Competitor December 2015

DECEMBER 2015

Bright gear for dark runs

America's 50 Best Running Stores

Page 26

Page 69

PLUS:

NEED HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS?

How to run strong through the winter

EPIC EUROPEAN ESCAPES

And ... the best running photos of 2015

4 vacation-worthy trail races you'll want to run

Click here for a video interview with Desi Linden

ON A MISSION DESI LINDEN EYES A 2016 OLYMPIC BERTH

Plus:

How to beat common running injuries.

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America's top marathon contenders on the Road to Rio Click here for more 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials coverage

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44

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Page 38

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WINTER IS A THIEF With a cold heart and ice water coursing through its veins, it steals your freedom. Its sleet, slush, and snow taking away your roads and your streets. Robbing you of that forever stretch of asphalt. But today, you lace up and you run. You take to the pavement. You take to the paths.

You take back what’s rightfully yours. GORE-TEX® lining in running shoes. Waterproof. Windproof. Breathable.

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Captured 4

Click here for more images from the NYC Marathon.

If you can make it here ...

Nearly 50,000 people ran 26.2 miles through the streets of the Big Apple on Nov. 1 during the 2015 New York City Marathon. The final total of 49,617 finishers was not the largest in the race’s 45-year history—it had a record 50,530 last year and 50,266 in 2013—but it is still expected to be the world’s biggest race for 2015. While Kenyans Stanley Biwott (2:10:34) and Mary Keitany (2:24:25) were magnificent at the front, the picture-perfect fall day really belonged to every runner who rambled through the city’s five boroughs on the way to reaching the finish line in the southwest corner of Central Park. “I wish I could high-five and thank every single volunteer,” wrote Aaron Sever, a 43-year-old runner from Colorado who finished in 3:31:22 in a New York Road Runners Facebook post late that night. “You gave 50,000 runners and a million screaming spectators an amazing day that we will all remember for the rest of our lives. Thank You!” Added Betsy Ambrose, a 53-year-old first-time marathoner from Florida: “Loved the energy that New York gave the entire route. You should all be very proud of yourselves for a job well done! Thank you! #bucketlist!”

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PhotoS: Matt Trappe

Click here for 45 reasons we love the NYC Marathon.

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Contents

de c e m be r 2 0 1 5

Features

Departments

Training

Community

30 Destination Europe

15 Starting Lines

56 Strength

America’s 50 Best Running Stores of 2015

38 2015 Running Photos of the Year We invited our favorite photographers to share the best photos from 2015.

Here are the year’s most amazing running shots—from the road, trail and track.

Magician and mentalist Oz Pearlman is quite a performer—and quite a runner too. Plus: tips for buying a treadmill.

Gear

Jump rope redux

57 Prehab Donkey kicks

58 Form Drill High knees

18 Trail/Adventure Snowshoe running and racing advice

60 Workout of the Month Progression runs

20 Toe to Toe 46 The Strategist Determined and methodical, elite marathoner Desi Linden knows what she needs to do to make her second Olympic team.

By Rachel Sturtz

52 26 Strong: Defining Moments Success is determined by more than just finishing a marathon.

By Allison Pattillo

Waterproof, winterized training shoes

22 Shoe Talk Simple shoe mods for a solid stride in rain or snow

24 Wearable Tech We review the Timex IRONMAN One GPS+

26 Collective Essential items for being seen in the dark and staying warm this winter

62 Coach Culpepper What I learned from marathon legend Steve Jones

64 Training Plan 5 weeks to your first 5K

A look at the best running stores in the U.S.

Run It Our picks for a variety of races this winter

Back Page Last Lap Event organizer and 2016 U.S. Olympic track and field coach Vin Lananna shares the secret of putting on a great event, why the Americans will be successful in Rio, and track and field’s biggest challenges.

ON THE COV E R : Desi Linden of the Hansons-Brooks team trains on Sorrento Valley Road in San Diego.

Photo: Scott Draper B E LOW: Stephanie Garcia (#8) and

Rachel Johnson (#5) cleared a barrier during a 3,000-meter steeplechase prelim race at the U.S. championships in Eugene, Ore., in June, but Nicole Bush stumbled and went for a swim. (All three runners advanced to the finals.)

For more great photos, see Page 38.

Photos: Victor sailor/photorun.net

A glimpse of four amazing vacationworthy trail running events in Italy, France, Turkey and Andorra

By Mario Fraioli, Jorge Latre, Brian Metzler and Allison Pattillo

Click here for more amazing racing shots from 2015.

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The get better, run longer, injury prevention, no excuses, runner’s brace system Quad with ITB brace

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COMPETITOR.COM 8

WINTE R R U N N IN G Get expert tips for shaking off the cold to keep your miles going this winter at Competitor.com/winterrunning

CONNECT WITH US Join the conversation

Facebook.com/ competitor. running

Follow us

@runcompetitor

GEAR WE LOVE

See what we share

Each month, Competitor editors share their favorite gear and apparel picks at

@runcompetitor

NUTRITION

2015 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

TRAIL OF THE WEEK

More than 70 gift ideas for the runner in your life

We’ve worked with the Trail Run Project to get insight into some

for your next run or race at

can be found at Competitor.com/2015giftguide

of the best trails in the U.S. Competitor.com/trailoftheweek

Competitor.com/nutrition

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Find expert advice on fueling

PHOTOS: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM; SCOTT DRAPER

Competitor.com/gearwelove

11/13/15 1:31 PM

LET’S GO COMMITMENT

Official Vehicle of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series® Options shown. ©2015 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Contributors

Writers, Designers & Photographers Ada m Ch a s e

Editorial editor-in-chief Brian Metzler

Mario Fraioli managing editor Adam Elder web editor Ryan Wood associate editor Emily Polachek senior editor

Adam is a longtime shoe tester and, even though he donates most of the shoes to Nepal, his shoe collection still takes up a chunk of real estate in his home in Boulder, Colo. Adam is president of the American Trail Running Association and co-author of the “Ultimate

ART graphic designer

Valerie Brugos

contributing photography

James Carney, Scott Draper, Nick Nacca, Andy Nelson

Guide to Trail Running,” and has been a sponsored

senior contributing editors

Alan Culpepper, Meb Keflezighi, Jason Devaney, Allison Pattillo contributing writers

Jeff Banowetz, Erin Beresini, Adam Chase, Jay Dicharry, Dan England, Matt Hart, Meghan Hicks, Lisa Jhung, Max King, Duncan Larkin, Greg McMillan, Kelly O’Mara, Bryon Powell, Rachel Sturtz, Sam Winebaum

ultrarunner and adventure racer for long enough that both his ankles click when he walks. When not testing

C i rc u l at i o n , m ar k et i n g & P r o d u ct i o n

gear or covering trail events and adventures, Adam

production manager

practices tax law. He wrote about two new winterized

Meghan McElravy

shoes in this month’s Toe to Toe, on page 20.

advertising production manager

Gia Hawkins

director, digital media & strategy

Aaron Hersh audience development manager

Kristy Buescher manager, media marketing

Nicole Christenson

J o rg e L atre Jorge Rufat-Latre’s words and images share many

d i g i ta l s er v i ce s

paths less traveled. His unsupported runs in remote

director, web development

and unforgiving environments include deserts, mountains and extreme cold. Fulfilling his lifelong passion

Scott Kirkowski director, seo/analytics Johnny Yeip

for space exploration, Jorge is a pilot and often flies

director, creative services

himself to ever more adventurous endurance feats:

Matthew McAlexander system administrator Bruno Breve video producer Steve Godwin

Susitna 100 and Arrowhead 135 are in the books; Yukon Arctic Ultra 300 is next. Jorge, his life partner, Wendy, and their Border collie, Scout, call Boulder, Colo., home. He wrote about The Lycian Way Ultra Marathon in Turkey for this issue, on page 32.

web developers Joseph Hernandez, Miguel A. Estrada web director James Longhini associate creative director

Thomas Phan junior web designers Erin Henson,

Nestor Pecache, Eddie Villanueva

A d v ert i s i n g

Jason Johnson 858-768-6824, jjohnson@competitorgroup.com vp, media sales Ian Sinclair 860-673-6830, isinclair@competitorgroup.com vp, media sales Gordon Selkirk 858-768-6767, gselkirk@competitorgroup.com vp, media sales Todd Wienke 414-517-7457, tawienke@competitorgroup.com manager, media sales Jeff McDowell 858-768-6794, jmcdowell@competitorgroup.com manager, media sales Jenn Schuette 858-228-3761, jschuette@competitorgroup.com manager, media sales Kelly Trimble 858-768-6749, ktrimble@competitorgroup.com vp, media sales

•

•

•

•

A n dy N e ls o n In high school, Andy Nelson was going to run cross country. But the day a friend called about a darkroom

•

•

•

job at the local newspaper, he found his passion in part n er s h i p d e v e lo p m e n t a n d A cc o u n t m a n a g e m e n t

photojournalism. In 1988, he joined The RegisterGuard in Eugene, Ore., then moved to Washington, D.C. to join The Christian Science Monitor in 1997. Andy returned to the R-G in 2014. He’s covered wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, three U.S. presidential

director Erin Ream Liz Centeno-Vera, Renee Kerouac, Kat Keivens

managers

campaigns and—working in TrackTown USA—a lot of track and field. He photographed Vin Lananna for our

digital ad operations

Carson McGrath

F i n a n ce finance director

Gretchen Alt

executive chairman

Paul F. Walsh Josh Furlow

Last Lap interview on the back page.

Ja m e s Ca rne y James Carney is a freelance photographer based in

chief administrative officer and

Boulder, Colo., specializing in portraits and endur-

chief financial officer

ance athletics. Many of his shots are used in running

Wendy Godoy

specialty shops’ merchandising initiatives. James’

chief marketing officer

passion for capturing emotional athletic moments stems from his former career as a full-time track and field athlete. He twice won national road racing titles, and his PR’s include 27:43 for 10K and 2:12 for the marathon. James enjoys traveling and running when he’s not behind the camera. He photographed two of

a publication of

president

Keith S. Kendrick senior vice president, events

Tracy Sundlun Molly Quinn senior vice president John Smith

senior vice president

9477 Waples Street, Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92121 • 858-450-6510 For distribution inquiries: 858-768-6493 Digital Issue support: support@zinio.com Distribution management: TGS Media Inc. • tgsmedia.com, 877-847-4621 No part of this issue may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

Competitor is a registered trademark of Competitor Group Inc.

official magazine

this month’s Training tips, on pages 56 and 57.

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S:9.5”

don’tquit Elevate your training with Fitbit Surge.™ Built with live GPS tracking, continuous heart-rate monitoring, and all-day activity tracking right on your wrist, this advanced tracker is designed to maximize your workouts. So, no matter what gets your blood pumping, you have what it takes to find your fit.

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Fitbit, the Fitbit logo, and Fitbit Surge are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Fitbit, Inc. in the United States and in other countries. All other trademarks and product names used herein are the property of their respective owners.© 2015 Fitbit Inc. All rights reserved.

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#RNRSD

JUNE 3-5, 2016 FULL MARATHON | ½ MARATHON | ½ MARATHON RELAY

RunRocknRoll.com/san-diego Funded in part by the San Diego Tourism Marketing District Corporation with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds.

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NEWS S TA R T I N G L I N E S

15

THE RUNNING M E N TA L I S T Oz Pearlman is making a name for himself as a performer. Oh, and he’s a pretty good runner, too.

INTE RVIEW BY A LLIS ON PAT T ILLO

Magic and mentalism was a natural fit for Oz Pearlman. Running wasn’t. The magic, and his passion for performing, were undeniable from the moment he saw it for the first time, through making card-trick demonstration videos in college, moonlighting as a magician after days working in the technology and services department at Merrill Lynch, and eventually captivating audiences from private parties and Presidents to recently finishing third on season 10 of “America’s Got Talent.” Oz (pronounced Ohz—the “o” is long) ran cross country for one season in high school and quit because “it was not my thing,” he says.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF MARATHONFOTO

Given his 2:31:04 finish in the 2015 New York City Marathon, which he ran for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, it’s apparent that the 33-year-old performer who lives in Manhattan’s West Village has now found his stride. (He’s won several marathons and has PRs of 2:23:52 for the marathon and 1:09:34 for the half marathon.)

WHEN DID YOU START RUNNING? In 2004, my older sister decided to run the New York City Marathon. I ran 7 miles of it with her and decided I wanted to try a marathon too. So I ran the Philadelphia Marathon a month later. I finished [in 3:22:02], but it was not a pleasant experience. It was a death march, with lots of walking at the end.

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Click here to see how other celebs fared at the NYC Marathon.

Oz Pearlman finished this year’s New York City Marathon in 2:31:04.

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16

“A LOT OF MY BURSTS OF CREATIVITY HAPPEN WHEN I RUN.”

Pearlman has won several marathons and run some of the world’s hardest ultramarathons.

YET YOU KEPT RUNNING? I’m a glutton for punishment! I read Dean Karnazes’ book “Ultramarathon Man,” and found it to be very inspiring. I kept running marathons, experimented with my fuel and training, and started running ultras and triathlons. [He also qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.]

YOU’VE RUN THE LEADVILLE 100, WESTERN STATES 100, BADWATER 135 AND THE SPARTATHLON, AMONG OTHERS. WHAT IS IT ABOUT ULTRA-DISTANCE RACES FOR YOU? In ultras there are levels of suffering that you don’t get in a marathon. You wonder, is this an injury or am I fatigued? Do I have low blood sugar or am I in a bumming mood? You can wing a marathon. There is no way in the world you are going to wing a 100-miler. I’ve found ultrarunners to be a very cool and welcoming lot. Ultras also have a different feel to them. Sure, we’re competing, but mostly with ourselves.

Most of us are out to test our limits, make friends and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

IS THERE A CONNECTION BETWEEN YOUR WORK AND RUNNING? A lot of my bursts of creativity happen when I run. They are the best. I don’t listen to music, I just run with my thoughts. I come up with some really creative ideas. A run is where I love to try everything out. I pantomime and talk to myself, trying to coax out what I’ll do in my act.

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WHAT IS YOUR TRAINING LIKE? The majority of my training runs are at a comfortable pace, in the 7:30-8:30 range. I run five to six days a week, one run a day, no doubles and one tempo run per week. My tempo runs are all out—like racing. I take them really seriously. Peak training weeks are 110–120 miles.

I think I recover better because most of my runs aren’t beating me up. I really listen to my body. I also got standing desks for work this year. They help tremendously with recovery, plus they help to strengthen my core.

DOES DIET FACTOR INTO YOUR RUNNING? I’m not too rigorous about day-to-day moderation with food. Although I do focus on it when I train intensely. I avoid fried food and cut back on red meat. I’ll eat a lot of fruit, veggies, lean protein and cut back on alcohol.

No beer equals true suffering. I like to lose weight before races. If I cut five, six, eight, 10 pounds before a marathon, I run faster. I lust over food before races. It’s a challenge, but only for the short period before a race.

WHAT RUNNING GOALS KEEP YOU GOING? Goals keep you sharp, inspired and passionate. My marathon speed goal is to run a sub-2:20. I want to put that on my tombstone because it’s a goal I never envisioned being possible. I want to improve my times and run the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc one day and also the H.U.R.T. 100 in Hawaii.

Click here for more celebrities who run.

S TA R T I N G L I N E S

FAMOUS & FAST

Here are 16 notable personalities who have run a marathon faster than 3:30.

Oz Pearlman, mentalist and magician, 2:23:52, 2014, Philadelphia Marathon Wolfgang Ketterle, Nobel Prize-winning physicist, 2:44:06, 2014, Boston Marathon David Petraeus, former CIA Director, 2:50:53, 1982, Omaha Marathon Jenson Button, Formula One driver, 2:52:30, 2015, London Marathon Nell McAndrew, model, 2:54:39, 2012, London Marathon Johnny Lee Miller, actor, 3:01:40, 2013, New York City Marathon Dana Carvey, actor/comedian, 3:04:21, 1972, Ocean to Bay Marathon Peter Sagal, radio personality, 3:09:25, 2011, Philadelphia Marathon Andy Baldwin, reality TV personality, 3:17:31, 2011, New York City Marathon Ryan Sutter, reality TV personality, 3:17:56, 2011, New York City Marathon Bryan Cranston, actor, 3:20:45, 1985, New York City Marathon Bjorn Ulvaeus, musician, 3:23:54, 1980, Stockholm Marathon Mike Malinin, musician, 3:23:56, 2000, San Francisco Marathon Billy Baldwin, actor, 3:24:29, 1992, New York City Marathon Anna Kooiman, TV news personality, 3:27:22, 2008, Glass City Marathon Tom Cavanagh, actor, 3:29:31, 2006, New York City Marathon

Oz Pearlman

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MARATHONFOTO, COURTESY OF OZ PEARLMAN

NEWS

11/17/15 2:07 PM

news s ta r t i n g l i n e s

17

Tips For Buying a Treadmill

Click here on insights about treadmill training.

by J ohn B yrne

Click here to learn how to optimize your treadmill training.

Running on a treadmill can be a great way to maintain a consistent training routine amid a busy workweek or during winter months. But it can also be a big expense, so consider the variables wisely, including whether or not you’re more apt to run outside or go to a gym during the winter months.

S ize a nd Space Treadmills take up a lot of room, so make sure you have adequate space in your home. The footprint and necessary buffer zone of most treadmills measures about 7 feet by 5 feet. You might want to place your treadmill near a window to get fresh air. (If you put your treadmill in a garage, keep in mind that dust and grime can lessen its performance and expedite the need for maintenance.) Collapsible treadmills can be temporarily stored against a wall, in a closet or even under a bed when not in use, but not all fold-up models are suited for high-performance running.

Pe rforma n ce An d Q ua lity Like any fitness product, treadmills come in a variety of levels: basic, standard and premium. But if your aim is to run moderate mileage at a variety of speeds, you don’t want to “under buy” and wind up with a lower quality machine that can’t keep up with your pace or volume of running. The must-have features to look for are a powerful motor (continuous duty 3.0 horsepower or higher) and a quality shock absorption system that will provide a smooth and stable ride at any pace.

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Horizon Fitness Elite T9

P r ice an d F e atu r e s Treadmills suitable for running range in price from about $400 to $4,000. As with most things, you get what you pay for.

The higher-priced models will deliver great, consistent performance and have all the extra bells and whistles (LCD screen, MP3 interface, heart-rate interactivity and remote-control adjustments). Depending on the features you want, expect to pay $1,500 to $2,500 for a mid-range running treadmill. Mid-range and deluxe treadmills offer built-in workouts that allow for variable speeds and levels of incline/decline.

TAK E A TE ST RUN Make sure you take a test run on a variety of machines to see how each feels. (You’ll know immediately if it doesn’t feel sturdy.)

Consider shopping at a specialty fitness retailer or at an online dealer that offers interactive sales assistance.

FOUR OPTIONS TO CONSIDER NAUTILUS T616, $1,000 The T616 is a good entry-level treadmill that’s chock-full of features. It has a large running belt and can run up to a 5-minute mile pace. It’s noisier than some of the other treadmills, but the built-in speakers can help drown out the sound.

HORIZON FiTNESS ELITE T9, $2,000 The T9 serves up a smooth ride from a three-zone cushioning system and a responsive digital drive system that continuously recalibrates with every step. The solid base and hydraulic folding system allow for easy storage without compromising the integrity of the running platform’s sturdiness.

Pro-Form Boston Marathon 4.0, $3,000 This model has a top speed of 15 miles per hour (which means you can run very fast intervals), high-def video workouts that sync to the Boston Marathon course and a wireless finger control that allows for easy pace adjustments without breaking stride.

LANDICE L7, $4,400 With an incredibly smooth ride and a whisper-quiet 4hp motor, this deluxe-model treadmill is ideal if you like to run early in the morning or late at night. Its orthopedic suspension system offers customizable absorption softness.

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Trail/adventure 18

Gear

Dashing Through The Snow Snowshoe Running and Racing 101 B y L i sa J h u n g

Click here for cross country skiing crosstraining.

Click here for 10 great winter endurance races.

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1. Choose your gear

2. Find a race

3. Know it’ll hurt

Buy, rent or borrow a pair of snowshoes made specifically for running. (Prices range from $159 to $300 for new models.) Since snowshoes have cleats underfoot to grip the snow, you can wear your road running shoes, lightweight trail running shoes or weather-treated shoes.

Consider wool and/ or neoprene socks, running tights and gaiters made for running to keep the snow out.

Dress as if you’re headed out on a regular winter run, breathable gloves included. And avoid wearing any fleece, as snow clings to it and balls up.

A lot of mountain towns and ski resorts host snowshoe races in the winter. Some are strictly uphill races. Some wind through the resorts, combining wide-open ski slopes with singletrack trails through dense forests. Others roam across rolling terrain, sometimes in Nordic ski centers. Check snowshoerac ing.com for a comprehensive race calendar.

Snowshoe running burns up to 700 calories an hour, and racing kicks up that number even more.

That means your body works harder to run in snowshoes than it does on the road, trail or treadmill. It’s more of a full-body workout, everything from your abs to adductors working to keep you stable and steady. And if your race is at a ski resort, keep in mind that you’re likely running at an altitude higher than you usually do. All this adds up to the fact that a snowshoe race can put you in the pain cave—and also help get you in killer shape.

4. Widen your stride, enjoy the glide Running in snowshoes is really pretty simple. However, widening your stride a touch can help avoid kicking an anklebone or calf with the frame of the snowshoe (which hurts), and widening your arm swing helps maintain balance. On downhills, the snow gives with every step. Let your landing foot glide on the snow for a moment before picking it up for another step. The gliding is not only fun, it can keep you from spinning out and tripping up.

5. Know the course Before a race, study the course map and warm up by running the first bit of it out-and-back.

Knowing if the course runs all uphill in the first half before descending in the second, or if there’s a long climb a mile before the finish, will help you pace yourself. And knowing where the singletrack trail sections begin (if there are any) can help you from getting stuck behind slower runners.

Photo: Scott Mason

If you live in a cold climate, winter weather could send you indoors and onto a treadmill for most of your hard efforts. Or it could inspire you to get out in the woods and on the white fluffy stuff for a butt-kicking, leg- and lung-strengthening good time on snowshoes. Running-specific snowshoes are lightweight, tapered and ready to motor. And an increasing number of snowshoe races, from 5K to 10K and beyond, are popping up around the country. Here’s what you need to know to run in snowshoes, either on your own or in a race:

11/17/15 2:11 PM

ALL HEART ALL AT YOUR WRIST

Forerunner 225 with wrist-based heart rate.

Hate wrestling with a heart rate strap on the run? We get it — so we got rid of it. We even refined how this watch gauges your effort, so you don’t have to decide if 176 beats per minute means you’re cookin’ or almost cooked. Create customized workouts or download free training plans at Garmin Connect, send to your watch and get coach-like guidance.

Forerunner 225 ®

See it at Garmin.com/forerunner ©2015 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

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Toe To Toe 20

GEAR

Click here for more weatherproof shoes.

W e at h e r p r o o f, win t e r i z e d t r ainin g s h o e s A SICS

Nike

GEL-Cumulus 17 GTX

Air Zoom Structure 19 Flash

In addition to its new upper (which includes an interior support saddle), the GEL-Cumulus was updated with ASICS’ new midsole and fore- and rear-foot silicone-based GEL units. This buffers a somewhat rigid ride that holds up admirably to cold pavement. The seamless upper and Gore-Tex interior lining is a burly waterproof barrier against frost and slush, making this version of the Cumulus suited for winter running. The midsole package also provides mild motion control, and the upper features a medium-volume fit: not too tight, not too loose. All of that cushioning and upper protection comes at the cost of more weight, but naming this shoe after a cloud isn’t a misnomer—it evenly surrounds the foot and, when in motion, doesn’t feel hefty.

V s

$135 Weights: 10.2 oz. (men’s size 9.0), 9.0 oz. (women’s size 7.0) Heel-Toe Offset: 10mm; (28mm heel, 18mm forefoot) With a triple-layer upper, the Structure 19 boasts water repellency, thermal conservation and, in a mod, Nike sort of way, iridescent reflectivity. The reflectivity is passive in normal light conditions, but luminous when caught in a glare. The sock-like inner layer holds nicely while the second reflective film of the second layer shields moisture, and the outer layer is a rugged yet breathable mesh. The midsole is also three layers: a denser foam from heel to medial mid-foot; a dynamic foam support wedge incorporated into the dual-density meat of the midsole unit; and a forefoot Zoom Air unit to appeal to mid- and forefoot strikers. The waffle and segmented crash rail along the outsole serve up durability, traction and easy heel-to-toe transition.

Photo: nick nacca

$140 Weights: 12.3 oz. (men’s size 9.0), 10.5 oz. (women’s size 7.0) Heel-Toe Offset: 10mm; (30mm heel, 20mm forefoot)

For more shoe reviews, go to Competitor.com/shoes

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© 2015 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Westin and its logo are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

W E S TAY R U N N I N G 24 HOURS SO YO U C AN TO O

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Traveling can throw off your workout routine. That’s why our health club inspired WestinWORKOUT® fitness studios stay open 24/7. With plenty of treadmills in our facilities, you can get your run in while you’re on the road.

Learn more at westin.com/movewell

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Gear

G e t a G r i p T h is W i n t e r Simple shoe mods for a solid stride in rain and snow B y A l l i son Patti l lo

Freezing temperatures and icy precipitation are enough to make many runners hit the treadmill.

For those undeterred by inclement weather, there are other options. In addition to shoes specifically designed for winter running—with rubber or metal studs mounted in the outsole—there are quick and simple methods for keeping the tread of your favorite kicks on the road. Here are two optoins: an easy-to-use kit sold at running shops (left) and a do-it-yourself method (right), depending upon your level of comfort in hardware stores.

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IceSpike Deluxe Package, $30

Do-it-yourself shoe spikes, $5

The kit includes 32 notched, composite spikes and an Icespike wrench for installing the spikes into your shoes. Icespike recommends using at least 12 spikes per shoe—six in the forefoot and six in the heel. Do not use any in the arch, and avoid areas that might poke your foot. Mark where you want the spikes to go, then tap each location with something sharp (a push pin or skewer) as a starting point for insertion. Put a spike in the wrench, and screw the spike down until it’s secure. Extra spikes are included in case of excessive wear. Expect to get 300-400 miles out of a single set of Icespikes.

At your local hardware store, pick up 24 (12 per shoe) 3/8-inch hex head sheet-metal screws.

Hex head screws have multiple edges, meaning more grip in slippery conditions. (You’ll need size #8 or #10 screws. The 3/8-inch size refers to the length—you don’t want them to poke through to your foot. ) Mark on the perimeter of the outsole where you want the screws to go—aiming for six in the forefoot and six in the heel. To insert the screws, pre-drill the holes with a 1/16-inch drill bit and hand-twist the screws until they are secure. (A power drill and a hex head drill bit make it even quicker and easier.) Stop drilling when the head of the screw touches the outsole.

Photo: James Carney

Click here for a video on how to spike your shoes.

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YO U SH OULD GET YOUR FEET ON thIS STuFF.

CONTINUOUS CUSHIONING A breakthrough in cushioning • livelier • more responsive • smoother landings • stronger takeoffs • new construction puts cushioning closer to foot • helps you run stronger longer

Check out the Triumph ISO 2 with EVERUN.

saucony.com/EVERUN

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FIND YOUR STRONG

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WEARABLE TECH 24

GEAR

PHONELESS CONNECTION B Y SA M W I N EB AU M

This burly color GPS watch with a comfortable smaller wrist wrap is a great value for packing easily configurable stats and intervals, Bluetooth sensor capability and a 4GB music player. Stay connected via a built-in AT&T

mobile network connection for two-way email (including canned responses), live tracking by designated Angels and SOS messages. Easily readable in bright sunlight, its spacious look and feel, a touch cartoonish, reminded us of

NOT THE ONE?

an old-school cell phone. We occasionally saw crashes in very low AT&T signal areas when starting and finishing a workout with Angel notifications enabled, and the tap vs. touch screen took some getting used to.

T IMEX IR O NMA N O NE G P S+

I’m looking for…

$200 SOS AND MESSAGING FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

DeLorme InReach SE ($300)

MUSIC AND HEART RATE ON THE WRIST

adidas miCoach Smart Run ($300)

BUTTONS INSTEAD OF A TOUCH SCREEN

Suunto Ambit3 Run ($250)

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NEXT-GEN TOOL It’s a no-compromises GPS run watch and music player with a no-phone connection to AT&T’s mobile network.

(The first year is free!)

AMAZING VISIBILITY Sunlight-readable, large color touchscreen—plus simple, intuitive setup and operation.

RUN PHONE-FREE Stay connected and located for safety and race fun. Your “Angels” can be notified when you start and finish, and can track you along the way.

PHOTO: ADAM ELDER

Click here for wearable tech gift ideas.

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JAMES "IRON COWBOY" LAWRENCE ENDURANCE ATHLETE / IRONMAN TRIATHLETE 50.50.50 WORLD RECORD HOLDER

INTRODUCING X2.

THE PERFECTION OF WIRELESS SOUND. AVAILABLE AT JAYBIRDSPORT.COM, BEST BUY, TARGET, REI AND OTHER RETAILERS IN 6 COLORS: MIDNIGHT, STORM, ALPHA, CHARGE, FIRE, ICE.

Official Headphones of the

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Gear

Visible Nights Click here for night running safety tips.

B y All i s on Patti llo

Click here for more night running gear.

Slim-fitting capris with a glowin-the-dark graphic makes you stand out in the night.

Every bit of this lightweight vest is designed for 360 degrees of maximum visibility. Shine like a star with LED vest straps, a reflective waist belt and battery pack with flashing lights.

[4] ASICS Lite-Show Low-Cut Socks, $12

[7] Pearl Izumi Fly Jacket in BioViz, $85

[3] New Balance Beacon capris, $120

Before you head into the night, ensure you can see and be seen. Smart gear with high-visibility colors, lights and reflectivity is essential for safety. Instead of bemoaning the dark, embrace it—the exhilaration, simplicity of your breath and footfalls, and how much faster you feel when it’s just you and the beam from your headlamp.

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[1] Nathan Sports Nebula Fire headlamp, $75

Multiple beams, hands-off functionality and an LED light that disperses 192 lumens for shortand long-range visibility make this headlamp a night runner’s dream.

[2] Amphipod Hydraform Flash HydroStrobe Thermal 12oz, $30

Not only does its red strobe keep you visible, the Flash has a zippered reflective pocket for stowing necessities and a thermal sleeve to keep liquids cool and hands cozy.

An ankle-wrapping band of reflective yarn is woven into the sock for on-the-move visibility.

Pearl Izumi’s new BioViz line has a minimum visibility standard of 230 feet. Wind- and water-resistant, the Fly also has laser cut ventilation and internal fist mitts for extra warmth.

[5] Skechers GOrun Ride 4 Nite Owl, $95

[8] Sugoi Zap Run Gloves, $45

These smooth trainers get a bright jolt of fluorescent orange and a glow-in-the dark overlay for round-theclock visibility.

Step up your glove game with wind-resistant, breathable fabric, a silicone grip on the index and middle fingers, and eye-catching reflective detailing.

photo: Nick Nacca

[6] Nox Gear Tracer 360, $70

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Gear

Cool Runnings

By Alliso n Pat t illo

Winter running is all about staying warm without overheating, and staying upright and nimble on slippery surfaces. Here’s some of the newest gear to help you go the extra mile in the coldest, wettest months.

[1] New Balance Heat Hybrid Jacket, $180

Polyester fill holds in heat, and wicking panels move moisture. It also resists wind and precipitation.

[2] Smartwool PhD Light Long Sleeve Shirt, $85

This wool-poly blend wicks sweat, dries quickly, holds its shape and is soft against your skin. The semi-fitted design makes it an ideal base layer.

[3] Brooks Joyride Mitten, $35

Keep hands snug in wool and polyester blend mittens. A mesh palm helps prevent that dreaded swamp-hand sensation.

[4] Sugoi Ignite Tight, $90

Plush, insulated fabric keeps legs warm (but not too warm) in freezing temperatures by moving moisture away from the skin.

[5] Stabilicers Run, $43

The aggressive tread and nine cleats help prevent slipping on black ice and in variable conditions.

A high-traction combination of steel spikes and chains that stay put while running yet are easy to put on and remove.

[7] Saucony Ride 8 GTX, $140

These neutral, 8mm-drop cruisers have a Gore-Tex lining for snappy winter running and dry feet even in rain and snow.

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Click here for coldweather racing tips.

photo: Nick Nacca

[6] Kahtoola Microspikes, $70

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A glimpse inside four amazing vacation-worthy trail running events in Italy, France, Turkey and Andorra

Dolomiti Extreme Trail Val di Zoldo, Italy

By Mario Fraioli

Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Dolomite Mountains in the Val di Zoldo region of northern Italy’s Belluno province, the DXT—now in its third year—is actually a festival of races that traverses rocky trails, snowfields, smooth dirt forest paths, grass meadows and exposed ledges. There are the original

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53K and 23K options and, new for 2016, a 103K event that might be one of the toughest long-distance mountain races in the world.

Featuring 12,467 feet of elevation gain and an equal amount of loss, the rugged 53K route starts at 2,782 feet in Forno di Zoldo and finishes at 3,018 feet just up the road in Pieve. In between, runners climb as high as 7,000 feet and are rewarded with incredible 360-degree views of

the surrounding mountain range and the valley below.

The 23K, which has just over 3,200 feet of elevation gain (and subsequent loss), begins at the Frocella Staulanza Pass (at more than 5,500 feet) and covers the final section of the 53K course, while the all-new 103K, which shares a start and finish line with the 53K, features a staggering 23,500 feet of elevation gain and an equal amount of loss.

The longer course includes a new section through Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, the alpine grasslands of Mondeval and a summit of Mount Rite, 7,150 feet above sea level.

“I just tried to find the most scenic and difficult course I could find, and this checked that box,” says Rick Floyd, a trail runner from Bend, Ore., who finished third overall in the 53K race in 2014.

“It was beautiful.”

photos: Soul Running

If there were ever a race that lived up to its name, it’s the Dolomiti Extreme Trail.

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Challenging terrain and breathtaking views of Val di Zoldo are two of the many pleasantries that will greet you in the heart of the Dolomites.

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“I just tried to find the most scenic and difficult course I could find, and this checked that box.”

Dolomiti Extreme Trail DISTANCES: Rugged 103K, 53K and 23K routes through the Italian Dolomites

Click here for amazing images from Dolomiti Extreme Trail.

FUN FACT: The Dolomiti Extreme Trail has become a true community event as locals volunteer to help with course marking, race-day parking and cooking for the post-race party. The Val di Zoldo is known as the “Valley of Gelato” for its plethora of world-class gelaterias, and its Pastin—which consists of cabbage, chicken, pork, beef, polenta and beans— is typical of the area’s cuisine and has been described as the “Tex Mex of Italian food.”

GETTING THERE: Venice’s Marco Polo International Airport is the closest major airport and about a 90-minute drive to Val di Zoldo.

MORE INFO: The 2016 Dolomiti Extreme races are scheduled for June 11. For more details go to Dolomitiextreme trail.com

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Lycian Way Ultra Marathon Fethiye to Antalya, Turkey

By Jorge Latre

Click here for more photos from this race in Turkey.

While the 509K Lycian Way is routinely listed among the top hikes in the world—along with the Inca Trail, the Camino de Santiago and the Ultra-Tour du Mont-Blanc—the Lycian Way Ultra Marathon covers half

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of that distance (roughly 155 miles) in six stages from Fethiye to Antalya. Ultras often take us to remote places; Lycian Way Ultra also takes you back to remote times.

The race route crosses several ancient cities and monuments.

Olympos, on day 4, is a beautiful set of sprawling ruins right off the beach, bisected by a walled stream. Rich but fragmented mosaics grace a large, crumbling house with remnants of domed ceilings. Monumental structures highlight the city’s

administrative role. A theater and bathhouses speak to a vital public life. However, lush vegetation now shades and hides much of the city. Natural eternal flames in nearby Chimera guided ships away from shoals in antiquity and give the place a touch of magic today.

Make no mistake: This is an extremely difficult ultra, even if there are nice camping accommodations and an attentive, full-service staff at the end of each stage. The route is meandering and the terrain is rough

and the heat and humidity can be oppressive. Fortunately, you can dial your challenge by choosing from six events—from the full 250K ultra (including a 102K single-day stage with 13,000 feet of vertical gain) to a 20K weekend outing.

Stage races are a great environment for runners keen to engage in a foreign culture alongside others around the world. If you like the landscapes and history of the Mediterranean, the Lycian Way Ultra Marathon is the race-vacation for you.

photos: Jorge Latre

Packed with enchanting history and challenging natural features, the Lycian Way Ultra Marathon sends adventure-seeking runners through an ancient land along Turkey’s southernfacing Mediterranean coastline in the far southeastern corner of Europe.

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The Lycian Way Ultra takes runners past many ancient ruin sites along the Mediterranean Coast.

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Stage races are a great environment for runners keen to engage in a foreign culture alongside others around the world.

Lycian Way Ultra Marathon DISTANCES: 20K, 102K, 250K FUN FACT: Runners in the Lycian Way Ultra carry Garmin e-Trex devices so the race logistics staff can monitor each participant in minute detail and track progress in near real-time updates on Google Earth maps.

GETTING THERE: The best route for North Americans is through Istanbul, and then connect through the Dalaman Airport in Dalamn/Mugla in southwestern Turkey.

MORE INFO: The 2016 Lycian Way Ultra Marathon is scheduled for Sept.

23–Oct. 2. For more information, go to Likyayoluultramaratonu.com.

Uzunetap’s other marquee ultradistance stage race in Turkey, the Runfire Cappadocia Ultra Marathon, is slated for July 23–31.

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Mont Blanc Marathon Chamonix, France

By Brian Metzler

But it’s the enormous mountains—and the amazing mountain culture—that make running in Chamonix so downright special.

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“Chamonix is an amazing place,” says Alex Nichols, a trail runner from Colorado Springs who won the 84K race at the Mont Blanc Marathon festival of races in 2015.

“The mountains are very different than the ones in Colorado in that they’re more drastic. They rise in elevation so quickly.”

While the Ultra-Trail du MontBlanc gets most of the press, the three-day Mont Blanc Marathon festival of races is another one of the world’s premier trail running

events. Each of the five races—a Vertical Kilometer (VK) uphill race, 10K, 23K, 42K and 84K— sends runners over dastardly steep mountains.

Yes, the races are extremely challenging, but the races are run almost entirely on singletrack trails and have breathtaking views in every direction. The races draw some of the world’s greatest runners, but it’s the shared community experience of being in the rugged mountains that makes it

memorable for all runners.

“Everybody is just so excited about mountain running there— it’s just part of the culture,” says Hillary Allen, a trail runner from Boulder, Colo., who placed third among women in the 84K race in 2015. “Coming through the town center of Chamonix while hundreds of people are lined up on the street and sitting in restaurants and cheering is really special. It was an incredible experience.”

photos: Jordi Saragossa, Brian Metzler

Anyone who visits Chamonix for the first time is quickly awestruck by how massive the mountains are. Towering high over the village, the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges within the Mont Blanc massif make you feel rather miniscule in the grand scheme of things— especially if you’re a trail runner.

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The centerpiece race of the Mont Blanc Marathon weekend is an 84K event with nearly 20,000 feet of vertical gain.

Click here for a story about Chamonix’s mountain running culture.

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“The mountains are very different than the ones in Colorado in that they’re more drastic. They rise in elevation so quickly.”

Mont Blanc Marathon DISTANCES: Vertical K, 10K, 23K, 42K, 84K

Click here for amazing images from the Mont-Blanc Marathon.

FUN FACT: The first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix in 1924 and the ski races took place on the mountains where the Mont Blanc Marathon races finish.

GETTING THERE: The closest airport to Chamonix is in Geneva, Switzerland, which is a little more than an hour north by car. If you’re content with exploring trails in the Chamonix-Mont Blanc valley on foot, your best bet is to take a shuttle (about $30).

Renting a car can get pricey, but it can give you options for sightseeing to other nearby places such as Courmayeur, Italy, or specific sections of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc course such as the Grand Col Ferret.

MORE INFO: The 2016 Mont Blanc Marathon festival is set for June 24–26. For more details, go to Montblancmarathon.com.

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Andorra Ultra Trail Vallnord Andorra la Vella, Andorra

By Allison Pattillo

Click here for amazing images from this race in Andorra.

Each event is designed with a

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looped course to give runners an all-encompassing view of the countryside. But the vistas come with a generous dose of sweat effort—each race has a brutal amount of vertical gain. The 170K Ronda del Cims, which circumnavigates the entire country, tops them all, with more than 44,000 feet of climbing and descending.

“This is a really technical course, a lot different than most of the big U.S. 100-milers,” says William Zdon, 30, of New York City, who ran the 170K Ronda del Cims as his 14th 100-mile event. “I’ve been trying hard for this. I’m

looking for confirmation that I can run in the mountains and on trails at a race this challenging.

It’s the journey that counts, but it’s also nice to know what you can do.”

The races have the heartpumping technical trails and massive views expected of big European mountain races, but, largely due to the lack of a prize purse, the vibe is relatively laidback. Elites like Killian Jornet and Nuriá Picas have run and won on these trails, but the true spirit and solidarity lies among the citizen runners.

Many elements of the race are designed to encourage as many finishers as possible. No pacers are allowed, and runners are expected to help one another when needed. Also, volunteers receive training on how to handle the unique physical and mental needs of ultrarunners. Plus, the cutoff times are generous.

“My brother talked me into doing this crazy race,” said Paul Geist, 48, of Charlotte, N.C., after finishing the 112K Mític race. “It was a great way to get a vacation, have some fun and see a beautiful place.”

photos: Lymbus.com

The entire country of Andorra is only 181 square miles. But this landlocked nation between Spain and France feels almost more vertical than horizontal, with 72 soaring Pyrenean peaks and an average elevation of 6,550 feet. The best way to experience Andorra’s rugged landscape is by running in the annual Andorra Ultra Trail Vallnord. It features four major races: Ronda del Cims (105.6 miles), Mític (69.6 miles), Celestrail (51.6 miles) and Marató del Cims (26.2 miles), plus the 10K Solidaritrail.

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The race routes are comprised of about 85 percent singletrack and include soft trails, category three scrambling with fixed ropes, rocks, mud and water crossings.

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“This is a really technical course, a lot different than most of the big U.S. 100-milers.”

Andorra Ultra Trail Vallnord DISTANCES: 10K, 42K, 83K, 112K, 170K FUN FACT: Andorran people are warm and welcoming with a hearty sense of adventure. During the race, one cheerily stalwart local carries his bagpipes to the top of Coma Pedrosa Peak, the country’s tallest at 9,652 feet, to play for approaching runners.

GETTING THERE: Part of Andorra’s charm is its isolation, but without train or air service, getting there can be a challenge.

The two closest airports, in Toulouse and Barcelona, are each about a three-hour drive from Andorra la Vella, the capital city. Once you arrive, plan to use the extensive bus system or rent a car.

MORE INFO: The 2016 Andorra Ultra Trail

Vallnord is scheduled for July 14–17. For more details, go to Andorraultratrail.com.

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Click here to see a video about the UTMB race in Chamonix.

With the imposing Mont Blanc massif and Mer de Glace glacier in the background, Sage Canaday charges up a trail on the La Flegere 38

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ski a

ere

e invited our favorite running photographers to share their best work from 2015 for Competitor magazine’s inaugural Photos of the Year feature, and they did not disappoint. The following pages feature the year’s finest running shots from all over the world. Looking for a bit of extra inspiration, or just more stoke? Turn the page!

ski area high above Chamonix, France. By Matt Trappe 39

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Joe Grant meanders through autumn foliage near Gold Hill, Colorado. By Fredrik Marmsater

Andrew Ignacio runs up a road in Wild Horse Wind Farm near Vantage, Washington. By Stephen Matera 40

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Click here for photos of Boulder’s Tour de Flatirons.

Click here for winter running safety tips.

Anton Krupicka cruises along a snowy trail in Boulder, Colorado. By Fredrik Marmsater 41

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Click here for more amazing racing shots from 2015.

Daniel Salel, Eliud Ngetich, Raji Assefa and Stephen Sambu chase their shadows at the BAA Half Marathon in Boston. By Kevin Morris 42

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Click here for amazing photos from the Moab Trail Marathon.

Christopher Chung is flying high above 12,000 feet at the Leadville Silver Rush 50-Mile Trail Run in Colorado. By Glen Delman

Stephanie Howe Violett fords the American River at the 78-mile mark of the Western States 100 with pacer/husband Zach Violett. By Derrick Lytle 43

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Lauren Partridge maneuvers down a rocky route in Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest near Bishop, California. By Tyler Roemer

Click here for more amazing racing shots from The Rut trail races.

Runners struggle up a Montana peak in The Rut trail race. By Myke Hermsmeyer

Fans celebrate Mo Farah’s 5,000m world

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cham

orld

Runners surge off the starting line of a collegiate cross country meet in New York City’s Van Cortlandt Park. By Matt Trappe

championship win in Beijing. By Jeff Cohen

David Laney relishes his third-place finish at the UTMB in Chamonix. By Matt Trappe 45

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Click here

4 6 to read about Linden’s preOlympic Trials training.

Click here for photos from one of Desi Linden’s training runs in Kenya.

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Determined and methodical, Desiree Linden knows what she needs to do to make her second Olympic team.

here are runners who run smart or bravely or on instinct. Marathoner Desiree Linden prefers a methodical approach.

PHOTO: SCOTT DRAPER

At the start of the 2015 Boston Marathon, Linden knew that Shalane Flanagan’s aggressive pace the year before—one that winner Rita Jeptoo had described as being “like fire”— had been her downfall.

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A woman of strength not speed, Linden would have to run a pace that would stiffen the legs of her competitors and keep them from pulling away from her in the last 4 miles. So the diminutive runner took the lead from the start and locked into her rhythm, battling the cold, rain and wind, her furrowed eyebrows telegraphing a forceful concentration.

She held that lead for just over 23 miles before three other runners found an

extra gear and pulled away. Linden took fourth place and ran 2:25:39. She wasn’t disappointed. It was a good fight and a good race. Linden is a runner that uses the phrase “learning experience” about her worst results without the accompanying twinge of bitterness.

“As the distance goes up, a race becomes about far more than talent,” says Kevin Hanson, Linden’s longtime coach and one of the two brothers behind the elite training group Hansons-Brooks Distance Project based in Rochester, Mich.

“Training goes into it, race strategy goes into it, even how you think a competitor will compete is factored in. Desi’s a real student of the game.

She likes the chess match. She never panics, she plots.”

These are skills Linden will use to her advantage when she competes at the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon—the

race that will determine who goes on to wear the red, white and blue in Rio—on Feb. 13. She knows the way a race will unfold from the start line, the probability of each racer’s next move, the likelihood of a surge being a tactical move or something spawned from overexcitement. She has the confidence to let the runners who run too fast go and the gumption to lead races when everyone else is hesitant. There is no concise Plan A or Plan B—Linden is too methodical for that.

Maybe it’s the reason she majored in psychology. That stoic determination—planning, plotting, removing emotion from the job that needs to be done—is what makes Linden a “silent-but-deadly pro,” according to her former college teammate Amy Cragg. She goes quiet when she has bad days and she’s never boastful about the good ones. Her focus is on the job—not the limelight.

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t seemed like no one knew Linden’s name before her homestretch battle for first with Kenyan Caroline Kilel at the 2011 Boston Marathon.

Even though Linden was one of the country’s top marathon runners at the time—behind still-reigning Deena Kastor and the likely heir apparent Kara Goucher— and had run the fourth fastest time ever by a U.S. woman at the 2010 Chicago Marathon (2:26:20), America wondered a collective “who?” when Linden began to lead the Kenyans in the final blocks of Boston.

Even the Universal Sports TV announcers seemed flabbergasted, drawing an arrow toward the 5’2”, 100-pound racer on-air at nearly two hours into the race, saying, “That is Desiree Davila, formerly of Arizona State and now running for Hansons-Brooks in Michigan … and that is her pushing the pace a little bit. Wow.” Although she would finish second to Kilel that day, just two seconds away from winning the Boston Marathon amid near-euphoric cheering along Boylston Street, Linden clocked a 2:22:38 and became a household name—and a fan favorite—in the American running scene.

“Boston was a mentality shift,” says Linden.

“For the first time, I knew I could compete to win.”

What seemed like a miraculous result to everyone else was a strategic step in a very long process. Linden’s success had been six years in the making, working under coaches Kevin and Keith Hanson since 2005 after graduating from Arizona State University with All-American honors in cross country and track. She owned no school records or national or Pac-10 championship titles when she left, but she had developed a workhorse ethic sometime between her sophomore and junior year. When she graduated, she reached out to the Hanson brothers hoping to extend her career.

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Nowadays, when new runners begin training with the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project, they tell the coaches they want to be like Linden. She’s quickly become the patron saint of post-collegiate runners who finished school without completely blossoming, those who never won an NCAA title or ran a sub-33 10K but continued to work and develop through the trials of miles and miles of trials.

“We tell our athletes, if you want to be like Des, no one will know your name for the first six years of training—are you OK with that?”

Hanson says.

Like Brian Sell before her, Linden joined a team that values patience and dedication, and offers the resources to see it through.

Sell was equally unsung coming out of college but, with the support and long-term development ethos of the Hansons-Brooks program, he honed himself into a 2:10 marathoner and earned a 2008 U.S. Olympic team berth.

Linden says she liked seeing those small results come to her the harder she worked.

“You need patience to understand that it’s a process just to step up to the start line and to develop into a better athlete,” Linden says. “I would’ve loved immediate results, but that wasn’t in the cards for me. I had to put in the work and chip away. It was the one controllable. That way, I could be satisfied with results even if I didn’t make the team.”

She began to like the rhythms of long-distance training and the meticulous planning that went into marathons. The long suffering of a 26.2-mile race appealed to her more than the acute, sustained pain of 5Ks and 10Ks. Linden raced the IAAF World Road Running Championships in 2006 and finished 43rd in 1:11:56.

“After the 20K, Des asked, ‘Did I run well enough for you to let me run a marathon?’”

Kevin Hanson says, laughing. “I told her I never said I wouldn’t let her. The marathon is a difficult enough event for any athlete to wrap their heads around without me forcing their hand.”

“You need patience to understand that it’s a process just to step up to the start line and to develop into a better athlete.”

Her times dropped consistently. She finished 18th in 2:44:56 at her marathon debut at the 2007 Boston Marathon. A year later, she started out strong in her second marathon at the U.S. Olympic Trials race in Boston, but she faded badly in the seocnd half and finished a distant 13th in 2:37:50.

“I thought I was pretty good, a young hotshot who was going to make the Olympic team at 22,” Linden says. “I needed to experience that low. I had to learn the event.”

Three years later, she was duking it out with Kilel in Boston and raising the eyebrows of the world running community. But her lowest point was yet to come.

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Click here for a video about Desi Linden training in Kenya.

PHOTO: SCOTT DRAPER

Click here for photos of Desi Linden training in Kenya.

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LINDEN SPENT SIGNIFICANT TIME TRAINING IN ITEN, KENYA, IN EARLY 2013 AND EARLY 2014.

IN EARLY 2016, SHE AND HER HANSONS-BROOKS TEAMMATES HAVE A SIX-WEEK TRAINING CAMP IN FLORIDA TO TUNE UP FOR THE U.S. OLYMPIC TRIALS MARATHON IN LOS ANGELES.

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50

Click here for tips on how to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

LINDEN WAS IN THE LEAD PACK AT THE 2015 BOSTON MARATHON FOR NEARLY 21 MILES BEFORE FINISHING FOURTH.

“That was one of the hardest things we’ve gone through in our life together,” says Linden’s husband, Ryan Linden, whom she met while training with the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project. “They didn’t know what it was at first.

Every day she’s sitting there and she can’t do her job. I was still training and I had to figure

CM1215_FEAT_DESI.indd 50

out how to sneak out and train. She just wanted to run—even if it were 2 miles.”

“I was asking myself, ‘Do I still want to do this? Is it worth it?’” says Linden, who began spending her downtime with Ryan going to live music shows, staying up late, paddle boarding on the lake and taking advantage of their bourbon collection as they played Gran Turismo. “I knew the next couple of years would be hard, but I came to the decision that it was something I wanted to do.”

Linden’s first marathon back was the 2013 Berlin Marathon, where she placed fifth in 2:29:15. That winter, she spent six weeks at Lornah Kiplagat’s high-altitude training camp in Iten, Kenya, to prepare for her return to Boston in 2014. In Boston, Linden ran a 2:23:54 to finish 10th, the second American woman after Shalane Flanagan crossed the line in seventh place and set a new American course record in 2:22:02. This year, Linden regained the top American spot when she took fourth place, five spots up on Flanagan.

She’s climbed her way back and has regained the form of her Boston 2011 performance.

She can feel it. Everyone can. And she’s got Flanagan and Cragg—arguably her biggest competitors going into the Olympic Trials marathon in February—to keep her honest.

n Rochester Hills, Mich., Linden was logging quiet miles until November, when the first training segment and the build for the Trials in Los Angeles began.

Nagging tendonitis in her calf from track season has made her base miles fewer and gentler. She and Ryan spent the latter part of summer’s fading heat in their new cottage in Charlevoix, a picturesque city in northern Michigan between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. There, on a paddleboard skimming Lake Charlevoix’s placid waters, Linden can come down from the season to recenter and heal. But every moment not training, there’s the anticipation to begin again. First Trials. Then Rio. Hanson says a 2:22 racer will be in a position to medal. To get Linden there by Rio, Hanson will help her build strength. That means additional mileage, greater volume on

PHOTOS: VICTOR SAILOR/PHOTORUN.NET

Her strong finish put the world on notice that another 2:22 marathoner would be in the running for the podium at the 2012 London Olympics. Linden qualified at the U.S. Olympic Trials in second place behind Shalane Flanagan with a time of 2:25:55, but during her final training segment leading into London, her hip began to hurt. Everyone assumed tendonitis, but the pain was actually stemming from her femur, where a stress fracture began to crack the bone, growing with each step of Linden’s 120-mile training weeks. Her body was aware enough to compensate, which led to hip pain so severe that Linden was stuck running at 90 percent bodyweight on the AlterG treadmill for weeks. Linden raced just over 2 miles in the Olympic marathon before she called it quits, walked off the course and, the next day, escaped the Olympic Village.

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Click here for more 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials coverage 51

THE ROAD TO RIO The 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon will be held Feb. 13 in Los Angeles. The top three finishers in the men’s and women’s races will earn the chance to run for the U.S. at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Here’s a glance at some of the top contenders.

“Some people go in with nothing to lose and the favorites go in with everything to lose.” the quality days and running faster during recovery days to help her get used to running on tired legs.

Hanson knows his most effective coaching strategy with Linden is knowledge. She needs insight into her competitors, a breakdown of the course—each hill, turn and variation. Her training is so specialized that if she trains for Boston, she probably wouldn’t do as well in Chicago or New York or London.

Now she just has to be patient. Before the U.S. Olympic Trials, two workouts about five weeks out will tell her if she’s done her job: a 26.2-kilometer tempo run and 2 x 6-mile repeats. If she can do them both at or under marathon race pace, she’ll be ready.

“There are so many different approaches on race day,” Linden says. “Some people go in with nothing to lose and the favorites go in with everything to lose. It’s all about who shows up and performs that day. I tell myself there’s a reason I have done well in the marathon. I don’t have to do anything I haven’t done before.”

“A lot of athletes will say, ‘I will do everything it takes,’” Hanson says. “Des is one of the few I know who has honestly lived up to that.”

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(Current age and PR listed for each athlete.)

WOM EN 1. SHALANE FLANAGAN, 34, 2:21:14 She didn’t run the way she hoped in Boston in April (9th, 2:27:47) but placed 6th in the 10,000 at the world championships in August.

2. DESIREE LINDEN, 32, 2:22:38 Linden ran strong in her 4th-place finish at Boston in April (2:25:39), a year after a fast 10th-place effort there (2:23:54).

3. DEENA KASTOR, 42, 2:19:36 If she decides to run the trials, she’ll definitely be a top contender. She ran 2:27:47 in Chicago to set a new U.S. masters record in October.

4. SERENA BURLA, 33, 2:28:01 This cancer survivor and mom set her 10,000m PR (32:17) in May and placed 10th at the world championships in the marathon (2:31:06).

5. KARA GOUCHER, 37, 2:24:52 It’s been a long road back to the elite level, but she ran strong (1:11:13) and won the Big Sur Half Marathon in Monterey Bay on Nov. 8.

M EN 1. MEB KEFLEZIGHI, 40, 2:08:37 Yes, he’s 40, but he has two strong performances to his credit in Boston (2:12:42) and New York (2:13:32) in 2015. Don’t bet against him.

2. DATHAN RITZENHEIN, 32, 2:07:47 Ritz proved in Boston last April (7th, 2:11:20) that he’s still one of the best in America and hungry for his fourth Olympic berth.

3. LUKE PUSKEDRA, 25, 2:10:24 After briefly stepping away from the sport, Puskedra came back strong with a 2:10:24 PR in Chicago in October.

4. RYAN VAIL, 29, 2:10:57 He ran a solid 28:04 for 10K on the track last spring, but then spent the summer recovering from a navicular stress reaction.

5. JARED WARD, 27, 2:12:56 This former BYU standout has had a breakthrough year, winning U.S. titles at 20K, 25K and the marathon.

6. AMY CRAGG, 31, 2:27:03

6. JEFFREY EGGLESTON, 29, 2:10:52

After just missing the Olympic marathon team in 2012, she wound up 11th in the 10K at the Games. She was 4th in the 2015 U.S. 10K finals.

In 2014, he clocked a 2:11:57 at Boston and a 2:10:52 at Australia’s Gold Cost Marathon. He ran a half-marathon PR of 1:02:41 in January 2015.

7. NEELY SPENCE-GRACEY, 25, DEBUT

7. CRAIG LEON, 31, 2:13:53

Although she’s yet to run a marathon, she just ran a 1:09:59 half-marathon PR at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon on Oct. 31.

Less than four months after finishing 5th in the Pan Am Games (2:19:26), Leon ran an impressive race in New York City (2:15:16) and placed 8th.

8. ANNIE BERSAGEL, 32, 2:28:29

8. RYAN HALL, 33, 2:04:58

Bersagel, who works as an attorney in Oslo, Norway, ran her PR of 2:28:29 at the Dusseldorf Marathon in April.

Hall hasn’t run a fast marathon since placing 2nd at the 2012 trials. He’s battled injuries and low-testosterone issues, but he says he’ll be ready.

9. SARA HALL, 32, 2:31:14

9. ELKANAH KIBET, 32, 2:11:31

Although Hall struggled in her debut marathon in L.A. in March, she came back with a strong effort to set a fast PR in Chicago in October.

This former All-American at Auburn gained U.S. citizenship by joining the U.S. Army and ran 2:11:31 in Chicago in October.

For more about the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, go to Competitor.com/OlympicTrials2016

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PhotoGRAPHY: Aliza Rae

Click here for photos from the 26 Strong team at the Chicago Marathon.

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Success is determined by more than just finishing a marathon.

B y Allison Pattillo

When training for a marathon, reaching the finish line after 26.2 miles of running is the ultimate goal, but it’s far from the only achievement. For first-timers, success happens when logging runs of double-digit mileage for the first time, earning a new 5K PR or tackling a previously intimidating hill. It’s choosing sleep over Netflix, a group run instead of happy hour or a green salad over chili cheese fries.

Just as a marathon finishing time isn’t the only mark of achievement, no single workout or decision makes or breaks a marathon season. Instead, it’s a collection of successes—adapting to the physical and mental stress, listening to your body, overcoming obstacles, executing your training plan and, of course, ultimately running 26.2 miles.

Success [sek’ses] noun—the accomplishment of an aim or purpose *According to Oxford Dictionaries

Professional runner Megan Lizotte sees each workout as a drop of water in a bigger bucket. Each workout, just like each success, builds on the ones before it until you eventually reach your goal.

This is the same theory behind the building blocks and measured progression of marathon training.

For the participants of 26Strong—a collaboration between Competitor and Saucony pairing 13 experienced marathon mentors (coaches) with 13 first-time marathoners (cadets) with the goal of running the 2015 Chicago Marathon on Oct. 11—the successes were as unique as the runners themselves.

T r a i n i n g S u c c e ss

Some cadets were running hobbyists. Others ran in high school or college. And quite a few had trained for a half marathon prior to joining this year’s training program. But longer runs and increased intensity of marathon training were definitely new territory for all of them.

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Click here for tips on how to change your long training runs.

“There were many times I doubted myself and my ability to conquer the distance,” says Kellen McAvoy, a cadet from San Diego whose personal mantra was: you are stronger with every mile.

“Training for the Chicago Marathon was one of, if not the most, mentally and physically challenging things I’ve ever attempted.”

The time commitment was also a big adjustment. Training for a marathon takes dedication and time that has to be carved out of already busy schedules. Whether cadets were students, parents or going to the office every day, fitting in the training was a challenge.

“I started a new year of residency training and marathon training at the same time,” says Kendall Shultes, a pharmacy resident in St. Louis. “Being able to juggle my new position and running farther than I ever had made me feel successful.”

Success comes from adaptability—switching to morning or evening runs, perhaps running to or from your kid’s soccer game for a long run or fitting in a speed work session at lunch.

“Because of my schedule, I had to learn to love to run in the afternoon and evening,” Shultes says. “The struggle was real the first couple of times, but now I can’t wait to get home and run in the park after work as the sun sets.”

L i st e n i n g t o y o u r b o d y

Focused training can lead to growing pains as your muscles strengthen and your body is taxed in different ways. New sensations, both good and bad, take getting used to. The trick is learning what’s right for you. If you pay attention, you’ll start to notice when you need to ingest more electrolytes, replace a run with cross training or take an extra day of rest.

“After battling nagging tendinitis back in 2013, the last thing I wanted to do was reinjure myself,” says Brittany Champagne, a cadet runner from Buffalo, N.Y. “I was finally cleared for a run/walk

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54

regimen last year. To go from not being able to run, following my recovery plan and running the Chicago Marathon, injury-free, in the span of two years is a huge success.”

Training helps your body adapt to the stress loads of a marathon.

Expect aching and fatigued muscles. Learn the difference between an achy muscle that needs extra time on the foam roller and a niggling pain that might require a visit to the physical therapist.

Ov erco mi ng race-day obstacl es

No matter how much you rehearse and prepare, something always goes sideways on race day. Unexpected weather, lucky socks left at home or long bathroom lines—these and similar hiccups are almost a given. Using long runs as race-day rehearsals helps you prepare for different scenarios. As for the physical component, trust your training to carry you to the finish.

“I had to take a break after colliding with another runner at a water station in the middle of the race. I could feel the anxiety begin to creep up as I struggled to find my pace,” says May Zhu, a cadet who moved from Charleston, S.C., to Chicago during her marathon training. “My mind flashed back to all of my hard training, and I knew I had to keep going.”

Laura Baughman, a cadet from Portland, Ore., suffered debilitating leg cramps, definitely not part of her race-day plan.

“I’ve had minor problems with cramping in the past, but nothing like this,” says Baughman, who regularly encourages her two teenage daughters to set their sights high and strive for their goals.

“Even with the cramping, I powered on, and used each mile marker as my next goal. I was ecstatic when I passed the 25-mile mark and saw a sign that said 800 meters, then another at 400 meters. I knew these distances. I knew this was just two times around the track—I knew I could run that far.”

Achieving your goals

When it comes to the marathon itself, your feelings of success often relate to the goals you set when you began the journey. Did you want to set a PR, qualify for Boston or run the entire 26.2 miles?

Multiple goals are smart for on-the-go expectation adjustments if needed. Whether it’s to place in your age group or thank every volunteer you can, make race goals that are meaningful to you.

“I had a Goal A and a Goal B. Goal A was to run the whole 26.2 miles, and Goal B was to finish,” says Ruth Fizzarotti, a firsttime marathoner at the age of 59. “I had to take walk breaks, but I crossed the finish line. And I was thrilled. There will be more marathons and opportunities to go for my goals.”

Often goals are time-centered. Not only is the goal itself worthy, running numbers for 26.2 miles is a great distraction.

“My real goal was to finish in under four hours. It’s hard to run a smart race, and I’ve been known to go out too fast,” says cadet Lauren Fisher who ran with her coach, Katherine Hopper, as her pace taskmaster. “Katherine had me keep my speed in check until the halfway point. We ended up running negative splits and a 3:53! I felt exhausted but surprisingly good at the end.”

PhotoGRAPHY: Aliza Rae

Click here for how to fit marathon training into a busy schedule.

CM1215_26STRONG.indd 54

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55

Click here for a statistical breakdown of the Chicago Marathon.

Finish Line Thoughts from the 26Strong Cadets

Marina Hill 33, exercise physiologist Londonderry, N.H. Chicago Marathon time: Injured/Did Not Start “Being injured has made me really appreciate my health and not take it for granted. I’ve learned how truly important it is to be a well rounded runner and to make foam rolling, stretching and cross training an important part of my training.”

Olivia George 24, occupational therapy graduate student Indianapolis Chicago Marathon time: 3:59:59 “I look forward to running more races. I’m hoping to go a little faster, get a little stronger and learn to embrace the sucky runs with a little more grace. I need to offer a sincere apology to my high school track coach because I always gave him hell when he asked me to run the 400-meter dash. Turns out it’s not that far, and I have about 26 miles left in me.”

Laura Baughman 46, mom to two teenage girls Portland, Ore. Chicago Marathon time: 4:25:34 “I plan to run the Eugene Marathon in May. The course is flat and fast, just like Chicago.

Fingers crossed for a PR! I’ve come to enjoy really cute running gear. I used to throw on whatever was in the drawer. New gear has made me feel like a bona fide runner, and I swear it inspires me to hit the streets harder.”

Ruth Fizzarotti 59, small-business owner Forked River, N.J. Chicago Marathon time: 5:58:53 “I’m looking forward to running the New York City Half Marathon in March. My training is going to include more hills and speed work.

And there is definitely another marathon in my future. I learned you’re never too old to chase your dreams, even if you end up with nine stitches along the way!” (Ruth fell during one of her last long runs and needed stitches in her chin.)

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Kellen McAvoy 24, social media strategist San Diego Chicago Marathon time: 4:54:42 “I always expected a marathon to be physically challenging, but I never quite anticipated the mental aspect, and I discovered strength in me I never knew existed. I thought my marathon career would be ‘one and done,’ but this experience has inspired me to run another race. My goal for the next marathon is to get stronger and faster.”

Kendall Shultes 27, pharmacy resident St. Louis Chicago Marathon time: 5:10:05 “You never know until you try: I think this is applicable to many aspects in life, but it was certainly true in my marathon journey. I can’t say exactly when the shift happened, but at some point during training, I realized I had found my strong. Next up is a spring half marathon.”

Annelies Gamble 24, product analyst San Francisco Chicago Marathon time: 3:46:01 “This experience brought me back to college track races and all those feelings—the focus and commitment on training, the nervous energy and excitement leading up to race day, the horrible feelings during the race and the amazingly ecstatic feeling once I cross the finish line. My goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon.”

Lauren Fisher 30, employment lawyer Richmond, Va. Chicago Marathon time: 3:53:22 “Before the marathon, I thought, maybe if I ran a sub-4:00, I would call it a one-anddone. After running 3:53 and feeling so good at the end, I’m thinking about trying for a PR. It was the best possible marathon experience I could’ve had! I’m thinking of doing a half-Ironman in 2016.”

Click here for more photos from the 2015 Chicago Marathon.

Kristi Dushek 31, nursing student and pet care professional Alexandria, Va. Chicago Marathon time: 5:58:07 “I went from marathoner in Chicago to medical support volunteer at the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.—what an interesting experience! My goal for next year is to run a sub-two-hour half marathon. I’ll save my next marathon for after nursing school.”

May Zhu 23, MBA candidate Chicago Chicago Marathon time: 6:36:00 “Now that I understand the process of a marathon, I’m ready to take what I’ve learned and improve. I was never confident enough to believe that a full marathon distance would be a reality for me. My outlook has completely shifted and I can’t wait to do another.”

Brittany Champagne 27, insurance company claims agent Buffalo, N.Y. Chicago Marathon time: 4:20:05 “I’m excited to focus on my overall fitness and work toward setting PRs from the mile to half marathon in 2016. Then I think I’ll revisit the marathon. The post-race beer was better than any beer I’ve ever had!”

Heather Cavanagh 36, manager at a law firm New York City Chicago Marathon time: 5:13:01 “I have my sights set on a few half marathons and maybe, just maybe, my hometown New York City Marathon one day. I think I caught the marathon bug.”

Bridget Durkin 32, graphic designer San Diego Chicago Marathon time: 3:59:48 “I can’t really say I felt ‘the wall,’ I just know after mile 24 I was ready to be done. I was surprised how good I felt the whole way. My training really paid off.”

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St r e n gt h 56

Training

Jump Rope Redux This simple exercise builds strength and explosiveness while improving coordination.

B y D u n ca n L a r k i n

Click here for a pre-run core workout.

CM1215_T_STRENGTH.indd 56

HERE’S HOW TO DO IT:

St e p 1: Warm up with a 5-minute jog

St e p 4: After

handles of the jump rope behind you at waist level. Make sure there’s plenty of clearance above, in front and behind you.

completing the forward jump sequence, rotate your wrists and swing the rope in the opposite direction—a backward jump—and continuously jump rope in the same manner for 60 seconds.

St e p 3: As you swing the rope over

St e p 5: Finally, finish

to engage the tendons and muscles you want to recruit.

St e p 2: Using both hands, hold the

your head and hop over it with both feet, make sure your technique is quick and consistent, North says. Focus on bouncing off the balls of your feet in a quick rhythm. Build up to continuously jumping rope for 60 seconds.

the routine by doing a forward jump for 60 seconds, but alternate bouncing off your left and right foot as you swing the rope forward.

photo: James Carney

Ewen North, head coach and director of Revolution Running in Boulder, Colo., says a jump-rope routine will work many muscles at once. “You’re engaging your calves, quads and glutes,” he explains.

“Jumping rope also works on increasing Achilles tendon and plantar fascia strength and elasticity, and improves foot tendon strength for the push-off phase of a stride.”

Jumping rope is also an exercise for the brain and the neuromuscular timing you need to run efficiently. You’ll improve your coordination and focus because you have to concentrate as your hands and eyes work together to clear the rope, North says.

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PREHAB TRAINING

57

DONKEY KICKS Work the big muscles that many runners fail to utilize: the glutes.

B Y JA SON D EVA N EY

Click here for tips on how to cure IT band syndrome.

Click here for tips on how to cure plantar fasciitis.

PHOTO: JAMES CARNEY

Also called a bent-leg kickback, donkey kicks don’t require any equipment and can be performed anywhere.

CM1215_T_PREHAB.indd 57

“This exercise is beneficial for runners because stronger glute muscles can provide athletes with increased speed and agility,” says Dr. Bryce McManus, DC, MS, CCSP, of Guilford, Conn.

HOW TO DO IT:

STE P 1: Get onto your hands and knees and engage your deep core muscles.

STE P 2: Kick one of your legs backward (like a donkey), extending it all the way out before returning to the starting position. Point your toes until they’re parallel to the ceiling when your leg is fully extended. Keep the core engaged the entire time, using your glutes to bring your leg back and forth. Maintain a flat back and keep everything still but the kicking leg. Slow, controlled movements will provide the most benefit. McManus recommends performing 10–12 reps for each leg.

“If you notice your back arching or leg drifting, stop the exercise. If you find being on your knees to be painful, try performing the exercise on padding such as a folded-over yoga mat,” McManus advises.

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form drill 58

training

H i g h K nee s Use this drill to improve your speed and efficiency.

B y M a r i o Fr a i ol i

The high-knee drill exaggerates the running stride, getting your calves, glutes and hamstrings firing while promoting knee lift and encouraging rapid turnover: essential elements for running fast with efficient form.

HOW TO DO IT:

WHEN TO DO IT:

Running in place, lift your knees to waist level while

Do this drill two to three

landing lightly—but quickly—on the balls of your feet,

times a week after easy

taking fast, powerful strides. Keep an erect posture and

runs or as part of a com-

pump your arms as if you were sprinting. Perform one set

prehensive warm-up

of high knees for 15 seconds, progressing to two to three

routine before speed

sets with 15 seconds of rest in between as coordination

workouts and races.

and conditioning improves. This drill will elevate your heart rate and fatigue your lower legs in no time!

CM1215_T_FORM.indd 58

Photo: Mark Doolittle

Click here for essential running drills.

11/17/15 3:04 PM

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Workout of the month 60

Training

Progression Runs Build speed, fitness and confidence with this simple but effective workout.

B y M a r i o Fr a i ol i

Wh at: A twist on the traditional tempo run—

where you run a set number of miles at the same steady pace, typically around halfmarathon race effort—a progression run starts off slower and builds speed from start to finish.

Wh y: Progression runs encourage you to

extend your warm-up into the early miles of the workout and are good practice for not going out too fast in longer races.

This allows you to focus on building momentum, speed and confidence so you can finish stronger than you started.

H o w: Following a 2-mile warm-up jog, run 2

miles at your current marathon race pace, then, for each of the next 4 miles, increase your speed by 10 seconds per mile. For example, if you run 2 miles at your marathon pace of 8:00/mile, run your next 4 miles at 7:50, 7:40, 7:30 and 7:20. This roughly equates to progressing from marathon pace down to 10K pace over the course of 6 miles—a challenging task that will keep you on your toes, build fitness and improve your confidence to maintain a fast pace late in a race.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Click here on tips to run your best 10K

CM1215_T_WOTM.indd 60

11/17/15 3:05 PM

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11/13/15 2:53 PM

COACH CULPEPPER 62

TRAINING

W H AT I L E A R N E D F R O M S T E V E J O N E S B Y A L A N C U L PEPPER

When I was a young professional athlete coming out of college, Steve Jones became a mentor and role model I wanted to emulate. Growing up in Wales, Steve discovered running later than many other world-beaters and took more of a meandering path to greatness. He spent time in the military and even admitted to smoking his fair share of cigarettes before molding himself into a worldrecord holder and winner of the Chicago, London and New York City marathons.

Steve spent the bulk of his professional career living and training in Boulder, Colo., where I went to school and also lived as a professional. I was fortunate to spend time with Steve, and learned some valuable lessons that I added to my own toolbox. These elements transcend ability and can help you as well.

CM1215_T_CULPEPPER.indd 62

THE POWER OF SIMPLICITY

THE PO WE R OF RACIN G

THE PO WE R OF COUR AGE

Steve’s training was simplistic,

Steve did not shy away from rac-

Steve’s courage is what made him

with very little variety from week

ing. He raced often and was able

one of the all-time greats. Racing

to week. His small repertoire of

to blend racing into his training.

can create a level of fear in all

workouts included hill repeats,

Since he didn’t put in very high

of us—the greater the expecta-

harder tempo efforts and fartleks.

mileage compared to others, he

tion, the more we fear failure or

He also ran fewer miles than many

was able to back off just slightly

disappointment. One of Steve’s

of his competitors. Steve’s secret

and include a race into his sched-

distinguishing qualities was

was in his consistency and empha-

ule without having to completely

that he faced fear with courage

sis of quality over quantity. He

alter his normal routine. Steve

head-on. In races, he would push

taught me the benefit of running

would sometimes run a half mar-

the pace from the onset. This is not

easy days at a more moderate pace

athon in place of a long run and

to say that we should all go out fast

and focusing on effort over fancy

be back to training right away,

and try to hang on, but we all can

workouts with hard-to-follow

but he never compromised his

learn to race with a boldness that

instructions.

long-term focus.

leads to amazing performances.

Two-time U.S. Olympian Alan Culpepper won national titles from the 5K to the marathon. His first book, “Run Like a Champion,” is available at VeloPress.com.

PHOTO: BRIAN METZLER

Click here for more Coach Culpepper coaching insights.

11/17/15 3:06 PM

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND | MARATHON | HALF MARATHON | 5K

#RNRLIV

28-29 MAY, 2016 LIVE BANDS EVERY MILE | REMIX CHALLENGE: RUN 2 DAYS, EARN 3 MASSIVE MEDALS CITY CENTRE COURSE | RACE DOWN PENNY LANE | FINISH FESTIVAL CONCERT & BEER GARDEN

RocknRollLiverpool.com

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11/16/15 10:13 AM

Training Plan 64

Training

5 WEEKS TO YOUR FIRST 5K Finish your first race by using this consistent, gradual approach.

B y M a r i o Fr a i ol i

W eek

sunday

m on day

tues day

we d nesday

thursday

fri day

s atur day

1

2 miles: Run 30 seconds/ walk 60 seconds

REST

2 miles: Run 30 seconds/ walk 60 seconds

Cross Training: 30–60 minutes

2 miles: Run 45 seconds/ walk 60 seconds

REST

2 miles: Run 45 seconds/ walk 60 seconds

2

2.25 miles: Run 60 seconds/ walk 60 seconds

REST

2.25 miles: Run 60 seconds/ walk 60 seconds

Cross Training: 30–60 minutes

2.25 miles: Run 90 seconds/ walk 60 seconds

REST

2.25 miles: Run 90 seconds/ walk 60 seconds

3

2.5 miles: Run 2 minutes/walk 1 minute

REST

2.5 miles: Run 2 minutes/ walk 1 minute

Cross Training: 30–60 minutes

2.5 miles: Run 2:30/walk 60 seconds

REST

2.5 miles: Run 2:30/walk 60 seconds

4

2.75 miles: Run 3 minutes/walk 60 seconds

REST

2.75 miles: Run 3 minutes/ walk 60 seconds

Cross Training: 30–60 minutes

2.75 miles: Run 3:30/walk 60 seconds

REST

2.75 miles: Run 3:30/walk 60 seconds

5

3 miles: Run 4 minutes/walk 60 seconds

REST

3 miles: Run 4 minutes/ walk 60 seconds

Cross Training: 30–60 minutes

3 miles: Run 5 minutes/ walk 60 seconds

REST

5K RACE

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Photo:Istockphoto.com

Click here for a free 12-week half marathon training plan.

11/17/15 3:08 PM

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Give Great Gifts

To Cyclists…

Shoulder to Shoulder Enjoy the ‘60s at the apex of Jacques Anquetil stardom. Fat Tire Flyer Witness the crazy start of mountain biking in first-person stories and photos. Rusch to Glory Travel the world with Rebecca Rusch, adventurer and Queen of Pain. Bike Mechanic Jump into the team car and sneak into the workshops of Pro Tour wrenches.

To Triathletes…

Swim Speed Workouts Waterproof swim workouts to master the fastest way to swim. FASTER A rocket scientist takes a fascinating look at the physics and myths of triathlon. Strength Training for Triathletes Get strong fast with this simple, effective program. Iron War The pulse-pounding story of Mark Allen vs. Dave Scott at Kona.

To Runners…

Believe Training Journal A journal and workbook so effective, you’ll use it all year. Trailhead A fun and handy guide to off-road running packed with illustrations. Quick Strength for Runners Build a better body with this quick, no-gym program.

Run Like a Champion Look inside a 2-time Olympian’s habits to improve your season.

To Anyone…

How Bad Do You Want It? 12 thrilling races reveal fascinating tricks for mental toughness. Everyday Yoga Interesting new routines to keep your yoga fresh. Fast After 50 Joe Friel’s smart new guide for a lifetime of fast.

Bicycling for Women She’ll get a confident start in cycling with this practical guide. Roadie A hilarious guide to cycling for non-riders! An Accidental Athlete John “The Penguin” Bingham reveals the joys of running. Your First Triathlon Joe Friel’s essential tips for a great first sprint or Olympic tri.

See all VeloPress gift books at velopress.com/gifts!

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11/17/15 4:49 PM

Less Searching, More Running.

Our free e-newsletter, The Run Down, delivers the latest on everything running straight to your inbox!

Ă’

Sign up at Competitor.com/newsletters

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9/15/14 11:11 AM

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9/15/14 11:11 AM

JOIN US FOR DINNER 46

Chef Biju Thomas and Dr. Allen Lim have returned to the kitchen to champion the most social meal of the day. In their new cookbook Feed Zone Table, Biju and Allen offer 100 all-new dinner recipes to bring friends and family to the table in a way that nourishes life and sport.

Science shows that it’s not just what we eat that matters; eating together makes sports better. Bring great food and people together with Feed Zone Table and you’ll feel the difference.

T RY R E C I P E S AT

FEEDZONECOOKBOOK.COM

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AVA I L A B L E I N

BOOKSTORES, ENDURANCE SPORTS STORES, & ONLINE

11/17/15 4:55 PM

69

Click here for a story about the 2014 Running Store of the Year

Naperville Runing Company

The 50 Best Running Stores in America Growing a community one customer at a time B y Em i ly Pol ac h e k

A great running store is the cornerstone of a healthy running community. It not only provides the latest knowledge on shoes and gear, but also fosters a passion for the sport by building a thriving community around it. Only through exemplary customer service, insightful industry knowledge and well-organized provisions of run programs and events can a store be considered one of the best—especially in an era dominated by online shopping. A great store is so much more than just a place to buy gear.

Hence, every year Competitor magazine partners with Running Insight trade magazine to

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celebrate and identify these qualities in the 50 best running stores across the nation.

The process begins with readers nominating their favorite shops on Competitor.com, followed by diligent evaluations executed by undercover shoppers.

On the following pages, we reveal the full list of 50 best stores and the final four in the running for Store of the Year, in which the winner will be announced on Dec. 3 at The Running Event trade show in Austin, Texas.

Plus, we hear straight from the store owners about their secrets of success, shopping tips and future running trends.

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Insights to Excellence We interviewed owners and managers of some of the 50 best running shops in the U.S., and here’s what they had to say about the business of running.

What qualities does a running store need in order to be successful?

“Hire, train and keep great people.

Stay true to what you do. Love the sport. Enjoy helping people. Watch your inventory, stay on top of trends, and have a bit of luck.”

– Eddie Johnson, A Snail’s Pace, Fountain Valley, Calif.

about proper running form, showing them the latest in running products and building lasting relationships with the customer are important to keeping them involved in the sport. I don’t think you will find that in big box or general sporting goods stores. Purchasing shoes online for a new runner is also a huge gamble. We wonder how many runners we lose from the sport each year because they purchased the wrong running shoes and get injured.”

–Doug Alred, 1st Place Sports, Jacksonville, Fla.

“Have you ever stared at a shoe wall in a large retailer or the shoe page online? There is a ton of product out there. Some of it is amazing, some of it is good enough, and some of it just does not meet my standards. Our job as a specialty store is to do research, know our customers and carry products that are innovative, reliable, beautiful and consistent—for footwear, apparel and beyond.”

–Genie Beaver, West Stride, Atlanta

“The products we carry can be found just about everywhere these days, so the three qualities that I see as imperative to success are authenticity, passion and being community-centric.”

–Matt Helbig, Big River Running, St. Louis

“In this day of specialty run, everyone does the basics when it comes to customer service. For Pacers Running to be successful, we have to be memorable. Be great, be authentic, be helpful and, most of all, be memorable.”

–Chris Farley, Pacers Running, Arlington, Va.

Why buy running shoes at a run specialty store?

“We want running to be the best it can be in our community. Getting runners into the correct shoes, educating them

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Click here for a story about running retail consolidation.

What do you foresee being the next big trend in running shoes? In recreational running?

“Determining the best shoe for an individual from among hundreds of options takes expertise. It’s a combination of art and science. You can’t get that online or in a non-specialty store.”

–Kris Hartner, Naperville Running Company, Naperville, Ill.

“It’s all about listening to the consumer and finding what works best for them individually. Our five-step fit process, educated staff, wide selection of product, and low prices guarantee this.

Also, shopping local saves jobs and helps the economy.”

– Eddie Johnson

“The heritage shoe trend is gaining serious traction, and it would be interesting to see heritage/lifestyle shoe styling in technical running shoes.

Saucony’s Life on the Run Collection hints at this new trend—an intersection between running and recreational running.”

–Burke and Jon Beck, Red Coyote Running and Fitness, Oklahoma City

“Footwear technology is rapidly changing, perpetually becoming lighter, more durable and more adaptable.

Midsole materials and upper designs move and fit more harmoniously than they have in the past and we expect

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71

to see that trend continue as vendors push the envelope to provide runners with the most natural-feeling experience. The wearable technology trend is also making its way into footwear.

Shoes of the future will be more integrated with the technology many of us are already using to provide more advanced metrics on our biomechanics and the wear of the shoes themselves.”

Maryland Charm City Run, Maryland Fleet Feet Baltimore Massachusetts Marathon Sports, Boston New England Running Co., Beverly Whirlaway Sports, Methuen Michigan Gazelle Sports, Kalamazoo

–Genie Beaver

Playmakers, Okemos

What tips do you have for runners when they shop at your store?

The 50 Best

Minnesota

Alabama

Mill City Running, Minneapolis

“If you can, bring your current running shoes and the socks you wear for running. It helps give us a better picture of what your needs might be. In addition to that, bring an open mind to trying something new and remember we may end up having you switch to a different size.”

Fleet Feet Huntsville

–Kris Hartner

“Don’t be intimidated by the fact we are a running store. We help all different types of customers, from marathon runners to customers who just want a pair of comfortable shoes to wear around town.”

–Burke and Jon Beck

Big River Running, St. Louis

Skinny Raven, Anchorage

The Running Well Store, Kansas City

Arkansas

Montana

Rush Running Co., Bentonville

Runner’s Edge, Missoula

Arizona

New Jersey

Sole Sports, Tempe

Haddonfield Running Co., Haddonfield

California

New York

A Runner’s Mind, San Francisco

Fleet Feet Rochester

A Snail’s Pace, Fountain Valley

Fleet Feet Syracuse

Fleet Feet Aptos

Medved Running & Walking Outfitters, Rochester

Florida 1st Place Sports, Jacksonville Fit2Run, Miami

North Carolina

Jacksonville Running Co., Jacksonville

Bull City Running Co., Durham

Running Zone, Melbourne

Run For Your Life, Charlotte

Georgia Big Peach Running Co., Atlanta West Stride, Atlanta Illinois Dick Pond Athletics, Schaumburg

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Sayville Running Co., Sayville

FitNiche, Lakeland

Track Shack, Orlando

–Chris Lampen Crowell, Gazelle Sports

Missouri

Alaska

Runner’s Depot, Davie

“We encourage runners to ask a lot of questions and try on different pairs of shoes. We even encourage runners to take their new shoes home for a trial run. If the customer is unsatisfied with how a product fits or functions, we will help them find a different product that will work.”

Fleet Feet Minneapolis

Ohio Columbus Running Co., Dublin Second Sole, Akron Up and Running, Dayton Oklahoma Red Coyote Running and Fitness, Oklahoma City

Fleet Feet Chicago, Chicago

South Carolina

Naperville Running Co., Naperville

Fleet Feet Mt. Pleasant

Running Central, Peoria

Tennessee

Indiana

Fleet Feet Nashville

Fleet Feet Fort Wayne

Texas

Three Rivers Running, Fort Wayne

Luke’s Locker, Dallas

iRun Texas, San Antonio

Kansas

Utah

KC Running & Sports Medicine Store, Leawood

Salt Lake Running Co.

Maine Fleet Feet Maine, Portland

Virginia Pacers, Arlington Potomac River Running, Arlington

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Red Coyote Running and Fitness

Click here for the past winners of the Best Running Store in America.

The Final Four

Red Coyote Running and Fitness

West Stride

Oklahoma City Owners: Burke and Jon Beck

Atlanta Owner: Genie Beaver

Only five years old, Red Coyote Running and Fitness makes it to the 50 Best list for the fifth time and to the final four a third time. The 5,500-square-foot store is bright, clean, well-merchandised and has hosted a wildly successful Newbie Running Program that has attracted hundreds of beginner 5K runners since its implementation. Its name was even inspired by the owners’ runner dog Pancho who resembles a red coyote. “Over a beer on our first date, Jon and I talked about how we would both love to own a running store someday,” says Burke Beck. In 2010, they moved back to Oklahoma City, Burke’s hometown, to open Red Coyote.

West Stride is Atlanta’s only woman-owned specialty running store that serves the running and athletic needs of both men and women. However, with Genie in charge, this store has helped support and grow Atlanta’s female runners by hosting women-specific shopping events and clinics, and primarily focusing their outreach to women, the northwest Atlanta community and youth involvement in running. “While there were and still are great stores in my area, I wanted one that was different,” Genie says about the idea behind West Stride. “One with an appreciation and understanding of competitive track and field, but also a store that is welcoming to all runners and walkers, particularly to women.”

Fleet Feet Rochester

A Snail’s Pace

Rochester, N.Y. Owners: Ellen Brenner and David “Boots” Boutillier

Fountain Valley, Calif.

Owner: Eddie Johnson

From an original 3,000-square-foot space to a new, modern 9,000-squarefoot location, this store has grown up over the past 11 years. However, four months after opening, Ellen and David had to lay off all their staff and work Christmas week to make sure the business could survive. Due to their hard work and their attentive and reliable staff, they bounced back and have built a thriving store around a supportive, close-knit community of runners. “There is always something going on, whether it’s an in-store vendor event, group run, wear-test opportunity or fitness class,” Ellen says. “There is constant energy.”

Originally founded in 1979, this store actually started as a franchise of Loeshorn’s for Runners. It then moved to private ownership in the late 1980s and the name was changed to A Snail’s Pace with the flagship store in Fountain Valley. Heavily involved in the local running community, this store has an active run club, training programs from 5K to marathon distances, works with high school and college track and field and cross country coaches, and provides pacers for several large local races such as the Surf City USA Marathon, OC Marathon and Long Beach Marathon.

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photo: Brett Deering

One of these four shops will be revealed as the 2015 Running Store of the Year based on criteria that include best retail environment, shoe-fitting checkout process, community service and credit ratings from vendors.

11/30/15 11:01 AM

HAL KOERNER’S FIELD GUIDE TO ULTRARUNNING IS… 46

Down-to-earth…

“Whether you are a newbie ultramarathoner or a seasoned veteran, Hal’s down-to-earth advice will give you the confidence to get to the finish line or set a personal best.” —Scott Jurek, professional ultrarunner

Comprehensive…

“Hal’s Field Guide is a comprehensive guide to all things ultra.”

—UltraRunning magazine

Amazing…

“Ultra-distance champion Hal Koerner serves up amazing insights for training, gear, fueling and trail techniques in this comprehensive book.” —Competitor magazine

A single-volume source…

“A single-volume source for info on training and gear.” —Canadian Running

Valuable…

“A how-to manual chock full of valuable information for newbie and veteran ultramarathoners alike.” —Competitor.com

First…

“Koerner’s book is the first ultrarunning nuts-and-bolts offering, and might just as well have been titled ‘Everything you always wanted to know about how to run 100 miles but were afraid to ask.’” —MailTribune.com

The trail is calling! Hal Koerner’s book can get you to the finish of your first—or your fastest—ultramarathon.

Find the book in bookstores, running shops, or online.

Read a chapter at velopress.com/hal.

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11/17/15 4:50 PM

RUN IT 74

community

Where and When to Race Runners donning felt red suits and fake white beards will be a common sight this month to celebrate the holidays in various themed fun runs across the country. Whether you wish to run dressed like ol’ Saint Nick or simply want a chance to PR before the end of the year, we’ve curated the best opportunities here. Find more holiday-themed runs and other races all over the country at Competitor.com/calendar. Happy holidays!

B y J eff B a n ow etz

5 K t o 1 5 K H o l i d ay R u n s

Great Santa Run Dec. 12; San Francisco

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis Dec. 13; Denver

12K of Christmas Dec. 19; Houston

Join thousands of other Santa-clad runners (the suits are provided and yours to keep) in this 5K or 1-mile run at Crissy Field. You’ll get stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and get in the holiday spirit by raising money for Opportunity Village, a nonprofit that offers aid and support to the disabled in San Francisco.

This 5K run in Washington Park is part of a national series with more than 100 races across the country to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation. Costumes are encouraged, as are jingle bells attached to running shoes, making this a race that sounds like no other. The Denver event includes a costume contest and a kids’ race for a fun family-friendly weekend.

You’ll have to work a little harder than the typical holiday-themed run at this downtown Houston race that features both 6K and 12K distances. Luckily, the max elevation in the two-loop course is only at 84 feet. There’s a costume contest for those who want to dress up, and long-sleeve T-shirts and finishers’ medals for all runners.

Photo: Courtesy of The Arthritis Foundation

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

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RUN IT community

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Click here for photos from Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon

5 K t o 1 5 K H o l i d ay R u n s

New Year’s Day 5K Jan. 1; Chicago

NYRR Midnight Run Jan. 1; New York City

First Run Jan. 1; Portland, Ore.

This New Year’s Day tradition in the Windy City has helped runners get the year off to a fast start for the past 30 years. The 11 a.m. start time makes the race manageable even if the previous night’s celebrations continued far past midnight. It features a flat-as-can-be course through Lincoln Park, and the post-race party at a nearby drinking establishment allows for even more celebrations to welcome in the new year.

More than 4,000 runners are expected to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Central Park at this 36th annual 4-mile race that starts when the clock strikes midnight. The event includes a post-race dance party, a “resolution photo booth,” glow-in-the-dark 2016 glasses and a 15-minute fireworks show.

Ring in the New Year with more than 2,000 runners at this midnight 5K and 10K run/walk. The race features a waterfront course in downtown Portland with two bridge crossings and a post-race party at One World Trade Center, featuring music (with a deejay), dancing, food and beer from Deschutes Brewery. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes awarded to the best ensemble.

Photo: Courtesy of NYRR

NYRR Midnight Run

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11/17/15 3:30 PM

RUN IT 76

community

M a r at h o n s / H a l f M a r at h o n s

San Diego Holiday Half Marathon Dec. 27; San Diego

New Year’s Half Marathon Jan. 3; Los Angeles

Chicago Polar Dash Jan. 9; Chicago

Your final half marathon of the year can be your fastest. The third annual San Diego Holiday Half Marathon features a 714-foot elevation drop as the course runs from the Doubletree Golf Resort in Rancho Peñasquitos to the finish at Torrey Pines State Beach. Proceeds benefit the Joan Kroc Salvation Army Children’s Education Foundation.

Take an evening tour of Los Angeles with this race that offers a little something for everyone. The event starts with a kids’ race at 4 p.m., followed by a 5K/10K at 6 p.m. and the half marathon at 8 p.m. Ambitious runners can tackle either the 5K or 10K followed by the half marathon to complete the Doubleheader Challenge.

The difficulty isn’t in the distance of this 13-miler along Chicago’s Lakefront, but rather withstanding the winter wind-chills that put high-tech running gear to the test. Hardy Midwesterners are up for the challenge at this race that also features a 10K, 5K and 1 mile. Just keep thinking of the hot chocolate at the end.

Photo: raul Moreno

New Year’s Half Marathon

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RUN IT community

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M arat h o n s / Ha l f M arat h o n s

Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon Jan. 17; Phoenix

Miami Marathon Jan. 24; Miami

Florida Marathon and Half Feb. 7; Melbourne, Fla.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series makes its first stop of 2016 in Arizona, offering a unique pointto-point course that starts in Phoenix, winds through Scottsdale and finishes in Tempe. The half marathon features a different loop course through Scottsdale and Tempe. Both will feature the series’ signature musical entertainment along the course, impressive finisher medals and a post-race headlining concert.

If you do want to enjoy a marathon in January, a tropical destination isn’t a bad idea. This marathon and half marathon is a big-city race with 25,000 participants. Enjoy a flat, single-loop course that starts in front of the American Airlines Arena and offers a scenic tour of the city, including Little Havana and Miami Beach.

Explore Florida’s “Space Coast” at this marathon and half marathon just south of Cape Canaveral.

After starting in the city, runners cross a bridge to the beachside barrier island, creating a scenic loop: one lap for the half, two for the full. More than 20 musical acts will perform along the route before runners finish in Front Street Park.

Photo: Courtesy of Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series

Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon

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11/17/15 3:30 PM

RUN IT 78

COMMUNITY

TRAIL

XTERRA CRYSTAL COVE TRAIL RUN Dec. 13; Newport Beach, Calif.

JINGLE TRAIL RUN 5K AND 1K Dec. 19; San Antonio

SEWARD SOLSTICE RUN Dec. 19; Seattle

Race number four in the Xterra SoCal Trail Run series takes place at Crystal Cove State Park, situated between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Choose from either the 15K or 6K courses— both will take place on the park’s fire roads and singletrack. All runners receive a finishers’ medal, digital photo and a post-race hot breakfast.

Spend the holidays on the trails at this festive run in Eisenhower Park. Costumes are encouraged, and proceeds from the event will benefit Any Baby Can, a nonprofit that helps children with developmental disabilities. Organizers will also be collecting sports-oriented gifts at the race to be donated to special-needs children.

Choose from a 4.2-mile or 10K trail run through Seward Park, which is on a peninsula surrounded

by Lake Washington and includes more than 100 acres of old-growth forest. Runners will follow a scenic loop course on forested trails that offer plenty of twists and turns. It’s the fourth race in the Washington Winter Trails series.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF GENERIC EVENTS

XTERRA Crystal Cove Trail Run

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COMMUNITY

79

TRAIL

CLIKAPUDI TRAIL RUNS Jan. 1; Redding, Calif.

SIBERIAN EXPRESS TRAIL RUN Jan. 2; Danville, Ill.

HOGPEN HILL CLIMB Jan. 9; Unicoi State Park, Ga.

Start the year off right by running a half marathon, 10K or 5K along the shores of Lake Shasta. Runners will follow the Clikapudi Trail, which is about 10 miles north of Bella Vista, Calif., featuring scenic views of Northern California. This is a great beginner’s trail race in a beautiful location.

Kennekuk Road Runners will once again host the 32nd annual Siberian Express Trail Run at Kickapoo State Park, about two and a half hours south of Chicago. Costumes are encouraged during this 7.45-mile run, and the top 450 runners receive a Peruvian tassel hat for their accomplishment.

This 37th annual 18K run in northeast Georgia dubs itself as “one of the toughest races in America.” The course covers more than 2,500 feet in elevation gain and makes its way from the foothills of the Chattahoochee National Forest to summit on the Appalachian Trail. A 5K run is also available, which is plenty tough as well.

Clikapudi Trail Runs

PHOTO: COURTESY OF CLIKAPUDI TRAIL RUNS

PHOTO: COURTESY OF GENERIC EVENTS

RUN IT

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LAST LAP 80

THE VISIONARY Vin Lananna, 62, Eugene, Ore.

BY ADAM E LDE R

A perennial winning coach at the University of Oregon, Stanford, Dartmouth and Oberlin College, Vin Lananna is now track and field’s foremost impresario, having organized the past two U.S. Olympic Trials, the past three NCAA outdoor championships and the 2014 IAAF World Junior Championships in Eugene, Ore., in his current role as president of TrackTown USA. He also won bids to host the 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Portland, Ore., in March, and is bringing the 2021 IAAF World Championships to America for the first time—in Eugene, of all places. But he hasn’t hung up his stopwatch for good: Lananna will also be head coach of the U.S. track and field team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

What’s the secret to putting on a successful track event?

Our mission is always to make every event athlete-centric and athlete–focused. And we do. But secondly it’s important that the spectators have an exciting experience that’s easily accessible.

We need to streamline our meets rather than have all the dead time between events.

Why are you at the center of everything track-related?

Lots of people have talked about the world championships; you’ve got to get somebody that’s really going to drive it. Somehow I often find myself in that role— probably because I’m a glutton for punishment. But seriously, I care deeply about our sport. I believe it’s the foundation for all other sports, that it’s exciting, and that access is not as complicated as some of the other sports.

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How will you help the 2016 U.S. Olympic team achieve success?

If you have great athletes and a great team, you need to create an esprit des corps. The athletes need to be confident in their own performances, but also they need to be able to do all the things along the way to compete at the highest level: from maximizing their training and their interaction with their coaches to picking the right competitive opportunities for them so that they’re prepared to peak at the appropriate time.

What does the sport of running need to do about doping?

We need to be sure that those who are watching our sport believe the story. When people in the stands doubt that something extraordinary they see is not really extraordinary, it hurts us. I don’t bury my head in the sand and say that everybody’s doing everything 100 percent correctly, but I think we have good anti-doping mechanisms in place. The other thing that is a problem for the sport is the negativity of those people who speak anonymously about these things, and how hurtful and how harmful that is for a sport that they love.

For the complete interview, go to Competitor.com/ lastlapvinlananna

PHOTO: ANDY NELSON

Why are track championships so rarely held in the U.S.?

There are a lot of reasons. Some of them are financial. Some of them are not having a facility. Some of it’s the corporate sponsorship.

Some of it’s our lack of government support for athletic events. So I have to applaud the people of the state of Oregon in particular for embracing these opportunities.

Click here for an interview with Ryan Hall.

11/17/15 4:26 PM

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11/17/15 4:37 PM

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11/12/15 11:51 AM 11/13/15 2:54 PM