The following lucky winners get two passes to see Run Fat Boy Run at Celebration! Cinema:
Carol Reiss
Jim Hook
Irene Fountain
Suzanne Kozloski
Mike Hill
You can pick up your tickets at the Concierge desk at Celebration! Cinema North (Knapp Corners) any time starting on Monday, 3/24. They'll have this list of names there.
And for the bunches of you who are still emailing me - like numbers 6 through 100 or so, I AM happy that you're still reading my emails. See you in October, if not before.
Friday, March 21, 2008
21 March 2008 - Good Friday Runner Email
SPRING! About time, eh? The grass may still be brown, but at least we can finally see it!
Celebration! Cinema has come on board as a sponsor of the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon.
And, here's the first cool thing about that: There's a new running movie in town--Run Fat Boy Run.
A chunky, clueless guy leaves his pregnant fiancée on their wedding day only to discover -- 5 years later-- that she is his one true love. But in order to win back her heart, he looks to finish his first marathon while making her realize her new man is the wrong guy for her.
PG-13http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0425413/
Now, for those of you here in the Grand Rapids area, Celebration! is giving 5 pairs of movie passes for this show. They will go to the first five people to email me--and I'll post the names in the blog that you can find on our website and you'll be able to pick tup the tickets at Celebration! Cinema North.
Caveat: If you recognize your training methods in the movie, you might want to rethink that just a bit. But you have until October to whip yourself into shape.
GOOD FRIDAY IN HISTORY--It was Friday the 13th, 2001 that my buddy Shawn and I put on the Frogger 5.5K race at the Hair of the Frog Brewery.
If you want to read the whole sordid story, http://www.cooladventures.net/Frogger/frogger%20story.htm
Anyone else going to run in Olathe Kansas next weekend?
So, that's what I know for now. Have a Good Friday everybody.
and the adventure continues....
Don Kernwww.grandrapidsmarathon.com
Celebration! Cinema has come on board as a sponsor of the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon.
And, here's the first cool thing about that: There's a new running movie in town--Run Fat Boy Run.
A chunky, clueless guy leaves his pregnant fiancée on their wedding day only to discover -- 5 years later-- that she is his one true love. But in order to win back her heart, he looks to finish his first marathon while making her realize her new man is the wrong guy for her.
PG-13http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0425413/
Now, for those of you here in the Grand Rapids area, Celebration! is giving 5 pairs of movie passes for this show. They will go to the first five people to email me--and I'll post the names in the blog that you can find on our website and you'll be able to pick tup the tickets at Celebration! Cinema North.
Caveat: If you recognize your training methods in the movie, you might want to rethink that just a bit. But you have until October to whip yourself into shape.
GOOD FRIDAY IN HISTORY--It was Friday the 13th, 2001 that my buddy Shawn and I put on the Frogger 5.5K race at the Hair of the Frog Brewery.
If you want to read the whole sordid story, http://www.cooladventures.net/Frogger/frogger%20story.htm
Anyone else going to run in Olathe Kansas next weekend?
So, that's what I know for now. Have a Good Friday everybody.
and the adventure continues....
Don Kernwww.grandrapidsmarathon.com
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Runner Email 15 November 2007
Decompression! Finally getting all the bills paid, all the stuff back into storage, and I can actually walk through my living room again!
Thank you all for the great comments on the marathon! I've posted a bunch of them to our web site, but also a lot of people have posted on Marathon Guide as well.
Now, a word from a couple sponsors...
SAVE 15% AT RUNNING CIRCLES THIS WEEKEND!
14 November 2007
Dear Grand Rapids Marathoner and Half Marathoners,
Congratulations on your accomplishments at the Grand Rapids Marathon and Half Marathon. Reward yourself and save money shopping the Holiday Preview sale at Running Circles. Your chance to save 15% at the Holiday Preview sale continues through Sunday, November 18th. The sale gives you a chance to save money and have the best selection of great apparel & footwear before the holiday season really gets rolling. We look forward to seeing you soon. May the wind be at your back,
Alan, Greg & The Running Circles Crew
616-850-9300 Telephone
616-604-0004 Fax
Email info@runningcircles.biz
205 Washington
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone you think might enjoy or benefit from receiving the newsletter. Thanks
Sign Up
If you received this newsletter from a friend and would like your own copy. Please email us at info@runningcircles.com and write Sign me up in the subject line.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And, also in the pre-holiday "Hint, Hint" department, you might discretly forward this email to a loved one and let them know about the 26.2 or 13.1 commemorative bottles of wine from Finish Line Wine. What a great way to preserve the memory. Check it out at http://finishlinewine.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OK, enough opportunities to spend money for the moment, or you'll start thinking we're like all those other marathons or something. :-)
Some people are asking when 2008 signups will start. The answer is sometime after December 19th. The reason we're waiting so long is that today I'm leaving the country and won't be home until then. If anyone really wants to know why, you can check it out at www.cooladventures.net/sevencontinents.htm.
I'll be blogging the trip. Feel free to follow along. At the very least it'll be a geography lesson. Does anyone know where Beirut is?
Have a great holiday season, Happy Thanksgiving to all you Americans.
Anyone else running Atlanta next Thursday?
and the adventure continues....
Don
Thank you all for the great comments on the marathon! I've posted a bunch of them to our web site, but also a lot of people have posted on Marathon Guide as well.
Now, a word from a couple sponsors...
SAVE 15% AT RUNNING CIRCLES THIS WEEKEND!
14 November 2007
Dear Grand Rapids Marathoner and Half Marathoners,
Congratulations on your accomplishments at the Grand Rapids Marathon and Half Marathon. Reward yourself and save money shopping the Holiday Preview sale at Running Circles. Your chance to save 15% at the Holiday Preview sale continues through Sunday, November 18th. The sale gives you a chance to save money and have the best selection of great apparel & footwear before the holiday season really gets rolling. We look forward to seeing you soon. May the wind be at your back,
Alan, Greg & The Running Circles Crew
616-850-9300 Telephone
616-604-0004 Fax
Email info@runningcircles.biz
205 Washington
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone you think might enjoy or benefit from receiving the newsletter. Thanks
Sign Up
If you received this newsletter from a friend and would like your own copy. Please email us at info@runningcircles.com and write Sign me up in the subject line.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And, also in the pre-holiday "Hint, Hint" department, you might discretly forward this email to a loved one and let them know about the 26.2 or 13.1 commemorative bottles of wine from Finish Line Wine. What a great way to preserve the memory. Check it out at http://finishlinewine.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OK, enough opportunities to spend money for the moment, or you'll start thinking we're like all those other marathons or something. :-)
Some people are asking when 2008 signups will start. The answer is sometime after December 19th. The reason we're waiting so long is that today I'm leaving the country and won't be home until then. If anyone really wants to know why, you can check it out at www.cooladventures.net/sevencontinents.htm.
I'll be blogging the trip. Feel free to follow along. At the very least it'll be a geography lesson. Does anyone know where Beirut is?
Have a great holiday season, Happy Thanksgiving to all you Americans.
Anyone else running Atlanta next Thursday?
and the adventure continues....
Don
Friday, October 26, 2007
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We'll see YOU this weekend. YOU'RE GONNA BE AWESOME OUT THERE!
and the adventure continues....
Don Kern
http://www.cooladventures.net/
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We'll see YOU this weekend. YOU'RE GONNA BE AWESOME OUT THERE!
and the adventure continues....
Don Kern
http://www.cooladventures.net/
Thursday, October 25, 2007
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.
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
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
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
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-
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/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
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/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
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
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
Monday, October 22, 2007
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
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
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