Running? Cheap. Marathoning? Not So Much.

From Runner’s World…

Running? Cheap. Marathoning? Not So Much.

03/31/2010 6:33 AM

Mark Remy

Here’s a headline that caught my eye recently:

Marathons Becoming Even More Popular

You know what, he's right -- his new wallet DOES have a nice lining.

This headline took me to About.com’s Running/Jogging blog, by Christine Luff.

In her “Even More Popular” post, Luff notes that marathon participation is spiking, and races are filling up more quickly than ever. This isn’t exactly news for those of us who run marathons, or for anyone who’s tried to register for one lately and been shut out.

The part that might surprise you comes a bit later, as Luff wonders what could be driving this trend.

In part, she writes:

What’s behind the marathon “mania”?  It has a lot to do with the bad economy. Running is an inexpensive sport, and –

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold it. Back up.

What?

The “all you need is a pair of shoes” line is an old chestnut — surely RW has used it more than once; I’m sure I have, too — and it’s true enough, as far as it goes. As long as you’re talking strictly about running, that is. Just lacin’ up the old shoes and headin’ out the door.

Bill Rodgers on the Boston Marathon

From Running Times a podcast of Bill Rodgers talking about the Boston Marathon

Four-time Boston Marathon champion Bill Rodgers discusses his favorite marathon, including how to run the course and how he thinks Ryan Hall will do at this year’s race.  Hear the podcast here.

Run for Success 5K, April 3, GT

Run for Success is a 5K race that was created to raise funds and awareness for the Atlanta Division of Dress for Success, a non-profit organization that provides interview attire to aid the career development of low-income women. The race will be held on Saturday April 3, 2010 on Georgia Tech's campus.

We thank you for supporting our cause!

"Running The Rivers Ridge", 4.5 Mile Trail Run

2010 DIRTY SPOKES TRAIL RUN SERIES


"Running The Rivers Ridge"
4.5 Mile Trail Run

Boling Park
Canton, Georgia

April 3, 2010 (Saturday)

We´re excited to present the 1st Annual Running The Rivers Ridge 4.5 Mile Trail Race at Boling Park.

Boling Park
Marietta Hwy
Canton, Ga. 30114
770-720-7578

Check the site for more details.

Decatur Wins ING Neighborhood Challenge

I found this on The Decatur Minute site, more photos on the site.

Decatur Wins!!

March 26, 2010 by Cheryl

I just received a call from the ING Georgia Marathon folks who were happy to inform us that Decatur WON the Neighborhood Challenge!! Yea!! Thanks to the citizens, the Seed & Feed Band, the city employees and everyone else that helped us make this event a success. I am still amazed that so many people stood in the “cold mist” and cheered the runners on for hours. We were still there when the last runners trotted by.

Our prize is $3000 which will be put towards a fitness initiative. The city will use the money to “jump start” a new walking program, Walk There Decatur!

Thanks again to everyone who helped Decatur win and show the runners what a great city we live in!

Cool Cat a Go-Go - Benefit for Furkids

Cool Cat a Go-Go - Benefit for Furkids
A swinging night of music with The Retro Jazz Kats (featuring Gwen Hughes and Garrison Elliott) a silent auction, and savory bites.
WHEN:
Saturday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE:
The Variety Playhouse
1099 Euclid Avenue - Atlanta, GA 30307
(in Little Five Points)

TICKETS:
Tickets are $30 each and include 2 drink tickets.

Decatur Child Car Seat Check

The City of Decatur Fire Department is offering the first of three Child Car Seat Events this Saturday at the Callaway Lot from 10 am until 1 pm. Stop by before or after the Easter Egg Hunt and the technicians will make sure that your child seat is safely installed.

DBA Easter Egg Hunt

The annual Decatur Business Association Easter Egg Hunt is on Saturday on the Old Courthouse Square. The bunny arrives at 10:30 am and the hunt begins at 11 am sharp, so bring your basket and join in. The hunt will be over in about 2 minutes- we have never seen children move so fast as when motivated by candy eggs!

Earth Hour Saturday 8:30 pm

The City of Decatur is participating in Earth Hour on Saturday, March 27 from 8:30 until 9:30 pm. Cities and states across the country are joining together to raise awareness and demonstrate our nation’s commitment to fighting climate change by joining Earth Hour. The City of Decatur will turn off the lights in City Hall as well as on the MARTA Plaza to show support for this global initiative.

Go to www.myearthhour.org to sign up to participate in Earth Hour as well as ideas for fun family activities to do at home.

March 27 - Decatur Electronics Recycling Day

Decatur Electronics Recycling Day

http://www.decaturga.com/cgs_citysvcs_sfm_electronics.aspx#article
SPRING 2010 Event Scheduled for March 27, 2010 at Decatur High School Parking Lot

Vote for this year's AJC Peachtree Road Race T-shirt!

From the ajc.com

Vote and Win
Vote for this year’s AJC Peachtree Road Race T-shirt!

Check out this year's great designs below and select the one you think should be the 2010 AJC Peachtree Road Race T-shirt. You can vote once per day from March 21 to the end of April. Ten entries will be randomly selected for a free entry into the race. The winning design will be revealed as the official shirt after the race on July 4th at Piedmont Park.

Contest ends on Friday, April 30.

Marathoning's Minors

From Running Times

Marathoning's Minors

Not the majors, but in the same league

By Jim Gerweck
As featured in the March 2010 issue of Running Times Magazine

Perhaps it was mere coincidence, but one couldn't help but discern the underlying symbolism of the New York Yankees winning the World Series just three days after the ING New York City Marathon had effectively closed the books on another season of major league marathoning. And for an observer of baseball and running, the similarity was almost too obvious to ignore: Big market, big money teams, or races, have essentially spent their way to the top of their respective games.

Just as the Bronx Bombers locked up their world championship by outspending the rest of the major league teams, it seems the Big Five of the World Marathon Majors--Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York--have relegated other races to an existence as the marathon equivalent of the Minnesota Twins or Milwaukee Brewers, destined to mostly futile attempts to compete with the big boys, or resignation to being second-or even third-fiddle races in this new world order of international marathons. Ray Flynn, agent for top American marathoners Ryan Hall and Deena Kastor. "Unfortunately, there are only so many spots in these races." Flynn thinks that, in some ways, the top U.S. runners may be in a better position in this regard. "The African runners are in some respects their own worst enemies," he says. "It's always going to be more difficult for them to establish themselves among their countrymen--there's no shortage of great Kenyan marathoners."

"Compared to the Majors, we have a limited budget," says Hermens. "So we have to be careful and creative. We have our own training camps in Africa, and we are close to the managers, so we know who the up-and-coming runners are." And just like a ballplayer who excels with a small-market team eventually cashes in as a free agent with the Yankees or Phillies, runners who win other races in fast times soon begin receiving invitations from the elite coordinators of WMM races. Consider someone like Felix Limo, who debuted at Amsterdam with a 2:06:42 win in 2003, and went on to win Berlin (2004), Chicago (2005), and London (2006).MAJORS AND THE MASSES

That's all well and good for a 2:06 marathoner, but what does it mean to runners finishing an hour or two behind the winners?

When the Majors were established, a goal that didn't receive much publicity was raising the operational level of the races and establishing a set of "best practices" other events could follow. In that regard, the Majors have been a success, according to Bank of America Chicago Marathon director Carey Pinkowski. "Our medical, marketing, operations people all talk to each other," he says. But besides trading tips, they have passed them on to other national and regional events at race director conferences held in conjunction with Majors events. "We're not keeping any secrets," says Pinkowski. "If we get better, that's good, and if regional races get better, that's good too."

Peace and Love Fest

Peace and Love Fest

At the Lake Claire Community Land Trust

Saturday March 27th starting at 1:00p

The mission of the LCCLT is to maintain a local green space in the Lake Claire community of Atlanta where neighbors and the larger community can gather to cultivate and celebrate nature, the arts, and each other.  Our idyllic community-owned green space in the heart of the city is ideal for outdoor activities, meetings, classes, camps and fund-raisers and furthers the Land Trust  educational, recreational, and charitable goals.

Baconfest offers meaty helping of bacon, beer and bands

I thought this was interesting enough to post, from the AJC.

Baconfest offers meaty helping of bacon, beer and bands

By Bob Townsend

For the AJC

Like any clever improvisational comedy bit, Baconfest began as the germ of a crazy idea. But a decade on, the “Three Bs” celebration of bacon, beer and bands is still the biggest annual fundraiser for Inman Park’s Dad’s Garage Theatre Company.

Dad's Garage Baconfest is the biggest annual fundraiser for Dad’s Garage Theatre Company.

March 27 marks the 10th anniversary of Baconfest. And the tongue-in-cheek spirit of the anti-foodie event isn’t lost on Kevin Gillese, Dad’s new artistic director.

During a recent call from a concourse restaurant at Los Angeles International Airport, Gillese suddenly proclaimed that he was “chewing on a bacon cheeseburger and chugging a beer.”

“I thought I might as well pay homage to the upcoming fest,” he allowed.

Local Races This Weekend

Local Races This Weekend

Strides of March 5K, Midtown Atlanta

ATC Women's 5K Run & Walk, Atlanta, 8:00 a.m.; www.atlantatrackclub.org

7th Annual Miles for Smiles 5K Run, Atlanta, Trinity Presbyterian, 8:00 a.m.; web site

Run for Sycamore Ridge 5K, Atlanta, Brookwood Hills, 9:00 a.m.; web site

CAC Spring Sprint 5K/2K, Dunwoody, 8:00 a.m.; 770-587-2735

Annual marathon draws 16,000 runners

From the ajc.com which is a recap of the race.

Also here is the photo gallery.  Check out photo #4 of 12.  I think that is one of our own ORC runners, Emily.

Annual marathon draws 16,000 runners

By Mashaun D. Simon

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Some 16,000 runners hit the streets of Atlanta on Sunday to compete in the fourth annual ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon.

The event closed some of the city’s most utilized streets.

The marathon, slated to start and finish at Centennial Olympic Park, will take runners through downtown Atlanta and the city of Decatur.

Marietta Street, Auburn Avenue, Edgewood Avenue, North Avenue, Ponce de Leon Avenue, Clairemont Avenue, North Decatur Road, Briarcliff Road and roads around Piedmont Park were closed starting as early as 6 a.m. Some will not open again until 2 p.m.

In 2009, about 12,000 runners participated in the ING races.

This year's races drew more than 16,000 participants and was made possible by 2,500 volunteers, organizers said.

Leader runs astray at Georgia marathon, disqualified

From the ajc.com

Leader runs astray at Georgia marathon, disqualified

By Ken Sugiura

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The fourth ING Georgia Marathon mostly ran in a positive direction. That is, if you discount the lead runner veering off course, following a pace-setting police motorcycle to disaster.

An otherwise perfect Sunday for running ended badly for Tesfaye Sendeku, a 26-year-old Ethiopian who trains out of Fayetteville, when he finished first in two hours and 15 minutes only to learn he had been disqualified.

A 20-second leader over the field near the 22-mile mark in Piedmont Park,  Sendeku temporarily left the course, totally unaware of his error. The motorcycle in front of him drove straight when it should have continued to the right, skipping an out-and-back loop, before merging back onto the designated route.

Once everything was sorted out, Jynocel Basweti, 23, was declared the winner.  A Kenyan who lives in New Mexico, he completed the course in 2:20:49. Basweti earlier this year won marathons in Albany and Jackson, Miss.

Good Luck ING Runners

Good Luck ING Runners!

Run well and enjoy the weather.  The weather should be great in the morning for the run.  With the afternoon rains, you can stay indoors, off your feet, and enjoy your accomplishment as you relax.

See you on the course!

Annual marathon to close Atlanta streets Sunday

From the AJC.com

Annual marathon to close Atlanta streets Sunday

By Mashaun D. Simon

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thousands of runners will hit the streets of Atlanta Sunday to compete in the fourth annual ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon.

The event will close down some of the city’s most utilized streets.

The marathon, slated for Sunday will start and finish at Centennial Olympic Park and will take runners through downtown Atlanta and the city of Decatur.

Roads like Marietta Street, Auburn Avenue, Edgewood Avenue, North Avenue, Ponce de Leon, Clairemont Avenue, N Decatur Road, Briarclif Road and roads around Piedmont Park will be closed starting as early as 6 a.m. Sunday morning and some will not open again until well after midnight.

For a complete list of road closures, visit the race Web site.

In 2009, about 12,000 runners signed up to participate in the ING races.

ING Health & Fitness Expo

 

ALL participating athletes must visit the Expo to pick up their race packets.  Along with race number, goodie bag and race packet pick-up, exhibitors include retailers, personal trainers, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and other health professionals. There will also be great bargains on running and fitness gear, free sampling, free massages and information on equipment and nutrition.  The Expo focuses on the health, fitness and wellness of runners and endurance athletes.  In addition, there will be areas of interest including "The Georgia Experience" featuring attractions, products and services of Georgia.  All Expo visitors are encouraged to take MARTA.  The closest MARTA Station is the Dome/GWCC/Phillips/CNN Station.  There is no race day packet pick-up.

Publix Kids Fun Run, Saturday, March 20

Publix 5K & Kids Fun Run

The second annual Publix Run Wild 5K & Kids Fun Run happens Saturday, March 20, 2010 in Grant Park. Historic Grant Park is the home of Zoo Atlanta and the Cyclorama Civil War Museum. The 5K and Kids Fun Run are part of our ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon Weekend. This year we are partnering with Zoo Atlanta, encouraging participants to make it a family fun day. All participants in the 5K and Kids Fun Run will be able to purchase discounted Zoo Atlanta tickets.

ING marathon fixing past mistakes

ING marathon fixing past mistakes

By Ken Sugiura

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Curtis Pfaff came to Atlanta last year for the ING Georgia Marathon, his 50th.

It was not much of a celebration.

The airing of grievances: At the start of the race, there was inadequate signage to help him find his assigned corral and then he had trouble finding an entrance to the corral once he found it. Toward the end of the race, the course was narrowed down so much that, to pass runners, he had to run outside the path marked with cones and onto a road with car traffic. At the finish line, after having run 26.2 miles, he and his running partner had to "walk and walk and walk" before they could find the volunteers handing out medals. The food and refreshments that typically await finishers appeared to be gone, taken by faster runners. And, lastly, the tent where runners could leave bags with their belongings before the race was unguarded, and his bag was lying in a puddle.

He did think the fans were enthusiastic, though.

Marathons may be hazardous to your health

I just found this article.  The study was presented in Atlanta just yesterday.  Needless to say, I don’t believe it. J

Marathons may be hazardous to your health

March 15, 11:16 AM 

Boulder Running Examiner Beth Risdon

Running has long been associated with health benefits such as weight management, decreased blood pressure and cholesterol and boosting the immune system. Intuition tells us that if we get such results from running 5-10 miles per week, we would be in really good shape if we ran marathons. Right?  Wrong, according to Despina Kardara, a researcher from the Athens Medical School and Hippokration Hospital in Athens, Greece.

Kardara reported today that marathon runners had increased blood pressure and stiffness in the aorta, the major artery to the heart. His study was presented  on March 15, 2010, at an American College of Cardiology meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Kardara likened running marathons to a sports car engine stating that, "If you do not use it, it will decay, but if you run it too fast for too long, you might burn it out."

TOUR deCATUR Saturday March 13th

The Tour Decatur 5K race is this weekend.

TOUR deCATUR is an annual fund-raising event for the whole family, benefiting the Decatur Education Foundation. Started in 2003, TOUR deCATUR includes the 5k Road Race, One Mile Run/Walk and Tot Trot.

The advance registration deadline is extended to March 1! After March 1 the price for all registrations goes up to $25 and T-shirts are not guaranteed.

Click here to view the 2010 route on Gmaps. The one Mile Run/Walk is the first loop. Parking is at Decatur High School and the main parking deck at Agnes Scott College. Click here to see the parking deck on a map.

Local Races This Weekend

Local races this weekend, in and around Decatur, if you are not running in it, just be aware of traffic on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

On Saturday:

"OHighlands" Jig & Jog St. Patrick's Day Run in the Highlands, unfortunately the race is full but cheering is not.

Silver Comet 10K in Mableton is a fast and flat Peachtree Road Race Qualifier.

Jog for A Cause 5K/10K/Mile in Alpharetta, another PRRQ.

4th Annual ShamROCK and Run 5K/10K and 1 Mile Fun Run in Newnan, a PRRQ.

Also on Saturday in is the City Solve Urban Race; think of it as running trivia, trivia on the run, Jeopardy with running shoes.

On Sunday:

Shamrock 'N Roll 5K/10K in Atlantic Station, a PRRQ.

Hunger Walk/Run 5K at Turner Field.

Easter Egg Hunt, March 27

Easter Bunny in the hunt for candy eggs on the square in downtown Decatur. Easter Bunny arrives at 10:30 a.m. Age categories: 0-2; Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st – 5th grades. Sponsored by Decatur Business Association and local businesses. Free. www.decaturdba.com

Earth Hour March 27 8:30pm

On Earth Hour hundreds of millions of people around the world will come together to call for action on climate change by doing something quite simple—turning off their lights for one hour. The movement symbolizes that by working together, each of us can make a positive impact in this fight, protecting our future and that of future generations. Learn more about how Earth Hour began, what we’ve accomplished, and what is in store for 2010.

Congratulations One Step at a Time! 9 Years!

I found an article about One Step at a Time in the most recent issue of the Decatur Focus.

Congratulations to One Step at a Time, 650-B East Lake Dr., as it celebrates nine years in Oakhurst.  Owner Charles Cope wants to thank his loyal customers with a special sale.  For the month of March, there will be a 10 percent discount on all running (walking) shoes.  For information call 404-377-1030.

Congratulations to Charles and One Step at a Time.

Need Volunteers for 8th Annual TOUR deCATUR Road Race - Mar 13

Found this on the Decatur Active Living blog…

Mar 13 - Need Volunteers for 8th Annual TOUR deCATUR Road Race

The Decatur Education Foundation Needs YOUR HELP!

Please consider volunteering at the 8th Annual TOUR deCATUR Road Race on Saturday, March 13. This is a fun and easy way to support the Foundation as it raises money to support the children in our school system.

Visit www.tourdecatur.com for information about the event.

We need many hands to pull this off and you will be done by 11am!

Please email Claire McCarty at: cmccarty@csdecatur.net if you can give us a few hours on Saturday, March 13. We are expecting 1200 runners this year and need to be sure that everything continues to run smoothly.

For our children & youth,

Gail Rothman

Executive Director

Decatur Education Foundation

315 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue

Suite 770

Decatur, GA 30030

404-377-0641

The mission of the Decatur Education Foundation is to nurture and promote academic achievement and enrichment opportunities for all the children and youth of Decatur, Georgia.

CARE presents Half The Sky, March 4th

Article and showing from WABE online….

CARE presents Half The Sky

 

Rose Scott (2010-03-03)

ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - Tonight 10 movie theatres throughout the state will participate in a national, one night only viewing of a documentary presented by Atlanta based CARE.

It's part of celebrating International Women's Day.

WABE's Rose Scott reports on the film Half the Sky.

The overall message of Half The Sky is to hopefully spark a global movement for women to turn oppression into opportunity.

To help spread that message Atlanta based CARE enlisted the help of some notables . Sarah Margaret Ferguson the Duchess of York.

The Duchess has been a long supporter of CARE and the rights of women.

The documentary is based on a book by the same name.

By journalists Nicholas Kristof and his wife Sheryl WuDunn.

It tells the stories of women around the world who chose to create change in their communities.

The film also includes commentary from celebrities that share in many of CARE's global initiatives.

Atlanta singer and songwriter India Arie is noted for songs which empower woman such as Beautiful Flower.

Arie contributed a special song which will debut in the film. The song, was already written; a tribute to her mother grandmother that passed.

Officials with CARE say they are focusing on meeting the needs of young girls through education and then offering resources for training in jobs or even entrepreneurship. Proceeds from Half The Sky will go to those initiatives.

Find theatre listings here: http://www.ncm.com/Fathom/OriginalPrograms/event/Half_The_Sky.aspx

© Copyright 2010, WABE

ING Georgia Expo at the GA Dome March 19th and 20th

The GA ING Expo will be at the GA Dome on March 19th and 20th.  Here are the times:


19th: 11:00 AM -- 7:00 PM
20th: 10:00 AM -- 6:00 PM

March is National Noodle Month

And at Doc Chey's you can win an iPad

March Bonus: iPad Thai


Order a Pad Thai or one of Doc's famous noodle bowls during National Noodle Month (March) for a chance to win an iPad. You get to slurp noodles AND have a shot at being one of the first people on the block to own an Apple iPad. How cool is that?!?! The more noodle bowls you order; the more chances to win.
 

Cool Cats A Go-Go

Save the date, March 27, for a swinging night at the Variety Playhouse in Little Five Points. This Furkids fundraiser will feature the 7-piece band, The Retro Jazz Kats featuring Gwen Hughes and Garrison Elliott, dancing, food, drinks and a silent auction.


Saturday, March 27, 7:00 p.m.

Variety Playhouse
1099 Euclid Avenue (at Little Five Points)
Atlanta, GA 30307

Tickets are $30 each and include two drink tickets!

Download the flyer, email it around, talk it up with your friends and buy your tickets now at http://www.furkids.org/.

If you have something to donate for our silent auction, please download this donor form or contact Lisa Loewenstein at lisalowe2000@yahoo.com

Broken Hearts and Bicycle Parts 6

It's time for our sixth annual alley Broken Hearts and Bicycle Parts: Love Scars & Handlebars.

This is a couples' ride so find a partner and a costume. This one's all about style.

Prizes for couples of all sorts.

Saturday March 6:

Register at 5 at Sopo

Ride at 6

Ends at 8 at Young Blood Gallery for the opening of the bike-themed art show: Cycle Through

Skids and Tricks, Food, Games

Afterparty at 9 at Highland Inn Ballroom

Radiotron, Atlanta Sedition Orchestra, The Wild, Sea Lions, and Royal Chord

"Cycle Through" Bicycle Themed Art Show

This Saturday, March 6th: "Cycle Through"


from 7:00 to 10:00pm

60+ Artists, Bicycle Themed Art Show

SOPO Bikes Alley Cat Race (Broken Hearts and Bicycle Parts) ends at YB! Then there will be games (3-legged race, anyone?) and a bike tricks contest in the parking lot behind Urban Outfitters with prizes!

After Party at Highland Ballroom Lounge with pinata, dancing, and bands: Sealions, The Wild, Royal Chord, Atlanta Sedition Orchestra, annnnd...the return of DJ Lil Ray!

Young Blood Art Gallery and Boutique will mark the end point for SOPO’s upcoming 6th Annual Alley Cat bike race “Broken Hearts & Bicycle Parts.” Participating bicyclists and the public are welcome to come and enjoy the art show which includes work by over 60 artists who have created bicycle themed artwork. Come join the fun, including a bike trick show with prizes for the most dazzling performers, liquid refreshments, and the opportunity to purchase affordable, one-of-a-kind pieces of art.


SOPO Bicycle Cooperative is a non-profit, community-based bicycle repair shop that makes transportation affordable, accessible, and sustainable. The co-op was born out of the need for inexpensive, reliable and quick bicycle repairs for those in the Atlanta community who relied on their bicycles as their main mode of transportation. SOPO achieves these goals by providing free bicycle maintenance services and education through their special programs.

Local Races This Weekend

Local races this weekend in and around Decatur…

Red Devil Dash 5K at Druid Hills High School

Chattahoochee Road Runners 10K in Sandy Springs, a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier

2nd Annual Healthy Habits 5K/Mile in DeKalb County, Decatur

Farther outside of Decatur is the Berry Half Marathon & 10K & 5K in Rome, a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier