Meet-up recap - April 12th

Potter to McHugh on the Turnagain Arm Trail

Playing catch up here but on Saturday, April 12th, 8 group members met up just south of Anchorage to log some miles on the Turnagain Arm Trail. From the Potter trailhead to McHugh Creek and back is 7 miles roundtrip on a rooty, rolling, doubletrack trail. Brian, Bekah, Sarah, Annika, Clarissa, Lindsey, and Ian joined us for the roundtrip.

It was a great day to be out on some snow free trails so early in the spring. The views were fantastic and the run was brilliant.

Meet-up #2 recap and April 12th announcement

Meet-up #2 was once again a run down Beach Lake Rd. to the lake and back. Sarah, Emily, Lynda, Kelly, and 2 minis made the roundtrip to the lake and back. Jeremy and his 2 minis did a little running and a little stomping around in the woods. As always, a good time to be out.

This Saturday (4/12) we will be hiking/running the Potter Creek trail. We will meet at the Potter Section House, which is on the right just after Potter's marsh (mp 115). There is more parking here since they haven't opened the upper lot of the Trailhead yet. We will begin the hike/run at 10:35am so plan on arriving just a bit early if you want to leave with the group.

For more details check this post.

Hope to see some of you out there for some mud and miles.

Items of Interest...

A couple of things to take note of.

First, because we have many budding runners and trailrunners in the group I have posted a couple of links of interest in the "links and thinks" portion of the blog (in the right sidebar). The first is a Beginning Runners program which outlines in 5 steps how to go from not running at all to running for distance and speed. It is a 5 part series with training plans and support articles for every step of the way. It is done by Runner's World magazine and is a great resource.

The other is a Beginner's Guide to Trail Running, which contains 5 great articles about taking your running from roads to trails. In my experience trail running is so much more enjoyable for the long haul with constant change of scenery, differing footing to keep it interesting (and build proprioception), and I'd rather deal with cranky wildlife than inattentive drivers. It can be daunting to run on trails though. These articles are put out by Trail Runner Magazine and are very well done.

Lastly, the Turnagain Arm Trail Run is a great trail race put on by the University of Alaska, Anchorage XC Ski team. It is relatively inexpensive ($25) and offers 2 distances, four and eight miles. It is on the same trail we will be running/hiking this weekend. It is just a fun time to get out for the first trail race of the year and is a good chance to try your hand at racing if you so desire. The catch is that it is limited to 200 spots and usually fills. It is currently open for registration. I've run it a few times so if you have any questions let me know.

Weekend Meet-ups: April 5 & 6

Opportunity this weekend for two different meet-ups.

Saturday, 2pm:

Hike and/or Run to McHugh and back from Potter Creek Trailhead. 7 miles full round trip. Options to go as fast (or slow) and as far as you want before turning back. Should be mostly snow free, but muddy in places. Your feet will get wet. Rolling trail with short climbs and descents. Plan on 2+ hours for the whole enchilada. Recommended at least 1 mile (one way) to the first overlooks, or 2 miles (one way) to the high point overlook. This will be a great opportunity to get some early snow free trail miles in with good company.

We are rescheduling Saturday's meet-up to NEXT SATURDAY, APRIL 12th.

Sunday, after church: group meeting in the upper room to check in on training plans, answer questions, and a presentation for beginning runners. Afterwards we will head out for a walk/run on Beach Lake Rd. To the lake and back is 4.5 miles. I will be spending time coaching beginning runners on form, walk to run ratios, nutrition, stretching, and gear during this time, otherwise head out and walk/run at your own pace.

Should be a great time.

Meet-up #1: Beach Lake Rd.

The first meet-up of the Awesome Training group is in the books. After a short informational meeting 6 individuals embarked on the Beach Lake Road out and back. The weather was gorgeous, praise God! and the miles clicked quickly by as we ran and walked out to the lake and back. Solid effort by everyone involved. Thanks to Emily, Ginger, Lindsey, Lynda, Matt, and Sarah for getting out there and enjoying a brilliant day.


Thanks also to all who came to the informational meeting. It is an enthusiastic and diverse group and I look forward to all the fun we'll be having this season.

Remember your homework:
• check out the blog (which you're doing now) & complete the form
• email Jeremy your race or fitness goal with the week count
• sign up for strava and request to join the Awesome Training Group

As the sun continues to shine and the snow continues to melt, I await many more miles together.

GO time! First meet-up

It's kind of last minute but spring has sprung and the group is ready to get moving. Our first informational meeting will be this Sunday (3/23) after church in the upper room. This will be a time to get acquainted, ask questions, and outline the structure of the group. It shouldn't take too long so I hope everyone can make it.

Afterwards there will be an informal group fun run for those who are interested in stretching their legs a bit. We will leave directly from the church and head down towards Beach Lake. It will be an out and back run so the distance is determined by how far you want to go. I would recommend at least a mile for some great mountain views, with a full round trip being 4.5 miles. I ran the route (link is here) on Wednesday night and no special footwear should be necessary, but bring your traction devices if you have them and are unsure. It will be a great, casual time to connect with each other and commune with God in His creation.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday!

We'd like to get to know you better...

So the Awesome Training Group (ATG) has put together a Fitness Evaluation and Goals survey that we would like everyone who will be participating complete. The information gathered by this survey will allow us to make some informed decisions while structuring the group.

The information is confidential and will not be shared with anyone other than the leadership of the ATG, which right now is only myself (Jeremy). Please be as accurate and detailed as possible, and if you are a family group that is going to be participating please have each family member fill out the survey.

Please follow the link here.

I'm excited to get started and this will be a great first step in making sure that this training group will be most excellent for everyone involved.

Stay tuned for info on the first meeting and activity.

Welcome to the Eagle River Grace Awesome Training Group

Do you want to run your first 5k, improve your marathon time, or hike and climb day after day in the Alaskan sun? Then get ready for those summer adventures with the Awesome Training Group. The goal of this group is to provide a training framework, accountability, and a community of likeminded believers. All fitness levels and ages are welcome. If you want to get active, we want to help you.

This blog is where we will be posting information regarding group outings, planning meetings, post outing recaps, tips&tricks, gear recommendations, and other items of interest. Coming soon we will be posting a Fitness Evaluation and Goal Setting form, which you will be able to submit electronically.

We're really looking forward to beginning and experiencing God's grace while meeting our fitness goals.