A New Year with a Continuing Commitment!

December 31, 2012
So much of life is about reflecting on our current status in life, but much more is about searching for the possibilities of what life can be for each of us!  I have been an original member of the ALZ stars since its inception, as I want so much to find definitive answers for this insidious disease.  As some of you know, I have faced the loss of my mother, my mother-in-law, my wife's grandmother, and now my uncle on my wife's side is in a permanent nursing home setting.  I have seen life fade away from these dynamic people, and I so much want to be a part of a cure for this terrible life-robbing illness.  As a life-time runner, a successful Coach of over 30 years with personal 20 marathons the 100th Boston Marathon, a state team Championship and 4 state trophies, and countless individual all-state runners, Division 1 and 2 runners and all American runners from my coaching and running expertise, I want to bring us together to run for a cure.  I personally am having my own challenges for training this year as I had ankle and foot surgery December 19th, but I see this as our journey together toward Hospital Hill this 2013.  With years of experience helping others get ready for athletic competition, I have my own expectations to meet this year.  My chore is to get all of us ready for Hospital Hill.  Ask me questions, seek counsel, and let's do this together.  God bless, and Happy New Year to you all.  Let's do it together!  

Keep up the Training

Good job everyone!  Some ideas to consider!  Remember to not increase your mileage by more than 10% a week. Allow yourself a day off before your long run, but use the day after as a day to help rid your system of the lactic acid build up.  I truly suggest that you alternate distances every other day and take a day off during the week. (the day before your long run, the best choice)  Gradual build up of mileage is a key to insure being injury free.

Coach K

Getting Ready for Hospital Hill

Here it is Valentine's Day!  I suggest a simple gift to yourself as you are beginning your training for Hospital Hill.  Whether you are training for the 1/2 marathon, the 10K or 5K, it is time to consistently commit to a training program.  I will help you with specific questions on training, but it is so important to just start the process.  Try to get 3-4 runs in a week.  Either decide to do it by distance or time, but decide.  I will helping you soon with the specifics, but show some love for yourself and get started.  Coach K

Welcome 2012 ALZ Stars!

Welcome runners, sponsors, and all those who care to seek a cure for Alzheimer's! I am Gary Kruger, a 3-time participant with the ALZ stars in the Hospital Hill Run 2009-11.  The first 2 years I ran the half-marathon and I have completed over 20 hospital hill half marathons,( actually I am not sure how many it is as it may be closer to 30) I have run 20 marathons with a Boston Marathon qualified for and run in 1996 with a marathon best of 3:15 at age 42. I am a life-time coach with Cross Country and track. I currently am the Head Coach of the Lee's Summit North Girls' Cross Country program. I have served in that capacity since 1995. We have been quite successful with a state championship in 2004, 14 years out of 16 years a State Team Qualifier for the Missouri State Cross Country Championships, 10 top ten finishes, 4 All State finishes, 2004, 3rd in 1998, 3rd in 2009 & 4th in 2010.

I have trained runners for 30 years with teams from Olathe South, Indian Trail Junior High, Frontier Trail Junior High and of course, Lee's Summit North High School. I have trained individuals as well in preparing for distances from a 5K to a marathon.

I am most happy to make your training experience work for you as your train to seek a cure for the cause of Alzheimer's. I have a personal reason for this quest. I have lost my mother to Alzheimer's and my mother-in-law as well to this tragic disease. So, I am sincere in helping you in any way with your training. Post any questions and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Coach K for the Cause Coach Gary Kruger

Welcome to the ALZ Stars Blog

Welcome runners, sponsors, and all those who care to seek a cure for Alzheimer's!  I am Gary Kruger, a 2 time participant with the ALZ stars in the Hospital Hill Run in 2008 & 2009.  In both cases, I ran the half-marathon and I have completed over 20 hospital hill half marathons,( actually I am not sure how many it is as it may be closer to 30)  I have run 20 marathons with a Boston Marathon qualified for and run in 1996 with a marathon best of 3:15 at age 42.  I am a life-time coach with Cross Country and track.  I currently am the Head Coach of the Lee's Summit North Girls' Cross Country program.  I have served in that capacity since 1995.  We have been quite successful with a state championship in 2004, 14 years out of 16 years a State Team Qualifier for the Missouri State Cross Country Championships, 10 top ten finishes, 4 All State finishes, 2004, 3rd in 1998, 3rd in 2009 & 4th in 2010.  I have trained runners for 30 years with teams from Olathe South, Indian Trail Junior High, Frontier Trail Junior High and of course, Lee's Summit North High School.  I have trained individuals as well in preparing for distances from a 5K to a marathon.  I am most happy to make your training experience work for you as your train to seek a cure for the cause of Alzheimer's.  I have a personal reason for this quest.  I have lost my mother to Alzheimer's and my mother-in-law as well to this tragic disease.  So, I am sincere in helping you in any way with your training.  Post any questions and I will get back to you as soon as possible.  Coach K for the Cause   Coach Gary Kruger