Unofficial Chase of Champions 2008?

Poll Updated: virtually everyone knows the last running of the Chase of Champions was in 2006. This was a long time running 5k and 10k event in Rocky Mount. Last year the RMEC had nearly 50 people turn out to run the "Unofficial Chase of Champions" however. We did not close the roads; we did not have chips for our shoes; and we all ran at our own risk. When it was all over however, we still had fun and everyone got their race results.

If there is interest, I would like to do this again. Just like last year, this is a group run. It just happens to be a run where you do it fast and try to beat your buddies. We again will not close and roads, so running will be at your own risk.

There are two dates that seem like they could work. April is a busy month. The first weekend is the busiest race weekend of the year in the Southeast. The weekend of the 19th has a10k in Raleigh and also the Fiesta Biathlon in Greenville. This leaves April 12th and April 26th. (I realize the 12th also conflict, but it is not as bad as the other weekends).

As always, we cannot pick a date that works for everyone. I added a poll to the blog to see if there is enough interest, and if so what is the preferred date. Please vote even if you are just a blog reader. Feel free to comment here if you have anything to add.

NOTE: I removed the poll and put it back so I could add another date option. If you already voted, please vote again. Sorry!

Update on Swim Tips

Based on the post and comments below, Mary is bending over backwards to offer help to our group. (Thanks Mary!) It was obvious in the comments that there is no perfect time. I took Mary's response, and gave it a new post to make sure it was seen. I think the main point is Mary is here to help, and is frequently at the YMCA when we are swimming. She is offering these tips, but is not coaching us. If you truly want to get some pointers, please email Mary when you plan to be at the pool, and be sure to show up. Like all of us, here time is valuable.

This is what Mary has offered:

• Mon - I could be in the pool between 10-12 although no one needed this time.
• Tues - are tight, as I have a 12:30 commitment elsewhere and it sounds like lunchtime works best for most. But if 11 matches anyone, let me know.I teach Tues. PM at 6 in the rec pool and would be glad to offer some help before that class if you can make it before 6.
• Wed I will swim at 11ish and can easily stay as late as needed up to 1:30. So a good day.
• Thurs I will swim and can do so easily over lunchtime if that works for people, no time constraints. So another good day.
• I teach 8 AM Wed. in the rec pool and 9:30 upstairs but if you are swimming at 9 I could catch up with you a bit then, or maybe Friday AMs.

As races near I'm sure we can plan some group open water swims with Masters swimmers who have access to the reservoir, lakes and boats. More on that when warmer days!

To repeat what Michael said (Thank you, Michael), I am not a certified coach and the Y has some EXCELLENT coaches and great programs. I can and gladly will offer helpful suggestions and love to watch folks improve, such a joy. But I can't spend lots of time with any one person or I risk my job, yet I know there will be no objection to us training together in this way.

I do coach Masters on Monday 6-7 which is an ideal time for personalized instruction, as are Wed. and Fri. 6-7 AM. You DON'T HAVE to do the Masters workout, just come at that time and do your own pace and ask for help from the coach on deck. That is what Masters is all about.

My one request, please. Since we are so varied in timing, please don't assume I will be at the pool at all these times because of this post (except the Mon. 6-7 AM, that is guaranteed). Email me directly and I will make every attempt to match up with you.

I look forward to seeing everyone in a bathing suit, heh, heh, heh! And don't forget the goggles! --Mar

Lake Kristi Triathlon

The Lake Kristi Triathlon has now been posted. It will be at 8:00 am on May 31, 2008. The race is located just east of Greenville, NC. The event is a 1/2 mile swim in Lake Kristi (private, man made ski lake), a 15 mile bike ride on country roads and a 3 mile run on a private golf course - mostly grass.

Entry is $40 for USAT and $50 for non-USAT members registering before May 24. Teams are welcome for $90 for all USAT memberships or $120 for non-memberships. There are two ways to register. One is to print the PDF from the web site and mail it in. The other is on Active.com.

Ever dreamed of walking half a marathon?

I know people read our blog, that never post. Maybe you are just curious, or maybe you don't know if you are ready to give something like this a try. Well, now there is a perfect opportunity to get started with improving your physical fitness.

Background:

Kinnie for our group has started a group called the Rocky Mount Women Walking for Fitness (WWF). This is a program to promote physical fitness through the low impact activity of walking and the stimulation of community. As the name of the group indicates, this is a group for women only. There are already 21 people on the roster! The group just started walking last week. If anyone wanted to start next week you need to have a base of 2.5 miles comfortably walking. Next week the group walk is 3 miles on slightly rolling terrain.

The organized walk each week is Tuesdays at 12:30. They welcome anyone who wants to improve their fitness and maybe enjoy some camaraderie. One requirement: must have email!

Expectations:

• Walk time will be a priority vs. an occasional option
• All effort will be made to attend the weekly group walk (1-2 hrs.)
• Minimum of 1 and preferably 2-3 other walks each week
• Should be able to comfortably walk 1 mile (can be slowly) at this time

Requirements:

• A desire for good health and a smile
• Prospective walkers with knee or hip replacements, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal issues that could be exacerbated by walking must obtain written permission from their physician before beginning the program
• A release from liability form will be provided for the protection of the group organizers
• Cost - $1.00 per week

Scheduling and Time Frame:

• Group walk day and time will be chosen with input to best accommodate all involved
• Group walk locations to be determined with input, allowing for varied and SAFE terrain
• Walking program will begin the week of Jan. 8th
• Program will run Jan.-mid May
• Each month a schedule of suggested walks will be provided
• A “race” walk, distance to be determined (suggested distance half-marathon 13.1 miles), will be generated in May to celebrate the successful completion of the program
• Participation in the race is NOT mandatory for participation in the program

Training Plan:

• Kinnie has training plan that outlines what each participant should do to increase miles.
• As with any training (walking or running), a slow increase in miles keeps you healthy

Personally, I think what Kinnie has organized is great. I think everyone in our group will agree that they feel better about their lives because they stay active. This improves your physical and emotional well being. If you know someone who would be interested let them know about the WWF. All ages, sizes, and abilitiy levels are welcomed. If you are a blog reader, this is a great time to get involved. Bring a friend with you. It is a new year. . . see how you can change your life! For more information post here, or email Kinnie directly.

RUN RSVP: Saturday 01/26

For the Myrtle Beach Marathon crowd, this is your big weekend. . . the 20 miler! If you are doing the half, you could probably do your longest run next weekend and only use a two week taper which should be ample for a 13.1 mile race. With a longer distance, I bumped the start time up to 7:00 am. This is also closer to the actual start time of the race, which should help simulate race day.

Run Details:

• Day: Saturday @ 7:00 am
• Where: Harris Teeter
• Route: 6.67 miles x 3
• Supported: TBD
• Weather: Forecast 28F at start and 37F at finish.

Like our last 20 mile run for Richmond, I am using a loop three times. This keeps everyone close together regardless of pace, and enables you to pass the train tracks six times so just one fluid stop can be set up. Regarding fluids, I will be running the Krispy Kreme and will therefore do my 20 miles on Monday morning. If someone can offer to put out fluids, speak up. It would be great if everyone did not have to carry their own. I can offer up a cooler, mix, cups, and Clif shots.

More Random Stuff

Here is another blog entry with lots of information. Nothing was big enough to make its own post, so I combined them into one. Feel free to comment on anything below.

Spirit of the Marathon - Tonight's one night only showing of the movie is sold out at both locations in Raleigh, so if you were planning on driving to Raleigh and buy tickets there you should stay home and watch the Virginia Tech vs. Duke game instead. We are actually still looking for a sitter tonight if anyone knows someone who can help please let me know.

Lower Potomac River Marathon - Frank would like to run this Maryland marathon on March 9th, but would prefer not to do it alone. This is a small race, but receives good reviews. The course is scenic, the average temperatures are 49, the entry fee is only $55, and you can split gas money and a hotel with Frank. Post here or let Frank know if you are interested.

Myrtle Beach 5k - As you know we have a very large crowd going to run at Myrtle Beach. Most of the people from the RMEC are staying at the Dunes Village hotel which includes an indoor water park. If you are looking to take advantage of the three day weekend, but don’t want to run the marathon consider doing the 5k race instead. There are actually 23 people from the expanded Rocky Mount and Wilson area signed up to race at Myrtle.

Krispy Kreme - There are now over 2,100 "runners" signed up for the Krispy Kreme Challenge, and there is still room for more. You can even buy official race gear now through Bay Six USA. Check out their site for more details.

RMEC Shirts - Just a reminder that we are getting names for more RMEC shirts. Look under Quick Links to add your name. We still need nine more to complete the order.

Battle Park - Those of you who run through Battle Park know there are a few sections where roots have caused a problem. Parks and Recreation have begun to repair the problems. They are digging trenches and installing under ground barriers to stop the roots from doing this again. I assume repaving will not be far behind on these sections. Thanks Scott for sharing the details!

Kenya Violence Effects Marathoners

I know our blog is more about local running than the world of running, but there is a tragedy occurring right now that id destroying some of the most gifted runners on the planet. Some of you may not be interested in this story, but I know some of you are.

In December, Kenya held their elections. The results of the elections are very much in question, and have caused some long time tribal riffs to resurface. The end result has been vicious and deadly violence in a country that produces countless world class runners. It seems that attacking runners (a person of status) is a way to hurt the most and gain the most attention.

Sadly, Wesly Ngetich became the latest victim to the ethnic violence yesterday when he has shot in the chest with an arrow during fighting in his hometown of Trans Mara. Ngetich, won Grandma's Marathon two of the last three years, including 2007 when Ryan, Frank, Ursula, Tracy, and I participated in the races.

Truly another sad day for the running world, as one of the most talented people on the planet lost his life, and knowing many more are still at risk. We so often take for granted the things we have as Americans. Enjoy your run today and be thankful for the safety of your surroundings.

For a summary on the violence in Kenya visit marathonguide. For more information on Ngetich, you ran read the article at TwinCities.com.