9 Days to Go!!

9 Days to Go!!
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DO THIS TOMORROW::Run Thru the Rapids. It's a great warmup run. And it's supposed to be a beautiful day too! Runthrutherapids.com
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Now, let's talk about one of my favorite things--Parking. Ah! I remember in my youth, when I would pretend to run out of gas....

KNOCK IT OFF DON, TALK ABOUT RACE PARKING!!!

Oh.

Someone asked me about parking in the YMCA lot. Here's the short answer to that: NO! Even if you're a member!

That lot is for people who are working out at the Y.

There's good news though--Across the street from the YMCA to the east and to the west are two MASSIVE public parking lots.

Something else--if you're northbound on US-131 and get off the Pearl Street Exit, instead of turning left at the bottom of the ramp, go straight through to the next street (Bridge) and turn left. Drive under the freeway and either turn left on Mt. Vernon or on Seward to access Dash 7 or Dash 9 parking lots. It'll save you waiting in traffic for quite a few minutes.

Also, if you're staying in one of the downtown hotels, don't even drive to the race site--it's a real easy walk and a ton less hassle.


Ontario 108. Indiana 103. Ontario is still fighting them off. Can Canada get enough people to make me sing O! Canada at the starting line?

Update on the Paul McMullen article
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Yesterday you read a really inspirational piece by Paul here--however, while I was being really inspired I failed to notice that he had a typo on the race time--it really starts at 8:00.

Of course, he could just have figured on giving you all an hour head start. No, that probably wasn't it.


Spirit of the Marathon to play on Race Weekend!

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By special arrangement with Celebration! Cinema , we will be presenting Spirit of the Marathon for two viewings on race weekend

Fri. Oct. 17: 7:30 pm
Sat. Oct. 18: 3:00 pm

Both shows at Celebration! Cinema North at Knapp Corners. You can get tickets online, or at the theatre.


Psst.. Hey Buddy. Wanna buy a hat?
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They're quite washable with a crushable bill. So you don't have to worry about them going through the washer and dryer. You might want to make sure you close the Velcro closure at the back though, so it doesn't hook onto one of your technical shirts or something.

Only ten bucks, plus $2 in shipping. Click here to order

Where's the Love???
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You probably figured I get a little good-natured guff from people from time to time. Here's an email I got a couple days ago:


I have enjoyed this newsletter since I signed up for the race but... Where is the love?!? You've got up to 1100 people signed up for the half marathon that are getting these emails and all that we read about is the marathon. Granted, our accomplishment will be half that of the marathoners' but to some of us 13.1 is a very big deal. In my particular case (and I'm sure that I'm not alone) the 19th will either be the pinnacle of my running career or a springboard to a marathon next summer. See you at the race, Chris S.

Well...Chris has a point.

I watched an episode of the Simpsons once (probably the only one I've ever watched in its entirety) about medical marijuana. "The doctor said it's a gateway drug." Homer said. Maybe the half-marathon is like that. We lure you in and get you hooked! Then we move you up to something even more addicting!!

Many of you are trying 13.1 for the first time ever. Some are doing one leg of a relay and it's the farthest you've ever run. And I'm no less impressed than with those who do the 26.2. You're all awesome!! And we'll treat you that way all weekend!

But I need to warn you though--you just might get hooked.


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Slight correction--the volunteers at Steelcase stuffing the race packets aren't just retired ladies. They're retired gentlemen as well!!

Want a sneak peak at the medal? http://flickr.com/photos/rudymalmquist/

I think it'll look good on you.

See you in NINE!

and the adventure continues....

Don Kern
Race Director