Chicago Athlete 2018 January/February Issue

MEET OUR

2018 Chicago Athlete Ambassador Team

chicago athlete ENDURANCE SPORTS AND FITNESS

magazine

CROSSING BORDERS

PYEONG-

CHANG

2018

AND FINISH LINES

TRY A RACE IN A NEW PLACE:

AT-HOME

MAKE 2018 THE YEAR OF EXPERIENCES

GUIDE

TO THE WINTER OLYMPICS

TECHNOLOGY USING NEW GADGETS TO ACHIEVE GOALS

+CATCH THE

+

TAKEOVER

BIRKIE FEVER THE AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER:

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

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EDITOR’S NOTE

New Adventures and Technology

With the start of every new year, most athletes take the time to reflect back on the previous year, and set goals for the upcoming one. In 2017, I tried my first triathlon, ran a half marathon with one of my good friends from college before she moved for graduate school, and I bought myself a big girl mountain bike! In 2018, my eyes are set on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon; after covering it the past two years, I’ve come to realize and appreciate not only the event but the community and effort surrounding it, and I feel like I can’t consider myself a Chicago Athlete without doing it. Follow me throughout the year as I share my training experiences online and on social media.

Enough about me, let’s talk about you! We want to set you up for success this year and this issue has everything you need to make that happen. On page 26, we spoke with Garmin, Samsung and a few local running stores to find out which technologies, including fitness trackers and pace alert programs, are the best to help athletes achieve their goals. On page 14, the Chicago Area Runner’s Association discusses the benefits of joining a club in the new year.

All success comes from a good plan, and a good plan comes from having an open mind. On page 22, we talk about the advantages of trying a race outside of your comfort zone, and better yet, outside of your borders! Marathon Tours is a company that organizes race-cations, so why not get the best of both worlds of trying a new race and seeing a new place.

If you need help building your race schedule for the year, check out Chicago Athlete’s online race calendar, MyRacePal, at www.myracepal.com. It’s easy to find and add races to your unique calendar and it’s free to use.

A common New Year’s resolution for athletes is revamping their diet, and every year, new nutrition fads rise to the surface.

Whole Foods predicted 10 of 2018’s heath trends; read them on page 10 and see if they’ll work with your regimen.

For the cyclists in the area, winter is the perfect time to do some up-keep on your bike, because while it may seem far away, spring will be here before you know it. Read our winter maintenance tips on page 16.

Another reason to look forward to 2018 is the Winter Olympics! Get all the details you need for the two-week event on page 9. Want to involve your kids? On page 18, we tell you how to create an at-home Winter Olympics, perfect for a snow day or weekend with no plans.

If you want to take your winter sports skills to the next level, check out the American Birkebeiner, the largest cross-country ski marathon in the country, right in Wisconsin! We have all the details on page 20 and talk with a Chicagoan who’s participated several times. Be careful, you might catch “Birkie Fever!”

A new year is the perfect opportunity to start fresh, and aside from this issue, our website will be updated with more tips on achieving goals and making resolutions. Follow us at www.mychicagoathlete.com every day.

Cheers to a

New Year!

Holly Petrovich

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CONTENTS ON THE

chicago athlete

COVER American Birkebeiner

magazine

Photo by: ©American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation/Kelly Randolph

PUBLISHER

1.01.18

Eliot Wineberg | x201 gorun@mychicagoathlete.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Holly Petrovich | x208 editor@mychicagoathlete.com Active Kids Christine Palmquist chrisorjeff@sbcglobal.net Cycling Highlights Lindsay Knight lindsay.knight@gmail.com Ever yday Athlete Mark Buciak theroadtoboston@rcn.com

ART/PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR

Kelli Lambertsen | x206 kelli@mychicagoathlete.com PHOTOGRAPHER Ali Engin

ADVERTISING SALES

Jonathan Cain | x210 jcain@mychicagoathlete.com NATIONAL SALES Jeremy Solomon | x202 jeremy@mychicagoathlete.com

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CROSSING BORDERS AND FINISH LINES

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by Chicago Sports Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

Chicago Athlete magazine is published five times per year and is available through paid subscription and newsstands at more than 500 locations. Visit www.mychicagoathlete.com for our distribution list.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSION: Unsolicited materials are welcome and will be considered for Chicago Athlete magazine. The publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Chicago Athlete magazine is not responsible for returning unsolicited materials. Please send all materials to: editor@mychicagoathlete.com. For any other additional submission guidelines, please contact our editor, Holly Petrovich.

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Second Glance

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5

SCOOP

UPDATE:

PRODUCT

CHICAGO PATH CONSTRUCTION

REVIEW

In November, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and other Chicago officials conducted an official ribbon cutting to open the path between Fullerton and North Avenues. This is the second segment of the path completed, the first being a 1.5 mile stretch between 31st and 41st completed in July.

AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Wireless Headphones YOUR NEXT RUNNING NECESSITY I received the AfterShokz Trekz Titanium headphones to include in our Holiday Gift Guide, but I thought they were too cool to not give them a full review. Plus, I am a huge sucker for anything Bluetooth, especially after purchasing an iPhone X which doesn’t have a headphone jack.

AfterShokz is known for creating headphones with bone-conduction technology, or an open-ear design.

This allows the user to listen to music without blowing out their ear drums.

After reading the manual and figuring out what each of the four buttons did, I tried them out. However, apparently reading the manual wasn’t enough for me because I wore them upside down the entire time.

In fact, I was going to write a review after just one use, with my only complaint being they didn’t stay in place, but by wearing them properly that problem was solved.

So, I tried my Trekz Titanium a second time, and was very pleased. Although there is no adjustability, the size of the band connecting the earpieces is big enough to fit anyone’s head. As someone with a narrower head, it did gap a little, making wearing a winter headband a

GET CONNECTED! Are you following Chicago Athlete on social media? Join the conversation today to stay up to date on everything in the Chicago endurance scene.

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little difficult; these might be more indoor or summer headphones for that reason.

Sound-wise, I give these headphones an 11 out of 10.

I was skeptical about the bone-conduction technology and the “music through your cheekbones” concept, but it really works. I’d even say these are the clearest, best-sounding headphones I’ve ever had. Plus, runners often get criticized when wearing headphones for not being able to pay attention to their surroundings, but Trekz Titanium headphones offer the best of both worlds; cars and other noises came in sharp, and I was still able to focus on my music.

As if this wasn’t enough, the Trekz Titanium headphones are sweat proof and dustproof, ensuring a long-lasting experience. If something does happen, AfterShokz offers a two-year warranty on all purchases. The headphones are lightweight, comfortable, and last up to six hours on one charge. What else could an athlete need?

Trekz Titanium wireless headphones come in fi ve diff erent colors and they can be purchased online for $129.95.

By Holly Petrovich

www.facebook.com/ChicagoAthlete @ChicagoAthlete @chicagoathlete ChicagoAthlete

The next section to be completed is between the Chicago River to Roosevelt Road and 31st street, set to open this spring. The segment between Montrose and Ardmore will open this summer, with the entire 18-mile path, from Ardmore Avenue to 71st street, fully separated by the end of the year.

In addition to the Lakefront Trail Separation, the Navy Pier Flyover will also be complete in 2018. Upon completion, pedestrians and cyclists will be able to travel along the Lakefront Trail uninterrupted from Jane Addams Park on the North Side all the way to the North Side of the river, Chicago Department of Transportation Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld said.

For more updates visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/ lakefront-trail/.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: CELEBRATING 50 YEARS In 2018, Special Olympics will be celebrating its 50 year anniversary. “The spark that became today’s Special Olympics movement ignited at the first 1968 International Summer Games in Chicago,” its website says.

PyeongChang Olympics WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THE 2018 WINTER GAMES PyeongChang, South Korea, will host the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games with the 17 days of Olympic competition set to take place from Feb. 9-25. More than 2,800 athletes from 95 nations are expected to participate in 15 sport disciplines, the Games’ website states. South Korea will welcome the world’s greatest athletes for its second time, having previously hosted the Olympic Games in 1988.

Events Throughout the 17 days, athletes will compete in 102 events in seven sports, with 15 different disciplines.

The Games will be the first ever Olympic Winter Games with over 100 gold medals. Four new events will be added to the schedule; the events are Snowboard Big Air, Speed Skating Mass Start, Curling Mixed Doubles, and Alpine Skiing Team Event.

The Games will kick off with the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 9 at the PyeongChang Olympic Stadium, a temporary structure that can hold 35,000 spectators. Most snow sports will also take place in PyeongChang, and the Closing Ceremony will be held there on Feb. 25. Alpine speed events will be held in Jeongseon, and all ice sports will take place in the coastal city of Gangneung.

United States Athletes The 2018 U.S. Olympic Team is expected to reach approximately 240 athletes, according to the Team USA website. For the full list, including athlete’s bios and photos, visit https://www.teamusa.org/pyeongchang-2018-olympic-winter-games/team-usa/athletes.

How to Watch from Home For the first time, TV viewers in all United States time zones will have access to live coverage of the Games, instead of a delayed replay, according to CNN. The Games will be broadcast on NBC, NBCSN and across the networks of NBC Universal. Viewers can also download the NBC Sports app.

Full detailed completion schedules, TV listings and live streaming schedules will be available on NBCOlympics.com.

“Five decades later, Special Olympics are returning to Chicago to launch the year-long global Special Olympics 50th Anniversary celebrations in July 2018.”

Fun Facts • PyeongChang 2018 will set the record for the greatest number of women’s and mixed events in the history of Olympic Winter Games.

• This year’s emblem symbolizes a world open to everyone; it combines the image of ice and snow, winter sports stars and people from all over the world, coming together in PyeongChang where heaven meets earth.

• The medals, unveiled on Dec. 11, have been in spired by the Korean culture and its alphabet, hangeul. The medals are 92.5 millimeters in diameter and 9.42 millimeters in width.

• Lee Suk-woo, a South Korean industrial designer who designed the Olympic medals, also produced the Paralympic medals, which have similar design principals. The Paralympics will take place from March 9-18.

• The mascot of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 is Soohorang, or the white tiger, which has been long considered Korea’s guardian animal. “Soohorang not only has a dauntless spirit and passion but also is a trust worthy friend who protects the athletes, spectators and all participants in the Olympic Games,” the Games website says.

• The only other Aisan country to host the Olympic Games twice is Japan, having hosted the Olympic Winter Games in both 1972 (Sapporo) and 1998 (Nagano).

• South Korea is 14 hours ahead of Chicago, so be sure to get your DVR set for events happening in the middle of the night.

For more information, visit PyeongChang2018.com.

Special Olympics International, Special Olympics Illinois and Special Children’s Charities in Chicago will work together to host a week of events to celebrate the first 50 years of Special Olympics. Events planned for July 2018 in Chicago include the first-ever Special Olympics Unified Cup. Also planned is a star-studded Global Day of Inclusion, where the public can “Play Unified” and join in fun athletic competition with Special Olympics athletes. There will also be the ceremonial lighting of the Special Olympics Eternal Flame of Hope, which will symbolize their burning passion for inclusion and justice for people with intellectual disabilities.

For more information, visit http://www.specialolympics. org/50th.aspx

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

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SCOOP

ABBOTTWMM ANNOUNCES NEW AGE-GROUP WORLD RANKINGS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS

First Mobile Bike Shop BEELINE BIKES, A FULL-SERVICE MOBILE BIKE SHOP, ANNOUNCED THE LAUNCH OF BEELINE BIKES POWERED BY WHEEL & SPROCKET, ITS FIRST ILLINOIS LOCATION. THIS NEW MOBILE BIKE SHOP IS OWNED AND OPERATED BY WHEEL & SPROCKET, LED BY NOEL KEGEL, AND OFFERS EXPERT BIKE SERVICE AND ADVICE WITH A FULLY STOCKED MOBILE BIKE REPAIR SHOP THAT TRAVELS TO THE CUSTOMER AT THE LOCATION, DAY AND TIME OF THEIR CHOOSING. Th rough an exclusive partnership with Raleigh and Diamondback Bikes, Beeline also off ers bike sales and delivery, as well as parts, service and accessories throughout Chicagoland. Beeline Bikes Powered by Wheel & Sprocket provides an unparalleled and convenient bike repair service to Chicago and surrounding communities.

“Wheel & Sprocket has been in business since the 1970s, but we understood that the nature of retail was rapidly evolving, especially in large metropolitan areas like Chicago because of increasing demand for convenience,” said Kegel.

“As we looked to evolve our business, we really relied on Beeline Bikes’ technology platform and business model to help us segue into this new era of retail and transact beyond the four walls of our

2018 RACES

brick and mortar shop. We’re excited to extend our great service with the support and guidance of Beeline, and look forward to continue growing with the concept.”

Beeline Bikes Powered by Wheel & Sprocket will deliver any new bike purchased on the Raleigh Bikes USA and Diamondback Bikes websites in Chicagoland assembled and readyto-ride for no additional cost. Through its unmatched convenience and personal service, Beeline is reinventing how people interact with bike shops.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment online, please visit BeelineBikes.com or call 855-58-BIKES.

Start Plannning Your 2018 Race Schedule with MyRacePal As athletes, the beginning of the year is one of the biggest times for motivation and planning. Rather than writing everything down and stressing to keep your goal and scheudles in line, why not have it all in one place?

Our online calendar, MyRacePal, allows athletes to create their own race schedules, and share with friends to encourage greater participation and fitness. Search through dozens of races each month, register, and save them to your personal calendar to help keep yourself accountable.

All you have to do to get started is log on to www.MyRacePal.com and create a free account. Start 2018 off right with organization and trying new events.

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Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM), the collective of the world’s six greatest marathons, and partners Abbott and Wanda Group announced the creation of its first global age group marathon ranking system and age group world championships.

The new AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings will launch in September 2018 and the top-ranked age group athletes will qualify to participate in the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships in the spring of 2020. The rankings will cover age groups for men and women from age 40 to 80+.

For more than a decade AbbottWMM has celebrated the world’s best professional marathon runners and wheelchair athletes competing in the Tokyo, Boston, Virgin Money London, BMW BERLIN, Bank of America Chicago and TCS New York City Marathons, as well as at the IAAF World Championship and Olympic marathons.

“There has been huge growth in marathon age group running and now more than 125,000 runners aged 40+ participate in AbbottWMM races each year,” said Tim Hadzima, AbbottWMM general manager. “Our series has celebrated the world’s best professional athletes for more than a decade and now it is time to formally celebrate the achievements of age group marathon runners and the truly inspiring stories of these everyday champions.”

AbbottWMM is currently working to include additional marathons as qualifying races. As events are added, the updated list will be on worldmarathonmajors.com.

Race organizers may contact the AbbottWMM team at info@wmmajors.com to obtain further details.

Photo by Howie Stern & Scott Rokis Photography

DOUGLAS BEATTIE

Douglas Beattie’s running career started in the mid-1980’s when he joined track in high school; his events were the mile and two mile, but even then he wanted to keep running. However, after graduation, he stopped running for 25 years and dealt with some medical problems, but rekindled his love in 2010. Beattie began running half marathons and eventually full marathons, but still finding that urge to run longer. He did his first 50 miler in 2013 where he set his PR at 8:28:24. Two years later, Beattie finished his first 100 miler at the Hennepin 100, and also set a PR with a time of 24:55:39. This year, Beattie took it to the next level, and registered for and completed the triple crown of 200 mile races: Bigfoot200, Tahoe200 and Moab240. “I set my endurance PR of racing 650 miles in just over 60 days,” Beattie says.

MISSY BACIK

Missy Bacik grew up with a family of runners, in Lansing, Mich., and all four of her siblings did cross country or track, so she joined the trend. She fell in love with running early on and ran competitively in high school, continuing her running career at Central Michigan University, where she was a cross country and track distance runner. Right after college, Bacik was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, and had to take a break from running.

With some lung scarring, Bacik is limited in how much she can run, but is now able to run some races, and recently won the Wheaton Hot Cider Hustle 8 Mile with a time of 51:07. As the manager of the Dick Pond Athletics store in Lisle, Bacik started racing with the Dick Pond Racing Team. “When I do race, I’m really happy to be doing it … I know what it is like not to be healthy enough to run,” Bacik says.

I wIll run / trI harder extraordInary runs september 15 Moonlight Miles | Oak Ridge Cemetery Night runs with 5K, Quarter Marathon & Half Marathon november 17 Abe’s Trail Trek 5k, 10k, Half Marathon unIQue trIathlons aprIl 21 Abe’s Mini and Pioneer Sprint Triathlons may 19 Capital City Biathlon June 1 Legacy of Giving(LOG) 5k & 10k Runs at Oak Ridge Cemetery June 16 Stovepipe Sprint and Railsplitter Olympic Triathlons July 28 Stoneman Sprint, Iron Abe Olympic and Route 66 Half Iron Triathlons

editor@mychicagoathlete.com

auGust 26 Dan Adair Memorial Triathlon expires 2/16

10% off with discount code CA2018 www.triharderpromotions.com

nutrition

Whole foods market’s top 10 trends for 2018 In november, Whole Foods market’s global buyers and experts announced the most antIcIpated Food trends For 2018. Floral Flavors, FunctIonal mushrooms and root-to-stem recIpes are Just a FeW. the seasoned trend-spotters thoughtFully compIled thIs lIst based on more than 100 years oF combIned experIence In product sourcIng and

Recipes

Before the Start Line menu option

What you put inside your body is just as important as what you make your body do during training.

studyIng consumer preFerences.

1 Floral Flavors

Foragers and culinary stars have embraced edible petals for years, but floral inspiration is finally in full bloom. From adding whole flowers and petals into dishes to infusing botanical flavors into drinks and snacks, this top trend makes for a subtly sweet taste and fresh aromatics.

2 Super Powders

Powders have found their way into lattés, smoothies, and nutrition bars. For an energy boost, powders like matcha, maca root and cacao are popular. Even protein powders have evolved beyond bodybuilders to pack in new nutrients like skin- and hair-enhancing collagen.

3 Functional Mushrooms

Shoppers are buzzing about functional mushrooms, which are traditionally used to support wellness as an ingredient in dietary supplements.

Now, varieties like reishi, chaga, cordyceps and lion’s mane star are in a variety of products. Bottled drinks, coffees, smoothies and teas are a few.

4 Feast from the Middle East

Things like hummus, pita and falafel were tasty entry points to Middle Eastern foods, but now consumers are ready to explore the ingredients of Middle Eastern cultures, with Persian, Israeli, Moroccan, Syrian and Lebanese influences rising to the top. Other trending ingredients include pomegranate, eggplant, cucumber, parsley, mint, tahini, and dried fruits.

5 Transparency 2.0

Consumers want to know the real story behind their food and how that item made its way from the source to the store. GMO transparency is top-of-mind, but shoppers seek out other details, too, such as Fair Trade certification, responsible production and animal welfare standards. The FDA’s deadline for nutrition labeling is among the first regulatory steps for greater transparency.

6 High-Tech Goes Plant-Forward

By using science to advance recipes and manipulate plant-based ingredients and proteins,

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these techniques are creating mind-bending alternatives like “bleeding” vegan burgers or sushi-grade “not-tuna” made from tomatoes.

These new production techniques are also bringing some new varieties of nut milks and yogurts made from pili nuts, peas, bananas, macadamia nuts and pecans.

7 Puffed & Popped Snacks

New technology is revolutionizing all things puffed, popped, dried and crisped. New extrusion methods have paved the way for popped cassava chips, puffed pasta bow ties, seaweed fava chips and puffed rice clusters. Good-oldfashioned chips also get an upgrade as part of the trend, with better-for-you bites like jicama, parsnip or Brussels sprout crisps.

8 Tacos Out of Their Shell

Tacos are now showing up for breakfast, and trendy restaurants across the country have dessert variations. Most of all, tacos are shedding their shell for new kinds of wrappers and fillings too – think seaweed wrappers with poke filling. One end of the spectrum is hyper-authentic cooking with things like heirloom corn tortillas or classic barbacoa.

And thanks to brands like Siete, there are grain-free options for paleo fans too.

9 Root-to-Stem

Between nose-to-tail butchery and reducing food waste, a few forces are combining to inspire root-to-stem cooking, which makes use of the entire fruit or vegetable, including the stems or leaves that are less commonly eaten. Recipes like pickled watermelon rinds, beet-green pesto or broccoli-stem slaw have introduced consumers to new flavors and textures from old favorites.

10 Cheers to the Other Bubbly

LaCroix may have paved the way, but now there’s an entire booming category of sparkling beverages vying for consumer attention. These drinks are a far cry from their sugary predecessors. Flavored sparkling waters like plant-derived options from Sap! and sparkling cold brew from Stumptown are shaking up a fizzy fix.

Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute

IndIvIdual Shepard’S pIe wIth GratIn of MaShed potatoeS

This dish is perfect for before the race, or to refuel after with its protein and carbohydrates. The nice thing about this recipe is you can make ahead of time and reheat. Yields eight 8-ounce portions InGredIentS: Pie: 1 lb ground beef ½ lb ground lamb 1each onion-diced 4 each cloves garlic – minced 2 bags frozen corn kernels or peas or a combination of the two 1 gallon Beef Stock (two of the large containers of pre-made stock) 1 bunch Thyme or Rosemary1 cup Vegetable Oil Salt – taste Pepper – to taste Potatoes: 4-5 lb 1#

potatoes Butter Salt and White pepper

dIrectIonS: 1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Put sweet potato and butternut squash on baking tray and add honey and a drizzle of olive oil. Roast for 40-45 mins until soft and starting to caramelize at the edges, stirring occasionally.

2. Meanwhile, fry the onions in 1 tsp olive oil until soft, then add the garlic, vegetable stock, cinnamon and nutmeg. Bring to the boil, and simmer for 5 mins.

3. Remove sweet potatoes and butternut squash from oven and add to the pan with the stock. Blend everything until smooth using a stick blender. Stir in most of the cream and bring back to a gentle simmer, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Recipe source: WCHI Executive Director & Chef Marshall Shafkowitz January/February 2018

MyChiCagoathlete.CoM

WHO WILL BE THE CLIF BAR

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Over the past year, we’ve introduced you to a diverse set of outstanding athletes who have been named Clif Bar Athlete of the Month. They’re all worthy in their own way, but only one man and one woman will be named 2017 Clif Bar Athlete of the Year.

The Clif Bar Athlete of the Year winners will receive a fantastic Clif Bar prize package. The announcement will be made in our 2018 March/April issue. Send in your votes today.

JANUARY

Jim Riga

Lauren Matricardi

MARCH/APRIL

Kyle Larson

JULY

Tyler George

Lauren Zumbach

Kate DeProsperis

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

Patrick Jackson

Manon Blackman

MAY/JUNE

Michael Vanacora

Jamie Mayer

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Vachee Loughran

Alyssa Schneider

VOTE

MAIL THIS FORM TO: Chicago Athlete 7842 N. Lincoln Ave. Skokie, IL 60077

VISIT: www.mychicagoathlete.com YOUR NAME: ________________________________ One vote per person

Distributed by Clif Bar & Compan y, Emer yville, CA 94608 U.S.A. • 1-800-CLIFBAR M–F 8–5 PST ©2012 Clif Bar & Company • CLIF, BUILDER’S and LUNA are registered trademarks of Clif Bar & Company CB12.998

Join a Club,

All the Cool Kids are Doing it FINDING SUCCESS AND ENJOYMENT IN RUNNING, WITH IT BEING CONSIDERED AN INDIVIDUAL SPORT, IS OFTEN DEPENDENT ON THE COMPANY WITH WHOM WE CHOOSE TO RUN WITH. THERE DEFINITELY ARE PERKS TO SOME TIME ALONE OUT ON THE ROADS, HOWEVER, THIS NEW YEAR I ENCOURAGE YOU TO PUT AN END TO THE “LONELINESS OF THE LONG DISTANCE RUNNER” AND JOIN A RUNNING CLUB.

Register At:

Lakefront10.com

Running clubs are for more than just the competitive elite. In fact, most running clubs are fi lled with typical runners who are out there primarily for personal improvement and fulfi llment. If you have been avoiding a running club because you feel you do not belong, as long as you know how to lace up your running shoes, trust me, you belong.

Th is year it is time to maximize your experience, and get more from all those miles you are putting in and join a local running club.

Here are some reasons why:

board for training and racing strategies, injury advice or which shoes to choose.

Power of the Group

Clubs that Race Together, Stay Together

At CARA we have long believed in group training. The “Power of the Group,”as we call it, provides a sense of belonging, encouragement and motivation to keep you accountable to your run. I love running, but I have never said it is easy. Meaningful running goals take a commitment to get out the door for all of those long runs and speed training sessions.

Knowing you have a group awaiting your arrival adds accountability. Others running side-by-side with you also makes those miles go by just a little bit easier.

Community

CARA and many running clubs, are a family aff air. When you invest the time to become active in your running club you will fi nd there is more there than running. Running clubs can provide a great sense of belonging and an environment where fellow runners care about more than each other’s personal best times. Long lasting friendships, support and a true community are often a running club’s greatest benefit.

JOIN / RENEW

Been There, Done That

ONLY $35 FOR 2018

When you join an established running club you are likely to be surrounded by club mates that off er a wealth of experience and expertise. Whether your local club has a coach or not, the membership of the club can often provide, as a collective, the same benefits of a coach. Serving as a sounding

Join Chicago's largest community of runners! As a not-for-profit organization CARA works as a local advocate for runners providing opportunities to train, race, learn, be social and to volunteer.

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Meet New People

If you are looking to meet new people I will tell you that you have a better chance of forging a lasting friendship, or possibly a relationship, over six miles on Saturday morning, than through six beers on Friday night at your local bar. But then again, you may fi nd your running group enjoys some bar time too!

Many growing running groups around Chicago know that, while group runs are meaningful, racing together as a club can be a great source of camaraderie. Tackling a new distance, exploring a new event, or competing on the CARA Runners’ Choice Circuit as a team, can provide you a focus to keep the group training.

A Common Bond

Runners are a loyal bunch, and also giving.

Running clubs regularly spend time volunteering in the community, and running for charity. CARA runners gave over 40,000 volunteer hours together last year alone; nearly 1,000 CARA runners completed a marathon for a charity fundraising team. The common bond we share through running is often equal to the one we share for giving back.

Friends with Benefits

Businesses provide club members with discounts and special off ers. With typical running club memberships costing only $25 to $45, club dues can be quickly made up with a few discounts on race registrations and running gear.

Check out our list of running, biking, swimming and triathlon clubs at http://www.mychicagoathlete.com/ resources-2/clubs/ By: Greg Hipp

Eat. Compete.

Repeat.

TM

www.quicdisc.com

EvEryday Athlete ming events for GLASA when he is not competing for his high school teams.

“I enjoy running with Aaron and seeing him compete at races for GLASA. It’s also inspiring to see his teammates compete,” Holzmueller says. “Through GLASA, Aaron has found sports activities that he enjoys and that allow him to set goals to train, compete and succeed.”

In fact, Aaron has set several national age group track records for his disability class at distances ranging from 200 meters to 1,500 meters. He also qualified and competed at the 2015 Adualt Adaptive Track and Field Nationals and the 2016 Paralympic Trials.

“I love running because it relaxes me mentally and keeps me fit. My family and I are so fortunate to be involved with an organization like Great lakes Adaptive Sports Association.”

— holzmueller

pictured is Keith and his son aaron.

Keith holzmueller

Keith has been running For nearly 50 years, and will run his 13th

career marathon in 2018 at the banK oF america chicago marathon For the charity great laKes adaptive sport association (glasa).

Keith started his running career in 1970 when his ninth grade physical education teacher told the high school cross country coach to recruit him. He ran four years of high school cross country and track, but took a break during his first few years of college.

Now, Holzmueller lives in in Evanston, Ill. with his wife Birdy and sons Nathan and Aaron, and enjoys running on Evanston and Chicago lakefront paths. He first learned about GLASA when his son, Aaron, became interested in run14

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MyChiCagoathlEtE.CoM

ning and racing. Aaron was born with cerebral palsy, which affects his muscle coordination, but he is able to run without assistance.

“GLASA helps athletes with a variety of disabilities train and compete in track & field and other sports,” Holzmueller says.

Holzmueller will run with the GLASA Chicago Marathon Charity Group for the third time in 2018 in support of his son. Currently, Aaron practices and competes in running and swim-

As for Holzmueller’s marathon training, his goal is to compete with his last marathon time in 2015 of 3:06. He admits the biggest challenge during his training is not overdoing his speed work.

“My body handles long runs better than intervals,” he says.

He is really looking forward to seeing fellow competitors and friends, especially family and supporters of GLASA, on the marathon course in October.

“I love running because it relaxes me mentally and keeps me fit,” Holzmueller adds.

“My family and I are so fortunate to be involved with an organization like Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association.”

If you wish to support GLASA, please visit Keith’s fundraising page at https://www.crowdrise.com/ team-glasa/fundraiser/keithholzmueller.

By: Mark Buciak

Register today!

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EvEryday Athlete

Bike Maintenance for Winter Riding Despite the unseasonably pleasant autumn we haD, real-honest-to-gooDness winter is now upon us. in aDDition to the DiFFerent warDrobe now requireD For your Favorite outDoor activities, nature’s change in mooD also requires a change in habits when it comes to gear-upkeep.

Nothing beats a comprehensive overhaul by a professional bike mechanic—however, there are lots of steps you can do at home that will ensure your spring visit to the shop isn’t met with a look of horror from your local mechanic. All of the suggested fixes are easy, inexpensive and can be done in your home with the appropriate allen keys and grease.

Safety First

Winter riding means more safety concerns than summer spins; the roads are slicker and the light is dimmer. Double check the batteries in your lights and replace them regularly.

Coin cell batteries have the annoying habit of dimming until death instead of just no longer turning on one day. There’s nothing worse than having your lights go out completely, 30 mins from home, in the dark, with flurries and a 15 mph headwind.

Similarly, check your brake pads on the regular.

Regardless if you’re riding rim or disc, road salt does a number on this component. If you hear anything resembling a metallic ‘rattling’ on your discs, or the pads are close to or below the wear 16

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line on rims, swap them out immediately. Not only will you have much better braking power, but you’ll also save tons of wear (and destruction) to your wheelset.

Seal Up That Frame

Lots of frames have ‘modification’ options that you may or may not be using in your current setup. Have fender or rack mounts, but no fender or rack? Running electronic, but have cable openings for mechanical? Have bottle cage mounts, but no cages? You will want to seal up any potential opening from which water or salt could seep into the body of your frame. If the openings are threaded, just find appropriately sized bolts to pop in place. If it’s a matter of cable openings that aren’t being used, either find the plugs/grommets that will fit your frame or simply electrical tape them closed.

Lube and Grease Everything

Let’s start with the top: your seatpost. Seized seatposts are frustrating, expensive, and can potentially even ruin your entire frame. Luckily, they’re easily avoided! Remove the seatpost, clean it, and then use a waterproof grease (or if it’s carbon

on carbon, an anti-slip grip compound). Do this at least three times—once at the beginning of winter, once in February, and again in the spring—and you’ll avoid this problem for life.

Next, lube and clean your chain on a weekly basis (if not more often, depending on your riding conditions and degree of road filth). If you see any tinge of orangey-rust appear, lube it some more.

There’s really no need to risk stripping the bolt, or breaking off a drill bit in your shoe as you attempt to dremel your seized bolts out of the cleat plate, and ruining a perfectly good pair of kit as a result. Adopt this as your new mantra: ‘Clean and grease, clean and grease.’

And remember: salt is your enemy, and if your bike is steel, it will rot it from the inside out.

Even if your bike is carbon, it will destroy and corrode your components. Be sure to rinse off your bike with some warm sudsy water every week or two.

By Lindsay Knight

PRoudly HonoRing tHe MilitaRy Ry & VeteRans ans since 1983.

PRoudly HonoRing tHe MilitaRy & VeteRans since 1983.

aMerIca’s Great race

june 3 june 3

Rd Rd

aMerIca’s Great race

Injured MIlItary caMp ca frIday june 1 and saturday june 2nd Injured MIlItary caMp Show your support of those who have served and sacrificed

frIday june 1 and juneteam.

2nd for our freedom by joining thesaturday dare2tri race2raise Show your support of those who have served and sacrificed for more information visit www.dare2tri.org. for our freedom by joining the dare2tri race2raise team. for more information visit www.dare2tri.org.

Register today at: www.leonstriathlon.com Register today at: www.leonstriathlon.com

4 convenient packet pick up locations: 4 convenient packet

pick up locations:

2018

2018

Active

kids

kid

athlete o f the m ont h

*

Stay-at-Home Olympics The 2018 Pyeongchang, SouTh Korea WinTer olymPicS are Feb. 9 – 25,

Claudia Theis

*

and The ParalymPicS are march 9-18. KidS love The gameS, and everyone

claudia is a 9-year old fourth

can Feel inSPired by The aThleTeS’ SKill and deTerminaTion. here are Some

grader at norton creek elementary

WayS To leT The olymPicS and ParalymPicS brighTen your WinTer monThS.

School in St. charles. She has

Watch parties

Although not active movement, popping some popcorn and watching the Olympics/Paralympics can be a fun family activity. By watching some of the contests together, you can show your kids that you value Olympic/Paralympic sports and the perseverance required to be an athlete.

Family Olympics

Now that everyone is inspired, it is time to let the kids be creative. Brainstorm ways for all family members to participate in your own family Olympics/Paralympics. Create a chart and buy some fun stickers or medals to reward participation. Perhaps you could “compete” by aiming for a certain number of minutes of activity each day. Tackle your goals as a group, taking family walks, attending indoor gym times and heading to the forest preserve on weekends. Have a fun “Opening Ceremony” and “Closing Ceremony” and celebrate being active and healthy as a family.

World Class Habits

World class athletes are elite because they take care of their health 24 hours a day. The Olympics can be a great time to talk over healthy habits with your kids and even work on your own. Your family Olympics can include things like getting the right amount of sleep, eating five to nine servings of vegetables and fruits per day, staying hydrated with water in the dry, furnace-heated indoor air and cutting out junk food. Older kids will also be ready for stress relieving techniques 18

**

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like taking a few deep breaths, listening to music, getting outside for a few minutes and enjoying time with family. These things can all be “sticker-worthy” on your Olympic scoring chart.

Experience local Olympic Sports

Pick one or more of your favorite Olympic sports and give them a try with your family. Millennium Park and many park districts offer free outdoor skating with optional skate rental. The Chicago Park District, the Cook County Forest Preserve, the Wheaton Park District and many others offer cross country ski rental and groomed trails. You can watch hockey all around Chicago and pick up a game at many outdoor rinks.

Rinks in Chicago, Northbrook and Wheaton offer short track speedskating clubs and you can find long course speedskating at the Pettit National Oval in West Allis, Wisconsin. Check out the Wisconsin Biathlon Association for beginner biathlons (older kids and adults) up in the Madison and Kettle Moraine regions. Villa Olivia in Bartlett and Wilmot Mountain are perfect places to take downhill skiing lessons and try alpine skiing for the first time. You can watch ski jumping at the Norge Ski Jump in Fox River Grove.

Let the Olympics and Paralympics inspire you to stay active during the winter and enjoy some new family adventures with your kids.

By Christine Palmquist

been racing triathlon since she was 6 with mmTT youth triathlon team. She also enjoys playing lacrosse, making art and watching

1

comedy movies with her family.

This past fall, claudia began

participating on Sammy’s bikes

youth cyclocross Team. after just a

*

few practices, claudia completed her first cyclocross race. during that

1

*

race, claudia pushed through rain, wind, mud, hills and even had to run with her bike on her shoulder to get over some obstacles.

When her coach, brad Kremer

nervously asked what she thought of the race, claudia responded, “That was fun!” For the rest of the cyclocross season, claudia continued to race, get muddy, improve and have “fun!”

To nominate a Kid of the Month, email editor@mychicagoathlete.com

Make your miles more meaning ful Make your miles more meaning ful

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Runners from across the country and around the world unite on the Chicago every Octoberthe to world conquer 26.2 Runners fromstreets acrossof the country and around miles and call themselves Bank of America Chicago Marathon unite on the streets of Chicago every October to conquer 26.2 finishers.

Join us in 2018 and make your marathon experience miles and call themselves Bank of America Chicago Marathon more meaningful by2018 running behalf a charity.experience finishers.

Join us in and on make yourofmarathon more meaningful by running on behalf of a charity.

Learn more at chicagomarathon.com #ChicagoMarathon Learn more at chicagomarathon.com #ChicagoMarathon

©american birkebeiner ski foundation/kelly randolph

Be a ‘Birkie’

Midwest Hosts Country’s Largest ski MaratHons

Cross-Country skiing is a great Cross-training exerCise for enduranCe athletes that is light on the joints, and one of the world’s largest ski marathons is ChiCago’s neighbor.

While Chicago is known for its flat terrain, athletes in the area looking to maintain or improve endurance skills through the winter have one of the best skiing opportunities just over the Illinois-Wisconsin border; the American Birkebeiner, or “Birkie,” is a 55K course in Hayward, Wisc., and is North America’s largest cross-country ski race.

Founded in 1973 by Tony Wise, the American Birkebeiner mimics the Norwegian event, which started in 1932, according to a Slumberland Birkie press release. In 1206, two warrior soldiers, called “Birkebeiners” because of the birch-bark leggings they wore, skied infant Prince Haakon to 20

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safety during the Norwegian civil war. The Birkebeiner soldiers became a symbol of courage, perseverance and character in the country.

The first ski marathon had 35 participants, and today, about 13,500 skiers partake in the events. Overall, more than 250,000 skiers have participated in the 44 years of the American Birkebeiner, and in 2016, the Birkie Trail was named the number one cross-country ski destination in the United States by USA Today.

The 2018 American Birkebeiner will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, and 13-time

finisher Chad Giese from Wilmette, Ill. can attest that the Birkie is the race for skiers.

“It’s the biggest event of the year in the U.S. for skiers at any level and truly reminds us why we love this sport,” Giese says. “People come from all over the U.S. and Europe to test themselves on one of the most challenging courses there is, and the excitement that this race generates is like no other race.”

Participants can choose from the 55K Classic Ski Marathon, or the 50K Skate Course, both of which span from Cable to Hayward. However, the event weekend

actually begins on Thursday, at the 2018 Slumberland American Birkebeiner Expo at Hayward High School; here, participants and their fans can check out cross-country ski gear, apparel, training equipment, and more while picking up their packets.

Because Chicago is lacking in the ski department, Giese has the inside scoop for those interested in the Birkie, but need a place to train. In fact, right in his hometown is a popular meet up for skiers from all over; the Wilmette Park District laid out a 5K area on the Wilmette Golf Course for both classic skiing and skating.

“CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING IS ONE OF THE BEST ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO FOR A HEALTHY BODY AND LIFESTYLE… IT COMBINES STRENGTH, SPEED, ENDURANCE, AND COORDINATION FOR YOUR ENTIRE BODY AND IS EASY ON YOUR JOINTS.”

“Cross-country skiing is one of the best activities you can do for a healthy body and lifestyle… it combines strength, speed, endurance, and coordination for your entire body and is easy on your joints,” Giese says. “I would encourage anyone to give it a try, whether you are a cyclist or runner looking for a winter cross-training activity, or someone who is just looking to get outside during the winter months, this is a sport that anyone can enjoy.”

If you want to be a part of the great history of the American Birkebeiner, register today on http://www.birkie.com/ski/ events/birkie/. While you’re out there, look for two Birkebeiner warriors, who will ski the entire course on traditional wooden skis in costume to commemorate the event’s humble beginnings.

“The Birkie rivals some of the biggest marathon races in the world. The event is well run and the atmosphere is electric,” Giese adds. “If there is one race that people tend to prepare for it is the Birkie, which means everyone is in top form and ready to ski fast.”

By Holly Petrovich

WHAT IT TAKES

TO HOST THE BIRKIE RACES: 13,500+ SKIERS

2000+

VOLUNTEERS 25,000 - 30,000

SPECTATORS

2 HELICOPTERS 90 NATIONAL SKI PATROL SKIERS

20 TENTS

(of all sizes)

2000 ORANGES 5000 BANANAS

5000 CUPS

OF HOT COCOA 600 GALLONS OF SOUP

5000

GALLONS OF WATER

— GIESE

1500 GALLONS OF SPORT DRINK

“The staff does an incredible job at trail maintenance and we are slowly teaching the community about good trail etiquette, such as no walking or dogs on the trails,” Giese adds. “If groomed trails aren’t an option, you can always make your own trails in the local parks … you can’t drive past a park in the winter that has enough snow on it that somebody hasn’t blazed a ski track through.”

Giese also says that there is a strong Nordic community in Northern Illinois that athletes can get involved in. The Norge Ski Club in Fox Rover Grove has a “top-notch” ski jumping program, where last February, three of the four ski jumpers representing the United States at the World Championships came from.

Birkie by the Numbers*

*numbers submitted by American Birkebeiner, based on 2016

98,000 CUPS 50+ MILES

SNOW COVERED FOREST TRAILS

8000 MEDALS ©American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation/Kelly Randolph

26,000 SKIS & POLES MYCHICAGOATHLETE.COM

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

21

by Melissa silverberg

Crossing Borders

and finish lines When you’re building your race schedule for 2018, consider exploring a neW place While trying a neW race.

If you ask Denise Sauriol which of the 89 marathon finish lines she has crossed is her favorite, she wouldn’t hesitate to say Chicago; nothing beats the city where she lives and first ran 26.2 miles. She does have other favorite marathons however, including Antarctica, Iceland, South Africa, and they are a bit different than running through the Windy City.

Runners like Sauriol are combining their love of travel with a pair of laced up running shoes and redefining what it means to go on vacation.

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“On your feet is one of the best ways to see a new city,” said Sauriol, whose first international marathons in Berlin and Dublin got her hooked on adventure travel. “I can’t stop.

There are so many places I want to go.”

That desire to see the world on your own two feet is the premise of Marathon Tours, a company that organizes trips for runners on all seven continents.

Marathon Tours takes care of all the details, like ensuring your entry in major races like London or Tokyo, arranges travel and hotels, and introduces you to a group of other runners making the same journey.

“The first goal is we want to take all the stress out of the logistics,” says Jeff Adams, president of Marathon Tours.

Then, the company hopes to wow its clients with the experience and group camaraderie.

“The run is a catalyst,” Adams adds. “It’s an extension of their healthy lifestyle. But our clients take it one step beyond. The idea of experiencing different cultures and seeing parts of the world you haven’t seen before, that’s true adventure travel.”

For example, the Antartica trip requires ten days on a boat from South America with 100 other runners from more than a dozen countries. In fact, Sauriol did that trip for her 40th birthday in 2008, and made friends she still keeps in touch with today.

“Running is a common language that connects strangers,” she explains. “Even if I don’t know anyone going in, I know I’ll make friends on the trip.”

Once the race is done, the adventure has just begun.

Sauriol uses running as her starting point to explore places like London, Paris, and next year will add Queensland, New Zealand to her list. Other runners are focused on finishing a race in every state in the U.S., or one on each continent. Sauriol said she just wants to keep running and seeing the world.

“running is a common Language.”

— denise sauriol

“even iF i don’t know anyone going in, i know i’LL make Friends on the trip.”

— denise sauriol

MyChiCagoathlete.CoM

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January/February 2018

crossing borders and finish lines

“My goal is to have as many passport stamps as I can when I die,” she adds.

Chicagoan Ken Gasper hasn’t run is as many exotic locations, yet, but enjoys every new experience on and off the running path. In fact, he hasn’t taken a vacation in the last decade that didn’t include a race.

In 2013 his running took him to Vancouver for the half and full marathons; in 2015, he won an entry to the Berlin marathon through the lottery, but stopped in Amsterdam on his way and ran a disco-themed 8K through the city’s cobblestone streets.

“You get immersed in this different culture and step into a different world,” Gasper said. “We’re all still runners and being part of a race in a new location lets you experience the city as a local, not a tourist.”

He’s also enjoyed learning about different customs via race traditions that vary from city to city. During the Berlin marathon, race volunteers handed out cups of hot tea instead of water or Gatorade as is customary in America. While Chicago, Boston and New York are known for their rowdy cheering squads, Gasper found the London crowds to be more proper in their sideline support.

In addition to a workout session, the race experience in a new city can serve as a history lesson too. Sauriol said she learns more about a city while running than she ever would in a book.

“In Berlin, you literally run from West Berlin to East Berlin, it’s like you’re running through a century of history in 26.2 miles,” she adds.

Many races sell themselves on the other activities to do nearby besides just run, such as Disney’s series of running events through its theme parks, or the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon along the Vegas strip; the Great Wall Marathon leads runners up more than 5,000 steps on the Chinese architectural and historical wonder of the world; the Big Five Marathon in South Africa pulls together a race and a safari in one as runners see leopards, lions, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo throughout the Entabeni Safari Conservancy route. Who wouldn’t want to run across the London Bridge or past the Eiffel Tower with thousands of other enthusiastic athletes?

However, no matter where you cross the finish line, the feeling is familiar.

“Everybody shares common love of running. The end of the race is about achieving a lifelong goal, high fives and sweaty hugs with the people around you,” Gasper says. “It’s a whole new way to experience the world with friends you haven’t met yet.”

Want to plan your own race-cation?

Visit www.marathontours.com for more information and to get help planning your trip.

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January/february 2018

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Training PROGRAMS

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FOR RUNNERS TAKE YOUR RUNNING TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL

LOOKING TO IMPROVE YOUR RUNNING FORM AND SPEED? WE CAN HELP!

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Save Money on race entry feeS Sign-up for our weekly enewsletter and receive discounts on local events

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ITToTAKES A TEAM keep us running We have Guaranteed Entries for 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon!

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If you would like to advertise contact: JOnAthAn CAin 847.675.0200 x210 jcain@mychicagoathlete.com MyChiCagoaThleTe.CoM

january/february 2018

25

by: chris lewis | Photos Provided by PolAr

Press

On YOur new Year’s

resOlutiOns Athletes cAn tAke full AdvAntAge of the next trAining seAson

by utilizing innovative technological APPlicAtions.

Now that the holiday season has passed, the gifts have been opened, the trimmings have been trimmed and the calories have been consumed (and, admittedly, enjoyed), it is time to focus once again on New Year’s resolutions.

Whether athletes are well-versed or beginners, they know how difficult it is to achieve resolutions for a few weeks, let alone a few days.

Thanks to new technological innovations, however, including fitness trackers, athletes can ensure that their New Year’s resolutions aren’t just short-term goals that are overlooked by February, but are long-term lifestyle adjustments instead. In doing so, athletes will not only improve their fitness, but also potentially exceed their expectations for run, swim and bike times and even develop new relationships with other runners, bicyclists and swimmers as winter transitions into spring.

the leaders Of the Pack

To ensure athletes have yet another year of successful training in 2018, Garmin International, Inc. is now offering a premium GPS running/triathlon watch—the Garmin forerunner 935—that includes a variety of training features, each of which will help them monitor

their performances. For instance, the watch’s training status automatically analyzes athletes’ previous exercise and fitness levels so that they can acquire insight into how their bodies are responding to workouts and determine whether or not they are training productively.

In addition, the watch’s training load offers athletes overviews of their weekly activities. In doing so, they can decide whether their training sessions are too easy or too difficult (and then adjust accordingly). At the same time, the watch’s training effect actually tracks and reviews the aerobic and anaerobic benefits of athletes’ training sessions, thereby providing them insights on how their training is improving their abilities so that they can achieve maximum performance.

“The Forerunner 935 also offers advanced dynamics for running, cycling and swimming,” says Stephanie Schultz, media relations specialist, fitness, Garmin International, Inc. “By clipping the watch’s Running Dynamics Pod to their waistbands, athletes can see all six running dynamics—cadence, ground contact time, ground contact time balance, stride length, vertical oscillation and their vertical ratio.”

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TECH APPS

Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro, Water-Resistant Fitness Tracker RETAIL PRICE: $149.99 She adds, “While on a bike, athletes can also keep track of power zones, platform center offset and power phase.

And, in the water, the Forerunner 935 will track distance, stroke, pace and personal records.”

Joel Feinberg, former owner of Universal Sole, considers Garmin to be the leader in GPS running/triathlon technology, stressing that devices like the Garmin 230 (which doesn’t provide a wrist heart rate) and the Garmin 235 (which does provide a wrist heart rate) are very economical and fulfill most athletes’ workout indicator needs. Nick Hurley, manager of Dick Pond Athletics in Hoffman Estates, agrees, adding the Garmin vívoactive 3 is also a popular choice for athletes as it is comparable to an Apple Watch and can be customized to apps like Uber.

“Triathletes looking to take their training to the next level should look no further than the Forerunner 935 though,” Hurley states. “As Garmin’s all-in-one watch for triathletes, it utilizes GPS outside but can still track swims in the pool, as well as indoor/treadmill runs while using a built-in accelerometer. Not to mention, an additional quick release kit also allows athletes to mount their watches on their bikes.”

As another leader in GPS technology, Samsung has recently released three new products—the Samsung Gear Sport, the Gear Fit2 Pro and the Gear IconX 2018—that continue to build upon the company’s reputation as an innovative wearable brand. The Gear Sport, for example, is a fitness-focused

Garmin Forerunner 935, Multisport GPS Watch RETAIL PRICE: $499.99 smartwatch that is water resistant for up to 50 meters, thereby allowing athletes to train in pools as they track their lap counts and times. In the meantime, the Gear Fit2 Pro is an advanced fitness band with built-in GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring and advanced features that allow athletes to remain connected as they pursue their health and fitness goals.

TECH APPS MYCHICAGOATHLETE.COM

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

27

tech apps

Polar m460, GPS Bike computer RETAIL PRICE: $197.95

“The Gear IconX 2018, meanwhile, is a second generation of our company’s cord-free earbuds that empower users to feel free while maintaining their active lifestyles,” says David Ng, senior product marketing manager for Samsung. “Additionally, we have the Gear S3, which offers LTE connectivity and recently underwent a software update to provide users the great fitness features that are available in the Gear Sport and the Gear Fit2 Pro.” He continues, “Our customers not only use our wearables to keep track of their fitness, but they also love our other great features, such as stylish designs, advanced connectivity options like LTE calling and access to thousands of apps. There are a lot of devices that provide GPS and heart rate and calorie tracking. But with Samsung Gear, customers also know they’re going to stay in touch and look great while doing it.”

Pace, Foot HealtH and comFort SHouldn’t Be overlooked

In addition to connectivity, heart rate monitoring and app access, Hurley also stresses the importance of using watches to program pace alerts so that athletes can train within set ranges (and avoid being too fast or too slow for the pace they are trying to run). Brian Hudson, director of sponsorship and outreach for Fleet Feet Sports, also advises athletes utilize the store chain’s FitID foot scan so that they can receive immediate 3-D renderings of their feet as they prepare for another training season.

“Not only can customers make more informed decisions about the best footwear for them, the data from these scans will also be compiled to help shoe companies design better footwear in the future,” Hudson explains.

“We’re excited how this technology will fundamentally change the ways in which runners choose their shoes.”

Aside from the significance of pace and foot health, comfort shouldn’t be overlooked either. As an athlete at Together We Tri, Howard Kreiner prefers strapless heart rate monitors, rather than chest heart rate straps.

“I cannot function without my Garmin, as I’ve become very dependent on knowing my speed, distance and heart rate at all times,” Kreiner says. “But Schosche’s heart rate monitor armbands are more budget friendly options—and they’re much more comfortable than chest straps.”

maIntaIn actIve lIFeStyleS durInG cHIcaGo’S HarSH WInterS

As a Chicago native, Ng understands how difficult it is to stay fit during the winter months. After all, there are a wide range of excuses available: it’s too cold to run, the roads aren’t always salted and various indoor activities provide Chicagoans plenty of entertainment options. Nonetheless, Samsung Gear offers athletes two innovations—TV fitness programs and calorie input tracking—that help them maintain their focus on active lifestyles, despite the negatives of training during the winter.

“Through Samsung’s TV fitness programs, athletes can choose programs that fit their needs without ever having to leave the comfort of their living rooms,” Ng states. “The programs automatically schedule all workouts, send athletes reminders and let them do their workouts on their phones or Samsung TVs.” Furthermore, athletes can also manage the calories they consume prior to (and after) they run, jog, swim and bicycle, due to the company’s calorie input tracking offering.

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TECH APPS

“Tracking the calories that athletes burn is great,” Ng adds. “But by actually managing the calories they consume, athletes will have more complete pictures as they strive to achieve their goals.”

However, without keeping track of their fitness goals, athletes will be unable to manage their calorie consumption, let alone properly train for marathons, triathlons and other races during the winter. Leah Bohr, director of training for the Chicago Area Runners Association [CARA], believes that athletes are motivated to train on a regular basis when they track their fitness data, actually see their progress and maintain accountability for their achievements (and missteps). Also knowing that other athletes, particularly members of associations like CARA, can review their accomplishments is a source of incentive.

“This is a big piece of what CARA works hard on,” says Bohr. “You want everyone to come together to share in each other’s goals and be there when someone else might need advice. This really helps build a community.”

5 FREE FITNESS APPS

TO DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR SMARTPHONES

GARMIN CONNECT: Millions of athletes currently use this app, which works with all of the Garmin watches. Whether athletes want to create a training group, receive feedback from other athletes or download a training plan, the app truly offers something for everyone.

“It is very thorough with its offerings—from running to cycling to swimming to sleep tracking and works well with third-party apps like Strava.” says Universal Sole Running Events’ Joel Feinberg.

MAPMYRUN: Not only does this app allow athletes to manually enter their workouts and import data from third-party devices, it also offers them more than 70 million routes for runs in cities throughout the United States, as well as overseas. Moreover, it also offers athletes opportunities to track their daily meals as they strive to improve their overall health.

“It is a simple app, as it allows many of the same applications as Strava,” Feinberg states. “It’s just not as wellknown right now.”

STRAVA: Regarded as one of the most popular apps on the market, Strava connects millions of athletes with one another, helping them remain motivated and inspired as they record their activities and analyze their performances. By working well with most GPS devices, Strava—and its maps, routes and race courses—have helped athletes around the world.

Apple Watch Series 3, Smartwatch RETAIL PRICE: $329.99

“Whether athletes want to run routes or upload them, Strava takes care of them time after time,” says Feinberg.

Tom McGlynn, founder and CEO of runcoach, also stresses the importance of utilizing apps as often as possible. In doing so, athletes can not only increase their workout options, but also further improve their camaraderie with other athletes who share similar fitness goals.

“On the nutritional side, MyFitnessPal is an excellent app to track caloric intake,” McGlynn states. “There are a variety of core work, strength, yoga, flexibility and dance activities that can be viewed via videos on YouTube.”

“App technology is improving athletes’ accessibility to training in the comfort of their own homes, while also having the option to work out in the gym with other athletes,” adds Feinberg.

ZWIFT: This app allows you to ride with thousands of other athletes (across various gorgeous landscapes) in real-time. Who says that indoor training canʼt be fun?

“This app has really brought people together,” Feinberg adds. “It gives a great workout and it’s very easy to use.”

NIKE RUN+ APP: An app competitive with Strava for its GPS capabilities. Details such as pace, location, distance, elevation, heart rate and mile splits are accessible before during and after a run and thereʼs also a coaching feature to help build a plan. Users can also share their run with friends who also use the app and interact via social media as well.

TECH APPS MYCHICAGOATHLETE.COM

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Meet the 2018 ChiCago athlete

AmbAssAdor TeAm

this year, we have 12 awesoMe athletes representing ChiCago athlete for our aMbassador teaM. loCated all over the ChiCagoland area, they will go out to various raCes and provide Coverage to help you deCide whiCh raCes are best for you. learn their naMes and faCes, and say hi to theM at the raCes!

Jacqui Giuliano

Jacqui was born to runner parents, so she fell in love with running at a young age. After frequent injuries while running at the University of Illinois, she began cross training with swimming and biking and eventually got pulled into the triathlon scene as well. As a junior high teacher, cross country and track coach, Jacqui enjoys passing on her passion for athletics to her students.

Suzuka Hetterich

Suzuka is a personal trainer and a fitness instructor. She runs to clear her head, and her life motto is “if I can’t find the answer to my problem during my long run, there won’t be an answer.” Suzuka has completed seven marathons, many, many half marathons, 10K and 5K. She also loves obstacle course races and triathlons.

Andrea Clark

Andrea is a high school history teacher and teaches AP US History, government, among other classes.

She also coaches boys and girls soccer, loves history, traveling, sports in general and of course running! She has completed several marathons, half marathons and fun runs.

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January/february 2018

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Mandi Florip

Mandi began running in middle school and never stopped. While attending The John Marshall Law School in 2007, Mandi ran her first Chicago Marathon, and has continued to run several marathons, half marathons and shorter distances. An Illinois licensed attorney, Mandi is currently the Executive Director of the Lake County Municipal League.

James Gubbins

James began his triathlon journey in 2015, and now can be found most weekends swimming, biking and running around Chicago and its suburbs. His goal for the 2018 season is to juggle training with the responsibilities of being a husband, father and technology coordinator for a local high school district and to complete his first Half-Ironman by the end of the year.

Erika Olaskovic

Erika is originally from Mexico City, and has lived in Chicago for the past 12 years. Erika has ran 30 marathons, including Boston and a few ultras and trail races. After several chronic injuries, she got into triathlons to cross train and stay active, and she fell in love with endurance distance triathlons. She has completed six Ironman and is looking to qualify for KONA.

Kristin Shulman

Kristin started running at 55 after completing the 200 mile, 2011 Ride for AIDS Chicago and realizing she hated riding a bicycle. Six years later, she has completed countless half marathons, two Chicago marathons and a 50-mile ultramarathon. A retired telecom executive, Kristin loves the social aspects of running and frequently runs with the Bolingbrook Fun Run Club.

Nathan Tamayo

Nathan’s life of running and triathlon started in 2010 while his wife was in her last year of nursing school, and he needed something to do other than annoy her while she was studying. One day he woke up and said “I want to run the Chicago marathon,” and he did. A year later, he started doing triathlons.

Nathan trains with his wife and has a passion for coffee and doughnuts.

Alexander Sterczek

Alexander started running to get some exercise, after having a sedentary job.

Another benefit in his eyes is all the calories he burns, as he loves food. Alex has ran races from one mile to half marathons and is working to complete a full marathon.

Jeffrey Jameson

Jeff ran off and on over the years, but when he moved to Chicago in 2014 and signed up for the Shamrock Shuffle, he was completely hooked. Since then, running has developed into a real passion for him. He now enjoys running everything from 5K’s to marathons. When he isn’t running, you can often find him in a Disney Park (probably taking part in a runDisney race).

Edward Perez

Edward is a very enthusiastic runner who has been running for 20 years. He is part of the Fleet Feet Racing Team in Chicago, and is also a member of the Marathon Maniacs, trying to complete the ultimate goal of running a marathon in all 50 states one day. Currently, Edward has completed marathons in 10 states, 24 total, and also has done over 100 half marathons.

Judith Warren

After finishing the Avon Walk in 2009, Judith had nothing left to do but start running. She ran her first 5k in 2009 at age 48 along with her brother.

She “accidentally” signed up for the Chicago Marathon in 2011 and the NYC Marathon in 2015. She has completed almost 250 races in eight years and she loves running because of the friendships made along the way.

MyChiCagoathlete.CoM

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RACE RESULTS

TO SEE MORE RESULTS VISIT: WWW.MYCHICAGATHLETE.COM

Art Van Turkey Trot 8K/5K photo by Ali Engin

World’s Largest Corn Maze 5K

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2017 SPRING GROVE, IL

By Jonathan Cain

The World’s Largest Corn Maze 5k, held at Richardson’s Farm in Spring Grove, is a fun experience for all runners, fast or slow. With a race like this, the idea is to have fun, but that doesn’t mean your competitive nature won’t come out as you wind through the corn stalks.

The way the race is set up, everyone’s mindset has to be to just run hard when you are able and however long it takes is how long it takes. The organizers boast that the course has over 250 turns and some of them are with just inches of the previous one.

Male 5K Results 1. Josh Williams 2. Jonathan Cain 3. Jeffrey Joseph 4. Mark Ehardt 5. Mitch Newman 6. Ryan Kuczynski 7. Gonzalo Gomez 8. Damien Browne 9. Dennis Matuch 10. Kendall Cox Name

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25 35 42 25 16 13 47 11 46 24 Age

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

Downers Grove, IL 19:12.2 Des Plaines, IL 19:42.5 Buffalo Grove, IL 20:05.2 East Troy, WI 20:24.7 Vernon Hills, IL 20:38.3 Vernon Hills, IL 20:41.0 Belvidere, IL 20:50.8 Kihei, HI 21:02.0 Vernon Hills, IL 21:17.1 Arlington Heights, IL 21:25.1 City

Time

MYCHICAGOATHLETE.COM

Female 5K Results 1. Cristen Sprenger 2. Angela Kaiser 3. Anna Andrzejewska 4. Linda Oconnor 5. Kelsey Gelden 6. Jadyn Elgin 7. Kelly Magoon 8. Madelyn Zeek 9.Catherine Norris 10. Stephanie Ehardt

41 33 42 52 16 11 29 25 37 25

21:48.2 Wauwatosa, WI 21:51.8 Hoffman Estates, IL 22:19.7 Chicago, IL 23:03.8 Burlington, WI 23:04.2 Monroe, WI 23:40.3 Rockford, IL 23:41.9 Chicago, IL 23:52.3 Mchenry, IL 23:59.0 East Troy, WI 24:08.1 Arlington Heights, IL

Madison Marathon and Half Marathon

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 | MADISON, WI

By Kristan Heunink

The Madison Marathon and Half Marathon took place Sunday. November 12 in Madison, Wisc., with over 1,000 marathoners and 2,300 tackling the half.

The Madison Marathon and Half Marathon are very scenic and well-run races on a very challenging course. It’s a course that rewards those that train for hills and adapt well to constantly changing terrain, and punishes those that do not.

Menʼs Marathon Results 1. Brian Finnel 2. Arturs Bareikis Name

Age

2:22:48 2:23:14 City

Time

3. Luke Kibet 4. Kevin Gries 5. Andrew Ulrey 6. Stephen Eles 7.Alexander Tyner 8. David Krall 9. T.J. Schmidt 10. Jonah Grant

2:26:09 2:38:13 2:39:28 2:39:51 2:40:01 2:40:01 2:40:40 2:43:25

Womenʼs Marathon Results 1. Chloe Staub 2. Julie Crutchfield 3. Claire Brickson 4. Anna Wenzel 5. Krisana Hoff 6. Kylee Drugan-Eppich 7. Emily Raykovich 8. Jackie Dubnicka 9. Kelli McKenna 10. Jennifer Ward

3:01:25 3:01:48 3:10:35 3:12:07 3:13:30 3:13:56 3:13:57 3:14:45 3:16:42 3:17:18

Menʼs Half Marathon Results 1. Patrick Campbell 2. David Luy 3. Matt Barrett 4. Brett Lustgarten 5. Nathan Routhier 6. Sammy Rotich 7. Andrew Zachman 8. Alexander Cushman

1:08:12 1:08:44 1:09:00 1:09:36 1:09:37 1:10:17 1:10:46 1:10:50

Name

Age

City

Time

9. Janis Pastars 10. Alexander Rink

1:10:55 1:12:35

9. Jennifer Lopez 10. Morgan Haslow

14 12

13:55 13:58

Women’s Half Marathon Results 1. Gabi Anzalone 2. Joan Massah 3. Michele Lee 4. Samantha Rivard 5. Elizabeth Flatley 6. Margaret Ho 7. Sarah Kruger 8. Krista Jahimiak 9. Hannah Frett 10. Shannon Teunissen

1:19:38 1:20:12 1:20:47 1:22:02 1:22:25 1:22:39 1:22:51 1:24:38 1:26:02 1:26:15

Male 5 Mile Results 1. Joe Parks 40 2. Zachary Michael 19 3. Matt Smaga 24 4. Brendan Thielsen 24 5. Scott Williams 19 6. Joseph Ahlgrim 16 7. Alex Clark 24 8. Matthew Jeramin 37 9. Henry Lechowicz 17 10. Ben Deweerdt 14

25:47 26:57 27:04 27:11 27:45 27:49 28:04 28:16 28:31 28:36

Female 5 Mile Results 1. Samantha Lechowicz 20 2. Kristen Jordan 42 3. Carmen Gason-Shumway 21 4. Stacy Griffin 42 5. Katarina Stevanovich 20 6. Jenna Weiner 22 7. Kinga Wolska 25 8. Karen Patino-Rodriguez 14 9. Laura McNair 20 10. Clare Oehler-Osullivan 17

31:51 33:55 34:40 35:17 35:18 35:42 35:45 35:50 35:58 36:10

Palatine Park District Turkey Trot

Thursday, november 23 | PalaTine, il

By Rick Romanow

When most people think about Thanksgiving they think about being around family and enjoying more food in one meal than in a typical day. But for those in the running community, there is a special bond with friends and family hours before the meal in the form of community races. One such event held by the town’s park district this Thanksgiving was the Palatine Turkey Trot.

The Palatine Turkey Trot featured separate two and five mile runs with the two mile starting at 8 a.m. and the five mile at 9 a.m. The event, held at Harper College, offered a nice private race around the campus. With over 1,200 runners in the two mile, and 400 in the five mile, it was great to see so many runners and walkers out.

The ample space on road for much of the race helped to spread out the crowd.

Male 2 Mile Results 1. Nick Vucovich 22 2. Daniel Peterson 18 3. Evan Eckels 17 4. Lyle Kean 19 5. Grant Wasielewski 15 6. Randall Kester 37 7. Mike Nigliaccio 30 8. Malcom Filichia 17 9. Ed Pernicka 35 10. Madison Marasco 17

10:04 10:05 10:16 10:58 11:03 11:03 11:10 11:12 11:12 11:39

Female 2 Mile Results 1. Madison Marasco 17 2. Emily Day 22 3. Mollie Dalton 22 4. Katie O’Brien 15 5. Lori Gonzalez 35 6. Elizabeth Cox 21 7. Fiona Metzo 15 8. Tara Osullivan 12 Name

Age

11:39 12:22 12:38 12:47 13:08 13:29 13:43 13:52 City

Time

Male 5k Results 1. Andy Weber 2. Jeff Hojnacki 3. Alexander Itkin 4. Daniel Stanton Jr 5. Lukas Johnson 6. Mathew Olech 7. Nicholas Oak 8. Anthony Merchan 9. Michael Sommese 10. Luke Jensen

21 43 28 34 29 14 16 15 15 17

16:22 16:42 16:45 17:31 17:32 17:58 18:03 18:25 18:42 18:47

Female 5k Results 1. Lauren Zumbach 2. Katie Rudersdorf 3. Erin Norton 4. Katie Barfels 5. Ella Behrens 6. Angela Alonso 7. Lotte Meyberg 8. Nuria Ramirez 9. Mary Pat Slattery 10. Maggie Jones

27 30 22 40 16 19 20 21 49 28

18:19 18:28 18:53 19:19 20:23 20:35 20:36 20:36 20:38 20:54

Santa Hustle 5k

saTurday, deCember 2 | ChiCago, il

Art Van Turkey Trot 8k/5k

Santas of all sizes and speeds could find something to enjoy about this race.

The 40th annual Art Van Turkey Trot Chicago took place in beautiful Lincoln Park along the shores of Lake Michigan on Thanksgiving morning. The Start Line, Finish Line, and Turkey Trot Tailgate are all centrally located along Cannon Drive, between Diversey and Fullerton Parkway. The race supported the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

The course was flat and fast with the wind at your back for the final mile. The “Fun Loving Santas” enjoyed candy stations on the course and selfie stations at the finish and the “I Can Never Have Too Many Sweets Santas” filled their bags to the brim at the post-race area with treats and goodies.

Male 8k Results 1. Simon Ricci 2. Brian Butche 3. Rob Rose 4. Daniel Santino 5. Clifford Vickrey 6. Connor Crouch 7. David Boonstra 8. Matt Leonard 9. Aidan Sarazen 10. Jonathan Dugas

22 39 32 20 43

25:32 25:49 27:17 27:26 28:32 29:21 29:28 29:39 29:43 29:50

Male 5K Results 1. Joe Parks 2. Brandon Christopher 3. Evan Eckels 4. Jacob Bieniek 5. Sean Ginn 6. Art Oshinson 7. Nathan Schmitt 8. Joseph Ahlgrim 9. Adam Cupples 10. Luke Patrick

15:39 15:45 16:41 16:46 16:52 17:12 17:13 17:22 17:43 17:46

Female 8k Results 1. Laurel Sheffield 21 2. Julia Buford 26 3. Isabel Polsky 46 4. Kate Gunson 22 5. Monika Chaudhari 49 6. Maggie Graham 26 7. Caitlin Ahlenius 29 8. Clara Prouty 42 9. Brooke Vasicek 27 10. Olya Breslavskaya 33

28:39 30:36 32:41 33:21 34:13 34:20 34:34 34:51 35:01 35:03

Female 5K Results 1. Kirsten Meyer 2. Victoria Cooke 3. Kristen Jordan 4. Calista Stefaniak 5. Tara Azzaretti 6. Kate Bongiovanni 7. Sarah Wilson 8. Danielle Zimmerman 9. Heather Barth 10. Erin Roth

19:20 20:31 20:35 20:43 20:45 20:55 21:06 21:24 21:38 21:48

ChiCago, il | november 23, 2017

Name

20 18 23 19

Age

City

Time

Name

Age

MyChiCagoathlete.CoM

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Time

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RACE RESULTS

TO SEE MORE RESULTS VISIT: WWW.MYCHICAGATHLETE.COM

Santa Hustle 5K

Arctic Frog 15k/25k/50k

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 | LIBERTYVILLE, IL

By Nicole Kesten

Over 250 runners participated in the Arctic Frog 15K/25K/50K in Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. The weather was amazing for a December race with some racers in shorts and others appreciating not having to wear three layers. Runners had the choice between three distances, 15K, 25K and 50K, with the overall race giving an ultra-vibe with a laid back atmosphere and well stocked aid stations.

The 25K runners completed the loop course once, the 50K participants completing two loops, and 15K racers doing a modified version of the course. With very few people on the trail other than racers, the course was well marked and volunteers throughout. There were a few gradual inclines and descents for Chicagoans with a nice mix of surfaces other than concrete or cement.

Male 50k Results 1. Jared Rothlauf 2. Jeff Friedman 3. Mark Krause 4. Walt Jedzejec 5. Chris Ragni 6. Chris Pabian 7. Michael Salguero 8. Krzysztof Pugawko Name

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31 34 50 36 31 41 25 36 Age

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

Kenosha, WI Dubuque, IA Villa Park, IL Chicago, IL

3:15:43 3:27:51 3:41:36 3:50:29 3:55:49 Allison Park, PA 4:15:54 Chicago, IL 4:35:34 Palatine, IL 4:38:21 City

Time

MYCHICAGOATHLETE.COM

9. Justin Scheitlin 10. Larry Hall

40 Zionsville, IN 63

Female 50k Results 1. Wibke Rees 2. Amanda Richey 3. Madeline Scholl 4. Meaghan Harmon 5. Janet Knowles 6. Ginna Podge 7. Ana Casilang 8. Melissa Alberts 9. Caitlin Duffy 10. Kathy Muehlbaur

45 36 25 39 43 54 45 45 22 43

Male 25k Results 1. Dave Patch 34 2. Matthew Tobin 31 3. Mike Cantrell 30 4. Vilmantas Gurskas 42 5. Pierre Fize 37 6. Enrique Martinez 39 7. Pierre Olivier 33 8. Carlos Lares 40 9. Ramiro Aranda 51 10. David Blackburn 29

4:38:39 4:39:10

Holland, MI 4:42:16 Chicago, IL 4:47:06 Arlington, VA 4:55:01 Arlington Heights, IL 5:06:17 Glencoe, IL 5:13:16 Wayne, IL 5:15:15 Arlington Heights, IL 5:24:47 5:26:41 McLean, VA 5:29:20 Wheaton, IL 5:30:11

1:48:26 1:48:48 1:48:57 1:50:02 1:50:54 1:55:22 1:58:58 1:59:14 Bloomingdale, IL 2:08:26 Bloomingdale, IL 2:08:53 Rolling Meadows, IL

Deerfield, IL Chicago, IL Lisle, IL Chicago, IL Vernon Hills, IL Chicago, IL Schaumburg, IL

Female 25k Results 1. Becky Patch 34 Rolling Meadows, IL 1:49:55 2. Kate Cavanaugh 36 Grayslake, IL 1:54:20 3. Laura Anderson 39 Chicago, IL 2:11:02 Name

Age

City

Time

4. Lisa Krause 5. Masumi Yoneyama 6. Ausra Butkeviciute 7. Kim Metz 8. Amanda Robert 9. Alicia Ford 10. Kelly Roland

49 40 40 36 33 35 30

Villa Park, IL

Male 15k Results 1. Zdzislaw Szewczyk 2. Ben Wuellner 3. Scott Kristopeit 4. Ryan Juza 5. Anna Clausen 6. Darius Piscikas 7. Joaquin Moreno 8. Jesse Mendoza, 9. Jesus Orduna 10. Justin Cook

53 34 49 40 45 33 39 47 37 48

1:11:15 1:21:21 1:24:10 1:32:01 1:34:02 1:36:13 1:44:55 Round Lake Beach, IL 1:56:42 Naperville, IL 1:58:55 Wauwatosa, WI 1:59:34

Female 15k Results 1. Lindsey Hock 2. Emily Harburg 3. Lorene Hernandez 4. Jenny Welsh 5. Deborah Burnet 6. June Haeme 7. Jenny King 8. Hadley Hinshaw 9. Jeanne Messner 10. Rebecca Pruim

28 28 44 34 59 56 39 35 35 30

New York, NY 1:17:21 Chicago, IL 1:17:22 1:24:26 Evanston, IL 1:27:12 Flossmoor, IL 1:31:38 Kempton, IL 1:36:31 Highland Park, IL 1:37:52 Grayslake, IL 1:39:34 Gages Lake, IL 1:42:48 Hodgkins, IL 1:47:24

Name

Age

2:13:02 2:18:29 2:19:20 Hoffman Estates, IL 2:29:03 Forest Park, IL 2:30:54 Chicago, IL 2:33:09 Antioch, IL 2:34:31 Hoffman Estates, IL

Mount Prospect, IL

Evanston, IL Racine, WI Gurnee, IL Mundelein, IL Hickory Hills, IL Joliet, IL

City

Time

More Calendar events at: YOUR PERSONAL RACE CALENDAR

Running

01/06/18 S-no-W Fun Run Lake Geneva WI

02/18/18 Boreas Trail Adventure Bristol WI

racinearearunningclub.org

www.xcthrillogy.com

01/06/18 Chicago Polar Dash Chicago IL

03/03/18 9th Annual Oak Forest Fleadh Oak Forest IL

www.polardashchicago.com

www.oc-chamber.org

01/13/18 Burbank Park District Frosty 5K Run/1 Mile Walk Burbank IL

03/11/18 Hills Are Alive Trail Run & Walk Burlington WI

www.burbankparkdistrict.org

01/14/18 Winter Challenge Cross Country Chicago IL RunRace.net/wc3

01/20/18 Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series #1 St. Charles IL

03/14/18 Pi Day 3.14-mi.

Fun Run on 3.14 (w/ pie) - benefits science & math outreach Chicago IL PiDayRun.org

www.runandachieve.com/fvwcts

03/17/18 - 10:00 am Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series #3 Geneva IL

01/20/18 9th Annual F3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k Chicago IL

03/18/18 March Madness Half Marathon Cary IL

www.runandachieve.com

www.F3Running.com

www.hillstriders.com

01/21/18 im Schnee festsitzen Bristol WI

03/24/18 Kent City Ridge Run 15K/5K Kent City MI

02/04/18 - 10:00 am Super Shuffle 5K Geneva IL www.genevaparks.org

02/11/18 northShore Cupid’s Love Dash 5k Highland Park IL www.carpediemraces.com

02/17/18 Fox Valley Winter Challenge Trail Series #2 Aurora IL www.runandachieve.com/fvwcts

www.kentcityschools.org

03/31/18 Carmel Marathon Weekend Carmel IN www.CarmelMarathon.com

04/07/18 April Fools 5k Bloomingdale IL www.aprilfools5k.com

04/07/18 - 8:00 am Beat The Eagle 5K Lombard IL www.raceroster.com/15144

www.MyCHiCagoatHLete.CoM

CaLendar events

F^3 Lake Half Marathon & 5k Saturday, January 20, 2018 | CHiCago, iL

Get out of your house this winter and run along the Chicago Lakefront for the 9th annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon! Not only is this race Chicago’s original winter half, but runners get to warm up inside the United Club before the race, and a post-race party is held at Kroll’s. If this is isn’t enough incentive, then the long sleeve hooded shirt in the swag bag definitely will be.

04/08/18 good Life Race Oak Park IL goodliferace.com

04/22/18 McHenry County Human Race Crystal Lake IL www.volunteercentermchenrycounty.org

04/14/18 Saw Wee Kee Trail Run Oswego IL

04/22/18 PR Half Marathon Geneva IL

www.oswegolandpd.org

prhalf.com

04/14/18 Martian invasion of Races Dearborn MI

04/28/18 Christie Clinic illinois Marathon Champaign IL

martianraces.com

www.illinoismarathon.com

04/14/18 Fun Run in Color Wheaton IL

04/29/18 Ravenswood Run 5k Chicago IL

wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/funrun

www.ravenswoodrun.com

04/20/18 Albion Run - Run the Rock Albion MI 3disciplines.com

04/21/18 Sly Fox 13.1 and 10K St. Charles IL www.slyfoxhalf.com

04/21/18 Advocate Health Care Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon Geneva IL bq2races.com

04/21/18 Wintrust Lakefront 10 Miler & 5K Chicago IL www.lakefront10.com

04/28/18 Under the Influence of...Adrenaline Race Series West Bend WI www.adrenalineraces.org

04/29/18 Ravenswood Run 5k Chicago IL www.ravenswoodrun.com

04/29/18 Run, Walk & Roll for MarklundBloomingdale Bloomingdale IL www.marklund.org/5K

SnOWSHOE

01/20/18 Bigfoot Snowshoe Traverse City MI www.runsnow.com

TRiATHLOn

01/21/18 ET indoor Triathlon Series - January 21 Race Lisle IL experiencetriathlon.com

02/17/18 Forest Frenzy Winter Triathlon Boulder Junction WI boulderjct.org/forest-frenzy

02/25/18 ET indoor Triathlon Series - February 25 Race Lisle IL experiencetriathlon.com

03/02/18 HF Racquet and Fitness Club 9th Annual indoor Triathlon Homewood IL www.hfracquetandfitness.com

03/25/18 ET indoor Triathlon Series - March 25 Race Lisle IL experiencetriathlon.com

XC SKiing

01/06/18 northern illinois nordic XC Ski Race Wheaton IL 02/17/18 Eirawen20 XC Ski Race Sturgeon Bay WI www.snowkraftnordic.com

MyChiCagoathlete.CoM

JaNUary/FebrUary 2018

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HEALTH/FITNESS LISTINGS

RIVER NORTH: 600 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60654 LINCOLN PARK: 2105 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60614 HINSDALE: 230 E. Ogden Avenue (Inside Shred415), Hinsdale, IL 60521 312-600-7716 | info@delostherapy.com www.delostherapy.com THE PROBLEM Repetitive motions of day-to-day life cause muscles to contract and relax.

Over time, these contractions become shorter. As they become shorter, muscles and fascia become chronically contracted, forming knots, congested tissue, and muscle tightness leading to dysfunction, disability and pain.

The health of muscles is directly affected by tightness in the muscles.

Blood and lymph volume is drastically reduced in hyper-contracted muscle tissue. Tremendous congestion and inflammation accumulates in the tissue from cellular metabolic wastes, all due to ineffective circulation.

As this stagnation progresses, the tissue suffers increasingly destructive pathological changes.

DELOS THERAPY Delos Therapy involves applied systematic pressure to the entire length of the muscle to stretch muscular fibrils, leading to elevated vascular and lymphatic circulation, improving the vital health of the affected tissue, eliminating pain and restoring function.

HOW WE DIFFER FROM...

Physical Therapy Conventional techniques of stretching and strengthening are ineffective for hyper-contracted muscle tissue. Delos Therapy addresses the root cause of the pain by micro-stretching muscles and fascia.

Chiropractic Rather than manipulating bones that may be out of alignment, Delos therapy addresses the muscle tissue, which is the force that is causing the skeletal misalignment in the first place.

CHICAGO CHIROPRACTIC & SPORTS INJURY CENTERS

HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE FOR EVERYONE FROM PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES TO SOCCER MOMS

Dr. Alden Clendenin | Dr. Josh Hover | Dr. Chris Bocci | Dr. Nico Fotieo Dr. Ray Manasia | Dr. Jeff Louis | Dr. Nate Halverson Board Certified Chiropractic Sports Physicians / Acupuncture / Physical Therapy & Rehab Spinal Decompression / GuaSha Release Technique / Rolf Method / Custom Orthotics

Loop Clinic: Lincoln Park: Skokie Clinic: West Loop Clinic:

312.236.WELL 773.529.WELL 847.677.WELL 312.346.WELL

Our clinics provide care for patients ranging from professional athletes to soccer moms. As avid hockey players/athletes themselves our doctors know first hand the need for chiropractic specialty techniques and physical therapy for any athlete. Our practices specialize in the correction of biomechanical disorders rather than treating just the pain symptoms. We provide comprehensive treatment programs for, but not limited to: Ligament/Muscle Injury & Tendonitis | Spinal Decompression | Podiatry Acupuncture | Therapeutic Sports Massage | Rolf Method Kinesio-Taping | Sciatica/Disc Problems | Physical Therapy Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Rehabilitation | Back/Neck Pain | Headaches Custom Foot Orthotics | Rotator Cuff Syndrome | Knee/Hip Pain Foot/Ankle Pain | Extremity Conditions | Post-Concussive Therapy Served as Sports Chiropractors for several professional teams Our Certified Sports Physician (CCSP) is also Certified Power-Taping Practioners (CPTP) MENTION THIS AD FOR A $50 INITIAL EXAM, CONSULTATION, X-RAY IF NEEDED & FIRST TREATMENT.

www.SportsInjuryCenters.com

Massage Compared to Delos, regular massage is a superficial technique that doesn’t optimally address muscular tightness. Even deep tissue and sports massage don’t hold tissue in a stretched position long enough to be fully effective.

Conventional Stretching Tight tissue doesn’t stretch, so during conventional stretching, only healthy fibers are stretched. As a result, flexibility often increases, but pain and stiffness don’t diminish.

CONDITIONS TREATED BY DELOS • Headaches/migraines • Back/neck pain • Shoulder pain • Arthritis • Sciatica • IT band syndrome • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Tennis/golfer’s elbow • Hip pain • Plantar fasciitis • Tendonitis • TMJ • Bursitis • Fibromyalgia • Knee pain • Shin splints BENEFITS OF DELOS • Prevention of surgeries • Reduced rehabilitation time • Restored function • Increased range of motion

• Elimination of pain symptoms • Reduced treatment costs • Reduced stiffness

First time clients are entitled to a complimentary 25-minute treatment using code ChiMag.

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CHICAGO CHIROPRACTIC & SPORTS MEDICINE Dr. Joshua Akin, Dr. Jon Sebby, Dr. Frank Bucki, Shawn Mays, LMT, Sam Gao, LMT

847-881-2861 | Chicagochirosports.com Locations: 1847 Oak St, Northfield (located in Chicago Sports Institute) 1325 W. Randolph St, Chicago Chicago Chiropractic & Sports Medicine specializes in helping athletes and active individuals achieve optimal performance in sports, as well as body balance for every day activities. Our board certified doctors work with you to design an individualized and comprehensive treatment program – combining body-work, education and exercise – that accelerates your performance and recovery.

Services Offered: • Chiropractic Care • Active Release Technique (ART) • Massage Therapy • Functional Rehabilitation • Trigger Point Needling • Kinesio Taping • Cupping Therapy • Graston Technique • Instrument Adhesion Release • Nutritional IV Therapy • Orthotics • Oxygen Therapy

Dr. Akin is the Chiropractic Physician for the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs.

Contact us to find out how Chicago Chiropractic & Sports Medicine can help you with your recovery from an injury, treatments to manage your acute or chronic pain or a program to improve your performance and prevent injuries.

CHICAGO SPORTS INSTITUTE 847-881-2861 | chicagosportsinstitute.com 1847 Oak St. Northfield, IL

TIMOTHY T. JANTZ, DPM, FACFO, PODIATRIST

388 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815.459.FOOT (3668) Board certified in Podiatric Orthopedics and a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, Dr. Jantz is also a marathoner, ultramarathoner and duathlete. Providing comprehensive treatment for sports-related foot and ankle problems. Biomechanical examination, gait and stance evaluation and custom, sport specific, prescription orthotics. Conservative care of heel pain, tendonitis, pinched nerves, stress fractures, sprains, bunions, hammertoes. Surgical treatment as a last resort. Treadmill gait analysis, X-ray on site. On staff at Northern Illinois Medical Center and Memorial Medical Center. Evening hours are available.

Chicago Sports Institute, www.chicagosportsinstitute.com, is Chicagoland’s premier sports training facility, dedicated to providing the ultimate in performance training, sports medicine and integrative health. With a passion for helping clients achieve their health and wellness goals, the experts at Chicago Sports Institute have an ongoing commitment to assist athletes at any level in achieving optimal performance in their sports and activities.

SERVICES OFFERED: - Performance Training • One-On-One • Athlete Development • Youth • Program Design • Strongwoman & Strongman - Sports Medicine (Chicago Chiropractic & Sports Medicine) - Integrative Health chicagosportsinstitute.com info@chicagosportsinstitute.com

Massage Envy - Streeterville 345 E. Ohio Street (Between Fairbanks & McClurg Ct) 3-hours of validated parking for $10 312-222-0808 Massage Envy - Lincoln Park Clybourn 1845 N. Clybourn Ave (Across from Buffalo Wild Wings) Free 2-hours of validated parking 773-904-1100 Massage Envy - Old Town / Gold Coast 1222 N. Wells (Across from Plum Market) 312-642-3689 All locations open 7 days a week.

We help people feel their best. Total Body Care at Massage Envy is an integral part of everyone’s well-being journey.

Massage Therapy Services Add massage therapy to your marathon or triathlon training program and enhance your performance and improve your recovery. Try your first 60-minute customized massage for just $60 or a 90-minute session for just $90.

With our focus on Total Body Care, we offer the following services in 30, 60, 90, and 120 minute sessions: • Deep Tissue • Swedish / relaxation • Reflexology • Pre-natal • Hot Stone Therapy • Enhanced Muscle Therapy • Sports massage • Hand and foot exfoliation treatments Total Body Stretch Service Introducing 30 and 60-minute assisted stretch at our introductory rate of $36 or $60 The ME Total Body Stretch is a new customizable therapeutic assisted stretch session that can help our guests do more with their own body by working to aid in restoring range of motion, mobility, and assisting in performance and recovery. These services are assisted by one of Massage Envy’s trained and licensed massage therapist or personal trainers.

Skin Care Services Massage Envy is all about health and well-being. These include our Murad Healthy Skin Facials and our advanced skincare services.

Benefit from our skincare services at affordable rates. We offer the following skin care services: • Murad Healthy Skin Facials • PCA Chemical Exfoliation • Microderm Infusion Membership Join over 1,900,000 members nationwide! We have over 1,300 locations in 49 states. Members enjoy our lowest rates on massage therapy and skincare services.

SAUGANASH WELLNESS CENTER

6160 N. Cicero Avenue, Suite 214, Chicago, IL 60646 773.283.4470 | FAX: 773.283.4473 info@sauganashwellness.com www.sauganashwellness.com Sauganash Wellness Center provides quality chiropractic care and massage therapy — treatments that reduce pain and enhance your health. Whether you are an athlete in training or looking to maintain optimum performance, our non-invasive treatments will fit you and your family’s active lifestyle and individual needs.

Conditions we treat at Sauganash Wellness Center include arthritis, back or neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, disc herniations, headaches, muscular pain or injury, sciatica, sports-related injuries, whiplash and more.

The Sauganash Wellness Center has been recognized as a Corporate Citizen of the Year by the Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce because they exemplify what the chamber represents – business, service and community. Founded in 2006 by Dr. Deanna Minkler and Rachel Shaffer, the center has become an important part of the community. Minkler and Shaffer have participated in and donated their services to Lincolnwood’s Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing, Turkey Trot and annual summer Fest, as well as many other events in Greater Chicago including the WTTW Family Walk and Fun Run, the Edison Park Turkey Trot and the Chicago Police Memorial Fund Run to Remember 5K Walk/Run. A licensed Chiropractic for more than 10 years, Dr. Deanna Minkler, D.C., CHt, specializes in sports rehabilitation and pediatric chiropractic.

To assist athletes recover from injuries at a quicker pace, Minkler has become certified in Kinesiotaping, the treatment of muscular disorders and lymphedema reduction, and the Graston Technique, which treats acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.

“Becoming a successful chiropractor has been my ambition since I was nine years old,” Dr. Minkler shares. “Being a part of a person’s transition from discomfort and impaired movement to pain free mobility is my greatest reward. My profession is challenging and stimulating and it inspires me every day!”

Rachel Shaffer is a licensed and certified massage therapist who has been in practice for more than 9 years. Specializing in assisting professional athletes, Shaffer has become an expert in deep tissue and sports massage. She also excels at prenatal and geriatric therapy.

Enhance your current health... and your future health with care from our certified and licensed doctors and practitioners. Sauganash Wellness Center is conveniently located at 6160 N. Cicero Avenue, just one block east of the Eden’s Expressway (I-94) and one block north of Peterson Avenue on Chicago’s North Side. Many insurance plans accepted. Now accepting new patients.

For more information, visit the center’s web site at www.sauganashwellness.com.

TRANQUIL WATERS FLOAT

7258 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago, IL 60631 844-TWFLOAT | float@twfloat.com | www.twfloat.com AN OASIS OF TRANQUILLITY IN A BUSY AND STRESSFUL WORLD Floating is a regular training tool for many professional and collegiate sports teams. It is being implemented into professional training programs all over the world for its ability to improve both physical and mental performance from amateur to professional athletes alike.Floating is a performance enhancing experience for everyone.

Some notable sports teams that make use of the many benefits of floating include the World Champion Chicago Cubs, Golden State Warriors, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, and Dallas Cowboys.

Some of the professional athletes who float are Stephen Curry, Tom Brady, Harrison Barnes, Marvin Jones, Wayne Rooney, Carl Lewis, Phillips Idowu, and Jon Olson. Some of whom have float tanks in their homes.

WHAT IS FLOATING? The float experience begins in a 5’x8’ Wave float room filled with 10” of tap water. The water is saturated with 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) making the solution so buoyant that the body floats weightless in it. With the effects of gravity neutralized, the body is in the most relaxed state possible. Because the solution is maintained at body temperature (93.5 degrees fahrenheit), the floater becomes “one with the water” and no longer has a sense of being in the tub.

Additionally, the float room can be completely free of any light and sound thus allowing for complete repose from the world as you know. In this realm, the body and mind are freed to experience the deepest relaxation in an environment like no other on the planet.

WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO DO THIS? In this day and age with the constant bombardment of our senses both physically and mentally, while we are awake and sleeping, the real question should be: Who wouldn’t want to float?

There are enormous mental and physical benefits with the practice of completely unplugging and relaxing if we can be willing and open minded enough to just let go.

BENEFITS OF FLOATING • Reduces stress hormones (cortisol) • Lowers blood pressure and improve blood circulation • Increases production of endorphins • Helps in removing lactic acid build up • Reduces inflammation in muscles and joints • Helps replenish magnesium levels • Helps reduce chronic pain issues associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, back and neck pain, and regular everyday aches • Helps in recovery from jet lag, shift work, and fatigue • Produces theta brain activity • Improves visualization, concentration,mental clarity and focus • Increase sense of well being, energy, and optimism • Enhances creativity and problem solving • Naturally helps the body and mind to rejuvenate and detoxify • Promotes total calm and peaceful relaxation • Speeds the healing process and boosts immune function • Improves athletic performance

MYCHICAGOATHLETE.COM

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

37

Second Glance

Lance Grossman

Head CoaCH oF Iguana’s swIm Club In CHICago

Q How did your swimming journey begin?

A I got into it because my older brother was recruited on the high school team, and after watching his meets I got interested. I grew up in Skokie and started swimming when I was 11 or 12. Then, swam club in high school at Evanston Township, and was the IHSA State Champ. I got into it pretty rapidly, we had really good teams and they still do. I continued water sports in college, at the University of Illinois – Champaign-Urbana, playing water polo, but that was definitely more of a social activity.

When did you start coaching?

Well I’ve worked at the Chicago Fire Department for 28 years, but started as a paramedic. It’s very hard work, and after a few years I decided I needed to see some positive things; you see a lot of bad in the city and I was looking for an outlet, so I got into coaching.

I started coaching at the New City YMCA downtown, which is gone now, but I coached there for 10 years. It was a great experience. When that closed, I went to the Irving Park YMCA, where the Iguanas were already there as a team, and at a certain point we sort of took it over; we made it our own with coaches and parents helped, and I’ve been running that for 10 years.

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Tell us a little bit about the Iguanas Swim Club.

We’re a year-round USA swimming chartered club team and we train all levels; we have kids competing as high as Speedo Sectionals, which is a lower level senior national competition. We also run our triathlon club in the summer which I think is unique – there’s only a couple youth triathlon training clubs in the city. That has a good membership but they’re not all swimmers. We have a lot of swim meets, a couple a month, and we host some, go to some local and some require more travel. Our current membership is at about 200 kids, including the triathlon team and winter swim, but they come for all reasons. Some just come for the spring stroke classes.

What do you think is the most important thing to teach athletes?

Swimming is a tough sport, and the bigger you get, the harder it gets. We try and get them to appreciate the process of training and creating their own goals, but also enjoying teamwork and friendships. We emphasize that over making time or reaching levels. We find that in the long run as they get older and they hit a plateau, if they appreciate the process then they’ll have a better chance of overcoming that and continuing the sport.

What do you think swimming teaches the kids?

Besides a fun activity and incorporating fitness, I think swimming can teach them a little bit of discipline and perseverance. It requires a lot of time as they get more involved, and it can help them learn to balance that with homework and staying caught up. Which is typical of any youth sport, but it’s important.

What’s your favorite part of coaching?

I appreciate working with newer kids that are struggling and seeing them get confidence with their abilities. Seeing them come in nervous and watching them grow is inspiring.

After coaching for 20 years, you must have some favorite memories. What are they?

Well first, when my twin daughters Maggie and Zoe did their first kids’ triathlons with our Tri club. This was 10 years ago and they were only seven. More recently, when Lane Tech, a girls swimming program I assist at, won their third straight City Championship by winning the last relay, the 4x100 Free Relay, at this year’s meet.

There’s a lot though, it’s been a great experience.

By: Holly Petrovich

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