Next Grant Park Session: March 24, 2008

The next Downtown/Grant Park session starts Monday, March 24th. Even though if might not seem like it, spring starts this week. Summer and beach weather is right around the corner. Don't be left behind. Sign up now!

Climb for MS

Yes, we're gluttons for punishment. There's a brand new stair climb event in Chicago in which we are very excited to participate in. As always, it's for a very good cause and a cause that is close to Sgt Friday's heart, as she has two current clients who suffer with this debilitating disease. Soooo.......On Sunday, March 9, 2008, step up and help create a world free of MS at the inaugural MS Climb event. Join a legion of 1,500 dedicated individuals as they climb 36 or 60 stories of the Franklin Center/AT&T Corporate Center located at 227 W. Monroe in downtown Chicago.
You can choose either a full climb at [60 stories] or a half climb at [36 stories]. How many of you are up for the challenge? And who would like to try and beat the Major & Sgt Friday to the top? Free T-shirts and hats to those Bulldogs whose climb to the top is faster than The Major's. We can't wait to see you there. Email Sgt Friday at Sgt_Friday@bulldogbootcamp.com for any questions!

Races Around Chicago

"Old Man Winter" will start to fade soon and that means spring is closer than you think!!!!! It's time to shake off the winter blues, dust off your running shoes and get back outside to enjoy the sites of the city. There's nothing more fun than a spring day, a good cause and an organized run to get you started.

Come join Sgt Friday and the Bulldog Bootcamp team as they run their way through the streets of Chicago. Sign up for one or sign up for them all.........

1. March 16th (Sat 9a)
St Paddy's Day/Leprechaun Leap 5K

2. April 13th (Sat 8a)
Race to Wrigley 5K
(help celebrate the kick off to the 2008 Baseball season)

3. June 1 (Sun 8a)
Run for the Zoo 5K/10K
(this is one of the oldest running events in Chicago)

You can register at chicagoevents.com

Sgt Friday's March Tip of the Month

How old are your workout shoes? Do you know when you bought them? Do you know if you have any special concerns for your feet?

Believe it not, the shoes you wear to Bulldog can make a tremendous difference in your performance. Wearing shoes with improper support can be exceptionally hard on your joints. Your shoes may look good on the outside, but do you really know what's happening on the inside? Breakdown occurs much more quickly on the inside (i.e. arch support, toe box or heel support) which then causes breakdown to your body on the outside. Most shoes life span are only approx. 6 months from start to finish if you're wearing them almost everyday to workout. If you're wearing your athletic shoes outside of your exercising routine, the breakdown occurs much sooner.

To avoid such breakdowns to your body, it's good to have a solid pair of shoes that fit the needs of your feet. For these possible concerns, it's best if you can go to an athletic store where a knowledgeable sales person can lead you to the right shoe for your feet. Many times they will fit your foot properly with a variety of shoes for your "type" of feet and will allow you test them to see if they are the right fit.

Remember..... the shoes may be "cute" or "cool" on the outside, but if they're not supporting the right areas of your body, those cute or cool shoes are only hurting your insides. Prevention of any possible injuries is the key to staying out in the field with healthy feet and joints.

Did You Know????.......

Sgt Friday has been a certified Personal Trainer for the last 12.5yrs and continues to do so today.

Sgt Friday is extremely involved and cares very much about everyone's overall health and fitness concerns. If you need any information or advice on how to improve your health and fitness outside of Bulldog, please contact Sgt Friday to set up a private consultation as she is now a part of the Bulldog Personal Training staff. (Private consultation prices upon request)

Ask Sgt Friday your Running Questions/Concerns

Sgt Friday was a former competitive high school and collegiate athlete working in both sprints and hurdles. Since living in Chicago, she has competed in 6 half-marathons and 4 full marathons and only in the last few years has she decided to stick with runs a bit more on the "lighter" side. However, she still very much enjoys talking, instructing, informing or just answering any questions, concerns or thoughts on running. Please feel free to drop her an email or speak with her in person about any questions/concerns you may have in regards to running. Contact her at Sgt_Friday@bulldogbootcamp.com

Get ready for spring

Spring is just around the corner. Are you sitting at home waiting for the right time to enlist, or re-enlist? Now is the time! New sessions start every 4 weeks.
Next start dates are:

Lincoln Park 3/10/08
Grant Park 3/24/08
Barringtion 3/03/08