Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon 30 December 2009

Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Newsletter 30 December 2009  GLOBAL WARMING CAUSED BY RUNNERS?   You learned it in junior high school.  We breathe in oxygen.  We breathe out carbon dioxide.  That's where the problem starts.   More and more marathons.  More and more runners.  We run, and we breathe hard.  The harder we breathe, the more CO2 we put into the atmosphere.  It's looking like the US will soon have to cut back on marathons, just to keep us from putting all that CO2 into the air.   Or, maybe we should just all plant a tree or two, and keep running.    GOOFY SPONSORS? Dr. Ed Kornoelje, from Metro Health Sports Medicine, is headed south next week to run Goofy's Challenge.  That's a half marathon on Saturday, and a marathon on Sunday at Disney World.  What's cool about that?  Well, when Metro Health started with us back in 2004 (that's right, they've been with us from the beginning) Ed had never run a marathon.  Terence had never run a marathon.  They got involved. They joined the marathon staff.  And, like the Borg, resistance was futile--they have booth been assimilated.  They've both run multiple marathons now.  Terence is an Ironman!    You really need to be careful who you're hanging out with.  You never know what they'll get you into.  Good luck at Disney, Ed!   SPECIAL ON 2010 REGISTRATION ENDS WHEN THE BALL DROPS! While you're making your New Year's Resolutions, you can still register for the 2010 Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon at the 2009 rates!  Maybe if you keep running you'll never get so you look like Dick Clark does lately. Save a couple bucks and register between now and tomorrow night!   FIFTH THIRD RIVER BANK RUN MENTOR PROGRAM STARTS SATURDAY Every year, the Grand Rapids Running Club helps train people for the River Bank Run, which is easily the coolest spring race in Michigan.  Starting on the first Saturday in January at 8:00, John Ball Zoo, we take people from 2-4 miles all the way to 25K before May.  It's a blast, being out there all winter, watching as newer runners set personal distance records nearly every week.  Then on race day, we enjoy running the race together.  We get together for a party later to celebrate.  It's always a great day.    So, if you're not doing anything on Saturday mornings starting in a couple weeks, join us (The lovely Francine is chairing the program again this year!) for a lot of fun on some cold winter mornings.    VIDEO CLIPS of this year's marathon, at http://michiganrunner.tv/2009grandrapids/   PICTURES The pictures are in!!  ASI Photo once again has your pictures ready for you.  CLICK HERE   XS SHIRT UPDATE All of the envelopes with XS shirts have been mailed out.  Currently there are on extras left over.  I may get a couple dozen more, but that's still uncertain.  You'll know as soon as I do.   SOCKS, HATS, EXTRA SHIRTS Extra Red Shirts are available at the BUYSTUFF link.  $20.   Socks, $5.00.  Hats are $10.00.  www.cooladventures.net/buystuff.htm.  Still have a bunch of the 2008 shirts too, if you like.        My Favorite Day of the Week for Running  By Michael Selman   Ah, Monday morning. While most of the world has strong desires of pulling the bedsheets back over its collective head until the day goes away, I eagerly pop out of bed and embrace the day. Monday, you see, is my favorite day of the week to run. All the hard efforts of the weekend are behind me, and Monday is the day I bask in the weekend's accomplishments, and reward myself with a run just for me. I leave my watch at home, and with it, the concerns of anything but the pure joy of running. Monday is the day to smell the roses, count the stars, hear the birds, and run simply because I can. But then, there's Tuesday. And Tuesday is possibly my favorite day of the week to run. My legs are fresh from the easy run the day before, and I look forward to running a little bit faster, and capturing each split on my watch. It's too dark to see my times as I pass each landmark, but I try to gauge my pace by how I feel, and play a little game to see how close I can actually come to the actual time once I'm back inside. Some days, I know myself really well, and other days, I'm way off the mark. Tuesday is a day to see how well I know myself, and to learn how well I am doing at that task. Then, there is Wednesday. This is undoubtedly my favorite day of the week to run. For starters, I sleep about an hour and a half later, because Wednesday is my track workout, and it's the one day a week I run after work. The warm fuzzies of the day actually start the night before, when I adjust my alarm accordingly. The whole day has a different feel to it. It's the only day that the run is ahead of me rather than behind me as I go through my work day, and the anticipation of the run somewhat distracts me. On Wednesday, I pack a bag so I can change right after work, and bring an insulated jug that I fill with ice and water just before heading to the track. Wednesday, I have a very specific task to do, right down to the second, and the meter. I am acutely aware of my progress every minute of the workout, and adjust accordingly if a little tweaking is needed. Wednesday is a day to be an athlete, and to hopefully see gradual improvement from one week to the next. But Thursday is, in a funny kind of way, possibly my favorite day of the week for running. The irony is that on Thursdays, I don't run at all. That's the day I give myself the gift of recovery and the hope of longevity. It's a second consecutive day that I sleep later, knowing that I am rewarding my body for pulling me through the accomplishments of the past three days, and giving it a break in preparation for the next three days. It's not that the temptation isn't there to run. It is, but common sense says to rest. Thursday is a day to be smart and logical. Even a runner can do that once a week. On Friday, I wake up early, and hungry for running again. After starving myself the day before, I am ready to feast. I think that this may very well make Friday my favorite day of the week for running. But Friday is a day of control, and I have to temper the hunger. I know that I have a tough weekend ahead of me, and I need to be sure I go into it well rested and well prepared. Friday is much like Monday in the nature of the run, but very different in its purpose. Thursday runs, in similar fashion to Monday runs, are mindful, watchless runs, but my mind wanders in a different kind of way. It looks to the immediate future, rather than the past. Friday runs wonder what the next Monday retrospections are going to look like. Friday is a day of hope and dreams of future accomplishments. Saturdays don't require an alarm to get me moving. I am so eager for Saturday to come that I sometimes hardly sleep the night before. Saturday must be my favorite day of the week for running. As George Sheehan expressed it best, Saturday is the lovemaking of running itself. Saturday, I race, and thus give a deeper purpose for all the other days of the running week. Saturday is, at the same time, the most serious work, and the most lighthearted play of the week. Saturday is competition and communion; a day of trying to distance myself from my best friends, in the most literal of ways, hoping to leave them behind me only until the handshake once the race is over. Saturday is a day of challenge and camaraderie. It is a day for being the fastest I can be, and being the best I can be. Sundays incorporate a change of venue, a change of scenery, and a change of purpose. I love the modifications. They make Sunday my favorite day of the week for running. I usually drive down to the dirt path by the river, and either run with friends, or meet with a group. On Sundays, I almost never run alone. Sunday is not just about running, but it's about visiting in a way that can only be done on a longer slower run. Eight, or ten, 12 or 20 miles go by in a flash, and when it's over, whomever I'm running with always shares my amazement about what we've just accomplished and how easily done it was. That goes for the conversation as well as the run. So there you have it. The cycle is completed, and then starts anew. Monday rolls around again, and I'm ready for another loop of the course. Just like most every run I do, each week brings me back to where I started, only a bit better off for having done it. And it brings me to a better understanding of the fact that, in actuality, I don't have a favorite day for running. Each day is my favorite in its own unique way.         Hey, the super-secret underground Boot Camp is running every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00 a.m.  So far, it's going well.  We even found a great place or two to do hill work out of the weather.  Want to try a couple free sessions?  Email me with the subject line "Boot Camp"     More info at www.cooladventures.net/bootcamp.htm   2010 Is Upon Us    Or we're upon 2010, I never know which.  It's going to be a great year though.  While you're thinking of it, grab a copy of "The Bucket List" movie and watch it.  It's fun to watch and inspirational. Then sit down and make a list of the things YOU want to do/have/be/experience.  Pick something off the list and SIGN UP FOR IT.  Your brain will fill in the details after you've committed yourself.    Central Michigan University, my Alma Mater, is in the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Alabama next Wednesday.  There's a marathon in Jackson, Mississippi on Saturday.  There are a couple states in the area where I haven't climbed the high points or collected beer glasses.  Hmmm.....  Guess what I'm doing the biggest part of next week.  Sounds like another installment of Marathons, Mountains and Microbrews.   See you in October at the FINISH LINE!   and the adventure continues.... Don Kern Race Director, Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon   P.S.  If you want to respond to this newsletter, change the subject line so I don't just end up thinking it's a bounce notice or something.  Thanks!  In This Issue My Favorite Day of the Week for Running Marathon Adventures Boot Camp Our Sponsors The Calendar Quick Links Register Now Buy Stuff More About Us Our Sponsors     TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Gazelle Sports Training Programs    Marathon Adventures Boot Camp     Grand Rapids Marathon Mentor Program And now...a word from our SPONSORS!   Metro Health Sports Medicine   Gazelle Sports   Highland Group   Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith   Bagel Beanery   West Michigan Sports Commission   Brooks Sports   R.W. Baird Investments   Wright Sock   Gordon Water   Pepsi Bottling of West Michigan   Wright Chiropractic   My Way Mobile Storage     The Schedule   September 2010 20 Mile Training Run hosted by Gazelle Sports   October 16th 2010  9 - 6 Health & Fitness Expo and Packet Pickup at the David D Hunting YMCA   October 16th 2010  Bagel Beanery Kids Marathon Final 1.2 miles at 1:00 pm   October 17th 2010 Seventh Annual Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay        LIFETIME RUNNER Enter Once, Run Forever! You can enter the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon for LIFE. For $725, you get to enter the full or the half marathon for as long as we're still in business!    You'll get a permanent number, some extra swag, and the adoration of your fellow runners. If you've already registered for this year but would like to upgrade, we can make that work too--just email me and we'll get it figured out.   Where are the awards?    At the Grand Rapids Store: Abby Geurink Amy Corrigan Andye Raxmus Barb Hale Brad Remenak Bradley Clark Brent Malaski Carol Pitchford Carrie Kutzli David Sandberg Diane Boehlke Drew Afton Gabriela Cermak Hannan Pohly Heidi Gibbons Jack Carson Jimi Minnema John Acterhof Kevin Sweeney Kip Carle Laurie Haller Lorraine Miles Melissa Currie Mike Muraski Robyn Arp Sarah Boerma Thomas Marmon Tom Poet TEAMS Stuart Family 1 State Flipcup Champs Team Harbor Ada Christian School Behr Suite B Team Nutrilite At the Holland Store: Anne Hemingway Darla Brown David Mart David Vandermeer Emily Ballard Harry Tellman Jim Fredricks At the Kalamazoo Store: Bonnie Sexton Brian Dobbie Christine Gaudard Ed Strong James Webber Jill Corstange Laurie Swaney Michael Boulter   The rest have been mailed!

 

Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon 23 November 2009

Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Newsletter 23 November 2009  THANKS and GIVING   It's a great time of year.  Lately a lot of people have been posting daily "Thankful" notes on Facebook.  I like it.  Personally, I have LOTS to be thankful for.  You probably know that already.   Life is fun--the lovely Francine and I spent last weekend in and around Richmond, VA, where we ran the Suntrust Marathon.  We also spent lots of time with my uncle, aunt, and cousins.  Nice catching up.  My 186th marathon.    Most of us as runners can be thankful.  We have goals.  We have great health.  We have great friends.  We have great attitudes.  Thanksgiving is a pretty meaningful time.   But how many of us focus on the second half of the word?  The GIVING part.  It's one of the best parts of the marathon, and some of the MOST SATISFYING parts of life!   This year, runners of the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon raised nearly $100,000 for charities in conjunction with their running efforts.  WOW!  And the marathon also has been able to contribute nearly $15,000 to charities as well, including the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, many of our aid station groups, Alternatives in Motion, and several others.    We're runners.  We're thankful for our blessings.  We give to help others.  The true meaning of THANKSGIVING!   BOOTCAMP! We're starting a new Boot Camp session on Dec 1.  Check the story below!   BAREFOOT RUNNING? Hey, you notice lately that more people are running barefoot, or wearing those Vibram five-finger footwear things that they sell at Gazelle Sports?  Well, Jason Robillard, a guy I met recently is holding a clinic starting Dec 2 on barefoot and minimalist shoe running.  That's about what I know about it, but if you want to check it out, go here.    VIDEO CLIPS of this year's marathon, at http://michiganrunner.tv/2009grandrapids/   PICTURES The pictures are in!!  ASI Photo once again has your pictures ready for you.  CLICK HERE   SHIRT EXCHANGE There are a few shirts for exchange at the Gazelle Sports store in Grand Rapids.  You can go in there and exchange if you like.  THERE ARE NO XS SHIRTS LEFT.  I'm ordering more, however for those who didn't get a shirt.  They're backordered.  I'm lobbying Brooks as much as I can to get them.   SOCKS, HATS, EXTRA SHIRTS Extra Red Shirts are available at the BUYSTUFF link.  (Give me until tomorrow morning to get these on there!!)  $20   Socks, $5.00.  Hats are $10.00.  We'll have some available on the web shortly at www.cooladventures.net/buystuff.htm.  Still have a bunch of the 2008 shirts too, if you like.      XS SHIRTS   The XS shirts - the red shirts are backordered until February.  I can get black ones though, same style, same screen printing.  So, that's what's happening.  I should have them within a couple weeks. Meet Brandi Cole    I'm on the board of directors of Alternatives in Motion, a Grand Rapids based charity which provides wheel chairs for people who aren't covered by insurance.  Last week we had a great opportunity I want to share with all of you.  This story is written by Matt Chapman.   Meet Brandi   12-year-old Brandi Cole is a sixth-grader at Dowagiac Middle School who was born with cerebral palsy and uses a power wheelchair to get around. Two days before school started her wheelchair broke down leaving her stranded. An unexpected delay in repairing her chair left friends, family, and staff pushing Brandi around in a manual wheelchair for 10 weeks, robbing her of the independence every 12-year-old desires. That all changed on Friday November 13, 2009. Surrounded by her family and some wonderful people from the school, Brandi was placed in a nearly new power wheelchair from Alternatives in Motion. For Brandi it was a dream come true, no longer would she have to rely on someone to push her around. For the family and friends who care so much about her, the new chair brought a sigh of relief and an end to their 10-week mobility struggle. Two days prior we received a call from Kimberly Linton, Brandi's physical therapist. Kimberly was devastated by the delay in repairing Brandi's chair  and didn't know what else to do. After talking to several organizations Kimberly was finally referred to Alternatives in Motion and we committed to solving the problem. First thing Thursday morning we identified a chair we thought would work for Brandi. We did an immediate clean up of the chair, batteries were replaced, old seating was taken out, and everything was adjusted to the smallest setting. By 4:30p.m. Thursday afternoon we were confident the chair would work. George made the phone call to Kimberly and we left for Dowiagiac at 5:50a.m. the next morning. We greeted Brandi and her entourage in the main office of the school and watched her eyes light up as we brought in the new chair. Kimberly placed Brandi in the chair and Matt went to work making the final adjustments. 30 minutes later Brandi took her new chair for a test drive and was cruising down the hallways. She couldn't stop smiling. This special day would not have been possible if it wasn't for  Kimberly and the staff at Dowagiac Middle School who went the extra mile to make sure Brandi had the mobility and independence she deserved.   For more of the story, check out the rest of our newsletter and watch the video.  CLICK HERE    HEY MATT! I'd also say it wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of great people like you, Johnnie, George, and Liz.  And also without the support of those who sponsor Alternatives in Motion.  It's all about people making a difference for other people.  You can join Alternatives in Motion and help make that difference too.  Check it out!            SPECIAL FREE PREVIEW SESSION - THIS FRIDAY 5:30 a.m. See if you like it.  Meet at the corner of Market Street and Fulton.  We'll have a special introductory session, discuss the schedule, figure out if we want to start at 5, 5:15, or 5:30. Join Jim, Craig, and me and work off a little of that extra food you consumed on Thursday.    The next session--a super-secret "Underground Bootcamp" to take us through the winter.  We'll be training in out of the weather in the pre-traffic early mornings.  Hill work in the parking ramps.  Fun times in the Grand Rapids underground with personal trainer Jim Patch, along with his trusty sidekick, (me) on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting on December 1.  26 scheduled sessions, plus bonus sessions.  It's only $250 for a winter of adventure and fitness!  More info at www.cooladventures.net/bootcamp.htm   THANKFUL!    Once again, a nice marathon. 38 states on my second time around. Collected a beer glass (that's 33 states). Enjoyed family. Adventures abound in a runner's life.  And friends.  I'm totally thankful going into this Thanksgiving week.      Cleaning house, getting ready for my family to invade on Thursday.  Good times with my girls (three granddaughters), my kids, and my family (real or adopted).  Lots of opportunities for thanks.  And lots for giving!   and the adventure continues.... Don Kern Race Director, Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon   P.S.  If you want to respond to this newsletter, change the subject line so I don't just end up thinking it's a bounce notice or something.  Thanks!  In This Issue Our Sponsors The Calendar Quick Links Register Now Buy Stuff More About Us Our Sponsors     TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Gazelle Sports Training Programs    Marathon Adventures Boot Camp And now...a word from our SPONSORS!   Metro Health Sports Medicine   Gazelle Sports   Highland Group   Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith   Bagel Beanery   West Michigan Sports Commission   Brooks Sports   R.W. Baird Investments   Wright Sock   Gordon Water   Pepsi Bottling of West Michigan   Wright Chiropractic   My Way Mobile Storage     The Schedule   September 2010 20 Mile Training Run hosted by Gazelle Sports   October 16th 2010  9 - 6 Health & Fitness Expo and Packet Pickup at the David D Hunting YMCA   October 16th 2010  Bagel Beanery Kids Marathon Final 1.2 miles at 1:00 pm   October 17th 2010 Seventh Annual Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay        LIFETIME RUNNER Enter Once, Run Forever! You can enter the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon for LIFE. For $725, you get to enter the full or the half marathon for as long as we're still in business!    You'll get a permanent number, some extra swag, and the adoration of your fellow runners. If you've already registered for this year but would like to upgrade, we can make that work too--just email me and we'll get it figured out.   Where are the awards?    At the Grand Rapids Store: Abby Geurink Amy Corrigan Andye Raxmus Barb Hale Brad Remenak Bradley Clark Brent Malaski Carol Pitchford Carrie Kutzli David Sandberg Diane Boehlke Drew Afton Gabriela Cermak Hannan Pohly Heidi Gibbons Jack Carson Jimi Minnema John Acterhof Kevin Sweeney Kip Carle Laurie Haller Lorraine Miles Melissa Currie Mike Muraski Robyn Arp Sarah Boerma Thomas Marmon Tom Poet TEAMS Stuart Family 1 State Flipcup Champs Team Harbor Ada Christian School Behr Suite B Team Nutrilite At the Holland Store: Anne Hemingway Darla Brown David Mart David Vandermeer Emily Ballard Harry Tellman Jim Fredricks At the Kalamazoo Store: Bonnie Sexton Brian Dobbie Christine Gaudard Ed Strong James Webber Jill Corstange Laurie Swaney Michael Boulter   The rest have been mailed!    Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon | PO Box 1041 | Grand Rapids | MI | 49501

 

Newsletter 9 November 2009

Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Newsletter Sponsored by Sportwax 9 November 2009  Stuff Sneaks Up on You.   So, during the build up to the 2009 Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, something surprising happens.  President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. Of course, I was busy working on the marathon and didn't watch the news, which left me totally in the dark about WHY.  I'm not getting into politics here--maybe it was totally deserved, maybe it wasn't.  There are people who figure out that stuff.  I'm not one of them.  (I did see a pretty interesting theory though.)   So, I'm thinking a couple days ago, I'll never win a Nobel prize.  Even in my most testerone-inspired delusional visions of grandeur, I wouldn't imagine such a thing.  Then yesterday I checked my email.    Subject:  Your Nobel Prize Nomination   Hi Don! Thought you'd be interested in seeing this! Happy running! CLICK      Yeah, I know.  It's all baloney anyway, but I think I love this girl.  I'm honored, humbled, and thankful.    OK, I also have a policy--you can rest on your laurels for about 5 minutes, then it's time to get back to work and do something.  Here's what I did yesterday.    I delivered all of the age group medals for local runners to Gazelle Sports.  For out of town people, I put the rest in the mail this morning.  Which Gazelle Sports, you ask?  See the list at the bottom right column of this newsletter.  The ones for Gazelle in Holland and Kalamazoo should be there on Tuesday.   PICTURES The pictures are in!!  ASI Photo once again has your pictures ready for you.  CLICK HERE     AWARDS See the discussion above and the list below!   SHIRT EXCHANGE There are a few shirts for exchange at the Gazelle Sports store in Grand Rapids.  You can go in there and exchange if you like.  THERE ARE NO XS SHIRTS LEFT.  I'm ordering more, however for those who didn't get a shirt.  They're backordered.  I'm lobbying Brooks as much as I can to get them.   SOCKS, HATS, EXTRA SHIRTS Extra Red Shirts are available at the BUYSTUFF link.  (Give me until tomorrow morning to get these on there!!)  $20   Socks, $5.00.  Hats are $10.00.  We'll have some available on the web shortly at www.cooladventures.net/buystuff.htm.  Still have a bunch of the 2008 shirts too, if you like.    Feedback Welcomed! Lots of people have sent me comments, most of them praising the event.  A few (VERY FEW) sent suggestions for possible improvement.  We're ALWAYS happy to hear those things--they help us to improve for next year.  (In fact, the staff always comes up with a lot of ideas.  We're our own worst critics.)  Feel free to share any ideas you have.  We'd love to have your feedback.   XS SHIRTS   The XS shirts - I know you're waiting.  I'm working on it.  Still working with Brooks to get them.  They're backordered.  Hang in there!! Congrats from Ours Sponsor, and a Little Bit of Follow-Up  by Dr. Ed Kornoelje  Let me be (hopefully) just another person saying "congratulations" after your race.  It has been over 2 weeks, and some of you are wondering what to do next.  Here are a few things to keep in mind after a long race. Some rest from heavy training is needed after any race-the longer the race the greater the time.  After a half or full marathon, 4-6 weeks is good.  After a few days of complete rest, it is OK to start to do 20-30 minutes of light cardio work, 2-3 times a week.  Push-ups, sit-ups, and light weight training are OK too.  What if you have some pain and it persists?  It is not unusual to have some muscle or bone pain after a race.  This should have improved quite a bit by now.  If pain is still there and it localizes to one area, consider seeing a physician.     When can you race again?  After a half or full marathon, 3-4 months is appropriate, (except if you are "Marathon Don"!).  Muscle regeneration continues to occur for many weeks after an event like this.  Racing too quickly can damage muscles that are still healing, causing pain, limiting performance, and setting you up for other injuries.  Running a shorter race (5K) is OK as part of your 20-30 minutes of light recovery. Finally, do it again.  If this was your first long race, great!  Take a break, then sign up for another one.  If it is not your first race, keep going.  When done correctly, running has many health benefits, and is a wonderful lifetime sport.  If you have questions, persistent pain, or would like stay active over the holidays (always a good idea), I will be at Gazelle Sports in GR on Tuesday November 10 at 7 PM for our monthly Metro Health Injury Clinic.  We can discuss injuries (both specific to you, or in a generic sense), training, or anything else on your mind.  You are welcome to bring family members or friends as well-high school cross country will have just wrapped up-any runner or walker is welcome.   Have a great run! Ed Kornoelje DO Medical Director of the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon           The next session--a super-secret "Underground Bootcamp" to take us through the winter.  We'll be training in out of the weather in the pre-traffic early mornings.  Hill work in the parking ramps.  Fun times in the Grand Rapids underground with personal trainer Jim Patch, along with his trusty sidekick, (me) on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting on December 1.  26 scheduled sessions, plus bonus sessions.  It's only $250 for a winter of adventure and fitness!  More info at www.cooladventures.net/bootcamp.htm   Hey!     The lovely Francine and I are off to Richmond, VA for the marathon there this weekend.  Also get to visit aunts & uncles and cousins while I'm there.  I've not often seen Uncles Ronnie and Jim and my dad all together, but when I have, it's been PRETTY FUNNY.  They were raised in the mountains of western Virginia, and the way they tell about their antics while growing up is a blast.  Can't wait for this weekend.   Did you read Dr. Ed's article above.  Check out the bold print--and go to the seminar tomorrow night!    and the adventure continues.... Don Kern Race Director, Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon   P.S.  If you want to respond to this newsletter, change the subject line so I don't just end up thinking it's a bounce notice or something.  Thanks!  In This Issue Our Sponsors The Calendar Quick Links Register Now Buy Stuff More About Us Our Sponsors This newsletter sponsored by: Prevents chafing, promotes healing. A must for EVERY athlete!     TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Gazelle Sports Training Programs    Marathon Adventures Boot Camp And now...a word from our SPONSORS!   Metro Health Sports Medicine   Gazelle Sports   Highland Group   Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith   Bagel Beanery   West Michigan Sports Commission   Brooks Sports   R.W. Baird Investments   Wright Sock   Gordon Water   Pepsi Bottling of West Michigan   Wright Chiropractic   My Way Mobile Storage     The Schedule   September 2010 20 Mile Training Run hosted by Gazelle Sports   October 16th 2010  9 - 6 Health & Fitness Expo and Packet Pickup at the David D Hunting YMCA   October 16th 2010  Bagel Beanery Kids Marathon Final 1.2 miles at 1:00 pm   October 17th 2010 Seventh Annual Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay        LIFETIME RUNNER Enter Once, Run Forever! You can enter the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon for LIFE. For $725, you get to enter the full or the half marathon for as long as we're still in business!    You'll get a permanent number, some extra swag, and the adoration of your fellow runners. If you've already registered for this year but would like to upgrade, we can make that work too--just email me and we'll get it figured out.   Where are the awards?    At the Grand Rapids Store: Abby Geurink Amy Corrigan Andye Raxmus Barb Hale Brad Remenak Bradley Clark Brent Malaski Carol Pitchford Carrie Kutzli David Sandberg Diane Boehlke Drew Afton Gabriela Cermak Hannan Pohly Heidi Gibbons Jack Carson Jimi Minnema John Acterhof Kevin Sweeney Kip Carle Laurie Haller Lorraine Miles Melissa Currie Mike Muraski Robyn Arp Sarah Boerma Thomas Marmon Tom Poet TEAMS Stuart Family 1 State Flipcup Champs Team Harbor Ada Christian School Behr Suite B Team Nutrilite At the Holland Store: Anne Hemingway Darla Brown David Mart David Vandermeer Emily Ballard Harry Tellman Jim Fredricks At the Kalamazoo Store: Bonnie Sexton Brian Dobbie Christine Gaudard Ed Strong James Webber Jill Corstange Laurie Swaney Michael Boulter   The rest have been mailed!