AORTA News: April 6th, 2026
2026 Test Track 1M/5K Results and Videos!
5K Results: https://tinyurl.com/5aaxnaha
1-Mile Results: https://tinyurl.com/5mvcph3a
Upcoming Local Race This Weekend
Apr 11th: Book It For Drake
When: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM (1-Mile), 9:00 AM (5K)
Where: Town Creek Park, Auburn, AL
Fee: $30 (1-Mile), $30 (5K)
Description: Registration is now open for Book It for Drake 5K and Fun Run, taking place Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Town Creek Park. All proceeds will benefit Drake Middle School. Packet pickup will be Friday, April 10th at Drake Middle School from 3:45 (after bus dismissal) until 6:00, as well as at the Town Creek pavilion beginning at 7:00 am on race day. The fun run begins at 8:30 am, followed by the 5K at 9:00 am.
Upcoming Local Races
Apr 18th: D1 Life 5K / 1-Mile
When: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile), 8:30 AM (5K)
Where: Town Creek Park, Auburn, AL
Fee: $30 (1-Mile and 5K)
Description: The D1 Life Foundation was established in loving memory of Dylan Pegues, a 17 year old Auburn High student that led a life of love, kindness, and generosity through Christ. The D1 Life 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run will take place on April 18, 2026 at Town Creek Park in Auburn, Alabama. All proceeds from the race will go towards scholarships for seniors preparing for college, as well as helping send our youth to church conferences, soccer camps, photography seminars, and much more. This event is a great way to support the D1 Life Foundation, and remember, you don’t have to run—feel free to walk or bring the whole family for a fun outing to support a great cause!
May 16th: Race for a Summer of Second Chances 5K
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile), 8:30 AM (5K)
Fee: $30 (1-Mile), $35 (5K), $25 (Virtual 5K)
Where: Town Creek Park, Auburn, AL
Description: Lace up your sneakers and join us for a cause that's close to our hearts! We are thrilled to announce our 3rd Annual Race for a Summer of Second Chances benefiting CARE Humane Society™️! Whether you're up for the challenge of a 5k or prefer a leisurely walk/run one mile, there's something for everyone!
Race Volunteers Needed!
As a runner, we know your time is valuable. But if you have a couple hours to spare, we could use your help for one of the upcoming AORTA supported or directed races! Assisting at a local race is a fun and rewarding experience. You are surrounded by health conscious individuals that, like you, are motivated fitness enthusiasts and appreciate the effort of volunteers.
Weekly Whimsy
Should You Use Caffeine to Train and Race?
May 06, 2025, Running State
** Summary of Article **
Caffeine is widely used but often misunderstood. It can enhance energy and performance for some, have little effect on others, or even cause negative effects. The article explores how caffeine works, its effects on the body, and how runners can use it effectively.
What Caffeine Is and How It Works
Caffeine is a natural (or synthetic) stimulant affecting the central nervous system. It does not provide energy directly (no calories, no ATP production). Instead, it blocks adenosine receptors, preventing the brain from receiving fatigue signals, which creates a feeling of alertness and energy.
How Caffeine Affects the Body
Energy in the body comes from ATP breakdown. Adenosine (a byproduct) signals fatigue. Caffeine blocks this signal → you feel less tired but are not actually producing more energy.
Why Caffeine Affects People Differently
Effects depend on nervous system balance (excitation vs inhibition).
Variations:
. Most people → stimulant effect
. ~1 in 6 → little to no effect
. ~1 in 20 → sedative/drowsy effect
Differences come from receptor distribution in the brain.
Effects on Body Systems
Cardiovascular
. Blocks fatigue signals → heart rate doesn’t slow.
. May increase blood pressure (especially in non-habitual users).
. Generally not linked to arrhythmia in modern research.
Endocrine
May reduce risk of type 2 diabetes (possibly via improved insulin sensitivity).
Digestive
Increases stomach acid → potential irritation on empty stomach.
Improves gastric motility and drug absorption.
Fat Metabolism
Does not directly burn fat. Allows longer activity → indirectly increases fat usage.
Recommended Intake & Sources
Adults: ≤ 400 mg/day
Pregnant women: ≤ 200 mg/day
Children: ≤ 100 mg/day
Typical caffeine content:
. Coffee (200 ml): ~110–150 mg
. Espresso: ~60 mg
. Tea: ~25–30 mg
. Energy drinks: ~80 mg
→ Roughly 2–3 cups of coffee/day is safe for most healthy adults.
Caffeine: Doping or Not
. Not banned by WADA (currently monitored, not prohibited).
. Previously banned due to variability in metabolism.
. Performance benefit exists but is not dramatic at normal doses.
How and When to Use Caffeine for Racing
1. Dosage
. Recommended: 3–6 mg per kg body weight. Single dose: ≤ 200 mg
. Gel types:
Low: ≤ 40 mg
Medium: 50–100 mg
High: ≥ 150 mg
2. Timing
. Takes 30–40 minutes to take effect
. Best strategy:
Pre-race dose
Maintenance dose every ~hour
Late-race-only intake is less effective
3. Form
. Caffeine gels preferred (better carb absorption)
. Avoid excessive high-dose gels
4. Risks of Overdose
. Nausea, anxiety, tremors
. Heart rate issues, high blood pressure
. Severe cases: seizures
5. Training Considerations
. Test caffeine strategy in training—not race day
. Avoid frequent use to prevent tolerance
. Consider short-term caffeine abstinence before races
Conclusion
. Caffeine improves alertness by blocking fatigue signals, not by adding energy.
. Safe in moderate doses; risks are often overstated.
. Effective for endurance performance when used properly:
. Pre-race + periodic dosing
. Stay within limits
. Individualize strategy
Responses vary, so personal testing is essential.
Link to article:https://tinyurl.com/ypurcs6m
Quote of the Week
Stay committed to
your running goals,
but flexible
in your training.
Michael D'Aulerio
Video of the Week
7 Top Tips for Running Your First Marathon (13:09)
** AORTA provides this informational video to its members as a courtesy and does not endorse any particular product, process, or service.
Ongoing Events
RunGo For Turn-By-Turn Directions!
RunGo provides turn-by-turn navigation allowing you to just enjoy your runs without having to think about looking for street names and when you may have to turn next. Other great features include, audio cues with your running stats, split updates, the ability to share your runs via social media, and create new routes. Another great feature of the app is the ability to work offline. You can create and download your routes ahead of time, before your run so you don’t have to use data during your run.
Race Volunteers Needed!
As a runner, we know your time is valuable. But if you have a couple hours to spare, we could use your help for one of the upcoming AORTA supported or directed races! Assisting at a local race is a fun and rewarding experience. You are surrounded by health conscious individuals that, like you, are motivated fitness enthusiasts and appreciate the effort of volunteers.
Water Stop Volunteers Needed
Water stop signs and coolers are available at the following location: 1536 Professional Parkway, Auburn, AL. (Thank you Adahli Massey!). Coolers and signs can be picked up Monday-Thursday from 8AM-4PM and on Fridays from 8AM-12 noon. Items are in the room next to the back door. If you are unable to pick up supplies on these dates/times, e-mail clemster@aol.com to make alternative arrangements (we deliver!).
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