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ClubRunning
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Permit No. 73
2016 Olympic Marathon Trials
Big Data: Can It Revolutionize Running?
Roads Scholar Class of 201516
Marathonphoto
2015 RRCA National 10K Champion Leonora Petrina (Bayport, NY) on
the final stretch of the Marine Corps 10K
Winter 2016WE RUN THE NATION!
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4 ClubRunning Winter 2016 RRCA.org
Happy New Year! 2016 will be another exciting year in the sport
of running, as we cheer on hundreds of athletes representing one of
the largest-ever Olympic Marathon Trials (OMT) qualifier fields.
Its going to be an exciting day in Los Angeles on Feb. 13, as we
eagerly wait to see wholl make up Team USA for the marathon. The
RRCA is proud to note that 34 athletes entered into the OMT have
received direct financial support through Roads Scholar grants or
the 2016 Elite Grant Project. Sixteen athletes have attended
RunPro
Camp, and 18 athletes have received indirect support via RRCA
grants to U.S. distance training centers. To round out our support
for the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials, the RRCA will provide each
member of Team USA with a winners bonus. The coming year will be
one of change as longtime RRCA board member and cur-rent president
David Cotter completes his term limit on the RRCA board of
directors. I thank David for his dedicated service to the RRCA over
these last eight years. Hes been a great person to work with, and I
truly value the friendship weve developed over the years. Through
his leadership of the board, the RRCA has accomplished many great
things, specifically, the launch of the Kids Run the Nation Grant
Fund, which was developed through a gift from David and his wife,
Sharlee, in memory of Sharlees parents. We high-light our successes
for the KRN grant fund in this issue of ClubRunning. New officers
and two regional directors for the RRCA board will be elected at
the up-coming Annual Meeting of the Membership, which will be held
in Dallas on March 18, 2016 at 3:15 p.m. This meeting is held in
conjunction with the RRCA convention, but registration for the
convention is not required for members to attend the annual
meeting. We invite our members to attend both the RRCA convention
and the annual meeting to engage in information sharing about our
sport and the Road Runners Club of America. I look forward to
seeing all our members in Dallas in March at the 58th RRCA National
Convention! Jean Knaack #RunSafe
Magg
ie Cr
aig
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Executive Directors NoteClubRunning
Winter 2016www.RRCA.org
ROAD RUNNERS CLUB OF AMERICA (RRCA)Executive Director
Jean Knaack
RRCA PresidentDavid Cotter
PhotographersBank of America Chicago Marathon
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Dallas Running ClubL.A. LEGGERSLena Hollmann
MarathonFoto.comPhotoRun.net
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6 ClubRunning Winter 2016 RRCA.org
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Executive DirectorsLetter
RRCA Members Share A Fresh New Start in a New Town
Health & Safety SpotlightLow Vitamin D Levels, Depression
Linked in Young Women
Member SpotlightLA to Host 2016 Olympic Marathon TrialsLA
Dreaming, LA Running, LA LeggersDallas Running ClubDallas
Marathon
18
ClubRunningWE RUN THE NATION! Winter 2016
22 Trail Shoe Review
RRCA Roads Scholar Class of 201516
Program SpotlightFeetures! Supports Kids Run the Nation Kids Run
the Nation Grant Spotlight2016 Hall of Fame Inductees
Championship SpotlightNational 10K ChampionshipUltra National
Championship
Coaching SpotlightMeet Cari Setzler
Special EliteGrants Awarded for U.S. Olympic Trials
DATA DRIVEN
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Trail Shoe Review
RRCA Roads Scholar Class of 201516
Program SpotlightFeetures! Supports Kids Run the Nation Kids Run
the Nation Grant Spotlight2016 Hall of Fame Inductees
Championship SpotlightNational 10K ChampionshipUltra National
Championship
Coaching SpotlightMeet Cari Setzler
RRCA Members Share
A Fresh Start in a New Town
Moving is hard work. Whether you move down the street, across
town, or to a new state, it zaps your energy. Theres packing and
unpacking, maybe also closing on a new home. And if youre moving a
long distance, youre also faced with finding a new doctor and
hairdresserand a new group or club to run with! Last October I
moved from Cary, NC to Naples, FL. There was no job transfer or
other outside force that prompted my move; I was just ready for a
change. So I said goodbye to my running friends and running routes
in North Carolina to search out new ones in the Naples area. For
the most part Ive enjoyed the chal-lenge. After a little weariness
from running the same routes for several years, it felt re-freshing
to find new places to run and excit-ing to try some new races. I
hooked up with the local running club, Gulf Coast Runners, shortly
after I moved here. And after partici-pating in a few of their
events, including two races, Ive made several new friends! The
first race I ran with my new club was the Run Wild at the Zoo 5K on
Hallow-een. Since I was the new girl in town, I had no idea who my
competition was, but I managed to win my age group (6064) in 25:42
and was awarded a one-year membership to the Naples Zoo. For a
mature runner like me, it was also a pleasant surprise that they
started the awards ceremony with the oldest age group and worked
their way down. And can you guess what the oldest group was in this
race? Age 80 and over! The following weekend I competed in the Old
Naples 10K. It was now November, but the weather was more
reminiscent of August. At the 7:30 a.m. start time, it was humid
and in the high 70s, which is warm even for South-west Florida at
that time of year. The saving grace was that most of the time we
ran in the shade. Still, several runners, myself included,
struggled on the course. So I was very hap-
py to cross the finish line in 54:32 and score another age group
win. And again, they start-ed with the oldest age group for the
awards! This must be the norm for Florida, or at least for Gulf
Coast Runner races. If youre moving to a new city, my ad-vice is to
find and join their running club as soon as you can. When looking
for clubs, the RRCA homepage is a good place to start. From there
you can click on the Find a Run-ning Club tab at the upper left. On
the map that appears, click on your state and youll get a list of
RRCA running clubs in every town, with links to their webpages and
more. If there arent clubs in your new town, find a running store,
health club, or similar estab-lishment. They can likely advise you
of local running groups and where they meet. Once youve located a
club or group, make sure you attend their events! Participat-ing
for the first time with a new group may be intimidating, but its
the first step in mak-ing friends and becoming part of the running
community in your new city. As you head out to face a bunch of
strangers, please keep in mind that runners tend to be a friendly
bunch and will likely welcome you with open arms.
And this is whats so great about us! But dont lose touch with
your running buddies in the town you left behind. Go back and visit
them as often as time, distance, and finances allow. Then invite
them to come and run a race in your new town!
Lena Hellmann has been an active athlete for over 40 years,
starting as a track runner in her native Sweden. In 1971 she was
the Swedish na-tional champion in the 1500m. Since her move to the
U.S. in the mid-1970s, shes completed more than 26 marathons,
highlighted by a PR of 2:44:10 in the 1983 NYC Marathon, and a 10th
place in the 1984 Boston Marathon. Shes also won numerous RRCA
National Masters Championship awards.
By Lena Hollmann, Immediate Past RRCA Southern Region
Director
Lena Hollmann on the first-place stand at the Run Wild at the
Zoo 5K.
Lena Hollmann
RRCA.org Winter 2016 ClubRunning 7
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Low Vitamin D Levels, Depression Linked in Young Women
From Oregon State University, www.oregonstate.edu
8 ClubRunning Winter 2016 RRCA.org
A new study from Oregon State University in Corvallis suggests a
relationship between low levels of vitamin D and depression in
otherwise healthy young women.
OSU researchers found that young wom-en with lower levels of
vitamin D were more likely to have clinically significant
depressive symptoms over the course of a five-week study, lead
author David Kerr said. The results were consistent, even when
researchers took into ac-count other possible explanations such as
time of year, exercise, and time spent outside.
Depression has multiple, powerful caus-es, and if vitamin D is
part of the picture, it is just a small part, said Kerr, an
associate pro-fessor in the School of Psychological Science at OSU.
But given how many people are af-fected by depression, any little
inroad we can find could have an important impact on public
health.
The findings were published recently in the journal Psychiatry
Research. Coauthors are Sarina Saturn of the School of
Psychological Science; Balz Frei and Adrian Gombart of OSUs Linus
Pauling Institute; David Zava of ZRT Laboratory; and Walter Piper,
a former OSU student now at New York University.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for bone health and muscle
function. Deficiency has been associated with impaired immune
function, some forms of cancer, and cardio-vascular disease, said
Gombart, an associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics,
principal investigator with the Linus Pauling Institute, and
international expert on vitamin D and the immune response.
People create their own vitamin D when their skin is exposed to
sunlight. When sun is scarce in the winter, people can take a
sup-plement, but vitamin D also is found in some
foods, including vitamin Dfortified milk, Gombart said. The
recommended daily allow-ance of vitamin D is 600 IU per day. There
is no established level of vitamin D sufficiency for mental
health.
The new study was prompted in part because of a widely held
belief that vitamin D and depression are connected, although there
exists little scientific research to support the belief, Kerr
said.
I think people hear that vitamin D and depression can change
with the seasons, so it is natural for them to assume the two are
con-nected, he said.
According to Kerr and his colleagues, much of the previous
research found no as-sociation between the two, but much of that
research was based on much older adults or special medical
populations.
Kerrs study focused on young women in the Pacific Northwest
because they are at risk of both depression and vitamin D
insufficien-cy. Past research found that 25% of American women
experience clinical depression at some point in their lives,
compared to 16% of men, for example.
OSU researchers recruited 185 college students, all women ages
1825, to partici-pate in the study at different times during the
school year. Vitamin D levels were measured from blood samples, and
participants complet-ed a depression symptom survey weekly for five
weeks.
Many women in the study had vitamin D levels considered
insufficient for good health, and the rates were much higher among
women of color, with 61% of women of color record-ing insufficient
levels, compared to 35% of other women. In addition, more than a
third of the participants reported clinically signifi-
cant depressive symptoms each week over the course of the
study.
It may surprise people that so many ap-parently healthy young
women are experienc-ing these health risks, Kerr said.
As expected, the womens vitamin D lev-els depended on the time
of year, with levels dropping during the fall, at their lowest in
win-ter, and rising in the spring. Depression did not display a
clear pattern, prompting Kerr to con-clude that links between
vitamin D deficiency and seasonal depression should be studied in
larger groups of at-risk individuals.
Researchers say the study does not con-clusively show that low
vitamin D levels cause depression. A clinical trial examining
whether vitamin D supplements might help prevent or relieve
depression is the logical next step to understanding the link
between the two, Kerr said.
OSU researchers already have begun a follow-up study of vitamin
D deficiency in women of color. In the meantime researchers
encourage those at risk of vitamin D deficien-cy to speak with
their doctor about taking a supplement.
Vitamin D supplements are inexpensive and readily available,
Kerr said. They certain-ly shouldnt be considered as alternatives
to the treatments known to be effective for depres-sion, but they
are good for overall health.
The research was supported by grants from the Good Samaritan
Hospital Founda-tions John C. Erkkila Endowment for Health and
Human Performanceand the National In-stitute of Environmental
Health Sciences.
About the Linus Pauling Institute: The Linus Pauling Institute
at OSU is a world leader in the study of micronutrients and their
role in promot-ing optimum health or preventing and treating
disease. Major areas of research include heart disease, cancer,
aging, and neurodegenerative disease.
About the OSU College of Liberal Arts: The Col-lege of Liberal
Arts includes the fine and perform-ing arts, humanities, and social
sciences, making it one of the largest and most diverse colleges at
OSU. The colleges research and instructional fac-ulty members
contribute to the education of all university students and provide
national and in-ternational leadership, creativity, and scholarship
in their academic disciplines.
Health & Safety SpotlightBi
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Member Spotlight
Los Angeles to Host 2016 U.S. Mens, Womens Olympic Marathon
Trials
By Ryan LamppaThe countrys best distance runners to race on
multiloop, down-town LA course for six coveted Team USA berths to
the 2016 Rio Olympics. Record $600,000 Trials prize purse and
unprecedented live TV broadcast on NBC. Every four years the U.S.
Olympic Marathon Trials (OMT) are held to determine coveted Team
USA berths. On Saturday, Feb. 13, the one-of-a-kind pressure-filled
event will be contested by the countrys best distance runners
racing over a multiloop course in downtown Los Angeles. Winners
will find themselves on a plane to Rio de Janei-ro, Brazil for the
Games of the XXXI Olympiad in August.
LA Marathon LLC will host the event that is returning to the
West Coast for the first time since Olympia, WA hosted the
inaugural
U.S. womens OMT in 1984. This Olympic qualifying event will be
the mens 13th edition and the womens ninth. The next day
(Valen-tines Day, Feb. 14), the Trials organizers will also present
the 31st Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon with 25,000+
runners.
The expected OMT 2016 field of 300+ marathoners includes
de-fending 2012 Trials champions Meb Keflezighi and Shalane
Flanagan, plus 2008 winners Ryan Hall and Deena Kastor. Flanagan
could be-come the first woman to defend her Trials title. Just as
in Houston in 2012, there will be separate race starts for men and
women (morning times TBA).
Past OMTs have produced some of the biggest upsets in Trials
history, such as surprise winners Mark Conover (1988), Jenny
Span-gler (1996), and Chris Clark (2000).
Olympic hopefuls will also be vying for a record Trials prize
purse of $600,000 ($300,000 per gender) that goes 10 deep with
$80,000 for each race champion (also the largest amount awarded to
the wom-ens winner).
In addition, for the first time, the Trials will be broadcast
live on NBC (1:00 p.m. EST), and NBC Sports Live Extra will air the
event via its streaming app, available on desktops, mobile devices,
tablets, and connected TVs.
QUALIFYING STANDARDSOlympic Marathon Trials A qualifying
standards for event funding support are 2:15:00 (men) and 2:37:00
(women). Mens and womens B qualifying standards for entry for the
marathon are 2:19:00 and 2:45:00, respectively, and for the half
marathon 1:05:00 and 1:15:00, respectively.
THE COURSEThe 2016 OMT course has been designed to be runner-
and specta-tor-friendly and should produce some of the fastest
times in the events history. The multiloop course starts and
finishes near the LA Conven-tion Center. The Olympic hopefuls will
begin with a 2.2-mile loop that heads north into downtown Los
Angeles and then covers four 6-mile loops south of the start/finish
area. Major landmarks along the course include the Staples Center,
LA Live, and the historic Memorial Coliseum, site of the track
& field competition and opening and clos-ing ceremonies for the
1932 and 1984 Olympics.
The 2016 Rio Olympic Marathons are scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 14
(women) and Sunday, Aug. 21 (men). The Sambdromo, leg-endary home
of the Rio Carnival parade, will host the 2016 Summer Games
marathon. The Olympic competitors will begin the race by running
down the Rio Carnival Samba runway, and then running the streets of
Rio and returning to the Sambdromo for the finish.
Visit www.latrials2016.com for more information.
10 ClubRunning Winter 2016 RRCA.org
USOC
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By George Rehmet, Western Region Director & Jackie Britton,
RRCA State Rep, SoCal
Member Spotlight
L.A. Dreaming, L.A. Running, L.A. LEGGERS
When running in the Los Angeles area, especially Santa Monica,
you might hope to spot a celebrity, but youre more likely to
literally run into a member of the L.A. LEGGERS. Founded in 1989 to
help runners and walkers train for the Los Angeles Marathon, the
L.A. LEG-GERS is now one of the largest running
clubs in the Western Region, with more than 1,000 members. The
clubs primary goal remains to help people train for and
complete the Los Angeles Marathon, which usually takes place in
March, but this year was moved to February to accommodate the U.S.
Olympic Marathon Trials schedule. The L.A. LEGGERS also provides
training plans for those who want to run other target rac-es,
including the Long Beach Marathon, the Surf City Marathon, and the
New Years Race. There are pace groups (even those quali-fying for
Boston) and summer fun runs when the training program is on hiatus.
For new and returning runners, the Leggers hosts a
Couch to 5K program. Recently, the club raised funds for a water
fountain to show its appreciation for support from the city of
Santa Monica.
At the LA Marathon the L.A. LEGGERS supports its mem-bers and
fellow runners by staffing three aid stations on the course. The
club hosts a postrace gathering at a nearby finish-line hotel where
fellow L.A. LEGGER and RRCA State Rep Jackie Britton congratulates
club finishers.
Britton joined the L.A. LEGGERS in 1999 after watching them
train on the Santa Monica stairs. She followed them to the Santa
Monica Pier, where she witnessed the camaraderie. She served on the
Leggers board for several years.
We train together, travel together, and even eat breakfast
to-gether, Britton explained. The L.A. LEGGERS is a unique club
whose members bond together as a community.
To find out more about L.A. LEGGERS, go to
www.laleggers.org.
RRCA.org Winter 2016 ClubRunning 11
L.A. LEGGERSMembers of the L.A. LEGGERS get a selfie around the
water fountain they donated to the city of Santa Monica.
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Member Spotlight
The Dallas Running Club By Kelly Richards, RRCA At-Large
Director
The roots of the Dallas (TX) Running Club can be traced to
Presi-dent John F. Kennedys push for physical fitness. Inspired by
this mes-sage, Dallas native Tal Morrison took up running.
Discovering that he found the activity more fun in a group, he
pushed to start a formal club. In 1969 the Cross Country Club of
Dallas was formally estab-lished, and would undergo a name change
in 2006 to become the Dallas Running Club (DRC).
Today the DRC is the largest running and walking organization in
the DallasFort Worth area and one of the top four largest RRCA
member clubs. Given its size, its not surprising that its programs
and activities are designed to meet the needs of runners with
varying de-grees of skills and experience.
The DRC boasts a robust training program thats led by several
experienced coaches. Overseen by Vishal Patel, it stresses safety,
mo-tivation, and accountability. Training is done in groups,
helping to establish camaraderie, and the goal for any distance is
always a local race, ranging from 5Ks all the way to ultra
marathons.
The club hosts eight races throughout the year, generally one a
month during the summer and fall seasons. All club races are 100%
volunteer-driven, with club members providing the labor to ensure
efficient handling of everything from registration to awards.
This commitment to helping the local Dallas running scene
flourish can also be seen through the DRCs volunteer efforts with
the Dallas Marathon. Since 2014 the DRC has staffed the packet
pickup
station in the days leading up to the race, receiving accolades
from runners for its knowledge of running and Dallas, as well as
the race course.
Join us in Dallas for the 58th RRCA National Convention and
learn how the Dallas Running Club, the Memphis Runners Track Club,
and the Atlanta Track Club have successfully developed into
citywide running clubs that serve their communities (www.RRCA.org/
convention/).
12 ClubRunning Winter 2016 RRCA.org
Dallas Marathon
Duo to Rio RelayThe elite field in the Duo to Rio Re-lay
sponsored by AT&T at the 2015 Dallas Marathon featured five
pairs of Olympic Trials qualifying athletes, competing head-to-head
to see which duo of runners could complete the fastest two-person
marathon relay. Sam Chelanga opened an early lead, running a
1:03:47 split in his 13.1-mile relay leg before handing off to
teammate Molly Huddle. Experience won out, as the pair of Abdi
Abdirah-man, a four-time Team USA Olympi-an, and three-time
Olympian Deena
Kastor were the first duo to cross the finish line in a time of
2:19:49. Race officials believe Kastor and Abdirahmans finish times
signi-fy the fastest two-person marathon relay ever recorded. The
five male participants, who ran the first 13.1 miles, stayed close
together. Kastor and Dallas-born Becky Wade pulled away from the
field as the Duo to Rio Relay sponsored by AT&T competitors
made their way toward a downtown finish, with Kastor sprinting
ahead to the finish tape in the last half mile.
DUO TO RIO RELAY SPONSORED BY AT&T1. Abdi Abdirahman &
Deena Kastor 2:19:492. Meb Keflezighi & Becky Wade* 2:20:353.
Sam Chelanga & Molly Huddle 2:21:354. Luke Puskedra* &
Annie Bersagel* 2:22:105. Jared Ward & Desi Linden 2:23:34
* Received an RRCA Elite Support Grant to assist with Olympic
Mar-athon Trials training preparation
It Takes a Village: Voices from the Dallas MarathonLast Dec. 13,
as it has every year since 1971, Dallas hosted a marathon. Now
starting and finishing in the citys recently revitalized downtown
and featuring a renewed partnership with the City of Dallas, the
race has come to embody everything that makes the regions running
scene unique. The strength of running in Dallas and the unifying
impact of the Dallas Marathon can be seen in how everyonefrom
participants to volunteers to organizerstalk about their experience
at the race. Logan Sherman, Dallas resident and top local finisher
in the 2015 Dallas Marathon, on what it means to him to be the
hometown winner of the Dallas Marathon: It means more to me than
anything Ive completed previously. Ive been blessed to have some
great victories and races. Ive loved every minute of each of them.
But Ive never had a goal that has taken me 15
Dallas Running Club
By Kelly Richards, RRCA At-Large Director
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ASIC3194 Run Long Nimbus FP Fortus Media T: 8.375" x 10.875", L:
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Member Spotlight
14 ClubRunning Winter 2016 RRCA.org
years to reach. It was the most emotional race that I have ever
experienced. I tuned out so much during the race to focus on the
finish that the finish was out of this world. I dont think Ive ever
smiled and cried so much in my life. I want this to be more of a
win for
the community than anyone. I hope that this inspires others to
dust off their running shoes and make challenging goals. I hope
that they realize it may take time to accomplish a goal if you
dream big. Erin Jett, Dallas Running Club director of volunteers
and race participant, on what the numerous elite runners at the
2015 Dallas Marathon meant to her: The elite and professional
runners par-ticipating in a separate relay race made it feel
special and allowed the marathon to show off the speed of such
special athletes. The best part was knowing that runners like Deena
Kastor ran and then stayed at the finish to place med-als on other
runners like me. Jeff Barney Barnhart, race director, LGRAW member,
and passionate runner-vol-unteer at the Dallas Marathon, on the
best part of being a volunteer at the 2015 Dallas Marathon: As I do
many races, I love to volunteer with my friends and give back to
this race as so many have helped in my races. I love when the last
runner has gone through and there is a unique quiet time to think
about how many runners we helped to hopefully finish and ob-
tain their goals. Mark MarkO Olateju, Dallas running community
staple and official pacer, on what it meant to him to participate
in the Dallas Marathon as his hometown marathon: Participating in
the Dallas Marathon means giving back to local businesses, running
familiar routes, and having tremendous home-town support. Jeff
Gerber, race participant, on the best part of the 2015 Dallas
Marathon: While for me usually the best part of any race is the
finish line, the best part of the 2015 Dallas Marathon were the
people along the course, giving support even with the
less-than-ideal weather conditions for anyone. Corina Cervantes,
runner and specta-tor at the 2015 Dallas Marathon, on what it meant
to her to cheer on runners at the Dallas Marathon as the hometown
marathon: The best part about cheering at Dallas is the sheer
number of my friends racing. Theyre spread out through all the
corrals, at every pace, and its great fun to watch for them and try
to perk them up when they need a little extra lift or motivation on
the tough parts of the course.
Dall
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unnin
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Date:9-22-2015 5:46 PM| Client:ASICS| Studio Artist: Freelance /
Freelance| Printed At: None Job number: ASIC3378 |
ASIC3359_GEL_Quantum_180_FP_Fortius_Nov_Dec_2015_v1.indd T: 8.125 x
10.875, L: 7.375 x 9.875, B:8.375 x 11.125, Gutter: None, Bind:
None, Linescreen: None, MD: 300, Color: NoneNotes: A.Notes
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In September 2015, the RRCA announced the recipients of its
one-time special grants to support U.S. distance training centers
and elite U.S. athletes as they prepare for compe-tition heading
into the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon to be hosted in Los
Angeles on Saturday, Feb. 13. The RRCA awarded five grants of
$5,000 each to the following U.S. distance training centers that
support U.S. athletes focusing on either the upcoming marathon
trials or the 10,000m track trials.
ZAP Fitness, Blowing Rock, NC Greenville Track Club-ELITE,
Greenville, SC Team USA Minnesota, Minneapolis/ St. Paul, MN HOKA
ONE ONE Northern Arizona Elite, Flagsta, AZ Team Run Eugene,
Eugene, OR
The RRCA also awarded grants to sup-port the following athletes
whove qualified for and declared theyll run in the 2016 U.S.
Olympic Team Trials Marathon and have not previously competed at an
Olympic Games. This special grant project was apart
from the annual Roads Scholar grant pro-gram. Each grantee
received $2,500. Roads Scholar grantees from the 201415 class or
earlier were awarded an additional $500.
MEN Josphat Boit, Mammoth Lakes, CA Aaron Braun, Alamosa, CO
Jerey Eggleston, Boulder, CO (RRCA Roads Scholar 2010) Craig Leon,
Eugene, OR Mike Morgan, Rochester Hills, MI (RRCA Roads Scholar
2005) Sean Quigley, Lafayette, CO
WOMEN Esther (Erb) Atkins, Lambertville, NJ (RRCA Roads Scholar
2014) Annie Bersagel, Victoria, MN Lauren Kleppin, Flagsta, AZ
(RRCA Roads Scholar 2012) Heather Lieberg, Helena, MT Wendy Thomas,
Windsor, CO Rebecca Wade, Dallas, TX
To round out the financial support for the project, the RRCA
will award a bonus to the male and female athletes who earn spots
on
Team USA for the 2016 Olympic Marathon.
Josphat BoitJosphat Boit is one of the worlds premier dis-tance
runners. He made his marathon debut at the 2011 Honolulu Marathon,
placing an impressive third in a field stacked with sub- 2:08
runners. Hes now a favorite to contend for a place on the 2016 U.S.
Marathon team. Boit currently lives and trains in the high
alti-tude of Mammoth Lakes, CA with the Mam-moth Track Club under
the guidance of his coach, Andrew Kastor. Boit enters the Olym-pic
Marathon Trials with a PR of 2:12:52, set at the 2014 Boston
Marathon.www.asicsamerica.com/athletes/josphat-boit
Aaron Braun Aaron Braun has had an impressive career on the
roads, dominating at a variety of dis-tances. He made his marathon
debut at the LA Marathon in 2014, finishing seventh in 2:19:51. In
2015 he significantly dropped his time in the distance and placed
seventh at the Chevron Houston Marathon with a time of 2:12:54,
where he was the top American fin-isher. www.aabrauny.com
Congratulates Special Elite Grant Winners for 2016 U.S. Olympic
TrialsRRCA
Phot
orun
.NET
16 ClubRunningWinter 2016 RRCA.org
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Jeffrey EgglestonJeffrey Eggleston has been a consistent
per-former since receiving his first Roads Scholar grant from the
RRCA in 2010. Hes been a fixture on U.S. national teams, running at
the 2011 and 2013 World Championships and the 2011 Pan-American
Games. In 2015 he finished 12th at the 2015 Boston Marathon with a
time of 2:14:17. In 2014 Eggleston set his PR of 2:10:52 at the
Gold Coast Airport Marathon, making him one of the fastest grantees
going into the Trials. www.jeffreyeggleston.com
Craig LeonCraig Leon was born and raised in a small Ohio town
and moved to Eugene in the summer of 2011 to pursue his
professional running career with Team Run Eugene. Hes consistently
excelled on the roads and earned a spot representing the U.S. at
the 2015 Pan- Am Games in Toronto. Leon finished fifth in the race,
with a time of 2:19:26. He enters the Olympic Trials Marathon with
a PR of 2:13:52, set at the 2013 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
www.craigleonrunning.com
Mike MorganMike Morgan has trained at the Han-sons-Brooks ODP
since the early days of his professional career, when he received
his 2005 Roads Scholar grant. He ran an impressive 2:15:11 in his
debut marathon at the Chica-go Marathon in 2006. In 2014 Morgan
took 13th place at the Boston Marathon, with a time of 2:14:40. Hes
the champion and course record holder for the 2013 and 2014 Disney
World Half Marathon. Morgan, who averages 100+ miles weekly in his
training leading up to the marathon, is looking for-ward to his
third Olympic Trials. He enters the event with a marathon PR of
2:14:20. www.hansons-running.com/hansons-brooks/meet-the-team
Sean QuigleySean Quigley runs for the high-performance team with
the Boulder Track Club under coach Lee Troop. Quigley was the U.S.
7-Mile Road Champion in 2014 and placed fourth at the U.S. Track
Championship 10K that same year. He qualified for the 2016 Olympic
Trials Marathon at the Fukuoka Marathon, where he finished with a
marathon PR of 2:13:30.
www.bouldertrackclub.com/development-elite/sean-quigley
Annie BersagelAnnie Bersagel lives and trains in Oslo, Nor-
way, where shes lived since pursuing grad-uate studies at the
University of Oslo. In 2013 Bersagel became the U.S. Marathon
Champion at the Twin Cities Marathon, with a winning time of
2:30:53. Bersagel set her marathon PR in 2015 by winning the
Dues-seldorf Marathon in 2:28:29. In June she underwent surgery for
a knee injury acquired there, but recently finished a half marathon
in Dallas pain free and now looks forward to being a contender at
this years Trials. www.twitter.com/AnnieBersagel
Esther (Erb) AtkinsEsther Atkins (formerlyErb) took a different
path than most to her eventual marathon suc-cess. She was one of
the most decorated run-ners in Case Western Reservehistory, earning
six All-American titles and the 2008 DIII National Championship in
the 10K. Short-ly after receiving her Roads Scholar grant in 2014,
she was on the podium as the 2014 USA Marathon Champion, with a
time of 2:34:00, earning a spot on the 2015 World Championships
marathon team. Atkins runs with the New York Athletic Club and is
look-ing forward to the loop course at the mara-thon trials.
www.athletebiz.us/esther-atkins
Lauren KleppinLauren Kleppin currently lives in Flagstaff, AZ
and runs for HOKA ONE ONE North-ern Arizona Elite under coach Ben
Rosario. In 2012 she received a Roads Scholar grant from the RRCA
shortly after graduating from West-ern State College as a nine-time
All-Ameri-can, two-time MVP, and the Paul W. Wright Athlete of the
Year for 201112. The follow-ing year she attended RRCAs RunPro Camp
and shortly thereafter started training with the Mammoth Track Club
until her move to Flagstaff in 2015. Most notably Kleppin is known
for her third-place overall finish and top American at the 2014 LA
Marathon, with a time of 2:28:48. She also earned second place
overall at the USA Half Marathon Cham-pionships in 2014 with a time
of 1:12:12. This year will be Kleppins first Olympic Trials
experience. Shes excited to be return-ing to the city where she
participated in her first Olympic Trials qualifying race in 2014.
www.laurenkleppin.com
Heather LiebergHeather Lieberg is a proud mother of two, who
lives, trains, and teaches school in Hele-na, MT. Shes currently
sponsored by Oiselle. She played basketball in college and didnt
take up competitive road running until 2006, when she entered her
first race, taking sec-
ond place. Since that time shes seen steady success on the
roads. Lieberg competed at the 2014 USA Marathon Championships at
the Twin Cities Marathon, where she took second place behind Esther
Atkins, with a time of 2:34:09. In 2015 she again finished second
at the USA Marathon Champion-ships at the LA Marathon. Later in
2015 she ran as a member of the U.S. World Team at the IAAF World
Track & Field Championships in the marathon in Beijing.
www.twitter.com/lieberg_heather
Wendy ThomasWendy Thomas took up running in 2004 as a way to get
back into shape following the birth of her first child. She entered
her first road race in 2007 and won. Thomas went on to train with
the American Distance Project for a short time before the 2012 U.S.
Olympic Marathon Trials, where she had a breakout race, finishing
12th overall with a time of 2:34:25 in her debut marathon. In 2014
she was fourth at the USA Half Marathon Championships, with a time
of 1:12:29, which qualified her to compete at the World Half
Championship in Copenha-gen, representing Team USA. Thomas, who
says the marathon is her favorite event, has been looking forward
to the 2016 Trials since crossing the finish line at the 2012
Trials. www.twitter.com/wingedwendy
Rebecca WadeBecky Wade is a Dallas native, who ran on the track
team for Ursuline Academy and Rice University in Houston. In 2008
she placed 13th in the steeplechase at the World Junior
Championships in Poland. As a fifth-year se-nior, she qualified for
the 2012 Olympic Tri-als in the 10,000 meters and the steeplechase.
She was a four-time All-American at Rice, where she set school
records in the indoor and outdoor 5K, outdoor 10K, and 3K
stee-plechase. She qualified for the 2012 Olympic Trials in the
10,000 meters and the steeple-chase. In 2013 Wade won her debut
mara-thon, the California International Marathon, with a time of
2:30:41. After returning from an injury, she ran the 2015 USA Half
Mara-thon, placing 11th, with a time of 1:12:28.
www.beckyrunsaway.wordpress.com
Ryan Lamppa, Andy Smith, Maggie Craig, and Jean Knaack
contributed to this article.
RRCA.org Winter 2016 ClubRunning 17
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The Big Data movement has
revolutionized the retail sector,
financial services, and healthcare,
among other industries. Can it do
the same for running?
Data plays a role in virtually every part of our lives, from the
time we strap on our GPS watch and go for a run to the time we
adjust our Nest thermostat at night. Data growth allows us to use a
smartphone app to find the closest restroom at Levis Stadium and
allows doctors to access med-ical records from that hospital six
states away when you broke your wrist while on vacation.
Now, the running event industry has caught on to the power of
Big Data to hyper-target marketing strategies, streamline the race
experience, and, as Running Times reported in its February 2016
issue, catch cheaters. Data is a wonderful tool, says Dee Stathis,
COO and director of operations for Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon
Inc. (P3R). Even just four years ago, a lot of us didnt have the
information thats available to us now. At a time when information
bombards consumers and runners have more events to choose from than
ever (28,000 in 2014 accord-ing to Running USA), event directors
need to find new ways to stand out from the crowd. Data can help.
Big Data arms event directors with in-sights so they can better
understand market
dynamics, says Sam Renouf, general manag-er of sports for ACTIVE
Network, which re-cently teamed with Dave McGillivrays DMSE Sports,
the force behind the Boston Marathon, to bring its data-driven
tools to a wider audi-ence. It analyzes social media feeds,
historical data, competitive pricing, and demographic
in-formation.
Running the NumbersMarc Goldman, sponsorship and marketing
manager for the Marine Corps Marathon, re-calls that the race used
to pride itself on its web-sites live splits. Now, it has Track a
Runner, which allows runners to share those splits via automatic
Twitter and Facebook posts and by email or text. Through this
program alone, 2.4 million
By Heather R. JohnsonDATA DRIVEN
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18 ClubRunning Winter 2016 RRCA.org
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people saw split result updates, says Goldman. Its great for us
to be able to offer such an expanded audience to our sponsors and
great for friends and family to virtually cheer for the runners.
New York Road Runners (NYRR) partnership with Tata Consul-tancy
Services, an IT services and consulting organization, has allowed
the New York City Marathon to up its tech game. For example, its
NYRR Virtual Trainer, launched in 2014, combines a runners average
weekly mileage, peak long-run distance, training paces, and recent
race times with historic New York City Marathon data to create
custom training plans. People from all over the world can join the
virtual trainer pro-gram, says NYRR president and CEO Michael
Capiraso. We provide a solid program with Big Data on the back end.
Considered the first big-city marathon to adopt social media, the
Los Angeles Marathon factors data analytics into virtually every
aspect of its marketing plan. From a Big Data perspective,
everything we do is tied to a specific and deliberate objective for
our overall brand, says Carsten Preisz, LA Marathon vice president
of brand strategy and marketing. We know how analytics can help us
target the right audi-ence to bring in more runners and more
registration revenue. We can change things on the fly, measure, and
amplify much more significant-ly than we can with print media. A
model for large-scale event management, the Chicago Mara-thon uses
data to enhance medical and aid station preparedness,
regis-tration, security, and of course, customer service. Were
always trying to find ways to improve the process and provide a
better experience for participants and volunteers, says general
manager Mike Nishi. With more volunteer and medical team data, the
Chicago Mar-athon can connect its international participants with
staff who speaks their language. We try to make data work across
multiple platforms, says Nishi.
Data to Incentivize and GamifyPittsburgh Marathon weekend has
grown from 10,500 runners in 2009 to more than 40,000 in 2015. At
least some of P3Rs continued success comes from its consistent use
of social media campaigns and data analytics. From its data
crunching, P3R realized it had a growing millennial au-dience, many
of them new runners, most of them tech-savvy. (Sporttechie .com
reports that 740/0 of marathon runners use wearable devices for
training, and 880/0 say wearables increase their motivation and
give them an edge on the competition.) To appeal to the
millennials, P3R gamified marathon training. Using data from
Milestone Sports MilestonePod, a small device that attaches to the
shoe, runners can track their average pace, distance, footstrike,
cadence, and other data as well as see where they rank against
other participants. Stathis says that MilestonePods sophisticated
analytics may allow the event to more closely engage with the
runners; for now, it remains an added feature for Pittsburgh
Marathon participants. We can be with them the whole way and when
race day comes, were there, she says.
Managing Medical Services with DataChicago Marathon organizers
use data from their 40,000+ registrants to support runners along
the entire course, staying one step ahead the
entire way. Medical director Dr. George T. Chiampas helped bring
Northwestern University, where he teaches emergency medicine, and
the Chicago Marathon together to research how to use data analytics
to increase preparedness for large-scale events. Logistics expert
Karen Smilowitz, a professor in the Department of Industrial
Engineering & Management Sciences at Northwestern, assembled a
team of undergrad and graduate students to develop a proprietary
data visualization system that provides both real-time and
predictive analytics. Using data from current and past events, the
system shows race officials the location of lead runners, runner
density, medical tent and aid station capacity, current
temperature, and alerts about any on-course issues. The system uses
participant and timing mat data to predict where runners will be in
20 minutes, which helps aid stations prepare for an oncoming wave
of runners. The data visualization system also ties into a medical
patient tracking system that collects data from runners who seek
first aid. We have systems in place so that first responders all
operate from one sys-tem that provides accurate, up-to-date
information. The data visualiza-tion component supports all of
those facets, says Chiampas. As runners progress through the race,
medical station profes-sionals can, if necessary, access important
health information to better treat the runner. The race can also
analyze medical data to determine the distribution of injuries or
illnesses at various locations and how to improve medical station
efficiency. This is the first time in this area of mass event
management that weve been able to get that kind of detail, says
Chiampas.
Smart Race ExperiencesIn a 2014 survey by Eventbrite, 510/0 of
respondents registered for an event on mobile and 700/0 used
smartphones to post social media up-dates. To cater to the rise in
mobile use, many events have developed their own smartphone app.
With an app the race can provide better customer service and
engagement. The event also benefits from in-creased visibility,
enhanced sponsorship opportunities, and a way to shift ad spend to
more cost-effective mobile promotions. In 2014 LA Marathon teamed
with app developer Aloompa to launch its smartphone app. The free
app features a creatively designed GPS-enabled course map, race
information, and social media features. Thanks to a new multiyear
partnership with Fitbit, the app now fea-tures training tips from
Fitbit Ambas-sadors such as Ryan and Sara Hall, Fit-bit contests,
and more. For the latest version of its app, the Marine Corps
Marathon teamed with Motigo to let users receive personalized audio
messages through the app. We debuted the feature 10 days before the
event and had about 6,500 messages re-corded, says Goldman. Its
another way to engage with the runners and a way for sponsors to
connect through support messaging. In addition to maps and runner
tracking, New York City Marathons free mobile app features the NYRR
Race Predictor. Based on the millions
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RRCA.org Winter 2016 ClubRunning 19
Skechers LA Marathon
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of data points that feed the NYRR Virtual Trainer, the tool uses
individ-ual and historical data to determine a runners target
marathon pace. The data that we have helps us develop and test the
app for capaci-ty, says Capiraso. Using the data in this way allows
us to better connect with the runners and create a terrific
experience.
Share Your Story, Share Your DataSocial media has revolutionized
the way businesses build their brand, drive sales, and collect
valuable information about event followers. And runners like to
share: Eventbrites survey showed that 800/0 of endurance event
participants shared event photos and updates on social media.
So-cial media allows us to target users with the right messaging at
the right time, says LA Marathon marketing communications manager
Ryan Cavinder, who led its app development program. Social media
builds two-way communication and gives race direc-tors another way
to learn about their participants wants, needs, and in-terests,
which helps race directors create relevant messaging. Numerous
social media monitoring platforms help businesses get the most out
of social, while Facebook and Twitter offer their own analytics
that show which posts get shared, clicked, and liked the most.
Big Data for Midsize RacesRunning event producers without a
major marathon budget can make good use of available data. Social
media marketing doesnt cost much more than a few hours of weekly
labor (advertising notwithstanding). Google Analytics, Clicky, and
platforms from IBM and Microsoft, among others, offer web analytics
and business intelligence at affordable prices. Capiraso suggests
event producers seek out media or technology partners that can
assist with data analytics. Regardless of how its managed, big data
has become an increasingly necessary tool for event directors. I
look at this data like having experi-enced personnel, says
McGillivray.It not only gives us answers to many of our questions,
but also helps guide us in our future decision making. Most
importantly, data gives us added confidence that we are doing the
right thing and going in the right direction.
Heather R. Johnson writes and runs from Oakland, CA. Visit her
at heatherraejohnson.com.
20 ClubRunning Winter 2016 RRCA.org
Forward Command at the Chicago Marathon is the central base for
its data visualization system and other data-related
activities.
Bank of America Chicago Marathon
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22 ClubRunning Winter 2016 RRCA.org
SHOE REVIEWby Cregg Weinmann
Trail Shoes Winter 201516Heres our semi-annual look at a
sampling of shoes designed to grip and tame trails: some for
training, others for faster running. The mix includes 5 new models
and 3 updates. Trails vary considerably, and not surprisingly so do
trail shoes. Its a good idea to match your shoes to the running
youll be doing. If you like protection on the roads, start with
Responsive Trail shoes. If you like speedier Performance shoes on
the road, Performance Trail may the best place to start. As always,
this review is a starting point in your search for your best trail
shoes. Follow it up with the help of a Specialty Running retailer
whenever possible. And dont forget to check
www.runningproductreviews.com for periodic updates and special
features.
361 Ortega $120Th e new 361 Ortega brings the brands technology
to the trail. Th e upper is closed mesh with no-sew welded overlays
supporting the shoe, an extended saddle thats light and secure. A
traditional toe bumper, rearfoot and eyestay supports, and a full
rand add security and protection, and an external thermoplastic
heel counter adds stability. Th e midsole is low-profi le, molded
EVA, with 361s Qu!ckfoam element lending extra cushioning. Th e
outersole is low-profi le carbon rubber, textured for grip, in a
thin confi guration thats surprisingly tough. Th e forefoot of the
outersole is bonded to a spongy layer of polyurethane, adding a bit
more cushion to the ride as well as an ability to conform to the
trail surface. Th e combination of quality materials, effi cient
design, and a comfortable and adaptive ride make the Ortega a
worthy contender for trail performance.
Snugs well to the foot with good protection. Sure-footed on the
trail, and does really well getting there, too.
Responsive Trail NEW Sizes Men 612,13,14; Women 512 Weight 11.5
oz. (mens 11); 9.4 oz. (womens 8) Shape semi-curved Construction
Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet
with neutral biomechanics
Brooks Pure Grit 4 $120Th e Pure Grit is the lightest of Brooks
trail running shoes. Th e upper is a tight, closed mesh with
3D-printed overlays providing some structure and a layer of
protection. Th e supportive midfoot strap (Brooks calls it the Nav
band) adds a snugger midfoot fi t, while still fl exing enough to
accommodate diff erences in foot volume. Th e chassis carries over
from Round 3: a low-profi le layer of BioMoGo foam with DNA added
to the mix for very good cushioning. A forefoot rock plate between
the midsole and outersole off ers protection from rocky trails. Th
e outersole features the same hexagon-shaped lugs, as their bite
tames trails effi ciently and eff ectively. Th e Pure Grit 4 is a
solid performer that fi ts well, performs well, and carries the
Brooks trail tradition well.
Good, close fi t all around. Flexible enough with decent
traction. They did a great job for my weekend trail runs.
Performance Trail Updates Pure Grit 3 Sizes Men 813,14; Women
511,12 Weight 10.9 oz. (mens 11); 8.8 oz. (womens 8) Shape
semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for
medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
HOKA ONE ONE SpeedGoat $140Th e new SpeedGoat sports geometry
and traction designed to go as fast as you can, thanks to the
developmen-tal input of Ultra trail star Karl Metzler. Th e upper
is a tough minimesh with lacing that extends down to the toe for
extra security. No-sew overlays lend support overall and add a bit
of design fl air while keeping it light. A traditionally stitched
toecap features an added layer of ground rubber for abrasion
resistance and protection. Th e ankle collar is cushy and improves
the heel fi t. Th e midsole is a soft, thick layer of injected EVA
that absorbs shock and conforms to the terrain for a protective and
sure-footed feel, in combination with its 5-mil-limeter geometry,
and is resilient enough for good response and durability. Th e
outersole is a luggy profi le of Vibram Megagrip rubbera new
compound and partnership for the brandthat off ers really good
traction. Th e SpeedGoat succeeds for runners looking for traction,
cushion, and a snug, secure fi t to fi nish fast.
Looks sports-car fast. I really like how easy the upper is to
open up and then tighten down on the shoes. The midsole [is] cushy
and protective; the traction is just right.
Performance/Racing Trail NEW Sizes Men 613,14,15; Women 512
Weight 10.3 oz. (mens 11); 8.2 oz. (womens 8) Shape semi-curved
Construction Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for
medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
Mizuno Hayate 2 $110With its eff ective construction, fun
graphics, and strong trail performance, the Hayate has been a
breath of fresh air for Mizuno trail running. Round 2 takes a bit
more traditional approach, at least in appearance, while
maintaining the strengths of the original. Th e upper is open mesh
with traditional, supportive overlays and a full randsimple, but
protective. Th e midsole maintains the Waveplate and U4ic foam from
the original, thanks to its eff ective ride and stability on both
road and trail. Th e outersole continues,too; its luggy traction
works equally well on hard-pack, loose, and muddy trails. Th e
compound is quite durable, so pavement isnt a problem. Th e Hayate
remains a quality choice for the trails, especially if Mizuno is on
your favored brands list.
The upper is totally different from before, with a stretchier
feel, though the support strapping holds the foot nice and secure.
The ride feels about the same as before, and the traction makes it
a real trail shoe.
Performance Trail Updates the Hayate 2 Sizes Men 713; Women 512
Weight 9.7 oz. (mens 11); 7.9 oz. (womens 8) Shape semi-curved
Construction Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for medium- to
high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
New Balance 910 v2 $110Th e eff ectiveness of the New Balance
trail running line has satisfi ed runners in every strata of the
running world. Th e 910 is one of several New Balance everyday
trail runners that handle terrain, mileage, and the ele-ments eff
ectively. Th e upper is an engineered mesh that vents well, and
keeps it light with no-sew overlays but also protective at the toe,
thanks to an additional overlay layer called Toe-Protect. Th e
support of the upper is good, with the overlays forming a complete
rand, connecting eff ectively to the heel counter. Th e eyestays
and external ankle collar are reinforced with zig-zag stitching. Th
e midsole is a healthy chunk of RevLite foam with its lively feel
and good durability. Th e outersole is full-length rubber that
features triangular lugs that have a nice bite on the trail without
being overly tall on the road. Th e Rock Stop plate provides
protection on uneven trails without making the forefoot overly
stiff . Th e 910 v2 continues to off er the performance expected of
the line, maintaining its traction, ride, and value.
Fit snug in the heel, roomy up front. Comfortably well-cushioned
with grippy traction.
Responsive Trail Updates the 910 v1 Sizes Men 713,14,15,16;
Women 511 Weight 11.4 oz. (mens 11); 9.1 oz. (womens 8) Shape
semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral
biomechanics
Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 3 $125Th e Zoom Kiger and its sibling, the
Zoom Wildhorse, represented a much needed trail running reset for
Nike. Round 3 features some fi netuning to a solid performer. Th e
upper has been lightened a bit, and uses engineered mesh. Th e most
signifi cant changes up top are overlays which are thin and printed
on the surface, and the mesh is closed at the base of the upper,
essentially forming a rand without using additional material. Th e
midsole maintains the low-profi le, 4-millimeter geometry that has
been so successful for the Kiger, as it is substantial enough to
cushion well on all surfaces. Th e outersole is little changed from
Round 1: chisel-pointed tread in a sticky rubber compound thats
still tough enough for even bituminous surfaces, though best off
-road. Th e combination of low-profi le geometry, light weight and
good traction make the Terra Kiger great for faster trail
running.
Secure upper with good toe room. Flexible, light, and fast. Its
fi ne for dirt trails, but its no bushwhacker.
Performance Trail Updates the Terra Kiger 2 Sizes Men 613,14,15;
Women 512 Weight 9.0 oz. (mens 11); 7.4 oz. (womens 8) Shape
semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral
biomechanics
Saucony Nomad TR $110 Th e Nomad TR is the fi rst new trail
running shoe from Saucony since the introduction of the Peregrine
four seasons ago. Th e Nomad off ers several features that diff
erentiate it from its off -road siblings and add value to Sauconys
trail line. Th e upper is closed mesh with no-sew overlays,
Pro-Lock secures the midfoot, and a D-ring at the bottom of the
laces facilitates the use of gaiters. Th e midsole features
4-millimeter geometry and a low-profi le setup of Power Grid foam
for responsive cushioning and good fl exibility. Th e outersole
employs a newly designed tread of elongated diamond-shaped lugs
that fl ex laterally to conform to the trail. Th e fl at bottom
adds stability to the foot plant, and the tack of the rubber off
ers additional grip. Th e Nomad TR suc-cessfully fi lls the gap in
Sauconys RAW collection, and its versatile traction, adaptable fi
t, and good protection earned it our award for Best Trail Shoe for
Winter 201516.
Roomy fi t, but without feeling sloppy. Traction is subtle but
effective, with a smooth feel on trail and road. I was im-pressed
by both the fi t and the performance.
Performance Trail NEW Sizes Men 713,14; Women 511,12 Weight 11.2
oz. (mens 11); 8.9 oz. (womens 8) Shape semi-curved Construction
Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet
with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation
TrekSta Alter Ego Star $110TrekSta has shown that a consistent,
single focus on trail performance can bring dividends to a brand.
Th e new Alter Ego Star debuts with an upper of tightly woven mesh
with 3D-printed overlays providing much of the uppers support, and
traditionally stitched overlays at the toe, heel, and from the
eyestay to bolster the fi t, especially in the forefoot. Th e
forefoot has a pronounced asymmetrical shape that mimics the foots,
along with similarly skewed lacing. Th ese features will improve
the fi t for many feet. Th e midsole is a high quality,
single-density EVA wih excellent fl exibility, without sacrifi cing
protection. Th e outersole is a sticky rubber compound called
Hypergrip, but the variety and shape of the lugs adds as much to
the eff ectiveness of the soles grip. Th e Alter Ego Star provides
fi t, traction, and protection for top-notch trail performance.
They were shaped like my foot, so they fi t great. Really good
traction, not too heavy, plenty of cushion. They covered all of the
bases.
Responsive Trail NEW Sizes Men 813; Women 610 Weight 11.4 oz.
(mens 11); 9.1 oz. (womens 8) Shape semi-curved Construction
Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet
with neutral biomechanics
Cregg Weinmann is footwear and running products editor for the
Running Network LLC, which is solely owned by FORTIUS Media Group,
LLC. The Running Network and its partners provide daily reviews of
product via www.runningproductreviews.com All content, regardless
of media delivery system, is copyrighted by the FORTIUS Media
Group, LLC. Cregg can be reached at [email protected].
Copyright 2015 by Running Network LLC. All Rights Reserved. No
part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without
prior written permission of Running Network LLC. Reprinted here
with permission.
BEST SHOE
TRAILWINTER 201516
-
New Balance 910 v2 $110Th e eff ectiveness of the New Balance
trail running line has satisfi ed runners in every strata of the
running world. Th e 910 is one of several New Balance everyday
trail runners that handle terrain, mileage, and the ele-ments eff
ectively. Th e upper is an engineered mesh that vents well, and
keeps it light with no-sew overlays but also protective at the toe,
thanks to an additional overlay layer called Toe-Protect. Th e
support of the upper is good, with the overlays forming a complete
rand, connecting eff ectively to the heel counter. Th e eyestays
and external ankle collar are reinforced with zig-zag stitching. Th
e midsole is a healthy chunk of RevLite foam with its lively feel
and good durability. Th e outersole is full-length rubber that
features triangular lugs that have a nice bite on the trail without
being overly tall on the road. Th e Rock Stop plate provides
protection on uneven trails without making the forefoot overly
stiff . Th e 910 v2 continues to off er the performance expected of
the line, maintaining its traction, ride, and value.
Fit snug in the heel, roomy up front. Comfortably well-cushioned
with grippy traction.
Responsive Trail Updates the 910 v1 Sizes Men 713,14,15,16;
Women 511 Weight 11.4 oz. (mens 11); 9.1 oz. (womens 8) Shape
semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral
biomechanics
Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 3 $125Th e Zoom Kiger and its sibling, the
Zoom Wildhorse, represented a much needed trail running reset for
Nike. Round 3 features some fi netuning to a solid performer. Th e
upper has been lightened a bit, and uses engineered mesh. Th e most
signifi cant changes up top are overlays which are thin and printed
on the surface, and the mesh is closed at the base of the upper,
essentially forming a rand without using additional material. Th e
midsole maintains the low-profi le, 4-millimeter geometry that has
been so successful for the Kiger, as it is substantial enough to
cushion well on all surfaces. Th e outersole is little changed from
Round 1: chisel-pointed tread in a sticky rubber compound thats
still tough enough for even bituminous surfaces, though best off
-road. Th e combination of low-profi le geometry, light weight and
good traction make the Terra Kiger great for faster trail
running.
Secure upper with good toe room. Flexible, light, and fast. Its
fi ne for dirt trails, but its no bushwhacker.
Performance Trail Updates the Terra Kiger 2 Sizes Men 613,14,15;
Women 512 Weight 9.0 oz. (mens 11); 7.4 oz. (womens 8) Shape
semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral
biomechanics
Saucony Nomad TR $110 Th e Nomad TR is the fi rst new trail
running shoe from Saucony since the introduction of the Peregrine
four seasons ago. Th e Nomad off ers several features that diff
erentiate it from its off -road siblings and add value to Sauconys
trail line. Th e upper is closed mesh with no-sew overlays,
Pro-Lock secures the midfoot, and a D-ring at the bottom of the
laces facilitates the use of gaiters. Th e midsole features
4-millimeter geometry and a low-profi le setup of Power Grid foam
for responsive cushioning and good fl exibility. Th e outersole
employs a newly designed tread of elongated diamond-shaped lugs
that fl ex laterally to conform to the trail. Th e fl at bottom
adds stability to the foot plant, and the tack of the rubber off
ers additional grip. Th e Nomad TR suc-cessfully fi lls the gap in
Sauconys RAW collection, and its versatile traction, adaptable fi
t, and good protection earned it our award for Best Trail Shoe for
Winter 201516.
Roomy fi t, but without feeling sloppy. Traction is subtle but
effective, with a smooth feel on trail and road. I was im-pressed
by both the fi t and the performance.
Performance Trail NEW Sizes Men 713,14; Women 511,12 Weight 11.2
oz. (mens 11); 8.9 oz. (womens 8) Shape semi-curved Construction
Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet
with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation
TrekSta Alter Ego Star $110TrekSta has shown that a consistent,
single focus on trail performance can bring dividends to a brand.
Th e new Alter Ego Star debuts with an upper of tightly woven mesh
with 3D-printed overlays providing much of the uppers support, and
traditionally stitched overlays at the toe, heel, and from the
eyestay to bolster the fi t, especially in the forefoot. Th e
forefoot has a pronounced asymmetrical shape that mimics the foots,
along with similarly skewed lacing. Th ese features will improve
the fi t for many feet. Th e midsole is a high quality,
single-density EVA wih excellent fl exibility, without sacrifi cing
protection. Th e outersole is a sticky rubber compound called
Hypergrip, but the variety and shape of the lugs adds as much to
the eff ectiveness of the soles grip. Th e Alter Ego Star provides
fi t, traction, and protection for top-notch trail performance.
They were shaped like my foot, so they fi t great. Really good
traction, not too heavy, plenty of cushion. They covered all of the
bases.
Responsive Trail NEW Sizes Men 813; Women 610 Weight 11.4 oz.
(mens 11); 9.1 oz. (womens 8) Shape semi-curved Construction
Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet
with neutral biomechanics
Cregg Weinmann is footwear and running products editor for the
Running Network LLC, which is solely owned by FORTIUS Media Group,
LLC. The Running Network and its partners provide daily reviews of
product via www.runningproductreviews.com All content, regardless
of media delivery system, is copyrighted by the FORTIUS Media
Group, LLC. Cregg can be reached at [email protected].
Copyright 2015 by Running Network LLC. All Rights Reserved. No
part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without
prior written permission of Running Network LLC. Reprinted here
with permission.
BEST SHOE
TRAILWINTER 201516
-
Class of 201516
The Road Runners Club of America has awarded grants exceeding
$510,000 through the Roads Scholar program since 1996. The goal of
the program is to assist American, post-collegiate runners who show
great promise to develop into national and world-class road running
athletes.The RRCA grants go directly to the athletes to support
their goals and train-ing needs. On Nov. 30, 2015 the program
re-ceived a spotlight in the print edition of USA Today. We thank
them for sharing information and raising awareness of the
program.
The RRCA is pleased to introduce and con-gratulate the 201516
Class of Roads Scholar grantees: Juli Accurso, Eric Fernandez,
Griffith Graves, Lauren Jimison, Katy Moen, and Luke Puskedra.
JULI ACCURSODiscovering a passion for running on the country
roads in Casstown, OH, Accurso joined the Ohio University cross
country and track & field teams in 2010. As a Bob-cat she
achieved cross country All-American honors in 2011, 2012, and 2013,
finishing 36th, 38th, and 19th, respectively. She was the Great
Lakes Regional Runner of the Year in 2012, and 2013 and is a
six-time Mid-Ameri-can Conference champion. During her career, she
clocked a 4:48 in the mile, 9:21 in 3000m, 15:58 in 5000m, and
33:51 in 10,000m. Accurso graduated from Ohio University hungry for
faster times, a supportive team, and a community in which to grow.
She attended the 2014 RunPro Camp and shortly thereafter moved
across the country to join Team Run Eugene. This spring Accurso ran
a 10K PR of 33:16 and gained valuable experience on the road
circuit.
It is a pure privilege to be one of this years Roads Schol-ar
grant recipients, Accurso said. The RRCA embodies the same traits
that first drew me to the sport: community, support, and belief.
The Roads Scholar grant will be the impetus for a goal-achieving
year, and it will enable me to give attention to every aspect of my
training.
ERIC FERNANDEZGrowing up in St. Louis, Fernandez enjoyed running
so much that his parents had him join an AAU/USATF youth track
team, the St. Louis Blazers. There, he fell in love with running
and would go on to earn Youth All-American titles and two state
titles for his St. Louis high school, Parkway West. Fernandez was
recruited by Coach Mc-Donnell of the Arkansas Razorbacks for
col-lege and ran for Chris Bucknam when Coach McDonnell retired.
Highlights of Fernandezs collegiate career include a freshman
10,000m PR of 28:37, a sophomore 5000m PR of 13:52, and a 3000m PR
of 7:59. During his junior season he was the SEC cross country
individual champion, All-American at the NCAA cross country
championships, and the SEC outdoor track 10,000m champion. He
competed for the Junior USA Cross Country team, and he also
contributed to nine SEC team titles and the 2013 NCAA Indoor Track
national title. College injuries resulted in reconstruc-tive joint
surgery on both of his big toes, and burnout impacted Fernandezs
desire to run professionally. However, he contacted HOKA ONE ONE
NAZ Elite coach Ben Rosario to ask him to provide some structured
train-ing runs. Rosario agreed to coach Fernandez, believing he had
what it took to be an elite athlete and encouraged him to take the
steps to run professionally. Fernandez moved to Flagstaff to become
one of the original mem-bers of Northern Arizona Elite.
Professional running highlights so far include 15th place at the
2014 USRC Bix 7-Mile Road Champion-ships in 35:35, fourth place at
the 2014 Great
by Andy Smith, RRCA Program Coordinator
24 ClubRunning Winter 2016 RRCA.org
Six up-and-coming distance runners receive $5,000 each in
financial support
Juli Accurso
Eric Fernandez
Griffith Graves
Lauren Jimison
Katy Moen
Luke Puskedra
Photos courtesy of each athlete
-
Ann Arbor
Harbor 10K in 29:39, and second place at the 2015 Newport (NJ)
Road 10K in 29:38. This grant is not only going to provide me with
financial security as I train, but it also reminds me that there is
support in the run-ning community from people who believe in me,
Fernandez said.
GRIFFITH GRAVESGraves started running at a very young age,
completing his first 5K when he was a mere 5 years old. After
moving around a lot during his childhood, he began training
seriously in the eighth grade. Graves went to Syracuse University
after a fairly successful high school career. At the end of his
sophomore year at Syracuse he suffered a torn labrum, a snapped
ligament, and a bone spur in his left hip. For two years, Graves
couldnt compete; he could barely run faster than a jog and,
sometimes, not at all. He had hip surgery during his ju-nior year.
Because of his injury Graves was granted a fifth year and sixth
cross country season at Syracuse. As a fifth year, Graves was a
part of the Syracuse teams third Big East champion-ship. As a sixth
year Graves was a part of the first team ACC Championship in
Syracuse history where the men won the cross country title in the
fall of 2013. That year, he and Syr-acuse went on to finish 10th at
the NCAA XC nationals. Graduating from Syracuse in the fall of
2013, Graves moved to Blowing Rock, NC where he now runs for ZAP
Fitness/Reebok with coaches Pete Rea and Ryan Warrenburg. This
year, Graves raced on the roads fre-quently, finishing 15th in two
USATF road championship races and ninth at the Man-chester Road
Race. In 2015, he qualified for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon
Trials at the USATF Half Marathon Championships. Graves finished
third at the nonteam race at the 2015 Peachtree Road Race and he
was the top American finisher at the 2015 Medtronic Twin Cities
Marathon, placing eighth with a time of 2:20.51. I am so thankful
to RRCA for selecting me as a Roads Scholar recipient, Graves said.
I look forward to showing my appreciation for the support by taking
my running to the next level! This grant solidifies the RRCAs
be-lief in us as the next great group of top Amer-ican distance
runners.
LAUREN JIMISONJimison grew up in Northern California and
discovered a love for running in middle school P.E. When she
entered high school, she started her schools first cross
country
team. Attending Azusa Pacific University, Ji-mison grew in her
athletics and faith, some-thing deeply tied to her passion for
running. There, she was an 11-time All-American and a five-time
individual national champion in the 5/10K. She won three national
team championships in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor
track. Her senior year she set the APU record for cross country in
the 5K, run-ning 16:53. In track season, she went on to run 33:58
for the 10K at Stanford, hitting the Olympic B mark for the 2012
Trials. Soon after graduation Jimison realized she couldnt give up
running professionally yet and asked her college coach, Preston
Grey, to continue coaching her. She debuted at the Carlsbad Half
Marathon in 1:15.47. Run-ning her first half marathon in a
close-to-tri-als-qualifying mark gave Jimison a spark to continue
running at a high level. Seeing that Mammoth Track Club was
starting a new group, she contacted its coach, Andrew Kas-tor. That
May Jimison took 10th at the U.S. 25K in Grand Rapids, MI, running
1:30.46. Just one month after that she moved to Mam-moth Lakes, CA,
and joined the Mammoth Track Club. In her first half marathon after
training in Mammoth Lakes, Jimison ran 1:14.29, securing her spot
for the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials. That spring she took sixth at
the U.S. 25K, running 1:28.15, which set her up for a great debut
marathon. Just a year after moving to Mammoth Lakes she ran
Grandmas Marathon and took fourth in 2:35.17. In 2014 Jimison took
ninth at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, running 2:34.38, and
was the fifth American. At the U.S. Half Marathon Championships,
Jimison ran 1:12.01 in her build-up to the U.S. Mar-athon
Championships at the LA Marathon, where she took seventh. Im so
thrilled to receive the RRCA Roads Scholar grant so that I can
continue to pursue my dreams, Jimison said. I want to encourage
others to pursue theirs, and chase making an Olympic team.
KATY MOENGrowing up in a small town in Iowa, Moen fell into
running through her fathers and brothers influence. As she was
growing up, her oldest brother, Josh, was having success in a local
DIII program. Traveling across the Midwest in support of him, she
fell in love with the sport. As her brother became a pro-fessional,
Moen began to see herself as a fu-ture road racer, as well. After a
successful high school career, Moen ran for Iowa State University.
There,
she consistently improved times and champi-onship performances.
However, it wasnt until her redshirt junior year that Moen began to
perform at the top of the conference. Since then shes won two Big
12 championships and two All-American honors and was award-ed the
U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association
Midwest Womens Re-gional Track Athlete of the Year. Race
high-lights included first place at the 2014 Big 12 Outdoor
Championships 5K in 17:01 and second place at the 2015 Big 12
Outdoor Championships 10K in 34:23. Additionally, Moen had the
honor of being the Iowa State Womens Cross Country team captain for
her last two years. Moen attended the 2015 RunPro Camp and shortly
thereafter joined Team USA Min-nesota to pursue her postcollegiate
distance running career.
LUKE PUSKEDRAPuskedra found his love for running in the third
grade when running the mile in P.E. He started competing in cross
country during middle school in his native Ogden, UT. His
competitive running continued at Judge Me-morial High School where
he won individual and team titles in cross country and track. He
was recruited by and attended the Uni-versity of Oregon where he
was an 11-time All-American and graduated in Sports Busi-ness.
Puskedras highest finishes at Oregon include team cross country
title, third indi-vidual place in cross country, and fourth
indi-vidual place in the 10K. In 2012 while in his junior year at
Ore-gon, Puskedra made his road running debut. He ran a 1:01.36 in
the Houston Half Mara-thon. From that moment on, he found a new
love for training and road racing. That year he also finished
second in the New Haven 20K USA Championship with a 58:48, and
eighth overall at the Olympic Trials 10K with a 27:56. His road
racing career has progressed steadily since then. In 2015 Puskedra
won the Rock n Roll Portland Half Marathon with a time of 1:05 and
also placed first at the Van-couver Sun Run 10K with 28:53.
Following receipt of his Roads Scholar grant, Puskedra was first
American and fifth overall at the 2015 Bank of America Chicago
Marathon, finishing with a time of 2:10:24. My main focus this year
is to make the U.S. Olympic Marathon team and race well at the
Olympics, Puskedra said. To help achieve this goal I will continue
to compete in road races to sharpen my racing skills.
RRCA.org Winter 2016 ClubRunning 25
Katy Moen
-
26 ClubRunning Winter 2016 RRCA.org
Youth running programs serving more than 11,000 children in the
U.S. received needed financial support from the RRCA to combat the
inactivity crisis and getting kids active through running.
In October, the RRCA provided grants to 28 youth running
programs through the Kids Run the Nation Grant Fund. The programs
serve more than 11,000 children and received a total of $22,760 in
grants from the RRCA. In addition the RRCA donat-ed more than
13,000 copies of Kids Run the Nation: A Running Guide for Kids
booklets to 26 other programs, an in-kind donation from the RRCA
valued at over $14,000.
The youth running programs receiving grant funding this year
represent the breadth and depth of the Kids Run the Nation Funds
impact, both geographically and demographically, said Erica
Gminski, RRCA youth program coordinator.
Congratulations to these programs: Trek Around Tazewell
(Tremont, IL), Maverick Running Club (Austin, TX), Scott Scorpi-ons
Run Club (Chester, VA), Gastineau Trail Runners (Juneau, AK), W.W.
Gordon Elementary Jogging Club (North Chesterfield, VA), Manhattan
Cross Country Club (Manhattan, KS), Trailblazers Run-ning Club
(Stamford, CT), Spring Mills Sprinters (Martinsburg, WV), Kids Run
the Nation George Cromwell Elementary (Glen Burnie, MD), Knoxville
Youth Runs! (Knoxville, TN), Miller Fitness Chal-lenge (Holliston,
MA), Kids Run Flagstaff (Flagstaff, AZ), Rockland Road Runners Kids
Program (Congers, NY), SRE Mileage Club (St. Rose, LA), Zucker
Middle Running Club (North Charleston, SC), Run Away Mustangs
(Bluffton, SC), SRA Kids (Sacramento, CA), Blazing Bulldogs Run
Club (Tualatin, OR), Viejo Run Club (Mission Viejo, CA), Heliotrope
Kids Run the Nation (Maywood, CA), Crimfit Summer Running Club
(Flint, MI), McKinley Running Club (Tulsa, OK), Saint Louis Blazers
(Brentwood, MO), Waupaca Mighty Milers
(Waupaca, WI), Kids Run for Fun (Bloomington, IL), LOW Running
Bears (Baudette, MN), Countdown to Fitness Space Coast Final Mile
(Melbourne, FL), and Wise Kids In Motion (St. Paul, MN).
A detailed list and compelling profiles of this years Kids Run
the Nation grantees can be found at
www.rrca.org/programs/kids-run-the-nation-fund/2015/.
The need to financially support youth running continues to grow
as more evidence-based research shows that organized running
programs for youth are a key component in combating childhood
obe-sity, explained Jean Knaack, RRCA executive director.
Foundations and corporations need to stop funding studies on the
problem of inac-tivity and start putting more money into funding
the solution: activity programs. We received more than 275
applications for programs that are getting 75,000+ children running
regularly, and they are all deserv-ing of financial support.
The RRCAs Kids Run the Nation program is a gender-inclu-sive,
multiweek, turnkey, youth running program designed to meet the
physical activity goals outlined by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
(USDA) for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Since 2007
the RRCA has provided over $137,000 in small grants to deserving
youth running programs, serving over 80,000 chil-dren, through the
Kids Run the Nation Fund. The RRCAs vision is to help establish
locally managed youth running programs in every school in
America.
Program Spotlight
Feetures!, a leader in the performance running sock category,
and the RRCA are pleased to announce their new partnership.
Feetures! will directly contribute to the Kids Run the Nation Fund
as the top pledge supporter for 2016. Feetures!s support of the
Kids Run the Nation Fund will increase the RRCAs grant-giving
ability by 50% for 2016, enabling grants to be awarded to an
additional 1015 deserving youth running programs, growing 2016
giving to $30,000 or more. Hugh Gaither launched Feetures! in 2002
after spending 25+ years with a leading manufacturer of athletic
socks. His son Joe, who was 15 at the time, came up with the
Feetures! name during a brainstorming session around the dinner
table, and thus a brand was launched. Soon after, the brand firmly
established itself as a leader in the specialty running market.
Along with his now-adult sons John and Joe, Hugh Gaither has
developed a family-operated business based in Charlotte, NC,
whose mission and core values reflect the familys desire to support
runners and athletes in their pursuit of healthy, active
lifestyles. In creating a line of high-quality performance running
socks that combine comfort and technology to enhance the
performance of runners at all levels, Feetures! consistently
delivers on its three core promises to provide real benefits to its
consumers: fit, feel, and durability. Feetures! maintains an
unmatched level of personalized service based on the core values of
quality, accountability, simplicity, adaptability, sustainability,
and innovation. Were thrilled to provide the RRCAs Kids Run the
Nation Fund with this opportunity to reach more children and foster
the next gen-eration of runners, says Joe Gaither, Feetures!s
director of marketing. The missions of Feetures! and Kids Run the
Nation are closely aligned in working to encourage healthy
lifestyles through physical activity. For all the reasons you run,
Feetures! and Feetures! socks are proud to support you. To learn
more, visit www.feeturesrunning.com.
By Erica Gminski, RRCA Youth Programs Coordinator
RRCA Awards $22,000+ in Kids Run the Nation Grants
Feetures! Supports Kids Run the Nation to Grow Youth Running
Programs
-
RRCA.org Winter 2016 ClubRunning 27
Program Spotlight
Since 1971, the RRCA has honored dedicated individu-als for
their contributions and service to the sport of distance running
through its Nation-al Distance Running Hall of Fame. We are
delighted to an-nounce the 2016 inductees, who will be honored at
the upcoming RRCA National Running Awards Ceremony on Saturday,
March 19 in Dallas.
SHALANE FLANAGAN (born July 1981) is a distin-guished American
runner who grew up in Marblehead, MA. She currently holds six
Ameri-can records: 3000 meters (indoor), 5000 meters (indoor),
10,000 me-ters, 10K, 15K and 25K. Flanagan ran the 10,000 meters
for the first time at the 2008 Stanford Payton Jordan invite,
finishing in a time of 30:34.49 to break Deena Kastors American
record of 30:50.32. At the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials held in Eugene,
OR, Flana-gan competed in both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters,
winning the 10,000 meters in 31:34.81. This guaranteed her a spot
on Team USA for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. On Aug. 16,
2008, Flanagan finished third in the Olympic 10,000 meter final,
capturing the bronze medal. In that race, she also set an American
record of 30:22.22, bettering her own mark from earlier that year.
She is only the second American woman to win an Olympic medal in
the 10,000 meters. On Jan. 14, 2012, Flanagan won the U.S. Olympic
Marathon Trials in Houston, setting the event record, clocking
2:25:38, and lat-er, the 2011 World Cross Country Championships
bronze medalist represented Team USA at the 2012 London Olympic
Marathon, fin-ishing 10th in 2:25:51. Flanagan also holds a unique
distinction: Shes one half of the only mother-daughter combination
in the RRCA Hall of Fame. Her mother, Cheryl Treworgy, was inducted
into the RRCA Hall of Fame in 1988.
JON ANDERSON (born October 1949) is a lifelong resident of
Eugene, OR, where he was coached by the legendary Bill Bowerman.
Anderson is credited with contributing to the establishment of
Eugene as a mecca for running. He is best known for his remarkable
1973 Boston Marathon win on a hot, sunny day. Anderson, just 23,
passed Finlands defending champion, Olavi Suomalainen, after 20
miles to take the lead and win by nearly two minutes with a time of
2:16:03. That race also made him the first runner to win any major
internation-al sporting event in Nike shoes. Anderson won his first
marathon title at the 1972 Petaluma Mar-athon. Upon graduating from
Cornell University in 1971, he finished third at the Olympic Trials
in the 10,000 meters, qualifying for the 1972 U.S. Olympic Track
& Field Team. At the 1972 Munich Olym-pic Games, he placed
eighth in his 10,000 meter heat, not qualifying for the finals, but
still setting a personal record (28:34.2). In 1973, following his
Boston win, Anderson placed fourth in the international and highly
competitive Fukuoka Marathon, which
at the time was the unofficial world championship. Later, he won
the 1975 Nike OTC Marathon in Eugene and represented the U.S. in
the 1977 World Cross Country Championships. He set his personal
best marathon at the 1980 Nike OTC Marathon, placing fourth and
recording a 2:12:08.
BOB LARSEN (born January 1939) is a Hall of Fame distance and
track & field coach, known mainly for coaching distance
runners, although he has had success coaching across the full range
of events. Larsen is arguably the most highly decorated distance
and track & field coach in the U.S. Overall, he has achieved
extraordinary success as a coach at every level: high school,
community college, university and open divisions, as portrayed in a
recent documentary film about his career, City Slickers Cant Stay
with Me. The film can be accessed at www.boblarsenfilm.com. Coach
Larsen enjoyed 21 seasons of cross country and 16 sea-sons of track
& field at UCLA, winning two NCAA outdoor team titles
(1987-88). The Minnesota native was National Coach of the Year
three times (1987-88, 1995) and Pac-10 Coach of the Year nine
times. In 1980 he was NCAA Natio