One foot in front of the other.
Date: 3/19/10
Consecutive Days Run: 78
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton Gravitas
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Recovery
Time of Day: 6:19 PM EST
Distance Run: 6.27 miles
Time Run: 00:45:33
Average Pace: 07:15 per mile
Weather Conditions: Amazing (64 degrees Fahrenheit)
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/27445321
About the Run: After yesterday’s disaster of a run, I felt like I needed to prove something to myself. So, I may have slightly ignored my assigned effort for today’s run. Coach Jeff gave me a 45 minute recovery run. This calls for a nice, easy run with not much effort. I tried that for about two minutes and then decided to ramp it up a few notches.
My run took me on my usual route on a, once again, beautiful evening. It turns out that my body is a bit in shock about the sudden temperature shift, but I need to get over that ASAP. As I reached the turn around point of my run (I had no idea of pace or distance as I don’t watch those things when I run, only heart rate and total time), there was a runner ahead who would be behind me as soon as I did an about face. As I did, I heard his footsteps about ten feet behind me and relished the chance at an impromptu challenge. At this point, I was right about seven minutes a mile, and the other runner, who I thought was a bit faster than that, had dropped off my wheel in short order.
The run went very well, but did leave me wondering how I’ll stay hydrated for my LSD run of two hours, fifteen minutes on Sunday. You see, during the Winter, all or almost all of the water fountains in the parks of New York City are turned off to avoid freezing. I have a Fuelbelt, but it only holds two, eight ounce bottles. Maybe a four bottle version is called for!
From Galway City Tribune
March 19, 2010 – 7:45am
BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM
TWO Galway businessmen have secured the rights to bring the gruelling ‘Ironman’ triathlon competition to Galway next year – which will attract more than 6,000 visitors and provide an estimated boost of around €5m to the local economy.
As well as attracting ‘big spenders’, the event could see up to 100,000 people line Salthill Promenade to watch the tri-athletes taking part.
The Ironman 70.3 Series (so called because it involves a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile cycle and 13.1 mile run) is an exhausting test of endurance that has become the fastest-growing triathlon series in the world, with 31 events internationally, leading to qualification for the World Championship in Florida.
Eoin McCormack and Ronan Gilligan of E&R Events have beaten off strong international competition to be awarded the contract to hold the event in Galway for the next five years.
They expect thousands of people from around Ireland and Europe to flock to Galway for the weekend-long Ironman competition and festival in September 2011. It will attract 2,500 competitors alone. It has been secured with the help of Fáilte Ireland’s Sports Events Development Fund and the Sports Council of Ireland.
Ironman will see competitors swim part of Galway Bay in Salthill, before making their way to collect bikes in Salthill Park and depart on a cycle to Connemara, through Oughterard and back through Newcastle, before a half-marathon in the city.
“We’ve been working on the logistics of this for the last eight or nine months. It will be a huge attraction for Galway. These things sell out fast, and we’d expect around 1,750 people from overseas, and 4,500 others to travel to Galway,” Mr McCormack said.
As one of the leading triathlon and bicycle retailers in the U.S. that supports athletes, all3sports.com is proud to announce that it has added Mirinda Carfrae and Heather Gollnick to its family of world-class professional triathletes.
“I am thrilled to be working with a company that supports their athletes and customers to race at their best,” said Carfrae. “all3sports.com offers the widest array of products and is my ‘one-stop’ triathlon shop, with great people and incredible service.”
A native of Queensland, Australia, Carfrae has dominated the Ironman 70.3 series for the past 2 years, posting 9 wins including the 2007 Clearwater Ironman 70.3 World Championship. Carfrae’s debut at the 2009 Ironman World Championship proved that she has what it takes to win the Ironman World Championships in coming years. In only her first attempt at the full Ironman distance, Carfrae finished second overall and ran a marathon course record of 2:56:51.
“all3sports.com truly appreciates the technical needs of triathletes, and they work hard to provide every advantage possible when it comes to product knowledge and competitive prices,” said Heather Gollnick. “If you have a passion for triathlon and desire a relationship with a first class organization that can fully support your triathlon dreams, look no further than all3sports.com. Their motto, “Dream Big – Dream Fast” is one I can fully identify with.”
Alongside her 5 Ironman victories, Gollnick also has two Ironman 70.3 titles on her triathlon resume. A seasoned multi-tasker and ex-gymnast, Gollnick’s repertoire also includes managing a successful coaching company, directing the marketing for the flourishing Rev3 Triathlon Race Series and finding time to chase after her three active children.
“Mirinda and Heather are two remarkable women who embody the friendly yet competitive spirit of all3sports.com,” said Morgan Clark, President of all3sports.com. “They shine in their pursuit of excellence on and off the course and we’re proud to be able to support them.”
Carfrae and Gollnick join 2-time Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander, and first year triathlon pros Mary Miller and Eric Bell as part of the all3sports.com growing family.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Date: 3/18/10
Consecutive Days Run: 77
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton Gravitas
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Endurance Build
Time of Day: 2:04 PM EST
Distance Run: 6.34 miles
Time Run: 00:49:48
Average Pace: 07:51 per mile
Weather Conditions: Amazing (66 degrees Fahrenheit), sunny
Disposition: Started fine, downhill rapidly
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/273712055
About the Run: Ok, first, the title of this post, “AWFUL” has nothing to do with the quality of the run really, it just has to do with the way I ended up feeling. I began my run on an absolutely incredible day, feeling good and ready to run. I didn’t have a tough assignment, but rather a one hour fifteen minute run in heart rate zone 2. I felt good heading out and found nice steady pace at right around 7:30 per mile.
Just before mile three, without warning, I felt my stomach go to pieces. I won’t go into too many details, so I’ll do what I can. I found myself doubled over in pain and wondering if I could even make it the three miles back to my office. I tried to run a bit more to see if it was just a fleeting pain. It was not. I turned and headed back and made it back, fortunately. My run ended up being just shy of 50 minutes, and I felt AWFUL. I don’t know why, but it just sucked…a LOT.
Poised to dominate the triathlon world in 2010, Specialized has launched its first-ever comprehensive triathlon team, with multiple athletes in each of the three major specialties: Long Course, Short Course, and Xterra. Hand selected by Bobby Behan, Specialized Global Marketing Manager for MTB and Triathlon, the team athletes represent the best in the business – from decorated vets to young, upstart pros.
“It’s super exciting to be instrumental in the construction of this star-studded global team, many of which have inspired my own triathlon career,” said Behan. “Collectively, the team has won every major title in triathlon from the Olympic Games to World titles in ITU, Ironman, and Xterra.”
Long Course Triathlon Team
Chris “Macca” McCormack
Rasmus Henning
Philip Graves
Jordan Rapp
Desiree Ficker
Peter Reid
Long Course standouts Chris “Macca” McCormack, the 2007 World Ironman and 1997 ITU World Champion; Peter Reid, three-time Ironman World Champion; and Desiree Ficker, 2008 Ironman South Africa 70.3 champ, have all returned. “It is a great honor to represent the big S around the globe,” said Peter Reid, longtime Specialized ambassador and athlete. “For more than 10 years I’ve been like the kid in the candy shop – my candy shop being Specialized, of course.”
And this year they are joined by three more ringers. Jordan Rapp won the 2009 Ironman Arizona, smashing the bike course record. Philip Graves, also a cycling ace, is the youngest ever Ironman Champion (at just 20 years old) after winning in the UK last August. And Rasmus Henning – who just crossed over to Long Course racing after an accomplished ITU career– placed fifth in his first attempt at Kona last year, despite breaking his wrist two weeks prior and being told not to race.
The Long Course team will ride the new S-Works Shiv and S-Works Transition – bikes that Henning thinks will help him accomplish a huge goal. “I am really happy to be a part of Specialized for the 2010 season. My big goal this year is winning Ironman Hawaii, and I am certain that the professional team surrounding me with my bike set-up will be the best I have ever had.”
Short Course Triathlon Team
Javier Gomez
Simon Whitfield
Lisa Norden
Gavin Noble
ITU Development Team
Leonardo Chacon Corrales
Barbara Riveros
Abrahm Louw
Specialized will also be diving head first into short course – a timely entry with the London Olympic Games only two years away. “The Olympic Games is the world’s greatest sporting event, and the athletes competing in ITU triathlon are the ultimate testament to the athleticism that defines the Games,” said Behan.
Racing on their new S-Works Tarmac SL3 and S-Works Amira bikes, the fearsome new squad will include: Olympic gold and silver medalist Simon Whitfield; Multiple World Cup winner and former World Champion Javier Gomez; and former World U23 Champion and current second-ranked woman, Lisa Norden.
Norden and Gomez are looking forward to their new toys and the benefits of a major sponsor. “My new Specialized S Works SL3 is so light,” said Gomez. “You really feel that all your power is transferred directly to the bike, and you don’t waste anything. And of course, it’s beautiful!” Norden added, “Having someone at the race site looking after me and my equipment is huge – it’s new to me and the sport.”
Just as committed to grass-roots level racing as their international stars, Specialized has also teamed up with ITU Development Director Libby Burrell in support of the ITU Scholarship Program. Responsible for fostering the rise of stars such as Norden, the program was created, in part, to support national federations and regions where there are limited human and financial resources.
Xterra Triathlon Team
Conrad “The Caveman” Stoltz
Dan Hugo
Melanie McQuaid
Of course the team wouldn’t be complete without Specialized veteran athlete Conrad “The Caveman” Stoltz or Melanie McQuaid – both three-time World Xterra Champions and both hungry for another podium. They are joined by Conrad’s fellow South African and upcoming Xterra athlete Dan Hugo. All will be outfitted with S-Works Epic and S-Works Epic 29er bikes.
“I’m really excited to be part of such a diverse group of triathletes,” said Stoltz. “Being part of a team feels really good; it’s only logical to have such a phenomenal group riding the best bicycles out there.”
This is not a review of Sugoi R+R socks per se, rather it is a giant THANK YOU to the folks at Sugoi for helping my wife tolerate some of the annoyances of being pregnant.
If you’ve ever been pregnant, or near someone during the course of their pregnancy, you are probably more aware than you’d like to be of the swelling that can occur in the feet and legs during this time. My wife is no different. What began with her ankle area quickly began to vacillate between there and her feet, if not both places at once.
The first thing that I did upon noticing this was to run to my sock drawer and grab two pairs of socks. The first was just for her feet and it was the Sugoi R+R Compression Ped Sock. Almost immediately, this little gem of a low-cut sock began to improve the circulation in her feet and reduce swelling.
The second pair of socks I grabbed was what most of us 
recognize as a compression sock, the Sugoi R+R Knee High Compression Sock. This took care of any ankle and lower legs swelling in short order!
So, to sum up, even if you’re not killing on your feet or on two wheels, these sock do what they say they do. Ladies, if you need some help with swollen ankles and such during pregnancy, or any day for that matter, check these out!
Date: 3/16/10
Consecutive Days Run: 75
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton Gravitas
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Build Pace
Time of Day: 6:57 PM EST
Distance Run: 8.37 miles
Time Run: 00:58:42
Average Pace: 07:00 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cool (54 degrees Fahrenheit)
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/27200527
About the Run: My assigned workouts for today included an easy, one hour spin as well as: Steady zone 2 only. Do not deviate relax good form. Fast light feet. However, I told Coach Jeff that I really felt like pushing it a little bit, to which he said I could do my scheduled workout for Thursday, which is: Warm up then run 55 minutes at your projected Ironman race pace. So, I went out the door with that in mind.
However, as I saw during my ride, the weather, after the past four days of utter gloom had blossomed into an amazingly gorgeous day, and now evening. So as soon as I began to run, I couldn’t hold my pace to my Ironman race pace (which is probably between 7:30 and 7:45 per minute), I needed to run faster. So I did!
The first mile, I took to warm up a bit at a 7:30 pace and then began to push it. My miles were as follows:
Mile 2: 7:03
Mile 3: 6:38
Mile 4: 6:50
Mile 5: 6:54
Mile 6: 7:15 (two NASTY hills here)
Mile 7: 6:52
Mile 8: 7:12 (cool down began here and went for the rest of the run)
Last .37 miles: 6:48
It hurt, but in that really good, I just put it out there, kind of way. Good times!
Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp
Newton Running Symposium in Boston
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Date: 3/15/10
Consecutive Days Run: 74
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: La Sportiva Wildcat GTX
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Quickie
Time of Day: 6:28 PM EST
Distance Run: 1.71 miles
Time Run: 00:13:02
Average Pace: 07:36 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cool (46 degrees Fahrenheit), drizzle, WIND
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/27124914
About the Run: This week seems to be one of waiting. Waiting for this frickin’ weather to go away (we are currently on day four of wicked, nasty weather and wind). Waiting for my daughter to decide to arrive! Seriously, these two things are not helping. I realized today that I am also itching to race. It’s been far too long since I’ve run a race and I’m eager to stretch my legs in some sort of event. However, with my daughter being stubborn and giving us a preview of things to come (know her mother and me), I can’t go anywhere without my phone.
Today’s run was pretty good considering the weather. I got out and pushed the pace a bit. I’m looking forward to my run tomorrow and pushing the pace in some of the first decent weather in what seems like an eternity.
Recipe courtesy Melissa d’Arabian for Food Network Magazine
Serves: 4
Spread 4 bread slices with 1 tablespoon cream cheese each; spread the other 4 slices with 1 teaspoon marmalade each. Combine to make 4 sandwiches.
Whisk the whole eggs, egg whites, orange zest and juice, and vanilla in a shallow bowl. Place the bran flakes in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin or your hands. Pour the crumbs onto a plate. Dip both sides of each sandwich in the egg mixture, then in the crumbs, gently pressing the crumbs onto the bread.
Heat 1 tablespoon each oil and butter in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the sandwiches in batches and cook until the outsides are golden and the insides are melted, 3 to 4 minutes per side. (Add more oil and butter, if needed.)
Slice the French toast sandwiches into triangles. Let cool before serving to little ones, as the cream cheese can get quite hot. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, if desired, and the kids won’t even ask for syrup!
Kimberly (#3130) – Dallas Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon
Michael (#1242) – Dallas Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon
Mark – Dallas Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon
Congrats to all the racers!
Kimberly (#3130) – Dallas Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon – 1:58:11
Michael (#1242) – Dallas Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon – 1:35:21
Mark (#3557)- Dallas Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon – 1:53:02
Desiree (#2092) – Singapore Biathlon – 1:48:03
Nicole (#1734) – 5K on St. Patrick’s Day – 23:32
Date: 3/13/10
Consecutive Days Run: 72
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: La Sportiva Wildcat GTX
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Quickie (Part 2 of my brick workout, following a 3.5 hour spin)
Time of Day: 6:14 PM EST
Distance Run: 2.66 miles
Time Run: 00:21:22
Average Pace: 08:02 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold-ish (45 degrees Fahrenheit) WINDY (Gusting PAST 50 miles per hour), Raining
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/26907062
About the Run: My run today was the second part of a brick that began with a three and a half hour ride on the trainer. I also knew that the run would be taking place in some INTENSELY wicked weather. The rain was coming down hard and the wind was gusting far in excess of 50 miles an hour.
I geared up and headed out the door. My legs felt remarkably alive, not fresh, just really ready to run for having just gotten off a very long trainer ride. I headed on what has become my normal route toward Inwood Hill Park. The wind was already firing the rain at my face like a swarm of angry bees, but I just put my head down and went.
When I got to the park, I decided to go up into the hills to get in my assigned 15 minutes of running and to throw some difficulty at myself to see what I could do. I may have spoken about it before, but if not I cannot say enough about my headlamp. I use the Sprinter by Black Diamond Equipment, and were it not for that amazing little lamp (designed specifically for running), I would have been in some serious trouble with all the branches and several trees that had fallen into and across the path.
When I came down out of the hills, the portion of the park that runs right beside the water was, in fact, UNDER water. So, I had to backtrack around the loop I was on before heading home. The entire time I was out, the wind sounded like a massive freight train thundering by. Tomorrow, I fear, will be more of the same and so I believe that my long, one hour, forty-five minute run will have to be on a dreadmill.
If you are even tangentially involved in triathlon then you have likely heard something about what is one of the year’s most anticipated new races, the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
The race, which takes place tomorrow, March 13, 2010 is boasting a completely stacked Men’s and Women’s professional field which includes names such as Faris Al-Sultan, Eneko Llanos, Julie Dibens and Tereza Macel.
The course itself caters to racers who are stronger cyclists. The course features a 3K, 2 lap swim, a 200K bike and 40K, 2 lap run. This should allow for those racers who are often run down in some races after a strong bike leg, to not have so far to carry their lead off the bike.
To see the odds for the professionals, click the links below:
Abu Dhabi Triathlon odds: Women
The prize money breakdown is as follows:
Position Male Pro Female Pro
1st $50000 $50000
2nd $20000 $20000
3rd $15000 $15000
4th $10000 $10000
5th $7500 $7500
6th $5000 $5000
7th $3000 $3000
8th $2000 $2000
9th $1500 $1500
10th $1000 $1000
Total $115000 $115000
Age Group Male Female
>19 $1000 $1000
20-24 $1000 $1000
25-29 $1000 $1000
30-34 $1000 $1000
35-39 $1000 $1000
40-44 $1000 $1000
45-49 $1000 $1000
50-54 $1000 $1000
55-59 $1000 $1000
60+ $1000 $1000
Total $10000 $10000
LEXINGTON, MA (March 10, 2010) – Saucony, Inc, a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel, today announced the signing of Olympic triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker, ranked 10th in the world and top American in 2009, and Sarah Groff, a member of the USA Triathlon National Team, to multi-year endorsement contracts. Shoemaker is the winner of the 2009 Hamburg World Championship Series Race and the ITU Duathlon World Championships, while Groff, who competed in her first World Cup race in 2005, vaulted to the #4 World Cup ranking and top American in 2008.
“Saucony has such a rich history in the sport of triathlon, and I’m thrilled to have a partner with the experience, knowledge and products to compete at the highest levels,” said Jarrod Shoemaker. “The brand’s focus on innovation is really apparent in their training and racing gear. Their AMP PRO2 training and recovery apparel is allowing me to train harder and recover faster. I look forward to proudly representing Saucony as I continue in my quest for the 2012 Olympics.”
Shoemaker qualified for the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team by finishing as the top American 11th overall at the 2007 ITU Beijing World Cup. He earned his first world cup podium finish with second at Edmonton in 2006 and in 2004 he was the Under 23 National Champion and the 2005 Under 23 World Champion. In 2009 Shoemaker was named USAT Elite Triathlete of the year. Shoemaker is a graduate of Dartmouth College.
“I’m honored to represent a brand that is both motivating and authentic,” said Sarah Groff. “Saucony truly appreciates the technical needs of the triathlete and they really work hard to provide every advantage possible when designing footwear and apparel. I’m thrilled that Saucony is now part of my Olympic focus.”
Groff’s other accomplishments include winning the 2007 ITU Aquathlon World Championships, finishing 2nd at ITU World Team Championships, finishing 4th at Edmonton World Cup in 2007 and earning All-NESCAC and All-American honors as a freestyle swimmer at Middlebury College.
“Jarrod and Sarah are an exciting addition to our Saucony triathlon roster,” said Richie Woodworth, president of Saucony. “Both embody the competitive spirit of the brand and their passion for winning is an inspiration to the whole Saucony team. We look forward to their input as we continue to develop the finest performance footwear and apparel for runners and triathletes everywhere.”
Both Shoemaker’s and Groff’s race schedules for 2010 include:
· ITU World Championship Series – Sydney, Australia
· Hy-Vee ITU Elite Cup – Des Moines, Iowa
· ITU World Championship Series – Hamburg, Germany
· ITU World Championship Series – London, England
· ITU World Championship Series – Kitzbuehl, Austria
· ITU World Championship Finale – Budapest, Hungry
Shoemaker and Groff join other Saucony triathletes, including: Ironman World Champion Kate Major; 11-time Ironman champion Lisa Bentley; 2-time Ironman champions Dede Griesbauer and Michael Lovato; Longhorn 70.3 champion Richie Cunningham; and top U.S. triathlete Linsey Corbin, among others.
Shoemaker lives and trains in Maynard, MA and Groff in Hanover, NH.
About Saucony, Inc.: Saucony, Inc., a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc., is a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel with its widely recognized brands Saucony and Saucony Originals. For more information, go to www.saucony.com.
From the New York Post
By LACHLAN CARTWRIGHT and BILL SANDERSON
A helmet may not be enough to protect cyclists from Google Maps’ latest feature.
The search engine rolled out a “bicycling directions” option yesterday that is filled with potentially fatal flaws, including routes that cut across Central Park’s treacherous tranverse roads and steer cyclists to truck-riddled thoroughfares.
A Post reporter rented a bike on the Hudson River Greenway at 42nd Street and plotted a course to Hunter College — and quickly discovered the hard way that Google has a lot to learn about the streets of New York.
After a traffic-snarled ride up Eighth Avenue, our intrepid cyclist was sent on a semi-circle around Columbus Circle, and soon found himself holding up a line of 15 angry motorists — many leaning on their horns — on the narrow and frightening 65th Street Transverse, which does not have a bike lane.
Google overlooked the far safer Park Drive that loops through the park.
In Brooklyn, Google steers cyclists into the path of anti-bike Hasidic Jews by designating Bedford Avenue between Division and Flushing avenues in Williamsburg as a legitimate bike route. The city sandblasted away that street’s bike lane last year after protests.
Google mappers owned up to the woes. “The team does know about some of the problems in New York,” said spokeswoman Elaine Filadelfo.
There were more problems with the parks.
Inside Central Park, Google shows The Mall and some footpaths south of 72nd Street as bike paths — although park rules make them definitely off-limits.
“The parks are one of the things we need to work on,” Filadelfo admitted. “We don’t have great data for them.”
Among the other problems: Google directs New Jersey-bound cyclists over the north path of the George Washington Bridge, even though the bridge’s official bike path is on the south side.
From Midtown to Yankee Stadium, Google Maps sends cyclists up Central Park West and then on a hazardous 30-block stretch of Frederick Douglass Boulevard to the Macombs Dam Bridge.
A safer pick would have been up St. Nicholas Avenue and eventually over the Madison Avenue Bridge.
Bike advocates like Google’s effort, and say it will help recreational cyclists find safe paths.
“The fact that Google is taking it on brings it to millions of mobile devices and computers,” said Wiley Norvell of Transportation Alternatives. “We’re enthusiastic.”
By New York Road Runners
NEW YORK — A knee injury has forced 2009 ING New York City Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi to withdraw from next week’s NYC Half-Marathon, it was announced today by New York Road Runners officials.
The NYC Half-Marathon on Sunday, March 21, is the richest half-marathon in the United States, with a prize purse of $100,000. The race boasts a men’s field led by marathon world record-holder Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia, two-time ING New York City Marathon winner Marilson Gomes dos Santos of Brazil, and United States Olympians Anthony Famiglietti and Abdi Abdirahman. The women’s field features 2004 Olympic marathon bronze medalist Deena Kastor of the United States and 2009 London Marathon runner-up Mara Yamauchi of Great Britain.
“Due to a setback in my training a few weeks ago, I will not be prepared to compete in the NYC Half-Marathon,” Keflezighi said in a statement to NYRR officials. “The New York Road Runners have assembled a great field once again, and I was looking forward to being a top contender. But I developed soreness on my left knee that required me to take several days off and cut back on mileage for a few weeks. Since I lost most of the build-up phase of my marathon training in February, I will have to pass on a tune-up race and focus my time on preparing for the Boston Marathon [next month].”
Keflezighi has not raced since his historic victory last November, when he became the first American winner in New York since 1982, when Alberto Salazar won the last of his three consecutive titles.
Content courtesy of New York Road Runners
Tampa, FL (Vocus) March 11, 2010 –Magnetic, a full-service web design and development company based in Tampa, Florida, today announced the launch of the new e-commerce web site aimed towards triathletes and endurance sport athletes of all abilities. Triathletes from around the world will now be able to purchase their favorite swim, bike, and run products online at the new Ironman360.com (http://www.ironman360.com) web site.
“We investigated several custom website development companies (http://www.magnetic.com/web-development/) before we contracted with Magnetic,” said Hunter Jewett, Vice President and General Manager of World Endurance Sports, LLC. “We knew that we wanted a sophisticated and professional site, but it also had to incorporate the latest flash development, social networking and ease of use functionality. Magnetic’s marketing team led us through a site development plan with a look and feel that epitomized what we were after.”
The new site contains a fully-functioning shopping cart system which will allow customers to browse and then purchase triathlon-related products from an inventory of several hundred products from the most well-known brands for Ironman (http://ironman.com/) triathletes. While shopping on the site, customers can navigate through the inventory by category, brand, or even by products that their favorite professional triathlete uses.
“As a company that encourages fitness and a healthy lifestyle for our employees, we are extremely proud to be partnering with Ironman360,” says Jennifer Bakunas, President and CEO of Magnetic. “We have a number of employees who compete in triathlons and running races (http://www.magnetic.com/recent-news/Magnetic-Places-1st-In-Gasparilla-15K-Race-Mixed-Team-Division), so our enthusiasm for fitness mixed with our web development services have allowed us to create a site that will grow into an exciting online resource for endurance sport enthusiasts.”
In addition to the new web site, Ironman360.com recently opened a physical store in Tampa. The 4,000 sq. ft. store is outfitted with a full complement of the latest triathlon products and also includes a service center where customers’ bicycles can be upgraded and fixed.
“Their developers and project manager created a fantastic site that would allow a user to identify products quickly, with easy navigation and thoughtful controls. The whole experience in dealing with Magnetic was a pleasure and I cannot say enough good things about them,” Jewett continued. “For 31 years, Ironman® has been recognized for excellence, performance and quality products. With Magnetic’s help, we can now offer the best multi-sport products available to endurance athletes around the world!”
San Diego, Calif. – The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF), a world leader in helping challenged athletes get involved – and stay involved – in sports announces the launch of two of their premier fundraising events: CAF Million Dollar Challenge, Presented by Qualcomm – a 7-day, 620-mile fully supported cycling adventure down the California Coastline from October 16-22, 2010 and the 17th Anniversary Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge – a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run distance triathlon and festival in La Jolla, CA on Sunday, October 24, 2010. Both events raise more than $1 million each for CAF and help physically challenged individuals get off the side-lines and into the game.
CAF MILLION DOLLAR CHALLENGE, Presented by Qualcomm – October 16-22
***CELEBRITY GUEST PARTICIPANTS***
• Former UCLA and pro basketball star Bill Walton.
• Top pro riders from Garmin-Transitions professional cycling team.
Register here: www.mdc2010.kintera.org
Learn more: www.cyclemdc.com
For the fifth consecutive year, the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s Million Dollar Challenge (MDC), Presented by Qualcomm, will take-on the rugged California Coastline during a 7-day, 620-mile unforgettable charity ride, which has earned a reputation as one of the premier cycling events in the country. The ride combines a challenging personal journey for participants with the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of others. MDC combines world-class service from a team of ride support professionals with premier accommodations, fabulous meals and amenities.
This year will be filled with stand-out special guests including top pros from the Garmin-Transitions pro cycling team and former UCLA and pro basketball star Bill Walton, who after 36 surgeries himself, understands the importance of good health and the role of fitness and sport in enhancing peoples’ lives. He shares the following sentiments when asked about the value of CAF’s mission: “I support the cause because it’s about dreams and sports for everybody.”
When Bill says “everybody,” he means everybody – size, ability or physical disability shouldn’t impede an individuals opportunity to be active. This includes his new friend and current UCLA student Scout Bassett. The two athletes – Bill towering at 6’11” and Scout standing tall at 4’8” – share the same love for the UCLA Bruins, both have custom made bikes from Holland (due to their size), share a passion for cycling and will lead out one day of the ride. Together they are proof that athletes come in all shapes and sizes. (See the attached images for the dramatic effect)
Aspen Medical Products SAN DIEGO TRIATHLON CHALLENGE – October 24
***LIMITED-TIME SPECIAL OFFER***
10% OFF the San Diego Triathlon Challenge Entry Fee (Extension)
Register before 3pm (PST) on Friday, March 12 to receive the discount.
Register here: www.sdtc10.kintera.org
Learn more: www.challengedathletes.org/compete/SDTC_Intro.htm
CAF’s Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge, a half-distance triathlon and festival, began almost two decades ago as a fundraiser to help a fellow injured triathlete and has grown into a celebration of life and sport that is making a difference in the lives of physically challenged athletes around the world. It is an event unlike any other in the world. Inspiration, perspiration and determination are the words of the day, as more than 125 of the world’s top physically challenged athletes take on this grueling yet rewarding course alongside 550 able-bodied triathletes, celebrities and pros.
“The CAF event in San Diego is the greatest day in our sport” said 2009 SDTC participant, professional triathlete and 2007 Ford Ironman World Champion, Chris McCormack. “What I experienced in San Diego with CAF was the most inspiring day of my life. To be a part of what this amazing Foundation does and how they change lives for people was so motivating; it gave me a purpose. I was inspired, and wanted to do more.”
Don’t miss your chance to participate, sponsor, donate to an athlete or volunteer for one of these life-changing events.
Date: 3/8/10
Consecutive Days Run: 67
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Quickie
Time of Day: 6:20 PM EST
Distance Run: 1.71 miles
Time Run: 00:17:43
Average Pace: 10:20 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cool (51 degrees Fahrenheit)
Disposition: Good, but with tired legs
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/26505486
About the Run: Happy tenth birthday to our baby girl Annie! No, not the human baby girl, but the canine version of our baby girl. She is ten years old today and for her birthday, she wanted to go for a run with her dad and I was more than happy to oblige.
Whenever I run with either of my dogs, it really give me a chance and pause to see how they literally stop and smell everything. Even when they don’t stop, they’re still taking in everything around them. They aren’t jaded or oblivious to the incredible world with which they are surrounded, they are simply fascinated to be in it. This innocence always touches me. Even when I get upset with one of our dogs, they will always say they love me no matter how angry I am.
The run was good, but slow. Don’t be fooled by her age, Annie is fully capable of breaking down and going far faster than I am, but she just likes to take her time. My legs are a bit weary so it was probably a good thing to take it easy.
I rescued Annie from the Albermarle County, Virginia SPCA when she was just eight weeks old. Our other dog, Bubba was rescued from the North Shore Animal League two years ago. Danielle and I strongly support rescuing dogs and cats and other animals from humane shelters. Please consider donating to Me and the Road and helping to support the North Shore Animal League. You can donate by linking through Me and the Road or by going directly to the donation site located at: http://meandtheroad.bbnow.org
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Serves: 6
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray.
To prepare the crust, put the oats, flour and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse 3 times to combine. Add the butter and pulse about 12 times, until you get a pebbly course texture. Add the buttermilk and pulse 3 to 5 times more to combine. Form the mixture into a ball and place it between 2 large pieces of waxed paper. Roll out into a circle about 10 inches in diameter.
Remove the top sheet of waxed paper. Transfer the crust, still on the other piece of waxed paper to the pie dish, then remove the waxed paper from the top. Press the crust gently into the dish. Bake for 9 minutes, then let cool.
To prepare the filling, heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large nonstick pan over a medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Transfer the onions to a bowl. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil to the pan and heat over a medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they have released their water and begin to brown, about 6 minutes. Add the onions back to the pan, stir in the salt, pepper, mustard and thyme.
In a medium bowl whisk together the eggs, egg whites and evaporated milk.
Sprinkle the cheese into the pie crust. Top with the mushroom-onion mixture and pour the egg mixture on top. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake for 35 minutes or until knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting into 6 wedges and serving.
Nutritional analysis per serving (Serving size: 1 wedge)
Calories 270; Total Fat 14 g; (Sat Fat 6 g, Mono Fat 5 g, Poly Fat 1 g) ; Protein 14 g; Carb 24 g; Fiber 2 g; Cholesterol 125 mg; Sodium 430 mg
Excellent source of: Protein, Riboflavin, Phosphorus, Selenium
Good source of: Vitamin A, Niacin, Vitamin D, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iodine, Iron, Potassium
For me, there are three types of “ists”. They are: realists, optimists and pessimists. I know that there are probably many other “ists” that you may be able to come up with, but in general and for the sake of this article, these are the main three. Of course, there are many derivations of these “ists” such as, optimistic realists, realistic pessimists and pessimistic realists.
I do realize that those last two seem to just have the words flipped around and at first glance that may not make such a difference to you. However, look at it like this; in an example where a first time marathoner says to someone, “I plan to run a 3:20 marathon”, the difference in reactions might be something like:
Realistic pessimist: “That’s a pretty ambitious time. You’d be better off just getting across the finish line.”
Pessimistic realist: “Yeah right. Maybe you should just focus on finishing strong.”
You still may not see much of a difference in those two, but to me, the message that is sent with those subtle differences means a lot. First though, I would like to give my definitions of the three main categories.
Realist: Someone who see things as very black and white. This can sometimes be mistaken for pessimism, but I believe that the intent is not to cut down, but rather just to not build unacceptable expectations.
Optimist: Someone who always looks at only the bright side of things. In it’s purest form I think that optimism often even ignores the true details of things so as to not let in anything negative to their own detriment.
Pessimist: Someone who is always trying to find the worst case scenario and point it out constantly to themselves and others. AKA “Debbie Downer”.
There have been some things that I have seen and read recently in the running/triathlon blogosphere that have brought me to the point of writing this article. In particular, there are a few people who are extremely accomplished and studious athletes, but their attitude, while I’m sure is founded in realism, has crossed the line into outright pessimism. From what I have seen this reaction comes as a direct result of other peoples unbridled optimism. What makes this incredibly frustrating to the point of making me angry, is that there seems to be an inability of our pessimistic friends to let others be happy.
But what separates the pessimists from the realists? The line between the two is often very hazy and I think changes depending upon perception. I have a very hard time distinguishing between the two myself and as as result, I have had to force myself to step back and try to place myself inside the head of some so that I can see that they truly are not trying to bring me or others down, but rather are just trying not to let us fly too high only to be brought crashing back down to reality.
I understand being in a realist mindset and in fact, I would actually define myself as an optimistic realist. I believe that the first thing someone should do is encourage others. After that, I feel it is very important to make sure that people know that they should not be disappointed if the outcome of whatever training or race they’re preparing for is less than they expected. I feel like people should have goals that are beyond their current selves, but not so far out that they’re constantly met with disappointment.
Then there are our buddies the optimists. I think it is so wonderful to see the world in all sunshine and rainbows but I just think that if that’s the case, when disappointment does in fact rear it’s head, the appearance the world crashing down is that much greater. There’s not too much I can say about unabashed optimism that wouldn’t take me back to talking about being realistic, so I’ll just leave this alone and move on.
I believe that most people are a mixture of two or all of these things. But, what is the use in being pessimistic? As I said before, I think pessimists believe they are being realistic and that they know better due to their experience or erudite view of others. I think this group should really exercise the on saying, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” far more often.
Every now and then I’ll get an email from a listener that gets me so excited for them. Usually it is from someone who is about to go run their first marathon or something and they have an extremely lofty goal time. The first thing I do I to say, “that’s awesome!”. I say that not out of some obligation to be nice or polite, but I say it because I really do think it’s wonderful. As soon as I am done saying that though, I will usually let them know to make sure they have a contingency plan laid out in their mind. I refuse to be negative to any of my listeners/readers like that because I know from first hand experience that when you get into a race and something goes wrong, your mind is capable of throwing more negativity at you than you can handle. I believe that any goal, no matter how high, is one worth going after.
So, now that I have rambled along about my “ists”, what kind of “ist” are you?
“If you shoot for the stars and hit the moon, it’s OK… A lot of people don’t even shoot.”
Date: 3/4/09
Consecutive Days Run: 63
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Middle distance for endurance
Time of Day: 2:26 PM EST
Distance Run: 9.14 miles
Time Run: 01:09:09
Average Pace: 07:33 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cool (45 degrees Fahrenheit)
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/26095528
About the Run: My assigned run for today was: Run a nice relaxed pace. Zone 2 Nice relaxed shoulders and hands. Tall and quiet. I took this very much to heart and was sure to take what felt like a very relaxed pace and posture. During this run I made a point of looking around and enjoying the scenery and ignoring anything to do with pace or effort, which is to say, I relaxed. I kept this up for the entire run, having no idea what my pace was the entire time. It felt good.
Since I usually do an out and back route when I run during the day, I got some wind in my face today. It wasn’t tremendously windy, but there was enough that it felt completely still on the way downtown. Once I turned around and headed back uptown, the wind hit me a little more. I remained relaxed as much as I could but I did catch myself picking up the effort more than I should have a couple of times. All in all, a very good, relaxed run.
Please consider donating to Me and the Road by going to: http://meandtheroad.bbnow.org
Many of you know how much I LOVE (insert sarcastic look here) the treadmill. However, I have actually found what is to some an oldie, but nevertheless one amazing treadmill workout!
The City of New York and the New York Road Runners who hosted the somewhat infamous Men’s Olympic marathon trials before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games are a little less than thrilled with some news today. If you recall, it was in those trials that Ryan Shay tragically passed away, five and a half miles into the race. The city was hoping that they would again be given the trials for the 2012 London games, however USATF has granted the trials to the city of Houston.
One point in favor of Houston was the $1.7 million in private and public funds that were put up for the event. Here is what NYRR CEO, Mary Wittenberg had to say:
“As an organization fiercely committed to our sport and our athletes, I have to be honest and say that we are disappointed by today’s announcement that both Trials races will be in Houston. It seemed such a win-win to split the genders and to give the fans of two markets the chance to experience the Trials in an up-close-and-personal way. The NY and Boston Trials were unqualified successes. It would have been nice for at least one of us to have had the chance to build on that success and to capitalize on the momentum of the last Trials.
“For us at NYRR, our commitment to our athletes and our sport has always gone way beyond any one day. All of us at NYRR were, however, hoping to have the chance to work with USATF and the USOC to make the very most of that one Trials day for the good of our athletes and our sport. We will look forward to continuing to host our American athletes often throughout the year at NYRR events.”
With this, Houston becomes the first city to host both the Men’s and Women’s marathon trials. The event will be held on January 14, 2012 on a course that has put up some fairly fast times in the past. The top three finishers in each race will go on to represent the United States in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.
HOUSTON COURSE RECORDS
Men: 2:07:37 Teshome Gelana Etana, 2010
Women: 2:23:53 Teyiba Erkiso Waka, 2010
March 2, 2010 (Tampa, Fla.) — World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owners of the portfolio that includes Ironman, 70.3, Iron Girl and IronKids brands, announces its partnership with John Duke for the launch of a new magazine. With plans to appear in late summer, the magazine will feature content for the serious and committed triathlete. Initial subscribers will be participants of domestic events within the 2010 Ironman and 70.3 Series. Digital subscriptions are planned for international participants.
The new magazine called LAVA, which takes its name from the chain of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean where Ironman and the sport began, will take readers into the fiery center of triathlon. While the Ironman World Championship hails as the pinnacle of the sport, athletes who value the regular and hard-core multisport experience will be the target for the magazine.
John Duke will oversee content for the brand and will serve as the magazine’s publisher and advertising director. Duke spent 14 years as publisher of Triathlete Magazine and most recently was Senior Vice President of the Print Media Division for Competitor Group.
“I could not imagine a better team to create the world’s leading triathlon publication,” says Duke. “Our team is excited to build a magazine for people who feel triathlon is not just a hobby, but rather a lifestyle. We are all looking forward to utilizing our first-hand racing experience, journalistic backgrounds and passion within the pages of LAVA.”
The team will consist of Susan Grant-Legacki, former editor of Inside Triathlon, along with Jay Prasuhn, who served as tech editor at Triathlete Magazine for 10 years. Creative will be led by Erica Krystek, the former art director of Inside Triathlon, who was responsible for the redesign of Inside Triathlon’s re-branding in 2008. The sales and advertising effort will be led by 11-time winner of the national track cycling championships, Sean Watkins, who was also the vice president of sales and event marketing for Triathlete Magazine. Heather Gordon, who started at Triathlete Magazine 11 years ago and rose to the position of associate publisher rounds out the team.
For advertising information about LAVA, contact Sean Watkins at Seanwatkins@ironman.com or John Duke at Johnduke@ironman.com. All media-related inquiries can be directed to Blair LaHaye at Blair@ironman.com. Event details about Ironman and 70.3 can be located at www.ironman.com.
Donate to IronBrandon (Please!)
Nytro Complete Triathlon Package
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For a second year in a row, Newton Running shoes were rewarded for their outstanding products in the prestigious 220 Triathlon awards held on 13th February at Sandown Park.
Following their 2009 win for ‘Innovative Product of the Year’ the popular ‘Newton Gravity’ training shoe was awarded the 2010 ‘Run Shoe of the Year’ award, beating Asics Noosa and Saucony Fastwitch 3 to the title.
Mike Trees, managing director of Triathlon Consultants (Newton Running’s UK distributor) accepted the award and said “It is a great honour to receive this award on behalf of Newton Running, who have put so much research and development into producing what is now recognised at possibly the greatest running shoe in the world for forefoot and mid foot runners. We at TCL have the relatively easy job of selling the Newton Running shoes the eagerly awaiting public.”
The attached image shows Mike Trees standing with his long time hero in sport Dave Scott, 6 times winner of the Hawaii Ironman and arguably the greatest triathlete to date presenting Newton’s award for Run Shoe of the Year.
According to Crowie’s official Facebook page, his race bike has been stolen! From Crowie:
Last night my black ORBEA ORDU 51cm bike with Shimano Di2 Electronic gears and SRM, along with my road bike and a bunch of other cycling equipment was STOLEN from my garage. Please contact crime stoppers in Australia on 1800 333 000 if you see or hear anything. I will post photos as soon as I can.
Here are a couple of pictures of the Ironman World Champion’s ride (click for larger image):
Here are the specs on Crowie’s stolen bike(s):
Bike Name: Black ORBEA ORDU
Size: 51cm
Headset: Integrated Headset
Derailer Front: SHIMANO 7900 DI2 ELECTRONIC
Brake Lever: Shimano Durace Carbon
Brake Callipers: DI2 Group Set
Cranks: SRM Power Meter
BB-Set: Enduro Grade 3 Grade 3 Ceramic Bearings
Aero…bars: Pro Carbon Missile Flat with Straight Bars
Head Stem: Pro Vibe 85mm
Seat: Fizik Arione Carbon Tri 2
Chain: Durace 10 Speed
Cassette: 12-23 Durace
Training Wheels: Durace Wheels
Tyres: Continental Grand Prix Clinchers
Cages: XLAB Chimp and Gorilla Carbon Cages
XLAB Rear Carbon Hydration System
Pedals: Durace
Frame: Black Orbea ORCA 54 cm
Derailer Front: SHIMANO 7900 Durace
Training Wheels: Durace Wheels
Moment Sporting Events has just announced the date–September 18, 2010—for the San Diego Triathlon Classic. The race, San Diego’s original USAT sanctioned Olympic triathlon, is now open for registration (www.sandiegotriathlonclassic.com).
“The San Diego Triathlon Classic has gained recognition for its spectator-friendly course that winds through some of San Diego’s most precious historic landmarks,” said JT Lyons, president of Moment Sporting Events. “The scenic, yet challenging nature of this premier event has attracted those that simply enjoy the fun and purity of the sport as well as numerous top age groupers and elite triathletes.”
Lyons added that the company moved the event from its original mid-October date to mid-September to allow those competing at the Ford Ironman World Championships to have one more race option “a final tune-up” before heading off to Hawaii.
The San Diego Triathlon Classic will begin and end on the water’s edge at Liberty Station in the newly renovated historic NTC Park. The 1.5K calm water swim is in a protected estuary of San Diego bay. The bike course (40k) travels through Cabrillo National Park, enjoying spectacular views of Mexico, downtown San Diego and the Pacific. The two-loop, fast and flat, 10k run winds along the waterfront in NTC Park, passing the USS recruit.
“We created the San Diego Triathlon Classic course with both the athlete and the spectator in mind,” said Lyons. “All can enjoy the beautiful views of the downtown skyline, historic landmarks and the San Diego Bay. There is a children’s playground, additional park space and shopping just steps away from the start/finish area.”
Race features include participant t-shirts, a unique finisher medal, goodie bags, five-split timing, gourmet post-race food and a microbrew garden. The travel friendly San Diego Triathlon Classic is minutes from the San Diego International Airport. Many restaurants are within walking distance and hotels are just a step away from the start/finish line.
The public is encouraged to watch the race and attend the free two-day Fitness expo Friday, September 17th and Saturday September 18th. The expo will showcase the finest in triathlon-related coaching, nutrition, bicycles, wheels, apparel, and more.
Interested race participants are encouraged to register early as space is limited. To register online, or for more information, including photos and accolades from last year’s race, visit: www.sandiegotriathlonclassic.com.
From the Sydney Morning Herald
Triathlete Belinda Granger has won her 12th Ironman-distance race, taking out Ironman Malaysia for the third-straight year.
Granger dominated the race, taking the lead on the bike and winning by more than 12 minutes.
She finished in nine hours 23 minutes and 33 seconds, well clear of the 9:35:02 from Italian Edith Niederfriniger.
It was a good day for the Sydney-based Grangers, with Belinda’s husband Justin finishing fourth in the men’s race and the first Australian male across the line.
The win represents an impressive return to form for Granger, who needed major surgery last year to repair an artery in her leg.
She is a regular top-10 finisher at the Hawaiian Ironman world championships but had to pull out during that race last October because of illness.
“It was definitely my intention to come back here and get three in a row,” Granger told the Ironman website.
“Now I can tick that off my list – the No.1 goal was to get to the finish line after being sick in Hawaii.”
Belgian Marino Vanhoenacker smashed the men’s field to win by more than 28 minutes, clocking 8:22:31, while Granger finished 9:01:08.
The race was held in hot, humid conditions and was the standard Ironman triathlon distances of a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km marathon run.
Recipe courtesy Dana Angelo White
Place ingredients in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse until smooth.
Serve with dippers.
Date: 2/28/09
Consecutive Days Run: 59
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: LSD
Time of Day: 10:47 AM EST
Distance Run: 16.07 miles
Time Run: 02:12:21
Average Pace: 08:14 per mile
Weather Conditions: Snow and Ice, Cold (35 degrees Fahrenheit)
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/25775150
About the Run: My assigned run today was one hour and forty-five minutes easy. I made plans with Laminator to meet up on the West Side Greenway where we would run together to the halfway point of my run (about 55 minutes). I left my house at about 10:45 AM and was greeted with a beautiful day. The route to the beginning of the Greenway was almost completely cleared of snow. However, as I got to the stairs leading up to the path, I was greeted with what I feared, snow. The path itself was completely covered in snow, but it was the kind of snow that made it so frustrating. This snow was solid to the ground, but the surface was not nice and packed, nor was it soft and powdery. Rather, it was a kind of granular icy mix that was covering up spots of hard, packed snow. This made for incredibly hard fought running. This portion of garbage running lasted about a mile and a half and I did not enjoy one second of it. Not one.
Once I passed under the George Washington Bridge, the snow cleared and my spirits were lifted knowing that the rest of the way would not be as neglected as the opening stretch had been. After a bit I came upon a guy running barefoot and carrying his shoes. I cannot recall his name right this second but kudos to you, sir! While the path wasn’t covered in snow, it was certainly wet in spots as well as colder outside than I would run barefoot! We talked for a bit about running technique and how he was trying to nail down his technique. To do this, he (as I tell EVERYONE) was trying to find what I call his “zero”. Zero is trying to get back to what your technique would be if it were not influenced by technology.
After about a mile, I ran into Laminator and we headed off for our run. It’s so much fun to have good conversation when running. Our run together lasted 4.07 miles at a 7:30 per mile pace (according to Lam’s data). It seemed to fly by and after a while Lam had to remind me that I meant to turn around! As a matter of fact, I had gone about ten minutes farther than I was planning, so we said our goodbye’s and went separate ways.
On the way home, I maintained the pace that Laminator and I had established. Then came the snow again. When I got to the portion of my run that had been my nemesis on the way out, this time my legs had fourteen miles on them. Every single step I took seemed to challenge me and trip me up. There was more than once when I chose to hurl verbal (loudly I might add) insults at the snow on the path. Again, I did not enjoy a single step of this portion of my run. Not one bit.
The rest of my run was fine, though my hips were not happy from dealing with slipping and sliding. I did go about thirty minutes longer than I had planned but I chalk that up to getting lost in conversation and my pace being destroyed by the snowy portion. Overall, a fantastic run with only a couple small hitches along the way.
Date: 2/26/09
Consecutive Days Run: 57
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: La Sportiva Wildcat GTX
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Quickie
Time of Day: 7:10 PM EST
Distance Run: 1.73 miles
Time Run: 00:14:15
Average Pace: 8:15 per mile
Weather Conditions: Snow and Ice, Cold (32 degrees Fahrenheit)
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/25601025
About the Run: Today’s sn-urricane left us with a bunch of snow on the highways and byways of New York City. Since I didn’t have an assigned run (swim day) this gave me the perfect opportunity to get out and play in the snow on a short run. I wore my La Sportiva Wildcat GTX’s because I knew that I’d be contending with quite a bit of ice on the road and the actuator lugs on my Newton AW’s tend to act like little skis on ice!
So, off I went into the elements for my run. A lot of the primary sidewalk was clear, but when I got in Inwood Hill Park, the paths had been plowed but a layer of ice lay covering the ground. As I was cam to a certain point where the path takes a VERY slight down grade, my feet went out and I found myself rolling, military style across the ground, though probably not as gracefully as I picture it in my head! I didn’t hurt anything and more importantly, I didn’t further destroy my clothes supply! I continued on, even getting to run a good stretch of my run on an awesome packed snow path.
All in all a great run. That hill that I want to conquer remains unconquered due to the fact that it was quite treacherous with snow and ice. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow’s run brings!
From BBC Sport
Britain’s triathlon world champion Alistair Brownlee will miss the start of the season with a stress fracture.
The injury to his femur will keep the Yorkshire 21-year-old out of the first two rounds of the World Championship Series in Sydney and Seoul.
Brownlee hopes to return in time for the third race in Madrid on 5 June.
“Getting the best out of myself means pushing myself to the edge of my limits. Sometimes you cross the line and injury is inevitable,” he said.
“While the worst part is not being able to do what I love every day, I am pleased with my rehab to date.
“My primary focus is to get fit and healthy.”
Brownlee, a former junior and under-23 world champion, clinched the 2009 World Championship Series with victory on Australia’s Gold Coast in September.
Missing two of the six rounds in this year’s championship will dent his hopes of retaining the crown, although Brownlee will be able to pick up points at smaller World Cup events.
The Leeds star is seen as one of Britain’s best medal prospects for the London 2012 Olympics.
BOSTON, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — John Hancock Financial today announced the elite field of 44 athletes from ten countries for the 114th running of the Boston Marathon on April 19. A complete field list follows.
Headlining the field, and recently announced, are defending champions Deriba Merga and Salina Kosgei, and past champions Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot, Catherine Ndereba, Dire Tune and Lidiya Grigoryeva.
On the men’s side, nine have raced under 2:07 with top contenders, Abderrahim Goumri, Evans Cheruiyot, Gilbert Yegon, Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot and Chala Dechase leading the challenge.
Americans chasing the champions are Ryan Hall, Meb Keflezighi, Jason Lehmkuhle, Josh Rohatinsky and Antonio Vega. International newcomers to the course include Elijah Keitany, Samuel Mugo, David Mandago, Mohammed Amyn and additional talent.
In the women’s race the four returning champions will face Teyba Erkesso, Yurika Nakamura, Weiwei Sun, Nailya Yulamanova, Agnes Kiprop and new marathoners Mestewat Tufa and Chaofeng Jia.
Madai Perez also returns after maternity leave and Burna Genovese, Albina Mayorova, Koren Jelela Yal, American Michelle Frey and Waynishet Girma are among other women in the mix.
114th Boston Marathon John Hancock’s 2010 Elite Athlete Field
|
Men’s Open Field |
Personal Best |
|
|
Deriba Merga, Ethiopia |
2:06:38 (London, 2008) |
|
|
Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot, Kenya |
2:07:14 (Boston, 2006) CR |
|
|
Ryan Hall, USA |
2:06:17 (London, 2008) |
|
|
Abderrahim Goumri, Morocco |
2:05:30 (London, 2008) |
|
|
Gilbert Yegon, Kenya |
2:06:18 (Amsterdam, 2009) |
|
|
Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot, Kenya |
2:06:23 (Frankfurt, 2009) |
|
|
Evans Cheruiyot, Kenya |
2:06:25 (Chicago, 2008) |
|
|
Chala Dechase, Ethiopia |
2:06:33 (Dubai, 2010) |
|
|
Elijah Keitany, Kenya |
2:06:41 (Amsterdam, 2009) |
|
|
David Kipkorir Mandago, Kenya |
2:06:53 (Paris, 2009) |
|
|
Benjamin Maiyo, Kenya |
2:07:09 (Chicago, 2005) |
|
|
Tekeste Kebede, Ethiopia |
2:07:52 (Fukuoka, 2009) |
|
|
Gashaw Asfaw, Ethiopia |
2:08:03 (Paris, 2006) |
|
|
John Kipkorir Komen, Kenya |
2:08:06 (Reims, 2008) |
|
|
Samuel Mugo, Kenya |
2:08:20 (Beijing, 2009) |
|
|
Stephen Kiogora, Kenya |
2:08:24 (Frankfurt, 2008) |
|
|
Mebrahtom Keflezighi, USA |
2:09:15 (New York City, 2009) |
|
|
Moses Kipkosgei Kigen, Kenya |
2:10:12 (Nairobi, 2009) |
|
|
Abdellah Falil, Morocco |
2:12:37 (Turin, 2009) |
|
|
Jason Lehmkuhle, USA |
2:12:54 (New York City, 2007) |
|
|
Cutbert Nyasango, Zimbabwe |
2:13:19 (Berlin, 2009) |
|
|
Alejandro Suarez, Mexico |
2:13:33 (Torreon, 2009) |
|
|
Josh Rohatinsky, USA |
2:14:23 (New York City, 2008) |
|
|
Antonio Vega, USA |
2:15:45 (Minneapolis/St. Paul, 2009) |
|
|
Mohammed Amyn, Morocco |
Debut |
|
|
Women’s Open Field |
Personal Best |
|
|
Salina Kosgei, Kenya |
2:23:22 (Berlin, 2006) |
|
|
Catherine Ndereba, Kenya |
2:18:47 (Chicago, 2001) NR |
|
|
Madai Perez, Mexico |
2:22:59 (Chicago, 2006) NR |
|
|
Teyba Erkesso, Ethiopia |
2:23:53 (Houston, 2010) |
|
|
Dire Tune, Ethiopia |
2:24:40 (Houston, 2008) |
|
|
Lidiya Grigoryeva, Russia |
2:25:10 (Los Angeles, 2006) |
|
|
Weiwei Sun, China |
2:25:15 (Beijing, 2002) |
|
|
Bruna Genovese, Italy |
2:25:28 (Boston, 2006) |
|
|
Albina Mayorova-Ivanova, Russia |
2:25:35 (Chicago, 2003) |
|
|
Yurika Nakamura, Japan |
2:25:51 (Nagoya, 2008) |
|
|
Agnes Kiprop, Kenya |
2:26:22 (Turin, 2009) |
|
|
Nailya Yulamanova, Russia |
2:26:30 (Rotterdam, 2009) |
|
|
Koren Jelela Yal, Ethiopia |
2:28:41 (Venice, 2009) |
|
|
Waynishet Girma, Ethiopia |
2:29:50 (Amsterdam, 2009) |
|
|
Tatyana Pushkareva, Russia |
2:30:30 (San Antonio, 2009) |
|
|
Meseret Legese, Ethiopia |
2:31:37 (Padova, 2009) |
|
|
Michelle Frey, USA |
2:35:51 (Minneapolis/St. Paul, 2006) |
|
|
Mestewat Tufa, Ethiopia |
Debut |
|
|
Chaofeng Jia, China |
Debut |
|
|
Men’s Open Field |
Personal Best |
|
|
Deriba Merga, Ethiopia |
2:06:38 (London, 2008) |
|
|
Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot, Kenya |
2:07:14 (Boston, 2006) CR |
|
|
Ryan Hall, USA |
2:06:17 (London, 2008) |
|
|
Abderrahim Goumri, Morocco |
2:05:30 (London, 2008) |
|
|
Gilbert Yegon, Kenya |
2:06:18 (Amsterdam, 2009) |
|
|
Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot, Kenya |
2:06:23 (Frankfurt, 2009) |
|
|
Evans Cheruiyot, Kenya |
2:06:25 (Chicago, 2008) |
|
|
Chala Dechase, Ethiopia |
2:06:33 (Dubai, 2010) |
|
|
Elijah Keitany, Kenya |
2:06:41 (Amsterdam, 2009) |
|
|
David Kipkorir Mandago, Kenya |
2:06:53 (Paris, 2009) |
|
|
Benjamin Maiyo, Kenya |
2:07:09 (Chicago, 2005) |
|
|
Tekeste Kebede, Ethiopia |
2:07:52 (Fukuoka, 2009) |
|
|
Gashaw Asfaw, Ethiopia |
2:08:03 (Paris, 2006) |
|
|
John Kipkorir Komen, Kenya |
2:08:06 (Reims, 2008) |
|
|
Samuel Mugo, Kenya |
2:08:20 (Beijing, 2009) |
|
|
Stephen Kiogora, Kenya |
2:08:24 (Frankfurt, 2008) |
|
|
Mebrahtom Keflezighi, USA |
2:09:15 (New York City, 2009) |
|
|
Moses Kipkosgei Kigen, Kenya |
2:10:12 (Nairobi, 2009) |
|
|
Abdellah Falil, Morocco |
2:12:37 (Turin, 2009) |
|
|
Jason Lehmkuhle, USA |
2:12:54 (New York City, 2007) |
|
|
Cutbert Nyasango, Zimbabwe |
2:13:19 (Berlin, 2009) |
|
|
Alejandro Suarez, Mexico |
2:13:33 (Torreon, 2009) |
|
|
Josh Rohatinsky, USA |
2:14:23 (New York City, 2008) |
|
|
Antonio Vega, USA |
2:15:45 (Minneapolis/St. Paul, 2009) |
|
|
Mohammed Amyn, Morocco |
Debut |
|
|
Women’s Open Field |
Personal Best |
|
|
Salina Kosgei, Kenya |
2:23:22 (Berlin, 2006) |
|
|
Catherine Ndereba, Kenya |
2:18:47 (Chicago, 2001) NR |
|
|
Madai Perez, Mexico |
2:22:59 (Chicago, 2006) NR |
|
|
Teyba Erkesso, Ethiopia |
2:23:53 (Houston, 2010) |
|
|
Dire Tune, Ethiopia |
2:24:40 (Houston, 2008) |
|
|
Lidiya Grigoryeva, Russia |
2:25:10 (Los Angeles, 2006) |
|
|
Weiwei Sun, China |
2:25:15 (Beijing, 2002) |
|
|
Bruna Genovese, Italy |
2:25:28 (Boston, 2006) |
|
|
Albina Mayorova-Ivanova, Russia |
2:25:35 (Chicago, 2003) |
|
|
Yurika Nakamura, Japan |
2:25:51 (Nagoya, 2008) |
|
|
Agnes Kiprop, Kenya |
2:26:22 (Turin, 2009) |
|
|
Nailya Yulamanova, Russia |
2:26:30 (Rotterdam, 2009) |
|
|
Koren Jelela Yal, Ethiopia |
2:28:41 (Venice, 2009) |
|
|
Waynishet Girma, Ethiopia |
2:29:50 (Amsterdam, 2009) |
|
|
Tatyana Pushkareva, Russia |
2:30:30 (San Antonio, 2009) |
|
|
Meseret Legese, Ethiopia |
2:31:37 (Padova, 2009) |
|
|
Michelle Frey, USA |
2:35:51 (Minneapolis/St. Paul, 2006) |
|
|
Mestewat Tufa, Ethiopia |
Debut |
|
|
Chaofeng Jia, China |
Debut |
In the spirit of the Olympics, and to make up for the fact that the United States laid the smack down on our good friends to the North AND because they have some simply amazing gear, I think you guys should check out this Canadian themed gear from Sugoi!
Each year, Ironman has a lottery for entry into the Ironman World Championship held in Kona, Hawaii. This year’s race will be held on Saturday, October 9.
The lottery entry will set you back $40, orif you prefer $50 to be entered via the “Passport Club” which gets you some additional bells and whistles which include and increased chance at hitting the lottery!
There are only three ways to get to race in Kona! You can qualify via another Ironman event, you can win the charitable Ebay auction, or this way, which seems to be the easiest way to go!
This morning I was greeted by a surprise package, which I love! It was a new Giro Advantage 2 aero helmet as well as a pair of Giro Havic 2 Compact sunglasses! I cannot wait to get both of these out on the road to put them and myself through the necessary paces. However, with a storm that many are calling “a storm of historical proportions” bearing down on the Northeast for the next several days, that may have to wait a bit!
I will take a second to do some first impressions though.
Advantage 2: It just looks fast! Feels lighter on my head than I would have thought. As with all aero
helmets, heat is a concern, but the extensive venting and channeled air flow seems that it might really keep that in check. Glasses fit extremely well with the helmet on with no pinching or cramming at all!
Havic 2 Compact: Light! These glasses felt like they would have been insecure on my face, but once on they felt like they were part of me. Fantastic visibility (for being in a office!) with no sight line obstruction. Again, the compatibility with this helmet is a fantastic argument for sticking to a brand where things are designed specifically to work with each other. Bravo Giro!
Yep, I'm a dork.
Date: 2/23/09
Consecutive Days Run: 54
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Quickie on the dreadmill
Time of Day: 2:15 PM EST
Distance Run: 2.0 miles
Time Run: 00:15:00
Average Pace: 7:30 per mile
Weather Conditions: Indoors
Disposition: Not thrilled
Link to Run Detail: N/A
About the Run: This morning when watching the weather, the forecasted high today in New York City was 42 degrees Fahrenheit with rain gradually coming on in the afternoon. So, I packed my running clothes to take to work with 42 in my head. When it came time to run, I was met with 35 degrees Fahrenheit, with a “real feel” of 20. This wind was coming in at 15-20 miles per hour and the rain was coming down in a heavy sprinkle. I decided, with much reluctance that, due to being in the middle of getting over a cold, it was best that I suck it up and do what I could on the dreadmill.
My cold-ish running clothes now presented the opposite problem. After putting on my tights and the thermal top I was set to wear out into what was supposed to be humid 42 degree air, I was met with humid 72 degree air in my gym. I started my run and knew within five minutes that I was not going to make my assigned one hour. So, I did what I could and got in two pretty quick miles, my clothes absolutely SOAKED by the end. Then I decided to do a bit of core work to make up for it (along with my 1.5 hour spin on my trainer tonight).
I hate running on the dreadmill. Unfortunately, the weather is supposed to be equally as cheery for the rest of this week. Good times.
From Xtri.com
VALENCIA, CA (BRAIN)—H3 Publications has decided to sit on the sidelines right now and not publish Tri magazine as they intended to originally do in May.
“I pulled the plug,” said Dave House, owner of H3 Publications. “It just got way too political.”
Tri was to roll out with four issues this year. H3 was going to deliver 30,000 copies to newstands and 30,000 as giveaways at events and such.
House didn’t rule out possibly doing the magazine sometime in the future.
—Jason Norman
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Date: 2/22/09
Consecutive Days Run: 53
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Quickie
Time of Day: 6:41 PM EST
Distance Run: 1.74 miles
Time Run: 00:13:17
Average Pace: 7:38 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold-ish (40 degrees Fahrenheit)
Disposition: Decent
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/25356166
About the Run: I had no assigned run today, which is a very good thing as I discovered about halfway through my run. I took off feeling fine, if a bit hurried to get home so I could eat before recording tonight’s episode of IronBrandon’s Podcast. I felt decent for about the first mile and then my legs just seemed to die on me. To be fair, I was running up a long-ish hill at that point, but I am not usually affected by that. I should also not forget that I did a pretty substantial run of 16.4 miles at a 7:30 per mile pace yesterday. In any event, I got it done and that’s what matters!
Abu Dhabi – With three weeks to go before the inaugural US$250,000 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon (ADIT), organisers have confirmed one of the top men’s elite fields of any 2010 event.
Amongst those leading the charge in the men’s category are: Sweden’s Bjorn Andersson, one of the world’s best long distance cyclists; Phil Graves, the emerging UK Ironman champion; Raynard Tissink, South Africa’s five-time Ironman winner and Faris Al-Sultan, Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon’s Ironman World Champion.
‘I’m looking forward to a challenging race in a unique part of the world that I have not yet visited. I expect the competition to be really tough, but I expect the course and conditions to be even tougher. My overall goal will be to finish yet as I usually handle the heat pretty well, I’ll be conservatively looking to finish in the top 10,” said Tissink.
These front-runners will be joined by other hot favourites including, Luxembourg’s Dirk Bockel, who finished 7th at 2009 Ironman World Championships; Spain’s Eneko Llanos, who clocked up a second place finish at the 2008 Ironman World Championships and is a past Ironman Lanzarote winner; the UK’s Fraser Cartmell, winner of the 2010 70.3 South Africa and 2008 70.3 UK; and Australia’s Joe Gambles, who recently finished 5th in the 2009 Ironman 70.3 World Championships and is a multiple Ironman 70.3 champion.
“The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon is exactly what the sport needs with an exciting new race format, an exotic location and a good organisation behind it. I can’t wait to compete,” added Andersson.
With its first-of-its-kind format that boasts a finishing running leg shorter than typical Ironman events to allow for quicker recovery, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA)-organised showpiece continues to attract an impressive, multi-national athlete line-up to mark its first edition – a clear indication of the event’s swelling international appeal.
A host of the world’s top female athletes have also thrown their caps in the ring, with current Ironman 70.3 and Xterra Triathlon World Champion and 70.3 distance world record holder, Great Britain’s Julie Dibens – widely regarded as one of the world’s fastest competitors – heading up the field.
The Netherlands’ Yvonne Van Vlerken, the 2008 Ironman World Championship runner up and past Ironman world record holder; Britain’s Leanda Cave, the past Olympic and long distance world champion; and American duo of Sam McGlone, previous Ironman 70.3 World Champion, and Hillary Biscay, who has notched up 10 top three Ironman finishes in the last two years, are amongst 20 other top-tier professional women currently registered for the adrenaline-pumping ADIT.
“I’m thrilled to be racing this new triathlon in Abu Dhabi; the distance is fantastic for me. It’s no secret that I am a swim/bike specialist, and this plays perfectly to my strengths. It’s also very exciting to be racing in an intriguing location like the United Arab Emirates. This will attract some great competition and that’s when I race at my best,” said Cave.
Primed to be an ‘instant classic’, ADIT is being raced across two unique lengths, a testing 223kms ‘pure power’ course and a second 111.5kms route. Both routes, which are open to amateurs and elites alike, will take in a host of Abu Dhabi city landmarks – all under the safety of completely closed roads.
And with the greatest collection of triathlon superstars outside of Hawaii Ironman World Championships – the sport’s pinnacle competition – the event has already been tipped as the ‘most hotly anticipated new race in 2010’, as announced by US-based Triathlete magazine, the world’s largest triathlon publication.
“No other event outside of Hawaii will present a field of champions of this magnitude where amateurs can benchmark their skills against elite athletes – testing physical endurance, agility and ability. One of the key elements of the ADIT is that it offers age group amateur athletes the chance to race along side the current legends of triathlon,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Head- Major Events Division, ADTA.
To date, more than 650 athletes from 25 countries have signed up for ADIT, including many from across the GCC.
Athletes competing in the long distance course will have the chance to take home a share in $250,000US in prize money – the most offered in any race. In addition to the professional race, places are still available for the first ADIT event charged at US$180 and US$123 for the long and short distances respectively.
Both age group and professional athletes wishing to enter the race should visit www.abudhabitriathlon.com to enquire about and secure their race entry.
The current favourites in the men’s race include but are not limited to;
The current favourites in the women’s race include but are not limited to:
· Hillary Biscay (USA) 10 top three’s at Ironman events in the last two years
· Jo Lawn (NZ) 6 time winner Ironman New Zealand
· Julie Dibens (GB) Current 70.3 and Xterra World Champion
· Leanda Cave (GB) Past ITU Olympic Distance World Champion, Past ITU Long Distance World Champion and 3rd at 2007 Ironman 70.3 World Championships and multiple Ironman 70.3 winner
· Sam McGlone (CDN) 2006 Ironman 70.3 World Champion and winner 2009 Ironman Arizona
· Tereza Marcel (CDN) 4th at 2009 Ironman World Championships and multiple Ironman winner
· Virginia Barasategui (ESP) 3rd at 2009 Ironman World Championships
· Yvonne Van Vlerken (NL) 2nd at 2008 Ironman World Championships, multiple Ironman winner and holder of 3rd fastest ”Ironman-Distance” time in history
Some people warm up by stretching while sitting in one place. Some people warm up by doing short sprints. Some people warm up by doing short, relaxed runs.
Personally, I warm up best by running for somewhere in between on to two miles. My body, on the other hand, sometimes has different things in mind. Yesterday, for instance, it took me about five miles to get warm and into a comfortable place. Part of it was that odd dizziness I was dealing with, but a lot of it was that my body just was simply not feeling it.
Ho do you war m up before a workout? Is it different than before a race? Is your warm up for cycling or swimming different than for running?
From Pip’s column in Triathlete magazine
Warming, comforting and filling food doesn’t have to be heavy. Moroccan lamb and couscous soup is a favorite in my family. It is a satisfying dinner that is hearty, healthy and delicious. It’s simple to make and takes very little preparation time. It is also great for freezing or for taking in a thermos to work. And it is open to interpretation—substitute your favorite or readily available vegetables, and while I wouldn’t make it with anything other than lamb (yep, I am an Aussie!) you could try using cubed beef. This will make a big pot, at least 10 generous servings, so invite some friends or freeze some for another day.
2 tablespoons olive oil
2.2 pounds (1 kg) cubed lamb
2 Spanish onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons ground coriander
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder (to taste—add more of less if you want)
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
28 ounces (800g) crushed or chopped tomatoes
2 medium-sized carrots, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 sweet potato, chopped into bite-sized pieces (or pumpkin)
1 cup green peas or broccoli florets
2 15-ounce (440g) cans of chickpeas
34 ounces (1L) chicken stock
3.5 ounces (100g) couscous
1 bunch continental parsley, chopped
1 bunch mint, chopped
juice of 2 lemons
yogurt to serve
In a large pot, heat the oil and sauté the onions until soft. Add the garlic and spices and cook a few minutes until fragrant. Add the lamb and stir though onion mixture, and then add tomatoes and stock. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid and let it cook gently for about an hour. Add the veggies and—if it is needed—a cup or so of water (so everything is covered) and continue to cook gently for about 45 minutes. Add the chickpeas and stir through to heat. Add the couscous and peas and let sit for 5 minutes until both are tender and warmed through. Stir through the herbs and serve with a dollop of the yogurt.
This soup makes a fantastic meal by itself—high in protein and carbohydrates as well as nourishing vitamins but is also great served with some accompanying pita or flat bread, warmed through in the oven.
Date: 2/21/09
Consecutive Days Run: 52
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: LSD
Time of Day: 1:24 PM EST
Distance Run: 16.40 miles
Time Run: 02:03:03
Average Pace: 7:30 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold-ish (45 degrees Fahrenheit), WINDY (18~25 mph wind)
Disposition: Almost not sick anymore…still
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/25264213
About the Run: Whenever I am just getting over a cold or allergy episode, the (please pardon the detail) mucus left behind often takes almost a week to leave my head. During that time, with all the nose blowing, coughing and such comes a bit of dizziness. In fact, when I am about to blow my nose, I have to be careful to try to sit before so I don’t fall over. So, when I began my run today, that dizziness was a very pesky addition that stuck around for the first five miles or so.
My assigned run for today was: 2 Hours. Run zone 2 but every 20 minutes put in a 3 minute surge. Finish with a 3 minute surge. Admittedly, I forgot everything about my assigned run with the exception of the “2 hours” part. The day was beautiful and sunny getting into the mid-forties. For the first mile I felt decent though my legs were protesting a little from my ride yesterday. Once I hit the West Side Greenway though, I almost immediately felt like I was working too hard, which turned into that same pesky dizziness that I talked about before. After about five miles, the feeling went away, thankfully, and I settled into a nice groove.
Now, some people are demoralized by hills, some by GI issues and still others by the temperature outside. To be honest, there is probably an annoying and demoralizing “thing” for every runner that exists. For me, nothing gets to me quicker than wind. The wind today was absolutely nuts. According to AccuWeather, the wind for the period when I was running today was from 18~25 mph…constant. So, on the way South, I figured that at least I would have an easier time on the way back, when my legs would be in need of the help. WRONG!!!!!!! The wind, which ad been coming straight out of the West, had flipped to coming out of the Northwest, which if you know how the island of Manhattan is situated, put the wind DIRECTLY in my face. What a pain.
All in all, it was a good run with plenty of distance. It was a bit slower than my last two hour run and definitely spent more time in heart rate zone 3 than zone 2. It’s nice beginning to feel like a real person again!
Massive congratulations to Crowie for his repeat win at the Australian Long Course Championship!!! Here is a quick video of Crowie post race:
Date: 2/19/09
Consecutive Days Run: 50
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Quickie (with my dog Bubba)
Time of Day: 6:50 PM EST
Distance Run: 1.26 miles
Time Run: 00:11:53
Average Pace: 9:26 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold-ish (39 degrees Fahrenheit)
Disposition: Almost not sick anymore
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/25064417
About the Run: I feel like day fifty should have some grand fanfare attached to it. However, I think it was somehow discretely grand, and I loved it just the same. Tonight I decided to take Bubba with me once again, seeing as Danielle said he seemed to have some excess energy to burn.
We both suited up (I in my running gear and Bubba always insists on wearing his fur coat (yes, it’s real fur and it’s attached to him)) and headed out into the slightly less cold night air. We paused to do the obligatory pee-pee break (for Bubba) and were soon on our way. The energy that Bubba seemed to have spilling over in the house appeared to have escaped him once we began moving. I know not to push either of my dog’s pace too much when running with them, but Bubba was taking his time, even for him. Once we entered Inwood Hill Park, he seemed to liven up a bit and on the way home he even managed to power up some hills in impressive fashion!
For me, the run felt so nice and relaxed. I could definitely feel some of yesterday’s run in my legs, but not enough to really affect me. Tomorrow, I will be riding from my house to Nyack, New York. This will be my first outdoor run in SO long and I cannot wait to get out on the road! For my run tomorrow, I think it’ll be Annie’s turn to run!
Thanks so much for visiting my site! My name is Brandon Wood and I am an opera singer living and trying to make it in New York City. This site and podcast follow my adventures on the way to competing in and training for all kinds of endurance events, especially triathlon and running. Click the "About Me" tab for more info!
