Thank you everyone for running with adidas Urban Run SF. Runs will resume on January 7, 2008.
Next year, I want to implement self-timed track sessions for those who request them. They should be a lot of fun. We'll try something different each time depending on your training. A few of us have been meeting at Kezar @ 6:30PM/7PM on Tuesday evenings. A Thursday evening track session or Strawberry Hill hill workouts may also be a possibility, although I strongly recommend Andy Chan's track workouts held on the same night http://www.malvina.com/kstars/track.php
If you join Pamakids for only $12 annually (www.pamakids.org), Andy's track workouts are only $2 for structured/timed/coached workouts. Let me know...
Second, I think the pizza event was a huge success in bringing everyone together. We should have something like this more often in 2008! Huh, what do you think?
In the meantime, have fun cross training in addition to running and rest. Make a plan of possible objectives next year instead of just "staying in shape". (Everyone in adidas Urban Run SF is already in shape!) Define your goals and make them happen. I will be more than happy to help you meet/exceed them!
All the best and I will see you next year!
Living an active and healthy lifestyle
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
adidas Urban Run SF - December 17, 2007
FREE PIZZA NIGHT!!!
ROUTE – Pier 39 or Aquatic Park run
• Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
• Right on Market Street
• Left on Embarcadero
o Turnaround at Pier 39 (Embarcadero @ Bay St.) for 4 mile run
o Turnaround at Jefferson/Hyde for 6 mile run
• Return onto Embarcadero
• Right on Market Street
• Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
ROUTE – Pier 39 or Aquatic Park run
• Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
• Right on Market Street
• Left on Embarcadero
o Turnaround at Pier 39 (Embarcadero @ Bay St.) for 4 mile run
o Turnaround at Jefferson/Hyde for 6 mile run
• Return onto Embarcadero
• Right on Market Street
• Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
Sunday, December 9, 2007
adidas Urban Run SF - December 10, 2007
ROUTE – Broadway-Stockton Tunnel run (4.1 miles)
• Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
• Proceed on Powell Street
• Left on Post
• Right on Laguna
• Right on Broadway (and through tunnel)
• Right on Stockton Street
• Right on Market Street
• Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1491836
If you have completed a race recently, share them with us!
Warren Chang completed the Singapore Marathon in ~4:42
• Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
• Proceed on Powell Street
• Left on Post
• Right on Laguna
• Right on Broadway (and through tunnel)
• Right on Stockton Street
• Right on Market Street
• Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1491836
If you have completed a race recently, share them with us!
Warren Chang completed the Singapore Marathon in ~4:42
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Goal Met...and Redefined
So enough about elites at CIM...here's a human perspective on the race.
Saturday was my last run for my taper. A simple 5 mile run, involving laps around the Kezar track. It was finished off with 6x100m strides. That afternoon, I went to a friend's place in Sausalito to carpool to the race expo in Sacramento. I drank Costco's generic version VitaminWater the entire day. By the time we met up with the other Dolphin South End (DSE) running group, we went to the expo to get our bibs, chips, and goodie bags. It was followed by a big lunch at Paesano's at 3, a sub-par Mexican restaurant in Old Sac for dinner at 7, and my own tub of homemade sundried tomato/feta cheese pasta around 8:30pm. Yeah, I ate a lot that day, but I was hungry. I didn't force myself to eat anything.
The next day I was getting concerned about not clearing the bowels, but with time it came and went. Good thing! I decided on adidas singlet, adidas race shorts, and "throwaway" tube suck arm warmers (which I ended up wearing for the entire race), and adidas Supernova Light 6. A slight change in plans came when my "lucky" socks were still wet from the wash; I used another pair of Powerbar socks. I also planned on bringing Gatorade in an ergo Poland Springs water bottle for the first 6 miles. I ended up bringing that with me for 26 miles until I saw Jodi and Annamarie cheer me on, where I decided to toss it to the side of the street and sprint the last .2 miles.
We arrived at the bus pickup Sunday morning to the start at 5:45am. We saw elites walk in front of me by the hotel headquarters of Sheraton to an SUV. The bus ride was quaint, but not warm because the heater wasn't turned on. We arrived at the Folsom start with less than 30 minutes before the 7am start. That meant a mad dash to change and get ready, drop off our sweat bags, and get to the right starting area. But it all went well. It was around 40 degrees with almost no wind. We also had time to meet up with the rest of the DSE group where I had my ibroprofen before the start, thanks to Matt. I met some people at the start that I met at Clarksburg as I poked my head around to search for the 3:15 pacer. That's where I saw Gordy Ainsleigh (founder of Western States 100) and said hi to him. We were off promptly at 7am after two girls sang the national anthem a little out of tune, but very cute for their age (not cute if it were William Hung of American Idol fame). Then the mayor of Folsom sent us off after hoping to welcome everyone back to Folsom after everyone made their mass-exodus out of it! But he promised to run CIM next year, so that's great. Again, the many communities along the CIM route very much are into this race, and that's a wonderful feeling to a small-town event that reels in money for their economy.
Right from the get-go, our 3:15 pacer was going gung-ho, and we were ahead of the 3:10 group. But we set ourselves straight by aligning ourselves behind the 3:10 group...but not by much. We were right behind their asses! So two seperate big masses were engulfed as one for the first 5-6 miles.
Good thing I brought my Gatorade Endurance in a water bottle. That Gu2o water available at the race was shitty, the aid stations were sloppy, the cups were in small ass Dixie cups with small drops left, and it was confusing if they were handing out water or electrolytes since the cups were practically the same. However, I didn't have to break my rhythm or stride charging for the water stops as I passed almost all of them. When I tried to grab them two or three times later during the race, I dropped them because they were hard to grasp. When Jeremy saw this mid-race, I knew he was laughing at me. It was a good thing to not get water in the beginning because it slowed people down and they surged back to keep up with their pace or pace leader...not a good strategy. On the other hand, it was extremely risky because I should top off my glycogen stores and at that time, I felt that I was with my Gatorade Endurance. I didn't take an gels for the entire marathon...another first. The first 8 miles of our splits were way off but I think our pacer may have anticipated this for later on, when we would be slowing down. Regardless, it was a bad strategy because our average splits announced on course would be anywhere around 7:07-7:24. Remember that is gun time, so we should be going even slower for the 7:27 average splits, but we were probably going at 3:10 pace. That meant the 3:10 group was doing well under 3:10. I got to run with Brent from K-Stars for a good number of miles. He is so strong that he is capable of 3:10 pace. He does his LT training at 6:50 pace, so he is ready. Regardless, he is headed for Boston, which he achieved with a 3:11. Brent had planned 7:30 first half and 7:20 second half. Obviously, that didn't happen as he took off from me by mile 9.
I also happened to pace with Jeremy from DSE for much of the race. He really helped me pass the time with his shits and giggles. We would communicate to each other to keep consistent pace or slow up on the hills. I even gave him Gu they were passing out at mile 10.
At mile 11, there was this gradual, yet long hill around mile 11. I told this to Jeremy outloud, which he replied "ok". An Asian woman heard this and said something to the effect of CIM being really easy compared to the Nike Women's Marathon. Obviously....but were still at mile 11 and she was aiming for 3:20-3:30. I relayed the information that she was way ahead of schedule since me and Jeremy were running ahead of the 3:15 group, and somewhere between 3:12-3:14 at that time. Instead of slowing down, which she should have done to keep her in her rightful place, she sped up. I probably just took it the wrong way, but I was hoping for her to suffer and die like the rest of us. I later learned that I passed her with a lot of time to spare. Too bad I didn't get to see the catch. (Addendum: I beat her by 20 seconds at the finish!)
Also at this point, the wind had picked up a lot! But I didn't think it was drastic, perhaps later it would get worse. I was headed into a a tailwind with little or no one to draft off of.
Unfortunately, Jeremy had to slow down around mile 18 and go his own pace. Along the way we chatted with a woman who was doing the relay and we talked much during my bad patches. That helped the dead miles between 16-20 tick by. But once her relay leg was over, I was alone and the feeling of being isolated hit me hard. It affected me with a mental wall beginning at mile 23. I had to keep reminding myself NEVER to walk in this marathon. Walking would mean succumbing to failure. It would also mean that if I remained strong, it would be the first time I have never walked a lick in a marathon.
After mile 23, the 3:15 pace group came by me at a good clip. But this time, there was another pace leader! What the fuck? It had now shrunk to 5-8 runners, which would continue to dwindle. Big change from the 30-40+ that started out. I later heard from a female in that group say that she wanted to throw up as she slowed down. A guy running with her kept saying that she wouldn't. I didn't want to risk it and have her throw up on my shoes so I ran a bit faster.
By mile 24, I was in agony. I already pictured the perfect finish in my head at this point. I would muster whatever strength I had to the point of energy defecit. Then at the chute I would stagger and noodle before a volunteer would catch me and help me walk upright for a bit.
Mile 25 and 26 took forever. A couple turns here and there, but where is the friggin capitol? Then I heard Eduardo and some guy (Oliver) call out my name and tried to move faster. I don't know if I did, but I was later told that I rolled my eyes back when that happened. Then after mile 26, I heard Annamarie and Jodi cheer me on and went full gas as the crowd got thick. What a moment!! I passed a bunch of people and came in at 3:14:19 chip time. Not bad. Now I only have to cut off 4 minutes at Eugene Marathon in May to get to Boston 2009! It will require much hard work beginning January 2008 with the 18 week Pfitzinger plan, but what a trip...two years and counting through this marathon journey. I almost cut off an hour off of my 4:12 finish at NYC in 2005.
Oh yeah, it was the finish I had dreamed of during my dazed state. Someone did catch me at the finish and walk me through the chute. Dreams can come true.
Notable CIM finishes from the DSE group:
Grant J: expected goal: 2:45
chip time: 2:44 FIRST MARATHON!!
Eduardo V.: expected goal: 2:52
chip time: 2:49 PR!!
Jerry F: expected goal:
chip time: 3:10:02 PR!!
Kennet D. : expected goal ~3:00
chip time: 3:10:50 PR!!
Me: expected time: 3:15
chip time: 3:14:19 8 minute PR!!
Jeremy C: expected time: 3:15
chip time: 3:19 PR!!
Matt F.: expected time: 3:30 with injury
chip time: 3:34 PR!!
EVERYONE PRs!!!
Final note: Oliver making the trip up to Sac that morning just to see us, DSEers, finish was a really nice gesture. At the 20 mile mark, I was only one minute slower than my best time at Clarksburg 20 mile a few weeks back. Michelle and Brooke qualified for the Olympic women's trials in about 2:42 and 2:43 respecitvely in their first marathon!!! They need to come to the adidas Urban Run SF...we need superstars.
Now it's time to recover for January when the training will begin once again. To celebrate my birthday on Tuesday, I will do 26 laps (10K plus 400m) on the Kezar track at whatever-is-suffering pace.
Saturday was my last run for my taper. A simple 5 mile run, involving laps around the Kezar track. It was finished off with 6x100m strides. That afternoon, I went to a friend's place in Sausalito to carpool to the race expo in Sacramento. I drank Costco's generic version VitaminWater the entire day. By the time we met up with the other Dolphin South End (DSE) running group, we went to the expo to get our bibs, chips, and goodie bags. It was followed by a big lunch at Paesano's at 3, a sub-par Mexican restaurant in Old Sac for dinner at 7, and my own tub of homemade sundried tomato/feta cheese pasta around 8:30pm. Yeah, I ate a lot that day, but I was hungry. I didn't force myself to eat anything.
The next day I was getting concerned about not clearing the bowels, but with time it came and went. Good thing! I decided on adidas singlet, adidas race shorts, and "throwaway" tube suck arm warmers (which I ended up wearing for the entire race), and adidas Supernova Light 6. A slight change in plans came when my "lucky" socks were still wet from the wash; I used another pair of Powerbar socks. I also planned on bringing Gatorade in an ergo Poland Springs water bottle for the first 6 miles. I ended up bringing that with me for 26 miles until I saw Jodi and Annamarie cheer me on, where I decided to toss it to the side of the street and sprint the last .2 miles.
We arrived at the bus pickup Sunday morning to the start at 5:45am. We saw elites walk in front of me by the hotel headquarters of Sheraton to an SUV. The bus ride was quaint, but not warm because the heater wasn't turned on. We arrived at the Folsom start with less than 30 minutes before the 7am start. That meant a mad dash to change and get ready, drop off our sweat bags, and get to the right starting area. But it all went well. It was around 40 degrees with almost no wind. We also had time to meet up with the rest of the DSE group where I had my ibroprofen before the start, thanks to Matt. I met some people at the start that I met at Clarksburg as I poked my head around to search for the 3:15 pacer. That's where I saw Gordy Ainsleigh (founder of Western States 100) and said hi to him. We were off promptly at 7am after two girls sang the national anthem a little out of tune, but very cute for their age (not cute if it were William Hung of American Idol fame). Then the mayor of Folsom sent us off after hoping to welcome everyone back to Folsom after everyone made their mass-exodus out of it! But he promised to run CIM next year, so that's great. Again, the many communities along the CIM route very much are into this race, and that's a wonderful feeling to a small-town event that reels in money for their economy.
Right from the get-go, our 3:15 pacer was going gung-ho, and we were ahead of the 3:10 group. But we set ourselves straight by aligning ourselves behind the 3:10 group...but not by much. We were right behind their asses! So two seperate big masses were engulfed as one for the first 5-6 miles.
Good thing I brought my Gatorade Endurance in a water bottle. That Gu2o water available at the race was shitty, the aid stations were sloppy, the cups were in small ass Dixie cups with small drops left, and it was confusing if they were handing out water or electrolytes since the cups were practically the same. However, I didn't have to break my rhythm or stride charging for the water stops as I passed almost all of them. When I tried to grab them two or three times later during the race, I dropped them because they were hard to grasp. When Jeremy saw this mid-race, I knew he was laughing at me. It was a good thing to not get water in the beginning because it slowed people down and they surged back to keep up with their pace or pace leader...not a good strategy. On the other hand, it was extremely risky because I should top off my glycogen stores and at that time, I felt that I was with my Gatorade Endurance. I didn't take an gels for the entire marathon...another first. The first 8 miles of our splits were way off but I think our pacer may have anticipated this for later on, when we would be slowing down. Regardless, it was a bad strategy because our average splits announced on course would be anywhere around 7:07-7:24. Remember that is gun time, so we should be going even slower for the 7:27 average splits, but we were probably going at 3:10 pace. That meant the 3:10 group was doing well under 3:10. I got to run with Brent from K-Stars for a good number of miles. He is so strong that he is capable of 3:10 pace. He does his LT training at 6:50 pace, so he is ready. Regardless, he is headed for Boston, which he achieved with a 3:11. Brent had planned 7:30 first half and 7:20 second half. Obviously, that didn't happen as he took off from me by mile 9.
I also happened to pace with Jeremy from DSE for much of the race. He really helped me pass the time with his shits and giggles. We would communicate to each other to keep consistent pace or slow up on the hills. I even gave him Gu they were passing out at mile 10.
At mile 11, there was this gradual, yet long hill around mile 11. I told this to Jeremy outloud, which he replied "ok". An Asian woman heard this and said something to the effect of CIM being really easy compared to the Nike Women's Marathon. Obviously....but were still at mile 11 and she was aiming for 3:20-3:30. I relayed the information that she was way ahead of schedule since me and Jeremy were running ahead of the 3:15 group, and somewhere between 3:12-3:14 at that time. Instead of slowing down, which she should have done to keep her in her rightful place, she sped up. I probably just took it the wrong way, but I was hoping for her to suffer and die like the rest of us. I later learned that I passed her with a lot of time to spare. Too bad I didn't get to see the catch. (Addendum: I beat her by 20 seconds at the finish!)
Also at this point, the wind had picked up a lot! But I didn't think it was drastic, perhaps later it would get worse. I was headed into a a tailwind with little or no one to draft off of.
Unfortunately, Jeremy had to slow down around mile 18 and go his own pace. Along the way we chatted with a woman who was doing the relay and we talked much during my bad patches. That helped the dead miles between 16-20 tick by. But once her relay leg was over, I was alone and the feeling of being isolated hit me hard. It affected me with a mental wall beginning at mile 23. I had to keep reminding myself NEVER to walk in this marathon. Walking would mean succumbing to failure. It would also mean that if I remained strong, it would be the first time I have never walked a lick in a marathon.
After mile 23, the 3:15 pace group came by me at a good clip. But this time, there was another pace leader! What the fuck? It had now shrunk to 5-8 runners, which would continue to dwindle. Big change from the 30-40+ that started out. I later heard from a female in that group say that she wanted to throw up as she slowed down. A guy running with her kept saying that she wouldn't. I didn't want to risk it and have her throw up on my shoes so I ran a bit faster.
By mile 24, I was in agony. I already pictured the perfect finish in my head at this point. I would muster whatever strength I had to the point of energy defecit. Then at the chute I would stagger and noodle before a volunteer would catch me and help me walk upright for a bit.
Mile 25 and 26 took forever. A couple turns here and there, but where is the friggin capitol? Then I heard Eduardo and some guy (Oliver) call out my name and tried to move faster. I don't know if I did, but I was later told that I rolled my eyes back when that happened. Then after mile 26, I heard Annamarie and Jodi cheer me on and went full gas as the crowd got thick. What a moment!! I passed a bunch of people and came in at 3:14:19 chip time. Not bad. Now I only have to cut off 4 minutes at Eugene Marathon in May to get to Boston 2009! It will require much hard work beginning January 2008 with the 18 week Pfitzinger plan, but what a trip...two years and counting through this marathon journey. I almost cut off an hour off of my 4:12 finish at NYC in 2005.
Oh yeah, it was the finish I had dreamed of during my dazed state. Someone did catch me at the finish and walk me through the chute. Dreams can come true.
Notable CIM finishes from the DSE group:
Grant J: expected goal: 2:45
chip time: 2:44 FIRST MARATHON!!
Eduardo V.: expected goal: 2:52
chip time: 2:49 PR!!
Jerry F: expected goal:
chip time: 3:10:02 PR!!
Kennet D. : expected goal ~3:00
chip time: 3:10:50 PR!!
Me: expected time: 3:15
chip time: 3:14:19 8 minute PR!!
Jeremy C: expected time: 3:15
chip time: 3:19 PR!!
Matt F.: expected time: 3:30 with injury
chip time: 3:34 PR!!
EVERYONE PRs!!!
Final note: Oliver making the trip up to Sac that morning just to see us, DSEers, finish was a really nice gesture. At the 20 mile mark, I was only one minute slower than my best time at Clarksburg 20 mile a few weeks back. Michelle and Brooke qualified for the Olympic women's trials in about 2:42 and 2:43 respecitvely in their first marathon!!! They need to come to the adidas Urban Run SF...we need superstars.
Now it's time to recover for January when the training will begin once again. To celebrate my birthday on Tuesday, I will do 26 laps (10K plus 400m) on the Kezar track at whatever-is-suffering pace.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Michelle Gallagher qualifies for Olympic Trials!
Michelle runs with local running club, Pamakids, in San Francisco.
December 2, 2007
SACRAMENTO, CA – Michelle Gallagher, 22, representing the Pamakids Running Club, qualified for the United States Women’s Marathon Olympic Trials by running a 2 hour, 43 minute, 30 second marathon. The Daly City resident, running her first marathon, placed 5th overall and 3rd American woman at the California International Marathon (CIM) in Sacramento on Sunday December 2, 2007. The 26.2 mile race started in Folsom and ended at the Capitol Mall in Sacramento. Her time, according to a list on the Track & Field News website, is the 17th fastest by an American woman in 2007.
The United States of America Track & Field (USATF) is the governing body for the sport of track & field in the United States. They, along with the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) will host the Women’s Olympic Trials Marathon in Boston, MA on Sunday April 20, 2008. The top 3 finishers at that race will represent the US at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. To qualify for the Trials, you must be a female US citizen who has run a marathon on a certified course in under 2 hours, 47 minutes. As of December 1, only 96 women had achieved the mark. At Sunday’s CIM, Gallagher was one of nine athletes to qualify for the Olympic Trials.
Gallagher ran a smart race, running consistent splits throughout the race. She was on 2:43 pace almost right from the very start of the race and she held that pace for the whole race. Her fastest mile was 6:03 and her slowest was 6:21. “It felt more relaxed than at practice,” said Gallagher, “We had a good group of runners who worked together to get a fast time.” Gallagher ran much of the race with fellow 22 year old Brooke Wells of San Francisco. Gallagher had almost twenty people cheering her on along the course, including her mom, dad, brother, coach, and Pamakid teammates. “At 18 miles, I asked her how she felt and she said fine,” said her coach Andy Chan, “I told her to surge a bit and she immediately did. That’s when I knew she was going to get the Olympic Trials time.”
Gallagher attended high school at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco, where Chan was her coach. In cross country she was league and section champion as a senior and placed 3rd at the State Championship Meet. In track & field, she was a 2-time league champion for 3200 meters (2 miles). Her fastest 3200 was 10:33.04 at the Arcadia Invitational in April 2003. That mark was the 15th fastest in the nation that spring. In her final high school race for the Fightin’ Irish she placed 4th at the State Meet in the 3200 meters. She also set high school bests of 4:56.1 (1600 meters) and 2:17.7 (800 meters).
After graduating from SHCP, she earned a full athletic scholarship to NCAA Division I, Iona College in New York. She competed for the Gaels for 4 years. In outdoor track & field she ran a 5000 meter best of 16:49.54, qualifying for the NCAA East Regional in 2004. She also won conference titles at three different distances (5000 as a freshman, 3000 as a sophomore and 1500 as a junior). In indoor track & field, she was a 4-time conference champion. In cross country she was a member of the Iona team that won back-to-back conference championships and in 2006 placed 2nd in the region and 20th at the NCAA Championships.
Gallagher graduated from Iona in June 2007 and returned to the Bay Area. She asked her former high school coach, Chan, to coach her again. Her goal was to run her first marathon in Seattle in November 2007. As part of her training she ran for the Pamakids Running Club at the Pacific Association Grand Prix Cross Country series. She won the Presidio Open in October and also placed 2nd twice and 3rd twice during the season. At the Cross Country Championships, she placed 4th. Overall for the season Gallagher placed 2nd and she led the Pamakids team to a 3rd place team finish.
Gallagher’s best race of the fall, prior to CIM, was the San Jose Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon on October 14. At that race she ran 1:16:37 (a 7 minute personal record), coming in 12th woman, 4th American woman, and 1st Bay Area woman. As a result of that excellent race, she and Chan decided to change her goals for the marathon. “After Rock ‘n Roll we realized that she had a legitimate chance to get the Olympic Trials qualifying mark,” explained Chan. So instead of racing the Seattle Marathon, she switched to CIM, which is known for producing fast times.
And a fast time is just what she got. “When I realized that the halfway split that I needed was six minutes slower than what I ran at Rock ‘n Roll it made me feel confident that I could do it,” said Gallagher.” “Even back in high school,” said Chan, “I thought her best distance when she got older was going to be the longer races. When she asked me to coach her in June, I remember telling her that if she ends up liking the marathon she could do quite well…maybe even make the Olympic Trials someday. But I had no idea that someday would come so soon.”
Monday, December 3, 2007
adidas Urban Run SF - December 3, 2007
ROUTE – AT&T Park run (3.7 miles)
• Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
• Right on Market Street
• Right on Embarcadero
• Embarcadero becomes King Street
• Right on Third Street
• Left on Market Street
• Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1483256
• Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
• Right on Market Street
• Right on Embarcadero
• Embarcadero becomes King Street
• Right on Third Street
• Left on Market Street
• Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1483256
Friday, November 30, 2007
2007 Jesse Owens Award
Felix, Gay win 2007 Jesse Owens Awards
INDIANAPOLIS - World-champion sprinters Allyson Felix and Tyson Gay on Monday were named winners of the 2007 Jesse Owens Award by USA Track & Field. The 2005 Owens honoree, Felix becomes a two-time Jesse Owens Award winner, while Gay has earned the distinction for the first time in his career.
Established in 1981, the Jesse Owens Award is USA Track & Field's highest accolade, presented annually to the outstanding U.S. male and female track and field performers. This year's awards will be presented on December 1 at the Jesse Owens Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held at the Sheraton Waikiki hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii, in conjunction with USA Track & Field's 2007 Annual Meeting.
"Allyson and Tyson took the sprinting world by storm in 2007," said USATF CEO Craig Masback. "Their youth, humility and grace under tremendous pressure to perform make them great champions who have earned respect from their competitors, the public and the press. We congratulate both of them on their fine seasons."
Felix dominates
Felix dominated the women's 200 meters in 2007, winning every race she entered.
At just 21 years old, Felix became the second woman in history to win three gold medals at a single World Outdoor Championships with her triumphs in Osaka, Japan. She first won the 200m in a personal-best 21.81 seconds. It was the fastest time by a woman since 1999 and was the largest margin of victory in World Outdoor history (.53). She then ran a decisive second leg on the winning 4x100m relay team, which clocked 41.98.
In her final event of the World Championships, Felix ran perhaps the fastest 4x400m relay leg ever by an American woman at a major championship and the fastest by any woman since the 1980s. Again running second leg for Team USA, she clocked a 48.0 split to move Team USA into a comfortable lead that propelled the Americans to a win in 3:18.55. It was the fastest time in the world since Team USA won the 1993 World title in 3:16.71.
Felix ran the three 200m fastest times in the world in 2007 and five of the top eight fastest times by an American, including the 22.34 she ran to win the U.S. Outdoor Championships. She also was a strong contender in the 100 and 400. She set personal records in the 100 (11.01) and the 400 (49.70). During the Indoor season, Felix ran one race, the 300m at the Tyson Invitational, where she set an American best in winning in 36.33.
"It is a privilege to receive an award with such a rich tradition," Felix said. "To be recognized in the company of such great champions is truly an honor."
Gay triply successful
In 2007, Tyson Gay had an historic year, sweeping the 100 and 200 meters at both the IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Osaka and the USA Outdoor Championships. He added World Outdoor gold in the 4x100m to become the fourth man in World Championships history to win three gold medals at a single championship. In Osaka, he won his first gold in the 100, blazing to a 9.85 victory to relegate world-record holder Asafa Powell to third. Gay then took down Michael Johnson's 200m meet record, coming from behind to win his second gold medal of the meet in 19.76. He finished his global trifecta by running the third leg on the winning men's 4x100m relay that won a nail-biter of a race in 37.78.
Gay had given notice of his prowess at the U.S. Outdoor Championships, cementing his status as the world's most dominant all-around sprinter with his meet record wins in the 100 (9.84, -.5m/s) and 200 (19.62, -.3m/s) in posting the fastest 100-200 double in history. Gay also came away from the meet with the men's Visa Championship as the top male performer of the Visa Championship Series.
"This is the greatest honor of my career," said Gay. "Jesse Owens is a hero of mine for many reasons, and to have my name linked with his, and with the great athletes who have been honored before me, is humbling. I am very grateful."
Establishing himself as the world's top big-meet, championship runner, Gay won every race he entered in the 100 and 200 in 2007, save for one. He ran five of the seven fastest times by an American in the 100 and three of the four fastest times by an American in the 200, including the 2007 world leader (19.62).
About the Jesse Owens Award
2007 Jesse Owens Award winners were selected in balloting of members of the U.S. track and field media. Other finalists for the men's Jesse Owens Award were Breaux Greer, Reese Hoffa, Bernard Lagat, Brad Walker, Jeremy Wariner and Alan Webb. Women's finalists were Shalane Flanagan, Michelle Perry, Sanya Richards, Jenn Stuczynski and Tiffany Williams.
The permanent commemorative Jesse Owens Award is maintained at USATF National Headquarters, and a replica is provided to each of the winners. Previous winners are Edwin Moses (1981), Carl Lewis (1982 and 1991), Mary Decker (1983), Joan Benoit (1984), Willie Banks (1985), Jackie Joyner-Kersee (1986 and 1987), Florence Griffith Joyner (1988), Roger Kingdom (1989), Lynn Jennings (1990), Kevin Young (1992), Gail Devers (1993, 1996), Michael Johnson (1994, 1995, 1996), Allen Johnson (1997), Marion Jones (1997, 1998), John Godina (1998, 2001), Inger Miller (1999), Maurice Greene (1999), Stacy Dragila (2000 and 2001), Angelo Taylor (2000), Khalid Khannouchi (2002), Deena Kastor (2003), Tom Pappas (2003), Justin Gatlin (2004 and 2005) and Joanna Hayes (2004), Allyson Felix (2005 and 2007) Sanya Richards (2006) and Jeremy Wariner (2006).
For full biographies of Felix and Gay, visit the Athlete Bios section of www.usatf.org
1936 - At the Olympic Games in Berlin, Jesse Owens, won four gold medals in Dassler shoes.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - November 26, 2007
ROUTE – Pier 39 or Aquatic Park run
• Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
• Right on Market Street
• Left on Embarcadero
o Turnaround at Pier 39 (Embarcadero @ Bay St.) for 4 mile run
o Turnaround at Jefferson/Hyde for 6 mile run
o Turnaround at Marina/Fillmore for 8 mile run
• Return onto Embarcadero
• Right on Market Street
• Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
• Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
• Right on Market Street
• Left on Embarcadero
o Turnaround at Pier 39 (Embarcadero @ Bay St.) for 4 mile run
o Turnaround at Jefferson/Hyde for 6 mile run
o Turnaround at Marina/Fillmore for 8 mile run
• Return onto Embarcadero
• Right on Market Street
• Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
Monday, November 19, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - November 19, 2007
All,
Our route for this week will be an out an back from the adidas Sport Performance Store to AT&T Park. Total mileage will be somewhere in the 5 mile range. For those of you that opt for a shorter option, you can turnaround at the Ferry Building for a 2 miler or turnaround at the base of the Bay Bridge for a 3 miler.
See you tonight!
Our route for this week will be an out an back from the adidas Sport Performance Store to AT&T Park. Total mileage will be somewhere in the 5 mile range. For those of you that opt for a shorter option, you can turnaround at the Ferry Building for a 2 miler or turnaround at the base of the Bay Bridge for a 3 miler.
See you tonight!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Sizing Up Athletic Shoe Makers
Taken from http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/122/athleticshoes
This is pretty worthwhile for the green consumer buying running shoes.
NIKE
While the company was embroiled in sweatshop labor problems during the late '90s, Nike has reformed itself. "I think Nike is a genuine leader, making bold moves to eliminate toxic materials, improve recyclability and generally reduce waste and emissions of their products and their manufacturing processes," says Makower.
The Good
* Publishes the names and addresses of all factories and suppliers online
* Manufactures Nike Considered, a line of organic-cotton clothing and shoes
* Recycles any brand of used running shoes through its Reuse-A-Shoe program
The Bad
* In its 2006 labor report, Offside: Labour Rights and Sportswear Production in Asia, Oxfam International found that Nike placed a higher volume of orders in non-union factories and hasn't required that workers receive a living wage.
REEBOK
The Good
* At least 90 percent of Reebok shoe boxes and tissues are made of recycled paper.
* Publishes the names and addresses of all factories and suppliers online
* Provides international suppliers with detailed guidance on dealing with and respecting trade unions
The Bad
* Despite Reebok's efforts to respect trade unions in foreign factories, the Oxfam report noted that the company has discouraged attempts to unionize factories in the U.S.
ADIDAS
The Good
* Oxfam's report noted that Adidas "has probably done the most research and thinking" about living wages for Asian factory workers.
* Provides suppliers with a detailed explanation of trade-union rights
* Reduced VOC emissions during shoe production from 140 grams/pair to 19.3 grams/pair
The Bad
* Does not publish factory and supplier addresses online
ASICS
The Good
* Has used EVA foam since the 1950s
* Replaced the carcinogenic heavy metal chromium in leather treatment with less-harmful tannin
* Has instituted their EcoPet program, which collects and recycles synthetic school PE uniforms, in 500 schools
The Bad
* Does not make factory and supplier addresses available to consumers
BROOKS
The Good
* Recently introduced HPR Green, a silica-based, petroleum-free sole used in the Adrenaline ASR 4 and Cascadia 2 that reduces the amount of petroleum used in production by more than one pound for every 10 pairs
* Works with FLA's collegiate-licensing program
* Relies on production techniques that eliminate waste by 50 percent
The Bad
* Does not publish factory and supplier addresses online
NEW BALANCE
The Good
* The only athletic footwear company that maintains U.S. production factories
* Enforces a corporate policy that international footwear suppliers limit work weeks to 54 hours/week
* Uses 100-percent recycled materials in Dunham, Aravon and PF Flyers shoe-boxes
* All stuffing and tissue wrap made with 100-percent recycled materials
The Bad
* Criticized by Oxfam for its lack of transparency in labor policies* Does not publish factory and supplier addresses online
This is pretty worthwhile for the green consumer buying running shoes.
NIKE
While the company was embroiled in sweatshop labor problems during the late '90s, Nike has reformed itself. "I think Nike is a genuine leader, making bold moves to eliminate toxic materials, improve recyclability and generally reduce waste and emissions of their products and their manufacturing processes," says Makower.
The Good
* Publishes the names and addresses of all factories and suppliers online
* Manufactures Nike Considered, a line of organic-cotton clothing and shoes
* Recycles any brand of used running shoes through its Reuse-A-Shoe program
The Bad
* In its 2006 labor report, Offside: Labour Rights and Sportswear Production in Asia, Oxfam International found that Nike placed a higher volume of orders in non-union factories and hasn't required that workers receive a living wage.
REEBOK
The Good
* At least 90 percent of Reebok shoe boxes and tissues are made of recycled paper.
* Publishes the names and addresses of all factories and suppliers online
* Provides international suppliers with detailed guidance on dealing with and respecting trade unions
The Bad
* Despite Reebok's efforts to respect trade unions in foreign factories, the Oxfam report noted that the company has discouraged attempts to unionize factories in the U.S.
ADIDAS
The Good
* Oxfam's report noted that Adidas "has probably done the most research and thinking" about living wages for Asian factory workers.
* Provides suppliers with a detailed explanation of trade-union rights
* Reduced VOC emissions during shoe production from 140 grams/pair to 19.3 grams/pair
The Bad
* Does not publish factory and supplier addresses online
ASICS
The Good
* Has used EVA foam since the 1950s
* Replaced the carcinogenic heavy metal chromium in leather treatment with less-harmful tannin
* Has instituted their EcoPet program, which collects and recycles synthetic school PE uniforms, in 500 schools
The Bad
* Does not make factory and supplier addresses available to consumers
BROOKS
The Good
* Recently introduced HPR Green, a silica-based, petroleum-free sole used in the Adrenaline ASR 4 and Cascadia 2 that reduces the amount of petroleum used in production by more than one pound for every 10 pairs
* Works with FLA's collegiate-licensing program
* Relies on production techniques that eliminate waste by 50 percent
The Bad
* Does not publish factory and supplier addresses online
NEW BALANCE
The Good
* The only athletic footwear company that maintains U.S. production factories
* Enforces a corporate policy that international footwear suppliers limit work weeks to 54 hours/week
* Uses 100-percent recycled materials in Dunham, Aravon and PF Flyers shoe-boxes
* All stuffing and tissue wrap made with 100-percent recycled materials
The Bad
* Criticized by Oxfam for its lack of transparency in labor policies* Does not publish factory and supplier addresses online
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
I've added the group, adidas San Francisco Urban Run, onto www.facebook.com . Everyone is welcome to join.
Also, I am disappointed to report that Chris Ekman will not be assisting me with the Urban Run. Due to incompetencies and miscommunication, I've been screwed once again. Fortunately, I love being apart of adidas SF Urban Run and making sure that you get a good sweat on Monday evenings.
All the best, and see you next week!
Also, I am disappointed to report that Chris Ekman will not be assisting me with the Urban Run. Due to incompetencies and miscommunication, I've been screwed once again. Fortunately, I love being apart of adidas SF Urban Run and making sure that you get a good sweat on Monday evenings.
All the best, and see you next week!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Turkey Beach Trot 5K
Sorry for the blast here. For those of you running the Turkey Beach Trot on Thanksgiving Day at Ocean beach, note that the race is being moved to Golden Gate Park. See info from the race website below:
--SAN FRANCISCO BAY OIL SPILL ALERT!--
Tuesday, November 14, 2007 11:48AM The TURKEY has been in communication with the National Park Service and the SF Department of Parks & Recreation. Following is an update on the effect of the Oil Spill on the race. For those of you unaware of the SF Bay oil spill, please click here.
The GREAT NEWS: The TURKEY Beach Trot will be held on Thanksgiving morning. However, some necessary changes are being made to this year's race.
NEW LOCATION & COURSE
The National Park Service at this late date cannot guarantee that Ocean Beach will continue to stay open to the public. On Tuesday morning, November 13th, the NPS informed THE TURKEY that it is currently discussing closure of the beach due to the oil spill. Therefore, we will not gamble on the possibility that Ocean Beach will be open on Thanksgiving Day for the race and have come up with an alternative location for the race. The 2007 TURKEY Beach Trot is now officially the 2007 TURKEY PARK Trot. The TURKEY met with the SF Department of Parks & Recreation this morning to obtain the proper permit and to discuss the new course. When these details are finalized, we will email all participants and post this information to the website ASAP. Details will be available by Friday, November 16th at the latest.
NEW LOCATION: The new start/finish will be in Golden Gate Park, in the area of the deYoung Museum and the Academy of Sciences. We are finalizng the course logistics with the SF Department of Parks & Recreation and will update the information here ASAP.
REVISED DISTANCE: The new run & walk course will be a 5K route, taking trotters through the lush greens of Golden Gate Park. Squanto could not have come up with a better course. If you have registered or are registering for the race, you will receive numerous email updates over the next week. Please be patient with us as we wish to ensure all information is available to all participants- -no matter how frequently the message is communicated. If you have friends & family also participating, please ensure you relay the information to them as well.
Thank you.
TURKEY BEACH TROTPhone: (415) 595 6934
Web: http://www.turkeybe achtrot.com Email: info@turkeybeachtro t.com
--SAN FRANCISCO BAY OIL SPILL ALERT!--
Tuesday, November 14, 2007 11:48AM The TURKEY has been in communication with the National Park Service and the SF Department of Parks & Recreation. Following is an update on the effect of the Oil Spill on the race. For those of you unaware of the SF Bay oil spill, please click here.
The GREAT NEWS: The TURKEY Beach Trot will be held on Thanksgiving morning. However, some necessary changes are being made to this year's race.
NEW LOCATION & COURSE
The National Park Service at this late date cannot guarantee that Ocean Beach will continue to stay open to the public. On Tuesday morning, November 13th, the NPS informed THE TURKEY that it is currently discussing closure of the beach due to the oil spill. Therefore, we will not gamble on the possibility that Ocean Beach will be open on Thanksgiving Day for the race and have come up with an alternative location for the race. The 2007 TURKEY Beach Trot is now officially the 2007 TURKEY PARK Trot. The TURKEY met with the SF Department of Parks & Recreation this morning to obtain the proper permit and to discuss the new course. When these details are finalized, we will email all participants and post this information to the website ASAP. Details will be available by Friday, November 16th at the latest.
NEW LOCATION: The new start/finish will be in Golden Gate Park, in the area of the deYoung Museum and the Academy of Sciences. We are finalizng the course logistics with the SF Department of Parks & Recreation and will update the information here ASAP.
REVISED DISTANCE: The new run & walk course will be a 5K route, taking trotters through the lush greens of Golden Gate Park. Squanto could not have come up with a better course. If you have registered or are registering for the race, you will receive numerous email updates over the next week. Please be patient with us as we wish to ensure all information is available to all participants- -no matter how frequently the message is communicated. If you have friends & family also participating, please ensure you relay the information to them as well.
Thank you.
TURKEY BEACH TROTPhone: (415) 595 6934
Web: http://www.turkeybe achtrot.com Email: info@turkeybeachtro t.com
Friday, November 9, 2007
Urban Run pictures
Richard coming back after running a few marathons this year.
Hoa is being impossible...again. Dare I say it, impossible is nothing.
Lead runners, Jorge and Felix, are first to return.
Warren in charge of logistics and post-run extraordinaire for Urban Run
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Turkey Beach Trot - Thanksgiving Day
Want to burn off those calories before that Thanksgiving Dinner? Start/Finish is below the Cliff House on Ocean Beach btwn Balboa/Great Highway in San Francisco!
http://www.turkeybeachtrot.com/
Register for the Turkey Beach Trot now! Previous editions have sold out! Entries limited to 1,000! And the prizes...click on the website to look at the VERY GENEROUS PRIZES!!!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - November 5, 2007
With Fall back in effect, we will provide our runners with an adidas safety running light (retail value - $20), compliments of adidas Urban Run. In order to receive one (while supplies last) on Monday, November 5th, you must either:
ROUTE - Park 39 or Aquatic Park Run (4 or 6 miles)
UR INCENTIVE - UR runners who complete their first 10 runs will be awarded with an adidas Response running shirt. All runners also receive a 30% discount on all adidas running apparel and shoes after each Monday run!
RAFFLE DRAWING - To be eligible, you must have run any (1) previous Mondays and the last Monday, November 26 to have a chance to win. Must be present to win.
- wear adidas running apparel and/or running shoes -- OR --
- bring a new running friend
ROUTE - Park 39 or Aquatic Park Run (4 or 6 miles)
- Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
- Right on Market Street
- Left on The Embarcadero
- Turn around at Pier 39 (Embarcadero & Bay Street) for 4 mile run
- Turn around at Jefferson/Hyde) for 6 mile run
- Return onto The Embarcadero
- Right on Market Street
- Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
UR INCENTIVE - UR runners who complete their first 10 runs will be awarded with an adidas Response running shirt. All runners also receive a 30% discount on all adidas running apparel and shoes after each Monday run!
RAFFLE DRAWING - To be eligible, you must have run any (1) previous Mondays and the last Monday, November 26 to have a chance to win. Must be present to win.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Shoutout to Local Favorite at New York City Marathon
Sopagna Eap from San Francisco and Lowell High alumna will be running with Paula Radcliffe, Jelena Prokopcuka, and other women elites in the NYC Marathon. Her best time is 2:44 and has qualified for the Olympic Trials, which she will race in Boston 2008. Watch out for her this Sunday
(bib #F29)
(bib #F29)
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Lake Natoma Half Marathon
http://www.brightroom.com/view_user_photo.asp?EVENTID=24986&PWD=&ID=42704008&FROM=photos&BIB=704
Official Time: 1:32:47
Good luck to Ancita and Joel running the NYC Marathon and Yancy at the Silicon Valley Marathon this Sunday!
Official Time: 1:32:47
Good luck to Ancita and Joel running the NYC Marathon and Yancy at the Silicon Valley Marathon this Sunday!
Monday, October 29, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - October 29, 2007
ROUTE - Broadway-Grant (2.8 miles)
-Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
-Right on Market Street
-Left on The Embarcadero
-Left on Broadway
-Left on Grant Ave
-Right on Market Street
-Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1419015
I just confirmation from Jon Strishak that he completed the Dublin Marathon in 3:55! What a great first marathon effort! We hope that he can recover soon so that he can join us next week.
-Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
-Right on Market Street
-Left on The Embarcadero
-Left on Broadway
-Left on Grant Ave
-Right on Market Street
-Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1419015
I just confirmation from Jon Strishak that he completed the Dublin Marathon in 3:55! What a great first marathon effort! We hope that he can recover soon so that he can join us next week.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Arndt hits the road running
Judith Arndt showed what a world-class athlete can do, when she ran the Dresden Marathon last weekend with only minimal preparations. The T-Mobile rider finished in her first marathon in a time of 3:32:24, giving her place 32 among the women and sixth in her age group. "It is unbelievable what the body can accomplish, when the head really wants it."
"I only heard about this race seven days earlier, so there wasn't time to do any real preparation," the 31-year-old said on t-mobile-team.com. "On the Tuesday before the race I ran for two hours for the first time, and during the team meeting in Cologne I was able to get in two training sessions."
She was a little nervous before the race, "whether I would make it to the end or put too much pressure on my joints, but it went better than expected. I ran controlled over the first half of the race, then in the second half I could give gas. My legs started to get stiff in the last five kilometers, but I still felt good. I wanted to try it and now I am very happy," Arndt concluded.
The 2004 World Champion found a similarity to cycling, too. "The only place it was dangerous and chaotic was at the feeding zones. There was no difference there between cycling and running races."
It was Arndt's first marathon, but not her last. "I would like to know how fast I can go when I really train for it." But she will not be quitting her real job, although she is not sure when she will get back on her bike. "I'll have to see when I can start cycling again, because my legs do still hurt a little," she concluded.
*About Judith Arndt: She is an international pro cyclist on T-Mobile, one of the top women's cycling pro teams (sponsored by adidas) and one of the top women in the circuit. She's a world champion and has won many one day and stage races. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Arndt
**Other pro cyclists tackling the marathon (in their first try):
Abraham Olano 2:39 2006 San Sebastian Marathon
Laurent Jalabert 2:55 2005 NYC Marathon
Rolf Aldag 2:42 2006 Hamburg Marathon
Lance Armstrong 2:59 2006 NYC Marathon
Leontien Zijlaard-van Moorsel 3:49 2005 NYC Marathon
"I only heard about this race seven days earlier, so there wasn't time to do any real preparation," the 31-year-old said on t-mobile-team.com. "On the Tuesday before the race I ran for two hours for the first time, and during the team meeting in Cologne I was able to get in two training sessions."
She was a little nervous before the race, "whether I would make it to the end or put too much pressure on my joints, but it went better than expected. I ran controlled over the first half of the race, then in the second half I could give gas. My legs started to get stiff in the last five kilometers, but I still felt good. I wanted to try it and now I am very happy," Arndt concluded.
The 2004 World Champion found a similarity to cycling, too. "The only place it was dangerous and chaotic was at the feeding zones. There was no difference there between cycling and running races."
It was Arndt's first marathon, but not her last. "I would like to know how fast I can go when I really train for it." But she will not be quitting her real job, although she is not sure when she will get back on her bike. "I'll have to see when I can start cycling again, because my legs do still hurt a little," she concluded.
*About Judith Arndt: She is an international pro cyclist on T-Mobile, one of the top women's cycling pro teams (sponsored by adidas) and one of the top women in the circuit. She's a world champion and has won many one day and stage races. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Arndt
**Other pro cyclists tackling the marathon (in their first try):
Abraham Olano 2:39 2006 San Sebastian Marathon
Laurent Jalabert 2:55 2005 NYC Marathon
Rolf Aldag 2:42 2006 Hamburg Marathon
Lance Armstrong 2:59 2006 NYC Marathon
Leontien Zijlaard-van Moorsel 3:49 2005 NYC Marathon
Monday, October 22, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - October 22, 2007
Tonight's run will be the same as last week. Please scroll down to previous week's running route entry for directions.
If you ran your long run or raced the N*** Women's Marathon/Half Marathon or even the SF Half-Day/One Day, congratulations! Use this day to jog/walk half of tonight's route by turning around at the base of the Bay Bridge and returning to the adidas store.
If you ran your long run or raced the N*** Women's Marathon/Half Marathon or even the SF Half-Day/One Day, congratulations! Use this day to jog/walk half of tonight's route by turning around at the base of the Bay Bridge and returning to the adidas store.
Friday, October 19, 2007
At the races...
Good luck to all running/walking the N*** Women's Half Marathon/Marathon. Looks like the weather will be great! Give me a shoutout if you're racing on Sunday! (Ancita, Mom, PC, etc.)
Also, if you're out there, the SF One Day is this wknd!!! http://www.pctrailruns.com/SF_One_Day.htm
I will be cheering runners I know from the Lake Merritt 12 Hour that I did in May. Plus, if you're not busy Saturday evening, I will be running 5-8 miles around Crissy Field and supporting them. You are welcome to join!
*By the way, I hear the city will be turning off the lights on many landmarks and recreational parks. I've never seen the GG Bridge dark! (Saturday evening btwn 8-9pm. http://www.marinij.com/marin/ci_7200605)
Also, if you're out there, the SF One Day is this wknd!!! http://www.pctrailruns.com/SF_One_Day.htm
I will be cheering runners I know from the Lake Merritt 12 Hour that I did in May. Plus, if you're not busy Saturday evening, I will be running 5-8 miles around Crissy Field and supporting them. You are welcome to join!
*By the way, I hear the city will be turning off the lights on many landmarks and recreational parks. I've never seen the GG Bridge dark! (Saturday evening btwn 8-9pm. http://www.marinij.com/marin/ci_7200605)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
ANA Corporate Ekiden Relay
Link to registration: http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?RESET=0&CHECKSSO=1&EVENT_ID=1491255
Brief Description:
What: Teams of four runners compete in a relay race on scenic dirt paths and grassy meadows in Golden Gate Park to win round-trip tickets to Tokyo for all four members of three winning teams--12 tickets! Free beer, BBQ, T-shirt and entertainment. Each runner runs 2 miles; each team completes 8 miles. Companies can field co-ed or open teams of four employees.
Fees:$100 per team of 4 runners
Online Reg. Closes: November 4, 2007 11:59 PM Pacific Time
Event Description: The race is on Golden Gate Park's well known 2-mile cross country loop near the Polo Fields, which is composed of scenic dirt trails and grassy meadows. This course is used annually by the popular Golden Gate Park Open and Pacific Association of USA Track & Field's Cross Country Championships (held this year one week later on Sunday, November 18th). Go to Active.com and search for the XC Champs above and register now!
Teams are composed of 4 runners employed at one company. There are two divisions: co-ed with 2 or more women, and open with 3 or 4 men. Co-ed and Open teams will be provided with different colored tashuki sashes so runners can tell from in front and behind which division a runner is competing in.
Fabulous prizes: Grand Prize-- Randomly selected team!--any team can win! 4 Business-class roundtrip tickets to Tokyo (valued at $28,308)
Secondary prizes-- Fastest Open team (4 men or 3 men and 1 woman) 4 Economy class tickets to Tokyo (valued at $10,064)
Fastest co-ed team (at least 2 women) 4 Economy class roundtrip tickets to Tokyo (valued at $10,064)
Tickets are subject to restrictions. A member of a winning team may transfer their ticket to the spouse/family member of one of their immediate team members.
Registration is only available online at this time.
Questions? Contact Megha Doshi at ANArelay@gmail.com
Benefits Girls on the Run, the SF Parks Trust (rain jackets for park gardeners who work in the course area) and a community Taiko drum group that will drum you around the course!
Start building your corporate team now!
Brief Description:
What: Teams of four runners compete in a relay race on scenic dirt paths and grassy meadows in Golden Gate Park to win round-trip tickets to Tokyo for all four members of three winning teams--12 tickets! Free beer, BBQ, T-shirt and entertainment. Each runner runs 2 miles; each team completes 8 miles. Companies can field co-ed or open teams of four employees.
Fees:$100 per team of 4 runners
Online Reg. Closes: November 4, 2007 11:59 PM Pacific Time
Event Description: The race is on Golden Gate Park's well known 2-mile cross country loop near the Polo Fields, which is composed of scenic dirt trails and grassy meadows. This course is used annually by the popular Golden Gate Park Open and Pacific Association of USA Track & Field's Cross Country Championships (held this year one week later on Sunday, November 18th). Go to Active.com and search for the XC Champs above and register now!
Teams are composed of 4 runners employed at one company. There are two divisions: co-ed with 2 or more women, and open with 3 or 4 men. Co-ed and Open teams will be provided with different colored tashuki sashes so runners can tell from in front and behind which division a runner is competing in.
Fabulous prizes: Grand Prize-- Randomly selected team!--any team can win! 4 Business-class roundtrip tickets to Tokyo (valued at $28,308)
Secondary prizes-- Fastest Open team (4 men or 3 men and 1 woman) 4 Economy class tickets to Tokyo (valued at $10,064)
Fastest co-ed team (at least 2 women) 4 Economy class roundtrip tickets to Tokyo (valued at $10,064)
Tickets are subject to restrictions. A member of a winning team may transfer their ticket to the spouse/family member of one of their immediate team members.
Registration is only available online at this time.
Questions? Contact Megha Doshi at ANArelay@gmail.com
Benefits Girls on the Run, the SF Parks Trust (rain jackets for park gardeners who work in the course area) and a community Taiko drum group that will drum you around the course!
Start building your corporate team now!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
adidas SF - Safety Promo!!
**WE HAVE A SPECIAL SAFETY PROMOTION beginning THIS UPCOMING MONDAY, OCTOBER 22nd!!**
Make a $75 adidas purchase and receive your very own adidas Safety Light to keep you safe when running in the darkness!
For those of you who we have missed for a while-We would love to have you come back and run with us! Urban Run is a great way to get motivated to workout on a Monday night with a great group of fun, active individuals!
Bring a friend, run 3-8+ miles at your own pace, and enjoy refreshments when you finish! We will also be having our monthly shoe raffle for those who have attended 2 or more runs in October on the last Monday of the month-October 29th! Also, don’t forget that when you reach 10 runs, you receive your very own adidas Urban Run t-shirt!
**TWO Quick Reminders:
1) Visit the adidas Sport Performance Store San Francisco: Every Saturday & Sunday, from approx. 12:00 pm-8:00 pm for a FREE Footscan analysis. Find out your running shoe category needs based on your amount and rate of pronation as well as pressure distribution under your feet.
2) I still have a free entry for the US Half Marathon (www.ushalf.com) valued at $65. This is your very last chance to enter a great event that will allow you to run across the GG Bridge cyclist-free and tourist-free!!!
-You must be a current adidas SF UR member
-First one to send me an email at adidassfurbanrun@hotmail.com promising to race FIVE
Dolphin South End (http://www.dserunners.com/) events by 2009 and bringing in a new person
to the adidas SF Urban Run! [DSE races are only $5 each for nonmembers/
$3 members!!!]
Make a $75 adidas purchase and receive your very own adidas Safety Light to keep you safe when running in the darkness!
For those of you who we have missed for a while-We would love to have you come back and run with us! Urban Run is a great way to get motivated to workout on a Monday night with a great group of fun, active individuals!
Bring a friend, run 3-8+ miles at your own pace, and enjoy refreshments when you finish! We will also be having our monthly shoe raffle for those who have attended 2 or more runs in October on the last Monday of the month-October 29th! Also, don’t forget that when you reach 10 runs, you receive your very own adidas Urban Run t-shirt!
**TWO Quick Reminders:
1) Visit the adidas Sport Performance Store San Francisco: Every Saturday & Sunday, from approx. 12:00 pm-8:00 pm for a FREE Footscan analysis. Find out your running shoe category needs based on your amount and rate of pronation as well as pressure distribution under your feet.
2) I still have a free entry for the US Half Marathon (www.ushalf.com) valued at $65. This is your very last chance to enter a great event that will allow you to run across the GG Bridge cyclist-free and tourist-free!!!
-You must be a current adidas SF UR member
-First one to send me an email at adidassfurbanrun@hotmail.com promising to race FIVE
Dolphin South End (http://www.dserunners.com/) events by 2009 and bringing in a new person
to the adidas SF Urban Run! [DSE races are only $5 each for nonmembers/
$3 members!!!]
Sunday, October 14, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - October 15, 2007
ROUTE - AT&T Park (4.8 miles)
Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
Right on Market Street
Right on The Embarcadero (later King Street)
Turn around at the corner of King and 3rd Street (Willie Mays statue at the AT&T Park)
Left on Market Street
Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1141173
Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
Right on Market Street
Right on The Embarcadero (later King Street)
Turn around at the corner of King and 3rd Street (Willie Mays statue at the AT&T Park)
Left on Market Street
Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1141173
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Chicago Marathon Elite Finish
Can you honestly tell me that the Chicago Marathon wasn't exciting for everyone including the elites?
Chicago Marathon 2007!! Adere's Amazing Comeback!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ulua1gT_WMc&mode=related&search=
Chicago Marathon 2007! Ivuti + Gharib Fight To The Finish!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_kn1DjpbAc
Chicago Marathon 2007!! Adere's Amazing Comeback!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ulua1gT_WMc&mode=related&search=
Chicago Marathon 2007! Ivuti + Gharib Fight To The Finish!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_kn1DjpbAc
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Raffle prize for October 2007!!!
adiZERO LT1. A lightweight, Japanese inspired minimalist trainer with just enoughcushioning and support to get you through your longest workout.
2. A decoupled heel deflects harmful impact forces while the TORSION®SYSTEM gives you extra midfoot stability.
3. adiPRENE® and adiPRENE®+ offer the perfect blend of cushioning andsupport to maximize propulsion and efficiency.
• For the serious runner who expects a lightweight yet functional shoe
•Marathon runners
Weight: 7.1 oz
THE WORLD'S FASTEST SHOE
Adidas CEO sees 2008 profits up by 2-digit percentage range
AFX News Limited
FRANKFURT (Thomson Financial) - Adidas AG expects to increase its profits by a two-digit percentage range next year, thanks to the football European championship games and the Olympic games, according to a prerelease of tomorrow's Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, citing CEO Herbert Hainer.
'We expect that our profits will continue to increase by a two-digit (percentage range),' he said.
FRANKFURT (Thomson Financial) - Adidas AG expects to increase its profits by a two-digit percentage range next year, thanks to the football European championship games and the Olympic games, according to a prerelease of tomorrow's Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, citing CEO Herbert Hainer.
'We expect that our profits will continue to increase by a two-digit (percentage range),' he said.
RNRSJ October 14
Good luck to those running the San Jose Rock and Roll Half Marathon on Sunday, October 14.
To register for this flat, fast race go to http://www.rnrsj.com/home.html
To register for this flat, fast race go to http://www.rnrsj.com/home.html
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Chicago Marathon recap
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PreRaceHere's my impression of Chicago. It is very clean and it reminds me of downtown Oakland except that it is thriving. There is homelessness, and that's clearly evident. But I'm ever so amazed that huge cities like Chicago and NYC can have a respectable, yet mostly clean city and transportation system. Why can't San Francisco have the same? It's shameful to live in a city where it's not up to standards similar to those two great cities in the U.S. Anyway, Chicago was fun and the city is gorgeous partly due to the new and existing architecture.
The Lakefront reminded me of The Embarcadero as I did the N***town evening run on Thursday evening. Defending champion, Cheriyot, was there as well as Olympic trials hopeful, Jessica Langford, were there. (Both didn't do so well.) A competition between Northside and Southside ensued for fundraising charities.
The Science and Tech museum is definitely a must see in Chicago. It houses a German U-Boat, and has such oddball exhibits as discovering the science of a coal mine and going inside a toy factory. At the time, there was also a Star Wars exhibit which I found to be a ripoff at $11. But I am not a fan whatsoever and I should have known better. I also spent some time at the Art Institute of Chicago. While there were some standouts of European art and modern American art, I didn't find too much that I liked. Sure there were the obvious works stuch as Sunday in the Park (watch Ferris Bueller's Day Off) and American Gothic (the one with the farmer holding the pitchfork and the wife spacing off with a stern look).
The weather was quite humid when I arrived. I never really noticed the heat, but I did take into account of how much of my clothes was being stuck to my sweaty skin. It wouldn't be until Sunday when the heat would be such a force to be reckoned with. But I knew what laid ahead so I bought $12 worth of Gatorade from Walgreens (4 32oz and 2 64oz bottles). It was perfect since I had the right amount before the race and when I left Chicago.
The hostel was amazing! There were a few hiccups here and there, but overall I can't complain. At about $25 a night (4 nights totaling $104) in the downtown Loop area and two blocks from the start/finish is priceless! Continental breakfast (simple cereal, toast/muffin, OJ) and pre-race pasta feed was free too. The only hiccup occured when on the day of the marathon I had to leave early, but remembered that I should bring Gatorade to the start. A guy was sleeping in my bed! But it was a mistake, thinking that it was his. It was dark and he just checked in. But I called for security and clean linens just as a precaution.
The CTA is convenient. Not always the fastest and not as great as NYC subway, but it will take you to most places. The buses are clean and efficient too. But I read that they are eliminating a shit load of lines in a few weeks and that fares will increase.
I met someone from the Runner's World forum and we would meet up with a bunch of people for a premiere of "Spirit of the Marathon," a documentary following 4-5 runners, including Deena Kastor, leading up to the 2005 edition of the Chicago Marathon. The movie wasn't that great and it leaned toward the sappyness factor. Afterward was the Q&A session, and I thought it was quite odd that most of the audience just left. I was about to, but I felt kind of bad. But then again it was about 10:30PM and it was well past our bedtime.
Marathon expo was amazing, on par with NYC Marathon expo. New Balance had these models serving as manuquins striking poses 20 minutes at a time to display their products; a woman was in a running stride position and a guy was sitting on the staging area holding his laces as if tying his shoes. Hilarious. I also met Khalid Khannouchi who set the course record in 2:05. But I was glad I disciplined myself to no more than 3 hours. Didn't matter anyway...I would end up walking to various places throughout the weekend. The buses to and from the expo did take a long time, however.Places recommended to eat include Edwardo's for pasta and deep dish pizza. I didn't really eat anywhere else besides Subway. But Chicago had a lot of places I wanted to try out...just not before the marathon.
Race
I got up a quarter after 4am and got ready. Even though I was two blocks from the start, I wasn't going to leave it up to chance and have things not turn my way. After all, the weather was going to be killer...why add an additional factor to make my day go worse? I get to the starting area around 6am after waiting at the hostel till game time. It was amazing to see so many runners and volunteers so early in the morning. The corral system was in effect and my seeded area in the B corral was pretty close to the start. I kept reminding myself to drink the Gatorade I would later carry up to mile 5-6 and go no faster than the 3:20 pacer. Not a problem, but what I think happened was that the 3:20 pacer dropped out early on. I didn't see him after mile 4, and I remember hovering close to him or slightly ahead of him. Sitting in the coral before the start, the announcements on the loudspeakers would consistently tell runners to hydrate in response to unseasonal weather.
Before I go on, I would like to elaborate from my experience that the organizers did a pretty good job with aid/Gatorade stops. Now, I'm wasn't expecting to run a 4-6 hour marathon so I couldn't tell you if it was any worse, but from what I've read or heard it must have been bad. But I hardly could blame all of it upon the marathon organizers. Some marathoners are retarded. Coming from San Francisco, I did everything I could leading up to and during the marathon preparing for the heat as much as I could. Mind you, I haven't acclimated to 30-35 degree difference. But you have to be smart. If you're suffering from dehydration, slow down or stop. Yeah, the water/Gatorade ran out...so? You should come out to the SF Marathon when water ran out a few years back and it was only 70 degrees. People bitched and complained too, although I can understand the severity at Chicago. At first, I would criticize the slow 5-6 hour marathon runners, but then there were sub-3 runners who didn't heed well to the advice.
Moving on...The start went without a hitch. Thank god, for Chicago and the corraling system! It worked, I didn't have Team in Training walking in front of me. Everyone went at the same speed and keeping up with the pace leader wasn't bad. People were in the same mind set and were good about running at a good clip. Miles ticked by really quickly in the first half, and for some reason it went by even faster during the second half too (strange). I can tell you that the downtown Loop area is NOT flat. The bridges had a slight incline, but it broke my rhythm just a tiny bit. But the best part of this section (as well as the entire course) was the amount of spectators on course. I especially loved Chinatown, Old Town, Pilsen, and the International Mile placed at mile 24. The Loop was cool with the crowds, but I loved the shade more than anything else. Around mile 12, my bladder was killing me so I had to make a stop at the porto-john. Ugh...long, training run as planned, right? I must have lost 2-4 minutes with all that pee I had to lose. But whatever. This was one of God's way of kicking me in the pants and saying, "Hey kid, I own you." It was also another way of being thoroughly convinced that finishing a marathon, especially this one is a true achievement. By now, and later I would find out, that the temperature has risen my 10 degrees within the last hour. I started to now walk a lot from mile 15 to mile 26. Pace groups from 3:30 down to 3:45 went by in the second half of the course. If the 4 hour pace group went by, that would be the death of me. Miles 15-17 was my downtime, even though the crowds remained in high spirits. But Pilsen at 19 and definitely Chinatown at 21 really brought life into me, even though I was still shuffling my feet and grabbing ice cubes from spectators. Not even a block later, the ice melted. Once I got into Bronzeville and started to inch my way north, I knew I was close to the finish. I wanted to run faster which I did, but I also paid a price with some more walking. Then I saw a juggler. No f***ing way he was going to beat me to the line! Toward the second half, I saw more people on the ground being support by EMT and spectators; this was more so toward miles 25 to the end. Midway through mile 25, I had no idea why cops and EMT were yelling at the runners to stop now and walk the Roosevelt Bridge. Before mile 26, I f'ed their advice and sprinted my way up the overpass. I even made a weird gesture to show that I still had something left by handing out my Powergel to the crowds. They couldn't grab a hold of it fast enough so I threw it along the side of the road. I heard someone say, "He's got a lot of energy left!" Damn straight! The time was going to be close and the clock just kept ticking by. I reminded myself that it took at least 90 seconds to cross the start line, so the chip should account for that. I made it through in 3:58, and I think I beat the juggler. It was a little upsetting to consistently readjust time goals. But Chicago Marathon remains very special/memorable to me because of its diffculty. The marathon makes a man out of you. People complain about how hard it was in Chicago...duh. Expect the marathon to be hard in any condition...you're supposed to be prepared for anything rain or shine, flat or hilly, etc. Just realize that a Boston qualifier or a PR doesn't happen all the time; I should know this too much. The irony is that many flock to Chicago because of the "easy" and flat course only to be disappointed by the harsh, hot and humid conditions thrown at them. I'm satisfied, even though it's got to be one of my worst finishing times. But I'm even more happy to report that I'm one of the ~24,900 that actually finished out of a possible 45,000.
Oh yeah, I signed up for Cal International in December...I'm so stoked about it. After Chicago Marathon, mortals can run virtually any other marathon and should not bitch about anything else.
Epilogue
I went to the post-race party where I found out about 12,000 runners were not allowed to finish because the race was cancelled starting from the halfway point after 3 hours. They claim that water/Gatorade was in short supply and people were unconscious. In my opinion, the organizers planned as much as they could. But still people were left complaining as if they were hit hard by Hurricane Katrina...not even close, people. There were buses that had A/C on to cool anyone down. I understand the water issue...that sucks though. Also people are also complaining about the race organizer, Carey Pinkowski, cancelling the race. I would too if 300 people went to the hospital and the temperature rose above 90, as I read from a digital sign before hitting mile 23. Perhaps the race should've started at 6:30 or 7AM; I think that would've been a reasonable action, but then again runners might complain about the change of start time. Honestly, you can't please anyone, and how can you? As race director, one has to make difficult choices and it's not usually the one the majority sides (AKA Prez Bush). The post race party was not bad, given that they had a recording of the live race on a large projection screen. The race should've been hightened by the elite race. It was the best race I have seen in any marathon within the last 3 years! The elite men completed within 5/100ths of a second, distinguishing between first and second place with a sprint finish. The elite women's race was decided on the last 500 meters when the "winner" (in her first marathon!!) started to wave at the spectators and at one point high five the crowd. Then she noticed that the former 10,000 meter former champion, Adere, sprinted by her and lost the race. Even the wheelchair race was decided by one second. It's funny that the Chicago Marathon was supposed to go down as one of the most memorable in history. But clearly, it wasn't one that the organizers want to remember from the flack the media and runners are making it out to be. One should focus on the elite races...awesome. What a great day...and this marathon will stand out in my mind for many, many years!
UPDATE: If you don't believe me about the juggler in my post, here's the link to his blog: http://justyouraveragejoggler.com/chicago-marathon-a-joggling-race-report-part-1/
What an amazing guy...but I beat his ass on the line by one minute! haha
Monday, October 8, 2007
Chicago is NOT flat
I am excited to finish the Chicago Marathon in 3:58. Many runners from San Francisco did not complete the course or did it in over 4 hours. It was the hardest marathon I have done so far, but also one of my proudest! About 12,000 runners were taken out of the course because of the sweltering heat. I will report later.
Next up: Cal International Marathon on Dec 2!!!
Next up: Cal International Marathon on Dec 2!!!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - Columbus Day
ROUTE - Columbus Street/Day run (Undulating 5 miles)
* Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
* Right on Market Street
* Left on Grant
* Slight left on Columbus (It is Columbus Day, after all!)
* Left on Bay
* Left on Hyde
* Right on Washington
* Left on Laguna
* Left on Post
* Right on Powell Street
* Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1363547
* Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
* Right on Market Street
* Left on Grant
* Slight left on Columbus (It is Columbus Day, after all!)
* Left on Bay
* Left on Hyde
* Right on Washington
* Left on Laguna
* Left on Post
* Right on Powell Street
* Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1363547
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Gebrselassie sets marathon world record
By Erik Kirschbaum / ReutersBERLIN -- Ethiopia's Haile Gebrselassie shattered a marathon world record on Sunday in Berlin that had been set four years ago by his great track rival Paul Tergat of Kenya.
Gebrselassie was clocked in an official time of two hours, four minutes and 26 seconds, eclipsing the previous mark of 2:04.55 his friend Tergat set on the same flat and fast Berlin course in 2003.
Gebrselassie, 34, swept through the streets of the German capital in ideal weather conditions, urged on by enthusiastic crowds of more than a million spectators that lined the 42-kilometer course to cheer him and the 40,000 competitors.
"This is wonderful, it's really special," Gebrselassie told German television just minutes after crossing the finishing line with a big smile on his face.
"Thank you to the people of Germany."
Gebrselassie received 50,000 euros for winning the race and a 50,000-euro bonus for the world record, on top of a reported 250,000-euro ($354,525) appearance fee.
Weather conditions were ideal for Gebrselassie with very little wind and overcast skies for most of the race. The sun broke through the clouds towards the end of the race, bringing the temperature up to 16 Celcius (60 F).
"Today it was perfect," he said, delighted that forecasts of a chance of rain were proved wrong.
"It was a little bit windy, but perfect. The audience, the spectators were great."
Abel Kirui of Kenya was second in 2:06.51 while compatriot Salim Kipsang was third in 2:07.29.
Gete Wami of Ethiopia won the women's race in a time of 2:23.17.
Gebrselassie had won Olympic 10,000-meter gold medals in 1996 and 2000, narrowly beating Tergat both times in memorable races.
He had been eager to beat Tergat's marathon world record in Berlin and came close last year before fading at the finish.
On Sunday, Gebrselassie got off to a fast start and was already 32 seconds inside Tergat's pace at the 10-kilometer mark.
He maintained that margin through the half-marathon point, clocking 62.29 to Tergat's 63.01, and at 30 kilometers when the last two of his five pacesetters retired.
Gebrselassie had tried to beat Tergat's record last year in Berlin and was on track until late in the race before falling a heartbreaking 61 seconds short.
He had faded in the final six kilometers in the face of difficult headwinds but this year he focused on endurance training, and organizers made sure there were enough pacesetters to take him through the 30-kilometer point.
It was the third time the men's world record was set on the flat Berlin circuit, where the enthusiastic crowds and fairly reliable weather conditions are also credited with helping to make it fast.
There have also been two women's marathon records set in Berlin, where the course winds through nine districts of the German capital and has a total inclination of just 30 meters.
It was the 25th world mark for Gebrselassie, who has held records at distances ranging from 3,000 meters to the marathon. He won four successive world titles over 10,000 meters before turning to road racing.
Gebrselassie was clocked in an official time of two hours, four minutes and 26 seconds, eclipsing the previous mark of 2:04.55 his friend Tergat set on the same flat and fast Berlin course in 2003.
Gebrselassie, 34, swept through the streets of the German capital in ideal weather conditions, urged on by enthusiastic crowds of more than a million spectators that lined the 42-kilometer course to cheer him and the 40,000 competitors.
"This is wonderful, it's really special," Gebrselassie told German television just minutes after crossing the finishing line with a big smile on his face.
"Thank you to the people of Germany."
Gebrselassie received 50,000 euros for winning the race and a 50,000-euro bonus for the world record, on top of a reported 250,000-euro ($354,525) appearance fee.
Weather conditions were ideal for Gebrselassie with very little wind and overcast skies for most of the race. The sun broke through the clouds towards the end of the race, bringing the temperature up to 16 Celcius (60 F).
"Today it was perfect," he said, delighted that forecasts of a chance of rain were proved wrong.
"It was a little bit windy, but perfect. The audience, the spectators were great."
Abel Kirui of Kenya was second in 2:06.51 while compatriot Salim Kipsang was third in 2:07.29.
Gete Wami of Ethiopia won the women's race in a time of 2:23.17.
Gebrselassie had won Olympic 10,000-meter gold medals in 1996 and 2000, narrowly beating Tergat both times in memorable races.
He had been eager to beat Tergat's marathon world record in Berlin and came close last year before fading at the finish.
On Sunday, Gebrselassie got off to a fast start and was already 32 seconds inside Tergat's pace at the 10-kilometer mark.
He maintained that margin through the half-marathon point, clocking 62.29 to Tergat's 63.01, and at 30 kilometers when the last two of his five pacesetters retired.
Gebrselassie had tried to beat Tergat's record last year in Berlin and was on track until late in the race before falling a heartbreaking 61 seconds short.
He had faded in the final six kilometers in the face of difficult headwinds but this year he focused on endurance training, and organizers made sure there were enough pacesetters to take him through the 30-kilometer point.
It was the third time the men's world record was set on the flat Berlin circuit, where the enthusiastic crowds and fairly reliable weather conditions are also credited with helping to make it fast.
There have also been two women's marathon records set in Berlin, where the course winds through nine districts of the German capital and has a total inclination of just 30 meters.
It was the 25th world mark for Gebrselassie, who has held records at distances ranging from 3,000 meters to the marathon. He won four successive world titles over 10,000 meters before turning to road racing.
adidas runners make it a 1-2 finish!!!
1) Haile Gebrselassie
2) Abel Kirui
2) Abel Kirui
Adidas teams up with London 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2007 7:14:00 AM
By Reuters
LONDON -- German sports goods maker Adidas were named as the latest Tier One sponsor of the London 2012 Olympics at a glittering ceremony on Thursday.
"They are a perfect partner for us to share our common goals," London Organizing Committee Chairman Sebastian Coe said at the launch of the partnership which is worth 100 million pounds ($200.1 million).
Unlike the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) which is financed chiefly from public funds, the organizing committee must get its total budget of two billion pounds from the private sector, including sponsorship, broadcasting rights and merchandise.
"The team at LOCOG and I look forward to working with them over the next five years or so. One of our challenges as an organizing committee is to raise two billion pounds to stage the Games in 2012 and our commercial program is driving this," added Coe.
American world sprint champions Tyson Gay and Allyson Felix were joined by several other high-profile names from the sporting world at the launch in a London nightclub. Former Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci was also there.
Even L.A. Galaxy footballer David Beckham appeared briefly on stage, if only in hologram form.
Adidas chief executive Herbert Hainer said it was the biggest single investment the company had put into a British sporting event.
"We want to become the leading sportswear brand in the U.K., Europe's largest sportswear market," Hainer said.
"We will play a major role in what promises to be one of the best sporting events the world has ever seen."
Adidas are the third so-called Tier One partner for London 2012 after Lloyds TSB from the banking and insurance sector and EDF Energy from the utilities sector.
Further Tier One partners are expected to be announced before the end of the year from categories including oil and gas, automotive and airlines and Coe said they should all be in place before next year's Beijing Games.
"That would be the first time a host city has done that," Coe told reporters. "It's not just about financial commitments, these are partners that bring levels of expertise.
"We are trying to communicate to young people and to have a global brand like Adidas at the table is a huge help to us."
Adidas, who have worked with the British Olympic Association, since 1984, will provide specially designed kit for Team GB in 2012 as well as clothing for the 70,000 volunteers.
By Reuters
LONDON -- German sports goods maker Adidas were named as the latest Tier One sponsor of the London 2012 Olympics at a glittering ceremony on Thursday.
"They are a perfect partner for us to share our common goals," London Organizing Committee Chairman Sebastian Coe said at the launch of the partnership which is worth 100 million pounds ($200.1 million).
Unlike the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) which is financed chiefly from public funds, the organizing committee must get its total budget of two billion pounds from the private sector, including sponsorship, broadcasting rights and merchandise.
"The team at LOCOG and I look forward to working with them over the next five years or so. One of our challenges as an organizing committee is to raise two billion pounds to stage the Games in 2012 and our commercial program is driving this," added Coe.
American world sprint champions Tyson Gay and Allyson Felix were joined by several other high-profile names from the sporting world at the launch in a London nightclub. Former Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci was also there.
Even L.A. Galaxy footballer David Beckham appeared briefly on stage, if only in hologram form.
Adidas chief executive Herbert Hainer said it was the biggest single investment the company had put into a British sporting event.
"We want to become the leading sportswear brand in the U.K., Europe's largest sportswear market," Hainer said.
"We will play a major role in what promises to be one of the best sporting events the world has ever seen."
Adidas are the third so-called Tier One partner for London 2012 after Lloyds TSB from the banking and insurance sector and EDF Energy from the utilities sector.
Further Tier One partners are expected to be announced before the end of the year from categories including oil and gas, automotive and airlines and Coe said they should all be in place before next year's Beijing Games.
"That would be the first time a host city has done that," Coe told reporters. "It's not just about financial commitments, these are partners that bring levels of expertise.
"We are trying to communicate to young people and to have a global brand like Adidas at the table is a huge help to us."
Adidas, who have worked with the British Olympic Association, since 1984, will provide specially designed kit for Team GB in 2012 as well as clothing for the 70,000 volunteers.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - October 1, 2007
ROUTE - California-Broadway (HILLY 4.8 miles)
* Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
* Right on Market Street
* Left on Davis
* Left on California (YEAH, we're going up!)
* Right on Larkin
* Right on Broadway
* Right on Embarcadero
* Right on Market Street
* Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1355215
* Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
* Right on Market Street
* Left on Davis
* Left on California (YEAH, we're going up!)
* Right on Larkin
* Right on Broadway
* Right on Embarcadero
* Right on Market Street
* Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1355215
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - September 24, 2007
ROUTE - Battery Street (3 miles)
Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
-Head northeast on Market St
-Turn left on Battery St
-Turn right on Green St
-Turn right on Market St
-Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1337367
Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
-Head northeast on Market St
-Turn left on Battery St
-Turn right on Green St
-Turn right on Market St
-Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1337367
Sunday, September 16, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - September 17, 2007
ROUTE - Channel Street (5 miles)
Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
-Head northeast on Market St
-Turn right at 4th St
-Turn left at King St
-Turn right at 3rd St
-Turn right at Channel St
For a shorter 3 mile option, turnaround at corner of Channel Street and 6th Street and go up 3rd Street, left onto Market and back to store.
For those on the 5 mile route, continue on Channel Street
-Left on 6th Street
-Continue on Owens Street
-Left on 16th Street
-Left on 3rd Street
-Left on Market Street
-Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1161330
Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
-Head northeast on Market St
-Turn right at 4th St
-Turn left at King St
-Turn right at 3rd St
-Turn right at Channel St
For a shorter 3 mile option, turnaround at corner of Channel Street and 6th Street and go up 3rd Street, left onto Market and back to store.
For those on the 5 mile route, continue on Channel Street
-Left on 6th Street
-Continue on Owens Street
-Left on 16th Street
-Left on 3rd Street
-Left on Market Street
-Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1161330
Friday, September 14, 2007
September 2007 Raffle Shoe of the Month!!!
Please see the September Shoe of the month, the adidas SupernovaTrail 5. This is a good shoe to kick off the fall months and get sometrail running in!
Supernova Trail ($95)
Awarded Runner's World Editor's Choice April 2006. Updating this beloved trail runner, we gave it a new anatomical fit and a stitchless forefoot to bring you incredible comfort during your most demanding runs.
Awarded Runner's World Editor's Choice April 2006. Updating this beloved trail runner, we gave it a new anatomical fit and a stitchless forefoot to bring you incredible comfort during your most demanding runs.
Advantages
- Revolutionaruy ForMotion delivers an incredible trail-leveling effect
- Improved TRAXION for maximum grip in all directions
- Its light, breathable upper with NoSeam make it lighter and more comfortable than ever.
Product Information
- Synthetic leather upper for durability and support
- TORSION® SYSTEM provides adaptive midfoot support; Compression-molded EVA midsole for lightweight cushioning
- ProModerator medial support device prevents overpronation
- adiPRENE® under the heel for superior cushioning at impact
- GeoFit™ heel and collar provides a supportive and comfortable fit
- TRAXION™ outsole for maximum grip in all directions
- Weight - 11.9 oz (mens), 10.2 oz (womens)
Target Customer
- For high mileage off road runner
- Moderate to heavy overpronator
- Medium to l ow arch
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Sunday, September 9, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - September 10, 2007
ROUTE - Powell/Lombard (3.55 miles)
* Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
* Up Powell St* Right on Lombard
* Slog your way up Lombard to Coit Tower and around
* Down Filbert Stairs
* Right on Battery St
* Right on Market St
* Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1303957
* Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
* Up Powell St* Right on Lombard
* Slog your way up Lombard to Coit Tower and around
* Down Filbert Stairs
* Right on Battery St
* Right on Market St
* Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1303957
Sunday, September 2, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - September 3
ROUTE - Embarcadero/2nd Street (4.4 miles)
* Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
* Right on Market St
* Right on Embarcadero
* Turnaround on 2nd Street
* Embarcadero
* Left onto Market St
* Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1283687
* Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
* Right on Market St
* Right on Embarcadero
* Turnaround on 2nd Street
* Embarcadero
* Left onto Market St
* Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1283687
Thursday, August 30, 2007
adidas Mana
It's time for a little shameless plug. The shoe pictured is the adidas Mana, and I totally love it. My training has been in a lull for quite some time and for a variety of reasons, but it has recently picked up. Higher mileage, clear, defined goals and periodization have all contributed to better output within the past couple weeks. In addition, I put on the adidas Mana, a lightweight stability shoe for a test run. Although recommended ideally for tempo runs, I will see if I can try these out for a long run so that they can survive the pounding of a marathon.
So I did my 6 mile distance run with that "other" group (Nike). Emily was pacing the sub-8 group. And we were chugging at 7:17 pace, but it wasn't forced. It just sort of happened that way. Along Jefferson St and before the turnaround, the pace was increased slightly again. The shoes really held up. The real question was whether or not I can maintain that pace! Only Jorge and I managed the pace that probably went down to 6:35-6:40 with a tailwind all the way back to N***town.
What a comfortable ride! I strongly recommend this shoe to anyone who wears lightweight stability shoes for their fast, tempo runs.
If you are lucky adidas SF Urban Run raffle winner, we strongly suggest that you try the shoe that is offered for that month. But we also strongly suggest that you own a shoe that suits your needs and abilities. Warren and I will find that shoe for you. Every runner is made different, and your feet and knees know what they want and will thank you later.
Also recommended: adistar Singlet....very fast, but they may be a size larger than what you're used to. Also worn on the run.
Not recommended: Wearing new apparel/shoes at a race. Good thing this run didn't mean anything to me and I didn't run it as I would in a race. I wore new singlet, new shoes, and new socks. All passed my test, but trying something new (diet, rituals, apparel/shoes, etc.) in a race may not be positive 95% of the time.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - August 27, 2007
ROUTE - Post St/Sacramento St rectangle (3.75 miles)
* Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
* Straight up Powell St
* Left on Post St
* Right on Webster
* Right on Sacramento Street (take your time up the hill!)
* Right on Powell St
* Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1263537
* Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
* Straight up Powell St
* Left on Post St
* Right on Webster
* Right on Sacramento Street (take your time up the hill!)
* Right on Powell St
* Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1263537
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Shoe of the Month (August)
adiStar Cushion 6 (retail value - $120)
Never feel like you're running on pavement again. The smooth neutral ride and generous cushioning of the adiStar Cushion 6 can make the hardest surface feel like a flat, wood-chip covered park trail.
- Weight - Men's size 9 - 12.1 oz & Women's size 7 - 10.3 oz
- ForMotion® adapts to the ground for improved handling and stability during high-speed maneuvering
- Air mesh upper for maximum ventilation
- NoSeam in the upper provides a sock-like fit without irritating seams; GeoFit™ heel and collar provides a supportive and comfortable fit
- adiPRENE®+ in the forefoot maintains propulsion and efficiency; TORSION® SYSTEM provides adaptive midfoot support
- adiPRENEadiPRENE® under the heel for superior cushioning at impact; QuickStrike outsole decreases weight and increases flexibility and durability
Sunday, August 19, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - August 20, 2007
ROUTE - Grant Ave-Embarcadero (2.8 miles)
* Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
* Right on Market Street
* Left on Grant Ave
* Right on Broadway
* Right on Market Street
* Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1242269
* Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
* Right on Market Street
* Left on Grant Ave
* Right on Broadway
* Right on Market Street
* Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1242269
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Endurance Planet
All,
I have included www.enduranceplanet.com into the links column on the right. It provides great podcasts that can give you great stories and advice to triathletes, endurance runners and cyclists, and swimmers, and everything in between. It is usually updated daily so go ahead and listen to them on your way to the adidas SF Urban Run or on your way home.
I have included www.enduranceplanet.com into the links column on the right. It provides great podcasts that can give you great stories and advice to triathletes, endurance runners and cyclists, and swimmers, and everything in between. It is usually updated daily so go ahead and listen to them on your way to the adidas SF Urban Run or on your way home.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - August 13
ROUTE - SOMA-Embarcadero-Mission (3.8 miles)
* Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
* Left on Market Street* Left on 5th Street
* Left on Mission Street* Right on 4th Street
* Left on King Street --> The Embarcadero
* Left on Mission St
* Right on 5th Street
* Right on Market Street
* Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1220318
Haile Gebreselassie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eizh4mfuypc&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJzDPOLXtfs&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0zthN1zInA
* Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
* Left on Market Street* Left on 5th Street
* Left on Mission Street* Right on 4th Street
* Left on King Street --> The Embarcadero
* Left on Mission St
* Right on 5th Street
* Right on Market Street
* Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1220318
Haile Gebreselassie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eizh4mfuypc&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJzDPOLXtfs&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0zthN1zInA
Friday, August 10, 2007
Results NYC Half Marathon
I finished in 1:40:40. It was definitely well off pace, but I had to savor running down 7th Ave to Times Square.
http://www.brightroom.com/view_user_photo.asp?EVENTID=18462&PWD=&ID=38688017&FROM=photos&BIB=942
http://www.brightroom.com/view_user_photo.asp?EVENTID=18462&PWD=&ID=38688017&FROM=photos&BIB=942
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
N*** NYC Half Marathon
I will provide a race report soon. In the meantime, this is what it's all about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9xg-BbecwE
Pro coverage: http://www.nyrr.org/races/2007/nychalf/video.asp
Event coverage: http://www.nyrr.org/races/2007/nychalf/video_b.asp
Pro coverage: http://www.nyrr.org/races/2007/nychalf/video.asp
Event coverage: http://www.nyrr.org/races/2007/nychalf/video_b.asp
Saturday, August 4, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - August 6, 2007
ROUTE - Chasing the Cable Car (4.9 miles)
RAFFLE DRAWING - Congratulations to Jason Risica, winner of July's raffle drawing.
August's raffle prize will be announced shortly. To be eligible, you must have run any (1) previous Mondays and the last Monday to have a chance to win.
- Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
- Right on Market Street
- Left on Drumm Street
- Left on California Street
- Right on Hyde Street
- Right on Bay Street
- Right on Columbus Avenue
- Right on Stockton Street
- Right on Market Street
- Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
RAFFLE DRAWING - Congratulations to Jason Risica, winner of July's raffle drawing.
August's raffle prize will be announced shortly. To be eligible, you must have run any (1) previous Mondays and the last Monday to have a chance to win.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - July 30
ROUTE - (3 miles)
Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
Head up Powell Street
Left on Geary St
Right on Hyde St
Right on Pacific St
Right on Kearny St
Right on Market St
Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1093228
Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
Head up Powell Street
Left on Geary St
Right on Hyde St
Right on Pacific St
Right on Kearny St
Right on Market St
Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1093228
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
adidasSF Urban Run - July 23, 2007
ROUTE - Channel Street (5 miles)
Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
-Head northeast on Market St
-Turn right at 4th St
-Turn left at King St
-Turn right at 3rd St
-Turn right at Channel St
For a shorter 3 mile option, turnaround at corner of Channel Street and 6th Street and go up 3rd Street, left onto Market and back to store.
Lee Evans Running: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCro7swqBD0&mode=related&search=
Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
-Head northeast on Market St
-Turn right at 4th St
-Turn left at King St
-Turn right at 3rd St
-Turn right at Channel St
For a shorter 3 mile option, turnaround at corner of Channel Street and 6th Street and go up 3rd Street, left onto Market and back to store.
For those on the 5 mile route, continue on Channel Street
-Left on 6th Street
-Continue on Owens Street
-Left on 16th Street
-Left on 3rd Street
-Left on Market Street
-Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
Lee Evans Running: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCro7swqBD0&mode=related&search=
Sunday, July 15, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - July 16, 2007
ROUTE - AT&T Park (4.8 miles)
- Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
- Right on Market Street
- Right on The Embarcadero (later King Street)
- Turn around at the corner of King and 3rd Street (Willie Mays statue at the AT& T Park)
- Left on Market Street
- Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
Friday, July 13, 2007
adidas Footscan Analysis
Starting this weekend, the adidas San Francisco Sport Performance store, located in the Westfield Shopping Center at 845 Market Street, will provide free footscan analysis every Saturday and Sunday.
Wondered whether you overpronate or supinate and to wear which proper running shoes (motion control vs. cushion). The adidas Footscan system is your solution. It dynamically measures pressure distribution during the footstrike for each foot individually. The footscan measurements are extremely accurate, allowing an in-depth analysis of pressure distribution thanks to a minimum operating frequency of 300 frames per second.
So come on by the adidas store from 10am to 6:30pm (footscan operating hours) to check it out.
After receiving a free footscan analysis, you will get 15% off Running apparel with the purchase of running footwear.
LET YOUR FEET DECIDE....it's all about the fit.
Wondered whether you overpronate or supinate and to wear which proper running shoes (motion control vs. cushion). The adidas Footscan system is your solution. It dynamically measures pressure distribution during the footstrike for each foot individually. The footscan measurements are extremely accurate, allowing an in-depth analysis of pressure distribution thanks to a minimum operating frequency of 300 frames per second.
So come on by the adidas store from 10am to 6:30pm (footscan operating hours) to check it out.
After receiving a free footscan analysis, you will get 15% off Running apparel with the purchase of running footwear.
LET YOUR FEET DECIDE....it's all about the fit.
Friday, July 6, 2007
adidas SF Urban Run - July 9, 2007
ROUTE - (5K)
- Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
- Run up Powell Street
- Left on Sacramento Street
- Right on Larkin Street
- Right on Union Street
- Right on Columbus Street
- Right on Grant Street
- Right on Market Street
- Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store
NYC is truly a runner's paradise. There's just no excuse for not running because you will always get motivated seeing everyone run in the park. True, it may not be as scenic as SF and it may not have the perfect running conditions year round as SF, but the four days that I spent in NYC, it was perfect...for July. Summer months are almost always hell months as I will certainly witness during the NYC Nike Half Marathon in August. Upon my arrival, however, it couldn't have been better because temperatures hovered in the 70s with relatively low humidity. Thuderstorms pounded the NYC tristate area days before and during my departure from NYC as the plane was ready for takeoff on the runway (really!). In any case, I spent everyday in NYC running as well as helping my sister get ready for NYU in the fall. I ran with groups and I ran alone. On Sunday, I tried to meet up with the adidas NYC group runs. But I nor a couple others got the email that the upcoming runs were being cancelled due to holidays. But a few did turn out at the Chelsea Pier and I did a total of 7 miles from my hotel to Chelsea Pier (adidas meeting point) to South Ferry and back to the hotel, all along the West Side bike path. The path is great for bikers and runners alike as it takes you from the southern most tip of Battery Park to, I think, Riverside Park. On Monday evening I ran along the West Side Highway to the Time Warner Center on 59th Street for a group run that meets on the second floor in The Running Company store. It was part of Nike's preparation for runners training for the Nike NYC Half Marathon in August. I met a lot of fast pacers, including Worku Beyi, who has a fast time of 2:26 in the NYC Marathon to add to his credit and is gunning for the Olympic trials. I was intimidated by his presence but it was he who modestly introduced himself to me and talked about his ambitions for the 2007 year. He is only 20 and you will definitely hear about him in the marathon circuit! He ran with the pros last year in blistering pace only to run 10 min+ pace and walk during the last few miles for his first marathon at NYC. And he still managed a 2:26!!! But after all, his full time job is running. http://www.workubeyi.com/ Then there was female Ethiopean pacer, Leteyesus Berhe, with a best time of 2:42, who led the longer run. These were a couple of the high caliber pacers for Niketown NYC. A lot of runners in NYC are damn fast and in huge numbers! We ran through Central Park, a longer rolling version of Golden Gate Park, and along the bridle path plus the resevoir dirt path twice. Even though it was an easy day, we were still doing 7 minute pace. I could barely hold on for such an "easy day" in addition to the running of extra miles from my hotel. On Tuesday, I decided to take the subway to Niketown's evening run. We did hill intervals in Central Park including Cat Hill and this heck of a climb near Cathedral Parkway in Harlem's side of the park. We did 3 repeats of the long hill, similar to going up Cliff House. Tough day and it was quite warm that evening too. On Wednesday, I did my last NYC run along the East River via the FDR bikeway, passing the old Fulton Fish Market. I went under the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges to get to the East River Track. I only did 2 x 400 because of time. It was pretty cool. Not as great as Kezar, but still nice since it's free and along the way. I wanted to run on Brooklyn Bridge, but I had done way more than I expected during my stay in NYC; I enjoyed this trip to the city much more than my two previous visits. It just gets better each time. After running in NYC, I feel a bit out of shape.
Article and pictures on Worku Beyi and Leteyesus Berhe: http://www.nyrr.org/races/2007/wabc/local_gallery.asp
http://www.nyrr.org/races/2007/wabc/local_story.asp
Article and pictures on Worku Beyi and Leteyesus Berhe: http://www.nyrr.org/races/2007/wabc/local_gallery.asp
http://www.nyrr.org/races/2007/wabc/local_story.asp
Last Saturday, Alberto Salazar apparently had a heart attack while coaching some of this athletes in Portland OR. This is the same Salazar who won three New York City Marathons, one Boston, one Comrades, and plenty of other major distance races. This is the same Salazar who still runs regularly enough to accompany Lance Armstrong through the first 10 miles of last November's ING New York City Marathon. This is the same Salazar who is just 48 years old.If distance runners are as healthy as we would like to believe them, Salazar shouldn't have had a heart attack. Just as Jim Fixx shouldn't have died on the run. But things don't always work out the way we would like. Runners have heart attacks. Some die before they hit the ground. That's the reality.As a group, distance runners are extremely healthy, especially when compared to the sedentary masses in western societies. But this guarantees no one anything. Repeat: There are no guarantees. Not for anyone. Bad stuff happens to good people every day: heart attacks, and cancers, and Alzheimers, and trees that fall on houses. These things happen because we are all different from everyone else, and uniquely susceptible to random events. There is a lesson we should learn from this, but it has nothing to do with diet or exercise or flossing your teeth. The lesson is that life is precious, and also fragile. Our good health today can't guarantee us good health tomorrow. If we are feeling strong and fit and vigorous today, we should appreciate every minute in our 24 hours. Tomorrow could be different.None of us know anything about Salazar's health or family history. If we did, it might predict certain risk ratios. But even these would be mere statistical guesswork. A numerator. A denominator. What can anyone conclude from these?In my family, we all have very low levels of the "good cholesterol," HDL. I share this with my brother and sister, even though I have run regularly for 40 years, followed a mostly vegetarian diet, and consumed modest amounts of red wine. These are all supposed to raise your HDL; mine is in the toilet.I think about this every day before going out to run. I wonder if I could be lacing up for my last workout ... if I will be wrestled to the ground by my paltry HDL level. But I run anyway. Because the alternative--doing nothing--is a far worse choice.Since Friday, I've also been thinking of Salazar on all my runs, praying that he'll have a rapid, complete recovery. I've known him since he was a teenager in MA, and closely followed his astonishing career. He has made so many contributions to American distance running, and inspired so many young runners. He is still a young man himself, and I hope he will live long and healthy. He has so much to give. There is so much we can still learn from him.This week he has taught us something he never intended: to live as intelligently as we can, but also to treasure every day. Because we can't know what tomorrow will bring. We can only live today as fully and honestly as possible.
Full article taken from Runner's World
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