Austin finest training group teams up to race Texas’ finest race … and decided to make it as fun as they possibly could! Alicia Keys was a pivotal factor in their journey.
Texas Independence Relay goes Rogue … ettes!
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Sole Survivors “Paying It Forward”
by Coach Bobby Garcia
You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you (Anonymous)
Greetings, fellow Rogues
I am writing to ask if you can help me and my team, the Rogue Team Sole Survivors, raise money for Team Rogue Elite. With your help we feel that our fundraising efforts will be very successful. While this fundraising effort has been in the planning for several weeks the launching of it could not be more timely following the outstanding races at this past weekend’s Olympic Trials by two of our Team Rogue Elites, Allison Macsas and Scott MacPherson. Their performances and that of the other world class athletes filled our hearts with reverence at the highest level.
The concept of “Paying It Forward” means having an appreciation for something you have received and expressing that appreciation by doing something positive for someone else. I don’t know about you but I have received so much from Rogue Running and it has come in the form of learning to live a healthy lifestyle, developing physically, mentally, and spiritually, and giving birth to new friendships and relationships. I personally have received much from Rogue Running and now I want to play a role in “paying it forward.”
One of the true hallmarks of Rogue Running and a distinguishing characteristic amongst running organizations in Austin is the importance of community. I have been a member of Rogue Running both as a marathoner and as a coach since its inception. From the outset of this association I have realized Rogue Running understands the significance of investing in the Austin community and acts on it. In years past Rogue Running was the official marathon training partner of the Austin Marathon’s philanthropy program, 26 Miles for 26 Charities. The philanthropy program provided nonprofits in Central Texas the opportunity to increase community awareness while raising money to support their missions. Members of my team ran on behalf of and raised money for several nonprofit organizations in past years. The Rogue Team Sole Survivors have supported and helped raise money for Colin’s Hope, Marathon Kids, Girls on the Run of Austin, Blue Dog Rescue, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Hill Country Conservancy, Dell’s Children Medical Center of Central Texas, St. Jude’s Children Hospital, Austin Children’s Shelter, Live Strong Foundation, Glimmer of Hope Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, and Team Asha.
This year I have made the decision that our fundraising efforts will be for one of our own, Team Rogue Elite.
Why are we doing this? Why are we helping raise money for this team? For several reasons and I will share a few with you.
- We Have Received Help and Support From Others – Each and every one of us in our life long journey has had someone do something that lifted us up. A simple act of kindness and selflessness. We have benefited from an authentic, genuine act of doing by others. From that experience we have learned and grown.
- Strengthens our Rogue Running Community – I see it every time I am at Rogue. I read it on Facebook. Our Rogue Running community is one BIG LOVE AFFAIR. Yes, we work hard and train hard. We push each other. And, we love to celebrate, socialize, have dinner, party, travel, and spend non-running time together.
- I Have A Dream – With all due respect to Martin Luther King, Jr. I would like to borrow his famous line. Each of these professional athletes has a dream to accomplish the goal of making and competing in the Olympics. They approach their training purposefully and with strong conviction in order to get closer to realizing their dream. They run their path with faith, love and purpose, and for that we all admire them.
On a Personal Note – I have had the pleasure and the privilege of getting to know each of the members of Rogue Team Elite. They are truly special in that they embody the essence of what is good. They are humble. They are giving of their time, their gifts, and their talents. You don’t hear a lot about them because they don’t make it a point to broadcast their accomplishments. They let their hard work and efforts speak volumes for themselves. And, we hear it loud and clear without their having to boast about them. A mark of a confident, secure, and humble athlete. They work hard to try and make ends meet in order to live, play, and train for their respective races.
How can we help raise money?
Soon we will begin selling raffle tickets at $10 per ticket. Buy one. Buy ten. Buy twenty. Buy more. Buy them for a fellow Rogue as a gift.
We are still working on a few other gifts but this is what we have so far:
- Rogue Running Survival Bag of goodies
- Rogue Outfitter – shirt, shorts, shoes, and socks
- Rogue Running program of your choice
- Six infared sauna sessions with Dr. Noah Moos, DC (TRE’s official team doctor)
- Six hyberbaric chamber sessions with Dr. Noah Moos, DC (TRE’s official team doctor)
- Photoshoot with Juliane Masciana (TRE member and professional photographer)
- One week of lunches from Mel’s Meals
- One hour massage with Doug Consiglio (TRE’s official team massage therapist)
- Haircuts from Birds Barbershop, 2 winners for 2 cuts each
- Kindle “like” reader
- 3-hours of fun in the sun aboard a beautiful NAUTIQUE boat on Lake Travis with Sail & Ski Center. The Captain will pilot the boat, providing sight seeing, swimming, wake surfing and tubing. One winner plus five guests.
- Wellness Starter Program (valued at $195) by Nutritional Wisdom
- Wine Tasting and Appetizers for 10 – Margaret & Bobby Garcia (fellow Rogue and Sommelier, Edward Morgan, will be our guest) – 5 winners for two people each.
- Dinner Party for 6 – Margaret and Bobby Garcia (fabulous 4 course meal with fine wines and champagnes) – 3 winners for two people each.
I hope you agree with me that for $10 per ticket these are pretty good prizes. Winners of the raffle will be announced at Rogue’s pre-Austin Marathon talk on February 10 (winners do not have to present to win). Details on when and where to purchase raffle tickets will be announced soon.
Rogue Running has shown Central Texas that it lives here, runs here, and gives here. I hope you will join me in doing something for someone who can never repay you.
Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love. ~ Mother Teresa
Join the Rogue Team: Open Job Opportunities at the Cedar Park Location
We are excited to announce the opening of our Cedar Park location, coming soon!
The new store and training center will be located at the corner of 1431 and Parmer, near the HEB at Whitestone Market Shopping Center (in the old Hollywood Video space). The address is: 2800 E. Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613. This new location will provide the same great Rogue experience, with top-notch training programs and all of the gear you need to be your best runner.
As we open this location, we are looking for new team members who are passionate about running and excited to become a part of the Rogue team. Start dates will be in April or May, depending on the position and the individual selected. If interested, see details below on how to apply as well as descriptions for open positions.
How to apply
Please submit the following information to apply@roguerunning.com
• The position for which you are applying
• Your current resume
• Your responses to the two following questions (please limit each response to no more than one page):
o Why are you a good fit for this position?
o In your words, what does it mean to be a Rogue?
We will accept applications through March 18 and will notify selected applicants about interviews and next steps by March 31.
Open positions
Retail manager
Description
The Retail Manager is responsible for operating the retail store at the new Rogue Running Cedar Park location. We are looking for a hard-working individual with a passion for running and Rogue who can establish the location’s customer service culture, as well as drive operational excellence, product & visual merchandising, team building, and management of human resources. Most importantly, he or she must be ready and eager to create a positive culture for Rogue employees and customers that embodies the spirit of the founding Rogue mission and values.
Primary responsibilities
• Create and maintain a team and retail environment that is 100% committed to customer service
• Teach, execute, and be a role model in the Rogue approach to shoe fitting and customer interactions by working on the retail floor during peak hours
• Manage financial performance of the Cedar Park location and analyze/interpret trends in order to facilitate planning
• Manage inventory levels and support decisions on inventory to carry for this location
• Build and organize a strong team of sales associates, including: managing the hiring process for this location, developing/communicating the weekly schedule, conducting productive staff meetings and facilitating employee reviews to drive improved performance
• Optimize product and visual merchandising within the store to ensure that all products are displayed effectively
• Maintain strong and positive working relationships with vendor sales reps
• Support and lead local marketing initiatives
• Maintain strong/active communication with Rogue owners and team members at other locations
Qualifications
• Authentic passion for running and the running community
• Strong technical knowledge of running footwear and apparel
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or related field
• 5 years of retail experience with 2-3 years of retail store management experience
• Retail operations knowledge including: sales, customer service, merchandising, inventory control, store budget preparation and forecasting
• Strong computer skills: POS systems and Microsoft Office
• Staff development experience: Knowledge in staffing, coaching, counseling, training and development
• Experience with Rogue Running training groups or retail is preferred but not required
Training manager
Description
The Training Manager is responsible for managing and executing the training programs at the new Cedar Park location of Rogue Running. We are looking for an energetic, friendly, and inspiring individual who is not afraid to get his/her hands dirty while building an authentic running and training community within the new Rogue location. Most importantly, he or she must be ready and eager to work hard and tirelessly to create a positive training environment in order to make every “Rogue” a better runner and person.
Primary responsibilities
• Plan & organize training programs at the Cedar Park location
• Execute and coordinate workouts with the support of coaches, including:
o Create/produce workout plans and maps for long runs and quality workouts (taking into account safety and ease of use)
o Ensure each coach has the tools and resources necessary to execute quality workouts
o Plan start times for workouts and long runs in accordance with participant expectations
o Oversee workout and long run execution to ensure that it is in line with Rogue standards for success (and make required improvements)
• Build and organize a strong team of coaches, including coordination of continuing education to ensure that each coach continually improves and develops
• Communicate clearly with the Director of Rogue Training on a daily basis, coaches via email and phone, the Retail Manager for Cedar Park, training participants via email, and retail staff about upcoming training opportunities
• Manage information and support marketing for all Cedar Park programs
• Work on the retail floor during training off-hours, including conducting shoe fittings and retail customer interactions from intro to check-out
Qualifications
• Authentic passion for running and the running community
• Strong technical knowledge of coaching and training program mechanics
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required
• 3-5 years of experience in a coached, running environment with 1-2 years of experience as a coach
• Operational experience conducting training programs or events
• Strong communication skills, including experience with public speaking
• Strong computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office
• Experience with Rogue Running training groups or retail is preferred but not required
Retail floor associate
Description
A Retail Floor Associate is primarily responsible for engaging and supporting Rogue customers in the new Cedar Park location as they make decisions about running footwear, apparel, nutrition and accessories. He/she will learn and execute the Rogue approach to shoe fitting and customer interactions. We are looking for passionate runners who have a strong desire to help and support other runners in a retail environment. Mostly importantly, he/she must be ready to support the Retail Manager to create a positive culture for Rogue customers that embodies the spirit of the founding Rogue mission and values.
Primary responsibilities
• Learn and execute the Rogue approach to shoe fitting and customer interactions from introduction to check-out
• Conduct customer interactions with 100% commitment to customer service
• Support inventory management to receive product, check it into inventory, and merchandise it on the retail floor
• Support product and visual merchandising within the store to ensure that all products are displayed effectively, including the building of visual displays
• Open and close the store as needed based on the retail schedule
• Attend staff meetings and other continuing education seminars to build retail and product knowledge
• Conduct other duties as assigned by the Retail Manager including store cleaning, taking/counting inventory, and pricing/labeling product
• As desired, coach a training program to guide runners as they prepare for an upcoming race/event
Qualifications
• Authentic passion for running and the running community
• Working knowledge of running footwear and apparel
• High School diploma or GED
• Ability to work effectively with others in a team-oriented environment and provide excellent customer service
• Ability to effectively communicate in verbal and written English
• Ability to accomplish multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Physical requirements include the ability to twist, bend, squat, reach, climb a ladder and stand for extended periods of time
• Experience with Rogue Running training groups or retail is preferred but not required
If you have questions about the above process or any of the open positions, please submit those questions to apply@roguerunning.com.
Tasty!
Rogue hosted our holiday party on Sunday, and asked all interested attendees to bring a dessert, but to make it Rogue. You all took on the challenge and showed up with works of art – check it out!
Rogue in Competitor Magazine
Rogue Running is featured in the October 2010 issue of Competitor Magazine! Make sure to pick up a copy – a big “thank you” to our runners and coaches who gave their input for the article and congratulations to those who got published!
Run for a Reason, be Rewarded by Rogue!
See what Sofie and her mom, Jill, have to say about their experience with Marathon Kids!
Rogue Running is proud to announce a new sponsorship agreement with Marathon Kids, the Austin-based, free, endurance building running/walking, nutrition and schoolyard gardening program for kindergartners through 5th graders. Rogue Running will be the official Running Store Supporting Sponsor for the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 school years for the Marathon Kids program in Austin, Texas.
About Marathon Kids
Marathon Kids is a 15 year old non-profit that began as an Austin grassroots initiative. It is now in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Rio Grande Valley, El Paso, Baltimore, Los Angeles and Chicago. There are 190,000+ USA K-5th graders registering for the nationally recognized, free Marathon Kids 2010-2011 program. Marathon Kids target market are those children most vulnerable to childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes. On Saturday, Oct 9, 2010, thousands of Central Texas area K-5th grade school children and parents ceremonially begin running/walking 26.2 miles in increments of ¼ to ½ mile at a time over five months, coloring in their Marathon Kids Running Logs©. They also are challenged to eat 26.2 days a month of 5-a-day fruits and veggies, coloring in their “Fuel Logs”. You can find more information on Marathon Kids at http://www.marathonkids.com.
Support Marathon Kids through Rogue Running – Get Rewarded!
In coordination with the sponsorship agreement, Rogue Running will provide additional benefits to training program members who wish to raise money for this great cause in connection with the Austin Marathon. Fundraisers will receive a discounted price on their full or half marathon training program for the Austin Marathon as well as additional rewards based on the amount of funds raised. It is a win-win!
Program pricing (with the fundraiser discount):
Full marathon at Rogue: $299 ($140 discount vs. current price)
Half marathon at Rogue: $259 ($120 discount vs. current price)
Full marathon – online training: $199 ($60 discount vs. current price)
Half marathon – online training: $159 ($40 discount vs. current price)
Fundraising rewards:
$500 raised: 50% off your next training program [Note: $500 is the fundraising minimum]
$1000 raised: Your next training program is free
$2,500 raised: Free training program + Rogue hat + Rogue socks
$5,000 raised: Free training program + Rogue racing kit (hat, socks, tech tee, shorts) + watch
$10,000 raised: One year of free training + Rogue racing kit (hat, socks, tech tee, shorts) + watch
Get full details here on how to get involved, and feel free to contact kara@roguerunning.com with any questions or to sign up.
There will be an info session THIS Thursday, August 26 @ 6pm at Rogue. Please plan to attend and find out about this great new partnership and how you can do more than just run – you can run for a reason.
Meet the coach!
by Colin Moss
If you want a serious minded coach who has room in her heart to get you from your couch to a marathon or if you are fast but need someone to help you discipline yourself for greatness then look no further than Amy Anderson.
Amy has been coaching since 2000 when she coached a group to the Cap10K and has never looked back. In the interest of full disclosure, Amy has coached me through one marathon training period and still gives me all of the help I could ever ask for in my triathlon training.
Amy has raced 5 Ironman distance triathlons and many more marathons. Her PR was set during last race that she ran, Boston 2010 in 3:28. She trains with Team Rogue and her favorite place to run is Town Lake. She only listens to music when she runs alone – don’t even think of bringing your ipod to her quality workouts! Her taste in running music is across the board but if “Stairway to Heaven” shuffles on up to the front of the playlist then there is a non-negotiable fartlek (specific workout) that she does based on the four clearly defined sections of the song. So if you happen to see her running by herself on the trail, wearing headphones and suddenly taking off like she is going for broke, do not be alarmed. It is just Led Zepplin singing to her.
If there is only one thing you could say about her coaching style, it’s that she likes to focus on the mental aspect of the training. She can and will help you get your mind in the right place to accomplish all of your goals. You will learn how to run with mantras to keep your body going strong through the rough patches and how the mental side of running plays a major role in how the body responds.
I will also note that she is a task master. She is a fundamentalist that will strictly follow workouts and pacing. She knows the method behind the madness of quality workouts. All you have to do is trust her.
Amy is a very busy runner, coach and mother but her other passion is cooking. She is great to talk to on a long run unless you are hungry! She loves talking about food and all of the baking she does, so if you skipped breakfast that morning, don’t approach the subject. Amy is a very approachable coach who is easy to talk to and who will answer any training related question you might have with advice pulled from her 20 years of running experience.
She loves all of her athletes and is determined to get each of them to the starting line of whatever race they are preparing for healthy, happy, and as physically and mentally prepared as possible.
Amy is currently coaching a San Antonio Marathon group that meets at rogue every Tuesday evening at Rogue at 6:30 pm. She will also be coaching an Austin Marathon group that meets at Rogue on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm beginning September 4.
The Raffler, in pictures!
Barefoot Running Seminar
Signing in for The Raffler
The crowd gathers!
Bird's Barbershop - check!
And the winner is...
Post-Raffler eating, drinking and...drinking!
All photos courtesy of Josh Baker, Azulox Photography – see all of the Raffler photos here.
May 27: National Day of Rogue
May is National Running Month, and we are cramming an entire month of celebration into one day - Thursday, May 27. You should probably consider it the National Day of Rogue!
The day will begin with a huge, huge spring cleaning sale at Rogue Equipment – quite possibly the best sales on the largest selection of inventory you’ve ever encountered at a running store!
At 6pm, John Schrup will be leading an open seminar on Barefoot/Minimalist Footwear in Running Specialty. The talk will include a brief history of running shoes from the 1970’s through the present, take a look at what the future brings in terms of running shoe design and discuss how you can incorporate barefoot or minimalist running footwear in your own running programs.
It can be argued that there has been no other design paradigm in the short history of running footwear that has had as much of an effect as the barefoot or minimalist design concept, since maybe, Air. It might be even more important than the introduction of supplementary cushioning systems as it serves to erase what has been presented as gospel for the past 30 years. The introduction of the Vibram Five-Fingers and the publication of Born to Run helped to invigorate the movement, and we don’t see it slowing down any time soon. But it is not just Vibram or Terra Plana; all the big brand names are in play.
The seminar will wrap up just in time for the inaugural Rogue Raffler! As you’ve likely heard, we expect the Raffler to become the biggest social running event in Austin, and plan to kick it off in a big way! Think scavenger hunt plus urban race plus local businesses plus big prizes plus FREE BEER. This is how it works in Portland – expect something similar, with a decidedly Rogue twist!
New athlete joins TeamROGUE Elite
Kara June is the latest runner to join TeamROGUE Elite, Rogue Running’s elite team coached by Steve Sisson. She also joins Rogue Running as a coach and will coach Rogue’s first online training program for runners who want to be a Rogue but may not live in the Austin area. This training program/community will train runners for the San Antonio full and half marathons, providing virtual access to Kara and Rogue’s training resources. The group will then meet their coach, training group, and other friends live at the race. Full details are here!
Kara began running at the age of 7 where she fell in love with competing. Kara was a 4-time Western Athletic Champion in the 3,000m steeplechase. She still holds her college record of 10:15 in the steeple and 4:56 in the indoor mile. After graduation from college, where she achieved her teaching credential, she started working full-time at a local running store and training under Joe Rubio, eventually joining the Asics Aggies in the summer of 2006. In June of 2008 she competed at the US Olympic Trials where she finished 6th with a PR of 9:49:56 in the steeplechase. Her current goal is to qualify for the upcoming US Championships this summer and eventually the 2012 Olympics.
Kara’s full bio:
Event(s): 3000m steeplechase, 5000m
Education: California State University at Fresno, BA in Liberal Studies, 2005
Personal bests: 1500m- 4:21:1 (2007); 3000m- 9:21 (2008); 3000m steeplechase- 9:49:56 (2008); 5000m- 16:18 (2007); Half marathon- 1:16:28 (2008); 10K road- 34:40 (2010)
Career highlights: 2008 US Olympic Trials, 6th place (3000m steeplechase); 4-time Western Athletic Conference (WAC) champion in the 3000m steeplechase; 2001 USATF Junior Champion in the 2000m steeplechase- 6:51 (world record at the time); WAC record holder in the steeple at 10:15.4
Personal information:
Why TeamROGUE? I heard all the cool kids were doing it. Oh, and I wanted a change of atmosphere and a fresh start.
Favorite running work-out? 9 by in and out miles. ( 5:30, 6:30, 5:30, 6:30…)
Your go-to, pre-race meal? Coffee and a bagel
Your favorite post-run recovery food? A big, fat burrito! Half chicken, half steak with black beans, rice, cheese, cilantro, and salsa. Don’t forget the large orange soda (the only time I really drink soda). If it’s late in the day, an ice cold Heff, Blue Moon or Shock Top does the trick!
What athlete (past or present) most inspires your running? Why? Anna Willard Pierce. She’s an animal and leaves it on the track. Every. Single. Time. Plus she has a bad ass personality.
Hobbies/interests outside of running? I love wine tasting. Wine and food pairings are awesomely fun. My three sisters are my best friends, so I love, love, love time with them. I also enjoy playing Scrabble with them and our mom. The beach has been part of my life since I was a little June. Everything that has to do with the beach is an interest.
Dream job for after your running career? When I grow up and after I’m done competing at an elite level, my dream job is to be a kick-ass policewoman.
Favorite Austin restaurant? Tough question. I have only just visited Austin, so there’s a ton of restaurants to explore! Anybody wanna take me around?
French toast, pancakes or waffles? Depends on where they’re being served. Waffles if we’re talking about Belgium!
Favorite breakfast taco ingredients? What’s a breakfast taco? ; )
Favorite movie? The Princess Bride
Favorite TV show? Americas Next Top Model (Did I just say that??) and Grey’s Anatomy.
Do you have a pet? What kind? A big boned cat named Spinks. He’s a polydactyl, meaning he has extra large thumbs. Seriously.
