A couple weeks ago, I blogged about the benefits of running for excercise.  Well, in my quest to become more fit, I’ve been jogging for some time now that I think I’m ready for my next challenge.  I want to compete in a 5K race.  Does anyone here at Waterford Place regularly run them?  Right now, I’m running 2.5 miles per day on average.  A 5K is approximately 3.1 miles.  That’s not much more, so I think I can do it in a good time.

There is actually one coming up at Kings Island in a couple weeks…

Run Kings Island 2010 participants will receive a chance to run through Kings Island while taking in behind-the-scenes views of some of the most popular attractions.  There are three courses and each course is designed to benefit runners and walkers with any amount of racing experience.  The Beast 10k is a challenging course with large hills deep in the woods behind the 31-year-old Beast roller coaster; the Diamondback 5k takes runners on a slightly less rigorous path and includes more behind-the-scenes views of the many thrilling rides at Kings Island.  For kids, the Planet Snoopy Run will offer a half-mile course through Planet Snoopy, where they will be greeted by all their favorite PEANUTS characters, including the world’s most popular beagle, Snoopy, cheering them on to the finish.  Parents may accompany minors on this course.

Participants also get t-shirts, water bottles and admission to the park for a day.  If you’ve never been to Kings Island, it one of the best amusement parks in the region and it is A LOT of fun!  I’m thinking about making a trip of it.  It’s only about 2 hours from here up I-71 North.  Anyone ready to race with me?  You can download the registration form right here.

Hiking at Tipsaw Lake

Anyone singles here at Waterford Place into hiking?  There’s a group here in Louisville that hikes every Sunday, snow, rain or shine.  The Kentuckiana Single Hikers and Walkers is designed for single adults of all ages at backgrounds who share the common interest of enjoying nature while staying active.  Their Sunday hikes are usually 5 to 8 miles (2.5-4 hours) in length.

If you’re interested, check out their website for more information.  They also have a Facebook page that you can “like” for more info.

This Sunday they are hiking at Tipsaw Lake in Hoosier National Forest.  The hike at Tipsaw Lake is an easy 6 mile hike.  It’s free to hike with the group, however they may be a small charge for admission into the park.  For a recording with details of next week’s hike, call 502-894-0579.

The group will leave at 9:00 a.m. from behind McDonald’s off of Court Avenue in Jeffersonville, Indiana (exit 0 off Interstate 65).  That’s a short 10-15 ride from here at Waterford Place.  Most hikers carpool from the meeting place to the hike.

(Photo Credit: apertome)

Waterford Place is a beautiful, modern-looking apartment community on the outside.  Wouldn’t you say?  So it makes sense that its residents would want to make the interior decor of their departments just as great looking and stylish.  Well, there are several ways that an apartment renter can spruce up there place.  One way is to use mirrors as part of the decor.

Mirrors are a unique decorative choice. They have the ability to make your room look larger and they reflect a lot of light around the room, giving the appearance of more space.  This is a great decorating tactic to use in small spaces. Large mirrors over sofas, mantles and dressing tables also reflect light so you have the added bonus of more natural light.

Here’s a decorating tip: Try hanging several small mirrors of different sizes and shapes together on your walls. By clustering them together, you are getting many of the perks of a large mirror while still giving the eye a variety of sizes and shapes to look at.  Give it a try and post a picture of your stylish new digs to the Waterford Place Facebook page!

(Photo Credit: interiormall.com)

You’re probably familiar with the characters from the best-selling children’s books written by Beverly Cleary, Ramona and Beezus.  Well, now they’ve hit the big screen.  The film stars Wizards of Waverly Place star Selena Gomez and plenty of great grown-up stars, including : Sandra Oh, Josh Duhamel, Ginnifer Goodwin, Bridget Moynahan and John Corbett.

It opens in theatres this weekend, so if you’re looking for something to do wth the little ones, check it out!  Here are movie times for Village 8 Theatres, Rave Motion Pictures Stonybrook 20& IMAX and Baxter Avenue Theatres.

Experience the "runner's high!"

Did you know that in less than 60 minutes of aerobic excercise, such as jogging, you can burn over 500 calories?  It’s no wonder that so many people across the globe stay fit through jogging.  It really helps do the body good and keeps you energized.

Another really great thing about jogging for excercise is that you can pretty much do it anywhere.  You can hit the road with your dog or even just hop on the treadmill here at the Waterford Place fitness center.  It’s really up to you.

If you’re a newbie looking to start jogging for excercise (or just thinking about it), an important thing to remember is to pace yourself.  Don’t try to do too much too fast.  Doing a mile or two at a time for the first week or so is perfetly fine.  And then when you start getting your legs about you, you can kick it up a notch!  If you’re still on the fence about getting started with jogging, here are a few other health benefits to think about that I found in The Runner’s Guide…

1. Jogging can help strengthen your heart.  Regular excercise will lower your blood pressure and help to promote elsticity in your arteries.
2. Jogging can help slow the aging process.  The physcial demands of the excercise actually promote bone strength.  Those who jog are less likely to experience bone and muscle loss compared to those that don’t run regularly.
3. The experience of the “runner’s high!”  When people excercise, they are usually happier and less stressed out.  There is actually an scientific explanation for that fact.  When you work-out and run your body releases hormones called endorphins that help to create a sense of euphoria.  This improves both mood and focus.

(Photo credit: lululemon athletica)

Check out the new Sesame Street hands-on exhibit for kids at the Louisville Science Center.

Looking for something fun and educational to to do with the kiddies?  How about a taking the on a trip down Sesame Street at the Louisville Science Center (727 West Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202).  Ernie, Bert, Elmo, Big Bird and the rest of the crew will all be there to take part in the center’s new exhibit, “Sesame Street Presents: The Body.”  It just opened up on July 3 and runs through January.

The exhibit is part of the Sesame Street Workship initiative called Healthy Habits for Life.  It was a program created to help counter the United States’ growing childhood obesity crisis.  Through the workshop, young children aged 2-10 will learn healthy eating habits, as well as how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

For more information, or to purchase tickets go to Louisville Science Center’s website.

(Photo Credit: smithco)

 Hey Waterford Place, are you ready for some Louisville Blues-n-Barbecue?  Click the poster image to go to the event Facebook page.

The Crazies

In this terrifying glimpse into the “American Dream” gone wrong, an unexplainable phenomenon has taken over the citizens of Ogden Marsh. One by one the townsfolk are falling victim to an unknown toxin and are turning sadistically violent. People who days ago lived quiet, unremarkable lives are now depraved, blood-thirsty killers. While Sheriff Dutton and his pregnant wife, Judy try to make sense of the escalating violence, the government uses deadly force to close off all access and won’t let anyone in or out – even those uninfected.  Rated R.

Rent it this weekend if you’re in the mood.  Redbox is actually giving away free movie rentals when you “like” their facebook page (once you “like” the page, click the “Redbox” tab and you’ll see the code.  The closest Redbox kiosks to Waterford Place are at McDonald’s (998 Breckenridge Ln and 5027 Shelbyville Rd), Thornton’s (4500 Shelbyville Road) and Walgreens (4240 Shelbyville Rd).

Join us for a brew! (Photo: MetroMix)

Make sure you celebrate your freedom this weekend…your freedom from regular beer, that is.  The Louisville Brewfest kicks off on Friday, July 2, at 4:00 p.m. at the Mellwood Arts Center (1860 Mellwood Ave.).

The fest will feature local, independent brewers providing samples of their new, creative and unique brews.  Admission is free, however you must be 21 to participate.  Samples are doled out for tickets that cost $1 each.  One ticket will get a you brew sample, and if you like it, you can get a full glass for three tickets.  Oh yeah…and there will be food also available for tickets.  What’s better than sampling food and beer all afternoon?

Participating brewers include: BBC Tap Room, Bluegrass Brewing Company, Browning’s, Cumberland Brews, Falls City Brewing Co., Kentucky Ale, New Albanian and River Bend Winery.

For more info, check out the Louisville Brewfest website.  You can also RSVP for the event on Facebook.

Independence Festival on the Waterfront (July 3-4)

If you’re still looking to celebrate more on the 3rd and 4th, head over to the Waterfrong for the Independence Festival.  They have a wide variety of musical guests lined up for the free, two-day celebration, including: John Rich & Cowboy Troy, Tyler Dickerson, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Arrested Development and Bettye LaVette.  Fireworks will go off at 10:00 p.m. each night!

Did you get your gift card to Joseph’s Salon & Spa?  What can I say…Waterford Place is like the gift that keeps on giving!  Here’s Patrick handing out gift cards at the pool!