Ho Ho Holiday Hours

Friends,
We wish you and yours a wonderful holiday.
We will be closed on Christmas day and the day after Christmas. We will be open on New Years Eve from 10a-3p and closed on New Years Day. In between and afterwards, we will resume regular hours. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Merry Christmas and Happy 2009!

Women's Beginner Running Clinic Starts January 14th!

Whether you want to get into shape (new years resolution?), improve your current fitness level, or simply work on walking or running consistently and taking some time out for yourself, this clinic is for you!

Select from different pace groups, each one progressing throughout the 12-week clinic. Benefit from the camaraderie and energy of your group, and meet new walking and running buddies! Experience how fun and rewarding walking and running can be!

WHO? For women 18+ interested in achieving fitness in a group atmosphere and having a whole lot of fun!

WHAT? A 12 week clinic to help you comfortably progress to walking or running at a pace that is right for you and achieves your goals. Weekly group walk or run in a
pace group that is right for you, and discussions with local experts on training, injury prevention, nutrition, shoes, safety and much more! Each week includes a 20-minute fitness talk, followed by a group walk/run, and weekly work-out schedule.

WHEN? Wednesdays, 6:15-7:45pm, January 14th – April 1, 2009

WHERE? We will meet at Bull City Running Co. Group runs will be on American Tobacco Trail and surrounding neighborhoods.

COST? $75 for 12-week program
Registration is non-refundable; Limited to first 30 participants.

TO REGISTER: stop by the store or email us: bullcityrunning@gmail.com

oh, the weather outside is frightful...

ok, so it's a little nippy out these days. many of us a) decide it is simply too cold to get out of bed, b)decide it is simply too cold to get off the couch, c) decide it is simply too dark to run outside, or d) all of the above.

if this is you, here is your gentle prodding: come run with us! we don't have a delightful fire, but we did have donuts and coffee on saturday morning...'cause america runs on dunkin. or something like that. that was a completely unsolicited plug, by the way. but apparently dunkin donuts coffee just beat out starbucks in a national blind taste test.

anyway, as a reminder, here are our group run times:
tuesdays @ 6:30a
thursdays @ 6:00p
saturdays @ 8:00a

in other news, we now carry the Brooks Trance 8, which just made WIRED magazine's top gear picks of the year list. The Trance 7 won Runners World's Editors Choice Award and the Trance 8 has the same stellar features with a green twist: BioMoGo, the world's first biodegradable midsole. check it out!


also, new updates to the Mizuno Wave Ride and Wave Inspire just arrived (so the older models are on sale!)

Giving Thanks

For your support, your referrals, and your friendship, we are thankful.
Bring in this coupon for 15% off any regularly priced item.
(Or, save a tree and just mention you saw this on our blog!)

New Arrivals: Yankz!, Zensah, and Moving Comfort

Yankz! Sure Lace System: never tie your shoe laces again!
"The most comfortable and innovative athletic lacing system around."


Zensah Compression Clothing: training and recovery leg sleeves, arm sleeves, and ankle supports.
"Zensah’s revolutionary seamless design consists of an ultra-breathable moisture wicking fabric that draws sweat away from the body allowing the garment and athlete to stay cool, dry and light. Zensah™, the pioneer of enhancement apparel, has created an innovative seamless garment designed as a true second-skin, providing the athlete greater performance, comfort and mobility."

Moving Comfort Maia bra: "Remarkable 2-in-1 support for the C/D cup size. Seam-free molded cups and an underwire separate and support for an enhanced fit and have a smooth, no-line look under shirts, internal spacer fabric extends from cup to strap to reinforce support and increase comfort, and the back straps adjust to fit you best. Three plush-backed hook-and-eye rows on band."

Congrats to City of Oaks & OBX Finishers!

By our count, Durham was well represented at both the City of Oaks Marathon (63 finishers) & Half Marathon (201 finishers) and the OBX Marathon (31 finishers) & Half Marathon (87 finishers) this past weekend.

Congratulations to all the local runners!

Saucony ProGrid Triumph 6 has arrived!

Features that remain from the Triumph 5
(which won the 2008 "Gear of the Year" award):

• Arch-lock for a secure mid-foot fit
• Full-length ProGrid
• SSL EVA - a lightweight EVA blend
  

Snazzy updates:

• Increased full-length ProGrid to help absorb and dissipate shock as well as provide a seamless heel-to-toe transition
• Added overlays to the forefoot to decrease movement
• Increased the heel impact zone to provide greater shock attenuation and improve transition
• A new sockliner that is antimicrobrial and provides improved cushioning

All in all, the Triumph 6 offers the neutral runner flexible and responsive cushioning for a plush and smooth ride. Stop by to give it your own review!

Group Runs Start Tomorrow!

For those of you who need a little team spirit to get out for a run now that the weather is a bit cooler and the days are shorter, we'll be hosting group runs from the store starting this week!

Tuesdays - 6:30 am
Thursdays - 6:00 pm
Saturdays - 8:00 am

All different pace groups are welcome! Baby jogger strollers are welcome!
Distances from 3-16+ miles on the ATT are possible from the store, and we can provide maps/directions.
Please feel free to use the store to secure valuables, change clothes, or use the facilities.
Please dress warmly and brightly for the early morning and evening runs!

Local Marine Corps Marathon Finishers!

Congrats to all who pounded out 26.2 around our nation's capital!

CARTER ABNEY
SARAH ATKINSON
LENEA BEARDING
ELVIS BORDERS
DAVID BRADY
AMY CONRY
HUNTER CREDLE
DEBORAH DAVILA
CHRISTINA DIDERIKSEN
SETH DOWLAND
SAMANTHA EKSTRAND
PAUL FRANKLIN
MICHAEL FULTON
ELIZABETH GIBSON
SARAH GLASS
WINSTON GREENE
BETH HAMPTON
KEVIN HEADLEY
HEATHER HENNESSY
JAMES HIGGINS
REBECCA IVES
JEREMIAH JOYNER
TRACY KIVELL
AMANDA KOTECKI
JONATHAN KUNIHOLM
SUMMER LILLIE
MEAGHAN MACKINNON
SUSAN MARTINELLI
WES MASSEY
PATRICK MCILMOYLE
ROBIN MCILMOYLE
WILLIAM MORRISON
JENNI OWEN
JENNIFER SIDER
REBECCA SISK
SCOTT SMITH
NEWTON SOLOE
ROB SORRELL
ROBIN SORRELL
STEPHEN SOURS
ALISON SWEENEY
WESLEY TURNER
KATHERINE WATSON
GEORGE WAYSON
BARBARA WEDEL
SANDI WHEELIS
THOMAS WHITE
WILLIAM WILSON

November Races & Marathon Checklist

You have spent hours/days/months/ preparing for the experience.


Now take a few moments to prepare for the big day!

• Shoes
  
• Singlet and/or Sports Bra
• Shorts
• Socks
• Hydration Belt or Bottle
• Electrolyte Replacement
• Energy Bars and Gels
• Bodyglide
• Sunscreen/Lip Balm
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Watch or HRM
• Directions to Start of Race
• Warm Up Clothes
• Running Gloves
• Tissues
• Gear Check Bag
• Post Race Clothes and Socks
• Race Number
• Race Belt or Pins
• Timing Chip
• Money for a ride home and/or post-race activities

Have we forgotten anything?!

Here is a list of upcoming races in the region:

Saturday, November 1st
Sue A. Hoying 5K and 1m
Raleigh, NC

Saturday, November 8th
Run for the Mariners 5K and 1m
Pittsboro, NC

Free to Breathe 5K
Raleigh, NC

Sunday, November 9th
Fit for the Future 5K
Raleigh, NC

Law Enforcement Shootout 8K Challenge
Raleigh, NC

Sunday, November 16th
Old Reliable Run 10K, 5K 1m
Raleigh, NC

Saturday, November 22nd
Riverwood Elementary 5K
Clayton, NC

Turkey Trot 5K
Apex, NC

Sunday, November 23rd
Wake County PTA Healthy Lifestyles 5K Run/Walk
Raleigh NC

Thursday, November 27th
Gallop and Gorge 8K
Carrboro, NC

Ridgewood Turkey Trot 8K
Raleigh, NC

3rd Annual Gobbler's run 5K
Wake Forest, NC

Inside-Out Sports Turkey Trot 8K
Cary, NC

"If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon." (Emil Zatopek)

Congratulations to our local marathon finishers!

Kansas City Marathon: Dale Baker
Denver Full/Half Marathon: Robert Zura, Susan Trout
Columbus Marathon: John Lloyd
Detroit Marathon: Scott Brewner, Cathy Mencarini

26.2 (and 13.1) well done!

Ask and you shall receive...Accel Gel!

Many of you have inquired about it, and we now carry Accel Gel!With its unique 4:1 carbohydrate to protein formula, clinical studies support the claim that Accel Gel extends endurance, speeds muscle recovery, and provides more energy that most gels. Available in Chocolate, Strawberry Kiwi, Vanilla, and Citrus Orange.
(We also carry GU, Carb BOOM, and Hammer gel, Clif Shot Bloks, Sharkies, and Sport Beans!)

Congratulations to our local Chicago Marathon Finishers!

The Bull City was well represented in the Windy City last Sunday. Congratulations to all of the Durham finishers in the Chicago Marathon (where the heat soared into the mid-80s by mid-race)! Way to go!

Buchakjian, Marisa
Choi, John
Clark, Beth
Cox, Jennifer
Custer, Chad
Custer, Laura
Cziraky, Aaron
Garrison, Ann
Green, Jessica
Hinohara, Atsushi
Homan, Angela
McNaughton, Scott
Meyer, David
Miller, Mary
Quinn, Daniel
Raney, Kelly
Salahi, Sara
Scheib, Ellen
Strunk, Sarah
Royster, Kristoffer
Vincus, Amy
Wechter, Clare

Click here for the complete race results

HAMMER the pavement, then HEED the call!

(and pardon the puns!)
Hammer Nutrition is the new sponsor of our Saturday Hydration Station! We will be at the southern head of the American Tobacco Trail (close to Southpoint Crossing at Fayetteville Rd & Highway 54). Stop by anytime between 8:00(ish) and 10:00am to replenish your electrolytes. We'll have HEED and HAMMER GEL on hand for you to sample.

Nice to meet you!

THANKS! to everyone who has come by to see what we are all about and supported us during our first two weeks of existence. Many of you have stopped in before or after your run on the ATT, and we welcome you to use our facilities to change clothes, secure keys/other valuables while you run, or leave your post-run drink in the fridge to cool.

In case you missed it, we have long sleeve Mizuno technical tees to give away to the first 100 people who buy a pair of shoes. The tee is screened with our (awesome and local) logo, designed by (awesome and local) Chris from Plastic Flame Press.

Also, every Saturday morning until December we will have a hydration station set up at the ATT trailhead parking lot on the corner of Fayetteville Rd. and Southpoint Crossing. Stop by to grab a drink and say hello!

Look for our Hydration Station this Saturday!

Did you know that staying properly hydrated is the easiest and most effective step athletes can take to protect health, energy, and performance? Even a 1% loss in body fluid can impair your exercise and recovery.

With fall marathon training in full swing, Bull City Running Co. will be sponsoring a "hydration station" outside the front of the store every Saturday morning through December. We'll have water and electrolyte replacement drinks on hand for you to sample.

So, stop by before or after your run on the ATT and have a drink on the house!




Click here for directions to the store!

and...WE'RE OPEN!

To our amazing family and friends who have supported us with encouragement and unfettered enthusiasm and muscle to get us to this point, it is no exaggeration to say we couldn't have done this without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

And to whoever sent us the lovely plant today -- it came with a very nice note from some local women's ministry. We assumed that the wrong note was attached to the plant delivery, but maybe there is a group of women out there praying for us?! Ha! Whoever it was, thank you. It makes the place feel cozy and alive.





So, stop by! We've got everything you could possibly need for your running/walking enjoyment, including a water cooler to fill your bottle before/after your run. Your thoughts, desires, and feedback on anything running related (or otherwise!) in the community is most welcome. This is what we are here for!

Elodie was a big help (if that's the word!) as we scurried around tonight to get everything ready. Her favorite task was taking things out of whatever they were in and spreading them around the floor.



And somewhere along the way Jason found time to add a personal touch to BCRC!

What's going on in there?

The windows are covered up, and behind the scenes is, well, organized chaos. We are unpacking boxes, stacking shelves, rigging up the outrigger, putting together display systems and fixtures that have multiple pieces and terrible instructions, installing the point of sales system, entering inventory, cursing companies that don't have the MSRP pre-printed on their tag, and wondering if we will really get everything done in time to open next week. Here is a sneak peak of what we've been up to!

oh, and painting the bathroom minty green, of course. it was a $5 can of oops paint at the hardware store. can't beat it!

BCRC & Fitness World Fall 5k - Sept. 27th!

Fitness World's annual 5k run/walk is coming up on Saturday, September 27th, 2008 at 9:00am and Bull City Running Co. is a sponsor! Race participants will receive a $10 "Bull City Running Bucks" coupon and a chance to win two pairs of running shoes compliments of Brooks that will be raffled off after the race!


Click here for more info on the race! We hope to see you there!

Big Day for BCRC!

We exist! Well, sort of. Finally all the passersby cans see for themselves "what is going on in there?" "It looks like it could be a dance studio!"

Today was a big day -- our external sign went up (need to get a shot of it lit up in the dark!) and our floor was laid. Doors are back on, and tomorrow we expect the final building inspection. Fingers crossed! It has really come together, and we'll spend all of next week putting the fixtures and displays together and getting the shop ready for a long-awaited grand opening!
ETA: September 20th. (Please tell all your friends :))

Page/Howell family + lovely Laura + Beer + Pizza + Paint

= an explosion of color and character at BCRC! Somehow getting paint on the walls made it seem all the more real. And we've received our first shipment (and therefor our first invoices...eek!) of shoes and apparel. The flooring will be installed next week (and it is a good thing we scheduled this after the not-so-tidy paint party!) Elodie was a trooper...second only to our fab friend Laura who had just landed from England and donated one full day of her precious vacation to us! Enjoy the photos and MASSIVE THANKS to everyone who pitched in!

the primer was very peach...
Paint fumes and alcohol...mmm.


Steady Hand Bethany (and Baby Howell) trimmed and trimmed and trimmed.

Hot Orange on two walls and Sunset Beige on the other two. Bright and sporty? We hope so! One woman wandered in and inquired as to what color orange it was because she'd been hunting for the "right orange" for her living room. Not sure it is such a spiffy choice for a living room, but that was all the confirmation I needed of our bold color choice:)
The Big Kahuna (the 18 inch roller, that is)

And Elodie did all she could to amuse herself.

floors? check. doors? check. primer? check.

Since the last post, the floors have been grinded down and are smooth like butter, awaiting the wood laminate that will be installed next week. In fact, if we had known they would have looked that good, we probably would have varnished the concrete and saved a few thousand bull city running bucks. Changing room doors were hung, and yesterday Jason, Jill & Jay spent a long, long day priming uncooperative walls. It should be duly noted that the priming extravaganza was briefly interrupted by a trip to Urgent Care. No, not accidental paint swallowing or a fall from the ladder. A bug flew into Jason's ear and, after flying round in circles for a couple of hours and driving Jason to distraction, little bug slipped silently into the great abyss. Recovery efforts were unsuccessful.



And here Jason & Bethany sketch out the vision for a mural that will adorn our wall. No, they have not commissioned me or my stick-man skills to be the artist...yet. Elodie is in the running, however.

And then there was light!

The track lighting around the periphery will go up next week and the walls are ready to be primed.




Paint color is the next big decision...so far "Bird of Paradise" is the front runner.



I know what you are thinking...VERY ORANGE. Disclaimer: On-screen color representations may vary from actual paint color.