Boston Registration is Closed

It's amazing that the 2010 Boston Marathon has reached it's limit of 25,0000 runners already! No more registrants will be taken and it looks like there will be no type of waiting list. I dont know if the race has ever filled up this quickly. For those who will make it to Boston in 2010, good luck in your training.

Sarasota Runners Help Special Olympics

Sunday morning brought out runners from the Sarasota area to help raise money and awareness for the Special Olypmics by running in the 11th Special Olypmics 5K. Linda Driggs and her crew did an excellent job with putting on a fine race. The weather was clear and cool, perfect for race day. Overall mens winner was Michael Lamb with a time of 16:20. The women's winner was Kim Sheffield with a time of 19:06. Full race results. There was plenty of food and drink after the race including hotdogs and beer! Thanks for all that came out to race and support Special Olypmics.

Sarasota Runners Take On D.C.

Over thirty runners from the Sarasota and Bradenton area participated in the Marine Corp Marathon (MCM) this past Sunday. The race is called "The People's Marathon" with over 30,000 runners. Weather was clear and cool, perfect for a marathon race. The course was lined with huge crowds cheering on the runners as they passed through some of the most interesting sights in D.C. Some of the noted runners from Sarasota included Kim Tocci, Dan Pollock, Donna D'Agostino, Fred Fiala, Pat and Kerbe Jones, Charlie Scott, Peg Seaul, Teresa Kreger , and the Bright Family. Full searchable results can be found here. Congratulations to all the runners.

Sarasota Runners on the Run

Sarasota runners are going to be out and about these next couple of weeks. This coming weekend there is a group heading to our nation's capitol to run the awesome Marine Corp Marathon. This a favorite race for many reasons. Running around the monuments, White House, Capitol building, Pentagon, and along the Mall is such a moving experience. The weather is typically great for running a marathon, cool and clear. And then you have the great restaurants and sightseeing. The following week there is the ever popular New York City Marathon. With over 45,000 runners, this is one huge event! Again a favorite of many runners because of the course, sightseeing and the other attractions that NYC has to offer. Weather is unpredictable but many deal with the conditions the best they can. Finally, there is a group heading to the Florida panhandle to do the Florida Ironman in Panama City. Not only will these athletes run a marathon but will also swim and bike. This is the full ironman and is the ultimate challenge to many triathletes. All of these athletes have trained hard and long during a very hot summer. Best of luck to everyone and I'll post results as they come available.

Sarasota Runners in Chicago

Congratulations to Sarasota runners Shana Bickel and Deb Litz for completing the 2009 Chicago Marathon. It looks like the weather was chilly but much better running conditions than the hot humid days they trained here in Florida. Great job and look forward to see you out on the roads training for your next race.

Is it time for new shoes?

Is it time for new shoes? This is a great question that most of us runners think about during our training. For some it's a matter of recording the date of the start of wearing a new pair of shoes and at a specified date (typically 3-4 months), the shoes are retired and a new pair are put to work. For others, it is a matter of keeping track of actual mileage. A good rule of thumb is 350-400 miles on a pair of shoes. Reach that time line and then new shoes. And then there are those who just wear out the shoes until injury or aches and pains show up. I would say the first two methods are the prefered methods. Avoid injury, avoid aches and pains and keep track of your shoe life.

Blazing New Trails

One of the fun things of being a runner traveler is exploring new running routes. On a recent visit to Ft. Worth, Texas, I had the opportunity to run on the Trinity Trail. The trail runs along the Trinity River. It is a very busy trail with cyclist, runners, and walkers sharing the paved path. There is also a softer cinder type track that follows along most of the paved sections. There are alot of mile markings on the trail which could be confusing since they appear to be from different races or training routes. Luke's Locker, a local runner store, provides water and Powerade along the trail for their training groups and anyone else who needs some liquid. The weather was quite hot but the company of my running partner and exploring the new route made the run go easy.

Darn Sesamoid Pain!

It's amazing how a tiny bone could cause such pain! Under the joint by the big toe are two small bones called sesamoid bones which act as pulleys for the tendons from the foot to the toe. Through repeated trauma i.e. running, jumping, dancing, high heeled shoes, one can develop inflammation to this area. The pain is typically dull and worse when putting weight on the area. During toeing off is when the most intense pain can be felt. With continued trauma to this area stress fractures of the bones may occur. Treatment requires ice, rest, avoid high heels shoes, protective padding and oral anti inflammatories. Seek medical help if no improvement in symptoms.

What a Difference a Week Makes

Sarasota runners were treated Saturday with lower temperatures and humidity for their long runs. The past several weekends have been miserable trying to get those big miles in. With the "cooler" weather, the runners were able to get in those miles without getting totally drenched in sweat and not feeling so beat up. May the rest of the Saturday long runs be as nice.

It's not running but sure does help...

Last night I did a spin class at the YMCA. The instructor was my buddy John and his class is always "fun". Fun being defined as sweating and getting a great workout. I like that I can get and keep my heartrate up for a good part of the hour long class without pounding my legs like I would do during speed/interval work on the road or track. John mixes up the workout with hills, speeds, in the saddle, out of saddle, jumps, etc. Actually, John is there for HIS workout and we are there to join in and keep up. If you are looking for a great workout with a fun twist, then head over to the Euclid YMCA some Thursday evening. Get there early, the class fills fast.

Could it get any hotter?

The answer is I hope not. This weekend, Sarasota runners, were dealt some of the hottest temperatures to train in. Starting the morning run with temperatures in the low 80s is not fun. There was no breeze even at the Ringling Bridge. Add in there that some misguided individual stole the water cooler that Fleet Feet Sarasota provides and it makes for a tough morning of training. I think most runners kept a slower pace or cut back on their scheduled mileage. If this weekend is any indicator to what is to come for the rest of the summer, we all need to make sure to hydrate well during the week and to take in some extra electrolytes.

Tap House 5K

Friday night brought several Sarasota runners to Oldsmar Florida for the first annual Tap House 5K Run. Oldsmar is located at the northern tip of Tampa Bay between Tampa and Clearwater. The race hosted over 1000 runners, each willing to brave the heat to get to that cold beer afterwards. Das boot (boot shape beer mug) was the reward to the top 30 men and 30 female finishers. The course was a well planned loop that brought the runners together between the one and two mile marks. The group from Sarasota (Dan, Alice, Kim, Rob, Peg, Teresa, Eric, Sharon) all did well on this fun Friday night.

Circus Hash in Full Swing in Sarasota

Circus Hash House Harriers (CH3) is in full swing with the completion of the third hash run this past Sunday. The weather leading up to the run was rainy but that didn't keep all of the
Sarasota runners away. The trail was blessed by the newly appointed religious advisor, Charlie Scott aka Buzz or his new hash name, Tea Bag. The rain disappeared and a beautiful full rainbow was seen in the east, ON ON. The hare of the day was Connor Grooms who's birthday happen to be that day. He did an excellent job of making a challenging, fun course. Some dirt hills and muddy false trails were part of this birthday boys trail. Because of the rainy conditions some of the course markings were washed away but we managed to make it over to Fit to Run to circle up and have a drink. The ON IN was a straight shot back on paved and dirt trails. First time hasher, Kim did an excellent job of maneuvering the course, she was a good sport to be out there in the mud, rain and brush....and no poison ivy! Next hash will be June 24 at 6pm, starting in Payne Park. Go to the website http://www.circushash.com/ for more information and updates. ON ON

More than a Tri, it was an Adventure!

Saturday's Publix Family Fun Fitness Triathlon and Duathlon proved to be more than just your typical races for Sarasota runners, triathletes and duathletes . The gulf was churning so bad that the course buoys could not be set so the swim portion was canceled and replaced with a two mile beach run. Out over the gulf a front was moving in towards us. Rain and lightening hit as the first group of runners headed out on to the beach. Every 2 minutes another group took the risk of running with the bolts. The beach was wet and slippery. Between the hard rain and wind, the first leg of this event was a challenge. Back in the transition area, everyone was getting ready for a wet ride around Siesta Key. There was no way to avoid the standing water along the route. The last part of the race was the 5K beach run, out and back. The weather had settled by then and the beach was packed but there were holes to watch out for and some water to run through. The post race food was excellent. I think everyone had a good time with this adventure and thankfully there were no serious injuries due to the weather. Good job to all those who participated!

Sammy's Run

What a great event! With over 700 runners/walkers the first annual Sammy Run was held at Oak Park School this fine Saturday morning in Sarasota. The event began with a one mile fun run/walk. There was a great group who participated in that part of the event. Runners, walkers and strollers were striding through the one mile before the main event. The 5k run was started with singing of our national anthem by Laura Bach, who knew she had such a great voice...bravo! Ricardo Lomas and his son Sammy lead the field. The course was designed well to run through the beautiful Bent Tree community. Great support along the course with many volunteers from Oak Park School. The after party was huge! Lots of food and drink. New Balance, Fit to Run and Fleet Feet displaying shoes and apparel. Maverick Bike was there too raffling off a bike. The awards presentation was very moving hearing Ricardo and Sue Lomas speak. These are two very special parents. Thanks to all the people who put on this great event and for all the volunteers who made the race fun and a success. Looking forward to next years Sammy' Run. Race results will be posted on the MTC website.

A Numbers Runner

Again, another great Saturday to be running in Sarasota. Started the morning running with Linda Driggs. Linda is an exceptional runner who ran Boston a few weeks back. And she is one heck of a realtor. We were joined by Shana Bickel who came sprinting up to us. Made it to Hart's Landing and Linda decided to back off and run with her friend Dana. Shana and I took off over Ringling Bridge and headed for St. Armand Circle. Along the way we caught and passed Adam Bright ( he must have been tired from doing a 52 miler the other day). The rest of the run was a great pace, close to race pace. Shana is training for Chicago Marathon this fall and I can tell she will definitely have a good race. Thanks Shana for a great run today and good luck with your CPA tests.

Team Tony

Be part of the adventure that Tony McEachern is doing. Go to www.teamtony.org to find out more how you can help Tony.

Hammering over Ringling Bridge

This morning went for a great bike ride with my buddy Jody Hudgins. We started from Village Bike and headed up Longboat Key and back. The weather was near perfect on the way out but hit a head wind on our way back. Riding Longboat is a nice easy, flat ride with the two hills, Ringling Bridge and New Pass Bridge. Since we bike early, 5am, we avoid all the normal crazy traffic that can occur on that route. With the head wind, coming up New Pass wasn't too bad since it is a shorter span but going up Ringling...wow...what a climb. Jody just hammered up that hill like nothing. The guy is a beast on a bike. Puts his head down and just goes. In other words, he dropped me like a lead balloon. But getting to see the sunrise when at the apex of the climb was well worth getting dropped. Sarasota is such a great place to live, work and exercise!

Gentleman Runner

For those who don't know it, Dan Pollock is a gentleman runner. Dan is recovering from running the Boston marathon and some outpatient surgery. But even during his recovery, Dan was able to make an appearance at the Irish Rover. It may have been that his "gentlemen" New York Yankees were playing that brought him there or maybe just hanging out with the rest of runners sharing tales. Being the gentleman that he is he greeted new runner, Joe to the group and introduced him to all the other fine runners present. Dan, you are very much appreciated and you are duly noted as a gentleman. Cheers!

Race to bring 17,000 runners to Miami on Thursday!

I saw this headlines and thought what kind of run would bring out 17,000 people. It turns out that this is a 5K (3.1 miles) which is part a three run series, 2009 Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run. The first two races of the series were run in Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach with 5,000 runners combined. The race starts around 6:45pm so the locals are advised to be ready for some significant traffic snarls. I guess the food and t shirt must be great to get that many people out for a 5K.