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!
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.
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!
Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp
Newton Running Symposium in Boston
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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
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
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
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
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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.
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!
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.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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!
NORTH BEACH, Md., Feb. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Tri-Forces Triathlon (www.triforcestriathlon.org) launched its new website today, bringing to the public its vision to support Veterans, Service Members and their families.
Co-founded by Charles Eggleston, US Army (Ret.) OIF wounded warrior and Elizabeth N. Lawton, US Navy (Ret.), the Tri-Forces Triathlon will be an eco-friendly event serving to raise visibility for non-profit organizations which support uniformed personnel and their families. By focusing on two of our Nation’s top priorities — Our Warriors and Our Environment — the intention is to ignite and sustain a consciousness of the eternal connections between the mutual well-being of our people and our planet.
In its inaugural year, the Tri-Forces Team has set its sights on raising awareness and funding for organizations engaging in progressive and proven holistic integrative medical solutions toward healing Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Mr. Eggleston, Chairman and President, commented that he trusts this event will raise awareness for the stigmas surrounding PTS and TBI, “I have seen how these ‘invisible wounds’ of war can tear apart the soldier and the family. I have experienced it first-hand.” Ms. Lawton adds, “Our goal here is to bring a comprehensive awareness to the concerns surrounding PTS and TBI as an imperative to explore all avenues of healing available through all modalities of care. I am very excited to be a part of something that will definitely make a difference — for our troops and for our communities.”
The first Tri-Forces Triathlon will be hosted by the Town of North Beach, in Calvert County, Maryland on June 19th, 2010. The Town has embraced this effort in collaboration with its own Well-Weekend and Fitness Exposition to be held on June 19th and 20th. This is one of the many exciting events Mayor Michael Bojokles has planned as The Town celebrates its 100th year as a municipality.
About the Tri-Forces Triathlon:
Tri-Forces Triathlon’s purpose is to raise awareness, visibility and funding benefiting non-profit organizations which provide specific assistance to those service members and their families who made personal sacrifices in defense of our country – at home and abroad; by land, air or sea.
SOURCE Tri-Forces Triathlon
RELATED LINKS
http://www.triforcestriathlon.com
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Date: 2/15/09
Consecutive Days Run: 46
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Quickie
Time of Day: 6:08 PM EST
Distance Run: 1.51 miles
Time Run: 00:11:59
Average Pace: 7:50 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold (34 degrees Fahrenheit)
Disposition: Getting sick
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/24800223
About the Run: I felt good today after my run yesterday. That is, my muscles felt good. As for the rest of my body, not so much. I am getting sick and it sucks.
I had a really wonderful interview catching up with Incredible Jane and then took off on my run. I had such a hard time getting it together enough to even go out the door. Danielle and I had already had a busy day, and this was icing on the cake. However, it got done even though I went a bit shorter than my usual two mile run. My pace fell off a bit, simply because I didn’t feel like moving. Oh well, there’s always tomorrow.
By Bertrand Boucey - Reuters2/15/2010
PARIS (Reuters) – A French judge has issued an international arrest warrant against American rider Floyd Landis for suspected hacking into an anti-doping laboratory computer, French anti-doping agency head Pierre Bordry told Reuters on Monday.
In an interview, Bordy said the judge Thomas Cassuto believed Landis, whose 2006 Tour de France title was stripped after he failed a dope test, wanted to prove the laboratory where his samples were tested was wrong.
“French judge Cassuto from the Tribunal de Grande Instance of Nanterre informed us that he had issued an international arrest warrant on January 28 against Floyd Landis, who tested positive for banned testosterone during the 2006 Tour de France, after our laboratory computer system was hacked,” Bordry said.
“He was summoned by the judge, he didn’t come so he’s now under an international arrest warrant.”
The French anti-doping agency launched legal action against unnamed persons after they found their laboratory computer system had been hacked into in September 2006.
Landis, the first rider to be stripped of a Tour victory, has continually denied any wrongdoing but the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rejected his assertion that his positive test was due to procedural mistakes by the laboratory.
Landis, 34, said last year after his two-year ban ended that he was trying to decide whether to follow fellow-American Lance Armstrong’s example and ride again in the Tour de France.
“It seems that (Landis) made all he could to enter into our computer system to try to prove the laboratory was wrong. He showed many documents he got by hacking to numerous sporting instances,” Bordry said. “The judge traced a network of hackers back to the ringleader.”
Date: 2/14/09
Consecutive Days Run: 45
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: LSD
Time of Day: 3:35 PM EST
Distance Run: 14.46 miles
Time Run: 01:45:02
Average Pace: 7:15 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold (36 degrees Fahrenheit), Windy
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/24709744
About the Run: Happy Valentine’s Day!!
My assigned run today (which equals assigned nap time for my very pregnant wife!) was: Nice steady zone 2 run. Focus on keeping your hr down and not letting it rise more than 3 BPM. I left my building with that in mind, combined with my last LSD run pace of 7:47 per mile as well as the almost four hour brick workout from yesterday floating in the back of my head. Honestly, when I go do a run like this one, I set my Garmin so that the only things on my display are my heart rate zone and my total time run. This way, I cannot pay any attention to my pace and must pay attention to the perceived effort of my body.
So, off I went, feeling good and ready to do some more running on a bit of snow along the way. Largely, the snow was cleared from my path, one main exception being the most steep downhill I encounter on this route which was covered with snow and ice. This affected my pace little on the way out, but on the way back up the same hill, my pace and legs got destroyed.
My plan was to run South on the West Side Greenway for fifty minutes and then turn around. I took what felt like a very comfortable pace that was not taxing. When I hit the fifty minute mark it really came much faster than I expected. Still, I did not check my pace. On the way back, I was feeling good, still finding myself in a comfortable zone. I fully expected to be slower on my way back than on the way out, but I wasn’t. In fact, I had to run some unplanned roads at the end to fulfill my assigned one hour forty-five minutes. As I arrived at my front door, my brain was a little bit too scrambled to do the math required to figure out my pace and I still refused to look at my Garmin data.
The first time I did see my data was when I uploaded it to my computer. It was then that I looked at my pace, 7:15 per minute, and checked my half-marathon split. If you recall, a few weeks ago I was paced to a half-marathon PR by Laminator with a time of 1:35:20. My half-marathon time today was 1:34:53, a new PR! IN TRAINING! I was honestly shocked to see it because today I felt worlds different than I did in the Manhattan Half-Marathon.
All things considered, it was a spectacular run today. A bit windy, but otherwise a gorgeous day to boot!
Date: 2/13/09
Consecutive Days Run: 44
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: 20 minute transition run (off a trainer ride of 3.5 hours)
Time of Day: 5:24 PM EST
Distance Run: 2.80 miles
Time Run: 00:21:04
Average Pace: 7:32 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold (33 degrees Fahrenheit), Windy
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/24616900
About the Run: As you may know, from my post yesterday, I had a bit of a spill during my run. So, today when I went out I decided to go on the same route I always do which is also the one on which I fell last evening.
My workout today was actually one that I’ll be writing about more often as the triathlon season gets closer, a brick. A brick workout, in triathlon terms, is one that consists of a medium or long ride followed by a run of varying distance. Today my scheduled brick was three and a half hours on the bike, which meant inside on the trainer today, followed by a twenty minute run.
Admittedly, my legs were a bit tired, but not nearly as much as I expected. For the first half mile or so, I could really feel my ride, but after that point, my pace felt better and my legs began to forget the time they had just spent strapped into the bike. After that point, I decided to push it a tiny bit, even over the same snow and ice I dealt with yesterday. When I reached the turn where I fell last night, the same patch of black ice was still there and looked like nothing more than a wet spot on the sidewalk, but it was not. Overall, a very good run that was surprisingly lively once I flushed the lactic acid than had built up on my legs.
I would like to take one second to mention the incredibly unfortunate passing of Nodar Kumaritashvili, the Georgian luger who lost his life during a practice run for the Vancouver Olympic Games. I will say that, while it may be no consolation to his family, teammates and countrymen, at least he died doing what he loved to do. My prayers go out to his family and all those affected by his passing.
Felt has partnered with Garmin on an exclusive new promotion. A limited edition Felt AR5 model—unavailable until now and available only through this promo—will be offered as a special package that includes the new Garmin Edge 500 GPS-based cycling computer at no additional price. Felt and Garmin are both key sponsors of the Garmin-Transitions ProTour road racing team. “We came up with this idea of a limited edition bike to help Garmin launch the Edge 500,” said Felt National Sales Director John Georger. “We wanted to showcase our Aero Road frame design and match it up with the hottest new technology from Garmin.”
Featuring an aerodynamic High Modulus carbon fiber frameset, a Shimano 105 drivetrain and a deluxe package of Felt parts including the Aero R4 wheelset, the AR5 has an MSRP of $2999.
The Edge 500 is Garmin’s newest lightweight GPS-based cycling computer. In addition to all the standard cycling computer features, it allows riders to track elevation changes and provides access to the online service Garmin Connect, where riders can review and share GPS data. The base version retails for $249, but the special upgrade version included in this promo also features cadence and a heart-rate monitor, and retails for $349.
As part of the promo, Felt is offering reduced-rate consumer financing for 6 or 12 months.
For more information, or to inquire about availability, please visit your local Felt retailer.
Date: 2/12/09
Consecutive Days Run: 43
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Quickie
Time of Day: 6:28 PM EST
Distance Run: 2.01 miles
Time Run: 00:16:39
Average Pace: 8:17 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold (34 degrees Fahrenheit), Windy, Sunny
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/24538745
About the Run: If you are reading this thinking I have some super secret coverage of the Vancouver Olympics, I am sorry to disappoint. Rather, this is my own tail of clumsiness and the generous outpouring of not-giving-a-crap by the wonderful people from the New York City Sanitation Department.
I headed out this evening, planning on getting in a nice easy run and then coming in to settle down and watch the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics. I expected to see plenty of snow and ice on sidewalks as we live in a neighborhood that is not quite as busy as Times Square and thus, probably falls a bit lower on the list of priorities.
I didn’t run into anything significant until about the .5 mile mark. As luck would have it, this is also the point in my usual route where I hit the first of a few hills. I shortened my stride and made sure to stay safely on my forefoot, as always, and ran across everything from loose snow to snow that had become compact and turned to sheets of ice…without a problem.
As I came down the hill on Staff St. (see details link above) and went to turn right on Dyckman St. my right foot went out from under me. I fell hard on my right knee and onto my shoulder, rolling into the street. As I pulled myself together and began to stand, I noticed an SUV from the Department of Sanitation parked about thirty yards away from me, with two men inside. I cannot say whether or not they saw me fall or if they even saw me picking myself up, regardless, nothing was said. I then turned to see, only about fifteen yards away from me, a large bulldozer that was being used to move snow, lights on and pointed directly at me, idling, with someone at the wheel. Again, not one word of, “Are you ok?”.
I looked down at my leg to see that the right knee of some of my favorite tights, my Sugoi Firewall 220’s, had been torn wide open. My knee underneath didn’t look much better. I could already see it becoming slick with blood. I stood for a couple of minutes, realizing that I was FAR more upset about my tights than about my knee, and then I headed home with my tights torn, my ego bruised and a confirmed sense of loathing toward any and all New York City agencies, especially those with powerful and abusive unions.
Dan – Hypothermic Half-Marathon 2010, Calgary
Lori – Aaron Rogers 5k Open Invitational preview
Libby – Surfside Beach Marathon
Fawn – Surfside Beach Marathon
Michelle – ATHelite Run in the Park 5K
Sherry – IMS Arizona Half-Marathon
Lonnie – Lace Up Against Breast Cancer
Lisa – San Dieguito Half-Marathon
NEW YORK — Reigning ING New York City Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi of the United States will return to the scene of his finest triumph to compete in the first spring running of the NYC Half-Marathon on Sunday, March 21. Keflezighi will be running in his first competitive race since his win in New York last November.
Joining Keflezighi will be a trio of outstanding compatriots including three-time Olympian Abdi Abdirahman, two-time Olympic steeplechaser Anthony Famiglietti, and former NCAA cross country champion Josh Rohatinsky. All men will join the previously announced long distance legend, marathon world record-holder, and 2007 NYC Half-Marathon champion Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia.
“Meb’s victory in New York last November was one of the shining moments in the storied history of our race and sport,” Wittenberg said. “Meb and the American athletes are stronger than ever. Each will be looking to take on Haile and the others in what promises to be a spectacular run through the city streets.”
Keflezighi, 34, of San Diego, CA, made history in 2009, becoming the first American male to win the ING New York City Marathon since Alberto Salazar’s victory in 1982. His winning time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 15 seconds was a personal best. The win was the pinnacle of his already illustrious career, which includes a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic marathon and a second-place finish at the ING New York City Marathon 2004. A three-time national 10,000-meter champion (2000, 2002, 2004), Keflezighi holds the American record at that distance (27:13.98) and has won 20 USA titles during his career.
“Coming back to race in New York after the victory in the ING New York City Marathon will be very special for me and my supporters,” said Keflezighi, who will also be one of the leading contenders at the Boston Marathon in April. “I was a part of the inaugural NYC Half-Marathon in 2006 and I am delighted to be competing in the new spring edition.”
The 2007 NYC Half-Marathon runner-up, Abdirahman, 33, of Tucson, AZ, will return to New York after finishing ninth in the 2009 ING New York City Marathon in November. A four-time USA champion at 10,000 meters, Abdirahman will be making his fourth appearance in the NYC Half-Marathon after finishing third in his half-marathon debut in 2006, second in 2007 to Gebrselassie, and fourth in 2009.
New York native Famiglietti, 31, of Knoxville, TN, will be making his half-marathon debut in New York. A two-time Olympic steeplechaser and 2009 USA 15K Championship winner, Famiglietti returns to New York after his 12th-place finish in the Healthy Kidney 10K in 2009.
Rohatinsky, 27, of Portland, OR, will be making his NYC Half-Marathon debut. The 2006 NCAA cross country champion, Rohatinsky was ninth at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and finished seventh overall in the ING New York City Marathon 2008 in a personal best time of 2:14:23.
Previously announced, the NYC Half-Marathon will offer the largest half-marathon prize purse in the United States: $100,000. The men’s and women’s champions will each earn $20,000, the largest first-prize checks for a non-marathon race in the country.
The NYC Half-Marathon continues to attract leading professional athletes and recreational runners from around the world. In 2009, more than 19,000 people applied to run the race, and more than 10,000 finished.
On a course designed to celebrate New York City, the NYC Half-Marathon will take runners on a loop through Central Park, down Seventh Avenue through Times Square, across 42nd Street, and along the expansive West Side Highway to Battery Park in the heart of the city’s financial district, finishing with a view of the Statue of Liberty.
Courtesy of New York Road Runners
In 2009, The Fresh Air Fund’s Volunteer Host Family program, called Friendly Town, gave close to 5,000 New York City boys and girls, ages six to 18, free summer experiences in the country and the suburbs. Volunteer host families shared their friendship and homes up to two weeks or more in 13 Northeastern states from Virginia to Maine and Canada.
The Fresh Air Fund relies on donations to provide memorable summers to NYC children.
The Fresh Air Fund needs hosts for the summer of 2010.
More than 65% of all Fresh Air children are reinvited to stay with their host family, year after year.
Thanks to host families who open up their homes for a few weeks each summer, children growing up in New York City’s toughest neighborhoods have experienced the joys of Fresh Air experiences.
“It is rewarding to see the smile on our Fresh Air child’s face as she enjoys the simple things we take for granted…”
Friendly Town host families are volunteers who live in the suburbs or small town communities. Host families range in size, ethnicity and background, but share the desire to open their hearts and homes to give city children an experience they will never forget. Hosts say the Fresh Air experience is as enriching for their own families, as it is for the inner-city children. There are no financial requirements for hosting a child. Volunteers may request the age-group and gender of the Fresh Air youngster they would like to host. Stories about real Fresh Air host families and their New York City visitors are just a click away!
Click here to learn more about becoming a host or call (800) 367-0003!
BOSTON, Feb. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — John Hancock Financial today announced the return of 2009 Boston Marathon champions Deriba Merga of Ethiopia and Salina Kosgei of Kenya for the 114th running of the race on April 19.
John Hancock has also signed past champions Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot and Catherine Ndereba of Kenya, Dire Tune of Ethiopia, and Lidiya Grigoryeva of Russia.
In the 2009 men’s race, Deriba Merga of Ethiopia clipped Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot’s three-in-a-row streak and ran away from the lead pack in the Newton hills, unchallenged to the finish. Merga is just one of three Ethiopians to interrupt Kenyan dominance of the event over the past two decades.
Cheruiyot, a four-time Boston winner and the 2:07:14 course record holder, is back again, fresh from a runner-up spot in New York City. The formidable Kenyan shares the honor of at least four Boston wins with Gerard Cote and Bill Rodgers (4 wins each) and Clarence DeMar (7 wins).
In the 2009 women’s race, Salina Kosgei was challenged every step of the way by a determined Dire Tune who sought to defend her 2008 title. In the closest finish ever recorded, Kosgei edged an exhausted Tune at the tape to win by one second. The year before, Tune was on the winning end of the finish sprint as she dueled to the wire with Russian Alevtina Biktimirova, prevailing by two seconds.
Challenging Kosgei and Tune are former winners Lidiya Grigoryeva and Catherine Ndereba. A year after winning the 2007 “Nor’easter” Boston Marathon, Grigoryeva brilliantly won over a highly competitive field in Chicago. And “Catherine the Great” needs no reintroduction to Boston as she has written the history books here as the only woman to ever win four times. Ndereba is the second fastest woman marathoner of all time (2:18:47) and has earned two Olympic silver medals and two World Marathon Championship titles.
“As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of our sponsorship, John Hancock Financial could not be more excited with the outstanding global field of runners we will have in Boston this year. We are thrilled to have Deriba and Salina back to defend their titles and wish them all the best. They are certain to be part of another great race as they will be challenged by Robert, Catherine, Dire and Lidiya, all past champions and among the world’s best,” said Jim Boyle, President of John Hancock Financial. “In the next few months, we will round out the field, announcing the participation of other elite runners, but this list today gives a sense of why the world’s top runners return to Boston every spring on Patriot’s Day. They want the challenge of beating the best on one of the world’s great courses to win the Boston Marathon, inarguably one of the world’s premier road races.”
Mr. Boyle added that John Hancock is pleased to again fulfill its promise to the city of Boston and surrounding communities with its continued, steadfast support of the race.
“Not only will the Boston Marathon once again be a great event for spectators, it also continues to be a tremendous economic benefit for Boston and the region, generating a direct and indirect economic impact estimated at $110 million,” he said.
“John Hancock Financial’s effort to bring back our defending champions whenever possible has been a priority, leading to compelling stories and interesting match-ups,” said Guy Morse, Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association. “By its commitment over the last quarter century, John Hancock has helped maintain Boston’s position among the world’s most elite marathons.”
About John Hancock and Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$436.5 billion (US$407.1 billion) as at September 30, 2009. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945′ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.
The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com.
SOURCE John Hancock Financial
RELATED LINKS
http://www.johnhancock.com
Boulder, CO— TRAKKERS, The world’s first real-time GPS racing device, announces the inception of its Elite and Age Group Triathlon Team for the 2010 season.
“It is with great pleasure that I present the brand new Trakkers Triathlon Team,” says Trakkers head honcho, Charlie Patten. “In order to enhance the way family and friends track their athletes on race day, we created the Trakkers GPS devices. And in order to better promote the product we have created, we are now establishing a top-notch team of individuals racing in the Trakkers colors.”
To coincide with the highly anticipated spring release of the Trakkers athlete-tracking device, a group of world-class professionals has been assembled. The 2010 pro roster is as follows:
Richie Cunningham: 2x 70.3 Champion; 3x Top-Five at 70.3 World Championships
Dede Griesbsauer: 2x Ironman Champion; 3x Top-Ten Ironman World Champs
Mary Beth Ellis: 2009 Escape from Alcatraz Champion; 2x 2nd place at 70.3 World Champs
Amanda Lovato: 2010 Pucón 70.3 Champion; Multiple Half Ironman Champion
Michael Lovato: 2x Ironman Champion; 3x Top-Ten Kona; 3x National Champion
Brian Fleischmann: 1st World Team Champs; 2x 2nd place at USAT National Champs
Jacqui Gordon: Multiple Ironman and 70.3 Top-Ten finisher
Carole Sharpless: 2006 IM Florida 2nd place; 2007, broken back; 2010, comeback year.
To complement the Elite Team, a squad of 36 Age Group athletes is also on board for 2010. Headlining the amateurs is Kathleen Calkins, the top AG athlete at the 2009 Hawaii Ironman World Championships. Additionally, the Trakkers Team is broadly represented in the tri ranks, from the pointy end of the races proudly to the back of the pack.
Partnering with this unique and cutting edge Team, are three triathlon industry powerhouses: Saucony shoes and apparel, First Endurance nutrition, and Kestrel bicycles.
Robert Kunz from First Endurance stated: “This is a perfect partnership for us, not only because of the high caliber of athletes, but also because of the management and philosophy of the team.”
Carrie Bartlett of Saucony added: “This partnership allows Saucony the opportunity to connect with more triathletes and build the Saucony brand within the sport. We are excited to be the official footwear and apparel of the team in 2010.”
Steven Harad of Kestrel commented, “I look forward to a successful season; to have the entire team riding Kestrels and providing feedback will help us continue to grow.”
Team member Michael Lovato added, “I’m so proud to be a part of this innovative team. What really makes the Trakkers Team unique is that our partners are three of the strongest players within our industry. For decades Saucony has been a loyal sponsor of triathlon, and over the years they have remained committed to creating the best running shoes around. Kestrel has such a rich history within our sport as well: it introduced triathletes to carbon fiber bikes, and it is returning to the forefront of the bicycle world with its cutting edge developments. And in First Endurance, we have aligned with a company who cares first and foremost about creating clean, safe and effective nutritional products that work for elites as well as beginners. While each sponsor is very powerful independently, under the banner of a bold company like Trakkers, our team has the ability to truly set trends and change the way we participate in and view our sport.”
The 2010 season started out with a victory for the Trakkers Team, with Amanda Lovato’s win at Ironman 70.3 Pucón on January 24th. The Elite Team continues its racing next at the Miami International Triathlon on March 14th, where Richie Cunningham, Mary Beth Ellis, and Brian Fleischmann will be competing.
Keep up with the progress of the pro squad by tuning into www.twitter.com/TrakkersElite, and checking www.trakkersgps.com for regular BLOG updates.
Date: 2/7/09
Consecutive Days Run: 38
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Long (ish)
Time of Day: 1:55 PM EST
Distance Run: 15.44 miles
Time Run: 02:00:18
Average Pace: 7:47 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold (32 degrees Fahrenheit), Windy
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/24201299
About the Run: In running the letters LSD do not stand for “lysergic acid diethylamid” or “acid”, rather it stands for either Long Steady Distance or Long Slow Distance. One way or the other, I was really looking forward to getting out and going long(ish) today. It was my first long day since the Manhattan Half-Marathon and I feel like my legs were ready to just take it easy and go.
Since today was cool and I was going for a while, I ran with my Fuel Belt Helium, with both bottles filled with blueberry-pomegranate Gu Electrolyte Brew. You see, I sweat in EPIC proportions, even on cold days and rather than my typical method of ignoring my nutrition, I wanted to play it smart. The reason I mention that particular flavor is because it contains double the sodium of any of the other flavors of Gu Brew and considering my copious amounts of sweat, I need it. So, with my Fuel Belt loaded and dressed for the occasion, off I went.
The day was absolutely gorgeous. It was a bit cold, but the sun shining made up for that and then some. As I have mentioned before, my hands get very hot when I run, regardless of the temperature, and this in turn affects my overall body heat. However, this only happens when I start with gloves. As I got to the point where my hands began to feel like they had been tossed into a microwave oven, I decided to try something. I took off one glove, the left glove, and held it in my right, still gloved, hand and a wonderful thing happened. My fingers which I expected to get rather cold instead acted like foils on a car radiator, dissipating heat and cooling down my whole body. It was awesome! At one point after I made my turn back home, the wind I was facing began to sting that hand a bit and I put my glove back on until it got to that “oven” feeling again and again, it was perfect!
The run itself felt really great. Running down the West side of Manhattan is always beautiful and at this time of year almost devoid of everyone but the most devoted athletes. To be completely honest, I never once looked at my pace, but rather, I just did what felt comfortable, which turned out to be faster than I thought it would! As I was about to exit the West Side Greenway I even ran into (or ran BY as the case may be) @AnnaCBee which was so nice as my day is always brightened seeing people I know out and tearing up the roads!
La Sportiva N.A., makers of technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking footwear, announces its Mountain Running® team roster and associate sponsors for 2010.
“Supporting the La Sportiva Mountain Running® team is one of many ways in which we aim to improve the vitality of the sport,” says Laura Fryer, La Sportiva’s Marketing Manager. “Ever since our Mountain Running® team’s inception in 2003, our goal has been to provide a network of support to regional race directors, volunteers, talented athletes and quality races throughout North America. We are very grateful for the assistance that our associate sponsors will be providing in 2010, as this mission would be impossible without their help.” La Sportiva’s running team roster includes over 25 athletes from around North America and includes such ultrarunning notables as Karl Meltzer, Luke Nelson, Leor Pantilat as well as the 2009 La Sportiva Mountain Cup Champions Matthew Byrne and Megan Kimmel. New additions to the La Sportiva team for 2010 include Andy Jones-Wilkins of Ketchum, Idaho, Nathan Yanko of San Francisco, CA, Ellen Parker of Seattle, WA, and Natalie Simms of Chattanooga, TN.
Associate sponsors for the 2010 La Sportiva Mountain Running® team are Greenlayer Sports and First Endurance with support from Ultimate Direction and Petzl. Additional sponsors include Julbo, Headsweats and DeFeet.
Melissa O’Kelley, Greenlayer Sports Marketing Director, states “Sponsoring the La Sportiva Mountain Running® team is a perfect fit for us, not only because of the high caliber of athletes on their team, but also because of pro-environmental philosophies that exist between our brands and the loyal following of active enthusiasts we both share. We hope that our inaugural partnership with La Sportiva will raise awareness about the environment and help shape a better world where we all live and run, locally and globally.” Greenlayer will serve as the official apparel sponsor of the La Sportiva team.
“At Ultimate Direction, we sponsor only the most passionate running teams and dedicated athletes. La Sportiva’s team roster for 2010 includes some of the best endurance athletes in the world,” states Sue Edmiston, Ultimate Direction’s Marketing Manager. “Water is an essential element for peak training, racing and performance. With our innovative array of hydration products we plan to keep Team Sportiva running fast in 2010.”
Go to http://mountainrunning.com for a complete list of the 2010 La Sportiva Mountain Running® team roster, associate sponsors and calendar of racing events.
As you may know, I have been coaching recently with Jeff from PRS Fit and I have never been faster or stronger and I exceed myself almost daily. Well, for those of you who were didn’t think you could ever afford a coach, now you don’t have to! Jeff has given me the following announcement:
After a lot of thought and soul searching I have decided to release all my beginner training plans to the public for free. I get so many questions from first time runners and triathletes doing plans from books and magazines, that don’t answer critical training questions at critical times. It has always been my practice to stand behind my plans just like I stand behind my one on one clients. If you have a plan from PRS FIT, I will be there for you from start to finish. You can email me, the coach and plan designer with any question you may have, and you will receive an answer the same day.
To contact Jeff, please visit his website HERE. To see some of Jeff’s video insights into different aspects of training, click HERE!
Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong
For two years now, three time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond and Trek Bicycles have been locked in what has been a public and, at times, a rather bitter battle.
Trek began a licensing partnership in 1995 with LeMond that was terminated on January 30, 2010 thus giving LeMond the rights to the bicycle brand bearing his name. The original dispute began when Trek sued to end their partnership with LeMond after he made comments pointing directly at the brand in relation to doping in the sport of cycling. For his part, LeMond was displeased with Trek due to his belief that Trek was not promoting the LeMond brand.
The settlement comes in the form of two payments of $100,000 by Trek to a charity Lemond is involved with, 1in6.org.
Ironman 70.3 Centrair Tokoname Japan will take place on September 19, 2010. Situated near the city of Nagoya in the Aichi Prefecture, Japan’s fourth largest city, the race unfolds in the Tokoname City precinct surrounding the Centrair International Airport, a spacious and scenic area south of the city.
The Centrair International Airport will act as the hub of the race course that will traverse Tokoname City and surrounding environs. The event expo, race office and awards banquet will be located inside the airport terminal itself, offering a unique Ironman 70.3 experience for athletes and fans alike.
“We are thrilled about this race,” said Murphy Reinschreiber, Ironman’s Managing Director of Asia-Pacific. “An Ironman 70.3 event in Japan – especially at this venue – is a big deal. We expect that this race will introduce new athletes to the Ironman experience and energize Ironman racing in Japan and the region. This event is the result of effort and belief support from a number of Ironman enthusiasts in Japan. No doubt, their enthusiasm will shine through on race day.”
Travel to and from Ironman 70.3 Centrair Tokoname Japan is convenient, with the airport offering direct flights from ports such as Frankfurt, Detroit and Singapore. Domestic flights within Japan are also available, as well as a bullet train service from Tokyo.
Registration opens Monday, March 15 at ironman703.jp, with the entry fee set at JPY40,000.
The event is an addition to the 2010 series and features 25 qualifying slots to the 2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3, held in Clearwater, FL., on Saturday, November 13.
Date: 2/2/09
Consecutive Days Run: 33
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Quick, short
Time of Day: 5:03 PM EST
Distance Run: 9.38 miles
Time Run: 01:07:23
Average Pace: 7:11 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold (32 degrees Fahrenheit)
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/23825528
About the Run: My assigned workout(s) today were: Run: Warmup in a nice comfortable zone 2 pace for 10 minutes then run 40 minutes in zone 4. Cool down by running easy for 15 minutes. Ride: Nice easy spin but keep your RPM right at 95. I was not quite ready for that run and I freely admit it. However, we’re on the march now so it had to happen.
I headed out into what was an overcast evening which has now turned to snow. It was pleasantly cold for what I knew would be a killer run. I took the first ten minutes nice and easy as instructed. Once I hit my ten minute spot I took off in a rather quick pace just under 7:00 per mile. I could tell almost immediately that this was going to be a hard fought workout. I took the opportunity on the downhills to really let fly and it worked out well.
I held my pace at about 6:30 per mile until about the seventh mile. At that point I was at my cool-down phase and knocked my pace back to about 7:40 per mile. All in all I felt good, but definitely worn out. I also kept thinking how great it’s going to be when I can hold 6:30’s for thirteen miles…OFF THE BIKE!! All in all, this workout kicked me VERY squarely, right in the chest. Once I got home, I ate a quick dinner and did an interview with the one an only Mark Allen! Then I was onto the trainer. First long day, of many more to come!
ATLANTA and SAN DIEGO, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The American Cancer Society and the Competitor Group, Inc., today announced a new collaboration to empower endurance athletes of all abilities to take a more proactive role in improving their personal health and saving lives from cancer. The collaboration will, for the first time, combine the resources of the nation’s largest health care nonprofit with the endurance sports industry’s leading media and event entertainment company to extend the reach of the American Cancer Society DetermiNation® endurance event program and to strengthen its impact on creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
The American Cancer Society/Competitor Group collaboration will begin with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle™ Marathon & 1/2 Marathon this June, followed by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago™ 1/2 Marathon in August, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras™ Marathon & 1/2 Marathon in New Orleans in February 2011. All three events will be branded for the benefit of the American Cancer Society.
Additionally, the American Cancer Society will be designated as a preferred charity for Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series events in Denver; Los Angeles; Nashville, Tenn.; Philadelphia; Phoenix; San Antonio; San Jose, Calif.; and Virginia Beach, Va.
“We are excited to join our DetermiNation program with the Competitor Group Rock ‘n’ Roll series to provide an unmatched running experience for athletes of all abilities,” said Alan G. Thorson, M.D., F.A.C.S., national volunteer president, American Cancer Society. “Many people are not aware of the important role that exercise plays in reducing cancer risk – in fact, one-third of all cancer deaths could be prevented with a healthy diet and exercise. By training for and running in a Rock ‘n’ Roll event that benefits the American Cancer Society, people can take one of their most important steps to stay well and reduce cancer risk by being physically active, while helping save lives from cancer.”
Through their participation in the Rock ‘n’ Roll events in Seattle, Chicago and New Orleans, DetermiNation athletes can dedicate their event training and race participation to the only endurance charity program that helps save lives from all forms of cancer. As part of their involvement, these athletes will receive team training, race-weekend VIP amenities, social event opportunities, and much more.
“The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, which provides a unique, world-class endurance event and rock concert in-one, is a proud supporter of the American Cancer Society and its DetermiNation program,” said Competitor Group President Scott Dickey. “Our goal is to create connections that promote our vision of a healthy, fit world. This is a powerful alliance which will raise significant funds for the American Cancer Society.”
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Series format is an enjoyable experience for race participants and spectators featuring live, local bands playing at every mile along the course to energize the runners. Events conclude with a finish line festival as participants celebrate with their families and friends at a headliner concert.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll series revolutionized the running industry in 1998, when it incorporated the live music component at each milepost with themed water stations and high school cheerleading squads providing refreshment and motivation along the way.
The DetermiNation program is the American Cancer Society’s powerful and inspiring movement that empowers athletes of all abilities to make their miles more meaningful by dedicating their training and participation in marathons, triathlons, cycling and other endurance events to a lifesaving effort to end cancer.
Begun in Chicago in 1996 and formerly known as Charity Runner, the DetermiNation program expanded nationwide in 2007 and now includes an increasing variety of endurance events and the growing involvement of athletes across the country.
For more information about how to join the growing American Cancer Society DetermiNation team, visit acsDetermiNation.org. For more information on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, visit www.runrocknroll.com.
Sarah Stanley’s Run Ride Inspire
Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp
Newton Running’s Take on Barefoot Running
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Date: 1/29/09
Consecutive Days Run: 29
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Quick, short
Time of Day: 7:19 PM EST
Distance Run: 2.18 miles
Time Run: 00:15:52
Average Pace: 7:17 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold (24 degrees Fahrenheit), Windy
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/23497693
About the Run: Today, I ended up leaving work early due to the fact that I was simply exhausted. I’m not sure why, but I think it has something to do with the cumulative busy-ness of the week. So, I came home, had some lunch and proceeded to take a two hour nap. It was awesome! I usually try to avoid naps due to the fact that they often prevent me from sleeping later that night, but this one was SO needed!
My run tonight was a good one, save for one little issue. As I was on my way back home, I was running up what is a nice little hill that I hit almost every day. Ahead of me on the hill was a couple walking their dog and as I approached (I’d like to add that I was wearing my Black Diamond Sprinter headlamp which is VERY bright, so I was quite visible) the dog got a bit tangled around them and they were laughing and stumbling a bit and almost right into me. So, as I came upon them, and was almost run into, I said, in a completely friendly tone, “heads up!”.
After passing them the guy in the couple said something along the lines of, “Sorry, $#@, I don’t want to slow you down.” purposefully loud enough for my to hear him. So, I stopped and said to him, “No, you don’t” and I turned and began to run again. As I did, this guy AGAIN, made some unnecessary remark to which said, “look, we could sit here and trade smart remarks all night, but I’m just trying to run, you don’t have to be rude”. As I turned around and headed off this person once again decided to open his mouth and say, “You have to have the last word, don’t you?!”. I said nothing and kept going.
So, dear sir, should you see me again running along, please say something again so I know who you are and I will take the time to spend the rest of my run following you running in place behind you not saying a word.
Other than that, my run felt great! It is really cold outside and even the inside of my nose hurt from breathing in the super cold air. I must say, in an absolutely shameless plug, that my Sugoi Firewall 220 tights were so fantastic on this run! This weekend is going to be pretty cold in general, so I’m sure this won’t be the last time I mention it! I am very excited though, to be doing some trail running in the Bronx in Van Cortland Park on Sunday, so if you want to come along, let me know!
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!
