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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
Friday, October 19, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
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.
(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.
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.
Monday, October 15, 2007
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
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
Thursday, October 11, 2007
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....
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....
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
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 88ยบ 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
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 88ยบ 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
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
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....
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....
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Runner Email 25 September 2007
It's FALL!! Still feels like summer, but we're getting a few leaves on the road and some pretty colors on the trees.
THANK YOU for coming out for our 20 mile (or thereabouts) training run on Saturday. We had around 120 people out running on the course. Nice job by our web-guy/start-finish line coordinator Rudy Malmquist, who took the lead on organizing the event along with the Gazelle Sports guys.
In case you're wondering, right now we have 868 people in the full and 547 in the half. We've got 20 relay teams too! And our kids marathon has about 400 kids!
Training opportunities this weekend--on Saturday, check out the half-marathon in Holland called Park2Park. Nice course, nice people. Info at http://www.neighborsplus.org/Park2Park2007.htm. And on Sunday, Dr. Rick & company will be at the YMCA at 7:15 for a 4 mile warmup run, then run the half marathon course at 8:00.
Meanwhile I'll be up by Petoskey, running the inaugural Boyne to Boyne marathon this weekend. I hear they have lots more hills than we have.
Plans are coming together well. Volunteers are coming in, stuff is being accumulated, runners are putting in their miles, and the finish line beer from New Holland is aging in the kegs.
If you're new to these emails, you might not know about marathonminute.com yet. Now you do. Check it out for your weekly motivation.
Step inside the YMCA sometime and you'll see the START / FINISH banner hanging up across the lobby. Imagine yourself running under it on race day. Picture your mom being proud of you, your friends being envious, your co-workers putting pictures of you on the bulletin board. We're just over a month out! You're getting ready for your last few long runs. You're gonna be awesome out there!
and the adventure continues....
Don
THANK YOU for coming out for our 20 mile (or thereabouts) training run on Saturday. We had around 120 people out running on the course. Nice job by our web-guy/start-finish line coordinator Rudy Malmquist, who took the lead on organizing the event along with the Gazelle Sports guys.
In case you're wondering, right now we have 868 people in the full and 547 in the half. We've got 20 relay teams too! And our kids marathon has about 400 kids!
Training opportunities this weekend--on Saturday, check out the half-marathon in Holland called Park2Park. Nice course, nice people. Info at http://www.neighborsplus.org/Park2Park2007.htm. And on Sunday, Dr. Rick & company will be at the YMCA at 7:15 for a 4 mile warmup run, then run the half marathon course at 8:00.
Meanwhile I'll be up by Petoskey, running the inaugural Boyne to Boyne marathon this weekend. I hear they have lots more hills than we have.
Plans are coming together well. Volunteers are coming in, stuff is being accumulated, runners are putting in their miles, and the finish line beer from New Holland is aging in the kegs.
If you're new to these emails, you might not know about marathonminute.com yet. Now you do. Check it out for your weekly motivation.
Step inside the YMCA sometime and you'll see the START / FINISH banner hanging up across the lobby. Imagine yourself running under it on race day. Picture your mom being proud of you, your friends being envious, your co-workers putting pictures of you on the bulletin board. We're just over a month out! You're getting ready for your last few long runs. You're gonna be awesome out there!
and the adventure continues....
Don
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