Run Kings Island 2010

A couple weeks ago, I blogged about the benefits of running for excercise.  Well, in my quest to become more fit, I’ve been jogging for some time now that I think I’m ready for my next challenge.  I want to compete in a 5K race.  Does anyone here at Waterford Place regularly run them?  Right now, I’m running 2.5 miles per day on average.  A 5K is approximately 3.1 miles.  That’s not much more, so I think I can do it in a good time.

There is actually one coming up at Kings Island in a couple weeks…

Run Kings Island 2010 participants will receive a chance to run through Kings Island while taking in behind-the-scenes views of some of the most popular attractions.  There are three courses and each course is designed to benefit runners and walkers with any amount of racing experience.  The Beast 10k is a challenging course with large hills deep in the woods behind the 31-year-old Beast roller coaster; the Diamondback 5k takes runners on a slightly less rigorous path and includes more behind-the-scenes views of the many thrilling rides at Kings Island.  For kids, the Planet Snoopy Run will offer a half-mile course through Planet Snoopy, where they will be greeted by all their favorite PEANUTS characters, including the world’s most popular beagle, Snoopy, cheering them on to the finish.  Parents may accompany minors on this course.

Participants also get t-shirts, water bottles and admission to the park for a day.  If you’ve never been to Kings Island, it one of the best amusement parks in the region and it is A LOT of fun!  I’m thinking about making a trip of it.  It’s only about 2 hours from here up I-71 North.  Anyone ready to race with me?  You can download the registration form right here.

Hiking anyone?

Anyone singles here at Waterford Place into hiking?  There’s a group here in Louisville that hikes every Sunday, snow, rain or shine.  The Kentuckiana Single Hikers and Walkers is designed for single adults of all ages at backgrounds who share the common interest of enjoying nature while staying active.  Their Sunday hikes are usually 5 to 8 miles (2.5-4 hours) in length.

If you’re interested, check out their website for more information.  They also have a Facebook page that you can “like” for more info.

This Sunday they are hiking at Tipsaw Lake in Hoosier National Forest.  The hike at Tipsaw Lake is an easy 6 mile hike.  It’s free to hike with the group, however they may be a small charge for admission into the park.  For a recording with details of next week’s hike, call 502-894-0579.

The group will leave at 9:00 a.m. from behind McDonald’s off of Court Avenue in Jeffersonville, Indiana (exit 0 off Interstate 65).  That’s a short 10-15 ride from here at Waterford Place.  Most hikers carpool from the meeting place to the hike.

(Photo Credit: apertome)

Burn 500 calories in less than an hour

Did you know that in less than 60 minutes of aerobic excercise, such as jogging, you can burn over 500 calories?  It’s no wonder that so many people across the globe stay fit through jogging.  It really helps do the body good and keeps you energized.

Another really great thing about jogging for excercise is that you can pretty much do it anywhere.  You can hit the road with your dog or even just hop on the treadmill here at the Waterford Place fitness center.  It’s really up to you.

If you’re a newbie looking to start jogging for excercise (or just thinking about it), an important thing to remember is to pace yourself.  Don’t try to do too much too fast.  Doing a mile or two at a time for the first week or so is perfetly fine.  And then when you start getting your legs about you, you can kick it up a notch!  If you’re still on the fence about getting started with jogging, here are a few other health benefits to think about that I found in The Runner’s Guide…

1. Jogging can help strengthen your heart.  Regular excercise will lower your blood pressure and help to promote elsticity in your arteries.
2. Jogging can help slow the aging process.  The physcial demands of the excercise actually promote bone strength.  Those who jog are less likely to experience bone and muscle loss compared to those that don’t run regularly.
3. The experience of the “runner’s high!”  When people excercise, they are usually happier and less stressed out.  There is actually an scientific explanation for that fact.  When you work-out and run your body releases hormones called endorphins that help to create a sense of euphoria.  This improves both mood and focus.

(Photo credit: lululemon athletica)

In-Season Produce: Markets near Waterford Place

Do you shop for your fresh food and produce locally? If not, you may want to give it some serious consideration. Although today’s global market allows us to buy foods grown almost anywhere in the world at any given time, this option is not the most sustainable.

Buying in-season fruits and vegetables that are locally grown helps to eliminate the environmental damage caused by shipping foods across the country – and in some cases – the world. Not only does your food dollar go directly to the farmers, but you’re able to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, better tasting, unprocessed produce. According to the National Resources Defense Council, in-season foods for the state of Kentucky (and surrouning areas) include:

Asparagus* (Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia) Collards (Tennessee) Gourds (Tennessee) Green Peas (Missouri) Greens (Tennessee, Virginia) Herbs (Tennessee) Honey (Tennessee)

Indian Corn (Tennessee) Lettuce (Illinois, Missouri) Mushrooms (Tennessee) Onions (Illinois) Peas (Illinois) Scallions (Missouri) Spinach* (Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia)

Here is a short list of markets that sell fresh locally grown foods near the Waterford Place area. If you can suggest any other markets, leave a comment and let the community know!

Markets near Waterford Place

Going Green: Freshen up your feet

Check out this easy Do it Yourself recipe courtesy of The Daily Green…

End of Day Foot Spa

• 1/2 cup Epsom salts
• Essential oils of your choice

Fill either a foot bath or your bath tub to ankle height with warm water.  Dissolve 1/2 cup Epsom salts in the warm water and add the essential oil of your choice, either the relaxing oils of lavender, rosewood, patchouli and sandalwood, etc, or the uplifting oils of lemongrass, eucalyptus, etc.  Soak for 10-15 minutes.  Pat dry and moisturize.

Fogelman Management Group is focused on spreading the word about Going Green, a term that signifies the social movement towards environmental conservation, protection and improvement. It’s all about making simple lifestyle choices that will lessen our negative impact on the Earth. Making and using home products with organic materials is just one way to we can make a difference.

Stay tuned to the Waterford Place blog throughout the month of April for more tips on how you can play your part.

Louisville to try and seal NCAA tournament bid against Marquette on Tuesday

I must first confess, I was born and raised in Syracuse and I’m an Orange fan to the core.  While most human beings on the planet have either type A, B or O blood flowing through their veins, I am of a select few whose heart pumps Minute Maid.

Now considering that Louisville is one of the two teams that handed us regular season losses, I should technically still be bitter with the Cardinals.  But I’m not.  Not on a day when the Orange have finally made it back to a number one ranking for the first time since 1990.  Not much can move me off of this cloud that I’m floating on over the sports world.  But enough about the #1 ranked Syracuse Orange (sounds good, right?)

I actually like Louisville’s team.  It’s not like Louisville is Georgetown and I was sworn to despise them no matter what the case.  I’ve been a fan of Edgar Sosa since Coach Rick Pitino started recruiting him.  But more importantly, I’m pulling for the Cardinals to beat Marquette Tuesday night.  After beating UConn this past weekend for its tenth Big East conference win, the Cardinals are probably one conference win away from sealing up an NCAA tournament bid.  Pitino has long preached that his team will need 11 conference wins to seal a bid.

Marquette coincidentally also has 10 conference wins.  However, as one of the hottest teams in the country right now with 8 wins in their last 9 games, their case to make the tournament is just a little bit stronger than Louisville’s right now.

And if Louisville doesn’t beat Marquette, well, they play top-ranked Syracuse on March 6.  You already know where I stand on that game.

Big East Brain Teaser

I might not have the best jump shot, but I’m pretty good at solving brain teasers and puzzles.  They’re fun to do and they’re great brain exercises!  If you have a minute, try to figure this one out and post your answer as a comment.  I’ll put up the correct answer sometime next week.  Let’s see who the real brainiacs of Waterford Place are!

The Wildcats, the Huskies, the Orange, the Hoyas, and the Cardinals are basketball teams in the Big East Conference. The Hoyas are in first place leading the Cardinals by three games. The Orange are ahead of the Wildcats. The Wildcats are behind the Huskies by one game. The Huskies are behind the Cardinals by seven games while still behind the Orange by three. What are the standings? (Including games behind).  This is purely fictional of course.

Take Time for Yourself

Did you know that by taking time for yourself you are improving your health? It’s true. Just by taking time to watch your favorite TV show or listen to some music can help make your mood better.

It’s important to take time for yourself anyway. By unwinding at the end of the day (or the middle) you decrease the tension and this will allow you to be more relaxed. For more winter health tips click here.