Before the Run... Head over to NRC as early as 5 pm to try on a pair of Pearl Izumi shoes for the run.   Yes, you can actually wear a different pair of shoes for the entire run to see if you like them.

The Run: Route #4

We are heading back into Shelby for route #4.   Remember, the greenway is a shared space, so stay alert and to the right because it's going to be a great night which means lots of bikes, kids and other runners.

After the Run...

Head back to NRC for their monthly pint night.

Challenge Yourself

Running, by its very nature, attracts people who are driven.    And one of the negatives of that is a preoccupation with PR's.   Obviously its fun to run as fast as possible for a particular distance, but its also fun to challenge yourself to run a really hard race.   NRC is hosting one of those on Sunday, October 18:  The Defeated Creek Half Marathon Trail Race.    Let me give you one guarantee: you will not PR!   But.. it is a great opportunity to get off the roads and do something really tough.

East Nasty is partnering with the ‘PR Bandits’ who are hosting supported long runs on Saturday mornings. This route was touted as a favorite new route so we're going to do it again! Starting from Bicentennial Mall, we'll circle the Sounds Stadium, go THROUGH Germantown, and then hop on the greenway in Metro Center to come back along the Cumberland and back through downtown. You get the sites of a beautiful park, new stadium, budding neighborhood, scenic greenway along the river, and downtown experience all in one run!

8.2mi - http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/720247999

RSVP here and join the PR Bandits Facebook Group for more info, get run invites, and to link up with other runners. Saturday supported runs will begin at 6:30am and be held at various favorite running routes across Nashville. You can also email Brian Johnson at brian.m.johnson@me.com if you have any questions.

Route #3

Where: 11th and Holly in East Nashville

When: 6 pm

This is our only out and back route, and as such, it offers multiple distance options.   For example if you go over the pedestrian bridge and back that is almost exactly 4 miles.  If you go all the way around Musica - you're looking at 6.3 ish.   Pick your distance, grab some friends and we'll see you tonight!

Dusk is coming a bit earlier, and the skies have been overcast.   What does that mean?   It's time to start thinking about reflective gear.

Leave it better than you found it...

I teach at a school where the faculty reminds students to leave things better than you found them.   Leave places better than you found them, leave other people better than you found them, and leave yourself better than you started.    It's a great reminder (especially the other people part...) but how does this manifest itself in a running group?  Easy:

Clean up before you leave.   Even if it's not your trash.  The folks at the yellow house has been a great partner, so let's make sure their yard looks great when we leave.

Meet someone new and invited them along for the run or a beer.   There is no place more lonely than a large gathering of people where no one talks to you.  If you see someone looking lost, say hi and welcome them to the group.

Run even if its raining!   You'll have a great time and be a better person for it... :)

See you tonight!

East Nasty is partnering with the ‘PR Bandits’ who are hosting supported long runs on Saturday mornings. This route should be familiar but will take an unusual twist. Starting from McCabe Golf Course in the lot off of the new Sylvan Park round-a-bout, we'll use the greenway to get over to Cherokee Road and head to Centennial via the Richland neighborhood. Loop Centennial (or Vanderbilt depending on your preferred mileage) and come back down Nebraska. We'll again hit the greenway in a new spot due to road construction but finish off with a usual loop around McCabe.

8.5mi - http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/868178189 11mi - http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/868187375

RSVP here and join the PR Bandits Facebook Group for more info, get run invites, and to link up with other runners. Saturday supported runs will begin at 6:30am and be held at various favorite running routes across Nashville. You can also email Brian Johnson at brian.m.johnson@me.com if you have any questions.

Route #2 Where: At the corner of 11th and Holly in East Nashville

When: Wednesday at 6 pm

Note: This route takes us past the East Nashville farmer's market - which is fun - but be aware as we run through Shelby.   We'll be on the greenway - which we share with other pedestrians - so be courteous first and foremost.   Stay on one side of the greenway, slow down if you have to, and be aware of bicycles and little kids!

Looking ahead...

The days are getting shorter, so it is time to start thinking about reflective gear.  More on this later, but there are lots of options from headlamps, to reflective vests, to blinking lights.   Bottom line, as dusk comes earlier and earlier, you need to consider reflective gear a non negotiable!

East Nasty is partnering with the ‘PR Bandits’ who are hosting supported long runs on Saturday mornings. Shaded greenway along a river, wildlife frolicing about, bathrooms and drinking fountains every few miles, and some of your best running buddies. Sound too good to be true? Nope, you're not dreaming, this is what our Brentwood greenway run starting from River Park has to offer!

This route has endless possibilities for mileage. Training for a 5k, come on out! Training for a half marathon, you don't want to miss this run! Training for a fall marathon, this will be the best training experience you ever have! We'll start from River Park off of Concord Rd in Brentwood at 6:30am. Bring a friend, tell a friend, encourage a stranger to come. This is one of the best supported runs we do and can range from a few miles to a couple dozen miles. My favorite is the 10mi course to get a little bit of everything.

10mi - http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/334629159

RSVP here and join the PR Bandits Facebook Group for more info, get run invites, and to link up with other runners. Saturday supported runs will begin at 6:30am and be held at various favorite running routes across Nashville. You can also email Brian Johnson at brian.m.johnson@me.com if you have any questions.

Route #1 This Wednesday, our 12 run rotation begins again.

Where: 11th and Holly in East Nashville

When: 6:00 p.m.

What: See below

Newton Wear Test

Have you ever wanted to try a new brand of shoes but didn't want to blindly buy a new pair? I get it. That is why Nashville Running Company hosts wear tests for their various brands. This week it's Newtons. Come to NRC as early as 5:00 p.m., and Hunter Lane (the Newton rep) will set you up with a pair of Newtons to try for the run. Take them out for a spin, and then return them after the run is over. Easy as that.

Be sure to stay a while at NRC as they are having a belated September pint night!

Country Music Rock n' Roll Nashville Marathon and Half Marathon

If you are considering signing up for the Country Music Half or Full just renamed the St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, this Wednesday is a great time to do it. There is going to be a special price ($65 for full, $55 for half), and you can sign up on location and get a free shirt. (If you are considering being a pace leader, this would be a great time to sign up! You would save us some money because we reimburse your entry fee....)

The Next Door

Thursday is the reception at The Next Door. Read about it here, and please consider attending!

There are a lot of things that East Nasties are doing behind the curtain, and away from the limelight.   One of those things is meeting with a group of women at 6 a.m. to run together and encourage them in their journey of recovery. Last weekend was the Heroes in Recovery 6k.   All the proceeds from the race benefitted The Next Door, and several East Nasties helped train some of the women from the Next Door to finish the race.   As a thank you, and to introduce more people to what they do, the Next Door would love to invite any and all East Nasties to a reception this Thursday.

Coaches and/or those who would like to learn more about this organization, please consider coming.   If you need any more convincing, read this East Nasty of the Week post  about one of the graduates from The Next Door, and how running has been a huge part of her story.

Read the invitation below, and then rsvp directly to Kate.

nextdoor

As a part of National Recovery Month during September, The Next Door invites any members of the East Nasty Running Club to come for a Reception to honor the women in recovery who trained and took part in the “Heroes in Recovery” 6K race. This reception is for any of the running trainers who supported TND women in getting ready for the race as well as anyone interested in learning more about The Next Door’s ministry. You’re invited to come for some healthy refreshments, to meet some of The Next Door’s courageous women in recovery and go on a tour of our new facility. Kids welcome too!

WHAT:                 Reception at The Next Door

WHEN:                 Thursday, September 17th at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE:              The Next Door, 402 22nd Ave. North (at the corner of Charlotte and 22nd Ave.)

RSVP:                    Email Kate McKinnie at kate.mckinnie@thenextdoor.org

If you are not familiar with The Next Door, it is a licensed, accredited treatment facility for women and their families impacted by addiction, mental illness, trauma and/or incarceration. The Next Door offers residential programs, outpatient services and a medically-monitored detox unit to care for each women struggling with substance abuse addiction who walks through the doors. With a new facility and expanded services this year, this treatment center opens the door to more and more women so they can get the healing and recovery support they need, with Christ-centered compassionate care. The Next Door is incredibly grateful for the partnership with East Nasty Running Club, so please come to learn about The Next Door’s scope of services, in case any woman in your life may need treatment from addiction. Bring a friend!

East Nasty is partnering with the ‘PR Bandits’ who are hosting supported long runs on Saturday mornings. Have you heard of the Nashville Flying Monkey? They are a rare breed and even more rarely seen. They fly among the hills of Percy Warner Park and come together at least once a year to show their stuff.

This Saturday we will meet at the Deep Wells Trailhead at 6:30am. DEEP WELLS TRAILHEAD - 6:30AM. For those who may think they have what it takes to find a Flying Monkey, you will be able to search the 5.8mi and 11.2mi loop. Leave the Red Bull at home, there's only one way to earn your wings in this park.

5.8mi Orange Loop - http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/755380447 11.2mi Green Loop - http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/755395295

If you're unfamiliar with the Deep Wells entrance, it is near the intersection of Vaughns Gap Rd and Hwy 100 - https://goo.gl/maps/VmYTt There are 2 porta-potties available and you can park along the road if the lot is full.

RSVP here and join the PR Bandits Facebook Group for more info, get run invites, and to link up with other runners. Saturday supported runs will begin at 6:30am and be held at various favorite running routes across Nashville. You can also email Brian Johnson at brian.m.johnson@me.com if you have any questions.

(Just one of the 7ish hills you get to experience tonight...)

The Nasty

This week is our signature route it's the one that makes you an official East Nasty.   The Nasty.

Where: the corner of 11th and Holly in East Nashville

When: Announcements start at 6:08. First group starts running at 6:10.  If you are a run/walker - join the Lasty Nasties as they start a little earlier.   Check out their Facebook page.

What: You know what...

Remember we meet in rain or shine.  In fact, tonight we would prefer rain...

Looking Ahead...

Next week (September 16) we will have a Newton wear test.   So if you have ever wanted to try Newtons, plan ahead and get to NRC early!   Once again, this is NOT today - it's on September 16th.

East Nasty is partnering with the ‘PR Bandits’ who are hosting supported long runs on Saturday mornings. Starting from Lot R at Nissan Stadium (LP Field), we'll cross the pedestrian bridge and enjoy the sights and smells of a wild Friday night in downtown Nashville. We'll continue out West End, enjoy a loop around Centennial Park, cruise down (it's literally downhill almost the entire way) Charlotte Ave, loop Bicentennial Mall, and come back in through downtown.

10mi - http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/843406303

RSVP here and join the PR Bandits Facebook Group for more info, get run invites, and to link up with other runners. Saturday supported runs will begin at 6:30am and be held at various favorite running routes across Nashville. You can also email Brian Johnson at brian.m.johnson@me.com if you have any questions.

Route #11 Where: At the corner of 11th and Holly in East Nashville

When: 6:08 for runners, 5:45 for run/walkers

What: Route #11

No Pint Night

There is no pint night at NRC this week.   It looks like we are just going to have to visit some of our local pubs & restaurants!   If you have never stuck around after a Wednesday night run, you should start!   Bring a change of clothes (or not) and then join your fellow East Nasties for a mid-week night out.