AORTA News: March 30th, 2026
2026 Colors for Children's Results and Video!
Results: Link here
Upcoming Local Race This Weekend
Apr 4th: Test Track 5K
When: Saturday, April 04, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile), 8:30 AM (5K)
Where: NCAT Test Track, Opelika, AL
Fee: Free
Description: Get ready for a truly unique running experience at the Test Track 5K in Opelika, Alabama! Set on the world-renowned NCAT Test Track, this event gives runners an extraordinary opportunity to race on the same pavement used for leading-edge transportation research by Auburn University scientists and industry partners.
The Test Track is a 1.7-mile oval research facility dedicated to improving road safety, performance, and durability — and for one day this year, it becomes your racecourse! Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just looking to enjoy a fun and distinctive run, this flat, fast course delivers a one-of-a-kind 5K experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Upcoming Local Races
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.
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 2nd: Run The Race 5K
When: Saturday, May 02, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile), 8:30 AM (5K)
Fee: $20 (1-Mile), $30 (5K)
Where: Town Creek Park, Auburn, AL
Description: Get ready to lace up and Run The Race in this inspiring 5K and 1-mile! Whether you’re a competitive runner, walking for fun, or bringing the whole family, this event offers something for everyone - all for a meaningful cause.
Rooted in the encouragement of Hebrews 12:1-3, Run The Race isn’t just about physical fitness — it’s about community, compassion, and service. Proceeds from the event go directly to support local international families, students, and those most vulnerable in the Auburn/Opelika area, helping provide financial, legal, and administrative assistance where it’s needed most.
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.
New Safety Technology for Runners!
RunSafePRO is developing a lightweight “smart” running vest designed to improve runner visibility and safety. According to the developers, the vest combines several features into one system, including:
• 360° visibility lighting
• Rear radar alerts for approaching traffic
• GPS panic button
• Automatic crash / hit-and-run detection that can call for help
The team plans to launch the vest through Kickstarter and is currently building interest within the running community before moving into production. Their goal is to reach about 1,000 early supporters to bring the product to market.
Members who are interested in learning more about the concept can find additional information here: https://get.runsafepro.com/2
Weekly Whimsy
Why You Feel Slower for No Clear Reason
March 03, 2026, RunningState.com
* Summary of article *
Some days your usual pace feels harder even when training hasn’t changed. This is often due to normal fluctuations in performance rather than a loss of fitness. Research shows even trained runners vary day-to-day, and factors like time of day, body temperature, hormones, and especially sleep can significantly impact how a run feels.
Hidden fatigue from prior workouts is another major factor. After hard efforts, your body may still be restoring glycogen and recovering neuromuscular function for up to 24–48 hours. Even without soreness, reduced energy stores and subtle muscle inefficiencies can make the same pace feel harder and slightly slower.
Stress outside of running also affects performance. Your body processes physical and psychological stress similarly, and elevated stress increases cortisol, reduces recovery efficiency, and raises perceived effort. Mental fatigue can further amplify how hard a run feels, even if fitness hasn’t changed.
Small changes in fueling and hydration can quietly impact performance. Lower glycogen from under-eating, fasted runs, inadequate recovery nutrition, mild dehydration, or caffeine changes can all increase heart rate and effort at the same pace, making runs feel more difficult.
Environmental and physiological variables—like temperature, humidity, wind, air quality, hormones, and terrain—also influence performance. These factors increase cardiovascular strain or alter biomechanics, often in ways that aren’t immediately obvious but still affect pace and effort.
If slower performance persists along with signs like elevated heart rate, lingering soreness, poor sleep, or low motivation, it may indicate accumulated fatigue or early overtraining. Addressing it early with rest or reduced training is important to prevent more serious setbacks.
When you feel slower, focus on effort rather than pace. Adjust workouts as needed, review recent sleep, stress, and nutrition, and consider rest if things feel off. In most cases, slower runs are part of normal variability and not a sign of declining fitness.
Link to article: https://tinyurl.com/yey62dr5
Quote of the Week
Show Up.
That’s How You
Create Your Own
Opportunities
Gymaholic
Video of the Week
The Biggest Lies About Max Cushion Shoes (16:36)
Real foot doctor explains the biggest lies about max cushion shoes.
** 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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