The Day After Tomorrow

(Theme from Rocky plays in the background)
And NOW, LIVE, FROM GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN

On this corner, from cities and towns in thirty-six states and three countries, we have nearly 3000 runners.

In the far corners, we have beautiful Michigan fall colors, enthusiastic volunteers, amazing staff and 26.2 miles of the Grand Rapids area.

TWO DAYS...Your preparation meets our preparation in a contest of strength, endurance, and fun.

Like Michael Buffer says..."LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE"

The weekend is here. The weather sounds like reasonable Fall Michigan running weather.

And, as for fall colors--try these:

Green. Our fantastic volunteers. If you see someone in a green volunteer shirt, thank them, give them a high five, make them feel appreciated.

Blue. The blue windshirts are area leaders--aid station captains, lead bikers, people willing to take on some responsibility. If you have a minor concern, see one of these people.

Orange. Medical--Metro Health and Life EMS professionals, hoping you don't have a problem, but there to take great care of you if you do.

Royal Blue. The Royal Blue Brooks team jackets are on some of the most amazing people ever to staff a marathon. If there's a problem see one of the staff members. If there's not a problem, stop and say Hi and give them a hug or something. They deserve it.

Red. The pace teams. Follow them for a great time.

Green. The color your friends will be with envy when they see that big honkin' medal around your neck on Monday morning.
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Minor business items--1. Our race shirt is crimson, and it's a custom color in the long sleeve. Because we had so many more runners than we planned on, we also added a bunch more shirts, but they're navy. They're all Brooks long-sleeved Podium shirts--likely the best running shirt you'll ever wear. Anyway, to make sure that everyone gets a crimson one that wants one, we're offering a free hat to anyone who takes a navy shirt. Just ask when you pick up your race packet.
2. I'm planning on being at the Hideout from 4:30 to 6:00 today if anyone wants to join me for a pre-race weekend microbrew. It's at 3113 Plaza Drive NE, Grand Rapids. Google map it and find your way there.
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We'll see YOU this weekend. YOU'RE GONNA BE AWESOME OUT THERE!

and the adventure continues....
Don Kern
http://www.cooladventures.net/

PRESS RELEASE - PACE TEAMS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Rick Ganzi
Pace Teams Coordinator
Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon
616 393 0076 (Home)
616 403 6397 (Cell)
ricoswan@pol.net

Alan Headbloom
Media Relations Coordinator
Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon
Phone 616 892 3400 (Office)
Phone 989 430 1044 (Cell)
alan@headbloom.com


Donald Kern
Race Director Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon
Phone 616 293 3145 (Cell)
cooladventures@aol.com

Why Run Like the Wind When You can Waddle Like a Flock of Penguins?

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 25 October 2007.

Many marathons offer pace teams to keep runners from running unevenly—sometimes too fast, sometimes too slow. However, the race staff of the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon (GRM) does it differently in a couple of ways.

Instead of offering time increments on a clock—3 hours 10 minutes for an open class Boston qualifier, 3:20, 3:30, etc.—runners in Grand Rapids will have the chance to run marathon times that different celebrities have actually run. Why run a 4:30, when you can run with the GRM 4:29 team and beat Oprah? Why plan just to finish, when you can run with John “The Penguin” Bingham's pace team?

The Celebrity Pace Teams, sponsored by Running Circles, will have 37 runners pacing both the marathon and half marathon this year. Their paces will range from fast (3:14, the finish time of mythical Greek marathoner Pi) to not so fast (4:44, actual finish time of sports writer John Bingham). The pacers are experienced marathoners who will function as coaches, cajolers, motivators, and guardian angels out on the course. For marathoners—especially first-timers, they are a great resource, and runners should plan to use them.

The second way the GRM is different is that the pace crew will start helping runners before the race begins. The most common error made by novice marathoners is going out too fast. Runners who stop at the Pace Team table at the Marathon Expo will receive more than the customary strap-on pace-bands for their wrists. They will answer questions about their training and recent races, find out what constitutes a realistic time goal, and be assured of starting the race at a proper pace. Pace Team captain Rick Ganzi and his Team will be there to discuss all pacing issues to make sure runners are as ready as they can be for race day.

For more information, runners can check out: http://www.grandrapidsmarathon.com/pace_teams.aspx

The Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon looks forward to welcoming runners at the Expo on Saturday. They should feel free to go up and introduce themselves to Dr. Rick, the Pace Team Guy.

The Expo is open from 9:00 to 6:00 on October 27 at the David D. Hunting YMCA. Runners, their families, and friends are all welcome.

Three Days

The Wall!! Dammit! We've been so busy that Ken Lusk, our course guy, once again forgot to put in the wall at mile 20. Too late now. You'll just have to deal with it.

Here's a couple things for you--While you're sipping coffee at your hotel Sunday morning between 6 and 7, you can catch a preview of the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon on ABC affiliate, channel 13, WZZM-TV? Alan Headbloom, our press guy will be giving interesting facts/tidbits and useful information for their early-morning jog through our neighborhoods.

And then, on the drive in, between 7 and 8, catch live coverage of the race on News Radio WOOD 1300 AM.

RACE DAY IS ALMOST HERE!!

After the race, be sure to enjoy the food and hospitality. And, perhaps a beer or two from New Holland Brewing Company.

The top 5 tips for beginners (thanks for the contributions, guys) I sent to Gonzo:

5. Start out slower than you think you should. It's easy to get caught up in the rush. Here in Grand Rapids, we have our Celebrity-Pace Pace Teams to help with that. You join a pace group and shoot for the same time as Oprah, P Diddy, George W, and other famous marathon runners.

4. It still counts if you have to walk part of the course. Most people in the universe will never even THINK of covering 26.2 miles on foot. Crossing the finish line any way you can do it is still a major accomplishment.

3. Lubricate or tape everything that rubs. It'll make those late miles (and the hot shower afterward) feel so much better. Try Sportwax, the official sports lubricant of the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, available at our expo.

2. Learn to identify poison ivy leaves before you head off into the woods for a pit stop.

1. Don't worry! Your toenails will grow back.

Listen to my race week Marathon Minute on marathonminute.com as well, for a little more inspiration. (Or whatever.)

Oh...stop asking me about the weather. You're already on the Internet if you're reading this. Go to woodradio.com. They're a much better weather source than I am.

Can't wait to meet all of you! It's gonna be fun!
and the adventure continues....
Don Kern
www.cooladventures.net

Marathon Expo Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Donald Kern Race DirectorPhone 616 293 3145 cooladventures@aol.com
or
Alan Headbloom Media RelationsPhone 616 892 3400mailto:alan@headbloom.com

Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Expo Offers a Little Bit of Everything
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 23 October 2007.

Runners and casual visitors to the 2007 Grand Rapids Marathon Expo will have lots to browse this Saturday, October 27. Hosted by the David D. Hunting YMCA, the Marathon Expo will offer booths with everything from running gear to wine to information on fitness and local charities.

After picking up their race numbers and goody bags, registered runners will be able to sign up for pace teams, purchase shoes and race apparel, and chat with fellow runners. In addition to the various items for sale, expo visitors will be able to pick up information and sundry give-aways from the merchants and sponsors.

The Expo is open from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM the day before the race. Runners, friends, and family members will be able to check out the following booths.

Grand Rapids Marathon: Packet pick-up, Pace Team sign-up and information

Vendors and Sponsors: ARBONNE International, ASI Photo, Brooks Shoes, Finish Line Wine, Gazelle Sports, Jamark SportWax, Metro Health, Michigan Sports & Fitness, Running Circles, RW Baird, Saturn Cars, West Michigan Sports Commission, 50 States Marathon Club

Charity Organizations: Alternatives in Motion, Girls on the Run, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Metro Health Hospital Foundation, Salvation Army, United Cerebral Palsy

-END-

You've Got Four Days!

WOW! Last night we had our final pre-race staff meeting. I've said it a lot of times, but THESE GUYS ARE GOOD! Everybody seems to be all over their jobs. We're going to have a great weekend. Look for the people in the royal blue Brooks jackets. They're amazing.

John Gonzales (aka Gonzo) is running his first half-marathon with us. He also writes a Top 5 list for the upcoming weekend. Here's the email he sent me:

Here are my Top 5 things to do this weekend, which you will find in The Weekend section of every Thursday's Grand Rapids Press and on TV8.

5. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. What's the Glow-in-the-Dark room and why is Don in there (Ok, he's really not in there, but I bet he would like it!) Check out the Children’s Museum , which offers a lot of cool things for kids. It is located in downtown GR at 22 Sheldon Ave. NE. Admission is $5 for those ages 2 and older. Call 235-4726 for more information or go to grcm.org. 4. Halloween Parades. If you're adventurous and you don't need a lot of sleep, go to Saugatuck for the family costume parade at 4 p.m. Saturday or go to nearby Douglas for the adult costume parade at 10 p.m. Saturday.3. Thriller Chiller Film Festival. The annual festival at Wealthy Theatre begins with a free screening of “Night of the Living Dead” at 3 p.m. Thursday and continues with films all day Friday and Saturday. Visit the web site http://www.thrillerchiller.com/ for more info.
2. “House of Terror,” Halloween Party. This is the ultimate Halloween costume party. Attendees spend lots of money and months working on some of these extreme costumes. The party is Saturday night as The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, in downtown GR. Will anyone dress as Don Kern? Admission is $9.97. Doors open at 7 p.m. You don't have to stay too late. We'll post photos and the winner of the $1,000 prize on our website, www.mlive.com/grpress. 1. Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon. The starting/finish line is the David D. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Dr. Who's up for it? Pick up your packet from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday or as early as 6 a.m. Sunday. The actual marathon and half marathon start is at 8 a.m. Sunday. For more information, including a map of the course or the best place for spectators, go to grandrapidsmarathon.com. Have a great run, everyone! For more details about the events in the Top 5, check out John's column online, http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grpress/john_gonzalez/

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OK, I'm back live now.

Gonz wanted me to email him back a list of the Top 5 Marathon tips for beginners. I'm working on the list, but I know that somewhere in there has to be this one:

Don't worry. Your toenails will grow back.

I'm still working on the other four, John.

The guys tell me that there's a great parking map on the Race Day Info page. You might want to check that out. The Y lot will be closed Sunday morning. If you're staying in a downtown hotel, it's just as easy to walk to the Y from wherever you're staying. Otherwise, check the map.

Some people say these countdown emails get them nervous. Nah! They would have been nervous anyway. Nervous is good. Keeps you focused.

See you Sunday.

and the adventure continues....
Don Kern

FIVE DAYS - It's almost time!

And, speaking of TIME--For all you people in Illinois who are coming over to run with us--Grand Rapids is in the EASTERN time zone. So you'll probably want to reset your watch. And unlike the past years of our event, Daylight Savings Time DOES NOT end this weekend, so once you're on Michigan time, you should be OK.

Want to see some really nice pictures of the course and other places in Grand Rapids? Check out Vickie's Blog at http://vickiesjournals.blogspot.com/ when you get a minute. Also, you might want to check out Mike Zuidema's ramblings at http://blog.mlive.com/benchwarmer/ Spectators?? I'm getting a lot of questions. On the race map in the middle of your program (which you will get at packet pickup) there area several spectator-friendly areas marked. Please consult that map, then when you're here if you have questions, chat with some of the locals and ask them how to get where you want to go. You'll find out GR people are some of the friendliest in the world.

Here's a couple course notes--the course is pretty wide most of the time. We do hit the bike paths for a bit--through Millennium Park from mile 6 - 7 is the first spot. Then at mile 8 for about 3/4 mile. A little more from about 12 - 14. A little bit more between 16 & 17 and between 18 & 20. Stay to the right if you meet oncoming runners. Squeeze in, introduce yourself to some new friends. Try not to run three abreast.

Did I talk about IPods and MP3 players? USATF rules are that they aren't to be used. We have a USATF Sanction because that's how we get our liability insurance. That's about what I'm going to say about that.

Noticing any really pretty graphics? Check out the posters on the front of the web page. Pretty neat, eh? Our graphic design work is done by the Highland Group. Our victorious-runner-in-an-American-maple-leaf logo, brochures, all that other pretty stuff you see is their work. Not only do they do good art work, the REALLY know how to get a project done. gohighlandgroup.com

Is it Tuesday already? I think I hear the theme from Rocky playing off in the distance somewhere.

and the adventure continues....
Don

The Joy of Six

Six Days to the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon.

We ran the course yesterday. Everything looked great. We even had a roving aid station organized by Terence's wife Tina. Nice. Chocolate chip cookies too!!

Today I'm going to download the database and take it over to Joe at Classic Race Management so he can finish assigning numbers.

Which brings me to a story about our packet pickup chair, Kathy Haase--Last year, I sent her the runner list so she could get her staff ready. She sent me back an email, telling me that she had sorted it by race and alphabetically so she could post it for people to look up their numbers.

"WHAT?? I didn't know we even asked RACE on the application! How did you do that? What difference does it make what color anyone is anyway?" She really had me wondering for a minute there.

"NO, YOU IDIOT. By "race" I mean Full Marathon or Half Marathon."

"Oh. Never mind."

And now, a word or two about this weekend. Many of you are going to have questions. On the website, check the FAQ page, the Relay page, or the Race Day Info page. You'll notice something on the Race Day page that you don't usually see at all those other marathons. See if you can figure it out.

and the adventure continues....
Don

TO ALL RELAY RUNNERS

We're closing relay registration! Please get the rest of your relay team members registered.

We have to plan for busses and logistics here to get your people out to the relay points.

Tomorrow we give the bus people the final count.

Couple notes here--On Saturday at the expo, one person will pick up race packets for the entire team. It's just easier that way, so please work as a TEAM and make that happen.

Also, plan to ride the shuttle bus! Most of the course is closed to traffic, so you stand a really good chance of NOT getting to your exchange point if you don't ride the bus. That's OK with me, but the guy who just finished a leg and has to run an extra one might not be all that tickled about it.

All the bus schedules and locations will be in your race packet. Also, there will be a bunch of smart people out there on race day, all of whom will be able to tell you where to go. To get the bus, I mean.

That's all for now.

See you on race day.

and the adventure continues....
Don

Seven Days and Counting

Life is full of adventures.

Since I started running marathons in 1995, my whole world has changed. I found out that if you can run 26.2 miles, you can do most anything. I actually started believing that and signing up for some pretty cool things--marathons in different, far-off countries. I met interesting people, learned cool things, climbed mountains, explored the country.

Life has been good.

NOTHING, however, compares to the feeling I get, standing at the Finish Line on marathon day, welcoming runners of all speeds, shapes and sizes as they finish the marathon. They're doing something big! They're laughing, crying, calling their moms on their cell phones. They're getting wrapped in mylar blankets and getting a medal hung around their necks--a medal that will last long after the soreness has worn off.

They've done something that less than one in a thousand will ever accomplish.

For many of you it will be your first marathon. Your life will never be the same. You will have worked through a long term plan, and accomplished a big goal. What you learn from this will last a lifetime.

One week from today. Thanks for sharing the experience with me.

Today the staff will be running the course. We have to earn our medals too. And we're kinda busy next weekend.

(Once again, I've failed to be funny. I'll try to do better tomorrow.)

and the adventure continues....
Don

Eight Days to the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon

Tomorrow your marathon staff will be running the course in what I like to call our "Dress Rehearsal." Some will run the full, some the half, some will just be out there for a normal weekend run.

It's part of the preparation--making sure everything is just right for all of you. We might have a little wrinkle--it seems they're putting an off ramp near the 13 mile mark, also known as the turnaround spot at the Grandville treatment plant. So there's a possibility we'll adjust the course by a few feet there. Don't worry! We'll add it back on somewhere else! It's all part of the adventure, you know.

I talked to a video guy today. He's going to get a big-screen so we can show you the Kibo Productions video of last year's event at our expo. It's a pretty neat production by my friend Nelsen Petersen of Kibo Productions, and finishers will get a copy of it in the mail. No, it doesn't cost $52.95 or something like that. It's free. Of course if someone would like to sponsor it, I'm cool with making everyone sit through a short commercial on it or something. :-) Even if it's a used car dealer.

Anyway, Nelsen first filmed me on the way up Pikes Peak a few years back. He's also been to the North Pole Marathon where he was waiting with his camera when I crossed the finish line. Nice video work. He's back with us for the third year.

And, you probably noticed the "Metro Health" title on the Grand Rapids Marathon. We have a sports medicine team that's second to none. Our aid stations all have real medical professionals, not just volunteers with crosses on their backs. Now I really don't recommend NEEDING their services, but if you do, I can assure you you're in the best of hands.

Just over a week away! See you all then.

and the adventure continues....
Don

NINE DAYS!!!

Tick, tick, tick....

Where do I park? Where is packet pickup? All these questions, last minute stress. RELAX. It's all really easy. First, you can see the YMCA really easily from US-131. Get off the Pearl Street Exit, go west. It's the big, beautiful building with the big Y on the side of it. (Imagine that.)

The Y parking lot won't be open for race parking, but there are two huge city lots, DASH 7 and DASH 9 on either side of the Y that will provide tons of free parking on the weekend.

Packet pickup is at the Y Saturday at the expo and Sunday before the race.

And now, a word from our the pace team guy, Rick:

Running Circles Celebrity-Pace Pace Teams
Many marathons offer pace teams, but we do it a little bit differently:

First, the paces we offer are not just time increments on a clock. They are the times that different celebrities have actually run. Why run a 4:30, when you can run with our 4:29 team and beat Oprah? Why plan just to finish, when you can run with John "The Penguin" Bingham's pace team?

We will have 37 pacers pacing both the marathon and half marathon. Their paces will range from fast to not so fast (3:14 to 4:44). The pacers are experienced marathoners who will be your coaches, advisors, motivators, and guardian angels on the course. They are a great resource - use them!

But the biggest way we differ from other races is that we will start helping you BEFORE the race. The most common error made by new marathoners is going out too fast. Stop at our table at the expo, and we won't just give you a pace band. We will discuss your training & recent races, help you set realistic goals, and make sure you start the race at your proper pace. We are also there to answer any other questions to make sure you are as ready for race day as you can be. If you'd like to read more, check out: our Pace Team Page

See you at the expo - Dr. Rick, the pace team guy

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OK, I'm back. Be sure to check the FAQ page, the Race Day Info page, and go to marathonminute.com for a bit more info and inspiration.

Go easy this weekend.

and the adventure continues....
Don

TEN DAYS!

You've put in the miles. You've started your taper (whatever that means). You're fit, you're strong, you're amazing.

The countdown clock is down to 9 days and about 23 hours. Last minute preparation is underway.

You should see these people I'm working with.

The staff of the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon is an amazing group. They're creative. They're resourceful. They're smart. They're athletes. If I wanted to conquer the world, these are the people I'd recruit. Collectively they have run more than 400 marathons. They know what they want to see and what kind of experience they want to have, and they set out to give YOU that experience.

They're my friends, and I'm proud of every one of them. You'll like them too, when you're here next Sunday and you see what they're doing just for you.

Look for them in the Royal Blue staff jackets. Give them a handshake or a hug. They're amazing people.

Under 10 days. See you then.

and the adventure continues....
Don

West Michigan Sports Commission Press Release

For Immediate Release Contact: Eric Engelbarts II
(616) 233-3563

GRAND RAPIDS MARATHON REGISTRATION NUMBERS EXPLODE

(Grand Rapids, MI – October 16, 2007) The 2007 Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, which takes place on October 28th, starting at the David D. Hunting YMCA, has been receiving a huge influx of registrations since the overwhelming heat and resulting circumstances of the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon that took place on Sunday, October 7.
The registration numbers for the full and half Grand Rapids Marathon have skyrocketed from 1696 runners to the astounding number of 2239 registered participants from 37 different states in a period of three days. The increase of numbers can be attributed to the cancellation of the Chicago Marathon with 376 of the registered participants coming from Illinois alone. In response to the increase in participation, the Grand Rapids Marathon will increase the number of runners allowed in the race.
As a sponsor of the Grand Rapids Marathon, the West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) is pleased to see many of the participants coming in from other areas to experience what the community has to offer. WMSC Executive Director, Mike Guswiler, indicated “In its fourth year, the Grand Rapids Marathon has seen consistent growth. However, this year was completely unexpected in the amount of new runners registered due to the unfortunate circumstance surrounding the Chicago Marathon just a couple weeks ago. We [WMSC] look forward to providing a warm welcome to all of these new visitors.”
The Grand Rapids Marathon was founded in 2004 as a fun, highly personal, authentic race experience, particularly for runners who value a well-organized, personal experience over the chaotic, crowded fields of “big city” races through “concrete canyons.” This approach has given the race a reputation for course beauty, special runner treats and gracious service to all runners. For more information on participating or volunteering for the Grand Rapids Marathon visit www.grandrapidsmarathon.com or www.westmichigansportscommission.com
The West Michigan Sports Commission’s main goal is to promote Michigan’s West Coast as the premier venue for hosting a diverse level of youth and amateur sporting events, enhancing the economy and quality of life in the region.

Alternatives in Motion Press Release

Press Release October 16, 2007

Alternatives in Motion
201 Matilda NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

Contact:
Matt Chapman mchapman@tapshoe.com
George Ranville georan@alternativesinmotion.org

Phone: (616) 493-2620
Fax: (616) 493-2621


For Immediate Release

Grand Rapids Marathon Helps Local Woman Win Her Fight For Mobility
Lori in her new powerchair from AIM 1

(Grand Rapids, MI) The 2007 Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon is just a few days away but one west Michigan woman is already feeling the positive impact the marathon brings to the community.

In 2004 Lori Working, a 45-year-old Muskegon resident and mother of three, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Lori was robbed of her ability to walk for long distances and became dependant on the care of family and friends to maintain a normal lifestyle. Lori learned to manage her disease until June of 2007 when things got worse. Lori had a relapse in her condition, leaving her with additional brain damage that caused frequent and unexpected episodes of severe dizziness. Driving was out of the question and walking outside of the house was suddenly very dangerous. Lori quickly found herself looking for an alternative way to get around.

That’s when marathon staff member Francine Robinson stepped in to help Lori get the equipment she needed. Robinson knew about Lori’s situation through a family friend and connected her with Alternatives in Motion, a local nonprofit organization that provides wheelchairs for people who don’t qualify for financial assistance.

“Through our involvement with the Grand Rapids Marathon committee we found out about Lori and were able to provide her with a power wheelchair. Without the marathon staff this would not have happened,” said Johnnie Tuitel, Founder and Director of Development for Alternatives in Motion.

Lori is once again able to go outside of her home and participate in the things she loves. “I’m most excited about the opportunity to take my daughter Trick-or-Treating this Halloween. I’m truly blessed as I now have everything I need,” said Working.

The 2007 Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon will take place on Sunday October 28th. Proceeds from the marathon will support several local nonprofit organizations. This is the second year that Alternatives in Motion and the Grand Rapids Marathon have been working together to provide for unmet mobility needs.

Runner Email 15 October 2007

Twelve days, 16 hours. Darn, it's getting pretty close.

Couple of neat things here--

I heard from Howie over at the Grand Rapids Press. Some of the guys over there would like to follow a marathon runner the day of the marathon, from the time he or she wakes up, through the preparation process, out to the starting line, then on the marathon course. Live (or semi live) webcast on MLIVE. Might be interesting. Anyone want to volunteer? I'll send the first few responses I get to Howie, and his people will call your people...

You probably know about Chicago. As a result, we've had to scramble to get a lot more preparations done. Our staff has done their usual great job though, and we'll be ready for you.

The shirts this year are again long sleeve Brooks Podium shirts. They're one of the coolest race shirts in the world. We even had them do a special run for us in CRIMSON, which usually only comes in the short sleeve shirt.

Well, here's where it gets a little crazy. With all the extra registrations, we won't have enough crimson shirts for everyone. We will, however, have some navy ones. SO...if you prefer navy, you're in luck. Might make you look thinner or something? At least that's what my fashion consultant tells me.

You may have noticed that sometimes I try to be funny in these emails. Most of the time it works. Once in a while I might offend someone a little bit. If that happens to you, please accept my apology and know I didn't intend to offend. And if you think I'm funny, well, (Yeah, funny LOOKING, my one daughter would always say.) I appreciate that.

Training opportunities this weekend--the Mercantile Bank Run Through the Rapids at the YMCA downtown this Saturday morning could be fun. 5K & 10K. 9:00 a.m.
Then on Sunday, our staff has what I call our "dress rehearsal" run. Since we're pretty busy on the 28th, we'll run the marathon on the 21st. You're welcome to come out at 8:00 and run part of the course with us. Or meet us at Millennium Park around 8:45, or somewhere out on the course and do a few miles with us. A little company is always appreciated. Don't overdo it though--we want you fresh for marathon day.

12 days, 15 hours and something now!! Tempus fugits, don't you think?

and the adventure continues....
Don

Runner Email 11 October 2007

I know I just sent out an email yesterday, but lots more of you have joined us in the last couple days.

So, I'm getting some interesting questions lately. "Will there be water and Gatorade at the aid stations?" "Will there be portajohns on the course?" "Will I get lost on the course?" (The word "interesting" here might be considered a euphemism for "st*pid", but I'm not committing to that.)

So, let me assure all of you, this is a marathon. It's not put on by rookies. It's put on by marathon runners. It's put on by a whole bunch of people who are here to make your experience the BEST ever. We've got potties. We've got fluids. We've got pasta. We've got an expo. We've got pretty dancing girls.

We love you and care about you. So plan on having a good time. And, before you email in your questions, check out the FAQ and the Race Day Info pages on the website.

Notice the countdown clock on the website. It says 16 days and a few hours and something. It's crunch time. It's taper time.

And now, a word from our sponsor...
Gazelle Sports is offering a $10 coupon for Brooks products and we thought this is the perfect time to buy a shoe or two or some cool Brooks stuff to wear for the marathon. Maybe a new shirt, vest or pair of shorts – you get the idea – it’s time to buy now – Don’t wait until the day before.
http://www.gazellesports.com/GRMCoupon07.aspx
Gazelle also has some pretty cool "In Training" shirts. Go to our Merchandise page and click on the link as well

You should see the race shirts. You're going to love them. And the medals are pretty cool too.

You're going to love this.

and the adventure continues....

Runner Email 10 October 2007

Greetings Runners! Less than three weeks, and it's getting pretty exciting here in Grand Rapids!

First item--I ran the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. (Blog entry at cooladventures.net). It was HOT! Many of you had the same experience. Many of you registered in the last two days as a result. WELCOME TO GRAND RAPIDS!!

So, here's what happened. We hit our cap of 1250 runners last night! That's the full marathon, we still haven't hit our cap of 850 for the half, but we're getting pretty close.

Yesterday I got on the phone with our medals guy and ordered another 400 finisher medals for the full marathon. I.e. we're increasing our cap to 1650.

Now, those of you who have friends who are "on the fence" should probably tell them to get off of it NOW. Otherwise, it might be too late by the end of the week.

OK, that's what I have to say about that. Now on to this weekend...

On Saturday, Ken (the course guy), Francine, and I and probably a few others will meet at the YMCA at 6:30. Probably do about 18 miles or so on the course. On Sunday, Dr. Rick and several others of us will be running up to 20 miles. He's planning on a 5 mile "warmup" run at 7:00, the half-marathon course at 8:00, and then maybe a 2 mile cooldown. Yeah, Rick's a little crazy, but Lance only beat him by about a minute last year at New York, and Rick's out for revenge this year, so his training is relentless.

As for agua on our course, we'll have plenty. (That's water for all you English speakers.) And cooling stations? We have the Grand River running along most of the course. Jump in any time you like. Swim upstream toward the Finish Line if you need to.

See you all shortly.

and the adventure continues....
Don Kern

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Don Kern Grand Rapids Marathon Race Director
Phone 616 293-3145 cooladventure@aol.com

Alan Headbloom Grand Rapids Marathon Media Relations
Phone 616 892 3400 alan@headbloom.com
Grand Rapids Marathon Gains Registrations Following Chicago Heat Wave

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 09 October 2007. On October 7, Chicago sweltered in record-high temperatures and race organizers closed down the second half of the Chicago Marathon, forcing runners to walk the final miles to the finish line. “It was really like just a long training run [instead of a marathon],” said Jenison runner Mickey Marx, a physical therapist who was running his third Chicago Marathon. The unprecedented closure of the race has frustrated many runners who spent 4-6 months and hundreds of miles in training. Marx finished an hour and a half over his goal time of four hours.

All that frustration is good news to Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon (GRM) race director Don Kern. "People are signing up [for the GRM] like crazy, many citing the Chicago Marathon being cut short as their reason for coming. They're not willing to do all that training and then not do an official marathon." Of the 200 registrations which have come in over the past three days, Kern estimates that 150 of them are from runners who never got to finish Chicago. That number represents approximately 15% of the race’s total registration in half a week’s time.

With the rebirth of a marathon in Grand Rapids four years ago, the GRM has had steady growth in its numbers, offering a small-town race with a personalized touch. Its numbers are dwarfed by the size of Chicago’s field of over 30,000, but runners are discovering the ease and charms of a marathon run away from the crowds of Chicago. "Runners are coming to our website, reading the online comments, and wondering why they didn't decide to come here in the first place." Kern noted.

Runners wishing to register for the October 28 race, which is sure to offer temperatures lower than the 88º of last weekend’s run through the Windy City, can be done online at www.grandrapidsmarathon.com.
Don Kern, Race Director may also be contacted by cell phone at 616-293-3145
-END

The Final Jeopardy Answer is...

1. It lasts for hours
2. You get a medal when finish.
3. EVERYBODY respects you in the morning!

Hey Everybody! It's my mom's favorite race director, fresh from a really beautiful and REALLY hilly marathon at Boyne 2 Boyne. I even finished in the top half of my age group, but that's probably because most of the fast guys weren't there.

Training with the staff this weekend--at 7:00 on Saturday, Francine will be leading a group from the Y, probably around 14 or 15 miles. Sunday I'm not sure of yet, but I'll post something later in the week if anyone will be out then.

A few of us are going to Chicago this weekend--Dr. Rick's pacing a 3:50 pace in Chicago, and I'm going along with a couple of our pacers Paul and Christina to pace people to a 5:15 marathon down there.

And, here's a special offer from one of our sponsors, Gazelle Sports:
Keep moving towards the finish line of your training in one of the cool new Grand Rapids Marathon technical training shirts. They come in short sleeve or long sleeve with an award winning design! You can purchase them in any Gazelle Sports location or online here.

Enjoy the cool fall weather. Eat right, train smart. It's MARATHON MONTH. Work your plan. Be amazing!

Oh yeah--the Final Jeopardy question is: "Why is the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon better than sex?"

OK, that's enough for now. See you next week.

and the adventure continues....