One foot in front of the other.
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Arguably one of the most prestigious events in running, the 2010 version of Comrades Marathon starts this Sunday, May 30, 2010. The event, now in it’s 85th year is one of the most sought after titles in ultra-distance running. The race this year will come in at 89.28 km (55.58 mi.), which makes it 110 meters longer than last year’s version of the event. Runners from all over the world, including the 50 km American record holder, Josh Cox. Best of luck to all those running!
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Now that we’re officially in race season across the country, and the world for that matter, I wanted to give a shout out to some friends who’ll be racing soon.
Kevin from KC Tri’s (and fellow Newton Running devotee), whom you may remember was a massive help to me and my wife during Ironman Wisconsin last year, is about to do his first ever marathon! Kevin will be running the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon this Sunday and his bib number is 929 (race tracking HERE). Kevin has been and continues to be a huge supporter of me and my show and I could not be more excited for him to take this huge step toward his first Ironman (Ironman Wisconsin 2011)!
Also racing this Sunday is my friend Ari from Run Ansky Run! Ari is always an amazing supporter of my site and show and he’ll be running the Pocono Mountain Run for the Red Marathon! Ari has been coaching with my coach, Jeff, and ALL signs are pointing to him busting out a huge PR!
Finishing out the across the country marathon weekend is Colin from Resurrected Runner. Colin is also about to do his first ever marathon this Saturday in the Windermere Marathon in Spokane, Washington (for those from the South, like me, that’d be “Warshington”) Colin has been a tireless supporter of me and my site, always in the live chat for my streaming shows. I have a sneaking suspicion that Colin is going to completely destroy his expectations in this race and I cannot wait to see the results!
On the triathlon front, I am so excited to see Incredible Jane go kill it in the UBC Sprint Triathlon this Sunday! I’ve been following Jane since day one of her quest and through ups and downs and finding that “life happens” more than we can ever expect, Jane has been an amazing force of positive energy. Also coaching with Jeff, Jane has seen herself crossing the finish line at the Rock ‘n Roll Las Vegas half marathon and starting a regular running group and training session with the awesome folks at Sugoi! I’m so excited to see what she can do!
Not this weekend, but on May 30, Lam of The Running Laminator fame, is debating running the Buffalo Marathon. His original spring marathon had him running the New Jersey Marathon a couple of weekends ago, but alas, the bubonic plague or something saw him shivering in bed for the week leading up to the race (though, I assume he lost several brain cell due to his illness as he STILL found the balls to run the half marathon at the same event!). As you may or may not know, Lam is a very fast and very smart runner. He is aiming for a sub-3 hour marathon this year and I, for one, think he’ll have no problem attaining that time. His body (for the moment) may have other ideas according to him. In any event, I look forward to seeing Lam kick some more ass.
I’m positive I’m missing people, and if you’re of of the missing, please don’t be offended. Send me your information (name, race name and bib number) and I will be more than happy to put the word out!
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
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.
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 |
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!
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
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
TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 3, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owners of the global Ironman Triathlon and 70.3 Event Series, announces its Ironman 70.3 U.S. Pro Championship, an event open to all professional athletes within the sport. For the first time, pros will have the opportunity to earn a coveted title, while competing for a prize purse of $75,000. Houston’s Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, the largest not-for-profit healthcare provider in Texas, will serve as title sponsor and official sports medicine provider for the inaugural event.
“Memorial Hermann and Ironman share a common interest in helping athletes achieve their personal and professional goals. We are looking forward to joining them for this world-class event,” said David Bradshaw, chief marketing officer, Memorial Hermann.
Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas, formerly known as Ironman 70.3 Lone Star, will take place on Sunday, April 25, 2010 on historic Galveston Island, along the Texas gulf coast. Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center, situated among 242 lush, tropical acres, will play host to athletes from around the world. The saltwater swim will be in the protected waters of the Offats Bayou, while the bike course will lead athletes on a flat and scenic ride along the coastline. Athletes will also see a flat run course, as it meanders through tropical gardens and towering glass pyramids. A total of 50 slots for the 2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 will be awarded to top age group and pro finishers.
“Ironman brings together the best athletes in the world, and physicians, trainers and other experts from the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute will be there throughout the weekend to offer education and provide medical services,” said Walter R. Lowe, M.D. Lowe is co-medical director of the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute, chief of Orthopedics at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.
During the event, the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute will demonstrate VO2 Max analysis for both running and cycling, as well as gait assessments. Additionally, exercise physiologists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, nutritionists and strength and conditioning experts will be on site to answer questions. Massage therapy and medical care will be provided for participants.
“We are very excited to provide professionals with an enhanced prize purse and the chance to sport the title of Ironman 70.3 U.S. Pro Champion. The launch of this event allows us to further highlight our professional field, offering greater visibility and recognition for these athletes. In addition, the timing is ideal as it provides pros with an event to test their early season fitness among a world-class field,” said Heather Fuhr, WTC’s Pro Athlete Liaison and former Ironman World Champion.
The weekend will also include the Lone Star Sprint and Olympic-distance events on Saturday, April 24. For more information on event weekend, visit www.ironmanlonestar.com. All Ironman-related media inquiries can be directed to Blair LaHaye at Blair@ironman.com or Jessica Weidensall at Jessica@ironman.com. Inquiries about Memorial Hermman can be directed to Alejandra Rodriguez at Alejandra.Rodriguez@memorialhermann.org.
Date: 1/23/09
Consecutive Days Run: 23
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Sir Isaac Guidance Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: Easy
Time of Day: 6:17 PM EST
Distance Run: 3.40 miles
Time Run: 00:26:44
Average Pace: 7:52 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold-ish (37 degrees Fahrenheit), clear
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/23050803
About the Run: Tomorrow morning is the Manhattan Half-Marathon as part of the New York Road Runners half-Marathon series. My goal time is 1:35:00. This would be a PR by 9 full minutes. I am being paced by the one and only Laminator and could not ask for someone better to get me there.
As I write this, it is 11:21 PM EST and I should be in bed, and will be as soon as I finish posting. As always though, nerves are having their say in my head. I’m not really nervous in a negative way, but more in a very anticipatory way. I cannot wait to get out there and push myself! This race will mark only the second race where I actually have a goal time, the first being the Philadelphia Marathon (where I missed my time). The race is taking place in Central Park and is two (2) counter clockwise loops of the park. This is an extremely technical course with plenty of hills as I mentioned in my post yesterday, and not exactly the best place to be going for a PR, but I believe I can do it! I’m going to stop talking about this now, because it’s getting to me a bit…
Today’s assigned run was: Do some short 20-30 second pick-up during this easy run. Cool down, and get off your feet for the rest of the day. I headed out feeling good at my usual comfortable pace, making a point of keeping my head out of my run. On my way back there is a hill which is similar, if not a bit steeper than Cat Hill in Central Park (albeit a bit shorter). I took the opportunity to take the split on my way up, being sure to keep a consistent EFFORT rather than a consistent speed, which is what Lam and I are aiming for tomorrow. Mission accomplished.
Race details to come!
From Me and the Road
Date: 1/21/09
Consecutive Days Run: 21
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: mile repeats
Time of Day: 2:27 PM EST
Distance Run: 5.16 miles
Time Run: 00:37:26
Average Pace: 7:15 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold-ish (37 degrees Fahrenheit), clear
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/22887589
About the Run: Just as I sat down to write this it hit me that I’ve been running every day for three solid weeks! I know that this isn’t saying a whole lot in the grand scheme of things (seeing as I’m aiming to run 52 weeks in a row), but it does mark the most days I’ve run in a row, ever. Just thought I’d point that out before writing the rest of this!
I am now three days out from running the New York Road Runners Manhattan Half-Marathon as part of the Half-Marathon Grand Prix. Since I didn’t explain the whole “Grand Prix” part yesterday, I thought I’d take a second to do it now. It is a series of five half-marathons, one in each borough of New York City: Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. Of the five, I did Brooklyn and Queens in 2009. Brooklyn, which ended at Coney Island, was so much fun and I ran what it, to date, my PR. Queens, on the other hand, was a giant mess! Not only was I only SEVEN days past Ironman Wisconsin, but the organization of transportation to and from the race site was less than stellar. Myself and about fifty other runners were dropped off about 2.5 miles from the start and about thirty minutes late! We had to run the 2.5 miles to the start and THEN begin. Not fun.
Anyway, I will get more into my goals and such for the Manhattan Half in the next couple of days.
Today was my last hard-ish run before the race. My assigned run was the same as it was on Tuesday: Warm up for 1 mile then run 3×1 mile at your 5K race pace. 2 minute recover between. I tried to be much more diligent about keeping track of the different sections or splits of this workout so I could really pinpoint what I was doing. My mile splits were as follows:
Mile 1: 6:21
Mile 2: 6:17
Mile 3: 6:27
They felt good with the exception of a tiny hotspot just behind the ball of my right foot in the last mile. I really do enjoy letting fly for speed stuff and I cannot wait until my fitness is back to where it should be! I must say though that I am running rather quick for me seeing as a year ago, I was running somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 minutes a mile in a race. I have to give kudos here to my coach, Jeff. I know that it’s me who has to do the work, but with Jeff’s guidance I have become a much stronger athlete.
Date: 1/20/09
Consecutive Days Run: 20
Runner: Brandon Wood
Shoes: Newton AW Trainers
Location: New York, NY
Type of Run: mile repeats
Time of Day: 6:42 PM EST
Distance Run: 2.24 miles
Time Run: 00:17:13
Average Pace: 7:41 per mile
Weather Conditions: Cold-ish (37 degrees Fahrenheit), clear
Disposition: Good
Link to Run Detail: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/22822973
About the Run: I knew that point would come, and come pretty quickly I might add, when I would find myself with a mild case of writer’s block. I figured this would happen simply by virtue of the fact that my short, routine runs would become just that, short and routine and I wouldn’t have too much to say about them. Today is the first of what I suspect will be many such days. (I’d like to add that I’m working on a solution to this.)
Today’s assigned workout was 3500 meters in the pool. While I used to feel it when I ran after having swum a few hours before, my legs have gotten so used to running every day that I don’t notice a thing. Today is also kind of unique because it is the first pseudo taper day leading up to a race. In case you’re not aware of what tapering is, it is the period leading up to an event when you give your body less of a workout or what is ostensibly, rest. This coming Sunday, January 24 is the first race in the New York Road Runners Half-Marathon Grand Prix, the Manhattan Half-Marathon. Hence the taper.
This gem of a race (please not a tiny bit of sarcasm) takes place solely in the great Central Park. The course is this, as explained by the NYRR website:
The start is on West Drive at 63rd Street. Runners will complete two full counterclock wise loops of the Park. On the third loop runners will complete the southern loop of the Park and enter the 72nd Street Transverse from East Drive. The finish line will be at the eastern-most entrance to the Bandshell.
Central Park is beautiful and amazing to be sure, but when you’re a New Yorker (by default) and you’ve run the outer loop upwards of a babillion times, it can be a little boring, but oh well! It is also anything but a flat course. The course on Sunday will include two devilish treats for runners (twice each); Cat Hill and Harlem Hill.
Tonight’s run was nice. I took it out easy and pushed it for the last mile or so, holding down a steady sub-6:30 pace. I made sure not to tax my legs too much, but I really just felt like I needed to stretch things out a bit, and give myself a little test on some hills I run routinely. All in all, very nice and relaxing!
8Z42UE92X26W
Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp
Racers Against Childhood Cancer (RACC)
Carved by God, Cursed by the Devil by Ted Archer
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United Stated Streak Running Association
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Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp
Carved by God, Created by the Devil
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2009 is winding down and as we all know, races fill up FAST! In fact, the New York City Triathlon filled up in SEVEN MINUTES this year!! So, it has forced me to choose my races and to enter them now. The good part of that is that I now know what I am moving toward. Before I ramble on any more and talk about the logistics of the races, here they are:
June 6, 2010
July 18, 2010
August 29, 2010
September 12, 2010
I May try to fit in a couple of sprints along the way as long as they don’t interfere with anything else. I am also pretty sure there will be some of the NYRR races along the way, but nothing too tough.
Big thanks to Kevin for helping out with Pumpkinman. Both the NYC Triathlon and Ironman Louisville are entered and paid for. As for Mooseman 70.3, I am working on getting the funds together, so hopefully between now and when I have the cash, it doesn’t sell out! So, if you want to sponsor me, give me a shout!!
Greens+ Chia — Click here to email Diane for samples!
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Personal Best Fitness (PRS Fit)
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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!
Who: This contest is open to anyone and everyone in the U.S. and Canada (also APO)! Tell your friends!
What: Stuffitts! I have spoken about these simple yet awesome shoe savers in the past. Click here to read more about them. I cannot say enough how great they are!
When: Starting NOW! This is an ongoing contest that will be every month, or until every person on the planet has nice, fresh smelling shoes!
Why: Because Stuffitts are awesome! The folks at Stuffitts are being SUPER generous and I also want to give you guys something that I think is a great addition to any athletes arsenal!
How: On the last podcast episode post of each month (example: Episode 99 on June 28 HERE) entrants should leave a comment (however long you'd like). On the following week's show (the first show of each month) I will draw, by random number generator, one winner! That's it!
Good luck!
