Saturday This Saturday, October 23rd - our good friends at Lululemon are having a grand opening celebration for their new store in Green Hills.  There will be lots of fun and free stuff throughout the day.  Here we go (everything is at the store which is located near Whole Foods - whatever that shopping center is called...):

8 a.m.  :  4 mile run

9 a.m. : Free Yoga

10 - 12:  Brunch from Loveless Cafe/ Coffee from Drew's Brews

12 - 4: Store open / demos

4 - 8: Prince's Hot Chicken, Yazoo Beer, Live Music & Pied Piper Ice Cream

Boy they know how to throw a party, and support the local community!  Drew's brews - East nashville coffee, Loveless Cafe - classic Nashville, Prince's Hot Chicken - Hot chicken from Dickerson road -(it burns going in and going out if you know what I mean...), Pied Piper - East Nashville ice cream (located right next to our Wednesday starting location), and of course Yazoo.   So lace up your shoes and begin your day in Green Hills with a run, some yoga and brunch!

Wednesday

Run.

This week we're on run #3, and in order to spread out the start of the run, we have changed the corrals.  The four pace groups will be

1) sub - 8 minutes/mile

2) 8 - 9 minutes/ mile

3) 9 - 10 minutes/mile

4) 10+ minutes/mile

This separation will make our first group a little bit larger, but will thin out our middle groups a bit...

Shirts

Our fall shirts are in, and they are fantastic!  Please bring $40 this week.  If you did not order one, we will start selling them next week.

Safety

Two words: reflective gear.  It's easy to feel that a large group of runners is invincible, and while there is safety in numbers, we need to keep safety our first priority.  Especially since sunset is at about 6:00... Just be smart - don't put yourself or your fellow runner in danger.

See you tomorrow...

Mark

PS  Be sure that you check out the link to Prince's.  Pretty cool video

 

Routes

Quick reminder, all our Wednesday night runs are mapped.  And now that dusk comes a little bit earlier, it is important that you take a moment to look over the route.  So this week we are on run #2, which takes us down into Shelby Park.  Speaking of dusk, Drew will have reflective vests for $20, but really lights are the best...

Shirts

The shirts will be in this Wednesday, so bring $40 cash or check.

KIPP

We still need a couple more volunteers to help out over the next two weekends. Here are the details:

KIPP Academy has been selected to be one of the recipients of the proceeds from the MCBC Charity Tour of Homes. This tour of homes is not like a traditional tour of homes where you buy a ticket and then tour several homes in a close vicinity. For this tour, homes are all around Nashville and each is designated a charity. Tickets are then bought individually for each home with all proceeds received at that home going directly to the assigned charity. The “KIPP house” is located at 600 Belle Park Circle near Cheekwood. All KIPP has to do is supply volunteers. This is where East Nasty comes in. The home tour will take place over two weekends in October, the 15th-17th and 22nd-24th. We will need a total of 18 volunteers each of the two weekends. Shifts are 2 hours with two volunteers per shift. There will be three shifts per day during the hours of 1pm-7pm. We encourage you to sign up for multiple shifts and/or multiple days if possible. KIPP thanks you!

Location: 600 Belle Park Circle

Dates: October 15, 16, 17 and October 22, 23, 24

Times: 3 two-hour shifts between the hours of 1pm-8pm

Signup: Please see Margaret Jones after the run Wednesday, October 6 and October 13.

Contact: Margaret Jones, MargaretEJones@gmail.com

Annie Parsons.  The first and only West Nasty.  If you think that she needs to move back to Nashville, give her a comment on her amazing blog!

After a fantastic run with the Gumpathoners, we are back to run #1.   Check out the route on the right...

Shoe Boxes

As you may know, East Nasty collects slightly used running shoes, cleans them up and donates them to various schools and organizations.  We also need shoes BOXES.  So if you have any old shoes boxes laying around, please bring those along with any old shoes...

Some Fall Reminders...

1) Reflective gear.  Drew will have some vests available for $20, but please start wearing something that will make you a little more visible as the days are getting shorter.

2) The buddy system.  Now that darkness arrives before 7 p.m. we need to start looking out for each other.  That means: please don't run by yourself, or let anyone else run alone!  Also, don't walk to your car solo after hanging at 3 Crow.  Look out for your fellow Nasty!

3) Stay left! Remember, the laws of traffic favor pedestrians, but the law of physics favor vehicles...  Make sure that you defer to the cars in all situations!  Try not to run more than 2 abreast, and stay to the side of the road as much as possible.

4) Make Running Art. Ian White is looking for some visual artists to get involved in an East Nasty project.  Send him an email ASAP, as we are going to get started soon.  ohioink@gmail.com.

5) Support KIPP. East Nasty is going to be helping out KIPP Academy by volunteering at an open house.  We need 18 volunteers to hang out in a beautiful home in Belle Meade and take tickets.   Margaret Jones is heading the volunteers, and you will have a chance to sign up for a slot this Wednesday....here are some details:

KIPP Academy has been selected to be one of the recipients of the proceeds from the MCBC Charity Tour of Homes. This tour of homes is not like a traditional tour of homes where you buy a ticket and then tour several homes in a close vicinity. For this tour, homes are all around Nashville and each is designated a charity. Tickets are then bought individually for each home with all proceeds received at that home going directly to the assigned charity. The “KIPP house” is located at 600 Belle Park Circle near Cheekwood. All KIPP has to do is supply volunteers. This is where East Nasty comes in. The home tour will take place over two weekends in October, the 15th-17th and 22nd-24th. We will need a total of 18 volunteers each of the two weekends. Shifts are 2 hours with two volunteers per shift. There will be three shifts per day during the hours of 1pm-7pm. We encourage you to sign up for multiple shifts and/or multiple days if possible. KIPP thanks you!

Location: 600 Belle Park Circle

Dates: October 15, 16, 17 and October 22, 23, 24

Times: 3 two-hour shifts between the hours of 1pm-8pm

Signup: Please see Margaret Jones after the run Wednesday, October 6 and October 13.

Contact: Margaret Jones, MargaretEJones@gmail.com

See you guys on Wednesday!

Mark

This week's run... If you have been around East Nasty at all, you'll recognize our love of community. There are times when we sacrifice our time, our talent and our money for the betterment of the East Side.  But all the stuff we do pales in comparison to the sacrifice that the men and women in the military make every day.  Even if you never see gunfire, military life is not easy.

That is why this week, East Nasty is going to join the Gumpathon.  This is a run across America (named after the fictional run made by Forrest Gump...) to raise money for injured servicemen, both British and American.  You don't have to donate; we are just going to show our support, en masse, by running with the Gumpathoners through downtown Nashville.  So even though this will not be a "normal" East Nasty run, we'll still run 3-4 miles, but more importantly, we will show our support for those who have been injured in the line of duty.

So here is the plan:

6:00 We will gather as normal.

6:15 We will run down to LP field (in corrals, but this week, slow to fast).

6:30 Meet and greet the runners

6:45 Run over the walking bridge to Cadillac Ranch.

Then it's up to you...you can make a u-turn and head back, or you can enjoy the party (music, drink specials etc..) down at Cadillac Ranch.

Other Stuff...

Calling all visual artists! Ian White has a proposition for you.   Send him an email ASAP if you are looking to use your talents... ohioink@gmail.com. Don't be shy... he has a really great idea, we just need your help!

Bourbon Chase Relay runner needed! Email David Canas if you are interested in joining an East Nasty relay team.  David.Canas@h3gm.com.  The race is the weekend of October 22-23.

Congratulations East Nasty ladies! The East Nasty team finished 2nd overall in the team competition.  Full results are here!

See you tomorrow!

Mark

Run

Every 12 weeks we come to Run #12, the Nasty.  Not only is it our most challenging run, but it is still 90 degrees out there!  So there will be a water stop between mile 3 and 4, and there will be a short version of the run ... but don't back down! Remember, you must run the full 6 miles to earn a sticker.   Potato to Tomato folks: bring it on!

Music

Be sure to check this blog later this week.  We'll have some information about short set-tember.  A great way to check out some local live music this Saturday, in a really cool venue... (Micah's house!)

Motivation

Kevin Kaz sent me this video.  My 120 pound journey.  We all need stories of success to keep us going.  Pass this along to someone who may need it...

Mark

Over the past two weeks, I have told you how to get involved with our local schools, with EastCan, and today I am going to give you a random conglomerate of ways to get involved... Join the Team

East Nasty often puts together teams for relays races and other random events. For example, Hunter Lane is putting together a team for the toughmudder in Georgia.   (This looks like a freakin' cool race!  Check it out and give Hunter an email ASAP.  mlane52@yahoo.com.  He wants to put together a team by the end of this week!!!)   Heidi Huerta has a group running the women's half marathon.  (hphuerta@gmail.com).  Christy Brown is gathering folks who are training for an early December marathon for training runs on Sunday morning (christylynnbrown@yahoo.com)  Don't be shy!  Give these folks an email and join us for a great weekend get-away!

Clean your neighborhood

East Nasty does two alley clean-ups a year.  One before the Tomato Festival, and one before the Country Music Marathon.  This is a great way to love your community.  Do you want clean up your neighborhood?  You get the people, and Will Acuff will help you organize.  (This is a great way to meet your neighbors...organize your entire block to clean up the nearby alleys...)  Send Will an email at cleaneast@gmail.com to get started!

Bring Shoes

Cary Graham collects used running shoes, cleans them up, and then delivers them to those who may need a new pair.  So when you are ready to upgrade, go see Drew at Fleet Feet, and bring us your old one!   Or...if you know someone who could really use a new pair of shoes, just let us know, and we will do everything we can to get them a good pair!

Support local races

Tom King water stop?  Best ever.  Women's half-marathon cheering section?? We're in.  The Jones brothers do a water stop better than any I have ever known.   I will broadcast opportunities to join us at races.  (For the women's half, email Rod Jones (rwjones97@yahoo.com) if you are interested in joining us.)

Order a shirt...

Lululemon is going to do our fall shirt this year!  They are by far our nicest shirts yet.   Check them out...women's...men's both will be in grey.   Lululemon will have a size run available to try on at the run this Wednesday.  Also, we will be ordering hoodies again this winter.  More details in November...

Run!

This week's run is run #11.  (Come next week to run the Nasty and earn a sticker!)   Take a little bit of time to observe all the amazing church buildings that we will pass during this run.  The architecture is amazing!

See you tomorrow!

Mark

We love our neighborhood and strive to be involved in making it a great place to live and run. Last week I wrote about how you can get involved with the local schools as a Nasty.  This week I want to talk a little about East Can.

I have known Elizabeth Chauncey for a long time.  In fact, the first time I met her, she had come over to my friend Katy's house to help her paint.  I think that was about 10 days after Elizabeth had moved to Nashville from up north somewhere...(New Jersey maybe...)

So I immediately saw that Elizabeth had a heart of service - and when I discovered that she had started East Can , it was no surprise...  EastCan is an organization that rescues abandoned animals and tries to find them homes.  And even if you cannot adopt an animal right now, here are several ways that you can help:

Adopt:

If you are ready to go all the way and adopt, EastCan can facilitate that process.  What I love is that EastCan goes through a process when you seek to adopt.  You must first complete an application, which includes references, followed by an in-home visit.  There is a recommended "sleep on it" period of 1-2 weeks before the adoption is finalized.  The adoption costs $100, and includes as much helpful guidance that you need as you adjust to your new best friend.

Foster:

Before an animal is adopted, sometimes there is a need for a temporary foster home. This is a no-brainer.  First, EastCan will interview you to match you up with an appropriate pet given your particular circumstances.  Then they provide the food, crate, bowls, leashes and will pay for all vetting expenses.   If you cannot commit to foster for an extended period of time, they always need weekend "doggie-sitters", and foster dog walkers/runners would be great.

Donate: Getting stray animals off the streets makes East Nashville safer. Period.  And adopting gives you the opportunity to turn a potential ankle biter, into a run-loving companion.  But I realize that we cannot all be animal owners, and that is why donations are much appreciated.  Elizabeth never asks for money, which is why I'm asking you guys to consider making a donation sometime in the next month.  (There is a Google-Donate button on the web site.)

Come on a Wednesday night to talk with Elizabeth or there is more information available at the web site.  Check out the FAQs.  That is where you can find the necessary applications to foster or to adopt, and great resources to help with all your doggie questions.

Other Fun Stuff:

This week we are running Benji (Run #10) and should have a chance to try on our fall shirts, which will be from Lululemon!    (Also I think the Lululemon ladies have something special for us which I don't even know about...)

See you tomorrow!

Mark

We love our neighborhood and strive to be involved in making it a great place to live and run. If you have come to an East Nasty run more than once, you probably recognize that community service is part of our vision.   Over the next couple weeks I want to introduce you to small opportunities where you can join your fellow East Nasties in giving back to the community.  Take a little bit of time to read this posting, because there is a way where all of us can get involved this week!

Getting Involved Part 1: Schools: As a lifelong runner, one of my passions is to pass this sport on to others. Not only is this part of my vocation (I teach math and coach cross country and track at CPA high school), but is is a huge part of my avocation as well.   That is why East Nasty will always support our local schools, especially since the schools on the East Side serve many students whose families struggle financially.  There are several easy ways that you can get involved.

Stratford: Here is an immediate opportunity to make a difference! I received an email from the cross country coach asking for help.  They have their largest team ever (40 runners), they have their first girls squad ever (yes!!)  but they need our support.    Many of the runners don't have running shoes, and some of them are running in their school uniforms!  *So this week (September 1) I want all of us to comb through our running gear, and bring at least one piece of clothing to donate, AND one new pair of socks.* We will be able to provide the shoes.  In fact, this is exactly why we have been collecting shoes for the last 6 months!  While we should have plenty of shoes for the Stratford runners, consider replacing your shoes a little bit earlier than usual, and bring us your old ones on Wednesday night!

KIPP Academy: Last year through your generous donations, KIPP started a track team.  By the way, it was because of you...like many schools, KIPP did not have the funds to equip a track team, so last year we raised about $3500 to get them up and running (pun intended...)

Also, several East Nasties had a chance to help coach! Jenny Dew, Stoner and Jay Tift volunteered hours of their free time to aid these fledgling track stars.  Track season doesn't start until the spring, and we'll get a wish list from the coaches in late winter.  But think through if you will have the time/desire this spring to help out coaching these kids.

Wednesday night run:

Our new "corral" start system really helped to spread out the start of the run. Bear with us as we work out the details, but right now we will leave in 4 groups separated by pace, starting 2 minutes apart.  (1) Under 7:30 pace, (2) 7:30-8:30 (3) 8:30 - 10:00( 4) 10:00 +

Our run this week is #9.  Check out the map before you come!

See you Wednesday!

Summer Trail Run Series I hope that you have enjoyed these summer trail runs.  I used to run 80-90% of all my runs on trails, so maybe some of my excitement has rubbed off on you guys!  Trails provide a break from the pounding on the pavement, a welcome relief from the sun and just a great change of scenery.

If you haven't been to one of our trail runs, this is your last chance!  This Sunday we are making a short road trip to Long Hunter State Park for runs of 4, 10 or 15 miles.  So you have options for an easy Sunday recovery run all the way to 15 miles.  The trails are extremely run-able and flat, especially if you are used to running at Percy Warner!

Here are the details:

When: 8 a.m. Sunday April 29.

Directions: From Nashville, take I-40 East to Mt. Juliet Road, Exit 226-A. Go south (right) and continue on SR171/Hobson Pike 6.2 miles to the Baker's Grove entrance. SR171 passes Granny Wright Ln on your right, and then soon after entering the park you will see Bakers Grove Rd on your right. (There will be a sign on your right for Bakers Grove Rd, too.) Turn right onto Bakers Grove Rd and go left at the fork to the parking lot for the Bakers Grove Area."

Trails: The Day Loop trail (4 miles) begins at the Bakers Grove lot, and that connects to the Volunteer Trail (5.5 miles). Thus you will have 3 mileage options: 4 mile Day Loop trail loop; 10 mile loop + out&back; 15 mile Day Loop trail + Volunteer Trail out&back.

The trails at Long Hunter are fairly flat and really wonderful for running. Most of our course parallels the edge of Percy Priest Lake, and there are some great views of the waterfront. Lots of rocks and roots make it challenging but quite fun. Come join us for a great end to the summer trail run series!

Two important notes: 1. BRING WATER!! You must bring a water bottle or other hydration method if you are doing more than the 4-mile loop. There will not be water available on trail. 2. Parking is limited, so please carpool if possible.

Park website: http://tn.gov/environment/parks/LongHunter/

Many thanks to Jenny Magill, Margaret Jones and Holland Carley for organizing these outings!

Mark

The exciting "how to get involved" post is going to have to wait until next week, because it's Tuesday night, school has started and I'm just out of time...

SO....just come and join us for run #8 (Rick's Market, coldest beer in town) on Wednesday night - and since the weather is cooling down, join us for some patio time at 3 Crow.  If you are new, check out the "Wednesday Night Runs" page and join us!

ALSO... this Sunday is our last trail run for the summer!  This week is going to be a road trip to Long Hunter State Park.  (It's only about 20 miles from downtown, but we're still going to call it a road trip...)  These are flat, runnable trails, and there will be 4, 10 and 15 mile options.  Check the blog on Friday for more details.

See you tomorrow!

mark

There are a lot of new East Nasties, and we have a lot more going on than we used to...  So  I thought that I would give a quick run down of East Nasty late summer/fall plans just to let everybody know what's going on.

Wednesday Night Runs: These runs go on year round, rain, shine, heat, or cold.  If you are new, don't be shy!  There are many different paces represented, from 6 minutes per mile, to 12 minutes per mile.  But before you come (and this goes for your seasoned East Nasties as well!) please familiarize yourself with the course by clicking on the appropriate run.  (August 18th is run #7)

Questions?  email Mark @ millema6@hotmail.com

Sunday Morning Trail Runs: We only have two more runs in our Summer Sunday Trail running series.  This Sunday at Percy Warner and next Sunday at Long Hunter State Park (I think...more details next week)  We start at 8 o'clock.

Questions? email Jenny @ jenny.magill@gmail.com

Women's Half Marathon Team: We have a group of East Nasty ladies training for the women's half on September 25, but you don't have to be running the half marathon to train with us.

Questions? email Heidi @ hphuerta@gmail.com

Potato to Tomato: East Nasty had about 45 folks train for their first 5k this summer, and they have decided to continue meeting on Monday nights. (Of course, they will also join us on Wednesday nights.)   So if you are a novice runner looking for a good Monday night run, these are the people you need to meet!  They will be running between 35 and 45 minutes at a casual pace.

Questions? email Esther @ esther.smith@stthomas.org

December Marathon Group:  Lots of people from Nashville run an early December marathon (Huntsville or Memphis specifically).  East Nasty does not do any official training, but there is a large contingent of East Nasties training for these events.  They will be training, traveling and celebrating together!  Let Christy know if you want to join them.

Questions? email Christy Brown @ christy.brown@daveramsey.com

How can you get involved??

Mark Scrivner tells me that people stop reading blogs after about 2 sentences...so I am going to save this stuff for next week because community involvement is near and dear to my heart!  :)

See you tomorrow for Run #7!

Mark

Yes I know that there is a big East Nashville race coming up this weekend, but first I wanted to give you guys my own shout out...

Alley Clean Up

Have you ever done something and wondered if anyone notices, or even cares. Well, if that is your motivating factor then you should probably rethink why you are being charitable...BUT...it is nice when folks notice your efforts.   You guys did such an amazing job with the clean up efforts that the neighborhood noticed!  Check out this thread from the ListServ.

Tomato Fest

Tomorrow morning, 7:30 a.m. Tomato Fest 5k.  Stick around for the awards ceremony so we can get a group picture.  'nuff said.

I'm not going to harp any more about the race, but the tomato festival itself is a fantastic, kid friendly way to spend an afternoon.  Let me give just one plug: Coal Train Railroad.   They describe themselves as "great jazz for kids and their grown-ups."  So for those of you with little ones, this is a great way to start the morning.  (Then stay around for the 12 foot long ice cream sundae that kids get to decorate and eat.)

Shirts

Wear your East Nasty apparel.  If you need to get your shirt, email Drew Jones (rdrewjones@hotmail.com)  asap and he can meet up with you tomorrow morning before the race.

New Folks

When you get questions about East Nasty, direct folks to the web site.  (Or just tell them to google "East Nasty".  We surpassed the rap group as the #1 search response about a year ago!)  We don't have advertisers, so we don't really need more traffic going to the blog, but it helps us when people get in the habit of reading the post before they come...

See you tomorrow.

Mark