adidas Urban Run SF - September 29, 2008 - RAFFLE NIGHT

Photo from Washington Post

Haile does it again! Haile Gebrselassie breaks his own marathon record at the Berlin Marathon with a time of 2:03:59. That's an average pace of 4:44 per mile! I can't even do that for one mile! History was also made in the women's event with Irena Mikitenko finishing the marathon in 2:19:19. She's now the fourth fastest female marathoner ever, breaking the German record and the first German woman to run under 2:20! You can read the story here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/28/AR2008092800360.html?hpid=moreheadlines . The previous marathon record breaking time was one year ago at the Berlin Marathon by Haile in 2:04:26. (Last year's feature: http://adidassfurbanrun.blogspot.com/2007/09/gebrselassie-sets-marathon-world-record.html)You can watch the entire coverage on NBC Universal Sports, Channel 11.3, in the Bay Area Sunday @ 9PM PST. It's also available online on-demand at www.universalsports.com .

In other news, I got word from running buddy Emily B. about the postponement of the Miles for Migraine 5K/10K:

We had to change the date of Miles for Migraine due to some of the challenges in starting a new non-profit. The new date is Dec 7 (Which is the same date as CIM--sorry about that)-- that part was out of my control. BUT-- if you're not up for a marathon, but a 5K or 10K is more your style that day, please come join the race or volunteer.


I have been working hard to organize a new 5K and 10K run or 2 mile walk to raise awareness and funds for migraine research on Sunday Dec. 7. http://www.milesformigraine.org/

If you know anyone who suffers from migraine, you know that it is not just a little headache. It can be a debilitating disorder that interferes with every aspect of life. We need to conduct research to understand the root of the problem to discover mediations that will be effective. However, very little government money is allocated to headache research. There are not many organizations that provide funds for basic migraine research even though it is the most common neurological disorder for pre-menopausal women. We also want to provide a healthy and fun event where we could provide helpful information about migraine and the resources available in the area.

It is going to be a flat and fast course in Golden Gate Park and could possibly provide you with a new personal best for the 5K or 10K. Please sign up for the race today!! Or if it doesn't fit with your training schedule, you can volunteer to help out with the event.

This is the first year for the Miles for Migraine event, but we're hoping that it can grow into something that makes a difference. Our challenge this year will be to get enough people to the event to make it a success and to show our sponsors that this can grow into something bigger. Imagine if we could start something for migraine research like the "Susan G. Komen race for the cure" that raises millions of dollars for breast cancer research annually!

http://www.milesformigraine.org/


Also-- the top 5 male and female finishers for both the 10K and the 5K will receive N*** dry fit T-shirts!

Please help me spread the word by inviting your friends, family and others to join us.

And FINALLY, the route for Monday!! The shoe raffle will also be held following the run. It'll be a flat, fast course tomorrow:

Sansome-Kearny 4 Mile

-Start at adidas Sport Performance Store
-Right on Market St.
-Left on Sansome St.
-Left on Lombard St.
-Right on Montgomery St.
-Left on Francisco St.
-Right on Kearny St
-Right on The Embarcadero
-Right on Market St.
-Finish at adidas Sport Performance Store
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2298683

California Academy of Sciences - OPENING DAY

The Academy of Sciences will have their opening day this Saturday with FREE admission from 9:30AM-9:00PM. Festivities begin at 8:30am with an opening ceremony and live bands.

http://www.calacademy.org/events/openingweekend/

Not to leave running out of the equation...

This run starts/finishes close to the Academy of Sciences:

Saturday @ 8:15 a.m. 6 mile training run (a mix of cushy trails and pavement: meet at Kennedy Drive & Transverse water fountain in Golden Gate Park. Run down Kennedy Drive to the Dutch Windmill, along the Great Highway past the Cliff House, through Lands End where we take in the views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge before heading back to Golden Gate Park. This run has stops so don’t worry about the distance. For more information contact dse.pekingduck@juno.com

Map: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2285976 Trust me, it's really 6 miles from start to finish!

* This is a VERY SCENIC run that is perfect for slower runners and great for walkers! Let them know that I recommended this fun run!

-Adrian

adidas Urban Run SF - September 22, 2008

ROUTE – Fillmore-Stockton 6 Mile

• Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
• Left on Market Street
• Right on Mason
• Left on Post
• Right on Fillmore
• Left on Union
• Right on Pierce
• Right on Chestnut
• Right on Fillmore
• Left on Union
• Right on Columbus
• Right on Stockton
• Right on Market
• Finish at the adidas Sport Performance store

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2272730

Please view Google Streets Map View BEFORE run.

*I will pass out these turn-by-turn directions on Monday. It's a scenic route so don't get lost...get a route guide from us.

ANA Corporate Ekiden Relay 2008

Hey Everyone,

I thought it would be cool if you and your fellow Urbanite Runners would like to participate in a fast XC relay race. They have awesome raffle drawings such as a free roundtrip tickets from SFO-Tokyo.

Saturday, October 11, 2008, 09:00 AM

Golden Gate Park

30th Ave & Kennedy Drive, Lindley Meadow, a quarter of a mile East of Spreckles Lake

San Francisco, CA 94117

Brief Description: Relay race for teams of four runners in a corporate team, in men's, women's and co-ed divisions. Each runner runs with a sash and passes it to the next relay runner within exchange zone. Each Runner runs a two mile cross country loop in Golden Gate Park. Participant companies should have a significant business relationship in Japan or Far East Asia. Over $20,000 in random and other prizes!

Additional Information: Fabulous prizes for companies who travel or plan to travel regularly to Japan and Far East Asia. Companies that entered teams in the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge who meet the above general criteria are particularly invited to enter. Also invited are teams from Bay Area MBA programs, their graduate students, faculty and staffs, but they may only enter one co-ed team per institution.

Fabulous prizes:

Random team prizes: Economy round trip tickets from SF to Tokyo are drawn from amongst each team category: Male, Female, Co-ed (6 total tickets, 2 each division). Teams decide on their own who in the team gets the tickets. Random? longest time at company? fastest leg?--you decide, probably good to figure out method before race...

Random individual prize: Two economy round trip tickets on ANA from SF to Tokyo to one participant and companion who put their business card in the proverbial "fish bowl" for random drawing. Value of tickets are approximately worth $2,500 each, so total random ticket prizes, team and individual, total approximately $20,000! 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.

Secondary prizes for Team Categories, fastest teams: Fastest team in each category gets a $100 American Express Certificate and reservations for two at a Hilton Hotel in SF for one night. Team decides on their own how to distribute the prizes.

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 Nov 23rd).

To see a course map, go to: http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=71143 .

Questions? Contact Tim Wason, President, SF Running & Walking at 415-647-2276/tim@sfrunning.com. Benefits Girls on the Run, and other charities to be decided. Start building your corporate team now!
Fees:$100 per team of 4 runners from one company
Online Registration Closes:10/07/08 11:59 PM
Website:http://www.sfrunning.com/

Registration: ANA_Corporate_Relay_2008

Summer's Over...Get Over It Already!

In a span of one week, it's as if summer has faded into the history books and the cold air from the Arctic just arrived. Days are shorter and nights are longer and darker. Fragile runners have
left the roads and are training on the treadmill. Does running outside just suddenly suck?

Fear not! We have some solutions to those problems. Urban Run SF will still be here as usual for most Mondays at 6:30PM. Also, the adidas fall/winter shoe and apparel has arrived. Check it out on http://www.adidas.com/campaigns/verticalsrunning/content/fw08/index.asp?strCountry_adidascom=us to see the latest offerings and selections. Get those knickers, wind jackets, long sleeve shirts, and tights.

If you're like me and you need to get that run in before work, wear a headlamp and reflective clothing. If you need some pointers for cold weather and night running, ask away! Stay warm and always stay safe out there!

-Adrian

adidas Urban Run SF - September 15, 2008

ROUTE – Broadway-Stockton Tunnel run (4.9 miles)

• Start at the adidas Sport Performance store
• Left on Market Street
• Right on Mason
• Left on Post
• Right on Steiner
• 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=2264020

Please view Google Streets Map View BEFORE run.

September - Race of Truth: adidas Urban Run 5K RESULTS

September 8
6:47PM

Chikara 18:34
Jason 20:23
Felix 21:57
Chris 22:14
Marco 23:44
Richard 24:02
Jimmy 24:42
Philippe 24:44
Katy 24:50
Sean Lee 25:38
Steve 26:29
Chi 27:16
PC 28:33
Huey 32:16
Raymond 33:56
Mercedes 34:04

Times are impressive given that tourists are still milling along The Embarcadero. Weaving in and out of pedestrian traffic allows you to prepare for races with oversized fields of slower runners/walkers in front of you.

Thanks, Sean, for assisting in the timing, and get well soon! If I had made a mistake tabulating the results or if I have gotten your name wrong, let me know.

Schedule of Events

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend and put in some fantastic running with the beautfiul weather we're having! I'd like to remind everyone about the Race of Truth: adidas Urban Run 5K that will be held this Monday. Please, please sign in with Warren so that he can record your name and bib number at the adidas Sport Performance Store before we begin our race.

In other news, I'd like to give briefly a shoutout and shameless plug that my racing team, Pamakid Runners Club, will be hosting for its inaugural Speaker Series!
When? Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Where? Sports Basement, 1590 Bryant Street (@ 15th Street), San Francisco, CA 94103
"An Olympic Experience, Beijing 2008: A Coach's Perspective"
Andy Chan, Pamakid Runners Club Board President, Head Coach track & field and cross-country at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, went to Beijing to see his former student-athlete, 1,500m Olympian runner, Shannon Rowbury, compete against the World's best. Coach Chan will share some behind the scene stories about Shannon's high school career and her Olympic journey of 2008.

We all suffer from headaches at some point, some more severe than others. My friend is hosting the Miles for Migraine 5K/10K and 2 Mile walk on October 5, 2008. Miles for Migraine is a new non-profit organization established to raise funds for migraine research and education. While migraine affects up to 15% of all women, and is the most common neurological disorder for pre-menopausal women, migraine research receives little funding from NIH and other government agencies. This organization started early in 2008 to provide another way to raise funds for migraine research while providing a healthy, fun activity for those who want to support the cause. If you cannot participate in person, please consider donating to the cause in the link provided. 5K and 10K race courses through Golden Gate Park are FAST! The 2 mile walk will be beautiful. Please join us for the event by participating or volunteering.
http://milesformigraine.org/index.html

Update your calendar:

- September 8: Race of Truth: adidas Urban Run 5K (details in previous post below)
- September 24: Speaker Series at Sports Basement (Bryant location) with Andy Chan and Shannon Rowbury
- October 5: Miles for Migrane 5K/10K, 2 Mile Walk

-Adrian