Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Spring Headline Race Registration - ACT SOON

Though Spring seems like an eternity away, it will be here before you know it.  There are two big races that require action very soon if you want to run them:

1.) Sunday, March 16, 2013 - Shamrock 5k - Baltimore

This is simply the fastest 5k (other than on a track) you will find in this area.  The first mile is 90% downhill then it's flat the rest of the way.  An added bonus is the race starts at 1:15pm meaning you don't have to set an alarm if you so choose and there's BEER at the finish line.  Registration is currently open and the price is $35 but goes up to $40 after Saturday.  This is a must-run, I don't care how fast or slow you are...

Registration Link

2.) Sunday, April 6, 2013 - Cherry Blossom 10 Miler - DC

This one's another must-do.  It's highly competitive, a flat course, and you can enjoy our Nation's Capital after the race as the race starts and finishes at the Washington Monument.  Due to its popularity, registration is completed via an open lottery.  The lottery opens Monday, December 2nd and close on Friday, December 13th at 11:59pm.  However, many of you can gain a guaranteed entry as a Seeded Runner if you can provide the coordinator a race result meeting the standard.  This means you do not have to sign-up for the lottery.  Carlos and I will be putting together teams again so let us know if you want in!

Entry info: http://www.cherryblossom.org/generalinfo/entryinfo.php

Seeded runner info: http://www.cherryblossom.org/theraces/elite.php#seeded

Running a marathon at the Equator, Turkey Chasin', and Zoo Zoomin'...

As the holidays quickly approach and the Fall racing season comes to an end, we are welcomed with cold weather, strong winds, and darkness during just about any run...

Contrary to the cold weather, last weekend kicked off with Conrad beasting it out at the CISM World Military Marathon Championships in the Republic of Suriname, just north of Brazil.  He was representing the USA in a loaded field of 120 men.  This place is located just 4.7 degrees latitude north of the Equator.  From reading his race report, the gun went off at 0530 and it was already 80 degrees and 100% humidity.  Several countries brought 2012 Olympic athletes.  Conrad managed to negative split a 2:48:26 in the brutal conditions, grabbing 2nd American and 29th overall.  Winning time on the men's side was 2:24 and 2:32 on the women's side.  Average age in the race was 25, almost half of C-rad....#beast  Next year's race is in The Netherlands, so conditions should be much better!

Sunday featured the Columbia Turkey Chase, hosted by Suzy's RIP IT Events.  I've seen advertisements claiming this course is fast, but in my experience running those roads, it has its hills.  Jorge ran a big PR, coming in 2nd in 37:08 with Chris right behind him in 37:24.  In the ladies' race, Kendra and Emily went 1-2, crossing the line in 41:59 and 42:15 respectively.  Here are some action shots courtesy of Mick and Jess:

Jorge showing off his finishing kick
Chris all alone in 3rd
Kendra bringing home top honors
(A finally healthy) Emily smiling with her 2nd place finish
Meanwhile, John ran through the Baltimore Zoo at the Zoo Zoom 8k.  He grabbed the top grandmaster spot, finishing in 32:42 for 8th overall.

There's tons of options for Turkey Day races tomorrow morning and don't forget about the Prediction 10k Run at Jeffers Hill if you don't feel like racing but rather would just want a training run with company.

WISHING EVERYONE OUT THERE WHO MAY ACTUALLY READ THIS THING A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Sunday, November 17, 2013

FLASH: Grandmaster Marathon domination

It's been too long since the last post and the results have piled up so if you are curious, click the individual results tab to look them up.

We'll start with a clean slate from here on out...

We had some amazing performances from our grandmasters this weekend:

In Richmond, Weems made his marathon debut and clocked a 3:12:30, crushing a BQ despite battling lingering injuries.  Dorothy ran 3:34:40 and won her AG by 10+ minutes!!!

Meanwhile, earlier this morning on the streets of Philadelphia, the ageless one, Tunde ran a PR, breaking 3 hours for the first time ever...2:59:12!!

Tunde at Mile 25 with game-face ON! (Credit: Gina Morakinyo)
 Out west, our favorite Finnish Strider, Pekka Stenholm toed the line at the Saltair Half Marathon in Salt Lake City in wind and snowy conditions.  Times were quite slow as expected but he still finished 13th in 1:24:12.  Looking forward to seeing him and the family next weekend!