Hello to our Run Tucson running and walking friends.

It's been a few weeks since we've written -- and we hope you've enjoyed the break from our Run Tucson emails!

All of us doing this sport go through injuries, setbacks, and challenges. These sorts of difficulties seem to increase as we get older -- joints creak, muscles get dinged, and fatigue sets in earlier.

In today's newsletter, our "runner profile" feature introduces Judie Shyman, a Tucson-area runner who's been burning up the roads at the age of 79.

Granted, she's "only" been running for 20 years but in that time she has set numerous state age group records and won more gift certificates than you can shake a stick at. Check out our Q&A profile below -- then take a look at the Run Tucson calendar of event for the coming months.

We've got more of these profiles in the queue, but if you know a person who should be profiled, let us know and we'll see what we can do!

--Randy and Tia Accetta, plus the crew at Run Tucson

randy@runtucson.net | tia@runtucson.net | info@runtucson.net
Can you tell us about your work life?
I am retired. In my prior life I was in management for a government contractor in the aerospace industry.

When and why did you start running?
I moved to Tucson in 1999 and had started biking. In 2002 I decided I had to think about my bone density so I started walking. Someone in SaddleBrooke asked me to joining their running club and I knew that would help my bones. I had never run before so I practiced until I could join them for 3 miles and the rest is history. This past November I turned 79 and I am proud to say that I have set state age records for the 5K, 10K 15K and half marathon for that age.

Do you have any advice for those runners who are getting older?
My advice to older runners is never stop running if you do not have to. You can go slower, run less frequently, combine running and walking but just keep active. Just modify your running program as you age. Cross training is so important also.  

What is one of your favorite Tucson-area running locations? 
I usually run in Oro Valley and I like to run on the loop by Oro Valley Marketplace. There is a Starbucks right there and it is a great place to regroup and chat with my running pals.

What is one of your favorite workouts and why?
My favorite workout includes 400s and 800s. I usually dread mile repeats.

What was your worst race?
I think my worst race was in March 2021. I was going to be in New Orleans visiting family and I saw there was an in person race in Lafayette LA. I was so excited about doing a live race I decided not to worry about the lack of preparation. But what made it terrible was I did not think about the hot and humid weather which is always my downfall. At 5AM it was 70 degrees with 90 plus humidity. Needless to say, it did not go as planned but I did manage to finish.

What groups, if any, do you run with? 
I run with 520 and normally with those in the Oro Valley area. There is a facebook site for 520 and there are runs scheduled all over Tucson. 

Is there something cool we should know about you?
That was a tough question but my answer is testifying before Congress and then being on CNN.

Two truths and a lie about you:
I love chocolate.
I love to swim.
I play bridge.
2022 Run Tucson Event Schedule
SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK LABOR DAY 8-MILE Run and 5k Run/Walk

Monday morning, September 5, 2022
51st Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run

One of the only courses in the nation allowed on actual National Park land, the beautiful course rolls up and down the 8-mile paved road amid the lush Cactus Forest at the base of the Rincon Mountains.

Souvenir shirt to all registrants, plus entry into the Saguaro National Park. We at Run Tucson are proud to be the race directors for this Southern Arizona Roadrunners event.

TMC Tucson 10k and companion 5k

Sunday morning, September 18, 2022
Tucson's only fall 10k is back!

We'll be back for the 5th annual event, on the same beautiful course among the rolling hills of the Painted Desert in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains.

All participants will receive a race shirt and souvenir medal.

This is the 2nd leg of the 2021 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown.

TMC Biosphere 15k and 5k at the Biosphere 2

Sunday morning, October 23, 2022
NOW a 15k at the Biosphere 2, in Oracle, nestled against the western foothills of the mighty Catalina Mountains

Staged at the world-famous Biosphere 2, with a new distance of a 15k (9.3 miles) and a 5k, along with the Cox Family Mile.

Free Biosphere 2 entry for registrants!

The 3rd leg of the GabeZ Triple Crown will have goodies for all race registrants: souvenir coaster medal, cool race shirt, post-race fun, and more!

Beneficiaries include the Biosphere 2, BEYOND, and Team Hoyt.

Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon

Saturday morning, November 5, 2022
4th Annual Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon Run and 5k Run/Walk

Run or walk a trail half-marathon or 5k in the beautiful and rugged Kaibab National Forest, just south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. 

Souvenir race medal, colorful long sleeve shirt, race goodies, and more to commemorate your iconic journey through the trails near the South Rim.

Visitor discounts for hotels, food, and activities.

Thanks to TMC for everything it does for Southern Arizona - visit TMCNow for health care from your home
The TMC Now app gives you 24/7 access to physicians that are licensed to practice in Arizona through the convenience of phone, video, or mobile app visits. It's an affordable option for quality medical care.
Join the Southern Arizona Roadrunners
We are grateful for our 25+ year friendship with SAR, one of the best running clubs in the nation.
Who Sends These? Founded by Randy and Tia Accetta, Run Tucson (www.RunTucson.net) is a family-based Arizona running company, producing charity running/walking events and coaching runners of all abilities.

To promote our mission of making life better through running, Run Tucson advocates for health & fitness, enhancing community engagement, and promoting the local economy. 

In addition, we make significant contributions to worthy charities, providing over $300,000 to local organizations over the years.

Our partners include the non-profit Southern Arizona Roadrunners, plus Tucson Medical Center and a host of local sponsors.

Why Am I on This List? You've participated in one of the events we've produced, either one of our charity running events in Arizona, or as part of Meet Me at Maynard's, Meet Me Wednesday's, Meet Me Downtown PHX, or the Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon.

How Do I Get Off This List? You can hit the "unsubscribe" button below or you can email us at randy@runtucson.net.
For information about our events, the RRCA, and The Workout Group, contact Randy Accetta
(520) 991-0733
For information about in-person, online, or group coaching, contact contact Tia Accetta.
(520)891-4369