston Heights. Don’t miss this Houston running tradition and stick around for the classic children’s race afterwards. We will use this race as our first official time trial for our Fall marathon group. Proceeds benefit the Houston Heights Association.

Lazy Crazy Days of Summer 5K
Houston Downtown Aquarium
Saturday August 9, 2008
Race Website & Sign Up – Coming soon
An out and back course ran from the Downtown Aquarium on Memorial Drive. This is always a hot race run during the dog days of summer but a great first test of our runners 5K race times. We use this race as our first official time trial for our Fall Marathon training group.

For a complete list of all local 5k fun runs and upcoming half/full marathons around Texas, click here!

Mark Your Calendar!

Want to learn more about our group marathon and half marathon training programs? Join us for an informational meeting this Spring at one of the following locations. All attendees can enjoy our free 30 minute presentation, “The Top 10 Things You Need To Know Before Training For A Marathon or Half Marathon”. After the presentation learn more about our programs, ask questions during our Q & A session, meet the head coaches and sign up for In Flight programs on the spot.

Thursday May 15th – 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Spine & Sports Therapy
4295 San Felipe, Suite 230
Houston TX 77027
Google Map Link
713.629.9200
Inside the Prosperity Bank Building
Park in visitor parking garage – entrance on Bancroft Dr.

Just Added!
Thursday May 22nd – 7:00 – 8:00 PM
KSBJ 89.3 FM Studios
1722 Treble Drive
Humble TX 77338
Google Map Link
832.644.5725
Radio station auditorium

Click here for many more informative meetings with Coach Michael Merlino and In Flight Running!

Free Running Shoes.

If you sign up to train for the Aramco Half Marathon or Chevron Houston Marathon with In Flight Running by May 23rd, you’ll automatically be entered to win a brand new pair of Puma running shoes!
To register and learn more about In Flight Running, CLICK HERE.

Many thanks to our sponsors Puma and Fleet Feet!

KSBJ Marathon Team Kickoff Party!

Join us at the KSBJ Studios on May 22nd at 7 p.m. for the KSBJ Marathon Team Kickoff Party! We want to meet you and give you a chance to fellowship with other runners!

We’ll have giveaways, food and drinks… bring some friends and family!

You’ll also meet coaches Michael Merlino and Duval Ruiz from InFlight Running, the official training program of the KSBJ Marathon Team.

We’ll learn about the benefits of running with the team and how we’ll be raising money for some excellent causes. Michael and Duval will cover everything from the training program details to how to buy the right type of shoes for your feet!

Maybe you haven’t decided yet whether or not to run the half or the full. Come hang with us and we can talk and pray about it with you, ya?

I can’t wait to meet with you and get excited together about working towards this incredible goal!

Click here for a map to KSBJ Studios.