How It All Began

Beginnings of the Mini-Marathon

UW Memorial Union

The Mini-Marathon had many goals when it was first introduced to the different entities in the City of Madison.  The Mini wanted to be different than the other long-distance running events in town and set a new standard.  It wanted to hit all the Madison landmarks, wanted to run a little different route than the other events, provide participants with a unique experience and most of all, provide a unique location for the start and finish areas.  When it came to the Post-Race Party Area, one location came up a couple of times, but was followed by “it would never happen”.  The UW Memorial Union Terrace was a Madison hot spot that could provide that unique venue, but was not viewed as a place that would be easy to achieve. To the Mini, the mission was clear, “we must make this happen!“

The Mini team started to think through any connections with individuals at the Union to help get a foot in the door.  Remember, this was a brand new event in the making in Madison at the time.  The link came through a Mini crew - member, Lisa Swiontek.  Lisa had a good friend that also happened to be a friend of the Union’s Director, Mark Guthier.  So, with a connection, although somewhat loose connection, the Mini reached out to Mark and scheduled a meeting.  Eventually that meeting led to Nancy Kujak-Ford, who at the time oversaw their large events.  After presenting the concept to Nancy, she had some thoughts, “My initial reaction was one of excitement for the event and the Wisconsin Union organization.  I thought it was a great way to introduce the union to more people.” 

This would be a new venture for the Union, but thanks to Nancy’s guidance, the race was headed in the right direction.  She became a champion of her cause for varying reasons “While new events can be a logistically complicated, I knew that the Wisconsin Union was in a place to take on the challenge.  My current (and former) job allows me to work with many facets of the organization.  With this base knowledge and relationships, I knew who needed to be involved and in what capacity.  Trying new events or working  on new projects allow organizations to grow and create new experiences.  We are only as good as the last event we helped to host or plan.  I was excited for this opportunity to expand our experience with events and to have people think outside the box of what we/they are capable of producing.” 

Nancy helped champion the Mini throughout the University.  When asked what the reactions were about the Mini, Nancy said “When I first presented this to the campus, most of the University staff was supportive of this event.  We have had large run/walks on campus grounds (IronMan, Crazylegs) and have resources/knowledge on how to handle logistics.  Both Chad and Jeff were extremely organized and prepared for questions which made it helpful to navigate such a large University and its’ policies/procedures.”  “The only major challenge (for the first year) was to navigate the communications of the race party/gathering part at the end of the event.  UW-Madison is conscious of any event that involves alcohol to campus patrons, especially students.  We had to develop a safe plan of alcohol service and security in order for this event to be approved.  Since its inception, alcohol has not been an issue with the success of this event.”

The Mini is entering its 5^th year, which is hard for all involved to believe.  From Nancy’s perspective, the Mini has changed “One way that I have seen the Mini grow is how the staff involves the city, community, and state.  Each year, they have come up with ways to enhance their event with new children filled races, new mascots, and new activities to increase the enjoyment of their participants.  Their expo has also grown in size and has given exposure to other parts of campus.”

The Mini would like to thank all the people and entities that have embraced the event along the way and especially championed it during its infancy.  Without people like Nancy with her drive and willingness to tackle a new venture, it would not have been possible. 

Please check back for more blog updates on the beginnings of the Mini-Marathon as we celebrate our 5^th Anniversary.  A special thank you to Nancy Kujak-Ford for taking time for the interview. 

Athletes Rejoice in Lowfat Chocolate Milk!!

Good News for Chocolate Milk Fans: 

Sassy Cow Creamery Introduces Lowfat Chocolate Milk

Sun kissed summer days brings kids and adults outdoors for fun-filled family vacations, sports or simply playing games in the backyard. To keep the family fueled this summer and every day with a natural nutritious choice, Sassy Cow Creamery introduces Lowfat Chocolate Milk.

Starting June 22, Sassy Cow Creamery Lowfat Chocolate Milk will be available in pint, quart and half gallon sizes at select local grocery, natural foods stores and the Farmstead Creamery, located just 7 miles north of Sun Prairie.

Sassy Cow Creamery makes it easy for adults and kids to get essential nutrition with local, flavorful and nutritious lowfat chocolate milk. With fewer calories, less sugar and fat than traditional chocolate milk this local product comes direct to consumers straight from the Baerwolf family farm.

With today's emphasis on healthy lifestyles and wholesome, essential nutrition for kids and adults we are pleased to offer consumers a local choice of lowfat chocolate milk, says James Baerwolf along with his brother Robert Baerwolf. Combining our farm fresh milk with pure cocoa and a dash of cane sugar creates Sassy Cow Creamery Lowfat Chocolate Milk.

A taste kids and grown-ups will crave, Sassy Cow Creamery Lowfat Chocolate Milk starts with a key ingredient high-quality milk from the cows at the Baerwolf family farm and within hours of milking is made into lowfat chocolate milk at the Farmstead Creamery, making truly a fresh, local product. 

Nutrition and public health experts agree that milk is an important part of a healthy diet. In every glass of Sassy Cow Creamery Lowfat Chocolate Milk, there are eight essential nutrients, including protein, calcium and vitamins A and D, fuel your mind and body. Together, these essential nutrients help build strong bones, lean healthy muscle and keep a family full and satisfied.

Athletes too enjoy the nutritional and performance benefits of chocolate milk to rebuild muscle tissue after a strenuous workout. A body needs high-quality proteins to recover.  Chocolate milk provides the ideal ratio of carbohydrates to protein needed to replenish energy.

Sassy Cow Creamery is owned and operated by third-generation dairy producersóbrothers James and Robert Baerwolf and their families. Visitors at the farmstead can follow the milk from cow to creamery as they watch traditional and organic milk bottling and premium ice cream making through a viewing window.

One can sample the all new low-fat chocolate milk at Sassy Cow Creamery summer events hosted on the farm, including: June Dairy Month Celebration on June 23, Summer Farm Celebration on July 21 and Ice Cream Social on August 25 where a new ice cream flavor will be unveiled.    

Who doesn't love Chocolate Milk?

The Mini is proud to partner with the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board and Sassy Cow Creamery again this year!  You can look forward to a refreshing chocolate milk as part of your post race recovery!

The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB), a nonprofit organization funded by the state’s dairy farmers, promotes the consumption of Wisconsin Cheese and other dairy products nationally as well as locally in Wisconsin. The dairy industry contributes more than $26.5 billion a year to Wisconsin’s economy, helping to support local businesses and communities throughout the state.  Through sponsorships, partnerships and educational programs, WMMB strives to influence consumers, foodservice professionals and retailers in Wisconsin to source dairy products locally.

Slowing down in the heat

Did you know it takes approximately two weeks of consistent running in the heat and humidity to acclimate to warmer conditions?  With the sudden onset of summer like temperatures it’s no wonder this past weekend was a difficult one for runners and race organizers!

Today’s FB quote was selfishly meant for me.  I had a horrible training run on Saturday and was really feeling down about it.  It stuck with me for a couple hours before I realized I should practice what I preach.  It’s true everyone has bad days.  Especially with the change of season, and our first real taste of Summer temperatures.  Slowing down and running smart is not a bad thing.  It’s you as a runner taking responsibility for yourself and listening to your body.  Be kind to yourself!  There will be other races and there will be other days to train.  Don’t beat yourself up!  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! 

For those of you running the Madison Marathon Memorial weekend prepare mentally and physically this week.  Take in extra fluids, really use your rest days like you should (resting) and enjoy next weekend.  Every race doesn’t have to be a PR.  I know we’re all runners and think like runners pushing with everything we have.  But don’t forget to be kind to the body that works so hard for you when you put your training miles in.  Take care of it now, and it will reward you for many more races to come!

Here are some other tips for running in the heat:

1) Remember that thirst is not an indicator of dehydration. Once you are thirsty, you are already low on fluids.

2) During your run, drink about 4 to 8 ounces of water and/or sports drink every 15 to 20 minutes.

3) Weigh yourself before and after your run. Drink 16 ounces of fluid for every pound of weight lost. *Important note here... do not use this as a method of weight loss!

4) Apply a sunscreen of at least SPF #15. Make sure that it is a non-drip formula that won't drip into your eyes.

5) Wear sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB rays and/or wear a cap with a visor.

6) Wear light-colored micro-fiber clothing.

7) If you run in the morning, you'll avoid the heat, but may encounter a higher humidity. The air quality is also better in the morning, since ozone levels increase soon after dawn, peak at midday, and then again in the early evening. Times to avoid running are noon till 3pm.

8) Eat salty foods and drinks such as pretzels and tomato juice.

9) Check the Heat Index Chart for apparent temperature. This is the number that calculates the air temperature with the relative humidity to determine what the temperature feels like and if there is a risk of a heat-related illness.

So Many Reasons to Run

It’s May, and for most of us that means an official start to race season.  While many of us choose to train and run all year, there’s something about the month of May that fuels the fire within.  You can open up the race calendar and literally find a distance that suits your needs just about any weekend.

It’s the time of year when your non-running friends ask you again how long a marathon is or your family, (god bless them) knows your weekend training runs get longer and your pantry overflows with Gatorade, GU, or whatever new nutrition products you’re trying out.

Running isn’t always awesome.  It’s kind of a love/hate relationship.  There are some days when you just can’t get your butt out the door.  There are some days when that little voice in your head is screaming: “why are you doing this?”  But when you push past that annoying little voice and start remembering all the reasons why you love to run - you grow stronger.  That voice gets silenced and a more driven, focused you emerges.  Running gives us confidence, a sense of accomplishment and a feeling that nothing else can replace.

You don’t have to be fast.  You don’t have to be lean.  You just have to have the desire and determination to put one foot in front of the other.  On race day it doesn’t matter if you cross the finish line first, last or somewhere in between.  What matters is that you set a goal and you don’t give up.  The course is the same for everyone.  Your journey to get there is your own.

3 Tips to Run Through the Holiday Season

“Tis the season for parties, family obligations, sugar cookies and jam packed schedules.  You might find this time difficult to sneak in your daily run, but carve out a little time each day for yourself and you’ll stay sane while keeping fit both physically and mentally!

Stay Fit

An abbreviated training schedule is perfectly acceptable over the Holidays!  It can keep you in shape and hold you at your current level of fitness.  Make your running fun! Just don’t forget to amp up the intensity and duration every once in a while.

Stay Sane

Remember, we runners relieve our stress through, well, running!  Take that out of the equation and you’ve got yourself a very cranky unproductive individual!  It’s not selfish to take time and run over the holidays.  In fact, it is the most selfless thing you can do!  You know you’re more productive, energetic and overall a nicer person when you’re able to get your workout in.  You’ll appreciate and enjoy the Holiday season that much more so strap on your shoes and head out the door!

Stay Motivated

Race season may seem like an eternity from now, but get something on your calendar and set a goal!  Sign up for a local 5 or 10k then set your sights on a larger goal.  The Mini is still 8 months away, but why not put it on the calendar.  Make it a long-term goal and challenge your friends to join you on August 18, 2012.

Swaddle a Baby Today!

Community Blanket and Diaper Drive

Did you know the average baby can go through 7,500 diapers 

in a single year? For some families, 

the cost can be overwhelming.

That's one reason the UW Health Departments of Obstetrics 

and Gynecology and Midwifery will be 

collecting donations for

the 

Community Blanket and Diaper Drive 

from Aug. 1-31.

New diapers and new and gently used blankets 

can be dropped off 

at the following locations:

UW Hospital and Clinics

American Family Children's Hospital
UW Health 20 S. Park Clinic
UW Health West Towne Clinic
UW Health West Clinic
UW Health Fitchburg Clinic
UW Health East Clinic | UW Health East Towne Clinic

Meriter Hospital | Meriter Business Center

Zimbrick Honda and Zimbrick Honda Service Center

All proceeds from the drive will be donated to the Baby Depot at Dane County Head Start.

The Importance of Blankets

Swaddling an infant in an appropriate blanket can help provide a sense of comfort, and they will often sleep longer and wake less often. It's important to note that loose blankets and bedding should never be left in an infant's crib, however, there are specially designed swaddling blankets available in stores and at the Kohl's Safety Center in American Family Children's Hospital.

When it comes to selecting blankets, there are many different fabrics to chose from. Plain cotton is probably the most durable and can withstand many washings. Blankets with a satin-like edging may be better for play because babies often like the touch and feel of the smooth fabric. Velour or similar fabrics are often very soft and warm, but may not hold up under frequent washings.

Donate at the Madison Mini-Marathon

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is also the charity partner for the Madison Mini-Marathon, 5K and the Mini Kids Run. This year's race is Saturday, Aug. 20.

The Department will be collecting donations for the Community Blanket and Diaper Drive on Aug. 19 at the Expo and Packet Pick Up at Union South, 1308 W. Dayton St., and Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St. - the site of the Mini-Marathon, 5K and the Mini Kids Run.