Category Archives: Information

USATF – Minnesota Member

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I’m a card carrying member of the USATF now. Well at least once I get the card in the mail!!

I had never thought about being a member of the USATF until now since I’m not fast enough to be in the track and field circuit and don’t really need another distraction.

So Why Sign-up?

I was prompted to sign up by one of the MDRA members to be a part of their racing team – Bad News Bears. The main purpose for signing up is to be a part of the Team Circuit. The circuit is a series of “championship” races where teams are scored cross-country style. The race distances go from 1 mile all the way up to a 25K (15.5 miles). The half-marathon I’m racing is part of the circuit and so are other local races hosted by the MDRA – so why not! It is $30 a year to be a member but there are some good benefits.

Benefits

I have actually already used one – discounts at races! I just saved $5 when I signed up for an upcoming 8K. There is a long list of discounted items, many of which I’ll never use. However, if you travel for a lot of races there are discounts for rental cars and hotels. There are discounts on running gear, other merchandise, magazine subscriptions, books and movies, and running stores. You also get a membership decal and a copy of the Fast Forward magazine. I think you could easily “earn back” your $30 membership if you were planning on getting some of discounted items! I’m also supposed to get a team jersey which must be worn during all races I’m competing in as part of the team!

You should see if there are any local USATF chapters or competitions to be a part of.

[tags] USATF, Minnesota, MDRA [/tags]

Wisconsin Marathoner Dies at Little Rock

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Much has been written about the tragic year for the marathon in 2007 and we were all hoping for a better year in 2008. Sadly, tragedy has struck the race again during this weekend’s 6th Little Rock Marathon.

Adam Nickel, of Madison, Wis., was pronounced dead late Sunday morning near the finish line of the race, which attracted about 9,000 entrants, race officials said.

Nickel, 27 was an experienced runner having completed 6 marathons and finished this race in under 3 hours – even looking strong at the finish according to the race director. He collapsed shortly after crossing the finish line and emergency crews were unable to resuscitate him. The cause of death hasn’t been determined as of writing this post – however one doctor speculated some type of congenital heart condition which sounds similar to last year’s marathon deaths.

According to MarathonGuide.com Nickel ran a 2:54 marathon last year at Las Vegas.

From Fox 16 News and Arkansas Online.

[tags] Marathon, Little Rock, Arkansas [/tags]

$2 Million Half-Marathon

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Remember the $1 Million Marathon in January?

That is nothing compared to Thursday’s $2 Million Half-Marathon – twice the money for half the distance, can’t beat that. The Zayeed Half Marathon will be the richest long distance race in the world. The marathon is taking place in Abu Dhabi the capital city of United Arab Emirates. Various news reports indicate that Half-Marathon record holders Samuel Kaman Wanjiru and Lorna Kiplagat, will be racing alongside Paul Tergat and other elite runners.

Winner’s will receive a $300,000 check with an additional $200,000 on the line if they break the world record. The current records stand at 58:33 (4:27) and 1:06:25 (5:03), for the men and women respectively.

This is great news for the athletes, where will it stop? How much money will organizers be willing to shell out to get top athletes and world records at their courses?

HT The Final Sprint

[tags] Half-Marathon, Abu Dhabi, Zayeed [/tags]

3 Reasons Why I Bike

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Biking has become a weekly staple in my training plan. Here are three reasons why:

1) Its measurable. When I get off the bike (currently an indoor one) I know how many miles I’ve “traveled” and what that actually means. After doing the elliptical machine I’m never really sure what I’ve done. Ok so I went for 30 minutes and only covered 2 miles?? That doesn’t make sense or mean anything to me! So for 2008 I’ve decided to focus my cross-training on the bike and swimming.

2) It benefits my running. Any cross-training will benefit your body, but biking actually does improve your running. Biking helps improve overall leg turnover which helps you run more efficiently and increases your turnover while running. It also works different leg muscles and produces an overall stronger leg which can help improve form and prevent injury.

3) It is safe and easy. Biking is much easier than swimming and can be done alone, in a group, at the gym, or out on the open plain. I say it is safe because it is probably as safe as running (assuming you wear appropriate safety gear). Your risk of drowning is pretty slim! It is also easy because you can relax and coast a little bit, it doesn’t require constant effort (although the more effort you put in, the better workout you’ll get). It is also a ton easier on your body. Biking doesn’t have the constant impact and jolt to your body and you don’t wear out as quickly while biking.

Do you bike? What are some of your reasons for biking?

[tags] Biking, Cross-Training, [/tags]

Huck-a-Marathon

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Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee is also in the running for a marathon. The 112th running of the Boston Marathon to be exact. This is not his first marathon – he and his wife Janet ran the Little Rock Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon in 2005. Mike finished in 4:39 and 4:37 respectively, and his wife finished in 7:40 and 7:07. In 2006 Mike ran the New York City Marathon in 5:33. He didn’t run any in 2007 or 2008 yet. (Results provided by MarathonGuide.com)

The Washington Post reported in 2005 that Huckabee passed on a Presidential Invitation for the Inauguration parade to go on a training run. That’s a little over the top maybe? Huckabee was also named “Athlete of the Week” by the USATF in the same year. Running’s governing body says the running governor inspired a 30% increase in marathon participation. Huckabee lost 110 pounds and went from the couch to 5K to Marathon in two years!

Huckabee is entering the Boston Marathon on a Charity Waiver provided through Team Hoyt Racing. (source)

Photo Credit

[tags] Huckabee, Marathon, Mike Huckabee, Boston Marathon [/tags]