(3-31-08) From USATF Press Release - Alex Gits (Edina, Minn.) finished 13th in the junior women's race and Jorge Torres (Boulder, Colo.) finished 19th in the senior men's race to lead Team USA at the 36th IAAF World Cross Country Championships Sunday at Edinburgh's Holyrood Park.
Gits, a freshman at Stanford University led the Team USA junior women with a 13th place finish. Despite a fall near 3 km, Gits ran 20:41 for the 6 km course to lead the U.S. squad to a sixth-place finish with 100 points, only one point out of fifth behind Canada. Gits was followed by teammates Emily Schwitzer (Minnetonka, Minn.) in 28th place, Laurynne Chetelat (Davis, Calif.) in 29th, Emily Reese (Chamblee, Ga.) in 30th to round out the team scoring, while Lauren Saylor (Clovis, Calif.) and Marissa Treece (Maple City, Mich.) finished 38th and 44th respectively.
Ethiopia won the team gold, led by Genzebe Dibaba's winning run of 19:59. Kenya was second in the team race with 20 points with Japan taking third with 57 points.
In the junior men's race German Fernandez (Riverbank, Calif.) covered the junior men's 8 km in 24:15 to finish 25th, leading Team USA to a sixth-place team finish. Emil Heineking (Hartsgrove, Ohio) finished one second and one place behind Fernandez with Kevin Williams (Lakewood, Colo.) and Ryan Sheridan completing the team scoring with their respective 34th and 52nd place finishes.
The junior men's individual title was won by Ibrahim Jeilan of Ethiopia in 22:38, while Kenya won the team competition with 21 points. Ethiopia was second with 28 and Uganda was third with 37 points.
Emily Brown (Minneapolis, Minn.) led the Team USA senior women to a fourth-place finish, running 8 km in 26:36 for 18th. Teammates Katie McGregor (Saint Louis Park, Minn.), Molly Huddle (Providence, R.I.), and Kathy Newberry (Williamsburg, Va.) finished within two seconds of each other to take 22nd, 23rd and 24th places respectively. Renee Metivier (Boulder, Colo.) and Amy Hastings (Flagstaff, Ariz.) finished 49th and 62nd respectively.
Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia won her third World Cross Country Championship, running 25:10 to lead Ethiopia to their second team Gold of the day with 18 points. Kenya was second with 22 as Australia took the team bronze ahead of the U.S. by three points with 84.
In the final event of the day,Torres ran 36:03 to finish 19th in the senior men's 12 km, while leading Team USA to a seventh-place team finish. His finish was the first individual top-20 finish for the U.S. in the senior men's race since 2003. Following Torres to round out the team score was Josh Rohatinsky (Portland, Ore.) in 44th, Edwardo Torres (Boulder, Colo.) in 46th, Scott Bauhs (Chico, Calif.) in 52nd, Max King (Eugene, Ore.) in 55th and James Carney (Boulder, Colo.) in 85th.
Kenenisa Bekele completed Ethiopia's sweep of the day's individual titles with his 12th World Cross Country title. After losing a shoe six minutes into the race, Bekele rallied to run 34:38 for the 12 km course. Kenya won the team title with 39 points, while Ethiopia scored 105 and Qatar rounded out the top-three with 144 points.
Team USA Quotes:
Senior Men
Jorge Torres (Boulder, Colo.): I told myself that I wasn't going to be afraid to run with those guys. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't finish in the top 10. I gave it a good honest effort, and that's all that I can ask for
Edwardo Torres (Boulder, Colo.): It was a rough start. It was hard to move around and maneuver around all those people and get up in the top 50.
Josh Rohatinsky (Portland, Ore.): The race went out like I expected. I got out pretty well, so that's nice. The first two laps were just insane. You can't take corners because everyone's going down. It was tough because you really couldn't get into a rhythm. It was one of those races where you had to gut things out. Experience is the best thing I can take home from it.
Max King (Eugene, Ore.): I was really going for top 40-top 50, and if I got that, I'd be pretty happy. I felt like I raced well, even if I was back a ways. It's a tough race, with a lot of work out there.
Ryan Bak (Eugene, Ore.): This course was more of a true cross country course. I think I went out a little too aggressive in the first kilometer. In a race that long, you cant get in too far over your head. It's a great learning experience, and I look forward to coming back to some future world cross country championships and having a much stronger showing.
Scott Bauhs (Chico, Calif.): It was tough, but I'm happy with what I did. Hopefully I get some more juice in my legs. It's a good first one to run. The experience is great, and I'm happy that I'm healthy after this.
Jonathan Pierce (Blowing Rock, N.C.): It's frustrating to go out really had and there are a lot of people ahead of you. I need to come back and do better next time. This race goes to show you how many good people there are in the world.
Junior Men
German Fernandez (Riverbank, Calif.): I decided to run a little conservative because of the muddy conditions. I tried to stay with the guys and help each other out. This week, we've been like a family. Just racing here was something different.
Ryan Sheridan (New Rochelle, N.Y.): It didn't go as well as I had planned. I enjoyed myself. It was fun out there.
Emil Heineking (Hartsgrove, Ohio): I started out in the front of the box, and got out pretty quick. I went with whatever felt good, which ended up being a little too fast for the first two laps. I feel like I have a ways to go if I want to compete internationally. I have to work hard if I want to run in something like this again.
Bobby Moldovan (Fort Wayne, Ind.): I got a side cramp about 2k into the race, and tried to fight it, hoping that it would go away. Instead, it kept getting worse, and I couldn't go. It was a great experience.
Kevin Williams (Lakewood, Colo.): I think it went really well. We talked about running as a pack. Ryan, German, and I ran in a pack the first half of the race, and move up. I think it went out a little fast, and I lost some spots on the last lap. It's been an amazing time being here. This has been the best week of my life.
Benjamin Johnson (Albuquerque, N.M.): I said going into the race that the muddier the course, the better it is for me. Normally, the guys who have long strides would get eaten alive, but not today. I went out a little slower, and went out with Kevin. It was hard to see the rest of the guys, as they were in the pack, and I was at the end of the pack..
Senior Women
Katie McGregor (Minneapolis, Minn.): Overall, I thought we did a great job. I sort of got lost for a bit there, but when the other girls started moving up, it helped. It's great when all of your teammates come together.
Amy Hastings (Flagstaff, Ariz.): I think that the people who started up front slowed it down. It (taking the lead early) might not have been the best move for me, but I learned what not to do for future races.
Emily Brown (Minneapolis, Minn.): It felt really good that it was such a team effort out there. I think we had different race strategies today, but we ended up together, and that made us stronger as a team. I am trying to decide what my track distance will be this spring. I may end up running the 5k, but it gives me confidence knowing that I can move up to 10k.
Molly Huddle (Providence, R.I.): I really didn't know what to expect. The only thing that kept me from panicking during fhe race was looking for another girl with a USA jersey. We really helped each other a lot.
Junior Women
Alex Gits (Edina, Minn.): I knew I was going to get nice and muddy. I didn't want that front pack to gain so much distance, so I just took a few quick steps and got right back up there.
Emily Reese (Chamblee, Ga.): I usually like to start pretty fast, and after I bit, I noticed that I was up there with the Kenyans, so I slowed down just a bit. When I slowed down just for a little bit, everyone just jumped on me. It was certainly fun being in a race this big.
Marissa Treece (Maple City, Mich.): I didn't have a great placing overall. I got stuck in no-man's land. My kick wasn't too bad, but the rest of my race didn't go over too well. There's a lot of people that are a lot better than me. When you get out on this stage, you find out that you're not that big any more.
Emily Schwitzer (Minnetonka, Minn.): I made sure that I went out slower, as I tend to get intimidated. I tried to gain confidence by picking people off. I learned to run in the pack and keep my arms out, look up, and take the turns wide.
Lauren Saylor (Clovis, Calif.): It was a great experience. I didn't have any serious goals in mind, as I didn't know what to expect. I just went out there, tried to have fun, and use this as a learning experience for the future. I was a bit back there, but I wanted to make sure that on the last lap, that I was going to crank it all the way.
Laurynne Chetelat (Davis, Calif.): I had a great time. I tried a new strategy of going out slower and building up, something that Lauren Saylor had talked about. It seemed to work out pretty good for me today. I didn't find the hill too intimidating, and actually had a fun time in the mud. This race has taught me not to get too excited in the beginning, and concentrate on how I feel.
For more information on the 2008 World Cross Country Championships, visit www.usatf.org.
Light of Hope 5k Slated for April 20
(3-31-08) On April 20th, CASA of Central Oregon is hosting their inaugural Light of Hope USATF 5k, 1k walk/run, and a Community Challenge Relay in recognition of Child Abuse Awareness month. The event will be help at McKay Park in Bend, OR at 8:30 am. 5k participants receive Brooks Technical Running T-shirts, food and goodie bags. Kids are welcome and there will be a raffle after the event for all participants. For more info, visit www.casaofcentraloregon.org.
About CASA
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. The CASA concept is based on the belief that a child has the right to a safe and permanent home and our goal is to provide an advocate for every abused and neglected child in Central Oregon. Research has shown that a child with a CASA volunteer spends less time in foster care, receives more services ordered by the court, experiences fewer placement changes, shows fewer at-risk behaviors, and is more successful in school. Unfortunately, in Central Oregon there are 82 children waiting for a CASA volunteer.
The proceeds from the Light of Hope event will directly support volunteer recruitment and training costs. CASA volunteers receive 30 hours of classroom training, plus they are required to do 4 hours of courtroom observations. The volunteer also has an extensive background check before they are sworn-in by Judge Tiktin in Deschutes County and Judge Neilson in Crook and Jefferson Counties. These volunteers are the Light of Hope to these children. From the initial stage of recruitment to completing the training, it costs approximately $275 to train one volunteer.
About CASA
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. The CASA concept is based on the belief that a child has the right to a safe and permanent home and our goal is to provide an advocate for every abused and neglected child in Central Oregon. Research has shown that a child with a CASA volunteer spends less time in foster care, receives more services ordered by the court, experiences fewer placement changes, shows fewer at-risk behaviors, and is more successful in school. Unfortunately, in Central Oregon there are 82 children waiting for a CASA volunteer.
The proceeds from the Light of Hope event will directly support volunteer recruitment and training costs. CASA volunteers receive 30 hours of classroom training, plus they are required to do 4 hours of courtroom observations. The volunteer also has an extensive background check before they are sworn-in by Judge Tiktin in Deschutes County and Judge Neilson in Crook and Jefferson Counties. These volunteers are the Light of Hope to these children. From the initial stage of recruitment to completing the training, it costs approximately $275 to train one volunteer.
Run Smarter: Lactate Threshold Training - Part II - April eNewsletter
Training the Body to Use Lactate as a Fuel
No molecule in the human body gets as bad a wrap as lactate. Better known to athletes incorrectly as lactic acid, the molecule L-lactate is constantly produced from pyruvate in the body as it attempts to extract all the potential energy stored in glucose. A byproduct of the utilization of the derived ATP from this process is what creates the acidic environment in the exercising body due to the accumulation of hydrogen ions. The lactate molecule and hydrogen ions are two of the many biochemical reactions that take place in the body unnoticed, until it's in an endurance athletes body and they are working at a steady state of exercise. Then byproducts of energy production, lactate and hydrogen ions, can accumulate in the blood stream as they diffuses from muscles. This will lower the blood's pH and increase the amount of lactate in the blood. Lactate then hitches a ride with red blood cells and may visit the liver or heart, where assuming oxygen is present in sufficient quantity, it can actually be created into usable energy for the working body. The higher the rate of work, the more the system can be backed up and lactate and hydrogen ions will remain in the blood stream in greater quantities. Knowledge of this process allows us to test the working levels of blood lactate at various training paces as described in part I of this article. We can then use these levels and corresponding intensities to train the body to work more efficiently at ever greater workloads. This allows us to produce greater aerobic power and perform to our best capabilities.
Training to specifically improve our lactate recycling capabilities can come in the form or two types of training.
Lactate Threshold Training
The first type of training is best described as 'Lactate threshold training'. Lactate threshold training aims to increase the level of blood lactate above resting or moderate exercise levels (1.5-4.0 mmol/l in most athletes) and keep the work level or in 'steady state' so the body can develop it's ability to recycle lactate through the blood stream and offset the potential for acidosis by the accumulation of hydrogen ions. This type of work can be done in various workout formats. I have developed a list of workout ideas below entitled 'Lactate threshold workouts'.
Anaerobic Capacity Training
A second way to improve the body’s ability to utilize lactate most efficiently is to perform training best described as 'Anaerobic capacity training'. This type of training is deemed 'anaerobic' because it primarily utilizes anaerobic metabolism which can produce energy independent of the presence of oxygen. This is valuable training for endurance athletes for a variety of reasons. For one this anaerobic capacity training can be thought of as running strength training. This is because its intensity (100-120% of VO2 max or 400m-800m race pace) is so high that it requires the runner to use new motor units (small groups of muscle fibers within a larger muscle group). Activating new motor units and building new neural pathways is the way you develop the strength you gain when in the gym lifting free weights. For runners this strength 'gain' translates into better running efficiency at a variety of paces. That is to say that it takes less muscular energy to run at the speed the anaerobic capacity training is done at and paces slower than it because more power is now generated with each stride. The second benefit is in the adaptations the muscles undergo in the environment flooded with lactate. Because the energy is being derived from the complete catabolism of glucose to lactate the working muscles are flooded with lactate for a short period of time resulting in a greater ability of the muscles lactate receptors to respond to this high lactate environment while working. See my suggestions for anaerobic capacity workouts below.
Keep in mind that neither of these types of training are advisable nor fully beneficial to the athlete if a proper base of training has been set to develop the aerobic energy system and oxygen transport throughout the body. 6 or more weeks of comfortable paced running is needed to develop the infrastructure in the body to make the workouts below useful to you.
Lactate Threshold Workouts for Runners
Workout I - 2-4 x 2000m with 90 seconds rest in between. Each of these runs should be done at your established lactate threshold pace. Strict adherence to the 90 seconds rest is a must for a full benefit to the workout. If it takes you 9 minutes or less for each 2000m run you can do 3 or 4. sets If longer than 9 minutes begin with 2 sets. Ex: A runner with a lactate threshold pace of 6:30 min/mile would run 3 x 2000m at 6:30 pace with 90 seconds rest (8:07 for 2000m).
Workout II - 3-5 miles at steady state pace. This is a continuous run done after a proper warm up. This should be done at an intensity slightly below the estimated lactate threshold pace due to its continuous nature. Reducing the lactate threshold pace by 3-5% is appropriate. Select the distance you will run based on your estimated time run. Do not run for more than 25 minutes. Therefore: a runner who has been tested as having a lactate threshold pace of 5:30 would run 4 miles at 5:46 (5% slower).
Workout III - a 45 minute continuous run performed in a progressive manner. This means the athlete would begin the workout at a pace corresponding to the first rise in blood lactate from there test. This is often marathon race pace for runners or a bit slower. They will hold this pace for 20 minutes. The pace is then increased about 5% for 15 minutes. Finally the last 10 minutes of the run are done near the lactate threshold pace (another 5% increase in pace). There is no rest taken during this run, therefore it is quite challenging and is recommended for experienced racers. Runner can also use race that will take 45-60 minutes to complete to obtain the same training benefit.
Anaerobic Capacity Workouts for Runners
If beginning anaerobic capacity training it is advised to focus on the quality of each run by performing shorter intervals to begin with and taking as much recovery as needed to perform an equal effort on each.
Workout I - 6-10 x 200m with 2 - 3 minutes rest. Each of these runs should be done quite fast. The pace should be akin to one you would use if you where to race a 400-800m run. Since many runners have never explored racing those distances, it can also be described as very fast, but not "top speed."
Workout II - 8-12 x 100m hill (8-10% grade) with 3 minutes rest. Find a moderately steep hill and run up the hill fast with good form. Make sure to take a full recovery (up to 3 minutes and no less than 2 is recommended) so your performance is equally high on each repetition of the hill.
Workout III - 4-8 x 400m with 3 minutes rest. The intensity is equal to workout I and therefore this is more challenging due to is length. This is recommended for experienced runners.
Training the body to utilize its "diamond in the rough" of energy sources is a straightforward process once you have accurately established your OWN lactate threshold. It can lead to an improvement in aerobic power which is the functional element most predictive to success in endurance competitions. Knowledge of your lactate threshold pace allows your training to become focused and the benefits of your training to be realized more quickly. Furthermore an educated coach can use your lactate profile to develop a periodized training program that improves your areas of weakness and improves your aerobic capacity for your goal event.
I will be conducting a weekend of lactate tests for multisport athletes using their bikes and a CompuTrainer. This test will provide cyclists and multisport athletes the intensities and heart rate training zones appropriate for them to use for their aerobic and anaerobic training. To inquire about availability of the test, click here.
I encourage you to find out the specific intensities you should be training at even if you don't have the ability to take part in one of my lactate tests. My race performance calculator will provide you with recommended training paces based on a recent race performance and estimate heart rate from age and resting heart rate. You can find this valuable calculator here.
Long may you run,
Sean Coster
Complete Running Programs offers lactate threshold performance tests for runners and cyclists of various abilities. For more information check out this information on lactate testing.
For more writings on training, motivation and philosophies in distance running visit Sean's blog at www.seancoster.org/runningportland or www.crpusa.com
Copyright 2008 Complete Running Programs - May not be used without permission of the author.
No molecule in the human body gets as bad a wrap as lactate. Better known to athletes incorrectly as lactic acid, the molecule L-lactate is constantly produced from pyruvate in the body as it attempts to extract all the potential energy stored in glucose. A byproduct of the utilization of the derived ATP from this process is what creates the acidic environment in the exercising body due to the accumulation of hydrogen ions. The lactate molecule and hydrogen ions are two of the many biochemical reactions that take place in the body unnoticed, until it's in an endurance athletes body and they are working at a steady state of exercise. Then byproducts of energy production, lactate and hydrogen ions, can accumulate in the blood stream as they diffuses from muscles. This will lower the blood's pH and increase the amount of lactate in the blood. Lactate then hitches a ride with red blood cells and may visit the liver or heart, where assuming oxygen is present in sufficient quantity, it can actually be created into usable energy for the working body. The higher the rate of work, the more the system can be backed up and lactate and hydrogen ions will remain in the blood stream in greater quantities. Knowledge of this process allows us to test the working levels of blood lactate at various training paces as described in part I of this article. We can then use these levels and corresponding intensities to train the body to work more efficiently at ever greater workloads. This allows us to produce greater aerobic power and perform to our best capabilities.
Training to specifically improve our lactate recycling capabilities can come in the form or two types of training.
Lactate Threshold Training
The first type of training is best described as 'Lactate threshold training'. Lactate threshold training aims to increase the level of blood lactate above resting or moderate exercise levels (1.5-4.0 mmol/l in most athletes) and keep the work level or in 'steady state' so the body can develop it's ability to recycle lactate through the blood stream and offset the potential for acidosis by the accumulation of hydrogen ions. This type of work can be done in various workout formats. I have developed a list of workout ideas below entitled 'Lactate threshold workouts'.
Anaerobic Capacity Training
A second way to improve the body’s ability to utilize lactate most efficiently is to perform training best described as 'Anaerobic capacity training'. This type of training is deemed 'anaerobic' because it primarily utilizes anaerobic metabolism which can produce energy independent of the presence of oxygen. This is valuable training for endurance athletes for a variety of reasons. For one this anaerobic capacity training can be thought of as running strength training. This is because its intensity (100-120% of VO2 max or 400m-800m race pace) is so high that it requires the runner to use new motor units (small groups of muscle fibers within a larger muscle group). Activating new motor units and building new neural pathways is the way you develop the strength you gain when in the gym lifting free weights. For runners this strength 'gain' translates into better running efficiency at a variety of paces. That is to say that it takes less muscular energy to run at the speed the anaerobic capacity training is done at and paces slower than it because more power is now generated with each stride. The second benefit is in the adaptations the muscles undergo in the environment flooded with lactate. Because the energy is being derived from the complete catabolism of glucose to lactate the working muscles are flooded with lactate for a short period of time resulting in a greater ability of the muscles lactate receptors to respond to this high lactate environment while working. See my suggestions for anaerobic capacity workouts below.
Keep in mind that neither of these types of training are advisable nor fully beneficial to the athlete if a proper base of training has been set to develop the aerobic energy system and oxygen transport throughout the body. 6 or more weeks of comfortable paced running is needed to develop the infrastructure in the body to make the workouts below useful to you.
Lactate Threshold Workouts for Runners
Workout I - 2-4 x 2000m with 90 seconds rest in between. Each of these runs should be done at your established lactate threshold pace. Strict adherence to the 90 seconds rest is a must for a full benefit to the workout. If it takes you 9 minutes or less for each 2000m run you can do 3 or 4. sets If longer than 9 minutes begin with 2 sets. Ex: A runner with a lactate threshold pace of 6:30 min/mile would run 3 x 2000m at 6:30 pace with 90 seconds rest (8:07 for 2000m).
Workout II - 3-5 miles at steady state pace. This is a continuous run done after a proper warm up. This should be done at an intensity slightly below the estimated lactate threshold pace due to its continuous nature. Reducing the lactate threshold pace by 3-5% is appropriate. Select the distance you will run based on your estimated time run. Do not run for more than 25 minutes. Therefore: a runner who has been tested as having a lactate threshold pace of 5:30 would run 4 miles at 5:46 (5% slower).
Workout III - a 45 minute continuous run performed in a progressive manner. This means the athlete would begin the workout at a pace corresponding to the first rise in blood lactate from there test. This is often marathon race pace for runners or a bit slower. They will hold this pace for 20 minutes. The pace is then increased about 5% for 15 minutes. Finally the last 10 minutes of the run are done near the lactate threshold pace (another 5% increase in pace). There is no rest taken during this run, therefore it is quite challenging and is recommended for experienced racers. Runner can also use race that will take 45-60 minutes to complete to obtain the same training benefit.
Anaerobic Capacity Workouts for Runners
If beginning anaerobic capacity training it is advised to focus on the quality of each run by performing shorter intervals to begin with and taking as much recovery as needed to perform an equal effort on each.
Workout I - 6-10 x 200m with 2 - 3 minutes rest. Each of these runs should be done quite fast. The pace should be akin to one you would use if you where to race a 400-800m run. Since many runners have never explored racing those distances, it can also be described as very fast, but not "top speed."
Workout II - 8-12 x 100m hill (8-10% grade) with 3 minutes rest. Find a moderately steep hill and run up the hill fast with good form. Make sure to take a full recovery (up to 3 minutes and no less than 2 is recommended) so your performance is equally high on each repetition of the hill.
Workout III - 4-8 x 400m with 3 minutes rest. The intensity is equal to workout I and therefore this is more challenging due to is length. This is recommended for experienced runners.
Training the body to utilize its "diamond in the rough" of energy sources is a straightforward process once you have accurately established your OWN lactate threshold. It can lead to an improvement in aerobic power which is the functional element most predictive to success in endurance competitions. Knowledge of your lactate threshold pace allows your training to become focused and the benefits of your training to be realized more quickly. Furthermore an educated coach can use your lactate profile to develop a periodized training program that improves your areas of weakness and improves your aerobic capacity for your goal event.
I will be conducting a weekend of lactate tests for multisport athletes using their bikes and a CompuTrainer. This test will provide cyclists and multisport athletes the intensities and heart rate training zones appropriate for them to use for their aerobic and anaerobic training. To inquire about availability of the test, click here.
I encourage you to find out the specific intensities you should be training at even if you don't have the ability to take part in one of my lactate tests. My race performance calculator will provide you with recommended training paces based on a recent race performance and estimate heart rate from age and resting heart rate. You can find this valuable calculator here.
Long may you run,
Sean Coster
Complete Running Programs offers lactate threshold performance tests for runners and cyclists of various abilities. For more information check out this information on lactate testing.
For more writings on training, motivation and philosophies in distance running visit Sean's blog at www.seancoster.org/runningportland or www.crpusa.com
Copyright 2008 Complete Running Programs - May not be used without permission of the author.
CompuTrainer By Racermate Is Now The Presenting Sponsor Of 2008 North American Endurance Club Challenge
(3-11-08) From Press Release - Total Health Events is please to announce that CompuTrainer has become the presenting sponsor of the 2008 North American Endurance Club Challenge - to be held at the Grand Columbian Triathlon September 13, 2008 in Grand Coulee Dam, Washington. This is a first true multisport endurance challenge between clubs throughout the US and Canada - contested simultaneously at Iron, Half Iron and Olympic distances. The challenge will be part of the 5th annual Grand Columbian Triathlon Sept 13, 2008.
The CompuTrainer sponsorship will ensure the value of the total prizes will exceed $10,000 awarded to up to six clubs based upon total points awarded members competing at the Grand Columbian. Two complete CompuTrainer systems will be raffled to participating clubs. In addition, the 2008 event is slated to be video taped as part of the new excited CompuTrainer feature linking actual race video with the CompuTrainer action training format.
The American Challenge has been created to give active multi-sport clubs in the US and Canada the opportunity to go "head to head" with other clubs on one of the premier long course triathlon venues in North America. The Grand Columbian has been noted annually by Inside Triathlon as one of the "must do" triathlons.
Jon Hoskins, Race Director noted, "CompuTrainer has long been a feature in successful club and age group athlete training bike training. We are extremely pleased that they have chosen to partner with us to put on this new competition and feel it's an acknowledgment of the championship caliber event the Grand Columbian represents."
For the championship there will be two major categories of competition. In order to give clubs traveling from far away a chance at the prize purse, there will be one category for teams of three to five members and another category for teams with six or more. Combined scores will be based upon participation and athlete results overall and age group results.
Prizes will be awarded as follows in the two categories:
1st - $1250 cash, $500 voucher for 2009 Grand Columbian
2nd - $750 cash, $300 voucher for 2009 Grand Columbian
3rd - $500 cash, $200 voucher for 2009 Grand Columbian
4th Honorable mention - $250 voucher for 2009 Grand Columbian
See website at www.thegrandcolumbian.com for complete competition details.
The CompuTrainer sponsorship will ensure the value of the total prizes will exceed $10,000 awarded to up to six clubs based upon total points awarded members competing at the Grand Columbian. Two complete CompuTrainer systems will be raffled to participating clubs. In addition, the 2008 event is slated to be video taped as part of the new excited CompuTrainer feature linking actual race video with the CompuTrainer action training format.
The American Challenge has been created to give active multi-sport clubs in the US and Canada the opportunity to go "head to head" with other clubs on one of the premier long course triathlon venues in North America. The Grand Columbian has been noted annually by Inside Triathlon as one of the "must do" triathlons.
Jon Hoskins, Race Director noted, "CompuTrainer has long been a feature in successful club and age group athlete training bike training. We are extremely pleased that they have chosen to partner with us to put on this new competition and feel it's an acknowledgment of the championship caliber event the Grand Columbian represents."
For the championship there will be two major categories of competition. In order to give clubs traveling from far away a chance at the prize purse, there will be one category for teams of three to five members and another category for teams with six or more. Combined scores will be based upon participation and athlete results overall and age group results.
Prizes will be awarded as follows in the two categories:
1st - $1250 cash, $500 voucher for 2009 Grand Columbian
2nd - $750 cash, $300 voucher for 2009 Grand Columbian
3rd - $500 cash, $200 voucher for 2009 Grand Columbian
4th Honorable mention - $250 voucher for 2009 Grand Columbian
See website at www.thegrandcolumbian.com for complete competition details.
USATF-Oregon to Host Mountain Running Series
(3-10-08) From Press Release - The inaugural USATF La Sportiva Oregon Mountain Running Series will consist of four existing races around the state between May and October. USATF Oregon will be partnering with a La Sportiva to provide series scoring and additional prizes for USATF members in open, master, senior & veteran age groups. Modeled on the successful USATF New England Mountain Running Circuit, the Oregon series is designed to promote competition and increase awareness of the most scenic and challenging off-road running races the state has to offer. The races are:
June 7, 2008 - Granite Man Mountain Run, 10 miles, Jacksonville, OR
The Granite Man is an exciting off-road event held at beautiful Applegate Lake nestled at 2,000 feet in the Rogue River National Forest. This is an exceptional 10-mile up & down mountain run that features a steep one-mile section of course that climbs 1000' of in elevation gain.
August 2, 2008 - Mt. Ashland Hillclimb Run, 13 miles, Ashland, OR
Now in its 31st year, the Mt. Ashland Hillclimb Run is the oldest continuously run mountain race in Oregon. Starting in downtown Ashland, this race climbs 5600' over 13 miles to finish on the summit of scenic Mt. Ashland. The course record at this race was set in 1986 by Los Angeles Marathon winner Ric Sayre (1:42). Dolores Bergman set the women's record in 2004 in a time of 2:13.39.
August 30, 2008 - Sunrise to Summit Race, 3 miles, Mt. Bachelor, OR
Organized by the Mt. Bachelor Ski Education Foundation, the Sunrise to Summit may be the shortest race in the series but it is also the steepest. This uphill only course climbs 2600' in about 3 miles under ski lifts, thru volcanic rock strewn slopes to finally finish on the barren summit of Mt. Bachelor. The course records are held by Max King (35:32) and Jennifer Sventek (43:45).
September 21, 2008 - NW Mountain Running Championships, 7 miles, Mt. Hood, OR
This will be a brand new race from experienced race director Kevin "x-dog" Foreman. The 7-mile course will run both up and down the slopes of Mt. Hood from historic Timberline Lodge.
For more information on this or any other mountain, ultra & trail races in Oregon, go to: www.usatf-oregon.org/MUT or contact USATF Oregon's MUT Coordinator Richard Bolt at richardabolt@gmail.com.
June 7, 2008 - Granite Man Mountain Run, 10 miles, Jacksonville, OR
The Granite Man is an exciting off-road event held at beautiful Applegate Lake nestled at 2,000 feet in the Rogue River National Forest. This is an exceptional 10-mile up & down mountain run that features a steep one-mile section of course that climbs 1000' of in elevation gain.
August 2, 2008 - Mt. Ashland Hillclimb Run, 13 miles, Ashland, OR
Now in its 31st year, the Mt. Ashland Hillclimb Run is the oldest continuously run mountain race in Oregon. Starting in downtown Ashland, this race climbs 5600' over 13 miles to finish on the summit of scenic Mt. Ashland. The course record at this race was set in 1986 by Los Angeles Marathon winner Ric Sayre (1:42). Dolores Bergman set the women's record in 2004 in a time of 2:13.39.
August 30, 2008 - Sunrise to Summit Race, 3 miles, Mt. Bachelor, OR
Organized by the Mt. Bachelor Ski Education Foundation, the Sunrise to Summit may be the shortest race in the series but it is also the steepest. This uphill only course climbs 2600' in about 3 miles under ski lifts, thru volcanic rock strewn slopes to finally finish on the barren summit of Mt. Bachelor. The course records are held by Max King (35:32) and Jennifer Sventek (43:45).
September 21, 2008 - NW Mountain Running Championships, 7 miles, Mt. Hood, OR
This will be a brand new race from experienced race director Kevin "x-dog" Foreman. The 7-mile course will run both up and down the slopes of Mt. Hood from historic Timberline Lodge.
For more information on this or any other mountain, ultra & trail races in Oregon, go to: www.usatf-oregon.org/MUT or contact USATF Oregon's MUT Coordinator Richard Bolt at richardabolt@gmail.com.
Industry News: Amica Insurance to Title Seattle Marathon
(3-4-08) From Press Release - Amica Insurance is pleased to announce that they are the title sponsor for the 2008 Seattle Marathon. Amica Insurance will serve as the title sponsor not only for 2008 but also for the 2009 through 2011 races.
“Due to our great experience as a Platinum Sponsor last year, Amica was thrilled to become title sponsor and we are delighted that this event will now bear our name," said Vince Burks, senior assistant vice president at Amica Insurance. "We were drawn to this event because marathoners are driven individuals that appreciate quality and understand better than anyone the importance of consistent performance over the long haul. Amica Insurance has been delivering nationally recognized customer service for over 100 years, realizing it is indeed a marathon, not a sprint, when it comes to setting expectations and then doing what it takes to deliver. Amica is really looking forward to being a part of the Seattle Marathon."
The Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon, Marathon Walk, Half Marathon and Half Marathon Walk will take place Sunday, November 30, 2008. All events will start and end at the historic Seattle Center in downtown Seattle and will traverse the streets of the Emerald City, affording sweeping vistas of this important seaport town. The marathon course is USATF and AIMS certified and is a Boston Marathon qualifier.
"The Seattle Marathon has been growing strong for 37 years thanks to the support of devoted volunteers, runners and sponsors. Their passion for excellence has turned this race into a Northwest tradition," said John Kokes, president of the Seattle Marathon Association. "I am extremely excited to have Amica Insurance as our title sponsor and look forward to the growth for this year and beyond."
Amica Mutual Insurance Company, the nation's oldest mutual insurer of automobiles, was founded in 1907. The company is a national writer of automobile, homeowners, marine, and personal umbrella liability insurance. Life coverage is available through Amica Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. Amica employs more than 3,000 people in 39 offices across the country, including the Greater Seattle Office. Amica has been offering insurance in Washington since 1945.
For more information go to www.seattlemarathon.org.
“Due to our great experience as a Platinum Sponsor last year, Amica was thrilled to become title sponsor and we are delighted that this event will now bear our name," said Vince Burks, senior assistant vice president at Amica Insurance. "We were drawn to this event because marathoners are driven individuals that appreciate quality and understand better than anyone the importance of consistent performance over the long haul. Amica Insurance has been delivering nationally recognized customer service for over 100 years, realizing it is indeed a marathon, not a sprint, when it comes to setting expectations and then doing what it takes to deliver. Amica is really looking forward to being a part of the Seattle Marathon."
The Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon, Marathon Walk, Half Marathon and Half Marathon Walk will take place Sunday, November 30, 2008. All events will start and end at the historic Seattle Center in downtown Seattle and will traverse the streets of the Emerald City, affording sweeping vistas of this important seaport town. The marathon course is USATF and AIMS certified and is a Boston Marathon qualifier.
"The Seattle Marathon has been growing strong for 37 years thanks to the support of devoted volunteers, runners and sponsors. Their passion for excellence has turned this race into a Northwest tradition," said John Kokes, president of the Seattle Marathon Association. "I am extremely excited to have Amica Insurance as our title sponsor and look forward to the growth for this year and beyond."
Amica Mutual Insurance Company, the nation's oldest mutual insurer of automobiles, was founded in 1907. The company is a national writer of automobile, homeowners, marine, and personal umbrella liability insurance. Life coverage is available through Amica Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. Amica employs more than 3,000 people in 39 offices across the country, including the Greater Seattle Office. Amica has been offering insurance in Washington since 1945.
For more information go to www.seattlemarathon.org.
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