CaliforniaTrack &RunningNews presents the
! e e r F
January—March 2010
Runner’s Schedule Calendar YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO RUNNING, WALKING, TRAIL & MULTI-SPORTS IN CALIFORNIA containing events through December 2010!
25,000 Copies Distributed!
Check inside for information on these upcoming races:
Courtesy of LA Marathon
• LA Marathon (Application Included) • El Paso Marathon • John Frank Memorial NorCal 10-Miler
SPECIAL EDITION OFFICIAL FOOTWEAR & APPAREL PARTNER OF THE LA MARATHON
You can also find this calendar at www.caltrack.com.
Calendar
January 1, SUN Berkeley: Splash and Dash 5M Run, Stride or Walk, 10am $20, $25 race day w/t-s and numerous awards. Sea Breeze Deli-foot of University Ave. (from I-80 take University Avenue off-ramp. West toward the Bay; course around the beautiful Berkeley Marina and Park. Race numbers not mailed; you will pick them up on race day. Sky High, 4967 Santa Rita Rd, El Sobrante 94803; Online www.TheSchedule.com; 510/2235778 (7-10 am & pm). January 10, SUN Stockton:
California 10 9am. S/F San Joaquin General Hospital, French Camp, 5 miles sout of Stockton, (Mathews Road exit off 1-5). 10 Mile (cert # CA93028CW) and 10K out/back courses; flat, fast, paved. 10 mile finishers: sub 50/55/60 long sleeved T’s for those finishing in less than 50/55/60 min; sub-70 long sleeved T’s for women, all male runners 50+ finishing in under 70 min. Short sleeved T’s for all others. $25 postmarked by 1/5, $30 race day. Post-race brunch included. Benefits TeamFox for Parkinson;s Research. Active.com. Info: Larry Frank, 3808 Falmouth Ct, Stockston 95219-3203; 209/478-2802; email nephronman@sbcglobal.net; www.sundancerunners.org January 24, SUN Lahaina: Maui Oceanfront Marathon, 6am Start of event shops at Wailea; pt to point flat and fast course with beautiful ocean and mountain vistas. Run north through Kihei and along some of the prettiest beaches in the world. Designer medals and t-shirt to all finishers. January is a great month to run in Hawaii! www.mauioceanfrontmarathon.com; leswright@sbcglobal.net. Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders, Fourth Sunday Runs 5K,10K, 15K, 9 a.m., $3 members, $5 non-members. Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland. Hotline: (510) 6444224 www.lmjs.org February 7, SUN Huntington Beach: Surf City USA Marathon, Surf City USA® Marathon – California’s Classic Oceanfront Festival includes a beach side beer garden in the California sun. Marathon. This exclusive oceanfront course is a California Dream! Run on Pacific Coast Highway past the famous Huntington Beach pier
and wind through the legendary surfing beaches of Southern California. Retro surf bands entertain along the way and the Finish Line Finishers receive bodacious surfboard medals! Info@runsurfcity.com; www.runsurfcity.com Novato: Tamalpa Runner’s Couples’ Relay 2M (30th), 9am $25/$30 per couple after 2/7 w/t-s. Vintage Oaks Shopping Center (Rowland Exit off 101); flat and fun . Women/partner run two laps on a one-mile loop. Lots of awards (two-five deep in the divisions based on the combined age of the couple. Brownies, raffle. No partner, no worries. Show up before 8am & we’ll do our best to match you up w/ partner. Tamalpa Runners, PO Box 4132, San Rafael 94913; www.tamalparunners.com; Active.com; 415/388-7917 San Francisco: Kaiser Permanente San Francisco HalfMarathon & 5K, 10,000 runners, 27th Annual, Benefits: Family House, Support For Families With Disabilities, and others,
February 28, SUN Oakland: Couples Relay 5K Run, 31st Annual, 9 a.m., $16 per couple (LMJS Club members), $22 per couple, (non-club members), $28 race day w/prizes, goody bag, awards. Youth Team $12, (combined age under 34). A pair of running socks with LMJS logo to each member of the first 100 teams to register. Sailboat House, Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland. For entry send SASE: LMJS, 1910 Arrowhead Dr., Oakland 94611; www.LMJS.ORG Hotline: 510-644-4224 March 14, SUN Los Gatos: Go Green Saint Patrick's Day 5K/10K Run, 8:00AM Vasona Park, Los Gatos, CA (333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032) Scenic course around the lake and along the creek bed Website: www.moshanproductions.com
March 20, SAT Oakland: Join us for a 5K Walk/Run and 10K Run around pristine Lake Merritt in Oakland for our 16th Annual AHS February 14, SUN Greek Independence Day Walk/Run. Enjoy the refreshments, Monterey: Together With Love 10KRun, 5K Run/Walk, 1K music and raffle prizes. Awards for all categories and crowning laurel wreaths for overall winners. Discounted reg fees for 19 Kid’s Fun Run (25th), 9am $26, $30 after 1/30 w/LS T-s, refreshments, prize drawing; 8:15am 1K 10 & under $13/$15 and under. www.run.pahh.com; Online Theschedule.com w/medal & goody bag. Lovers Pt Park; flat, certified,paved, Fort Bragg: Whale Run 5K/10K, 5KCW & 5K, FW (26th), scenic out-back course along wter of Monterey Bay. Benefits 8:30am. $25, $30 after 3/11. Ocean & whale spouts along 10 Monterey Rape Crisis Center’s services for sexual assult. Mile Haul Rd. Sponsored by Soroptimist International of Fort Active.com; for more info call 831-373-3955 Bragg. All proceeds benefit local worthy causes. sifb@mcn.org February 15, MON San Mateo: President’s Day 5K, 10K Run/Jog/Walk/ Stride, 10am $20, $25 race day w/t-s, awards and Olympic style medals to all finishers(9 & under & 70 & over Free!) Coyote Pt. County Park (Hwy 101 in San Mateo take the Coyote Point off ramp and follow signs to park); flat out/back scenic run along Bay. Event numbers not mailed; you will pick up on event day. Sky High, 4967 Santa Rita Rd, El Sobrante 94803; Online www.TheSchedule.com; 510/223-5778 (7-10 am & pm). February 20, SUN Palo Alto: Juana Run (14th), A fun family and competitive road race with events for all ages. A complimentary pancake breakfast courtesy of the Pancake House for all 8K participants immediately follows the race. The 8K race is on a relatively flat, fast, and accurate course. Juana Briones Elem. School (4100 Orme St) www.juanarun.org
or soroptimistfortbraggca.org; 800/726-2780 or 707/961-6300; Online TheSchedule.com March 21, SUN San Francisco: Emerald Across the Bay 12K, ‘A Celebration of Running XXVII,’ Sausalito to San Francisco - across the Golden Gate Bridge, 5,000 runners + dozens of *Edgewood Kids running, Benefits: *Edgewood Center for Children & Families Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders, No Fourth Sunday Runs this month, Hotline: (510) 644-4224; www.lmjs.org April 11, SUN Pescadero: Artichoke Half Marathon, 10K Run/Stride, 9am $25, $30 race day w/t-s and awards to all. Pescadero Exit off Hwy One (14M S of Half Moon Bay) Pescadero Road East to Stage Road, turn right to Native Son’ s Hall; very scenic out/back level paved road and 3M of trails. Race numbers are not mailed; you will pick them up on race day. Sky High, 4967 Santa Rita Rd, El Sobrante 94803; Online www.TheSchedule.com; 510/223-5778.
DISCLAIMER Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of the information provided in the Calendar. However, the publisher is not responsible for errors, omissions or changes made after publication. You can save yourself time, money and frustration by pre-registering for events (especially before making any travel arrangements). You may wish to confirm by telephone with organizers the date, time and location just prior to the event. LISTING YOUR EVENT For $75, your listing will be in print and online through the event date. Changes may be made at any time at no additional charge. Call 415-472-7223 for information. ONLINE CALENDAR An up-to-date version of the Calendar can be found online at www.TheSchedule.com. © 2008, The Runner’s Schedule. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without consent of the publisher.
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Special 2010 LA Marathon Edition
April 25, SUN San Rafael: Register soon for the Marin County Marathon, Two Person Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k and Kids Run. Sunday, April 25, 2010 at McNears Beach Park in San Rafael. Produced entirely in a sustainable manner - 100% of the proceeds are donated to charities: Athletes for a Cure, Karno Kids and Parents Place. Where the musicians come to play, join US Olympians and celebrities for an amazing day at the beach. To learn more and to register, visit www.marinmarathon.com April 25, SUN Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders, Fourth Sunday Runs 5K, 10K, 9am $3 members, $5 non-members. Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland. Hotline: (510) 644-4224 www.lmjs.org El Sobrante: Lakeridge Mini Man Super Sprint (250ydS11mB-2mR), 8am $40,45 race day w/t-s, lunch w/drink, water, one-day membership to Lakeridge (discount for LAC members & students w/valid ID). Lakeridge AC; S-pool, Bscenic on San Pablo Dam Rd., R-rolling hills. Medals for all. Lakeridge Athletic Club, 6350 San Pablo Dam Rd., 94803; triathlon@lakeridgeathletic.com; Online www.TheSchedule.com May 2, SUN Danville: Workday Devil Mountain Run 5K & 10K – 33rd Annual, 3,500 Runners/Walkers + Kids Fun Run, Benefits: Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland May 16, SUN Berkeley: Tilden Tough Ten Miler, 10 Miles (22nd), 8 a.m., $20 pre-reg (LMJS members), $25 pre-reg (non-members), $30 race day, w/t-s, awards, raffle and refreshments. Field is limited to 300 runners. Hilly 10M out/back along Nimitz Way. Sub-60, 70 and 80 minute t-shirts. For entry send SASE to: LMJS, 1910 Arrowhead Dr., Oakland 94611, www.LMJS.ORG Hotline: 510-644-4224 May 23, SUN Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders, Fourth Sunday Run 5K ONLY, 9am $3 members, $5 non-members. Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland. Hotline: (510) 644-4224 www.lmjs.org
May 24, SAT Antioch: Deer Valley Super Sprint Triathlon, 9am Superkidz 7yrs-under (50ydS-1mB-.25mR), Superkidz 7-10 yrs (100ydS2mB-.5mR); Sprint Course (250ydS-8mB-2mR) Super course (500ydS-18mB-3.8mR), 8am Superkidz $15, Sprint course $35/$40, Team $45/$50 race day; Super course $40/$45, Team $45/$50. Medals for all, plus SuperKidzs. Kids 14 and under will win an award! Prewitt Water Park, 4701 Lone Tree Wy. Swim-pool, bike-slightly rolling loop, Run-paved path. Race numbers are not mailed; you will pick them up on race day. Sky High 510/223-5778; Online www.TheSchedule.com
Runs 5K, 10K, 15K, 9 a.m., $3 members, $5 non-members. Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland. Hotline: (510) 6444224 www.lmjs.org
June 4-5, FRI-SAT Reno: Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure 178M (6th), 7am. One of Reno-Tahoe’s newest & most exciting Special events; a team relay run on a 178M course through the Reno-Lake Tahoe region. Peopleburningfatproductions@pyramid.net; www.renotahoeodyssey.com
August 8, SUN Pinecrest: Pinecrest Run 5M and 1M Fun Run, The Pinecrest Run is held annually the second Sunday in August. All ages welcome! Starts and ends at the beach on Pinecrest Lake in Pinecrest, California. Race course runs through hilly streets and steeper terrain near the lake. This is Tuolumne County’s oldest running foot race! Scenic 5 mile run and "1 mile" Fun Run. Registration begins at 7:30 AM Sunday August 8, 2010. Fun Run kicks off at 8:30 AM and 5-Mile Run at 9:00 AM. There is a $15 registration fee and T-shirts sold separately also for $15 each. Proceeds benefit the Pinecrest School physical education program.
June 12, SUN Lake Tahoe: DeCelle Memorial Lake Tahoe Relay (46th), 7am. 72 mile, 7 person relay around beautiful Lake Tahoe. Hilly course with altitude. Oldest distance relay in USA. tahoerealy@gmail.com; www.Laketahoerelay.com June 27, SUN Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders, Fourth Sunday Runs 5K, 10K, 9am $3 members, $5 non-members. Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland. Hotline: (510) 644-4224 www.lmjs.org July 11, SUN Castro Valley: Eden Medical Center’s Run to the Lake 5K & 10K, 2,000 Runners/Walkers+ Kids Fun Run, Benefits: Eden Medical Center Trauma Center July 18, SUN Lost Gatos: Los Gatos Half Marathon, 10K Jungle Run, 7am $40, $45 after 10/25, $50 after 1/10; 7:15am 10K $25/$30/$35. Los Gatos Creek Trail. First Wave Events, PO Box 321263, Los Gatos 95032; info@firstwave-events.com; www.firstwave-events.com July 25, SAT Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders, Fourth Sunday
July 26, SUN San Francisco: San Francisco Marathon, For more info go to : www.runsf.com July 31, SUN Australia: Australian Outback Marathon, Contact LeRoy for Information. leroy@letatravelvacations.com; www.letstravelvacations.com; 800-383-9648
August 22, SUN Oakland: Time Is On Your Side 5K, 10K Runs, 9 a.m., $6 prereg(LMJS members),, $8 pre-reg (non-members), $8 race day (members), $10 (non-members). Sailboat House, Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, Prizes and awards. Guess your time and the closest wins.For entry send SASE to LMJS, 1910 Arrowhead Dr., Oakland, CA 94611. www.LMJS.ORG Hotline: 510-644-4224 September 26, SUN Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders, Fourth Sunday Runs 5K, 10K, 15K, 9 a.m., $3 members, $5 non-members. Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland. Hotline: (510) 6444224, www.lmjs.org October 3 , SUN San Francisco: Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge with KFOG, KNBR & The BONE Radio Stations, 6,000 Runners/Walkers, 34th Annual, Benefits: Northern California Special Olympics October 24, SUN Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth Sunday Runs 5K, 10K, 9am $3 members, $5 non-members. Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland. Hotline: (510) 644-4224 www.lmjs.org November 28, SUN Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth Fourth Sunday Runs 5K, 10K, 15K, 9 a.m., $3 members, $5 nonmembers. Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland. Hotline: (510) 644-4224 www.lmjs.org San Francisco: RUN WILD For A Child 5K & 10K, San Francisco Golden Gate Park, 6000 Runners/Walkers, 26th Annual, Benefits: SF Firefighters Toy Program December 26, SUN Oakland: Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders Fourth Sunday Runs 5K, 10K, 9am $3 members, $5 non-members. Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland. Hotline: (510) 644-4224 www.lmjs.org
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Special 2010 LA Marathon Edition
Q&A with Peter Abraham Creative Director of the LA Marathon by Larry Eder, President of Running Network LLC Why should someone who has never run LA before run the 2010 LA Marathon?
Stadium by bus, having earlier parked near the finish and gotten on shuttles. The course departs from a tree-lined stretch of road outside of center field. We’ll do a lap and a half of the Stadium before heading out to Sunset Boulevard. This means we have a criterium start, and all of the runners will see the elites go by on their first lap. The Stadium lot is not flat, and I advise everyone to carefully study the course profile so they’re not caught off-guard by the bumpy first mile.
Because it’s the first chance in history to run our new Stadium to Sea LA Marathon course. It starts at Dodger Stadium, travels down Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Strip, and Rodeo Drive before ending at the Santa Monica Pier. For marathoners, this is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity. Moreover, 2010 marks the 25th anniversary of the LA Marathon. So this year has got many special qualities that marathoners shouldn’t miss.
And what about the finish?
You’ve redesigned the course. Tell us about it.
In addition to the spectacular finishing stretch, we’re hosting a massive finish line festival down in the lot next to the Santa Monica Pier. We’ll have a band playing, great food, apparel sales, and a beautiful beach to rest on. I believe that all great running events need a user-friendly, enjoyable finish area. The LA Marathon has never had that—until now. I think of the New York City Marathon finishing in Central Park or Bay to Breakers finishing in Golden Gate Park near the beach. You can imagine how pleasant it’s going to be for runners to cross the line and look out over the waves. Furthermore, I’ll bet a bunch of runners jog straight into the ocean for a swim after completing the race. How cool is that?
Our mission is to inspire athletes and connect communities. This course lives up to that. We call this course “A Landmark Every Mile” and it really is—from the Stadium to Olvera Street to Echo Park, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Hollywood & Vine, Historic Route 66, the Veterans’ Administration, and Santa Monica—it just doesn’t get any better. While there are some hills in the first 8 miles, the course is net downhill, and we expect some very fast times. It also runs westward, toward the beach, so it will get progressively cooler as you get closer to the finish.
What’s your favorite part of the course? I’m partial to the finish along Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. I believe this will go down as one of the greatest marathon finishing stretches in the world. You have over a mile of gradual downhill lined with palm trees and a spectacular view of the ocean. Talk about camera-ready!
What festivities have been planned around the event? • Fr iday and Satur day, Mar ch 19th and 20th—Our Expo will be at Dodger Stadium—outside. It will be unique in the world of running events. There’ll be lots of fun, experiential activities that we can only do outdoors. A runner can come pick up his or her number and also bring their family along. This event will be a hub for the California lifestyle and attract both runners and the general public.
Tell us about the start.
Courtesy of LA Marathon
Courtesy of LA Marathon
We’ll have a concentration of marathon energy at Dodger Stadium. Our Expo will be there, and the start chute is right next to the Expo space. On race morning, the runners will arrive at the
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Special 2010 LA Marathon Edition
• Satur day morning, March 20th—The NPN LA 5K at Dodger Stadium. Our 5K had previously taken place on the same day as the Marathon. We’re now holding it on Saturday so virtually anyone running the Marathon could use the 5K as a tune-up the day before the race. It features a beautiful course in Elysian Park surrounding the Stadium. Come run this event and pick up your marathon number while you’re here.
The K-Swiss Performance Running store on Main Street in Santa Monica will be like an LA Marathon clubhouse as we get closer to the event. We’re very excited about some of the other things we have planned with them.
You have a killer app on your website that shows the marathon course. We’ve linked to it on runblogrun.com. Can you give us the link so people can check it out?
• Satur day ev ening, March 20th—Win Forever Inspiration Dinner with USC football coach Pete Carroll. Pete is mentoring some of our training program leaders this year, and he’ll give his pre-game pep talk to runners on Saturday evening. This event is open to all runners for $35 and includes dinner. Having spent time with Pete, I can tell you that this is a do-not-miss opportunity.
We spent time creating fun video elements that communicate the energy and tone of this year’s event. Here are two of those pieces: www.lamarathon.com/event/course-video/ and www.youtube.com/user/LosAngelesMarathon#p/u
You’ve moved the date to March, you’ve changed the course, and you’re at events every weekend (I follow you on Twitter). Are you tired?
• Sunday, Mar ch 21st—City block parties all along the route. We’re giving the greater LA community places to come and participate in LA Marathon festivities on race day. These concert festivals will feature local vendors, food, and a front row seat for the event. They’ll take place on Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Strip, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and of course, at the finish in Santa Monica.
I am, but I’ll tell you, it’s so much fun to be out at running events talking to runners about the LA Marathon. There’s a huge buzz in the running community about this year’s race and the new course. I find that many people have already heard about what’s going on, and they want to know more. So for me, it’s exciting to be out swimming in that energy. I can sleep in late March once our event is done!
• Shepard Fairey’s Studio Number One is doing a limitededition, signed 25th anniversary poster. This will be a highly collectible screenprint commemorating this year’s race.
What does your team like about the marathon community? As you know, marathons are a passion point. Within the community of runners, marathoners are arguably the most enthusiastic practitioners. To me, that’s exciting, because we can engage with them on so many levels—interactive, social media, inperson at the race, during our training program, etc. In reality, we’re in the relationship business with our customers, and we’re trying to create a year-round dialog surrounding the LA Marathon and running. Only the runners can tell us if we’re accomplishing that or not.
You have a major footwear and apparel sponsor in K-Swiss. Tell us about that relationship.
Courtesy of LA Marathon
Courtesy of LA Marathon
K-Swiss has chosen the LA Marathon as their point of entry into the performance running world. They’ve already made a big splash in triathlons and we’re excited to help them expand their base of support in running. This is a true partnership and we’re working hand-in-hand to build a great runner experience around the LA Marathon. Already, K-Swiss has been involved in a weekly basis with the 1,600 participants in our Roadrunners training program.
Special 2010 LA Marathon Edition
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TRAINING TIPS from Rod Dixon, LA Marathon Director of Training Long Runs
Long runs should be the basis of all the training you do. My rule has always been “Double your daily average once a week.” The long, slower runs should be as much as 2 minutes and 30 seconds slower than your estimated marathon pace for at least the first 12–14 weeks of preparation based on a 28week program. This is called the aerobic (with oxygen) phase. (Most of the world’s elite runners will run slower per mile in training than their race pace (average would be 50–80 seconds slower during this phase). This phase is more about time spent running than distance. Keep the pace at a comfortable level where you feel you could run on and on. If you are running with a friend, you should be able to carry on a comfortable conversation without feeling out of breath.
Hill Training
Courtesy of LA Marathon
This is a very important phase, and doesn't require lots of strenuous and heart-breaking mountains. Incorporate hills in your training after about 12 weeks, just as you are finishing the aerobic phase of training. Don’t get your heart rate up too high—just enough to bring you to what we call the lactate threshold stage. Your pace (heart rate) should be a little more than marathon pace, but not as demanding as 10K pace (kind of in the middle). Don’t attack each hill. Prepare yourself by dividing the hill into sections and aim to run through each section at the same pace, driving with your arms, shortening your stride, and leaning into the hill almost using gravity to do its work also. Imagine you’re pulling on a rope: Don’t look up at the top; focus and work well on each section. This phase can be about 4–6 weeks with your regular training.
Easy Days
We INSPIRE ATHLETES and CONNECT COMMUNITIES. With thousands of volunteers, tens of thousands of participants, and hundreds of thousands of spectators along the route, the LOS ANGELES MARATHON is one of the largest organized road races in the country. For more information, visit www.lamarathon.com. 16 c t & r n • j a n u a r y — m a r c h 2 0 1 0
A lot of runners have easy days since it’s important to allow the body to recover from the running training. In fact, it’s said that “We improve not while we are training, but while we are resting.” Good nutrition is essential, as is understanding the importance of recovery foods. For most runners, two days away from running is the norm each week, but some will take off three days every 4th week. Consistency is the key to improvement. Set your training so that it’s consistent and has a regular pattern.
Strength Training for Runners
This is a wide and varied subject. Anything that helps you to be more efficent as a runner has to be good. For the runner, I always suggest light weights and high repetitions. Runners just don’t need to lift or push massive weights. Learn to be efficient with your own body weight. A few of the runners’ strength training exercises that I do are push-ups, chin-ups, dips, hyperextensions, step-ups, hip raises, clamshells, and single leg squats to bench. If you need to have a trainer or you want to go to the local gym or fitness center, make sure you explain to the trainer that you’re a runner in training. They’ll know how to set your workouts if you want to bring strength training into your running. Rod Dixon is the director of training and coaching for the LA Marathon Roadrunners program. He’s a 4-time Olympian and Olympic medalist and the 1983 New York City Marathon champion. ©2010 by Rod Dixon. Special 2010 LA Marathon Edition
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Special 2010 LA Marathon Edition
SUNSET STRIP
Beverly Hills
2010 Course Map Stadium to the Sea
West Hollywood
GRAUMAN’S CHINESE THEATER
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Q&A with Mark Sheehan
Director of Performance Footwear, K-Swiss by Larry Eder, President of Running Network LLC Mark, how did you get started in the business? I finished my professional running career in 1988 and was approached by Nike to become an Ekin [technical rep] in the state of Florida. I went to Asia on their behalf in 1990 and worked on the production and product development side for the next seven years. We had a great team during these years and making great running shoes just became our passion. We were a bunch of geek runners just making shoes we would like to run in and the formula worked very well.
STABILITY Konejo II is our stability offering. We add a higher dual-density posting to this shoe, and we increase the hardness of the core internal GuideGlide™ piece along with our Si•18 Tech crash pad to slow the rate of pronation down for this athlete. We have added the KAge Midfoot support piece on the medial side of our upper for even more assurance.
Last year, K-Swiss introduced its running line to the community. What do you have to show runners for 2010? I really like our approach into the marketplace. We are finding our way and creating relevant products that, first and foremost, we are really proud of ourselves. We want to create shoes with a K-Swiss point of difference each time and we took our time to perfect our formula (and it’s still a work in progress). In 2009, we launched our award-winning Run One-miSOUL Tech shoe with an interchangeable insert system that allows customization for the runner. In 2010, we’re introducing two new inserts: Stability 1.0 and Orthotic 1.0 that’s designed to work with a runner’s existing orthotic insert. It was critical in my mind to deliver a full range of product for every type of runner we see and can define. We blend together five key features for each model and adapt them to the target runner we feel will have the best appreciation for these features and benefits. 1. GUIDEGLIDE™: We have two midsoles for our training models that are interlocking. The core piece can be tuned to a different hardness for each style based on what we determine is most preferred. Our goal is to put our technology as close to the foot as we can get it. We won’t bury things in the midsole. We want the consumer to see exactly what we are talking about on each and every shoe. 2. FLOW COOL SYSTEM: A patented technology where we perforate our synthetic material in both the forefoot and heel, allowing maximum air flow through the upper. This is a key to providing moisture management. Moving air is the best way that we know of to evaporate excess moisture inside a shoe, so we wanted to create this point of difference in our shoes vs. the competition. 3. SUPERFOAM®: This proprietary material is a derivative of the yoga mat business; it has great resiliency and no memory. We use this as our Strobel material to add a unique characteristic to a critical part of every shoe. We continue to discover new ways to use this material, and for 2010 we’ve added a layer of Superfoam® in the forefoot of all our sockliners to protect the metatarsals. We also use Superfoam® as a crash pad cushioning system, making it visible for the first time in 2010. 4. Si•18 Tech: This is our proprietary silicone-based cushioning system that we introduced to the tennis marketplace years ago. We have reformulated this material to provide more resiliency and shock dispersion to better react to the heelstrike motion of today’s runners. 5. STAY-TIED LACES: Once again, this came from our very successful tennis business and has been adopted into our running shoes. Undulating large and small oval shapes in the last seven inches of our laces don’t slip past each other, so we see much less retying happening with our shoes vs. the competition. From these five key features that we blend together for each model and adapt to the target runner we feel will have the best appreciation for the features and benefits. 18 c t & r n • j a n u a r y — m a r c h 2 0 1 0
NEUTRAL CUSHIONING Keahou II is our neutral cushioning shoe. Here we soften the core piece of our GuideGlide™ system and add Superfoam® as our crash pad to ease the foot into a softer, more cushioned ride than the firmer ride offered by the Konejo.
MOTION CONTROL I am most proud of our new motion control running shoe called the Konesic, which is designed for severe overpronators. Lots of details and engineering are required to make a successful shoe like this, and I believe we’ve succeeded. This is by no means the largest segment of the running population, but I believe they’re the most loyal to a product that really works. I love our other shoes for sure, but this one proved to me that we have what it takes to do right by any runner. We’ve added a 3-D post to the medial side to offer the most stability and guidance of any of our shoes. Special 2010 LA Marathon Edition
In 2010, K-Swiss is sponsoring the LA Marathon. How does one brand successfully with such an iconic event?
RACING K-Ruuz (Cruise): We also introduced our new 6.5-ounce racing shoe that has already finished third in the Hawaiian Ironman event in Kona, worn by Andreas Ralert. This new range, however, proves to ourselves that we can make comparable product vs. the competition. The K-Ruuz employs the full benefits of Superfoam® as our Strobel material. Usually, a runner must give up any type of cushioning and resiliency to get this lightweight of a shoe, but for the first racing shoe we have ever done, I’m really proud of it; we’ve received great comments from our athletes.
Our best connection points will be out on the race course itself. I can’t think of another international marathon event that has so many places people want to go and see on their vacation than LA. We need to be respectful of the history and adapt ourselves to the varying differences from community to community, but that’s what will make this race so much fun. Let’s not forget how rare it is that competing athletes are running to a destination that will actually be cooler and a net downhill from the start. K-Swiss will certainly be noticed, but this race is in our backyard, so the real winner will be the city of Los Angeles and all of the local companies coming together to really put this race on the map. Now, if only we have a tailwind, that could make for a really fast day!
Tell us about the clothing you are working on. Our full apparel range is designed to bring high-end quality fabrications and key features and benefits that will start to define who we will become long term. Some key features are: • Our K-Wick Dry blend of polyester and Spandex, which has been very well received • Mesh inserts with four-way stretch in the critical moisture management areas for enhanced comfort and breathability • Chafe-free flat seams throughout our garments • UV protection that shields against ultraviolet rays from SPF 15–50 Our favorite item is our Ironman Spell out tee with a 70% combed cotton mixed with a polyester microfiber jersey. This is supercomfortable and once you experience the hand of this garment, you’ll wish all of your T-shirts felt this nice.
You use the LA Roadrunners Club as weartesters. Tell us about that.
LIGHTWEIGHT STABILTY The K-Ona 1.5 will get a new upper this season. This shoe continues to get rave reviews as our lightweight stability trainer. It’s winning races all over the world at this moment. Starting in the third quarter of 2010, we’ll start to deliver on new innovations that begin to define what K-Swiss is really going to be about and how seriously we are committed to the sport. Be on the lookout for Blade Light technology coming to a store near you in the fall.
Special 2010 LA Marathon Edition
We want to create a unique environment through our store where not only are there items of interest to purchase, but also a way to connect to the pulse of the LA running community itself. That has to happen naturally. I need independent thinkers willing to tell me what they like and, more importantly, what they don’t like, to really make outstanding shoes for the long-term. We’re building an advisory panel of men and women that can be a part of our future success. California affords us unlimited access to the outdoors and rarely is there a wasted day of running. And I run a minimum of 50 miles in every shoe we make here at K-Swiss; it’s the only way we believe a shoe can accurately be evaluated.
What are you trying to achieve with the new K-Swiss line? Very simple: acceptance. I have been in many K-Swiss booths during this past year and many of the consumers walking by give us that puzzled look of “K-Swiss makes running shoes?” I am here to tell your readers that we most certainly do. Our forte has been tennis, so running is just a natural progression for our 44-year-old performance footwear company to spread our wings. We have been a great tennis company for many years. We had so many ideas for product enhancements that we felt a move to running would allow us our chance to showcase these enhancements in a new, expanded way. We know how to make shoes. We have done our homework and feel we have something truly unique and special to the marketplace. The world can never have enough great running shoes. We have patience. Every season we’ll get better; we’ll find our customer. Every season when a heavyweight changes an old model for a new one, we have a chance to steal one away. We know we must do our part through marketing and grassroots efforts to drive the runners to the store seeking us out. For the next three years, I want to make K-Swiss the most sought-after running shoes in the market. We have been at it less than two years and we’ve already won awards, stood on podiums, set course records. And we’re just getting started. We’ve just announced footwear and apparel partnerships with the newly re-invented LA Marathon race for the next three years, and new running stores in Santa Monica, Taiwan, Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong, etc., are happening. ja n ua ry — m a rc h 2 0 1 0 • c t & r n
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How do you use the experiences of your top triathletes, who put the shoes through their paces, to help the everyday runner? Some might see us as a triathlon brand today, but I promise this is just phase 1 of our overall goal. We picked the triathlon world, especially the Ironman athlete, as our initial proving ground because no one is more exhausted beginning a marathon than are these athletes. Lots of things happen to the human body when you are moving for 8–12+ consecutive hours and not many of these changes are good—especially to your feet. We felt this was the perfect challenge for us. Our goal is to enhance every athlete’s ability to perform. We knew if we could be a small part of getting any of our athletes to the finish line, then our credibility will be won at the athlete level, not at a marketing level. No brand can fake finishes. Our K-Ona running shoe is built literally with all of the elements of racing in 95º and 90% humidity designed into it. Anyone can have a shoe that weighs 9.5 oz. out of the box, but what does it weigh at the end of the race? That is the bigger challenge. If my shoe is getting heavier as the race goes on, then I’m not helping you get to the finish line. Our drainage system in this shoe is built to shed the moisture build-up that accompanies every athlete in this type of event. Flow Cool System on the upper assists in the moisture management inside the product, as well. The K-Ona is really our first focused shoe. We’ll find ways to enhance every element of training and racing in our range for every runner. My goal is to offer something of value to each runner that maybe they’re not getting from the other brands. We’re new to this sport and we’re still inventing ourselves, but our formula will remain pretty consistent from shoe to shoe. We want to have a full range of preferred running products and create the versatility with each model that entices the specialty retailer to see us as a true specialty brand. We know how to service these accounts and these athletes.
Is there a perfect shoe for every runner? I hope not. I have too much fun in the discovery of the next new thing. We love the quest of finding just the right combination of things to make a shoe come to life but I don’t see creativity ever stopping. God may have given us the perfect shoe already; I have great respect for the barefoot running movement that’s taking shape. I loved running on the golf course or beach barefoot during my college days at the University of Florida, but, as long as people are running on hard, unforgiving surfaces, we need to keep putting products that work between them and the road.
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Tell us about your new K-Swiss running store in Santa Monica. It has been a great adventure so far. This is the first retail store in the USA for K-Swiss. The fact that it focuses on running and our entry into this category should tell you how serious we really are. We are two blocks from the beach and have hundreds of athletes working out every day just steps away from our location. We’ve already been contacted by a few training groups wanting relocate their weekly group runs from our location. Most importantly, we get to tell our unique story one on one to every consumer who walks in with that puzzled look on their face. Typically, they walk out pretty happy with their selection and will pass the word along to their training partners.
For those who are unfamiliar with K-Swiss how would you sum up the brand? Great question. First of all, I need to look back. We were the first brand to introduce full leather tennis shoes, so we are innovators. Second, we are a California sports company. This brings with it a heightened sense of optimism and creativity; the California spirit of “why not?” I mean, we have Hollywood here! Third, we’re comfortable with who we are and what we want to be, on our terms. Many people told us we were crazy to launch a new running company in these troubled economic times, but we felt it was the perfect time to try something new. So, to sum us up: playful, creative, and progressive. Just what you would imagine a passionate Southern California running company should be.
BEST NEW SHOE SPRING 2009
Special 2010 LA Marathon Edition
2010 SCA/USATF Road Racing 2010 SCA/USATF ROAD RUNNING GRAND PRIX SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FROM WAYNE JONESS , SCA/USATF LDR CHAIR The Southern California Association USATF has announced the 2010 Road Running Grand Prix and Road Championships series for 2010. The 2010 series builds on the success of the inaugural 2009 series by adding more races, including a new USATF Road Mile. The 2010 series includes some of the most popular races Southern California, with around 45,000 runners in total participating in the races. REDONDO BEACH 10K Feb. 7, Redondo Beach The series kicks off with the 32nd annual Redondo Beach Super Bowl 10K. This race seems to sum up everything people love about road running in Southern California: a beautiful beachfront course, ocean breezes, and plenty of competition! The Super Bowl 10K is the 2010 Southern California Association 10K Championship race, with awards for both open and masters runners. After the run, it’s a big party, with free beer offered at the Asahi Beer Garden, while supplies last. In addition to race day awards, championship awards and medals for the 2009 Grand Prix will be presented at the USATF area, with a raffle and additional goodies for runners. BREA 8K Feb. 28, Brea There are plenty of reasons to participate in the 19th annual running of the Brea 8K. The 8K distance offers respite from the typical 5K and 10K races that dominate road running, and the course has some moderate hills to keep your training honest. But the best part is what comes after you cross the finish line: Orange County’s Finest Finish Line, with food provided by Brea’s best restaurants. Far beyond bagels and orange slices, there is freshly prepared food, and plenty of it! As a Grand Prix Scoring Only race, the Brea 8K also offers a $5 discount to USATF runners who register early online. Get out there and run your heart out because 3 weeks later will come the most talked-about race in Los Angeles history, the new Los Angeles Marathon! LOS ANGELES MARATHON March 21, Los Angeles The 25th annual running of the Los Angeles Marathon promises to be the running event that
forever changes marathon racing in Southern California. The “Stadium to the Sea” course starts at historic Dodger Stadium and finishes by the Pacific Ocean. The course winds through the icons of Los Angeles, heading toward the fresh air and cool ocean breezes of Santa Monica. In fact, there is a slight downhill grade to the overall course. As the 2010 Southern California Association Marathon Championship race, the LA Marathon is reinvigorating long distance running among the elite members of the SCA.
SANTA MONICA 5000 Oct. 10, Santa Monica If speed is what you need, run this 5K! The Santa Monica 5000 lays claim to being the fastest 5K in Santa Monica, and they have the course record to prove it: Phillip Reid (M-22), 13:59.5, and Belainesh Gebre (F-20) 15:47.1, from 2008. In 2009, six men finished under 15:00 and four women finished under 17:00. As with other Grand Prix Scoring Only races, USATF runners get a $5 discount when registering online.
SANTA MONICA CLASSIC 5K May 16, Santa Monica After running the marathon of a lifetime, SCA members get a six-week break before picking up the speed again at the Santa Monica Classic. This fast 5K benefits Heal the Bay and is a great change for runners with legs tired from long training runs. In addition, the 5K has a special youth emphasis, with additional medals awarded to the younger runners. And top runners will again be eligible for awards as the Classic is the 2010 Southern California Association 5K Championship race.
SANTA CLARITA HALF MARATHON Nov. 7, Santa Clarita After some revisions, Santa Clarita offers a newly USATF-certified course. While Santa Clarita has always been regarded as a scenic course, the full marathon and half marathon now take advantage of newly open trails along the San Francisquito Creek. We are proud to have the USATF– certified and –sanctioned half marathon event as our 2010 Southern California Association Road Half Marathon Championship.
SEMANA NAUTICA 15K July 4, Goleta The road running Grand Prix again returns to the Santa Barbara area with this wonderful 15K race. This is one of two races repeated from the 2009 schedule. Why? It’s just about impossible to beat the scenic course, run riverside and along the tree-canopied streets of Goleta. The 15K distance also challenges runners’ pacing, finding a perfect spot that’s slower than a 10K pace, but faster than the half marathon. And as a Grand Prix Scoring Only race, the Semana Nautica 15K also offers a $5 discount to USATF runners who register early online. The race offers a “no T-shirt” option, taking an additional $5 off, making this one of the best deals in running! SCA USATF ROAD MILE August If the new LA Marathon is generating the most buzz in the greater running community, the new USATF Road Mile certainly has members of the SCA talking. There has long been a need for a competitive, fast road mile event in the Southland, and the 2010 Southern California Association Road Mile Championship will answer the needs of runners wanting to challenge themselves to run their best mile. In addition to being a Championship race, SCA USATF members will be eligible for a $10 discount at registration. The details of the Road Mile are being finalized, so expect updates in future issues of California Track and Running News.
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DANA POINT TURKEY TROT 10K Nov. 25, Dana Point For the third year in a row, the race calendar closes with the super-popular Dana Point Turkey Trot 10K. With a field limited to 4,000 runners, this race sold out in 2008 and 2009. USATF members can save $5 off registration with this Grand Prix Scoring Only race, but be sure to register early! This will be the final opportunity for runners to add to their 2010 Grand Prix scores. More information on the 2010 Road Running Grand Prix, visit www.scagrandprix.org.
Southern California Association/USATF ROAD RUNNING CHAMPIONS 2009 OPEN DIVISION 5K Kristen Ustariz, 20:19; Nicholas Lopez, 16:35 10K Mary Akor, 34:33; Charlie Serrano, 29:34 Half Marathon Andrea McLarty, 1:22:12; Aaron Sharp, 1:09:16 Marathon Cheryl Smith, 3:07:04; Eulogio Rodriguez, 2:26:30 MASTERS DIVISION 5K Lydia Salinas, 20:42; Oliver Gallego, 17:27 10K Sue Zihlmann, 39:11; Dave Parcel, 34:51 Half Marathon Rosalva Bonilla, 1:28:22; Scott Deardorff, 1:20:33 Marathon Rosalva Bonilla, 3:10:37; Paul Johnson, 3:27:0.
Special 2010 LA Marathon Edition