Happy New Year from all of us at the 2009 Capital City Half Marathon and Commit to Be Fit 5k Newsletter. In each issue we will provide you race information, healthy active lifestyle tips and other information that will help you on your journey through the finish line on May 2nd.

This year, in an effort to provide the ULTIMATE fitness experience to all participants we will limit the half marathon field to 5,000 and the Commit to Be Fit 5k Field to 1,500. Our registration numbers are already 100% ahead of where they were last year at this time. Register Today and start your journey with us.

My 12 year old son Nate has made it through the first few weeks of the MIT Training Program. We now get up early on Saturday mornings to run with hundreds of our new friends. After the first week Nate learned his lesson about why shorts may not be the best choice when it is 15 degrees out. (He now own his first pair of running tights).

Over the Holidays we were in Hyannis, Massachusetts visiting our family. Nate and I ran with my sister Jenny over a 3.6 mile route that winds "up the back of the hill" in Hyannisport. My Dad and I figure that over the course of our lives my family has logged over 100,000 miles up the back of that hill. Jenny and I ran together a few more times over the week and it has become even more clear to me that she inherited most of the running talent in our family. It looks like she may come out to Columbus on May 2 to join Nate at Capital City.

To celebrate our family's "running legacy" Nate and his Grandfather have an idea that I really like and I think you will too. We want to encourage Parents and kids, families and friends, neighbors and coworkers to all celebrate fitness on May 2. So..register more than one person by February 1 and save $10 off each entry after the first one as long as you register all at the same time. For example, If I register myself and Nate. I would get $10 off Nate's entry. If I register Nate and my sister, I would get $10 of both of their entries.

Do you run or walk with your kids, siblings, or parents? Send us some photos of you running together and we will get them up on the legacy webpage on the Cap City Website.

Stay active over the holiday season. Adults typically gain up to 5 pounds between Thanksgiving and early January. Plan a walk or run on New Year's morning. You may not have time for a long workout, but starting your day with exercise will help you stay focused on good health through-out the day.

Don't forget to practice portion control. Enjoy your favorite holiday treats, just do so in moderation! Treat yourself to a few favorites and avoid seconds. And make sure to watch those leftovers - send them home with your guests! Out of sight, out of mind.

Have a healthy snack before heading to your New Year's Eve party tonight. My favorite appetite squelching foods would be a handful of almonds or an apple. Going to a party hungry will inevitably lead to overeating. And watch those liquid calories! Alcohol lowers your inhibitions while increasing your appetite, not a good combination.

Cassie is a personal trainer and registered dietician for Tartan Athletic Club.

The Second Annual Corporate Challenge is a great way to keep motivated over the cold winter months. There are divisions for every size employer. The challenge builds morale, teamwork and helps create a fitter workplace.

For more information and to register your team, check this out.

The Capital City Half Marathon continues its "quest" to become one of the "greenest" events in the country. Each week, this newsletter will include an update or a tip on how we can all make a difference.

Paper or plastic? How about neither. Each year the United States uses 30 billion plastic and 10 billion paper grocery bags, requiring approximately 14 million trees and 12 million barrels of oil. Cities across the country have begun efforts to ban plastic bags in stores, but everyone can do their part for the environment by keeping a reusable bag handy for smaller shopping trips.

Speaking of "green ideas", I just received my "electronic" Holiday Card from 10TV's Andrea Cambern. 10TV is the title sponsor of the Commit to Be Fit 5k and a proud supporter of the City of Columbus' Greenspot Campaign. Check it out for all kinds of great "green tips".

Please email me your feedback, photos, suggestions and comments on how to improve the event experience for you as we prepare for 6th Annual Capital City Half Marathon and Commit to Be Fit 5k.

Get Fit. Stay Fit. Live Fit.
David