FLEET FEET Flyer #19

August 15th, 2008 Issue 19

Hello, Friends!

What a fun time to be a part of the running community! We are inspired by the Olympics and the impassioned performances of some of the greatest athletes in the world. Olympic track and field gives us an opportunity to watch in awe as the quickest, strongest, most powerful runners in the world seemingly fly across the face of the earth.

On the home front, cross country season is underway, and high schoolers across the area are hard at work chasing down the miles. Also, upcoming fall marathons and half marathons are now in sight as many of you are reaching the heart of your training schedules.

And, fittingly, combining both the local and global spirit of running is the Nike+ Human Race on Sunday, August 31st. Over one million runners around the world will compete in a 10K race on the same day, raising money for charity and making history in the process. FLEET FEET is excited to host the local Nike+ Human Race group run, and we invite you to join us in this unique event.

Enjoy the rest of the Olympics and have fun running!

Sincerely,

Your Friends at FLEET FEET St. Louis

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We are excited to send out the FLEET FEET Flyer, and we would love to hear back from you! Feel free to send any comments directly to me via email. Happy Running!

Sincerely,
Amy Marxkors
Editor

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Jake Goldsborough

Business as Usual:
Behind the Scenes of Race Timing

For most of us, race day is a fairly simple matter. Wake up. Head to the race. Run the race. Go home. Our morning begins an hour or so before we line up at the start line and ends with the consumption of a post-race bagel. It is almost as if the bustling early-morning scene magically appears in an explosion of race numbers and orange cones, and then just as abruptly vanishes into the weekend air, returning us to daily chores and life as usual.

But for FLEET FEET Race Timing Manager Jake Goldsborough, race day begins long before the starting siren sounds and ends long after the last participants have gone home. With the accuracy of the results, the satisfaction of race participants, and the success of the race hanging in the balance, Jake and his crew work behind the scenes to ensure the race runs (no pun intended) smoothly.

Join us as Jake gives us a glimpse into race morning for the FLEET FEET Race Timing manager!

3:00AM- I awake to my backup alarm clock, which happens to be my wife elbowing me to turn off my noisy alarm clock. Time to get up and go to work.

3:30AM- After getting dressed, brushing my teeth, and snagging some caffeine from 7/11, I'm on the road to St. Charles to lay out the 5-mile course for the day.

4:00AM- I arrive at Frontier Park for the FLEET FEET Runner's Club Flat Five. I put the truck in park, turn on my emergency flashers, and hop out to organize the course-marking supplies in the back of our race timing truck. I leave a couple of cones at the exact location of the finish line so Billy will know where to begin setting up in case he arrives at the park with the timing bus before I'm back from setting up the course. After using my map to locate the exact location of the start and marking it with the appropriate signage, I hop back in the truck and am off to lay out the course. Historic St. Charles is much like a ghost town at four in the morning, and I see nary a soul for the majority of my course-marking endeavor. Course marking goes very smoothly until it comes time to find the turnaround point. The turnaround point is located in front of an old abandoned house, but I am unable to locate it in the dark. After my second time driving through the area, looking more carefully and headlights on hi-beam, I find the permanent marking in the road. When I go out to mark it, I realize I couldn't see the house because it is no longer there. Apparently it was torn down since last year's race.

5:00AM- I arrive back at the finish line. The area that was deserted an hour earlier is now brimming with activity. The FLEET FEET box truck has arrived with all the pre- and post-race supplies, volunteers are all around setting up the registration and food tents, and I'm happy to see my assistant Billy has arrived with the bus and has started setting up the finish line area. Together, we set up the antenna used to read each runner's DAG (the RFID timing chip attached to each number) as runners pass under the finish banner, set up the finish banner, and build the finish chute. We fire up the generator and get our laptop, printer, and DAG Timing System powered up and running. After we get things up and running, I test the quality of the field to make sure it will read runners' chips, using a "Test DAG" which is specially programmed to test field quality. The field is solid, and we're ready to go. While Billy gets the handheld backup system up and running, I assist some Runner's Club members in setting up their trophy tables at the back of the finish chute.

6:00AM- Runners start showing up to pick up their numbers and sign up for the race. I have Billy type any race day registrations into the timing software's database while I put the finishing touches on the finish line area. The database is the most critical portion of the timing process. Each runner is assigned a race number which has a DAG, an RFID timing chip, attached to it. Each DAG is programmed to represent the number it is attached to, and as each runner passes under the antenna at the finish, that time is recorded for that number. Knowing which number belongs to which runner, and knowing each runner's vital information (name, age, gender, etc), is what allows us to process accurate results.

6:30AM- Runners are really showing up in force now. The registration/number pick-up line is getting long, and Billy is typing furiously in the bus. There are many familiar faces in the crowd, as FLEET FEET customers, staff members, and Runner's Club members make up much of the crowd. Rain clouds are visible to the northwest, but do not look too threatening yet. All fingers are crossed hoping the storm passes.

6:55AM- We begin herding the runners to the start line. From the stage at Frontier Park, Glenn Ezell of the Runner's Club makes announcements, thanks everyone for coming, and thanks all of the volunteers.

7:00AM- I give final course instructions to the runners at the start line, letting them know how the course is marked and pointing out Ken DeBeer, the lead biker.

7:05AM- I give the runners a two-command start. After announcing "Runners set..." on the bullhorn, I hit the siren to indicate the start, and the runners are off on the 5-mile route. I get my watch started, as does Billy. We head back to the finish line to synchronize the timing clock and the timing system with our watches. We do a final test of the antenna to make sure the field is still good. It is. We get the display clock and the timing system synchronized, and we're good to go. Billy gets to "run the show" today from inside the bus, so I grab the "badger," our backup system, and await the first finisher at the back of the chute. The badger is a handheld antenna that we "wand" over the finishers' numbers as they exit the chute. It reads the DAGs and communicates with the timing system via a radio link, ensuring we get times for every runner.

7:35AM- We can see the first runner making his way in. Neehall Philogene would cross the line in 29:55 to win. I check with Billy in the bus, and he says everything is working as it should. I can now breathe a little easier. FLEET FEET's own AJ Hoeltzel comes in 2nd at 30:32, and the rest of the field starts coming in. I get busy wanding our finishers with the badger. After twenty finishers or so cross the line, I have Billy print the first sheet of preliminary results, which he posts on the grandstand for participants to view.

8:00AM- The rain clouds we saw an hour earlier are rolling in full force now, accompanied by lots of lightning and thunder. We get the 1-mile fun run started in hopes that everyone is back before the rain comes. The wind begins to pick up quite a bit. Our finish banner and the poles that support it start to look a little unstable in the wind. I draft AJ to take over running the badger for me, and I take down the finish banner to keep it from tipping over. I also take our display clock off its tripod and set it on the ground. Then the rain comes down, and it comes down in a fury. Those who are done running flee to the grandstand for shelter, while others take off for their cars. I move to the tent at the back of the chute and join the Runner's Club volunteers who are handing out finishers' trophies. Now we're having some fun. We start to get both the 1-mile and 5-mile finishers coming in, and despite the downpour, everyone out running appears to be enjoying themselves. Most greatly appreciate the tailwind to finish!

8:30AM- A little thunderstorm was not going to keep the always-popular Toddler Trot from happening. To keep the tradition alive without subjecting young toddlers to running in a downpour, the course is moved to the grandstand. Over a dozen toddlers race from one end of the grandstand to the other-- rain free-- much to the delight of the crowd. The kids receive stuffed animals as prizes. At the same time, the final 5-mile finishers are coming into the finish area. With the last of the runners safely in from the course, it is time for Billy and me to wrap things up. While Billy begins tearing down the finish line equipment, I post the results to the website so that, by the time the runners get home, they can see full race results. After shutting down the electronics, I help Billy in packing up the bus.

9:15AM- Everything packed away and Frontier Park all cleaned up, the morning is over. The Runner's Club volunteers who were course marshalls are kind enough to bring in all our course marking signage. I load all of that into our timing truck, and we are good to go. I send Billy on his way back to our Fenton store. As I walk back to the truck, I think about how quickly the last six hours have gone by. Time really does fly when I'm race timing. I should be exhausted and opt for a nap before I head to work at the store. However, something about race timing negates fatigue for me. Maybe it's the thrill of performing a high pressure job, or the inspiration one gets from watching a few hundred people running a 5-mile race in the rain, but at this moment, there is only one thing I feel like doing. So I turn on my Garmin, throw on my running shorts, change shoes...and head off down the Katy Trail for a run.

FLEET FEET to Host Local Nike+ Human Race 10K Run

      On Sunday, August 31st, you can be a part of the world's largest running event. The Nike+ Human Race is an unprecedented virtual event in which over one million people from around the world will run a 10K on the same day in a massive effort to raise money for three incredible charities: The Livestrong Foundation, Ninemillion (a UN Refugee Fund), and the World Wildlife Fund. Twenty-five major world cities-- from London to Tokyo to Istanbul-- will host an official Human Race 10K, while smaller, local runs will be held across the globe.

     FLEET FEET Sports is proud to host the St. Louis area’s Nike+ Human Race 10K. We invite you to join us on Sunday, August 31st, at 7:30AM in Forest Park for a 6.2-mile group run on Forest Park’s running path. Our group run will start at 7:30am from Picnic Area #8, which is located on Wells in the southwest corner of the park – west of the Zoo. Participants should park along Wells and Government wherever they can. After we take a group photo at the start, the Human Racers will travel clockwise along the Forest Park pathway until their Nike+ system reaches 6.2 miles. After that, they’re invited to return to the picnic area where post-run food, drinks, and tunes will be provided.
     To participate in the Nike+ Human Race 10K, all you need is a Nike+ system (SportKit or SportBand) and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. If you meet those requirements, visit nikeplus.com, register your product if you haven’t already done so, and then register (for free) to run the Human Race 10K. Designate the charity you wish to support and Nike will make a donation to that charity for each Nike+ mile you record from now until 8/31. You can also pledge to personally raise additional money for one of the three charities. On race day, everyone who has registered to run the Nike+ Human Race 10K is asked to upload their results to nikeplus.com to become official Human Race finishers.
     Participants can then compare their results with over one million others from around the world! To read more about this unique event, click here! If you plan on participating in the St. Louis Human Race 10K group run, please email Kristen and let her know so that we can plan accordingly. We ask that you please respect the spirit of the event and do not participate if you do not have a Nike+ system.

     We hope to see you at the world's largest running event on Sunday, August 31st, 2008!

Product Highlight: Polar Insulated Water Bottles (BPA Free!)

We've all experienced it. You're in the middle of a run, the sun is beating down on you relentlessly, and your parched throat longs for a drink of ice cold water. Good thing you're prepared. Popping the top of your water bottle, your tilt your head back and enjoy the crisp, refreshing splash of... Oh, wait. Somewhere between the start of your run and your first water break, the H20 in your water bottle morphed from a cool drink into a steaming bathtub sampler. It's 100 degrees outside, and you've got a cup full of hot water.

Not cool. (Ha... literally.)

But never fear. Polar offers a solution to Warm Water Syndrome with its insulated water bottles, guaranteeing your drink stays cold, even on those long, summer runs. The Polar water bottle boasts double-wall construction that incorporates a thermal barrier of air to simultaneously prevent heat absorption and lock in cold air. In addition, the water compartment is enveloped in a foil layer that reflects solar rays for added insulation. Generous thumb grooves allow for easy carrying. And, in keeping with health consciousness and environmental awareness, the insulated Polar water bottles are BPA free, making them the smart choice for your family and your world.

Polar Insulated Water Bottles are available in red, blue, and white. Price: $10.99 (20-ounce bottle) and $11.99 (24-ounce bottle).

Upcoming Races

Wild in the Woods Trail Series

For individuals wishing for something a bit more challenging than another walk in the park, the St. Charles County Parks Department is hosting its 7th Annual Wild in the Woods Trail Run Series. Held at four county parks from September through November, the off-road races may be run as single races or as part of the four-race series.

    Prizes will be presented at each race to the top males and females in each age group, as well as to the top overall finishers in each age group for the entire series. The age groups will be 19 & under, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, and 60 & over. All participants will receive a water bottle at Race 1, a short-sleeve T-Shirt at Race 2, a hat at Race 3, and a long-sleeve shirt at Race 4. All races begin at 9AM.

     The first race is on September 6 at Matson Hill Park. Featuring rolling hills and a few steep climbs, the course will cover 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) over paved roads, gravel roads, and winding single-track dirt trails.

    The second race is on September 27 at Klondike Park. Featuring flat terrain and multiple steep hills, the seven-mile course will cross hard-surface trail, park roads, crushed stone trail, and single-track natural surface.

    The third race is on October 18 at Indian Camp Creek Park. A predominantly flat terrain with a few steep hills, the 10-mile course will travel over paved park roads, single-track dirt trails, and natural terrain.

    The fourth race is on November 1 at Quail Ridge Park. Winding through the park's undulating terrain, the 5-mile course will travel over paved trails and single-track dirt trails.

    Registration fees are $75 for the four-race series or $25 for each individual race. Series entrants must register before August 22nd to receive the discount. Participants who register at least one week prior to each race are guaranteed to receive the aforementioned commemorative items, although race-day registrations will be accepted. To register, download an entry form here, visit online or call 636-949-7535.

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Des Peres Dash 5K

The Des Peres Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the fourth annual 5K run and walk for the Wellness Community, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free emotional support, education, and hope for people with cancer and their loved ones. The Edward Jones Des Peres Dash will take place on Saturday, September 20th, 2008, at 8AM in Des Peres Park.

Participants that register by August 30th will be guaranteed a long sleeve t-shirt in their size. Those that register after that date will be given t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is only $18; day-of registration is $25.

     Returning for 2008 is the Kids' Run for those 10 and under. The Kids' Run is a half mile and will begin promptly at 9:15AM. Pre-registration for the kids run is $8; day-of registration is $15. The Kids' Run participants will receive a short-sleeve t-shirt and goodie bags from Trader Joe's.

     Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female overall finishers, as well as to the top 3 male and female finishers in the following age groups: 19 and under, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and 70-and-over.

     Participants can pre-register online, by downloading an entry form here, or in person at The Lodge Des Peres. For more information, call the Lodge at 314-835-6150.

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New Town Twilight 5K

The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce invites you to join the fun on one of the rare occasions to race locally... as the sun sets.

The 5K Twilight Run takes place on Saturday, September 27th, at 6:30PM, in the pristine setting of New Town where the course is scenic, flat, and fast. Once the race is over, kick back and relax with live entertainment on the main stage. Click here for more information!

     Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female overall finishers, as well as to the top 3 male and females in the following age groups: 19 & under, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and 70 and over. Awards will be presented between music sets.

     There will be plenty to do before and after the race. All participants will receive t-shirts and $5 in food/beer/soda tickets, and will be eligible for attendance prizes. The New Town Blast event entertains the whole family with game booths, a petting zoo for kids, a cake walk, a 1-Mile Family Fun Walk, a balloon glow, a wine/dessert event, and a beer garden.

     Packets will be available at 5:30PM on race evening.

     You can register online or download an entry form here. For more information, visit the race website or contact Heidi Fairbanks via email or by phone at 636-946-0633.

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Click here for more upcoming races!