Club running - Winter 2016

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WE RUN THE NATION!

Winter 2016

2016 Olympic Marathon Trials Big Data: Can It Revolutionize Running?

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Executive Director’s Note ®

ROAD RUNNERS CLUB OF AMERICA (RRCA) Executive Director Jean Knaack RRCA President David Cotter Photographers Bank of America Chicago Marathon BigStockPhoto.com Maggie Craig Dallas Running Club L.A. LEGGERS Lena Hollmann MarathonFoto.com PhotoRun.net Kelly Richards Cari Setzler Skechers LA Marathon Andy Smith Writers Maggie Craig Erica Gminski Lena Hollmann Heather R. Johnson Jackie Britton Ryan Lamppa Kelly Richards George Rehmet Andy Smith Cregg Weinmann

Maggie Craig

Winter 2016 www.RRCA.org

Happy New Year! 2016 will be another exciting year in the sport of running, as we cheer on hundreds of athletes representing one of the largest-ever Olympic Marathon Trials (OMT) qualifier fields.

It’s going to be an exciting day in Los Angeles on Feb. 13, as we eagerly wait to see who’ll make up Team USA for the marathon. The RRCA is proud to note that 34 athletes entered into the OMT have received direct financial support through Roads Scholar grants or the 2016 Elite Grant Project. Sixteen athletes have attended RunPro Camp, and 18 athletes have received indirect support via RRCA grants to U.S. distance training centers. To round out our support for the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials, the RRCA will provide each member of Team USA with a winner’s bonus.

The coming year will be one of change as longtime RRCA board member and current president David Cotter completes his term limit on the RRCA board of directors. I thank David for his dedicated service to the RRCA over these last eight years. He’s been a great person to work with, and I truly value the friendship we’ve developed over the years.

Through his leadership of the board, the RRCA has accomplished many great things, specifically, the launch of the Kids Run the Nation Grant Fund, which was developed through a gift from David and his wife, Sharlee, in memory of Sharlee’s parents. We highlight our successes for the KRN grant fund in this issue of ClubRunning.

New officers and two regional directors for the RRCA board will be elected at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the Membership, which will be held in Dallas on March 18, 2016 at 3:15 p.m. This meeting is held in conjunction with the RRCA convention, but registration for the convention is not required for members to attend the annual meeting.

We invite our members to attend both the RRCA convention and the annual meeting to engage in information sharing about our sport and the Road Runners Club of America.

I look forward to seeing all our members in Dallas in March at the 58th RRCA National Convention!

Jean Knaack #RunSafe

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4 • ClubRunning Winter 2016

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ClubRunning Winter 2016

WE RUN THE NATION!

4

Executive Director’s Letter

7

RRCA Members Share

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Maggie Craig

A Fresh New Start in a New Town

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Health & Safety Spotlight Low Vitamin D Levels, Depression Linked in Young Women

10 Member Spotlight LA to Host 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials LA Dreaming, LA Running, LA Leggers Dallas Running Club Dallas Marathon

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Special EliteGrants Awarded for U.S. Olympic Trials

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DATA DRIVEN 22 Trail Shoe Review 24 RRCA Roads Scholar© Class of 2015–16

26 Program Spotlight Feetures! Supports Kids Run the Nation Kids Run the Nation Grant Spotlight 2016 Hall of Fame Inductees

28 Championship Spotlight National 10K Championship Ultra National Championship

28 Coaching Spotlight Meet Cari Setzler

6 • ClubRunning Winter 2016

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RRCA Members Share

A Fresh Start in a New Town

By Lena Hollmann, Immediate Past RRCA Southern Region Director

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py to cross the finish line in 54:32 and score another age group win. And again, they started with the oldest age group for the awards!

This must be the norm for Florida, or at least for Gulf Coast Runner races.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re moving to a new city, my advice is to find and join their running club as soon as you can. When looking for clubs, the RRCA homepage is a good place to start.

From there you can click on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Find a Running Clubâ&#x20AC;? tab at the upper left. On the map that appears, click on your state and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get a list of RRCA running clubs in every town, with links to their webpages and more. If there arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t clubs in your new town, find a running store, health club, or similar establishment. They can likely advise you of local running groups and where they meet.

Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve located a club or group, make sure you attend their events! Participating for the first time with a new group may be intimidating, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the first step in making friends and becoming part of the running community in your new city. As you head out to face a bunch of strangers, please keep in mind that runners tend to be a friendly bunch and will likely welcome you with open arms.

And this is whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so great about us!

But donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lose touch with your running buddies in the town you left behind. Go back and visit them as often as time, distance, and finances allow. Then invite them to come and run a race in your new town!

Lena Hellmann has been an active athlete for over 40 years, starting as a track runner in her native Sweden. In 1971 she was the Swedish national champion in the 1500m. Since her move to the U.S. in the mid-1970s, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s completed more than 26 marathons, highlighted by a PR of 2:44:10 in the 1983 NYC Marathon, and a 10th place in the 1984 Boston Marathon. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also won numerous RRCA National Masters Championship awards.

Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x192; Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â?Â&#x192;Â?Â? Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; ƤÂ&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;ÇŚÂ&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2014;Â? Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018; Í&#x2122; Ǥ Lena Hollmann

Moving is hard work. Whether you move down the street, across town, or to a new state, it zaps your energy. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s packing and unpacking, maybe also closing on a new home. And if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re moving a long distance, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also faced with finding a new doctor and hairdresserâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and a new group or club to run with!

Last October I moved from Cary, NC to Naples, FL. There was no job transfer or other outside force that prompted my move; I was just ready for a change. So I said goodbye to my running friends and running routes in North Carolina to search out new ones in the Naples area.

For the most part Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve enjoyed the challenge. After a little weariness from running the same routes for several years, it felt refreshing to find new places to run and exciting to try some new races. I hooked up with the local running club, Gulf Coast Runners, shortly after I moved here. And after participating in a few of their events, including two races, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made several new friends!

The first race I ran with my new club was the Run Wild at the Zoo 5K on Halloween. Since I was â&#x20AC;&#x153;the new girl in town,â&#x20AC;? I had no idea who my competition was, but I managed to win my age group (60â&#x20AC;&#x201C;64) in 25:42 and was awarded a one-year membership to the Naples Zoo. For a â&#x20AC;&#x153;matureâ&#x20AC;? runner like me, it was also a pleasant surprise that they started the awards ceremony with the oldest age group and worked their way down. And can you guess what the oldest group was in this race? Age 80 and over!

The following weekend I competed in the Old Naples 10K. It was now November, but the weather was more reminiscent of August. At the 7:30 a.m. start time, it was humid and in the high 70s, which is warm even for Southwest Florida at that time of year. The saving grace was that most of the time we ran in the shade. Still, several runners, myself included, struggled on the course. So I was very hap-

Winter 2016 ClubRunning â&#x20AC;˘ 7

Health & Safety Spotlight

Low Vitamin D Levels, Depression Linked in Young Women From Oregon State University, www.oregonstate.edu A new study from Oregon State University in Corvallis suggests a relationship between low levels of vitamin D and depression in otherwise healthy young women.

OSU researchers found that young women with lower levels of vitamin D were more likely to have clinically significant depressive symptoms over the course of a five-week study, lead author David Kerr said. The results were consistent, even when researchers took into account other possible explanations such as time of year, exercise, and time spent outside.

“Depression has multiple, powerful causes, and if vitamin D is part of the picture, it is just a small part,” said Kerr, an associate professor in the School of Psychological Science at OSU. “But given how many people are affected by depression, any little inroad we can find could have an important impact on public health.”

The findings were published recently in the journal Psychiatry Research. Coauthors are Sarina Saturn of the School of Psychological Science; Balz Frei and Adrian Gombart of OSU’s Linus Pauling Institute; David Zava of ZRT Laboratory; and Walter Piper, a former OSU student now at New York University.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for bone health and muscle function. Deficiency has been associated with impaired immune function, some forms of cancer, and cardiovascular disease, said Gombart, an associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics, principal investigator with the Linus Pauling Institute, and international expert on vitamin D and the immune response.

People create their own vitamin D when their skin is exposed to sunlight. When sun is scarce in the winter, people can take a supplement, but vitamin D also is found in some

foods, including vitamin D–fortified milk, Gombart said. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is 600 IU per day. There is no established level of vitamin D sufficiency for mental health.

The new study was prompted in part because of a widely held belief that vitamin D and depression are connected, although there exists little scientific research to support the belief, Kerr said.

“I think people hear that vitamin D and depression can change with the seasons, so it is natural for them to assume the two are connected,” he said.

According to Kerr and his colleagues, much of the previous research found no association between the two, but much of that research was based on much older adults or special medical populations.

Kerr’s study focused on young women in the Pacific Northwest because they are at risk of both depression and vitamin D insufficiency. Past research found that 25% of American women experience clinical depression at some point in their lives, compared to 16% of men, for example.

OSU researchers recruited 185 college students, all women ages 18–25, to participate in the study at different times during the school year. Vitamin D levels were measured from blood samples, and participants completed a depression symptom survey weekly for five weeks.

Many women in the study had vitamin D levels considered insufficient for good health, and the rates were much higher among women of color, with 61% of women of color recording insufficient levels, compared to 35% of other women. In addition, more than a third of the participants reported clinically signifi-

cant depressive symptoms each week over the course of the study.

“It may surprise people that so many apparently healthy young women are experiencing these health risks,” Kerr said.

As expected, the women’s vitamin D levels depended on the time of year, with levels dropping during the fall, at their lowest in winter, and rising in the spring. Depression did not display a clear pattern, prompting Kerr to conclude that links between vitamin D deficiency and seasonal depression should be studied in larger groups of at-risk individuals.

Researchers say the study does not conclusively show that low vitamin D levels cause depression. A clinical trial examining whether vitamin D supplements might help prevent or relieve depression is the logical next step to understanding the link between the two, Kerr said.

OSU researchers already have begun a follow-up study of vitamin D deficiency in women of color. In the meantime researchers encourage those at risk of vitamin D deficiency to speak with their doctor about taking a supplement.

“Vitamin D supplements are inexpensive and readily available,” Kerr said. “They certainly shouldn’t be considered as alternatives to the treatments known to be effective for depression, but they are good for overall health.”

The research was supported by grants from the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation’s John C. Erkkila Endowment for Health and Human Performance and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

About the Linus Pauling Institute: The Linus Pauling Institute at OSU is a world leader in the study of micronutrients and their role in promoting optimum health or preventing and treating disease. Major areas of research include heart disease, cancer, aging, and neurodegenerative disease.

Bigstockphoto.com

About the OSU College of Liberal Arts: The College of Liberal Arts includes the fine and performing arts, humanities, and social sciences, making it one of the largest and most diverse colleges at OSU. The college’s research and instructional faculty members contribute to the education of all university students and provide national and international leadership, creativity, and scholarship in their academic disciplines.

8 • ClubRunning Winter 2016

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Member Spotlight

Los Angeles to Host 2016 U.S. Men’s, Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials

By Ryan Lamppa The country’s best distance runners to race on multiloop, downtown LA course for six coveted Team USA berths to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Record $600,000 Trials prize purse and unprecedented live TV broadcast on NBC. Every four years the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (OMT) are held to determine coveted Team USA berths. On Saturday, Feb. 13, the one-of-a-kind pressure-filled event will be contested by the country’s best distance runners racing over a multiloop course in downtown Los Angeles. Winners will find themselves on a plane to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in August.

LA Marathon LLC will host the event that is returning to the West Coast for the first time since Olympia, WA hosted the inaugural

U.S. women’s OMT in 1984. This Olympic qualifying event will be the men’s 13th edition and the women’s ninth. The next day (Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14), the Trials organizers will also present the 31st Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon with 25,000+ runners.

The expected OMT 2016 field of 300+ marathoners includes defending 2012 Trials champions Meb Keflezighi and Shalane Flanagan, plus 2008 winners Ryan Hall and Deena Kastor. Flanagan could become the first woman to defend her Trials title. Just as in Houston in 2012, there will be separate race starts for men and women (morning times TBA).

Past OMTs have produced some of the biggest upsets in Trials history, such as surprise winners Mark Conover (1988), Jenny Spangler (1996), and Chris Clark (2000).

Olympic hopefuls will also be vying for a record Trials prize purse of $600,000 ($300,000 per gender) that goes 10 deep with $80,000 for each race champion (also the largest amount awarded to the women’s winner).

In addition, for the first time, the Trials will be broadcast live on NBC (1:00 p.m. EST), and NBC Sports Live Extra will air the event via its streaming app, available on desktops, mobile devices, tablets, and connected TVs. QUALIFYING STANDARDS Olympic Marathon Trials “A” qualifying standards for event funding support are 2:15:00 (men) and 2:37:00 (women). Men’s and women’s “B” qualifying standards for entry for the marathon are 2:19:00 and 2:45:00, respectively, and for the half marathon 1:05:00 and 1:15:00, respectively.

USOC

THE COURSE The 2016 OMT course has been designed to be runner- and spectator-friendly and should produce some of the fastest times in the event’s history. The multiloop course starts and finishes near the LA Convention Center. The Olympic hopefuls will begin with a 2.2-mile loop that heads north into downtown Los Angeles and then covers four 6-mile loops south of the start/finish area. Major landmarks along the course include the Staples Center, LA Live, and the historic Memorial Coliseum, site of the track & field competition and opening and closing ceremonies for the 1932 and 1984 Olympics.

The 2016 Rio Olympic Marathons are scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 14 (women) and Sunday, Aug. 21 (men). The Sambódromo, legendary home of the Rio Carnival parade, will host the 2016 Summer Games marathon. The Olympic competitors will begin the race by running down the Rio Carnival Samba runway, and then running the streets of Rio and returning to the Sambódromo for the finish.

Visit www.latrials2016.com for more information.

10 • ClubRunning Winter 2016

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Member Spotlight

L.A. Dreaming, L.A. Running, L.A. LEGGERS

By George Rehmet, Western Region Director & Jackie Britton, RRCA State Rep, SoCal

L.A. LEGGERS

When running in the Los Angeles area, especially Santa Monica, you might hope to spot a celebrity, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more likely to literally run into a member of the L.A. LEGGERS. Founded in 1989 to help runners and walkers train for the Los Angeles Marathon, the L.A. LEGGERS is now one of the largest running clubs in the Western Region, with more than 1,000 members.

The clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary goal remains to help people train for and complete the Los Angeles Marathon, which usually takes place in March, but this year was moved to February to accommodate the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials schedule. The L.A. LEGGERS also provides training plans for those who want to run other target races, including the Long Beach Marathon, the Surf City Marathon, and the New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Race. There are pace groups (even those qualifying for Boston) and summer fun runs when the training program is on hiatus. For new and returning runners, the Leggers hosts a

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Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Ǥ Ǥ

Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;ƤÂ&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2122;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x192; Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Ǥ

Couch to 5K program. Recently, the club raised funds for a water fountain to show its appreciation for support from the city of Santa Monica.

At the LA Marathon the L.A. LEGGERS supports its members and fellow runners by staffing three aid stations on the course.

The club hosts a postrace gathering at a nearby finish-line hotel where fellow L.A. LEGGER and RRCA State Rep Jackie Britton congratulates club finishers.

Britton joined the L.A. LEGGERS in 1999 after watching them train on the Santa Monica stairs. She followed them to the Santa Monica Pier, where she witnessed the camaraderie. She served on the Leggers board for several years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We train together, travel together, and even eat breakfast together,â&#x20AC;? Britton explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The L.A. LEGGERS is a unique club whose members bond together as a community.â&#x20AC;?

To find out more about L.A. LEGGERS, go to www.laleggers.org.

Winter 2016 ClubRunning â&#x20AC;˘ 11

Member Spotlight

The Dallas Running Club

By Kelly Richards, RRCA At-Large Director Dallas Running Club

The roots of the Dallas (TX) Running Club can be traced to President John F. Kennedy’s push for physical fitness. Inspired by this message, Dallas native Tal Morrison took up running. Discovering that he found the activity more fun in a group, he pushed to start a formal club. In 1969 the Cross Country Club of Dallas was formally established, and would undergo a name change in 2006 to become the Dallas Running Club (DRC).

Today the DRC is the largest running and walking organization in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and one of the top four largest RRCA member clubs. Given its size, it’s not surprising that its programs and activities are designed to meet the needs of runners with varying degrees of skills and experience.

The DRC boasts a robust training program that’s led by several experienced coaches. Overseen by Vishal Patel, it stresses “safety, motivation, and accountability.” Training is done in groups, helping to establish camaraderie, and the goal for any distance is always a local race, ranging from 5Ks all the way to ultra marathons.

The club hosts eight races throughout the year, generally one a month during the summer and fall seasons. All club races are 100% volunteer-driven, with club members providing the labor to ensure efficient handling of everything from registration to awards.

This commitment to helping the local Dallas running scene flourish can also be seen through the DRC’s volunteer efforts with the Dallas Marathon. Since 2014 the DRC has staffed the packet pickup

station in the days leading up to the race, receiving accolades from runners for its knowledge of running and Dallas, as well as the race course.

Join us in Dallas for the 58th RRCA National Convention and learn how the Dallas Running Club, the Memphis Runners Track Club, and the Atlanta Track Club have successfully developed into citywide running clubs that serve their communities (www.RRCA.org/ convention/).

Dallas Marathon

By Kelly Richards, RRCA At-Large Director Duo to Rio Relay The elite field in the Duo to Rio Relay sponsored by AT&T at the 2015 Dallas Marathon featured five pairs of Olympic Trials qualifying athletes, competing head-to-head to see which duo of runners could complete the fastest two-person marathon relay.

Sam Chelanga opened an early lead, running a 1:03:47 split in his 13.1mile relay leg before handing off to teammate Molly Huddle. Experience won out, as the pair of Abdi Abdirahman, a four-time Team USA Olympian, and three-time Olympian Deena Kastor were the first duo to cross the finish line in a time of 2:19:49.

Race officials believe Kastor and Abdirahman’s finish times signify the fastest two-person marathon relay ever recorded. The five male participants, who ran the first 13.1 miles, stayed close together. Kastor and Dallas-born Becky Wade pulled away from the field as the Duo to Rio Relay sponsored by AT&T competitors made their way toward a downtown finish, with Kastor sprinting ahead to the finish tape in the last half mile.

12 • ClubRunning Winter 2016

DUO TO RIO RELAY SPONSORED BY AT&T 1. Abdi Abdirahman & Deena Kastor – 2:19:49 2. Meb Keflezighi & Becky Wade* – 2:20:35 3. Sam Chelanga & Molly Huddle – 2:21:35 4. Luke Puskedra* & Annie Bersagel* – 2:22:10 5. Jared Ward & Desi Linden – 2:23:34 * Received an RRCA Elite Support Grant to assist with Olympic Marathon Trials training preparation It Takes a Village: Voices from the Dallas Marathon Last Dec. 13, as it has every year since 1971, Dallas hosted a marathon.

Now starting and finishing in the city’s recently revitalized downtown and featuring a renewed partnership with the City of Dallas, the race has come to embody everything that makes the region’s running scene unique. The strength of running in Dallas and the unifying impact of the Dallas Marathon can be seen in how everyone—from participants to volunteers to organizers—talk about their experience at the race.

Logan Sherman, Dallas resident and top local finisher in the 2015 Dallas Marathon, on what it means to him to be the hometown winner of the Dallas Marathon: “It means more to me than anything I’ve completed previously.

I’ve been blessed to have some great victories and races. I’ve loved every minute of each of them. But I’ve never had a goal that has taken me 15

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Dallas Running Club

Member Spotlight

years to reach. It was the most emotional race that I have ever experienced. I tuned out so much during the race to focus on the finish that the finish was out of this world. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled and cried so much in my life. I want this to be more of a win for

14 • ClubRunning Winter 2016

the community than anyone. I hope that this inspires others to dust off their running shoes and make challenging goals. I hope that they realize it may take time to accomplish a goal if you dream big.”

Erin Jett, Dallas Running Club director of volunteers and race participant, on what the numerous elite runners at the 2015 Dallas Marathon meant to her: “The elite and professional runners participating in a separate relay race made it feel special and allowed the marathon to show off the speed of such special athletes. The best part was knowing that runners like Deena Kastor ran and then stayed at the finish to place medals on other runners like me.”

Jeff “Barney” Barnhart, race director, LGRAW member, and passionate runner-volunteer at the Dallas Marathon, on the best part of being a volunteer at the 2015 Dallas Marathon: “As I do many races, I love to volunteer with my friends and give back to this race as so many have helped in my races. I love when the last runner has gone through and there is a unique quiet time to think about how many runners we helped to hopefully finish and ob-

tain their goals.”

Mark “MarkO” Olateju, Dallas running community staple and official pacer, on what it meant to him to participate in the Dallas Marathon as his “hometown” marathon: “Participating in the Dallas Marathon means giving back to local businesses, running familiar routes, and having tremendous hometown support.”

Jeff Gerber, race participant, on the best part of the 2015 Dallas Marathon: “While for me usually the best part of any race is the finish line, the best part of the 2015 Dallas Marathon were the people along the course, giving support even with the lessthan-ideal weather conditions for anyone.”

Corina Cervantes, runner and spectator at the 2015 Dallas Marathon, on what it meant to her to cheer on runners at the Dallas Marathon as the “hometown” marathon: “The best part about cheering at Dallas is the sheer number of my friends racing. They’re spread out through all the corrals, at every pace, and it’s great fun to watch for them and try to perk them up when they need a little extra lift or motivation on the tough parts of the course.”

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RRCA In September 2015, the RRCA announced the recipients of its one-time special grants to support U.S. distance training centers and elite U.S. athletes as they prepare for competition heading into the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon to be hosted in Los Angeles on Saturday, Feb. 13.

The RRCA awarded five grants of $5,000 each to the following U.S. distance training centers that support U.S. athletes focusing on either the upcoming marathon trials or the 10,000m track trials.

• ZAP Fitness, Blowing Rock, NC • Greenville Track Club-ELITE, Greenville, SC • Team USA Minnesota, Minneapolis/ St. Paul, MN • HOKA ONE ONE Northern Arizona Elite, Flagstaff, AZ • Team Run Eugene, Eugene, OR

from the annual Roads Scholar grant program. Each grantee received $2,500. Roads Scholar grantees from the 2014–15 class or earlier were awarded an additional $500.

MEN • Josphat Boit, Mammoth Lakes, CA • Aaron Braun, Alamosa, CO • Jeffrey Eggleston, Boulder, CO (RRCA Roads Scholar 2010) • Craig Leon, Eugene, OR • Mike Morgan, Rochester Hills, MI (RRCA Roads Scholar 2005) • Sean Quigley, Lafayette, CO WOMEN • Esther (Erb) Atkins, Lambertville, NJ (RRCA Roads Scholar 2014) • Annie Bersagel, Victoria, MN • Lauren Kleppin, Flagstaff, AZ (RRCA Roads Scholar 2012) • Heather Lieberg, Helena, MT • Wendy Thomas, Windsor, CO • Rebecca Wade, Dallas, TX To round out the financial support for the project, the RRCA will award a bonus to the male and female athletes who earn spots on

Team USA for the 2016 Olympic Marathon.

Josphat Boit Josphat Boit is one of the world’s premier distance runners. He made his marathon debut at the 2011 Honolulu Marathon, placing an impressive third in a field stacked with sub2:08 runners. He’s now a favorite to contend for a place on the 2016 U.S. Marathon team.

Boit currently lives and trains in the high altitude of Mammoth Lakes, CA with the Mammoth Track Club under the guidance of his coach, Andrew Kastor. Boit enters the Olympic Marathon Trials with a PR of 2:12:52, set at the 2014 Boston Marathon. www.asicsamerica.com/athletes/josphat-boit Aaron Braun Aaron Braun has had an impressive career on the roads, dominating at a variety of distances. He made his marathon debut at the LA Marathon in 2014, finishing seventh in 2:19:51. In 2015 he significantly dropped his time in the distance and placed seventh at the Chevron Houston Marathon with a time of 2:12:54, where he was the top American finisher. www.aabrauny.com

Photorun.NET

The RRCA also awarded grants to support the following athletes who’ve qualified for and declared they’ll run in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon and have not previously competed at an Olympic Games. This special grant project was apart

Congratulates Special Elite Grant Winners for 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials

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Jef frey Eggleston Jeffrey Eggleston has been a consistent performer since receiving his first Roads Scholar grant from the RRCA in 2010. He’s been a fixture on U.S. national teams, running at the 2011 and 2013 World Championships and the 2011 Pan-American Games. In 2015 he finished 12th at the 2015 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:14:17. In 2014 Eggleston set his PR of 2:10:52 at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, making him one of the fastest grantees going into the Trials. www.jeffreyeggleston.com Craig Leon Craig Leon was born and raised in a small Ohio town and moved to Eugene in the summer of 2011 to pursue his professional running career with Team Run Eugene. He’s consistently excelled on the roads and earned a spot representing the U.S. at the 2015 PanAm Games in Toronto. Leon finished fifth in the race, with a time of 2:19:26. He enters the Olympic Trials Marathon with a PR of 2:13:52, set at the 2013 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. www.craigleonrunning.com Mike Morgan Mike Morgan has trained at the Hansons-Brooks ODP since the early days of his professional career, when he received his 2005 Roads Scholar grant. He ran an impressive 2:15:11 in his debut marathon at the Chicago Marathon in 2006. In 2014 Morgan took 13th place at the Boston Marathon, with a time of 2:14:40. He’s the champion and course record holder for the 2013 and 2014 Disney World Half Marathon. Morgan, who averages 100+ miles weekly in his training leading up to the marathon, is looking forward to his third Olympic Trials. He enters the event with a marathon PR of 2:14:20. www.hansons-running.com/hansons-brooks/ meet-the-team Sean Quigley Sean Quigley runs for the high-performance team with the Boulder Track Club under coach Lee Troop. Quigley was the U.S. 7-Mile Road Champion in 2014 and placed fourth at the U.S. Track Championship 10K that same year. He qualified for the 2016 Olympic Trials Marathon at the Fukuoka Marathon, where he finished with a marathon PR of 2:13:30. www.bouldertrackclub.com/development-elite/ sean-quigley Annie Bersagel Annie Bersagel lives and trains in Oslo, Nor-

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way, where she’s lived since pursuing graduate studies at the University of Oslo. In 2013 Bersagel became the U.S. Marathon Champion at the Twin Cities Marathon, with a winning time of 2:30:53. Bersagel set her marathon PR in 2015 by winning the Duesseldorf Marathon in 2:28:29. In June she underwent surgery for a knee injury acquired there, but recently finished a half marathon in Dallas pain free and now looks forward to being a contender at this year’s Trials. www.twitter.com/AnnieBersagel

ond place. Since that time she’s seen steady success on the roads. Lieberg competed at the 2014 USA Marathon Championships at the Twin Cities Marathon, where she took second place behind Esther Atkins, with a time of 2:34:09. In 2015 she again finished second at the USA Marathon Championships at the LA Marathon. Later in 2015 she ran as a member of the U.S. World Team at the IAAF World Track & Field Championships in the marathon in Beijing. www.twitter.com/lieberg_heather

Esther (Erb) Atkins Esther Atkins (formerly Erb) took a different path than most to her eventual marathon success. She was one of the most decorated runners in Case Western Reserve history, earning six All-American titles and the 2008 DIII National Championship in the 10K. Shortly after receiving her Roads Scholar grant in 2014, she was on the podium as the 2014 USA Marathon Champion, with a time of 2:34:00, earning a spot on the 2015 World Championships marathon team. Atkins runs with the New York Athletic Club and is looking forward to the loop course at the marathon trials. www.athletebiz.us/esther-atkins

Wendy Thomas Wendy Thomas took up running in 2004 as a way to get back into shape following the birth of her first child. She entered her first road race in 2007 and won. Thomas went on to train with the American Distance Project for a short time before the 2012 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, where she had a breakout race, finishing 12th overall with a time of 2:34:25 in her debut marathon.

In 2014 she was fourth at the USA Half Marathon Championships, with a time of 1:12:29, which qualified her to compete at the World Half Championship in Copenhagen, representing Team USA. Thomas, who says the marathon is her favorite event, has been looking forward to the 2016 Trials since crossing the finish line at the 2012 Trials. www.twitter.com/wingedwendy

Lauren Kleppin Lauren Kleppin currently lives in Flagstaff, AZ and runs for HOKA ONE ONE Northern Arizona Elite under coach Ben Rosario. In 2012 she received a Roads Scholar grant from the RRCA shortly after graduating from Western State College as a nine-time All-American, two-time MVP, and the Paul W. Wright Athlete of the Year for 2011–12. The following year she attended RRCA’s RunPro Camp and shortly thereafter started training with the Mammoth Track Club until her move to Flagstaff in 2015. Most notably Kleppin is known for her third-place overall finish and top American at the 2014 LA Marathon, with a time of 2:28:48. She also earned second place overall at the USA Half Marathon Championships in 2014 with a time of 1:12:12.

This year will be Kleppin’s first Olympic Trials experience. She’s excited to be returning to the city where she participated in her first Olympic Trials qualifying race in 2014. www.laurenkleppin.com Heather Lieberg Heather Lieberg is a proud mother of two, who lives, trains, and teaches school in Helena, MT. She’s currently sponsored by Oiselle.

She played basketball in college and didn’t take up competitive road running until 2006, when she entered her first race, taking sec-

Rebecca Wade Becky Wade is a Dallas native, who ran on the track team for Ursuline Academy and Rice University in Houston. In 2008 she placed 13th in the steeplechase at the World Junior Championships in Poland. As a fifth-year senior, she qualified for the 2012 Olympic Trials in the 10,000 meters and the steeplechase.

She was a four-time All-American at Rice, where she set school records in the indoor and outdoor 5K, outdoor 10K, and 3K steeplechase. She qualified for the 2012 Olympic Trials in the 10,000 meters and the steeplechase. In 2013 Wade won her debut marathon, the California International Marathon, with a time of 2:30:41. After returning from an injury, she ran the 2015 USA Half Marathon, placing 11th, with a time of 1:12:28. www.beckyrunsaway.wordpress.com

Ryan Lamppa, Andy Smith, Maggie Craig, and Jean Knaack contributed to this article.

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DATA DRIVEN

By Heather R. Johnson

The “Big Data” movement has revolutionized the retail sector, financial services, and healthcare, among other industries. Can it do the same for running?

Data plays a role in virtually every part of our lives, from the time we strap on our GPS watch and go for a run to the time we adjust our Nest thermostat at night. Data growth allows us to use a smartphone app to find the closest restroom at Levi’s Stadium and allows doctors to access medical records from that hospital six states away when you broke your wrist while on vacation.

Now, the running event industry has caught on to the power of Big Data to hypertarget marketing strategies, streamline the race experience, and, as Running Times reported in its February 2016 issue, catch cheaters.

“Data is a wonderful tool,” says Dee Stathis, COO and director of operations for Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon Inc. (P3R).

“Even just four years ago, a lot of us didn’t have the information that’s available to us now.”

At a time when information bombards consumers and runners have more events to choose from than ever (28,000 in 2014 according to Running USA), event directors need to find new ways to stand out from the crowd.

Data can help.

“Big Data arms event directors with insights so they can better understand market

dynamics,” says Sam Renouf, general manager of sports for ACTIVE Network, which recently teamed with Dave McGillivray’s DMSE Sports, the force behind the Boston Marathon, to bring its data-driven tools to a wider audience. “It analyzes social media feeds, historical data, competitive pricing, and demographic information.”

Running the Numbers Marc Goldman, sponsorship and marketing manager for the Marine Corps Marathon, recalls that the race used to pride itself on its website’s live splits. Now, it has “Track a Runner,” which allows runners to share those splits via automatic Twitter and Facebook posts and by email or text.

“Through this program alone, 2.4 million Bigstockphoto.com

18 • ClubRunning Winter 2016

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people saw split result updates,” says Goldman. “It’s great for us to be able to offer such an expanded audience to our sponsors and great for friends and family to virtually cheer for the runners.”

New York Road Runners’ (NYRR) partnership with Tata Consultancy Services, an IT services and consulting organization, has allowed the New York City Marathon to up its tech game. For example, its NYRR Virtual Trainer, launched in 2014, combines a runner’s average weekly mileage, peak long-run distance, training paces, and recent race times with historic New York City Marathon data to create custom training plans.

“People from all over the world can join the virtual trainer program,” says NYRR president and CEO Michael Capiraso. “We provide a solid program with Big Data on the back end.”

Considered the first big-city marathon to adopt social media, the Los Angeles Marathon factors data analytics into virtually every aspect of its marketing plan. “From a Big Data perspective, everything we do is tied to a specific and deliberate objective for our overall brand,” says Carsten Preisz, LA Marathon vice president of brand strategy and marketing. “We know how analytics can help us target the right audience to bring in more runners and more registration revenue. We can change things on the fly, measure, and amplify much more significantly than we can with print media.”

A model for large-scale event management, the Chicago Marathon uses data to enhance medical and aid station preparedness, registration, security, and of course, customer service. “We’re always trying to find ways to improve the process and provide a better experience for participants and volunteers,” says general manager Mike Nishi.

With more volunteer and medical team data, the Chicago Marathon can connect its international participants with staff who speaks their language. “We try to make data work across multiple platforms,” says Nishi.

Managing Medical Services with Data Chicago Marathon organizers use data from their 40,000+ registrants to support runners along the entire course, staying one step ahead the

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Smart Race Experiences In a 2014 survey by Eventbrite, 510/0 of respondents registered for an event on mobile and 700/0 used smartphones to post social media updates. To cater to the rise in mobile use, many events have developed their own smartphone app. With an app the race can provide better customer service and engagement. The event also benefits from increased visibility, enhanced sponsorship opportunities, and a way to shift ad spend to more cost-effective mobile promotions.

In 2014 LA Marathon teamed with app developer Aloompa to launch its smartphone app. The free app features a creatively designed GPS-enabled course map, race information, and social media features.

Thanks to a new multiyear partnership with Fitbit, the app now features training tips from Fitbit Ambassadors such as Ryan and Sara Hall, Fitbit contests, and more.

For the latest version of its app, the Marine Corps Marathon teamed with Motigo to let users receive personalized audio messages through the app. “We debuted the feature 10 days before the event and had about 6,500 messages recorded,” says Goldman. “It’s another way to engage with the runners and a way for sponsors to connect through support messaging.”

In addition to maps and runner tracking, New York City Marathon’s free mobile app features the NYRR Race Predictor. Based on the millions

Skechers LA Marathon

Data to Incentivize and Gamif y Pittsburgh Marathon weekend has grown from 10,500 runners in 2009 to more than 40,000 in 2015. At least some of P3R’s continued success comes from its consistent use of social media campaigns and data analytics.

From its data crunching, P3R realized it had a growing millennial audience, many of them new runners, most of them tech-savvy. (Sporttechie .com reports that 740/0 of marathon runners use wearable devices for training, and 880/0 say wearables increase their motivation and give them an edge on the competition.)

To appeal to the millennials, P3R “gamified” marathon training.

Using data from Milestone Sports’ MilestonePod, a small device that attaches to the shoe, runners can track their average pace, distance, footstrike, cadence, and other data as well as see where they rank against other participants.

Stathis says that MilestonePod’s sophisticated analytics may allow the event to more closely engage with the runners; for now, it remains an added feature for Pittsburgh Marathon participants. “We can be with them the whole way and when race day comes, we’re there,” she says.

entire way. Medical director Dr. George T. Chiampas helped bring Northwestern University, where he teaches emergency medicine, and the Chicago Marathon together to research how to use data analytics to increase preparedness for large-scale events.

Logistics expert Karen Smilowitz, a professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering & Management Sciences at Northwestern, assembled a team of undergrad and graduate students to develop a proprietary data visualization system that provides both real-time and predictive analytics.

Using data from current and past events, the system shows race officials the location of lead runners, runner density, medical tent and aid station capacity, current temperature, and alerts about any on-course issues. The system uses participant and timing mat data to predict where runners will be in 20 minutes, which helps aid stations prepare for an oncoming wave of runners.

The data visualization system also ties into a medical patient tracking system that collects data from runners who seek first aid. “We have systems in place so that first responders all operate from one system that provides accurate, up-to-date information. The data visualization component supports all of those facets,” says Chiampas.

As runners progress through the race, medical station professionals can, if necessary, access important health information to better treat the runner. The race can also analyze medical data to determine the distribution of injuries or illnesses at various locations and how to improve medical station efficiency. “This is the first time in this area of mass event management that we’ve been able to get that kind of detail,” says Chiampas.

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of data points that feed the NYRR Virtual Trainer, the tool uses individual and historical data to determine a runner’s target marathon pace.

“The data that we have helps us develop and test the app for capacity,” says Capiraso. “Using the data in this way allows us to better connect with the runners and create a terrific experience.”

Share Your Story, Share Your Data Social media has revolutionized the way businesses build their brand, drive sales, and collect valuable information about event followers. And runners like to share: Eventbrite’s survey showed that 800/0 of endurance event participants shared event photos and updates on social media. “Social media allows us to target users with the right messaging at the right time,” says LA Marathon marketing communications manager Ryan Cavinder, who led its app development program.

Social media builds two-way communication and gives race directors another way to learn about their participants’ wants, needs, and interests, which helps race directors create relevant messaging. Numerous social media monitoring platforms help businesses get the most out of social, while Facebook and Twitter offer their own analytics that show which posts get shared, clicked, and liked the most.

Big Data for Midsize Races Running event producers without a major marathon budget can make good use of available data. Social media marketing doesn’t cost much more than a few hours of weekly labor (advertising notwithstanding).

Google Analytics, Clicky, and platforms from IBM and Microsoft, among others, offer web analytics and business intelligence at affordable prices. Capiraso suggests event producers seek out media or technology partners that can assist with data analytics.

Regardless of how it’s managed, big data has become an increasingly necessary tool for event directors. “I look at this data like having experienced personnel,” says McGillivray. “It not only gives us answers to many of our questions, but also helps guide us in our future decision making.

Most importantly, data gives us added confidence that we are doing the right thing and going in the right direction.”

Heather R. Johnson writes and runs from Oakland, CA. Visit her at heatherraejohnson.com.

Ǧ Ǥ Bank of America Chicago Marathon

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SHOE REVIEW

by Cregg Weinmann

Trail Shoes Winter 2015–16

Here’s our semi-annual look at a sampling of shoes designed to grip and tame trails: some for training, others for faster running. The mix includes 5 new models and 3 updates. Trails vary considerably, and not surprisingly so do trail shoes. It’s a good idea to match your shoes to the running you’ll be doing. If you like protection on the roads, start with Responsive Trail shoes. If you like speedier Performance shoes on the road, Performance Trail may the best place to start. As always, this review is a starting point in your search for your best trail shoes. Follow it up with the help of a Specialty Running retailer whenever possible. And don’t forget to check www.runningproductreviews.com for periodic updates and special features.

361º Ortega $120 The new 361º Ortega brings the brand’s technology to the trail. The upper is closed mesh with no-sew welded overlays supporting the shoe, an extended saddle that’s light and secure. A traditional toe bumper, rearfoot and eyestay supports, and a full rand add security and protection, and an external thermoplastic heel counter adds stability. The midsole is low-profile, molded EVA, with 361º’s Qu!ckfoam element lending extra cushioning.

The outersole is low-profile carbon rubber, textured for grip, in a thin configuration that’s surprisingly tough.

The forefoot of the outersole is bonded to a spongy layer of polyurethane, adding a bit more cushion to the ride as well as an ability to conform to the trail surface. The combination of quality materials, efficient design, and a comfortable and adaptive ride make the Ortega a worthy contender for trail performance.

“Snugs well to the foot with good protection. Sure-footed on the trail, and does really well getting there, too.”

Responsive Trail NEW Sizes Men 6–12,13,14; Women 5–12 Weight 11.5 oz. (men’s 11); 9.4 oz. (women’s 8) Shape semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Brooks Pure Grit 4 $120 The Pure Grit is the lightest of Brooks’ trail running shoes. The upper is a tight, closed mesh with 3D-printed overlays providing some structure and a layer of protection. The supportive midfoot strap (Brooks calls it the Nav band) adds a snugger midfoot fit, while still flexing enough to accommodate differences in foot volume.

The chassis carries over from Round 3: a low-profile layer of BioMoGo foam with DNA added to the mix for very good cushioning. A forefoot rock plate between the midsole and outersole offers protection from rocky trails. The outersole features the same hexagon-shaped lugs, as their bite tames trails efficiently and effectively.

The Pure Grit 4 is a solid performer that fits well, performs well, and carries the Brooks trail tradition well.

“Good, close fit all around. Flexible enough with decent traction. They did a great job for my weekend trail runs.”

Performance Trail Updates Pure Grit 3 Sizes Men 8–13,14; Women 5–11,12 Weight 10.9 oz. (men’s 11); 8.8 oz. (women’s 8) Shape semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

HOKA ONE ONE SpeedGoat $140 The new SpeedGoat sports geometry and traction designed to go as fast as you can, thanks to the developmental input of Ultra trail star Karl Metzler. The upper is a tough minimesh with lacing that extends down to the toe for extra security. No-sew overlays lend support overall and add a bit of design flair while keeping it light.

A traditionally stitched toecap features an added layer of ground rubber for abrasion resistance and protection.

The ankle collar is cushy and improves the heel fit. The midsole is a soft, thick layer of injected EVA that absorbs shock and conforms to the terrain for a protective and sure-footed feel, in combination with its 5-millimeter geometry, and is resilient enough for good response and durability. The outersole is a luggy profile of Vibram® Megagrip® rubber—a new compound and partnership for the brand—that offers really good traction.

The SpeedGoat succeeds for runners looking for traction, cushion, and a snug, secure fit to finish fast.

“Looks sports-car fast. I really like how easy the upper is to open up and then tighten down on the shoes. The midsole [is] cushy and protective; the traction is just right.”

Performance/Racing Trail NEW Sizes Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight 10.3 oz. (men’s 11); 8.2 oz. (women’s 8) Shape semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Mizuno Hayate 2

$110

With its effective construction, fun graphics, and strong trail performance, the Hayate has been a breath of fresh air for Mizuno trail running. Round 2 takes a bit more traditional approach, at least in appearance, while maintaining the strengths of the original. The upper is open mesh with traditional, supportive overlays and a full rand—simple, but protective. The midsole maintains the Waveplate and U4ic foam from the original, thanks to its effective ride and stability on both road and trail. The outersole continues,too; its luggy traction works equally well on hard-pack, loose, and muddy trails. The compound is quite durable, so pavement isn’t a problem. The Hayate remains a quality choice for the trails, especially if Mizuno is on your favored brands list.

“The upper is totally different from before, with a stretchier feel, though the support strapping holds the foot nice and secure. The ride feels about the same as before, and the traction makes it a real trail shoe.”

Performance Trail Updates the Hayate 2 Sizes Men 7–13; Women 5–12 Weight 9.7 oz. (men’s 11); 7.9 oz. (women’s 8) Shape Construction Strobel slip-lasted 22 •semi-curved ClubRunning Winter 2016 Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

RRCA.org

New Balance 910 v2 $110 The effectiveness of the New Balance trail running line has satisfied runners in every strata of the running world. The 910 is one of several New Balance everyday trail runners that handle terrain, mileage, and the elements effectively. The upper is an engineered mesh that vents well, and keeps it light with no-sew overlays but also protective at the toe, thanks to an additional overlay layer called Toe-Protect. The support of the upper is good, with the overlays forming a complete rand, connecting effectively to the heel counter. The eyestays and external ankle collar are reinforced with zig-zag stitching. The midsole is a healthy chunk of RevLite foam with its lively feel and good durability. The outersole is full-length rubber that features triangular lugs that have a nice bite on the trail without being overly tall on the road. The Rock Stop plate provides protection on uneven trails without making the forefoot overly stiff. The 910 v2 continues to offer the performance expected of the line, maintaining its traction, ride, and value.

“Fit snug in the heel, roomy up front. Comfortably well-cushioned with grippy traction.”

Responsive Trail Updates the 910 v1 Sizes Men 7–13,14,15,16; Women 5–11 Weight 11.4 oz. (men’s 11); 9.1 oz. (women’s 8) Shape semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 3 $125 The Zoom Kiger and its sibling, the Zoom Wildhorse, represented a much needed trail running reset for Nike. Round 3 features some finetuning to a solid performer. The upper has been lightened a bit, and uses engineered mesh. The most significant changes up top are overlays which are thin and printed on the surface, and the mesh is closed at the base of the upper, essentially forming a rand without using additional material.

The midsole maintains the low-profile, 4-millimeter geometry that has been so successful for the Kiger, as it is substantial enough to cushion well on all surfaces. The outersole is little changed from Round 1: chisel-pointed tread in a sticky rubber compound that’s still tough enough for even bituminous surfaces, though best offroad. The combination of low-profile geometry, light weight and good traction make the Terra Kiger great for faster trail running.

“Secure upper with good toe room. Flexible, light, and fast. It’s fine for dirt trails, but it’s no bushwhacker.”

BEST SHOE TRAIL

WINTER 2015–16

Performance Trail Updates the Terra Kiger 2 Sizes Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight 9.0 oz. (men’s 11); 7.4 oz. (women’s 8) Shape semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Saucony Nomad TR

$110 The Nomad TR is the first new trail running shoe from Saucony since the introduction of the Peregrine four seasons ago. The Nomad offers several features that differentiate it from its off-road siblings and add value to Saucony’s trail line. The upper is closed mesh with no-sew overlays, Pro-Lock secures the midfoot, and a D-ring at the bottom of the laces facilitates the use of gaiters. The midsole features 4-millimeter geometry and a low-profile setup of Power Grid foam for responsive cushioning and good flexibility. The outersole employs a newly designed tread of elongated diamond-shaped lugs that flex laterally to conform to the trail. The flat bottom adds stability to the foot plant, and the tack of the rubber offers additional grip. The Nomad TR successfully fills the gap in Saucony’s RAW collection, and its versatile traction, adaptable fit, and good protection earned it our award for Best Trail Shoe for Winter 2015–16.

“Roomy fit, but without feeling sloppy. Traction is subtle but effective, with a smooth feel on trail and road. I was impressed by both the fit and the performance.”

Performance Trail NEW Sizes Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11,12 Weight 11.2 oz. (men’s 11); 8.9 oz. (women’s 8) Shape semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

TrekSta Alter Ego Star

$110 TrekSta has shown that a consistent, single focus on trail performance can bring dividends to a brand. The new Alter Ego Star debuts with an upper of tightly woven mesh with 3D-printed overlays providing much of the upper’s support, and traditionally stitched overlays at the toe, heel, and from the eyestay to bolster the fit, especially in the forefoot. The forefoot has a pronounced asymmetrical shape that mimics the foot’s, along with similarly skewed lacing. These features will improve the fit for many feet. The midsole is a high quality, single-density EVA wih excellent flexibility, without sacrificing protection. The outersole is a sticky rubber compound called Hypergrip, but the variety and shape of the lugs adds as much to the effectiveness of the sole’s grip. The Alter Ego Star provides fit, traction, and protection for top-notch trail performance.

“They were shaped like my foot, so they fit great. Really good traction, not too heavy, plenty of cushion. They covered all of the bases.”

Responsive Trail NEW Sizes Men 8–13; Women 6–10 Weight 11.4 oz. (men’s 11); 9.1 oz. (women’s 8) Shape semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Cregg Weinmann is footwear and running products editor for the Running Network LLC, which is solely owned by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. The Running Network and its partners provide daily reviews of product via www.runningproductreviews.com All content, regardless of media delivery system, is copyrighted by the FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. Cregg can be reached at shuz2run@lightspeed.net.

Copyright © 2015 by Running Network LLC. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of Running Network LLC. Reprinted here with permission.

Class of 2015–16

Photos courtesy of each athlete

by Andy Smith, RRCA Program Coordinator

Luke Puskedra

Six up-and-coming distance runners receive $5,000 each in financial support The Road Runners Club of America has awarded grants exceeding $510,000 through the Roads Scholar® program since 1996. The goal of the program is to assist American, postcollegiate runners who show great promise to develop into national and world-class road running athletes. The RRCA grants go directly to the athletes to support their goals and training needs. On Nov. 30, 2015 the program received a spotlight in the print edition of USA Today. We thank them for sharing information and raising awareness of the program.

Eric Fernandez

Griffith Graves

Lauren Jimison Katy Moen

Juli Accurso

The RRCA is pleased to introduce and congratulate the 2015–16 Class of Roads Scholar grantees: Juli Accurso, Eric Fernandez, Griffith Graves, Lauren Jimison, Katy Moen, and Luke Puskedra.

JULI ACCURSO Discovering a passion for running on the country roads in Casstown, OH, Accurso joined the Ohio University cross country and track & field teams in 2010. As a Bobcat she achieved cross country All-American honors in 2011, 2012, and 2013, finishing 36th, 38th, and 19th, respectively. She was the Great Lakes Regional Runner of the Year in 2012, and 2013 and is a six-time Mid-American Conference champion. During her career, she clocked a 4:48 in the mile, 9:21 in 3000m, 15:58 in 5000m, and 33:51 in 10,000m.

Accurso graduated from Ohio University hungry for faster times, a supportive team, and a community in which to grow. She attended the 2014 RunPro Camp and shortly thereafter moved across the country to join Team Run Eugene. This spring Accurso ran a 10K PR of 33:16 and gained valuable experience on the road circuit.

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“It is a pure privilege to be one of this year’s Roads Scholar grant recipients,” Accurso said. “The RRCA embodies the same traits that first drew me to the sport: community, support, and belief. The Roads Scholar grant will be the impetus for a goal-achieving year, and it will enable me to give attention to every aspect of my training.”

ERIC FERNANDEZ Growing up in St. Louis, Fernandez enjoyed running so much that his parents had him join an AAU/USATF youth track team, the St. Louis Blazers. There, he fell in love with running and would go on to earn Youth All-American titles and two state titles for his St. Louis high school, Parkway West.

Fernandez was recruited by Coach McDonnell of the Arkansas Razorbacks for college and ran for Chris Bucknam when Coach McDonnell retired. Highlights of Fernandez’s collegiate career include a freshman 10,000m PR of 28:37, a sophomore 5000m PR of 13:52, and a 3000m PR of 7:59. During his junior season he was the SEC cross country

individual champion, All-American at the NCAA cross country championships, and the SEC outdoor track 10,000m champion. He competed for the Junior USA Cross Country team, and he also contributed to nine SEC team titles and the 2013 NCAA Indoor Track national title.

College injuries resulted in reconstructive joint surgery on both of his big toes, and burnout impacted Fernandez’s desire to run professionally. However, he contacted HOKA ONE ONE NAZ Elite coach Ben Rosario to ask him to provide some structured training runs. Rosario agreed to coach Fernandez, believing he had what it took to be an elite athlete and encouraged him to take the steps to run professionally. Fernandez moved to Flagstaff to become one of the original members of Northern Arizona Elite. Professional running highlights so far include 15th place at the 2014 USRC Bix 7-Mile Road Championships in 35:35, fourth place at the 2014 Great

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Harbor 10K in 29:39, and second place at the 2015 Newport (NJ) Road 10K in 29:38.

“This grant is not only going to provide me with financial security as I train, but it also reminds me that there is support in the running community from people who believe in me,” Fernandez said.

GRIFFITH GRAVES Graves started running at a very young age, completing his first 5K when he was a mere 5 years old. After moving around a lot during his childhood, he began training seriously in the eighth grade. Graves went to Syracuse University after a fairly successful high school career. At the end of his sophomore year at Syracuse he suffered a torn labrum, a snapped ligament, and a bone spur in his left hip. For two years, Graves couldn’t compete; he could barely run faster than a jog and, sometimes, not at all. He had hip surgery during his junior year.

Because of his injury Graves was granted a fifth year and sixth cross country season at Syracuse. As a fifth year, Graves was a part of the Syracuse team’s third Big East championship. As a sixth year Graves was a part of the first team ACC Championship in Syracuse history where the men won the cross country title in the fall of 2013. That year, he and Syracuse went on to finish 10th at the NCAA XC nationals.

Graduating from Syracuse in the fall of 2013, Graves moved to Blowing Rock, NC where he now runs for ZAP Fitness/Reebok with coaches Pete Rea and Ryan Warrenburg.

This year, Graves raced on the Annroads Arborfrequently, finishing 15th in two USATF road championship races and ninth at the Manchester Road Race. In 2015, he qualified for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials at the USATF Half Marathon Championships.

Graves finished third at the nonteam race at the 2015 Peachtree Road Race and he was the top American finisher at the 2015 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, placing eighth with a time of 2:20.51.

“I am so thankful to RRCA for selecting me as a Roads Scholar recipient,” Graves said.

“I look forward to showing my appreciation for the support by taking my running to the next level! This grant solidifies the RRCA’s belief in us as the next great group of top American distance runners.”

LAUREN JIMISON Jimison grew up in Northern California and discovered a love for running in middle school P.E. When she entered high school, she started her school’s first cross country

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team. Attending Azusa Pacific University, Jimison grew in her athletics and faith, something deeply tied to her passion for running.

There, she was an 11-time All-American and a five-time individual national champion in the 5/10K. She won three national team championships in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. Her senior year she set the APU record for cross country in the 5K, running 16:53. In track season, she went on to run 33:58 for the 10K at Stanford, hitting the Olympic “B” mark for the 2012 Trials.

Soon after graduation Jimison realized she couldn’t give up running professionally yet and asked her college coach, Preston Grey, to continue coaching her. She debuted at the Carlsbad Half Marathon in 1:15.47. Running her first half marathon in a close-to-trials-qualifying mark gave Jimison a spark to continue running at a high level. Seeing that Mammoth Track Club was starting a new group, she contacted its coach, Andrew Kastor. That May Jimison took 10th at the U.S. 25K in Grand Rapids, MI, running 1:30.46.

Just one month after that she moved to Mammoth Lakes, CA, and joined the Mammoth Track Club.

In her first half marathon after training in Mammoth Lakes, Jimison ran 1:14.29, securing her spot for the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials. That spring she took sixth at the U.S. 25K, running 1:28.15, which set her up for a great debut marathon. Just a year after moving to Mammoth Lakes she ran Grandma’s Marathon and took fourth in 2:35.17. In 2014 Jimison took ninth at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, running 2:34.38, and was the fifth American. At the U.S. Half Marathon Championships, Jimison ran 1:12.01 in her build-up to the U.S. Marathon Championships at the LA Marathon, where she took seventh.

“I’m so thrilled to receive the RRCA Roads Scholar grant so that I can continue to pursue my dreams,” Jimison said. “I want to encourage others to pursue their’s, and chase making an Olympic team.”

KATY MOEN Growing up in a small town in Iowa, Moen fell into running through her father’s and brothers’ influence. As she was growing up, her oldest brother, Josh, was having success in a local DIII program. Traveling across the Midwest in support of him, she fell in love with the sport. As her brother became a professional, Moen began to see herself as a future road racer, as well.

After a successful high school career, Moen ran for Iowa State University. There,

she consistently improved times and championship performances. However, it wasn’t until her redshirt junior year that Moen began to perform at the top of the conference. Since then she’s won two Big 12 championships and two All-American honors and was awarded the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Midwest Women’s Regional Track Athlete of the Year. Race highlights included first place at the 2014 Big 12 Outdoor Championships 5K in 17:01 and second place at the 2015 Big 12 Outdoor Championships 10K in 34:23. Additionally, Moen had the honor of being the Iowa State Women’s Cross Country team captain for her last two years.

Moen attended the 2015 RunPro Camp and shortly thereafter joined Team USA Minnesota to pursue her postcollegiate distance running career.

LUKE PUSKEDRA Puskedra found his love for running in the third grade when running the mile in P.E. He started competing in cross country during middle school in his native Ogden, UT. His competitive running continued at Judge Memorial High School where he won individual and team titles in cross country and track.

He was recruited by and attended the University of Oregon where he was an 11-time All-American and graduated in Sports Business. Puskedra’s highest finishes at Oregon include team cross country title, third individual place in cross country, and fourth individual place in the 10K. In 2012 while in his junior year at Oregon, Puskedra made his road running debut.

He ran a 1:01.36 in the Houston Half Marathon. From that moment on, he found a new love for training and road racing. That year he also finished second in the New Haven 20K USA Championship with a 58:48, and eighth overall at the Olympic Trials 10K with a 27:56. His road racing career has progressed steadily since then. In 2015 Puskedra won the Rock ‘n’ Roll Portland Half Marathon with a time of 1:05 and also placed first at the Vancouver Sun Run 10K with 28:53. Following receipt of his Roads Scholar grant, Puskedra was first American and fifth overall at the 2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, finishing with a time of 2:10:24.

“My main focus this year is to make the U.S. Olympic Marathon team and race well at the Olympics,” Puskedra said. “To help achieve this goal I will continue to compete in road races to sharpen my racing skills.”

Winter 2016 ClubRunning • 25

Program Spotlight

Feetures! Supports Kids Run the Nation to Grow Youth Running Programs

By Erica Gminski, RRCA Youth Programs Coordinator

Feetures!, a leader in the performance running sock category, and the RRCA are pleased to announce their new partnership. Feetures! will directly contribute to the Kids Run the Nation Fund as the top pledge supporter for 2016. Feetures!’s support of the Kids Run the Nation Fund will increase the RRCA’s grant-giving ability by 50% for 2016, enabling grants to be awarded to an additional 10–15 deserving youth running programs, growing 2016 giving to $30,000 or more.

Hugh Gaither launched Feetures! in 2002 after spending 25+ years with a leading manufacturer of athletic socks. His son Joe, who was 15 at the time, came up with the Feetures! name during a brainstorming session around the dinner table, and thus a brand was launched. Soon after, the brand firmly established itself as a leader in the specialty running market.

Along with his now-adult sons John and Joe, Hugh Gaither has

developed a family-operated business based in Charlotte, NC, whose mission and core values reflect the family’s desire to support runners and athletes in their pursuit of healthy, active lifestyles. In creating a line of high-quality performance running socks that combine comfort and technology to enhance the performance of runners at all levels, Feetures! consistently delivers on its three core promises to provide real benefits to its consumers: fit, feel, and durability. Feetures! maintains an unmatched level of personalized service based on the core values of quality, accountability, simplicity, adaptability, sustainability, and innovation.

“We’re thrilled to provide the RRCA’s Kids Run the Nation Fund with this opportunity to reach more children and foster the next generation of runners,” says Joe Gaither, Feetures!’s director of marketing.

“The missions of Feetures! and Kids Run the Nation are closely aligned in working to encourage healthy lifestyles through physical activity.”

For all the reasons you run, Feetures! and Feetures! socks are proud to support you. To learn more, visit www.feeturesrunning.com.

RRCA Awards $22,000+ in Kids Run the Nation Grants Youth running programs serving more than 11,000 children in the U.S. received needed financial support from the RRCA to combat the inactivity crisis and getting kids active through running.

In October, the RRCA provided grants to 28 youth running programs through the Kids Run the Nation Grant Fund. The programs serve more than 11,000 children and received a total of $22,760 in grants from the RRCA. In addition the RRCA donated more than 13,000 copies of “Kids Run the Nation: A Running Guide for Kids” booklets to 26 other programs, an in-kind donation from the RRCA valued at over $14,000.

“The youth running programs receiving grant funding this year represent the breadth and depth of the Kids Run the Nation Fund’s impact, both geographically and demographically,” said Erica Gminski, RRCA youth program coordinator.

Congratulations to these programs: Trek Around Tazewell (Tremont, IL), Maverick Running Club (Austin, TX), Scott Scorpions Run Club (Chester, VA), Gastineau Trail Runners (Juneau, AK), W.W. Gordon Elementary Jogging Club (North Chesterfield, VA), Manhattan Cross Country Club (Manhattan, KS), Trailblazers Running Club (Stamford, CT), Spring Mills Sprinters (Martinsburg, WV), Kids Run the Nation George Cromwell Elementary (Glen Burnie, MD), Knoxville Youth Runs! (Knoxville, TN), Miller Fitness Challenge (Holliston, MA), Kids Run Flagstaff (Flagstaff, AZ), Rockland Road Runners Kids Program (Congers, NY), SRE Mileage Club (St. Rose, LA), Zucker Middle Running Club (North Charleston, SC), Run Away Mustangs (Bluffton, SC), SRA Kids (Sacramento, CA), Blazing Bulldogs Run Club (Tualatin, OR), Viejo Run Club (Mission Viejo, CA), Heliotrope Kids Run the Nation (Maywood, CA), Crimfit Summer Running Club (Flint, MI), McKinley Running Club (Tulsa, OK), Saint Louis Blazers (Brentwood, MO), Waupaca Mighty Milers

26 • ClubRunning Winter 2016

(Waupaca, WI), Kids Run for Fun (Bloomington, IL), LOW Running Bears (Baudette, MN), Countdown to Fitness – Space Coast Final Mile (Melbourne, FL), and Wise Kids In Motion (St. Paul, MN).

A detailed list and compelling profiles of this year’s Kids Run the Nation grantees can be found at www.rrca.org/programs/kids-run-thenation-fund/2015/.

“The need to financially support youth running continues to grow as more evidence-based research shows that organized running programs for youth are a key component in combating childhood obesity,” explained Jean Knaack, RRCA executive director. “Foundations and corporations need to stop funding studies on the problem of inactivity and start putting more money into funding the solution: activity programs. We received more than 275 applications for programs that are getting 75,000+ children running regularly, and they are all deserving of financial support.”

The RRCA’s Kids Run the Nation program is a gender-inclusive, multiweek, turnkey, youth running program designed to meet the physical activity goals outlined by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Since 2007 the RRCA has provided over $137,000 in small grants to deserving youth running programs, serving over 80,000 children, through the Kids Run the Nation Fund.

The RRCA’s vision is to help establish locally managed youth running programs in every school in America.

RRCA.org

Program Spotlight

RRCA Announces Distance Running Hall of Fame Inductees 45th class includes Olympians Shalane Flanagan & Jon Anderson and legendary coach Bob Larsen

SHALANE FLANAGAN (born July 1981) is a distinguished American runner who grew up in Marblehead, MA. She currently holds six American records: 3000 meters (indoor), 5000 meters (indoor), 10,000 meters, 10K, 15K and 25K. Flanagan ran the 10,000 meters for the first time at the 2008 Stanford Payton Jordan invite, finishing in a time of 30:34.49 to break Deena Kastor’s American record of 30:50.32.

At the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials held in Eugene, OR, Flanagan competed in both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters, winning the 10,000 meters in 31:34.81. This guaranteed her a spot on Team USA for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. On Aug. 16, 2008, Flanagan finished third in the Olympic 10,000 meter final, capturing the bronze medal. In that race, she also set an American record of 30:22.22, bettering her own mark from earlier that year. She is only the second American woman to win an Olympic medal in the 10,000 meters. On Jan. 14, 2012, Flanagan won the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston, setting the event record, clocking 2:25:38, and later, the 2011 World Cross Country Championships bronze medalist represented Team USA at the 2012 London Olympic Marathon, finishing 10th in 2:25:51.

Flanagan also holds a unique distinction: She’s one half of the only mother-daughter combination in the RRCA Hall of Fame. Her mother, Cheryl Treworgy, was inducted into the RRCA Hall of Fame in 1988.

JON ANDERSON (born October 1949) is a lifelong resident of Eugene, OR, where he was coached by the legendary Bill Bowerman.

Anderson is credited with contributing to the establishment of Eugene as a “mecca” for running. He is best known for his remarkable 1973 Boston Marathon win on a hot, sunny day. Anderson, just 23, passed Finland’s defending champion, Olavi Suomalainen, after 20 miles to take the lead and win by nearly two minutes with a time of 2:16:03.

That race also made him the first runner to win any major international sporting event in Nike shoes.

Anderson won his first marathon title at the 1972 Petaluma Marathon. Upon graduating from Cornell University in 1971, he finished third at the Olympic Trials in the 10,000 meters, qualifying for the 1972 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team. At the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, he placed eighth in his 10,000 meter heat, not qualifying for the finals, but still setting a personal record (28:34.2).

In 1973, following his Boston win, Anderson placed fourth in the international and highly competitive Fukuoka Marathon, which

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PhotoRun.net (Shalane), Courtesy of Jacqueline Hansen (Jon), Courtesy of BobLarsenFilm.com (Bob Larsen)

Since 1971, the RRCA has honored dedicated individuals for their contributions and service to the sport of distance running through its National Distance Running Hall of Fame. We are delighted to announce the 2016 inductees, who will be honored at the upcoming RRCA National Running Awards Ceremony on Saturday, March 19 in Dallas.

at the time was the unofficial world championship. Later, he won the 1975 Nike OTC Marathon in Eugene and represented the U.S. in the 1977 World Cross Country Championships. He set his personal best marathon at the 1980 Nike OTC Marathon, placing fourth and recording a 2:12:08.

BOB LARSEN (born January 1939) is a Hall of Fame distance and track & field coach, known mainly for coaching distance runners, although he has had success coaching across the full range of events.

Larsen is arguably the most highly decorated distance and track & field coach in the U.S. Overall, he has achieved extraordinary success as a coach at every level: high school, community college, university and open divisions, as portrayed in a recent documentary film about his career, City Slickers Can’t Stay with Me. The film can be accessed at www.boblarsenfilm.com.

Coach Larsen enjoyed 21 seasons of cross country and 16 seasons of track & field at UCLA, winning two NCAA outdoor team titles (1987-88). The Minnesota native was National Coach of the Year three times (1987-88, 1995) and Pac-10 Coach of the Year nine times.

In 1980 he was NCAA National Cross Country Coach of the Year.

His remarkable dual meet record was 118-3-1. His teams achieved 12 unbeaten seasons and never lost to UCLA’s crosstown rival, USC. In 1999, Larsen retired from UCLA and cofounded Team Running USA (now Mammoth Track Club) in 2001. Over the years, the Mammoth Track Club has been the training base for many elite American distance runners and is widely regarded as one of the premier distance training centers in the United States. For the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Larsen was selected as Team USA’s distance coach.

Larsen has coached his most notable athlete, Meb Keflezighi, since Keflezighi’s UCLA freshman days. Keflezighi’s accomplishments include four NCAA titles, an American record at 10,000 meters, silver medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympic Marathon, fourth at the 2012 London Olympic Marathon, first in the 2009 New York City Marathon and at the 2014 Boston Marathon.

Winter 2016 ClubRunning • 27

Championship Spotlight

RRCA National 10K Championship

By Maggie Craig, RRCA Operations Assistant

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On Oct. 25, 2015 the Marine Corps Marathon 10K celebrated its 10th annual race in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital. 7,777 athletes came out to compete in the 10K, held in conjunction with the historic Marine Corps Marathon, which was celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Runners ranging from first-time racers to RRCA championship hopefuls came to be a part of the race. At the 10K starting line in Washington, DC, just miles from the start of the marathon, everyone could feel the adrenaline and positive energy as Miss DC preceded the start of the race with a patriotic rendition of the National Anthem. A sea of eager racers ignored the light drizzle that began early that morning as they awaited the sound of the cannon that signaled the start of the race. An assembly of cheers and â&#x20AC;&#x153;oo-rahsâ&#x20AC;? erupted from the crowd and spectators as athletes started their 6.2 mile trek from the National Mall to the finish line across the Potomac River at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Rosslyn, VA. Marines lined the race route, offering cheers of support and high fives to the thousands of racers.

be entering later that morning. The MCM 10Kâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;presented by Aetnaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;was the 2015 RRCA 10K National Championship event.

As runners wound their way through the streets of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital and over the 14th Street Bridge to Virginia, they were met in the final mile by crowds of friends, family, and Marines encouraging them up the final hill to the joint finish chute that marathoners would

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RRCA National 10K Champions OVERALL

Jack Dasilva, 34:01 (30, Arlington, VA) Leonora Petrina, 35:51 (33, Bayport, NY) MASTERS

Joseph Galvin, 36:01 (49, Holly Ridge, NC) Debra Rudisill, 41:12 (46, Vienna, VA) GRAND MASTERS

Clint Dowd, 39:22 (51, Goffstown, NH) Michelle Allen, 44:32 (52, Fleming Island, FL) SENIOR GRAND MASTERS

Wayne Heckler, 43:39 (65, Madison, AL) Rhonda Fosser, 50:18 (64, Lakeland, FL)

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28 â&#x20AC;˘ ClubRunningWinter 2016

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Championship Spotlight

Nashville Ultra National Championship

By Andy Smith, RRCA Program Coordinator Club, which brought along a strong cheering section.

The out-and-back course had as many as five designated checkpoints, with volunteers carefully verifying runners as they came through. Participants had the option of deciding midrace if they wanted to shorten or lengthen the distance they initially planned to run. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For whatever reason, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always loved running very long distances,â&#x20AC;? said race director Dennis Freeman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When they first started building this trail system, I knew it would be the perfect place for an ultra. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thrilled to see how big itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s become, and that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been able to be supported by the RRCA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Days like today, when the weather is just right and you see how supportive the runners are for one another, you get great performances,â&#x20AC;? Freeman continued. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is really the best of our sport on display.â&#x20AC;?

RRCA National Ultra Champions OPEN Isaac Richardson, 6:32:32 (18, Columbus, IN) Emily Bello, 7:20:52 (30, Louisville, KY) MASTERS Todd Bello, 7:20:52 (42, Louisville, KY) Patty Jansen, 9:18:34 (50, Mason, IL) GRAND MASTERS Jeff Spodnik, 7:55:14 (51, Nashville) (No female completed the 50-mile distance) SENIOR GRAND MASTERS Richard Westbrook, 9:48:10 (68, Jonesboro, GA) (No female completed the 50-mile distance)

58th RRCA National Championship Event Series The RRCA Championship Event Series* boasts over 200 races that attract over 330,000 runners nationwide at the state, regional, and national levels. We invite you to run in the 2016 RRCA National Championship Event Series, which provides awards for winners at the open, master, grand master, and senior grand master levels.

March 3, 2016 NAPA VALLEY MARATHON â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Napa, CA www.NapaValleyMarathon.org June 18, 2016 GO MILE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; LIttle Rock, AR www.GoRunning.com/GoMile/ August 6, 2016 DEBBIE GREEN 5K â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wheeling, WV** www.DebbieGreen5K.com August 13, 2016 READY FOR FALL? 5K CROSS COUNTRY SPARTANBURG, SC www.Go-GreenEvents.com August 20, 2016 PARKERSBURG NEWS AND SENTINEL HALF MARATHON** Parkersburg, WV www.NewsAndSentinelHalfMarathon.com September 9, 2016 FORT4FITNESS 10K â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fort Wayne, IN www.Fort4Fitness.org October 25, 2016 RUN FOR THE WATER 10 MILE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Austin, TX** www.RunForTheWater.com November 5, 2016 NASHVILLE ULTRA MARATHON â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nashville, TN www.NashvilleUltra.com

Andy Smith

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LQ FDVK SUL]H PRQH\ LV RIIHUHG E\ UDFHV LQ WKH RRCA National Championship Series.

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Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2030;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â? Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x203A; Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192; Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x192;Â&#x2026; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2018;Â?Ǥ

RRCA Championship Series Sponsors Gatorade Endurance â&#x20AC;˘ Sports Authority Ashworth Awards â&#x20AC;˘ FORTIUS Media Group, LLC Scan the code to view the full RRCA Championship Event Series Calendar.

Winter 2016 ClubRunning â&#x20AC;˘ 29

Dennis D. Steinauer

Showcasing Nashvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent and expanding Greenway System, the Nashville (TN) Ultra Marathon, held on Nov. 7, rounded out the 2015 RRCA National Championship Event series. The race took place on 90% paved trails, some of which cut through portions of downtown. Runners had the option to run the 50K, 60K, 70K, or 50-mile distance. The largest field competed in the 50-mile course, as it was the RRCA National Ultra Championship.

Taking advantage of cool, crisp, overcastâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;nearly perfectâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;running conditions, Isaac Richardson, 20, Nashville, took first place with a time of 6:32:00. Race officials believed it was likely a record for the race as most top finishers had turned in times closer to seven hours in previous years.

A student at Vanderbilt University, Richardson set a fast pace from the start. He ran the first 17 miles in 2:05:00, and remained comfortably in first place throughout the rest of the race. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew after the first couple of miles [that] I had a chance to turn in a good time,â&#x20AC;? said Richardson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You get a little worried about fading when you start out so fast, but the course was nice and flat. I told myself to just keep hammering until you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it anymore, and I ended up being able to finish strong.â&#x20AC;?

This is only Richardsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second 50-mile race; he had finished his first one closer to 7:20:00.

Richardsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upbeat sentiments were shared by many of the finishers. This was the first ultra for many, including a strong contingent from RRCA member St. Louis Track

Road Runners Club of America

Coaching Spotlight

Meet Cari Setzler, RRCA Coaching Certification Instructor

By Andy Smith, RRCA Program Coordinator

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Cari Setzler, DVM is a coaching certification instructor for the RRCA’s Coaching Certification Program. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology at Aquinas College while earning All-American Honors eight times and was national runnerup in the indoor 1000 meters. Setzler then moved to Michigan State University where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She is also a certified level II USATF endurance coach and is certified in running mechanics through Newton Running. In 2010, she cofounded Fast Finish Coaching, through which she has helped athletes ranging from first-time 5K runners to Olympic Trials hopefuls reach their goals. She has practiced small animal medicine at The Animal Hospital of McHenry since 2004, while managing The Running Depot in Crystal Lake, IL. Setzler continues to train and compete with the Chicago Area Runners Association circuit and in national-level USATF and USAT events. Ǥ Ǥ Ƥ Ǥ ͓ Ǥ

How did you become a runner?

I started in high school as a sprinter. I ran the 100 and the 200, and— reluctantly—the 400. I was convinced to run cross country to get in shape for track. I went to college as a sprinter, but soon found out that a 58 in the 400 does not cut it, which started my middle distance and distance running career.

What’s your proudest personal running accomplishment?

Finishing second in the nation in the indoor 1000 and still holding the Aquinas College record in that event.

A similar but slightly different question: What’s your favorite running memory?

Finishing second in the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon in 2011.

What inspired you to become an instructor for the RRCA Coaching Certification Program?

People are looking for great leaders, coaches, and mentors. Teaching coaches the framework to be[come] more effective in their role as a coach is an incredible opportunity for me.

Can you briefly outline your coaching philosophy?

• Anyone can run.

• Hard work over time beats talent—or makes talent work to higher levels.

• Consistency is the key to improving as a runner.

• You’re training energy systems, not just skills.

• Don’t waste a heartbeat. Take advantage of opportunities now. Time waits for no one.

What’s the biggest misconception most people have about being a running coach?

You don’t have to be a fast runner to coach fast people.

If there’s one takeaway for new coaches when you teach the RRCA Coaching Certification Course, what would that be?

I often say that there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Every time I teach the course I learn a new approach to coaching or thinking about coaching from the attendees. Teaching the courses has made me a better coach! It takes three things to be a great coach: 1. Develop a coaching philosophy. This will guide every decision you make as a coach.

2. Understand the demands of the event your athlete plans to run.

3. Understand what workouts will meet those demands, and that it’s about consistent training over time.

What’s your personal favorite running workout?

It’s a middle distance workout from college: 600:500:400 at 800-meter race pace with a 4-minute standing recovery, followed by 300:200:150 at 400-meter race pace with another 4-minute standing recovery.

Fill in the blank: You know you’re a runner when ... you have more running shoes than dress shoes!

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What’s your favorite city you’ve visited while teaching the RRCA Coaching Certification Course?

It’s a toss-up between Spokane and New Orleans. Both cities are very welcoming, runner-friendly, and unique. Spokane embraces running through all of its paths and even artwork. Seeing New Orleans rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina was such a sense of pride in the human spirit.

Running through downtown New Orleans before the city was awake is an experience I will never forget.

30 • ClubRunningWinter 2016

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Offer good thru 3/31/16.

T ICK TOCK I T ’S T I M E .

It’s time to put races on the calendar.

Time to tear down your ego and build up your base.

Time to run doubt into the ground.

Time to go because one second standing still is a second you’re behind.

It ’s time for the VANQUISH 2 – our lightest, max-cushioned shoe yet. hokaoneone.com