Cheers to Lincecum & the SF Giants!

I love love love the cover of the latest Sports Illustrated!

Rock 'N Roll Las Vegas

"Marathon expected to boost area economy"
(Las Vegas Review Journal)

Above is an article about the non-gaming impact of the Rock 'N Roll Las Vegas Marathon taking place in Las Vegas. It's estimated that the 40,000 runners participating in the race will produce a non-gaming economic impact of $18.6 million! What's great about this event is its impact on local business and events throughout the rest of the year. The owner of the Las Vegas Running Co. is quoted in the article and talks about how this not only helps his running company but also the events that he puts on throughout the year. Not to mention that this is getting people more interested in running and doing something good for themselves while in Vegas rather than destroying their liver! Tylenol sales may remain strong race weekend but it will be to alleviate the soreness from the 13.1 or 26.2 miles, not that awful hangover.

I am surprised that this article doesn't mention the race headliner - Bret Michaels!

It's great to see the effects marathons have on local communities and economies, especially in Las Vegas which took a big hit during the recession.

SF Giants - Victory Parade

Yesterday was the S.F. Giants' victory parade. It was absolutely amazing and completely insane! There were hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets, cheering on the team. It was an incredibly unifying event that ran smoothly, considering the huge crowds and absolute rowdiness! It was so super exciting to have a victory parade in S.F. after watching all of these other teams take home the trophy.

Over the last couple of days, there have been a number of stories about people who have been following the Giants since they came to S.F. and even from way back in their NY days. I've heard a lot of stories about adults who grew up in households where there fathers were loyal, die-hard Giants fans and they only wished those people could be here to see the team bring home the Championship. It's definitely bittersweet and makes me think of my own Dad who introduced me to baseball and without which I probably wouldn't have this passion for baseball. If not for my Dad I wouldn't be in love with going to baseball games or enjoy sitting in stands watching a game. He would have loved to be a part of this win and probably would have predicted the victory the way he was always able to calculate players stats and extrapolate the unique stats he kept. It's amazing that I was able to experience this win and will be able to tell people that I was part of the 2010 World Series Champs S.F. Giants, even if I was just a fan whose participation was limited to watching from the stands, on TV or listening on the radio to Kruk & Kuip and Jon Miller & Dave Flemming. I can't wait to get back to AT&T Park in 2011!

The bad part about the Giants winning in 5 games is that baseball is now officially over until Spring. I'm completely lost in the off-season without the baseball and the Giants. Here's hoping winter sails by. The countdown for pitchers & catchers reporting starts now!

WORLD SERIES CHAMPS!

The S.F. Giants, aka The Freaks, have won the World Series and will be bringing the trophy back to S.F. for the first time! The Giants have not won the World Series since 1954, before they moved West.

The entire series was exciting and while I would have loved for it to return to S.F., I'm super excited Timmy shut them down for the win last night.

The road to the world series was, as "Kuip" appropriately title the team, torturous. I had all but given up at the end of August but they fought back hard and won the must-win games when it counted. It was definitely the pitching that came through at the end which is exactly what was predicted before the season started. The Giants' rotation reminded me of the A's back when they had the triple threat of Zito, Mulder & Hudson. I've been a Zito fan since his days is Oakland and I did miss him throughout the playoffs. It was a pitcher's duel this World Series with aces Lincecum and Cliff Lee. The Giants' bats remained quiet in the post-season, except Cody Ross. The Giants were not a power hitting team this season anyway and I'd rather see everyone coming through than rely on one big power hitter.

This post-season has been super fun to watch, I can't wait for next season! No one could have predicted this finish for the team of outcasts and misfits. Where will we stand in the predictions for 2011? Now is not the time to focus on next year, the S.F. Giants have finally won the World Series, we'll be celebrating until April!

GO GIANTS!!!

6:51

When I'm trying to rush out the door or get ready for work, what I think will take just a couple minutes inevitably takes longer. When I'm out on a run and trying to make it home with enough time to get ready for work without being late I calculate and break down everything I have to do: shower and change (45 minutes), breakfast (6 minutes), prepare coffee in traveler (30 seconds), grab my pre-made lunch and water (2 minutes), sync Garmin and update Daily Mile (2 minutes)...

My wonderful brother broke down what he does in the time it took me to run one mile in my recent race:

Things Christian can accomplish with 6:51:

Eat an entire meal at taco bell

Enjoy a 22oz blue moon at a Chicago bar with my running-sis.

Send a (hopefully) comical email about things to do in under seven minutes.

Walk the streets of Chicago without hearing a jab about the hometown baseball teams.

Walk casually to Wrigley field from my bedroom.

Walk quickly to aforementioned taco bell.

Kick back three shotguns during Iowa football tailgate.

Take a nap between train stops on the yellow line.

Enjoy a Dave Matthews Band version of All Along The Watchtower before deciding to go to the next song.

Sit for a family meal before a fight breaks loose.

Read a couple interesting blog posts on MentalMarkers

Fight to get an eyelash out of my eye (sorry, but it’s been bothering me this whole email).

Cruise through the sports page on SFGATE.

Average that pace on a half marathon Not even close!

Nashville - A Running Community

While I didn't have the best race in Nashville this past weekend, I absolutely loved the entire experience. The race was an inaugural event that I found out they were capping at 5,000 runners. The course was challenging but took us through great areas of Nashville. I was surprised to see the amazing crowd support throughout the entire race. The people lining the course ran the gamut from little kids with cow bells to entire families and young adults with coffee in hand. It was great to see so many people out supporting this new race.

I was also blown away at the number of volunteers and how sweet and helpful they all were. When I crossed the finish line 3-4 volunteers approached me with water, a space blanket and simply to congratulate me and see if I needed anything. While hanging out in the finisher's area, a couple more volunteers came up to me to see if I needed anything and again offer congratulations to myself and the other runners. I couldn't believe how friendly everyone was - this is what Southern hospitality is all about. I was so shocked at how attentive the volunteers were I asked a couple what organization they were with and why they were volunteering. One woman, who volunteers each year with the Nashville Country Music Marathon, said she just wanted to be a part of this new event and check it out. Two other young girls (late teens or early twenties) were also volunteering just to be a part of this event. There was no underlying motive for the majority of these volunteers. They were not forced to volunteer, they weren't doing it to meet any volunteer hour requirements and they weren't part of any organization or non-profit that was partnered with the race. Road races are dependent on volunteers, not just to show up, but to work hard and be helpful. The volunteers at this race were the best I had ever seen and were absolutely amazing. I couldn't believe how friendly and nice everyone was but what surprised me the most is that these people just wanted to be a part of the event and were taking pride in showcasing their hometown.

Race Report – Women’s Running Magazine, Nashville Women’s Half Marathon

Women's Running Magazine Women’s Half Marathon

Nashville, Tennessee September 25, 2010

********** FEMALE TOP 3 OVERALL RESULTS ***********

Place No. Name Ag S City St Chiptim

===== ===== ======================= == = =============== ==

1 1006 JILLIAN MASTROIANNI 28 F NASHVILLE TN 1:24:46

2 1008 ASHLEY HANSEN 26 F SONOMA CA 1:29:36

3 1929 MOLLY BROWN-BOULAY 39 F FRANKLIN TN 1:29:50

After reading the WSJ article I posted on here last week, I was unsure of what to expect going into the race weekend. The entire weekend was amazing, beginning when I checked into my hotel in Nashville. I was completely surprised at how organized, friendly and fun the weekend was given my hesitation and the all women’s field of runners. I stayed at the host hotel in downtown Nashville where the Expo was held and only a few blocks from the starting line. All of the hotel staff had pink Women’s Running pins on their jackets and were incredibly helpful. Whenever I check into a hotel one of the first questions I ask is where I can go running in the morning. I prefer to run early in the morning, before most people would consider getting out of bed while on their vacation, and as such I like to ask the locals their advice on safe running routes. The guy at the front desk first recommended a path along the river that most people run but then admitted that it’s “only” 3 miles and he could see I would probably be looking for something a little longer than that. He was incredibly helpful with healthier dining recommendations and was able to tell me everything I needed to know about how to get to the starting line on race morning and was even willing to leave a room key for me for after the race so I wouldn’t have to worry about running with one during the race.

Coming off the inaugural Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon on Labor Day Weekend, I was also weary of this being an inaugural race. I saw the pitfalls and issues of a first time event firsthand in Oregon and those thoughts were in the back of my mind all weekend. The expo was great and there were some fun vendors and fun WRM gear for sale. I admit, I didn’t do much research about the race before getting on the plane but there were some questions I had that did not have answers on the race website so I asked the two girls working the information desk. I wanted to know about gear check bags (if they would be provided at the start and what size since we didn’t get any with our bib and packet pick-up). I was surprised that neither of the girls even know what gear check bags were and looked at me as though I was crazy?! I explained that the website said they would be provided but didn’t say if we could pick them up at the expo or offer any other details. They weren’t able to answer that question or find someone who could so it’s a good thing my friend at the front desk was going to have an extra key for me! Although these two girls didn’t know much about running or running events they were incredibly nice and friendly, as was the rest of the race staff.

On any race weekend, the hotels are packed with nervous, anxious and excited runners and this weekend was no exception. It was crazy to see so many women in one place, it was a little over whelming but I now understand an all women’s event!

Race morning was a little warmer than us runners would have liked but luckily there was no rain which had been in the forecast the day before. I usually arrive to the starting are moments before the gun goes off and I made sure to arrive a little earlier for this race (about 20 min. before start time). I hurried into my seeded corral in the front to find there weren’t too many ladies lined up at the starting line. I usually start near the front but never at the very front. There were only about 5 of us toeing up to the line with the other ladies a few feet behind us. This was like no race start I have ever seen and I was a little confused. I started chatting with an older woman next to me who said she had to be at the front because she needed to hurry to her daughter’s soccer game after the race. Unlike other starting lines where men and women are elbowing and nudging for room, I could do jumping jacks without even hitting another person. I was embarrassed to be toeing up on the line but had such an adrenaline rushing seeing the open course ahead and since no one else was lining up to the start I thought I should take advantage as I will never be in this situation again. It was awesome! When the gun when off myself and two other girls took off and never looked back. We were spaced a good distance apart to where we weren’t within talking distance. Along the course there was a short turn-around where we were running directly opposite other runners. The cheers and support from the other runners was unbelievable! They were cheering the three of us on as if they were spectators on the sidelines. It was unreal! Running is an individual sport but it’s also a competition and a race. Never before had I heard such loud cheering and support from the competition – it was an amazing experience.

I didn’t feel too strong the entire race but fought to hold onto second place. I think I could have pushed it a little more and I probably would have if there was someone in front of me giving me that extra push. The first place finisher, a Nashville native, smoked the rest of us and I was pretty much running by myself without the pull of another runner out in front. It was a great race and I’m happy with another sub-1:30 finish. Not all races can be PR’s and I’m excited with 2^nd place!

A true testament to how organized this race was is how calm, relaxed and happy the entire staff appeared. Everywhere I looked, no matter who it was, what they were doing or what kind of chaos was going on, they remained calm with a huge smile on their face. Even event director, Dawna Stone was walking around congratulating runners and chatting with everyone. I was completely impressed at the personalized feeling and friendly atmosphere of the race organizers. I will definitely do another Women’s Running Magazine events for the great organization and fun atmosphere.

Women's Running Events

Interlopers Run Amok: Guys Crash Road Races for Women

They Come in First, Are Dissed at Finish; For Meeting Fit Females, 'It's Hard to Beat'

Wall Street Journal, Kevin Helliker, 09/20/2010

Ironically, this article was sent to me as I depart for Nashville this week for the Women's Running Magazine Nashville Women's Half Marathon. I registered for this race months ago and had barely checked out the race details or race website before reading this article. When I registered I hadn't given much thought to the fact that this will be a "women's" race in a very literal sense. The goody bag, according to the website, is the ultimate women's goody bag which I have no doubt it will be seeing as how the race is organized by Women's Running Magazine & Martha Stewart's Apprentice winner, Dawna Stone.

Before reading this article I was simply looking forward to exploring Nashville and having a good time running 13.1 miles. Now I'm a little more nervous about the competition as I'm sure there will be some tough chicks out there ready to rock the race. I usually use the guys in front of me as extra motivation. I don't know why but it is a great feeling to close the gap and eventually take over guys out in front of me, especially those who were muscling or elbowing their way in front of me at the starting line. And it's always great to get compliments after the race from incredibly fit guys saying they were trying to catch me and my ponytail. Aside from being a little more nervous about the female competition, I am not sure what to expect at this all women's running events. I hate to say it but in most races, the females I am running alongside or near are not too friendly. The most trash talk on the course and most disrespectful behavior I've witnessed has been committed by women - spitting, intentional flat-tires, running directly in front of me, elbows and just flat out bad attitudes. I do not think I will see this at the upcoming race in Nashville but I'm sure there will be a small percentage of runners at the head of the pack exhibiting some of the typical female behavior that I frequently experience at races. I'll definitely miss the male competition. I'm not sure I understand why men would want to run a race that's geared towards women and deters them from competing but at the same time, why not welcome them into the race?

I'm super excited to be heading to Nashville!

Turnkey Sports Poll - Which endurance sport property has the strongest brand?

While doing research for a paper I came across this Turnkey Sports Poll. I'm not surprised that Boston or NY top the list but I am surprised the Rock 'n 'Roll Marathon Series did not rank higher. If this survey is conducted at the same time next year (August, 2011) I'm sure Rock 'n 'Roll will rank much higher since they've been adding additional events and the series is becoming much more popular. It seems like more elite runners are competing in these events and the growth of their blogs, including the addition of John "The Penguin" Bingham are enhancing the Rock 'n 'Roll brand.

Having recently run a 13.1 Series race, I'm surprised they are an option. These events seem relatively small compared to the other options on this list but since they are advertised as taking place in major cities I can see why they may seem more popular and/or identifiable.

What endurance sports properties are not on this list?

Which of the following endurance sports properties has the strongest brand in the U.S.?

• Boston Marathon - 45%
• ING New York City Marathon - 30%
• Ironman Triathlon - 13%
• Rock’n’Roll Marathon Series - 7%
• Bank of America Chicago Marathon - 2%
• 13.1 Marathon Series - 0%

Running Times Magazine: Road Races Undergo Franchising Boom

Running Times Magazine: Road Races Undergo Franchising Boom

I've run a number of races, from big city to small and everything in between. I love trying out different races and experiencing different events. However, there is always a bit of hesitation and anxiety at races. Will the mile markers be accurate? Will the course have proper and adequate support? Will the expo be manageable, easy to navigate and will it be easy to retrieve my race info? Does the website have enough information and is it accurate? I have run in a couple of races where I felt under prepared due to the disorganization of the race producers. I recently ran a half marathon organized by a reputable company that has a series of events and was completely let down. There was no race day bib pick-up which is totally fine but I had to take a $20 ($40 round trip) cab ride out to this tiny suburb to retrieve my race packet from a small running store. I stayed at the host hotel and none of the staff new about the race. I printed multiple maps where the start line was supposed to be and no one could tell me where it was since it was described as being near a major street with no cross streets or landmarks. It was a point to point course with poor transportation. The post race party was not as advertised and there was zero food or drink besides the recovery food in the tent immediately after I crossed the finish line. As a result of my awful experience with that race production company, I will not run in another one of their events and will even go so far as to deter people from their races due to the frustration and disorganization.

The Rock 'N Roll events are just the opposite. They are extremely organized and make the pre and post-race details worry free. There is enough to worry about just crossing the finish line. It is up to the runner to be prepared and take care of the pre-race details such as packet pick-up, knowing what's on course, etc. but in order to be prepared, runners need to be able to depend on the race organizers and that is what is so great about RNR events. You know what you're getting when you sign up and you can arrive at the starting line knowing you have everything you need to run a good race. I ran the New Orleans Marathon the year before RNR bought it out and it was a great experience but it also lacked some support such as mile markers and clocks on the course. As identified in this article, the New Orleans Track Club couldn't keep up with the growth of the race. Having Competitor Group come in has been a boost to the local community as it increased tourism and helped provide a better race experience for the runners which benefits everyone involved. I love the Rock 'N Roll events and think they do an amazing job putting on great races that attract large crowds of inspiring people.

I love small, locally organized races, and races with unique characteristics but Competitor Group is not taking away those individual traits, they're integrating them into a better event. I will continue to run my local 10k and races on my bucket list but when I'm shooting for a PR or a big race I'll turn to a race producer that's established itself as one of the best and most organized in the industry. Not to mention, one that will keep me entertained while I'm fighting those mental demons at mile 19!

Auto Theft

I tend to keep an extra pair of running shoes and clothes in the car in case I find time to get a run in. These are a main stay in my car and I never go anywhere without an extra pair of sneaks – just in case. I prefer to run from home but many of my running friends are becoming more interested in trail running which means driving to the trail head and leaving the car to head off into the trees. Whether trail running or simply meeting people for a group run, this is the perfect opportunity for thieves. It's tempting bait - a full line of cars in the ideal demographic.

Here are some interesting stats I found about runner demographics:

2008-2009 National Runner Demographics

• Male Long Distance Runners
• Average Age: 45 years old
• 54% are married
• 76% males had 2006 Household income of $75,000 or more
• 80% have college degree.
• 37% have post-graduate degree

• Female Long Distance Runners
• Average age: 39 years old
• 62% are married
• 64% females had 2006 Household income of $75,000 or more
• 79% have college degree.
• 42% have post-graduate degree
• Runners spend $125 billion on health-related goods and services
• 16 million runners have a household income of $75,000 or more.
• Nearly 55% hold a college degree versus the national average of 33%
• In 2007, runners spent $8.5 billion on their sport with $2 billion going to the purchase of footwear.
  

I recently heard about a couple of runner’s who had their cars broken into and now it all makes sense. You may be a good 6-10 miles away from your car while a thief is breaking into your vehicle. And unless you are Kenyan or run a sub 4:00 mile, I don’t think you’re going to be able to catch the bandit. I’ll continue to keep an extra pair of shoes and running gear in the car but I’m not going to hide it under a towel or some other cover to give the allusion there is nothing there. I’ll leave my old, broken in shoes and bright pink running shorts out in the open in the back seat. I’ll be able to catch the thief more easily if I see him/her wearing my hideous shorts.

All joking aside, the real lesson is not to leave ANYTHING in your car if you go on a run. Look around the lots where you park and don’t be an easy target.