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Join Us for FUN RUNS Wednesdays at 6:30 pm or Saturdays 7:30 am
The evenings are cool and crisp and perfect for a run! Join us Wednesday evenings for a casual FUN RUN from The Running Depot. Everyone is welcome. It doesn't matter what speed you are or how far you want to go. We have a varied group and there is a place for you! Runners decide what distance they want to go and there are numerous routes that track through Crystal Lake.


Upcoming Clincs & Events:


Going Green: First Steps
All of us at The Running Depot have been inspired by the worldwide effort to Go Green. This is a sensitive area for runners.  We're busy getting our runs in, trying to stay hydrated, and those plastic bottles of water, Gatorade, and other sports drinks, are incredibly convenient.  It only takes one look at our trash can after  a group run to see the impact we're making on our environment.  Americans add over 30 million plastic water bottles to our landfills every day. So, what can we do?  We're starting with small steps that we hope will quickly add up.

  • A recycle bin for plactic bottles and cups is now available at our store
  • A large jug of water is available at our FUN RUNS rather than offering bottled waters to thirsty runners
  • We encourage you to bring your own multi-use water bottle and we'll make sure it stays full from the big jug of water
  • Don't have a multi-use water bottle?  That's okay, we'll give you one. Just ask.
  • We will also be offering premium re-useable water bottles in our store - we'll let you know when they arrive!
In addition to the actions listed above, we're happy to do business with Brooks, the makers of some of our top selling running shoes and apparel, who considers their environmental impact of with every decision they make  Brooks has modified it's manufacturing process to reduce waste by 50%.  All of their printed materials are on biodegradeable and recycled paper with use eco-friendly inks. Best of all, their shoe boxes are made from 100% recycled materials and are fully biodegradeable.  Beleive me, we see a lot of shoe boxes come in and out of our store.   To Learn more about Brook's efforts to be "Green" go to their website to read more:  www.brooksrunning.com

Recycle Your Shoes:
Don't forget, we still accept your gently worn shoes as donations to Share Your Soles.  Share Your Soles cleans and reconditions the shoes then distributes them to needy people around the world. This is the ultimate recycle.  Clean out your closets and bring in your shoes!

Going Green Clinic - Thursday, May 22nd 7:15 pm
Join us for an informative clinic on how to make the "green" movement in your own home.  David Evans, a Shaklee Distributor, will lead the clinic and share some things you can do, plus give an overview of products that are safe for you, your family, and our enviroment.  Eliminating harsh chemicals in our homes and places of business are important first steps.  Please call the store to RSVP, space is limited.

Kid's Cross Country Summer Program
Is your son or daughter planning to run cross country in middle school this fall? The Running Depot is offering a cross country training program for kids entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in the fall. The Zephyr Cross Country Training Team will be a 12-week program designed to build a foundation mentally and physically for middle school age runners. There will be three group runs each week lead by an experienced coach and pace leaders. The coaches are Brenda Napholz, a USATF Level I certified coach, and Cari Setzler, a USATF Level II certified coach. Runs will typically be Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7:45 am. Participants will also be encouraged to participate in local races over the summer. Registration is $99 for the 12 week program that starts June 16th and runs through August 22nd. This program will fill up FAST! There are only 20 spaces - If interested, please sign-up right away.

Registration forms are available at The Running Depot. Please call for more details: 815.788.9755.

Yoga for Weight Loss - Thursday, May 29th 7:15 pm
Join us and our favorite yoga instructor, Sue Taylor, to participate in a yoga practice and learn how to incorporate yoga into your weight loss efforts. Bring your yoga mat if you have one, we will have extras at the store. Call to RSVP: 815.788.9755

Friday Night BEER Boogie & Predictor Run - June 13th, 6:30 pm
You may not boogie any more, but we know you like beer! Forget your regular Friday night plans, throw on your running shoes and see how well you know yourself. Runners will run on set course without your watches. Everyone will be asked to predict their time before heading out. Whoever can guess or most closely predict their time wins. Fun prizes will be awarded to the best "Predictors" and consolation prizes to the best "Boogie-ers" Fun & refreshments following the run.

Roadkill 5000 - Race Volunteers Needed
What are you doing Sunday, June 15th? If all that's on your agenda is sleeping in, reading the paper and sipping coffee - consider helping out at the Roadkill 5000. The Roadkill 5000 will benefit the Johnsburg High School Track and Cross Country Teams as well as the Road Runners Racing Team. Volunteers are the critical component to making any race a success - you are needed! Volunteers receive a free race shirt and will be worshiped by the race directors.
If interested in volunteering, please contact Chris or Cari Setzler at 815.648.1380

Girls' Night Out Summer FUN RUN - Thursday, June 19th, 6:30 pm
It's time for a Summer GNO and all ladies are cordially invited to participate in an informal 3-4 mile run followed by our favorite munchies and lots of girl talk. Mark your calendar now and plan to attend. Please call to RSVP: 815.479.0298

"Girls On The Run" Needs Your Help
Girls on the Run is changing the way girls view themselves and the world around them. In the fall of 2007 Girls on the Run started with 17 brave, young girls. Now, in only their second season, they are celebrating over 130 girls participating in the program.
Mark your calendars for their two fund raisers this year - The Wonder Girl KS on June 8th and the second annual Gala by the Lake on November 8th.
Wondergirl 5K:
Join us June 8th as we celebrate the accomplishments of all the Girls on the run participants at our First Annual Wondergirl 5K. You can support Girls on the Run McHenry County by participating in the event, it is for children and adults of all ages. There will be food, fun and a great race. You may pick up a registration form at The Running Depot, Health Bridge Fitness Center, or go online and register at girlsontherun.org
Be a Running Buddy:
Girls on the Run is looking for positive female role-models, ages 18+, who would be willing to run a 5K with an elementary aged girl. The commitment involves running a practice 5K race on either Monday, May 19th or Tuesday, May 20th. Please contact Kari Burden if you're interested in being a Girls on the Run Running Buddy: kburden@d155.org
Join Team Tiara:
Team Tiara is the charity running "leg" of Girls on the Run. Aspiring male and female athletes can pursue individual goals such as running/walking a marathon or participating in a triathlon, to raise money for Girls on the Run. To be part of Team Tiara, you must first register for Team Tiara, then register for the race of your choice. Each Team Tiara member raises a minimum of $262 for Girls on the Run. To learn more, go to www.girlsontherun.org and click on the Team Tiara button.
2nd Annual Gala by the Lake:
The is a fun-filled evening to help raise funds for all the girls in McHenry County. There will be food, music, dancing, live and silent actions, and a cash raffle. The money raised goes right back into the program by providing financial assistance to girls that otherwise might not be able to participate.
Where & When:
Lakeside Legacy (Dole Mansion) Crystal Lake Evening of November 8th, 2008
You can hear more about Girls on the Run, Laurie Dayon, Council Director for McHenry County, will be at our Saturday Morning FUN RUN to recruit volunteers. If you're thinking about volunteering, come meet Laurie to learn more.
Contact for Girls on the Run:
Laurie Dayon - Council Director
phone: 847.4217581
ldayon@foxvalley.net
www.girlsontherun.org

Interested in a Women's Self Defense Class?
The Self Defense Clinic held last month was a big success. Thanks to Master John Cantin of AKF Martial Arts Academy in Crystal Lake for leading the session. Master Cantin offers a Women's Eight-Week Self Defense class. Each session is 90 minutes and women learn proven techniques to stop attacker. Better than any weapon, you learn to use your body and your wits! The class is offered to interested groups and The Running Depot would like to organize a class If you are interested in participating in an eight-week session please call the store. If we have 12-15 women interested, we will arrange a class with Master Catin for our group. The cost of the eight-week class is $99. If interested, please call (815) 788-9755.


Coming This Summer!
  • More Running Programs!
  • 5K Training - Train for the Sunset Festival 5K on August 29th. RUN 101 will start week of July 9th.
  • Half Marathon Training - Train for the Crystal Lake Half Marathon on September 7th. The Half Training program will start the week of June 16th.

Other Special Events in the works:
  • Running Depot Night at MCO
  • Crystal Lake Historical Run