SIGFitness
SIGFitness is ACM's unofficial organization for anyone interested in getting some exercise with other ACMers. There is no official membership--just sign up for our mailing list and you'll get at most an email or two each week about any upcoming events planned.
Regular Events:
Run to Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake)
For Spring 2008: Most Saturdays, Noon, at the entrance to Gregory Gym. Check the calendar to confirm.
Each week, ACMers run from campus down to Lady Bird Lake, roughly 3.5 miles round-trip. The path takes us through Duncan Park and skirts nature most of the way, so it's a lot more scenic than your typical urban run, and the pace is gentle. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come, regardless of what shape you're in. Typically, the group splits up after a mile or two into the more seasoned runners and the less experienced ones, so don't worry that you're going to slow everyone down if you haven't done much/any distance running before--you'll have company. Check out last semester's map of the path.
Lastly, some tips on how to make running as painless and enjoyable as possible:
- Avoid eating anything sizable a couple hours before running, if possible.
- If running in the late afternoon/early evening, eat a light lunch, and throw some fruit in the mix--the engery definitely helps.
- Buy a pair of running shoes, athletic socks, and lightweight shorts. Stores like RunTex will even help you find shoes that best compensate for any problems with your natural stride, although you'll probably end up paying a bit more for quality running shoes (though there's no real reason to go above maybe $85 unless you have some special need to accommodate with custom-fit shoes).
- If you're out of shape, don't be disappointed if you burn out quickly. If you're trying hard, then you should already feel good about yourself. If you consistently exercise, you will consistently improve, so don't be discouraged by where you currently stand. Just resolve to get up and exercise regularly, and you'll benefit from it.
