June 24th, 2009: FLEET FEET Flyer # 40
Welcome, Friends!
One of our fellow FLEET FEET-ers always greets people with the phrase, "It's a great day to be a (insert your last name here)!" Borrowing that positive salutation, I would like to welcome all of you with the statement, "It's a great day to be a runner!"
Now, more than ever, people are discovering the joy of running. A recent USA Today article reported the exponential growth of road race finishers within the past two decades. In 1990, approximately four million people crossed the finish line in US road races. By 2008, that number had more than doubled, with well over nine million runners going the distance.
How cool is that?
In today's world, it sometimes seems as though negative news gets the upper hand. But, let it be noted, appearances can be deceiving. For just when life grimaces and reminds us things aren't always a walk in the park, we simply lace up our shoes, slap on some BodyGlide, and respond with a smile, "Who said we had to walk?"
Happy 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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Eye on the Road: Keeping Missouri Road Race Records
Mike Lundgren volunteers his time to ensure
records are documented and running history is preserved.
When Kathy Matthews crossed the finish line at the Run for the Stars in Forest Park earlier this month, she was excited to learn she had won her age group. Happy about her accomplishment, she picked up her medal and headed home. What she didn't know was that an even bigger surprise-- in the form of an email-- was on its way.
Kathy had set a new state 10K record for women ages 60-64.
Just as the record was a complete surprise for Kathy, it is a safe bet that most often state records are set unbeknownst to spectators, participants, race directors, and even the record-breakers themselves. After all, with dozens of road races being held across the state every weekend and with thousands of runners in every age group competing, how is one to know when a state record is broken?
Enter Mike Lundgren, an unassuming exercise physiologist from Kansas City.
Sitting in front of his computer screen for seemingly hours on end, Mike Lundgren searches Missouri race results from the weekend. Each race must meet certain standards in order to be eligible for a state record, for accuracy and credibility are mandatory. First and foremost, the courses must be USATF-certified. The age groups and participants' hometowns must be verified. Each race must begin and end in Missouri. Because validity hinges on the details, it is a tedious and time-consuming job. Yet, in Mike's opinion, somebody's got to do it.
"It bothered me that no one was [keeping state road race records]," says Mike, originally from Iowa, where he first started documenting state records. "There was national record keeping going on, but I wanted to make sure state records were being kept." He adds with a laugh, "Plus, it's kind of a break from housework or whatever."
Mike's dedication to road race record keeping stems not only from his love of running and of numbers, but also from personal experience. Originally picking up the sport as a means to quit smoking, he ran his first race in memory of his brother-- a devoted distance runner-- whom he lost in an accident. Mike has now been a runner for over three decades.
"I have a math mind, so numbers have always been interesting to me. But, the other side of [road racing] is the human performance side. I never felt accomplished as an athlete in high school. But then I realized I could race and be successful," he says.
And the racing aspect of local events is Mike's primary focus.
"My wife and I put on an annual race in Marshalltown, Iowa-- the Marshalltown Wellness 10K. The last year we put it on, Patrick Sang, a Kenyan Olympic steeplechaser competed. Twice he had gotten second in the world championship, and he came in second at the Olympics. He won our race by a second over Rod DeHaven, the only American man to make it to the Olympics in the marathon. They were two really big names in the sport, and to know that we got that [competition] on our little course means so much."
Mike also tells of the following year, in which Jon Brown, who ran two fourth places for Great Britain in two consecutive Olympics, ran 28:44 on hilly, rain-slicked roads.
"It was a pretty special memory for me," he says. "That time stands forever."
In fact, in the first year of the Lundgren's race, in order to ensure each participant was credited with the proper time, Mike and his wife set up a video camera at the finish line to record runners and their clock time as they finished.
"This was back in the day before chip timing. It was pull-tag, and we wanted to ensure everyone who finished had his exact time. My wife spent a week watching the video to make sure everyone had the exact time."
Indeed, accuracy is what makes state records legitimate, and in order for a time to stand, certain regulations must be met. For a race to be USATF-certified, the course must be meticulously measured using exact USATF specifications. Tedious procedures must be followed to ensure the distance is correct. The measurements must then be sent to a Regional USATF Certifier, who signs off on the course to finalize its certification. It is, quite frankly, a full day's work. But, as Mike notes, course certification is what makes official record breaking-- and keeping-- possible.
"Twenty years ago, I didn't have easy knowledge [about races and results]. I was constantly writing race directors and asking them to send me results. Now things are so much nicer. People who have great websites listing the races-- it makes it so much easier. To have those results, to note if the course is certified-- it is that layer of credibility. Now we literally have [official] state records."
And for people like Kathy Matthews, whose record-breaking run in the recent Run for the Stars marked her eighth time making Mike's list, those state records are both encouragement for her and motivation for future generations.
"I have a good feeling that all of my younger, forty year-old running friends will be running as long as if not longer than I will, and there will certainly be more of them in the older age groups than there are now. I predict my records will easily be broken by my younger friends who are running way faster than I ever did."
Until then, however, Kathy's name is in the books. It is, after all, the record.
"This is history," Mike says, his passion for the sport evident in his voice. "Running is not all about what happens this weekend, saying [about races in the past], 'Oh, that was just yesterday's race.' We need to document it. These people have made running their lives. It is as important as anything else... as the person who is a musician or a salesman. All are equally important and valid."
To see Missouri's Road Race Records,
visit MARA website or
the
State Running Records.
Nike Run Club Now Starts on the Chesterfield Levee Trail behind
the Hardee's Ice Plex!
Join us for Nike's Official Bank of America Chicago Marathon Weekday
Training Runs! From now until October 7th, the Nike Run Club will meet
every Wednesday at 6:30PM at the
Hardee's Ice Plex in Chesterfield for a 3- to 7-mile run on the
Chesterfield Levee Trail. The Nike Run Club Training Runs are free and
open to everyone. No sign-up is required!
Want to wear test a Nike shoe for yourself? Stop by FLEET FEET Chesterfield before the run to grab a pair of trial shoes to wear during the Nike Run Club run. Simply come into the store between 5:45PM and 6:15PM (to give yourself plenty of time to head over to the Hardee's Ice Plex before the run begins) to trade running shoes for the evening.
Whether you are training for the Chicago Marathon or you just want to run with some friends, join us on Wednesdays for the Nike Run Club!
Nike
Run Club training runs are informal (no pacing provided), complimentary,
and open for all. After the run, feel free to join us at East Coast
Pizza for even more fun and friends. Please contact
Kristen with any questions. You can also visit
Nike's website or the
Nike Run Club website for more information.
We hope to see you there!
Men's Apparel Spotlight: Saucony for
Summer Heat
Saucony's Top-Selling Alpha Short and Transit Shortsleeve are here!
Featuring a 5.5 inch inseam-- the most popular length for men-- and
stretch woven fabric, the Alpha Short is Saucony's ultimate go-to
running short. And the kicker? The patented fabric of the Alpha Short is
uber durable, able to withstand whatever summer running throws your way.
A zippered back pocket ensures your key stays secure.
The Transit Shortsleeve is the steal of the summer. Boasting supple fabric construction and patented UPF protection, the Transit Shortsleeve is both tough and soft. Add high moisture management and flat seam construction, and chafing is a thing of the past.
The Alpha Short is available in Black, Gray, and Navy. Price: $34.99. Available at FLEET FEET Chesterfield, FLEET FEET St. Charles, and FLEET FEET Fenton.
The Transit Shortsleeve is available in White and Yellow. Price: $31.99. Available at FLEET FEET Chesterfield, FLEET FEET St. Charles, and FLEET FEET Fenton.
Lewis and Clark Course Maps Now Online
The one thing Lewis and Clark didn't have (but probably could
have used).
Course maps for the Lewis and Clark Marathon and Half Marathon are now online!
Still need to register? Want more information about race day? Visit the Lewis and Clark website for all the information you need about registration, race day, post-race festivities, hotels and dining, volunteer opportunities, and more.
Want some personalized encouragement during your race?
Register before August 1st to have your first name printed on your
bib number! (You deserve a little recognition!)
Congratulations to FLEET FEET store manager
Angela Stewart and her husband Kelly on the birth of their daughter,
Ella Rose Stewart. Ella was born on Friday, May 29th. Weighing in at 6
pounds, 2 ounces, Ella is officially the tiniest member of the FLEET
FEET family!
Congratulations, Angela and Kelly!
Favorite Race Tee Contest Winners
Thank you to everyone who participated in our first ever Favorite Race Tee Contest! Your race shirts looked great displayed in the store windows. Stay tuned for more store events!
We would like to congratulate our Favorite Race Tee Contest Winners:
Most Loved Tee Winners:
Bart Childers (Chesterfield)
Joe Shea (Fenton)
Most Unique Tee Winners:
Bob Wohler (St. Charles)
Scott Thomas (Chesterfield)
Favorite Tee Raffle:
Dawn Edwards (Chesterfield)
Lisa Baker (Fenton)
Upcoming Races
Get ready to run or walk on Sunday, July 26th, in the 3rd Annual Wildwood Family YMCA 5K Run/Walk beginning at 8:30AM at the Dierbergs Wildwood Town Center. All proceeds from the event will benefit the local YMCA 2010 Partner Campaign, which enables the YMCA to welcome those in need of YMCA programs and services, regardless of ability to pay.
Awards will be given to the top 3 overall male and female finishers. Age group awards will be given to the top two finishers in the following age groups: Men: 11 & under, 12 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, and 60 & over. Women: 11 & under, 12 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 59, and 60 & over.
Registration is $25 until July 12th, and $30 after that. Download an entry form here, or sign up at the Wildwood Family YMCA.
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The FLEET FEET Runners Club is proud to host the Flat Five on August 2, 2009, in St. Charles' historic Frontier Park. Held annually since 1982, the Flat Five offers something for everyone! The race begins at 7:00AM and consists of a 5-mile run, a 1-mile fun run/walk, and a 50-yard Toddler Trot. Both the 5-mile run and the 1-mile run feature numbered trophies for all finishers, while special awards are given to Toddler Trot participants (giving youngsters a chance to feel like superstars)! This fun event is the perfect way to support the local running community, benefit area charities, and spend quality time with family and friends.
The 5-mile course is a general out-and-back, with the first three miles on the streets and the last two miles on the Katy Trail. Split times will be provided every mile. Water will be available twice along the way. The 1-mile course is an out-and-back on the Katy Trail, while the Toddler Trot-- which is limited to children ages 3 and under-- will be a short run near the Start/Finish area. All events are open to wheelchair athletes. Numbered trophies will be given to all 5-Mile and 1-Mile finishers. There will also be special awards for Toddler Trot participants.
Packet pickup will be at FLEET FEET Sports in St. Charles from 10AM-5PM on Saturday, August 1st, and on race morning beginning at 6AM. Entry fees are as follows: $15 (5-Mile), $10 (1-Mile), and $5 (Toddler Trot). You can register online here or download an entry form here. A map of the 5-Mile course can be downloaded here.
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:
The Sun and IIt is 5:07AM. The sky is flush with hints of crimson and gold, a blushing herald of the approaching day. I pull back the curtain to look outside. Condensation has besieged nearly the entire surface of the window and has left only a small portal in the middle of the glass. Drops of sticky dew distort the landscape, creating a blurry, muted view. The heavy condensation betrays the muggy oppression already saturating the air. The earth appears sluggish with the weight. A few defiant birds sing out their morning song, but only softly, slowly, as though they, too, are already weary from the weight of the day. The branches of the trees falter in the heat; the leaves sag even further. Even the breeze struggles against the omnipotent stagnation. It is, to put it simply, hot.
And it is now 5:08AM.
One minute lost, I say to myself, throwing off my robe and frantically changing into my running gear. Tripping my way down the stairs, I rush into the kitchen and grab a water bottle.
Hurry, hurry… It seems my kitchen faucet is suddenly stricken with incompetence.
5:13AM.
I glance out the window as I twist the lid of the bottle, making sure the contents are secure before I head outside. My Garmin awaits me on the driveway, still searching for a signal. I look at the device. I look at the sky. I look at the device. I look at the sky. (Apparently, I am searching, too.)
C’mon, c’mon…
Finally, a reassuring beep informs me the satellites have been successfully located. GPS-enabled, I crunch my way down the gravel drive.
5:16AM. I am on my way.
All winter long we pine for longer days, warmer days. We long for the dark, cold, icy runs of winter past to give way to the bright, warm, skin-tingling days of summer present. For in the summer, we can run with abandon. Headlamps tossed aside, we revel in the daylight, in streets seemingly perpetually illuminated by the glorious, radiant sun.
Ah, the sun.
Ugh. The sun.
5:32AM. I am completely covered in sweat. Drenched. Soaked. I have gone only a couple of miles, and already the threat of melting into a multi-colored, coconut-scented puddle in the middle of the road has become real and impending. I can see liberated beads of sweat soaring through the air with every pendulum swing of my arms. My ponytail sticks to my back and shoulders and neck and face as strands of hair whip themselves around in stinging assaults. I squint at the sun and wish I had started my run earlier.
Darn kitchen faucet.
It really is fascinating how quickly our summer sentiments bow to reality. In the blink—or, I should say, squint—of an eye, we go from the anticipation of complete liberation from the confines of darkness to the diurnal restrictions dictated by an unrelenting sun. Suddenly, we go to great lengths to knock out our miles before the sun begins to beat the earth with blinding severity. Only as a last resort do we take on the heavenly beacon at its mid-day fury, for in doing so we submit ourselves to dire peril.
Hey, I watch the Discovery Channel. I’ve heard about spontaneous human combustion.
5:51AM. It is officially day. The sun has risen in all of its fiery glory and has stretched its broiling arms across a whimpering expanse. The sunscreen I applied before I left the house is apparently surrendering already, for the beads of sweat dripping from my shoulders now have a strange, whitish hue—a reminder that in order to stifle the blazing fury of the heavens, one must have a greater weapon than a six-dollar bottle of sunscreen.
I wipe the tiny pools of sweat and Coppertone from my arms and decide to cut my workout short.
Round one goes to the sun, I determine as I turn around and head back home.
I decide I will catch a few more miles later, in the evening, when the retreating sun begins to hide behind the horizon. It is then that we make our peace, the sun and I, for instead of racing its fury, I race its shadows. The fading light that lingers on the road and between the trees and around the houses wards off the night, and my former enemy becomes my protector. In the evening, the animosity of the day is lost and forgiven in the sun’s gentle promise that darkness will not drape its heavy pall over the earth until I am safely home. And as the gentle lay of the crickets and cicadas drowns nature in a haunting, melodic drone, I hear it. The sun’s whispered apology for being so harsh and losing its temper in the heat of the day.
6:07AM. My run comes to an end. I am ridiculously, pathetically, wringing wet. Exhausted, I plop down on the front porch. The sweat dripping from my elbows accumulates in little pools on the stone steps. My face feels as though it is on fire, and the longer I sit the more I feel the heat rising to my cheeks. Greedily, I drink from my water bottle and pour some of its contents over my head. I shiver as the opposing temperatures collide on my burning skin. A few more minutes to catch my breath, and then I head inside, throwing one last look at the triumphant sun.
“You’re fickle, you know that?” I say.
The sun stares back.
“Well, you are,” I mumble. Then, not wanting to stir up more trouble with that particular celestial being, I head indoors.
After all, I’ve seen the Discovery Channel.
As Always, Run,
Lola