Thursday, October 8, 2009

The Final Countdown BEGINS


2009 GRM Banner
Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Newsletter
Sponsored by Sportwax
8 October 2009  --- The Final Countdown Begins!
TEN DAYS!!!  
 
It's physical.  It's emotional.  It's a life-changing experience.  And it's all about YOU!  Everything is coming together.  The finish line, the course, the volunteers, the portajohns, the YMCA!  We're almost ready for you!
 
AND
 
YOU are almost ready too!  That last little bit of training.  A nice, but not too long run this weekend.  Your preparation is coming together.  You're strong.  You're fast.  You're good looking.
 
CHECK THE FAQ, THE COURSE MAP, AND THE RACE DAY INSTRUCTIONS ON THE WEBSITE!!
If a runner falls in the forest and there's no one around to hear him, does he make a noise?
Is there anything special I should bring along for the race director?
What color are the shirts? 
Where can spectators go on the course?
 
These and many other (mostly relevant) questions can be answered at grandrapidsmarathon.com
 
 
RUNNING THIS WEEKEND
Terence is running the half-marathon course on Saturday at 7:30 with a few others if you want to run 13.  There are a couple options that will cut it down to 10 or less if you want.
 
Or, one of my favorites:
 
RUN THRU THE RAPIDS
The David D Hunting YMCA is the venue for our expo as well as the start & finish of the marathon.  We're excited to be there another year. Something else you might like to know:  38 years ago, the YMCA service club started a marathon.  Over the years, it changed venues, changed distances, the old guys got older and died (which old guys will do sometimes) and the younger guys have taken over.  And this year is the 39th year they've put on a race.  It's a 5K and 10K now, and it's coming up on Saturday the 10th. 
 
Now, you should be in your taper by that time, so a nice 10K tempo run up and down the banks of the Grand River is probably just about what you need that day.  Plus, the race supports Camp Manitou-Lin, the YMCA camp just south of Grand Rapids.  So, come out and run, get familiar with the YMCA, and have a great time.
 
Sign up at http://runthrutherapids.com All proceeds go to support YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin
 
EVERY STRIDE 5K & 10K AND the Nike Human Race
 
It's not only the Nike Human Race, and the Every Stride 5K & 10K!  It's our post-race party!  After a 5-day cooldown period following the marathon, join us out at Candlestone Golf & Resort for a great time.  Wear your marathon gear, share your "war stories" and celebrate!  Check it out at www.mirunning.com  for more info.  YOU CAN ALSO VOLUNTEER TO HELP if you like.
 
Plus, wear your marathon stuff--shirt, hat, socks, whatever, and get into a free drawing for one of two free entries to our 2010 marathon! 
 
 
And now, for your reading enjoyment....
 
Here's something cool--the man known as Dr. Pickle Juice, also the founder of the world's only Celebrity-Pace Pace Team, is featured in an article that you might like.  Click here
 
Off to Niagara Falls 
 
The lovely Francine and I are off to Niagara Falls where her oldest daughter Rachel is getting married this weekend.  Now is my chance to jump in Lake Ontario and complete my quest to swim in all five of the Great Lakes.   
 
Can't wait to see you all 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
Our Sponsors
The Calendar
Quick Links
This newsletter sponsored by:
Sportwax logo
 
 
TRAINING
And now...a word from our SPONSORS!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pepsi Bottling of West Michigan
 
 
 
 
The Schedule
 
September 26th
20 Mile Training Run hosted by Gazelle Sports
 
October 17th 9 - 6
Health & Fitness Expo and Packet Pickup at the David D Hunting YMCA
 
October 17th Bagel Beanery Kids Marathon
Final 1.2 miles at 1:00 pm
 
October 18th Sixth Annual Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay 
 
October 24th
Every Stride 5K/10K, and Metro Health Marathon Post-Race Celebration at Candlestone Golf & Resort
 
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.
 
Wendy's 
Buy One
Get One Free Chili
Buy One Get one free chili at most West Michigan Wendy's on Tuesdays.

Wendy's chili is a great healthy fast food option:
Large chili
*280 calories, 9grams of fat, 21 grams of protein

 
*Wendy's will be giving out complimentary chili to GR marathon racers.  Stop by our booth after you finish the race!
A LIMITED TIME OFFER
Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon | PO Box 1041 | Grand Rapids | MI | 49501

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Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon

www.grandrapidsmarathon.com Don Kern, Race Director - cooladventures@aol.com 616 293 3145