2015 Winter - 2014 Fall Club Running

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ClubRunning WE RUN THE NATION!

Winter 2015

2014 Roads Scholars® &ODVV 3URÀOHV :RPHQ LQ 5XQQLQJ /HDGHUVKLS 7UDLO 6KRHV 5HYLHZHG

Competitive Image

Esther Erb wins the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon and USA Marathon Championship shortly after receiving her 2014 Roads Scholars® grant

Bolingbrook, IL Permit #1045

PAID U.S. Postage NON PROFIT ORG

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ClubRunning Winter 2015

Bruce Morrison

WE RUN THE NATION!

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Executive Director’s Letter

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RRCA Members Share

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Health & Safety Spotlight

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Member Spotlight

RRCA Facebook Page, RRCA Web Poll

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Who Runs the Nation? Kids Run the Nation!

10 Program Spotlight

FEATURES

16 Savvy Women Helm Several Major Marathons

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Class of 2014 14 Trail Shoes Reviewed 24 RRCA National

Championship Spotlight:

One Mile, 10 Mile, Ultra & 2015 National Championships Schedule

30 Training Tips

Managing the Emotional Side of Injury

CONTENTS 4 • ClubRunning Winter 2015

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®

Winter 2015 www.RRCA.org

ROAD RUNNERS CLUB OF AMERICA (RRCA) Executive Director Jean Knaack RRCA President David Cotter Photographers Victor Sailer PhotoRun.net BigStockPhoto.com Caffeine Photography Competitive Image CT Ryan Photography General Dynamics Go! Mile, Jean Knaack Marathonfoto.com, Mlive.com Bruce Morrison, Dan Quigley Tracey Russell/LA Marathon TriDuo Sports Photography Writers Ben Cates Jamie Corey Chris Humpreys David Hunter Jean Knaack Denise Nightingale Stephen M. Pribut, DPM Andy Smith Erin Taylor Cregg Weinmann

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n Sept. 25 I had the opportunity to speak at the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Women in Business luncheon. It was a great opportunity to speak on what I’ve learned about balancing work and life as a mother and as the leader of the largest distance running organization in the U.S. The topic of the speech—Perfecting the Critical Skills Needed to Succeed in Business & Life—was a change of pace for me as it wasn’t about running. As I prepared my talking points for the luncheon, I kept coming back to the same thought: We have to drop the word perfection from our professional and personal dialog. If you want to find balance and happiness in work and life, forget about perfection. Perfection is an abstract notion of something that, in reality, is unattainable. Through my own experience I’ve come to have a solid understanding that you cannot be everything to everybody in your life at all times. We can drive those around us and ourselves crazy in the process of trying to achieve some form of perfection. Instead, strive for the attainable, which is similar to setting small, achievable goals that can then lead to success toward larger goals. I wasn’t there to speak about running, but it has been my experience that your career is similar to the process of training for and running a marathon. You’re excited to get started with training in much the same way as starting a new job, a new project, or a new responsibility. Next, you enter the phase where you have to put in the time to learn, grow, and develop within your job. This is similar to putting in the training time for a marathon. You’ll have days when you feel great, days when you don’t want to go for a run, days when you have ups and downs, and curves and challenges until you reach a period where you start to feel really good about the process. There’ll be times when you have to remind yourself that you’re training for a marathon, not a sprint. You have to remind yourself to slow down, to focus, not to be in such a hurry. And to always keep a sense of humor. Following the luncheon, I starting thinking about the great female leaders we have in our sport who’ve dedicated significant portions of their careers to the running community. I’m happy that this issue of Club Running features several of these outstanding women leaders on page 16.

Bruce Morrison

ClubRunning

Executive Director’s Note

—Jean Knaack #RunSafe

Group & Coordinating Editor Christine Johnson/Holding Space LLC

The RRCA is proud to be a BBB Wise Giving Alliance Accredited Charity and a Gold-Level Guidestar Exchange Partner.

Designer Alex Larsen/Alex Graphics Proofreader Marg Sumner/Red Ink Editorial Services FORTIUS Media Group, LLC Advertising Larry Eder Publishing Director 608.239.3785 fortiusmediagroup@gmail.com Advertising Production Manager Alex Larsen/Alex Graphics Counsel Perry F. Goldlust www.clubrunning.net www.runblogrun.com Custom Published By

ClubRunning is a complimentary publication made possible by our advertisers and created through a partnership between the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) and FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. You’re a member of your local running club, and your local running club is, in turn, a member of the RRCA.

ClubRunning ClubRunning is custom published by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC for publisher Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). All ad materials should be mailed to P.O. Box 6450, San Jose, CA 95120. Insertion orders should be emailed to fortiusmediagroup@gmail.com FORTIUS Media Group, LLC assumes no liability for matter printed. Publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for content of paid advertising and reserves the right to reject paid advertising. Publisher expects that all claims by advertisers can be substantiated and that all guarantees will be honored. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Publisher. Copyright ©2014 by Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) unless otherwise noted. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. We recommend, as with all fitness and health issues, you consult with your physician before instituting any changes in your fitness program.

Let Us Hear From You!

ClubRunning welcomes your suggestions, comments, and questions. Direct them to share@rrca.org

Address Changes/Missing Issues

Visit www.rrca.org/publications/club-running/ about address changes, duplicate mailings, or missing issues. Please include both old and new addresses.

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RRCA Members Share

Is a Ride on an Event’s Sag Wagon Cheating? A recent trend in some longer distance races is using a vehicle or “sag wagonâ€? to pick up slower runners on the course, drive them close to the finish, and then let them out to run across the line and receive a finisher’s medal. In 2006, the RRCA and USATF issued a joint statement that course cutting constituted cheating. When our website polled how people felt about this sort of race-provided service, we got more than 1,530 responses in under a week. An overwhelming 96% of respondents felt that “any type of course cutting is cheating and should not be tolerated in the sport.â€? Only 4% of respondents felt it was “no big deal, people paid for the finisher medal with their entry fee and are entitled to it.â€? One race offering this option is also a Boston qualifier, so we posed this question to legendary race director Dave McGillivray: Should an event that actually sanctions course cutting and assists runners in doing it be allowed to qualify runners for Boston? “As you know, most races have time limits imposed by the city/town,â€? McGillivray responded. “As such, we need to re-open roads by certain times. If people are still on the course, then either they need to get on sidewalks (if they exist) or be picked up or be moved up as is happening more and more these days.â€? McGillivray stressed, “If moved up, the person’s number or timing chip should be taken, and they should not be included in the results. When done properly, these folks are not included in the results as they did not cover the entire course.â€? When we posed the question on Facebook, the issue resonated strongly, generating 56 Likes, 58 Shares, and 172 comments, many of them passionate. Here are some highlights: Thad M: I’m just not sure why someone

would want a medal for something they didn’t do? I won’t even wear a T-shirt from a race that I didn’t run. Use the sag wagon if you’re hurt, dehydrated, in danger of heat stroke, etc. ... but don’t use it to get to the finish line earlier. That just devalues the experience for everyone. The point of a marathon isn’t the medal, it’s the journey getting you there and the pride that comes with crossing that line honestly, no matter how long it takes. I’m amazed that any race director would even consider this. Jennifer S: As someone who is a very slow runner, what I would like to see is a more accommodating time allotment for making it to the finish line. I am every bit as much a runner as someone who can do a 10-minute mile pace. I’d just like to be treated that way by races. Rich D: Couldn’t care less about the medal or my place. I used to care when I first started running. Then I got over myself. More often than not, when I cross the finish line, I don’t even let them put the medal around my neck. They hand it to me, it goes in my pocket. I quit comparing myself to others in this sport a long time ago. And someone grabbing a medal that “doesn’t deserve one� or “didn’t earn it� doesn’t impact me in the slightest. I’m out there to challenge myself, not compare myself to others. Jami B: I could care less about the medal. What bothers me is if their time counts, and it works against my earned placement that I trained for. While part of me is happy to see people get out there and try, whether they finish or not, I would also like to see some standards put in place. Perhaps there should be races (other than Boston) that you should actually qualify for and the others can just let

any one race/finish/medal/whatever. Seems like any more it’s all about the money and not about the sport. Sad. Mick E: I’m sure Rosie Ruiz might like this idea, but I certainly don’t. Greg M: Hey, I’ve got an idea: Why not have people pay their entry fee, have a van pick them up at the start, drop them off at the finish, skip the running entirely, and still get a medal? It’s the same thing, but simpler and more efficient. Denise C: Not only do they do that, but they also put those people’s time ahead of the people who actually complete and finish the course! I was one of the last 15 people to finish the R’n’R Mardi Gras Marathon and let 14 people behind me pass me so they wouldn’t be the last on the course. I stood at the finish line and cheered each one in, then I crossed. I still wasn’t last time-wise, but later looked up a guy that was picked up and [it said] that he “finished� 2 hours ahead of me! He didn’t even do 10 miles of the course! He did a little over 15 miles and still got a marathon time ... it’s crazy and no, I don’t think they should get a finisher’s medal. Elyn M: Speaking from the back of the pack, I’d rather see them do away with medals completely except for those who place. I’m in my 50s ... I’m not going to be displaying my medals anywhere. Having said that, I’m more disturbed by the fact that they aren’t taking the timing chips and that they are giving people an official time. There’s no shame in not finishing but if I knock myself out to cross that finish line 1 minute before the course closes, it’s not fair that someone who took a shortcut, via sag wagon, shows as finishing before me.

www.RRCA.org Poll Some  marathoners  are  allowing  people  to  get  picked  up  in  a  sag  wag-­ RQ WKHQ GURSSHG RII FORVH WR WKH ÂżQLVK OLQH VR WKH\ FURVV WKH OLQH DQG JUDE D ÂżQLVKHU PHGDO ,Q WKH 55&$ LVVXHG D MRLQW VWDWHPHQW ZLWK 86$7) QRWLQJ FRXUVH FXWWLQJ LV FKHDWLQJ 6R ZH KDYH WR DVN GR \RX agree  with  this  race-­provided  service? No way, any type of course cutting is cheating and should not be tolerated in the sport — 96% (1,509)

We invite our readers to participate in the RRCA website polls at www.RRCA.org

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No big deal, people paid for the finisher medal with their entry fee and are entitled to it — 4% (69)

Total  votes:  1,578

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Health & Safety Spotlight

Iliotibial Band Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment By Stephen M. Pribut, DPM Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome is one of the top 10 injuries seen in distance runners. Weak hip abductor muscles play a large role in the development of ITB syndrome. These weak hip abductors are part of a commonly seen pattern of weak core muscles, which leads to a muscle imbalance. On longer runs, and as you are just starting to increase the length of your runs, your hip abductors can become fatigued and require the added assistance of the muscles which attach into the ITB, requiring them to work harder. It seems that this sequence of events may lead to increased tension in the ITB, causing the injury. Strengthening the hip abductors and stretching the ITB and structures that attach into it are usually the keys to recovering from this problem. Symptoms of the iliotibial band syndrome include pain or aching on the outer side of the knee. This usually happens in the middle or at the end of a run. A concomitant problem may occur at the hip called greater trochanteric bursitis. During flexion and extension of the knee, the iliotibial band has historically been thought to rub over the femoral condyle, creating irritation. There’s significant doubt about this being a true “friction”-created syndrome. In most cases, ITB syndrome does not seem to be a friction syndrome with a “popping” of the tendon over the femoral epicondyle. Most runners do not report a “popping” feeling. Instead, there’s a compression in this region that most often affects the fat tissue overlying the femoral epicondyle. I believe there’s significant tension developed during the stance phase of the running gait that results in a tendinopathic tendon. Other authors have found some evidence for this. Fairclough has raised the question, “Is the iliotibial band syndrome really a friction syndrome?” He contends that the ITB is firmly attached to the femur and is not anatomically capable of moving forward and backward over the lateral epicondyle of the femur. Recent cadaver studies and MRI studies have failed to document the expected evidence for friction or for a primary anatomical bursa. Instead, an area of compression seems to be present in the fat tissue that lies over the lateral femoral epicondyle. Weak hip abductors, especially the gluteus medius, are often found. Some other factors that may contribute to this syndrome include genu varum (bow legs), pronation of the foot (subtalar joint pronation), leg length discrepancy, and running on a crowned surface. We need to emphasize that over the past few years an association with weak glu-

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Possible Causes of ITB Syndrome -Hip abductor muscle weakness and imbalance -Weak core muscles -Sudden increase in mileage -Increase in track or interval training -Crowned running surface -Tight iliotibial band -Tight hip capsule, tight latissumus dorsi, and side muscles

Self-Treatment for ITB Syndrome -Temporarily decrease or halt your training. -Do side stretches. -Strengthen your hip abductors (gluteal muscles, especially the gluteus medius). This is critical. -Try gentle foam rolling (not too hard a roller and not too painful). -Avoid crowned surfaces or too much running around a track. -Shorten your stride. -While shoes may not be as important a contributing factor as was once believed, you may want to try a change. Motion control shoes are not likely to be the answer. -Carefully examine your training regimen. If you’ve been keeping a running diary, check it for possible training errors.

teus medius muscles has been found in many runners with ITB syndrome. The weakness of the gluteal muscles causes more tension to develop in the iliotibial band as the muscles inserting into it have to assist in keeping the hips level. The function of the muscles inserting into the ITB (tensor fascia lata) is to abduct the leg. If the hip abductors are weak, then the ITB is being overworked. The ITB does not have an insertion that offers a favorable mechanical advantage. In fact, it’s at a considerable disadvantage for the purpose of hip and leg abduction activity. Therefore, when the hip abductors are weak, the tensor fascia lata must contract harder and over a longer time, thus straining the ITB. Make sure that part of your cure is to strengthen your hip and leg abductors. Circular track running may also contribute to ITB, since it stresses the body in a manner similar to that of crowned surfaces and leg length differences. In research performed on track athletes in 2000, circular track running was found to cause asymmetrical muscle strength development. The study didn’t measure ITB and related muscle strength, but found lower down on the leg that the inner leg had stronger inverter strength and the outer leg had stronger everter strength. While it wasn’t studied, the outer ITB would likely be placed under much greater stresses than the inner leg. The angles of force acting on it would be greater by virtue of the leg and pelvis position required to run around an oval track. All factors can be aggravated by a tight iliotibial band. Changes in training may also

contribute to development of ITB syndrome. It’s always important to examine your training regimen and see what alterations have recently occurred. A rapid increase in running distances and times spent running often precedes the development of this injury. Cyclists may develop iliotibial band syndrome from overuse. Changing the position of the cleats by rotating the heels inward can often help. Be certain to check the bike seat to ensure it’s not too high. Additional information about anatomy and recommended stretches and core strength work to assist with ITB issues can be found at www.drpribut.com/sports/spitb.html

Dr. Stephen Pribut is a clinical assistant professor of surgery at the George Washington University Medical Center. A member of the Advisory Board of Runner’s World magazine, he is past-president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine and has served as chair of the AAPSM Athletic Shoe Committee for five years. Pribut has served on the Education Committee, the Research Committee, the Public Relations Committee and also chaired the Annual Meeting Committee. He is past president of the District of Columbia Podiatric Medical Association, serving in that post for four years. Pribut has served as a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Clinical Practice Advisory Committee and its Internet Committee.

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Member Spotlight

Who Runs the Nation? Kids Run the Nation! By  Denise  Nightingale

A little over two years ago, I rediscovered my love of running, and at the same time was asked to volunteer for a youth running program targeted at girls. It was a worthwhile program that taught important lessons about female empowerment. However, when I was asked to help out the following season, I had one question: What about the boys? As the mother of two boys, I wanted my sons to be exposed to a program that teaches them about being healthy along with the benefits and pleasures of running. Thus began the journey of looking for a youth running program that could include my young boys. After doing some research, I selected the RRCA Kids Run the Nation program. In my hometown of Saginaw, MI I piloted the program in one

an approximate 50% return rate of kids who can’t get enough of running. Locally, we’ve been able to lean on college students to mentor some of the schools. We use the lesson material in the Kids Run the Nation program guide each week. We’ve also written supplemental materials that incorporate games for the participants. Students still run their laps, but we finish with a fun game that makes them want to come back the following week. We’ve also partnered with local experts in the fields of nutrition, running, and safety. These folks take turns coming to talk to the students during specific lessons. Incorporating the community in the program has helped it grow and provides support to sustain it.

:KDW ZDV HQFRXUDJLQJ DERXW WKLV SURJUDP ZDV WKH ÀH[LELOLW\ LW DOORZV WKH DFFHVVLELOLW\ RI WKH PDWHULDOV DQG WKH VWURQJ DQG VXSSRUWLYH SDUHQW RUJDQL]DWLRQ LQ WKH 5RDG 5XQQHUV &OXE RI $PHULFD school. In less than two academic years, we grew to six additional schools. It’s gender inclusive, simple to teach, and kickstarts an early love of running. My boys can relate to running and races now. The Kids Run the Nation–Saginaw started out charging $30 dol-

While my boys finally are able to relate to and learn about the sport of running, this mom also learned a lot in the last couple of years about managing a running program for kids: •Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s for donations, volunteer hours, or expert advice. •Be flexible. Kids will be kids and will turn your perfect plan into their perfect plan. •Finally, persistence does pay off. Just as in long distance running, the end is worth it. The smiles on the kids’ faces and their feelings of accomplishment are priceless.

lars per student. For that, participants received a t-shirt, a backpack tag, a Kids Run the Nation booklet, a snack, and 9–10 weeks of fun and lessons. Also included was a 1-mile fun run at each school for the participants. At the end of that first season, we surveyed kids and parents so we could improve our program. This year, we’re only charging $10 per student, thanks to grant support from foundations, corporations, and organizations that believe in getting kids active and running at an early age. One of those grants came from Kids Run the Nation, administered by the RRCA. Since our program began, 424 students have participated, with

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Mlive.com

For more information on the RRCA’s Kids Run the Nation program and how you can start a youth running program in your community using these resources, visit www.rrca.org/programs/kids-run-thenation-program/

Denise Nightingale talks to students during the after school youth running program, Kids Run the Nation–Saginaw.

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Program Spotlight

RRCA Hosts Another Successful RunPro Camp By Andy Smith, RRCA Program Coordinator Fourteen distance runners and recent graduates from universities throughout the U.S. attended the third RunPro Camp in Arlington, VA July 17–19. Sponsored and hosted by the RRCA, the camp encourages, supports, and provides information to assist top-ranked, postcollegiate, U.S. distance runners to remain in the sport and pursue a professional running career. The interactive camp provided a forum for runners to meet coaches and athletes from professional training centers around the U.S. It was also an opportunity for attendees to learn about sponsor relations, determine what type of representation would be best for them, find out more about the Track & Field Athletes Association (TFAA), USA Track & Field (USATF), and the USATF Foundation resources and long distance running initiatives, including the Professional Road Running Organization (PRRO). “We’ve seen some great successes from RunPro Camp attendees in the past three years, and we look forward to following our 2014 attendees’ running careers,” noted Jean Knaack, RRCA executive director. “The success of RunPro Camp attendees, both on the roads and on the track, highlights the importance of our ongoing efforts to attract and keep talented distance runners in our sport.” The following attendees were funded to attend RunPro Camp, based on the application and selection process:

An excellent lineup of speakers addressed the attendees. Ben Rosario, head coach of Northern Arizona Elite professional running team, spoke on building relationships in the sport. Jennifer Dodd, USADA Olympic education manager, discussed the important topics of clean sport, drug testing, and compliance. Merhawhi Kelflezghi of Hawi Sports Management, discussed the benefits of agent representation vs. self-representation. Jon Elliott, owner of MarathonGuide.com, spoke about sponsor relations and opportunities beyond traditional shoe contracts. “This was my first time at RunPro Camp, and I was blown away,” said Rosario. “Running may seem like a simple sport, but the business side can be fairly complex. RunPro campers left camp several steps ahead of the competition with their newly gained knowledge, from using social media to how to build their personal brand image. I can’t wait to follow these athletes on their journeys as professional runners.” MarathonGuide.com sponsored a VIP

dinner for camp attendees, speakers, and supporters on Friday, July 18 featuring a panel of elite athletes including 2012 Olympian Julie Culley (5000m), 2008 Olympian Amy Begley (10,000m), and Tyler McCandless, a top American distance runner and recent RRCA Roads Scholar grant recipient. The panel spoke about lessons learned as professional runners and the Olympic experience. RunPro Camp has also been a great opportunity for the RRCA to tie in the Roads Scholar grant period following the Camp. To date, 51 athletes have attended the three RunPro Camps. Of those, the RRCA has provided 12 athletes with Roads Scholar grants totaling $60,000.

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Juli Accurso – Ohio University Samantha Bluske – Iowa State University Nicole DeMercurio – University of Georgia Daniel Docherty – Loyola University Chicago Lindsey Drake – Gonzaga University Emily Gordon – Univ. of California, Los Angeles Katie Hoaldridge – University of Texas Brittni Hutton – Oakland University Olivia Mickle – University of Texas Daniel Quigley – University of Missouri Ethan Shaw – Dartmouth University Sheree Shea – Loyola Marymount University Susanna Sullivan – University of Notre Dame Jeffrey Veiga – Univ. of Massachusetts, Lowe

Runner Friendly Community Designations The Runner Friendly Community program shines a national spotlight on communities that stand out as runner friendly and provides incentives and ideas for communities to work toward becoming runner friendly communities.

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We encourage RRCA members to work with their community leaders and to apply for the designation. Runner friendly communities increase the quality of life, improve physical activity for residents, and positively impact the region’s economy.

The RRCA reviews three primary criteria for applicants: community infrastructure, community support, and local government support. Learn more and apply today at www. rrca.org/programs/runner-friendly-community/

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Program Spotlight

25 Kids Run the Nation Grants The RRCA is pleased to announce the 2014 Kids Run the Nation grant recipients. Twenty-five programs throughout the U.S. serving over 8,000 children will receive a total of $20,000 in grants from the RRCA. In addition, the RRCA will donate more 18,000 copies of the booklet “Kids Run the Nation: A Running Guide for Kids” to program participants in over 100 programs, an in-kind donation valued at more than $20,000. Since 2007, the RRCA has provided over $115,000 in small grants, along with tens of thousands of copies of “Kids Run the Nation” program guide and kids booklets, to deserving youth running programs around the country through the Kids Run the Nation Fund. This year’s grantees serve diverse student populations in school settings, afterschool care programs, homeless shelters, and more. Many of the children served by these running programs live at or below the poverty level, with over 60% of their student bodies eligible for free and reduced school lunches. Detailed outlines of each program can be found at www rrca.org/ programs/kids-run-the-nation-fund/2014/ Congratulations to our Kids Run the Nation grantees:

Nuniwarmiut School Running Club – Mekoryuk, AK Run After School – Goodyear, AZ Boys & Girls Club GREAT Strides – Imperial Beach, CA

Montebello Police Athletic & Activities League (PAAL) – Montebello, CA Jackson Running Fitness Club – Sacramento, CA Sabal Elementary Morning Mile – Melbourne, FL NWBRRC Youth Running Program – Parkland, FL Kids Run the Nation – Acworth, GA Open Door Youth Services – New Albany, IN YMCA’s Run This Town – Lexington, KY Americana Youth Program – Louisville, KY Patterson Park Public Charter School (PPPCS) Running Club – Baltimore, MD Kolb Elementary School Running Program – Bay City, MI Hastings YMCA Youth Run Club – Hastings, MN KC Track Club Gets Kids Running – Kansas City, MO RAPP Runners – Kingston, NY PS 124 Yung Wing Running Club – New York, NY Bridgeton Elementary Running Club – New Bern, NC Van Wert Elementary Roadrunners – Van Wert, OH Catalayah Running Club – Claremore, OK Lower School Running Club – Philadelphia, PA Team Kids Café – Lubbock, TX Wild Cat Run – Logan, UT Rutland County Vermont Running & Walking Programs – Rutland, VT Tyler Soles – Washington, DC

National Awards Nominations Open Since 1971, the RRCA has honored dedicated individuals for their service to the running community through the RRCA Hall of Fame and the National Running Awards. Detailed information about the award categories along with selection criteria and the online nomination form can be found at www.rrca.org/services/ national-running-awards/ To nominate a deserving individual, simply follow the instructions on the online nomination form, print a copy for your records, and click the submit button. The nomination deadline is 5pm Eastern Standard Time Jan. 15, 2015.

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The period of performance for the nominees is Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2014 for all awards except the Hall of Fame and Browning Ross awards, which are lifetime achievement awards. All winners are provided a travel stipend to attend the National Running Awards Reception and Banquet to accept their award in person. The awards banquet is held in conjunction with the 57th annual RRCA National Convention to be held in Des Moines, IA in April.

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Program Spotlight

EXPERIENCE THE BONDI 4 AND OTHER HOKA ONE ONE INVITATIONS TO GO AT THESE RETAILERS. ROGUE RUNNING ROGUERUNNING.COM LUKE’S LOCKER LUKESLOCKER.COM TEXAS RUNNING COMPANY RUN.COM CAPITAL CITY RUNNING COMPANY CAPITALCITYRUNNING.COM AUSTIN TRI CYCLIST AUSTINTRICYCLIST.COM

9th Annual RUN@WORK, 3rd Annual RUN@School Day a Success On Sept. 19, RRCA supporters hosted RUN@WORK and RUN@School Day events around the country. We thank our members and supporters for promoting our RUN@WORK and RUN@School Day goal of encouraging adults and children to get 30 minutes of exercise each day, either in the morning, during lunch, or immediately following work or school, in accordance with the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Throughout RUN@Work and RUN@School Day, participants shared their pictures, observations, and videos on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the hashtag #runatwork, which was used over 600 times by a variety of people, groups, and companies including Brook’s Running, General Dynamic’s Information Technology (with 1,500 employees running), Dick’s Pittsburgh Marathon, Atlanta Track Club, Allianz Life, Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center in Arkansas, Big Peach Running, Coca Cola Corp., and many other schools and organizations nationwide. View highlights from the RRCA’s Storify recap of the event’s social media conversation at http://goo.gl/7Gd7ea General Dynamics

LIGHT. STABLE . REMARKABLE CUSHION. THE BONDI 4. LET’S GO .

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SAVE THE DATE! On Sept. 18, 2015 the RRCA will promote the 10th Annual RUN@WORK Day and the 4th Annual RUN@School Day. Learn more at www.RRCA.org/programs/run-­at-­work-­day/

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HOKAONEONE.COM MIKE WARDIAN – ELITE ENDURANCE RUNNER

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LONG. TO GO FOR THE MILE REPEATS. TO GO FOR THE RECOVERY DAYS. TO GO STRIDE IT OUT. TO GO IT ALONE. TO GO WITH THE FRIENDS WHO DEMAND AS MUCH OUT OF EACH MILE AS YOU DO. TO GO BECAUSE THERE ISN’T ANYBODY WHO CAN TAKE IT AWAY FROM YOU WHEN YOU’RE DONE. TO GO BECAUSE YOU CAN. DESIGNED LIGHT, STABLE AND WITH SUPERIOR CUSHIONING, THE BONDI 4 INVITES YOU TO GO FURTHER THAN YOU DID YESTERDAY. TO GET FASTER FOR TOMORROW. LET’S GO.

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SHOE REVIEW by Cregg Weinmann

Trail Shoes Winter 2014–15 With the change of season, we take a look at the latest trail shoes: four new shoes and three updates from the Responsive Trail and Performance Trail subcategories. None veer from the variety of conditions found on the trails, though you should consider your needs when evaluating these choices. Where you live and how you like to run and train may make one set of features more or less important for you. A running specialty store can assist you with your footwear needs, and help define the differences between your fit in different brands and models.

Brooks Pure Grit 3 $1200

The Pure Grit has filled an interesting niche for Brooks as a lightweight/minimal trail shoe suitable for training, racing, and exploring trails. Round 3 raises the bar a bit and results in a shoe to be taken more seriously. The upper has a more traditional fit and replacing the wrapped, asymmetrical design in favor of a typical lace throat/tongue arrangement. Closed mesh over all and a fine, gauzy mesh in the midfoot offer good breathability while keeping trail debris out. The midsole continues with the same geometry, cushioning, and ride, which were all strengths of the previous two rounds. The outersole represents the biggest change: the addition of cleat-like lugs with a textured surface that bite into the trail, but still do a decent job on the road. Round 1’s skittery grip in wet conditions is no longer an issue. The Pure Grit 3 is pure trail in fit, traction, and feel. “Brooks did more than just tweak this shoe in this past year; the fit and traction are very different. I still like the fit of the shoe, and the new outsole pattern gives great traction. It has been responsive and stable with a good ground feel.” Performance Trail Updates the Pure Grit 2 Sizes Men 6–14,15,16,17; Women 5–13 Weight 11.0 oz. (men’s 11); 9.2 oz. (women’s 8) Shape semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

Hoka One One Mafate Speed $170

Hoka has resonated with trail runners, in part because of its birth and testing on mountain slopes. The Mafate Speed is a combination of design and technology that manages trail performance in a unique way. The closed mesh upper and welded overlays are supportive, smooth, and seamless. The Race Lace system locks the foot into the shoe while reducing the likelihood of the trail grabbing any loose ends. The midsole is Hoka’s oversized profile with low-drop geometry and lots of cushioning to protect the foot from sharp points and debris on uneven trail surfaces. The large slab of soft foam that is the outersole is a large slab of toughened RMAT foam, with a perimeter of lugged rubber in the high-wear areas, supplements with some lugs of RMAT. The resulting traction does a good job and holds up quite well. The Mafate Speed cushions protectively and performs well on the trail even though that large slab of foam seems as if it would be unstable. It’s not. “Interesting shoes. The shoes feel light and run lighter… they are lighter than expected, based on sheer volume. I like these shoes for cruiser runs on- or off-road, as long as off-road doesn’t get too gnarly. They have a very cushy feel.” Responsive Trail NEW Sizes Men 7.5–14; Women 6–11 Weight 11.3 oz. (men’s 11); 9.3 oz. (women’s 8) Shape semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

BEST SHOE

Mizuno Hayate $110

Mizuno hasn’t matched its road successes on the trail, but that’s about to change. Two new shoes have finally matched the design and technology in a way that maximizes Trail performance. The Hayate is the sleek Trail performer, that’s rugged enough for serious trails. The upper is closed mesh with welded overlays, and a wild, sublimated print adorning the shoe. The fit is snug, supportive, and has a smooth and seamless interior. The midsole is low-profile but responsively cushioned, with the U4ic foam doing on the trail what it does on the road: cushioning and protecting the foot. The outersole is a subtle but effectively lugged carbon rubber that grips and shields the foot from roots, rocks, and rubble. The Hayate’s effective grip, protective sole, and trail performance earned it our award as Best Trail Shoe, Winter 2014–15.

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“The Hayate fits well and offers plenty of protection, stability, and traction for most any trail running surface. The shoe quickly adapts to the surface giving a good ground feel while still protecting from the rocks.” Performance Trail NEW Sizes Men 7–13; Women 6–11 Weight 9.7 oz. (men’s 11); 8.0 oz. (women’s 8) Shape semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

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New Balance Fresh Foam 980 Trail $110

The Fresh Foam series has been a catalyst for New Balance thanks to its outstanding foam formulation. The Fresh Foam 980 Trail marks ITS cross-over to the trail, bringing along the effective design and material. The upper is tightly woven mesh with no-sew overlays lending support. The interior is smooth and seamless thanks to this construction, which has been a boon to comfort. The midsole is a healthy chunk of Fresh Foam with low-drop geometry, and is well-cushioned and responsive. Though the outersole looks similar to the road version, its hexagonal elements are angled to expose a chisel-shaped surface that provides effective grip and a protective layer of tough rubber. The Fresh Foam Trail has all the essential elements of trail performance: cushioning, protection, and traction. “The fit is fine; no issues. The traction is great for the foothills, and they feel quite stable. They are very cushy … protecting the feet well from everything underfoot. No rock plate, but with so much cushion it isn’t an oversight.” Responsive Trail NEW Sizes Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–11,12 Weight 11.6 oz. (men’s 11); 9.5 oz. (women’s 8)

Pearl Izumi Trail N2 $120

The effectiveness of trail shoes is defined by the materials and surface shaping employed by the designers. While this is true for road shoes as well, the nature of trails make it more difficult to design shoes to effectively manage the range of surfaces encountered. Like the Trail N1 before it, the N2 utilizes the same type of upper, midsole, and outersole in keeping with Pearl Izumi’s EMotion philosophy, though not as minimal. The upper has a seamless interior, thanks to no-sew overlays supporting the closed mesh. The midsole is a simple foam, shaped for efficiency in a single density and it provides a responsive ride. The outersole is carbon rubber with multi-directional lugs for an effective grip on both soft-surface trails, as well as the harder trails or roads you’ll encounter. The full-contact bottom improves the stability of the shoe and also increases the surface traction. The net effect is that the N2 is a stable shoe with a secure fit and effective traction. If Pearl Izumi has worked well for you on the road, it will probably be a Go-To trail choice as well. “Fit snug, but comfortable. Plenty of traction and lots of protection. Ground feel is decent; foot is nicely secure. There’s a lot to like with this one.” Responsive Trail NEW Sizes Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11,12 Weight 11.3 oz. (men’s 11); 9.1 oz. (women’s 8) Shape semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

Saucony Xodus 5.0 $125

For five generations, the Xodus has filled the role of Trail Cruiser in Saucony’s RAW (Run AnyWhere) lineup, with no end in sight. The upper is similar to Round 4, but some of the overlays in the midfoot have been pared back, the heel strapping has been lengthened and repositioned in the forefoot to snug things up. The midsole is slightly modified; It’s still PowerGrid with a 4mm drop. The tooling feels much the same underfoot, which is to say, protecting from the uneven trail surfaces, which smooth on the firm stuff. The outersole has been reimagined. The lugs are similar but more purposefully arranged around the perimeter providing better-articulated traction and improved grip as it interacts with the trail. Version 5.0 carries on the Xodus tradition, retaining its fans and offering new trail hounds a great option for serious trail training. “Comfortable fit. Motors over the trail with plenty of protection and traction for miles. Even handles roads pretty well and its durability is impressive.” Responsive Trail Updates the Xodus 4.0 Sizes Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight 12.6 oz. (men’s 11); 10.2 oz. (women’s 8) Shape semi-curved Construction Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

Under Armour Speedform XC $100

The Speedform XC is the latest iteration of Under Armour’s molded running shoe line. Designed for off-road uses, the XC throws a couple of surprises into the mix. The upper is a close-fitting stretch fabric, which breathes well while sealing out trail debris. A small TPU heel clip gives the heel some structure without adding too much weight. The midsole is Under Armour’s Micro G foam that is firm and responsive, with good flexibility. The outersole is a matrix of rubber chicklets that are surprisingly grippy off-road and yet have decent durability and traction on the road. These combined elements and built-in technology, tempered with a dose of minimalism and innovation, make the Under Armour Speedform XC a Performance Trail shoe worthy of serious consideration. “Good close fit, but with a bit of stretch and support. The sole is grippier than it seems, and it did a surprisingly good job of straddling trail and road use.” Performance Trail NEW Sizes Men 8–13,14,15; Women 6–10,11 Weight 9.5 oz. (men’s 11); 7.9 oz. (women’s 8) Shape semicurved Construction Strobel slip-lasted (partial) Recommended for medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

Cregg Weinmann is footwear and running products reviewer for Running Network LLC. He can be reached via email at shuz2run@lightspeed.net. Copyright © 20 by Running Network LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of Running Network LLC. Reprinted here with permission.

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PINNING on the LEADERSHIP BIB:

By Dave Hunter

Savvy Women Helm Several Major Marathons Promoting a Rising Tide: Virginia Brophy Achman

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CT Ryan Photography

There’s a time-tested adage: If you want to get something done, ask a busy person. Following those words of wisdom, you might want to ask Virginia Brophy Achman, executive director of Twin Cities In Motion (TCM), the organization that annually presents the Twin Cities Marathon and 21 other races during eight days of road racing events in Minnesota. “I tend to gravitate to leadership positions, but I’m a doer. So I try to lead by doing,” Achman explains. “So for me, it’s been about learning and really understanding this sport as a business as well as what the sport does for the human spirit.” As a young soccer player, Achman was drawn to running by her father and ultimately fell in love with the sport. She has now emerged as one of its most passionate advocates. “I really feel strongly that the sport has so much to offer to so many different people,” she says. “We all know that the pros and the citizen runner can compete in the same event and share that experience. And there just isn’t another sport like that,” says Achman. And to tack on the exclamation point, she adds, “There just isn’t!” Achman’s focus is not merely in lifting the TCM race agenda. She wants to ensure the entire sport comes along for the ride. “I know how life changing our running is,” she states. “But I am also a believer in the rising tide. When I got involved at the national level through Running USA and then as president, and then as chair of USATF’s Women’s LDR [Long Distance Running] Committee, I knew it was important to bring everyone together and help us continue to bring the sport to another level.” Achman knows a rising tide raises all boats. And the executive director wants all watercraft in the sea of road racing to be elevated. As such, TCM’s leader sees the continued influx of new races as a double-edged sword. “What has been a challenge is the sheer volume of new races, the saturation of our marketplace. On the one hand, it’s good thing because it shows our sport to be viable,” Achman notes. “But I do find it a little frustrating when there are people in the business just to make money and not put the sport first. That, at times, is the challenge for us,” she admits. “I want to make the tide rise. When some of these one-off incidents that are less than professional give the sport a black eye, it keeps the tide from rising. I am all for having a lot of races to choose from, but I’m hoping that everyone does it with integrity and puts the sport and the participant first.” When Achman looks back on her 10 years of leadership, she has no hesitation in identifying her most rewarding moment. “It was securing our one and only title sponsor, Medtronic,” she says. “I knew the synergy was there. It took the public a little bit to figure it out, but not very long, because the public wants a well and healthy community just like we do,” she notes in

Virginia Brophy Achman

Executive Director, Twin Cities In Motion

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Tracey Russell

Tracey Russell (LA Marathon)

explaining how the medical device manufacturer’s support (which was recently renewed through 2020) has placed lifestyle, health, and wellness as the cornerstones of the Twin Cities Marathon, a weekend that has blossomed into a two-day, multi-event celebration for 30,000 runners. “It costs a lot of money to put on these events and for us to continue to provide quality events and build our kids’ program. And I’m very proud of what we are doing with our kids’ program, which is aided greatly by our partnership with Medtronic.” Achman, who has presided over the growth and evolution of Twin Cities In Motion for a decade and seen its annual budget expand from $1.0 million to $4.2 million during her tenure, is upbeat about the future of American road racing. “I think it’s going to continue to be important to reach out and build our future customer. Helping children who don’t have that opportunity helps them to build those healthy habits. “And it also allows us, hopefully, to gain a future customer. So as we reach out and be diverse, it helps expose all people to the sport. So, for us, we have endless opportunities because running has so much positive influence on our lives. As long as we can continue to deliver a product that is good and interesting and we continue to listen to our customers, I don’t see it going away.”

Ready for the Spotlight: Tracey Russell CEO, LA Marathon

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Mary Wittenberg

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Back in the ’90s, the centerpiece of the Los Angeles sports scene featured the Los Angeles Lakers, composed of talented, thoroughbred basketball players whose dazzling on-court performance became known as Showtime.Tracey Russell, the relatively new CEO of the LA Marathon, and her talented team are planning a type of Showtime of their own when America’s marathon thoroughbreds gather in the City of Angels for the 2015 LA Marathon—which will also serve as the USATF national marathon championships—and ultimately for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Russell never really aspired to take on the head job at the LA Marathon. In her early 40s and contented with her position as executive director of the Atlanta Track Club, Russell—thinking that Los Angeles would not be the right fit for a midwestern native—was cool to the idea of a Los Angeles opportunity. “I first learned about the LA opportunity from a friend who encouraged me

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to consider it. I told my friend, ‘No, thank you.’ A couple of months later, I got a call from the search firm,” Russell explains. “I decided to go through the process, and as I started to go through it, I saw the opportunity. I met some people out here in Los Angeles and I realized that this is where I am supposed to be next.” And with a smile she adds, “It definitely was a challenging—but a very exciting—decision.” Once Russell was on board in the fall of 2013, every time she looked around, she saw ways to make the race better, to elevate the event. “I don’t look at things as challenges; I try to look at them as opportunities,” she says candidly. “In terms of what we have here in Los Angeles, there is a huge opportunity. That’s why I took the risk of leaving a place I’d been for six and a half years and absolutely loved. I saw a lot of the opportunities LA has with its marathon.” Russell hardly had time to unpack her bags before she began pursuing large, transformative objectives. “I literally hit the ground running and put in a bid for the Olympic Trials, which we’ll be hosting in 2016,” she states with a hint of pride. Landing that jewel gave LA’s new CEO early insight into a recipe for further event successes. “For us, it’s really taking an asset here in Los Angeles and taking it to the next level,” Russell states matter-of-factly. “I see the Trials as a huge opportunity. Putting together a team of subject matter experts is going to allow this incredible event to become a global marathon. It’s well on its way. And by hosting the Trials, LA is getting more visibility.” That early success is an outcome Russell suspected could be achieved in a vibrant, cando metropolis like Los Angeles. “Having been in the running industry for a while, I always kind of scratched my head and thought, ‘LA could be more,’” she says. “It’s the second largest city in the U.S. and doesn’t necessarily have a marathon that reflects what a cool city it is— either as a destination marathon or as a very competitive marathon. I see huge opportunity everywhere I turn.” One of those opportunities is the chance to build on Los Angeles’ Olympic heritage. “It has been really exciting to come to such a large metropolitan area where the Olympics is so much a part of the DNA here in Los Angeles. LA having hosted two prior Olympic Games and with a very strong interest in putting in a bid for the 2024 Games, it’s fun to come here where there’s a lot of excitement and enthusiasm to help us really leverage other community assets that are going to help us reach our objectives on the global stage.” Russell knows that close collaboration with USATF is one of the critical keys to the Trials’ success. “We are working in lockstep with USATF as we prepare for the Trials in 2016. So far, it has been going very well. We’re excited about the roadmap we’re building together to put on a tremendous event in 2016.”

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%URDGHQLQJ ,QÁXHQFH Mary Wittenberg President & CEO, New York Road Runners

For the last nine years, Mary Wittenberg has been the president and chief executive officer of the New York Road Runners, one of today’s most influential organizations in running and road racing. “Our mission is to help inspire people to embrace running. Our vision is a world that benefits from running,” explains Wittenberg, who has been with NYRR since 1998. But the 52-year-old lawyer and the organization she leads have a broader, deeper vision. “It’s not just getting people to run, [although] that’s huge in and of itself, [it’s] a way to help a lot of people,” states Wittenberg as she cites the overwhelming patronage of NYRR events: 50,000 in the NYC Marathon; 20,000 in the Brooklyn Half [“largest half in the country”], and routinely sold-out weekly borough events. But Wittenberg sees more. “We want to be a beneficial influence in the communities through which we run. I think of us as one of the world’s premier community-based running organizations,” says Wittenberg, a former Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier who runs regularly. “We are all about the totality of our sport—from kids to seniors; from the fastest in the world to first-timers; from running to walking. Our philosophy is helping people run for life, to move for life. “My plan had always been to work in sports,” says Wittenberg, who was a visionary thinker early on. “I saw the power of sports from a young age and certainly experienced personally the benefits of playing sports,” says Wittenberg. “I also had this other mission side. My vision wasn’t as clear there. But coming to NYRR gave me the chance to work in running and to marry my passion for sport and my passion for helping people and to work for a nonprofit. That is what I was destined for.” Through her leadership, NYRR is effectively expanding its sphere of influence, geographically and socioeconomically. “Our competencies have been around events and youth programs. In addition, we are doing more in the education space. We are working to move beyond where we are now and into what the future holds for us.” The enthusiastic leader poses this rhetorical question that guides and inspires the organization she leads: “How do we better weave ourselves into the daily lives of people such that we can help them move on a regular basis?” NYRR’s energetic CEO takes no time in identifying the most gratifying aspects of her job. “The most rewarding, for sure, is every day we just work on ways to get people to get out and get moving. We know what the benefit can be in their life, whether they’re a kid, an athlete trying to be the best in the world,

or an 80-year-old trying to keep moving,” she explains. But Wittenberg also recognizes the rewards she derives from being captain of a squad of skillful, fully engaged individuals pursuing a common goal. “I love working with a great team and I’m inspired by the talent and the commitment,” notes Wittenberg, who presides over a $70+ million budget and guides the efforts of NYRR’s 60 full-time employees, which swells through the addition of 700 regular parttime employees and over 10,000 volunteers as its famed Marathon Sunday approaches. “People really care about what they do here at New York Road Runners,” says Wittenberg with a note of appreciation. Mary Wittenberg—runner, corporate leader, visionary thinker—has definite views on the evolution of running over the next 10 years. “I think what we’ll see over the next decade is that running will truly be the sport of all people,” she predicts. “I think we get a little bit ahead of the curve here in New York City because of the natural diversity that exists here. But more and more, we are getting to more and more people. We had 400,000 people running with us this year, and that’s great. But there are 8 million here and another 3 million who commute here every day. Over the next 10 years, I think you will see running and walking woven into the fabric of society in a greater way. When we see people getting out of a subway 10 blocks early or parking their car at a parking lot that they are going to run or walk to, then we will be in people’s consciousness in a way where we have become a part of their lives well beyond the races.” Refreshingly, none of these three CEOs cited any instances of gender-related interference or pushback during their respective career journeys to their present leadership positions. “I’m 49, so I’m a product of Title IX. I personally have never had issues,” Achman says. “It isn’t even on my radar, to be honest, because I’ve never experienced [gender-based bias]. I’ve always just gone about my business: Do a good job, surround yourself with people who do a good job.” Notes Wittenberg: “We are the generation that followed behind the generation that blazed the trail.” It’s perhaps a tribute to the growing inclusiveness of the sport of road racing that the type of pioneering leadership exhibited by Achman, Russell, and Wittenberg is not hindered; it’s welcomed. And maybe, just maybe, it’s because our sport and those around it are now wise enough to bring a gender-blind embrace to demonstrated competence. Dave Hunter, who ran his marathon PR of 2:31:40 on the Boston course back in the Paleozoic era, is a journalist who writes frequently about running and track & field. He can be reached at dhunter@brouse.com

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By Andy Smith, RRCA Program Coordinator Since 1996, the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) has awarded grants totaling over $480,000 through its Roads Scholars® program. The program’s goal is to assist promising American postcollegiate runners to develop into national and world-class road running athletes. The grants go directly to the athletes to support their goals and training needs. Traditionally, the RRCA distributes six grants. However, the strong credentials and impressive potential of this year’s pool of applicants, coupled with the ability to lay the groundwork for qualification in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, motivated the RRCA to expand this class to eight recipients. The final selections were made on Sept. 30, prior to the USA Marathon Championships in October. The RRCA is pleased to introduce and congratulate the 2014–15 Class of Roads Scholars.

Emily Gordon

In high school, Gordon was a sprinter and hurdler, favoring the 300m hurdles. She was recruited to UC Santa Barbara to run the 400m hurdles. In her first season in the Big West in 2011, she placed 6th in the championship conference meet with a time of 62.83. In January 2012, she transferred to UCLA, where she trained and competed with the track team her sophomore season before resigning in order to focus on her biomedical research and her biochemistry major. In fall 2012 Gordon joined the UCLA Triathlon Club to stay fit and active in her free time. She increased her running and cycling distances and placed 13th in the USAT Collegiate Championships in spring 2013. In October 2013, on a whim, Gordon raced in the Nike Women’s Marathon San Francisco along with a handful of triathlon teammates. Apart from her triathlon training and a handful of long runs, she hadn’t done any marathon-specific training. Surprisingly, she pulled into the lead at the 12th mile and won in 2:51.44. Not too long after that, she was approached by an old friend, who offered to coach her to another marathon to make the 2016 Olympic Trials B-standard time. The target race was the Surf City Marathon in February 2014. Along the way, she won the San Diego Holiday Half Marathon in 1:14.13. On Feb. 2, she raced to a 2:39.58 marathon finish in Huntington Beach, CA, breaking the course record by a whopping 17 minutes. In the spring, she dabbled on the track with her first 3K (9:49.18) and her first 10K (34:50.26), but has decided to focus her energies solely on the roads through 2016. After attending the RRCA’s RunPro Camp in July, she joined Team USA Minnesota based in the Twin Cities. She’ll be completing her degree at UCLA in the fall and join her teammates in spring of 2015.

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In high school Erb ran just one season of track, focusing her energies more on singing and playing the cello. However, once in college at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, she ramped up her athletic interests while maintaining a commitment to academics. She qualified for nine national meets, earned six All-American finishes, and won the national championship in the 10,000m run. Erb ran a 2:46:15 in her debut at the 2008 Berlin Marathon, and in 2010, she dropped her time to 2:39:02 at the Seville Marathon. The reduction in time is particularly impressive, as her training coincided with a Fulbright Scholarship in Austria, where she was studying and teaching. At the conclusion of her scholarship, Erb joined ZAP Fitness in Blowing Rock, NC, training under coach Peter Rea. Back in the U.S., her growth as a runner continued. In 2012, she finished 27th at the Olympic Marathon Trials with a time of 2:37:21, after singing the national anthem to open the event. The next year, she placed 3rd at the USA Marathon Championships at the Twin Cities Marathon in Minnesota, running 2:34:30. Erb’s improvements continued in 2014. In April she set a PR at the Boston Marathon with a time of 2:33:15. On Oct. 5, she returned to the USA Marathon Championships at the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, showing impressive stamina to pull away over the last mile and a half to win the race in a time of 2:34:01. Currently an assistant cross country coach at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ, Erb is now focused on her next two big goals: the 2015 World Marathon Championships, followed by the 2016 Olympic Trials.

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Esther Erb

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Class of 2014

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Llano initially started running in high school as a way to stay in shape for soccer, but quickly realized his passion for the sport. He transitioned to full-time runner in his junior year. He flourished at the collegiate level, where he ran for the University of Richmond (UR) and earned three degrees: BAs in Psychology, Latin American & Iberian Studies, and Theatre. While at UR, Llano was a Division I All-American and led the Spiders to the NCAA championship in 2010, a first for the team. On the track, he ran 14:00 for 5000 meters and 28:43 for 10,000 meters. Always hungry for more, Llano decided to pursue running as a career upon graduation in 2011. Although he was struck by an SUV during a training run in the summer of 2011, he showed his resilience and debuted at the half marathon distance in Houston less than five months later, running 63:26, a promising start to a professional career. Shortly thereafter, he attended the first RunPro Camp hosted by Team USA Minnesota. After camp, he relocated to Flagstaff, AZ where he was one of the founding athletes of the Northern Arizona Elite, a professional training group coached by Ben Rosario. Following a number of top10 finishes at national championship events in 2012 and 2013, he started 2014 with a breakthrough performance at the U.S. Half Marathon Championship, placing 5th overall in a time of 1:01:47. During that race, he qualified to represent Team USA at the 2014 World Half Marathon Championship in Denmark. There he placed 35th, with a time of 1:02:25. He’s spent several months preparing for his marathon debut at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, where he aimed to run under 2 hours and 10 minutes. He finished 24th overall (and 1st in his age division) with a time of 2:17:43—good enough to qualify for Boston.

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Jonathan Peterson

Peterson found his passion for running in the fourth grade. As he progressed through grade school and into high school, he quickly became one of the top runners in California. He placed as high as 6th at the California state meet and 10th at the Western Regional Cross Country meet, narrowly missing a bid to the Foot Locker National meet. After graduating from high school, he pursued a degree in Human Development at the University of California, Davis. While there, Peterson broke several school records on the track, including the 5000m and 10,000m distances. In 2010, he earned his first Big West Championship title in cross country, leading the Aggies to their first conference championship. That same season, he went on to place 14th at the NCAA D-I national cross country meet in Terre Haute, IN, earning All-American honors. Other career highlights include winning his second and third Big West Championship races at the 1500m and 5000m events at the 2012 meet. Shortly after graduating from Davis, Peterson moved to the Twin Cities to join Team USA Minnesota, where he was coached by Dennis Barker. In his first USA Championship appearance on the roads, he placed 12th at the Twin Cities 10 Mile, held in conjunction with the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. Also in his first year, he qualified for the Great Edinburgh Challenge, held in Edinburgh, Scotland, along with qualifying for USA Outdoors at the 10,000 meters. Peterson attended the RRCA RunPro Camp in 2013 and has more recently begun to find his niche on the roads, racing distances from 1–10 miles. Returning from a successful European track tour, he concluded his summer racing with a 5thplace finish at this year’s Bix 7, the USA 7-Mile championship. In September, he placed 2nd at the Minnesota Mile (4:04.0), followed by a 2nd place at the Great Cow Harbor 10K and 12th place at the USA 5K Championships. Most recently, he defended his 2013 title at the Twin Cities 10 Mile, winning with a time of 48:12. “I’m honored to receive this grant and having [an] organization such as the RRCA support my aspirations,” noted Peterson. “It further validates the continued pursuit of my goals as a professional athlete.”

Competitive Image

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Matt Llano

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Daniel Quigley

Natasha Rogers

Rogers discovered her passion for running in high school. At the time, her training grounds were the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Littleton, CO. She went on to run for Texas A&M University’s cross country and track teams where the experience bred a dream to compete against the top female distance runners of the world. At the 2012 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship meet, Rogers won her first national championship, even though the previous year she had not qualified for nationals. The leap she made is a true testament to her work ethic and drive. That same year, she placed 2nd at the Olympic Trials in the 10,000m with a time of 31:59, ahead of two runners who qualified for the London Olympic Games. She did this by managing to regroup after taking a fall and being trampled early in the race. After that season, a more severe injury occurred to Roger’s knee. Unable to run, she took a hiatus from the sport to pursue other interests. However, that break only reinforced her love of running, and it wasn’t long before she returned to the sport. After graduating, Rogers decided to make the move to Boston to train under Mark Coogan. She is now in an environment where her dreams can become a reality.

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Courtesy of Dan Quigley.

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A St. Louis native, Quigley grew up playing every sport under the sun and even dabbled in a few middle school track meets. A 2007 graduate of Christian Brothers College High School where his father was a math teacher and track coach, it was only natural that he sign up for the cross country team. Running times of 9:08 and 4:16 in the 3200m and 1600m, respectively, and placing 2nd at the Missouri State Cross Country Championships earned him a partial scholarship at the University of Missouri. As a Mizzou Tiger, Quigley had a few false starts before finding success. A bout with mononucleosis and a two-year hiatus due to hip surgeries held him back temporarily. By the end of his college career, he was a two-time NCAA finalist in the 5000m, finishing with a second team All-American honor and multiple All-Conference honors. He also broke both the indoor and outdoor school records in the 5000m. He ran under the previous records a total of seven times and eventually dropped his own outdoor record by 22 seconds to 13:43. After graduating with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, he ventured west to Track Town USA (Eugene, OR). Quigley has seen great improvements running with the Oregon Track Club Elite and working with coach Ian Dobson. He attended the RRCA’s RunPro Camp in July 2014. In his first mile race as a pro, he broke the 4-minute barrier, which was a 13-second PR from his college best of 4:12. This summer, he ran his first road mile at the GNC LiveWell Liberty Mile, placing 6th and earning his first prize purse as a pro on the roads.

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Ethan Shaw

Amy Van Alstine

Van Alstine started running cross country and track for Midland Park High School in New Jersey. Her siblings all ran and excelled, so her father encouraged her to follow in their footsteps. During her time at Midland Park, she became the Group 1 State Champion (2004) in cross country and indoor track (3200m) and outdoor track (3200m). She also received First Team All-State honors in cross country and was named the 2005 YMCA student-athlete of the year (2005). Van Alstine ran for the University of Richmond Spiders in Richmond, VA, where she was an All-American in the 5K outdoors (2011). She was also the school record holder in the outdoor 1500m, 3K, and 5K and broke the Atlantic 10 Conference 1500m record. At the end of her college career, she was named Atlantic 10 Athlete of the Year. After college, she attended the 2011 RunPro Camp hosted by Team USA Minnesota and joined adidas–McMillan Elite in Flagstaff, AZ in 2012. There she had great success, achieving personal bests in every event from 1500m on the track to 10K on the roads. With the completion of McMillan Elite at the end of 2013, she decided to stay in Flagstaff and joined the new team of Northern Arizona Elite where, under Coach Ben Rosario, she won her first national title at the 2014 USA Cross Country Championships. She competed at the 2014 USA Road 15K Championships and placed 3rd with a time of 49:49.

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Shaw ran for most of his life while growing up in Falmouth, ME. By the end of high school, he had collected five state titles in cross country and track. He earned three All–New England performances in cross country. But on a national scale, Shaw was far from a standout with modest times of 4:21 in the 1600m and 9:39 in the 3200m. Shaw decided to attend Dartmouth College after being recruited by coach Barry Harwick. Shaw quickly found success after jumping up to the 8K distance in cross country. He worked to steadily drop his times on the track. As a junior, his 3rd-place finish at the Heptagonal Cross Country Championships launched him into the top tier of runners in his conference. As a senior, he was able to grab the surprise victory at his conference championship on a snowy day at Princeton. He would finish the season with a 54th place finish at the NCAA D-I National Championships. Since graduating, Shaw has been working to consistently improve his times. In his debut marathon—the 2013 U.S. Marathon Championship—he snagged a qualifying time for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials –Marathon with a 2:17:26, a time that placed him 14th in the race and ranked him 32nd at that distance for 2013. He was also able to drop his 5K and 10K personal bests to 13:55 and 28:41, respectively. Shaw attended the 2014 RunPro Camp as an invited athlete. He has recently moved to Boston to compete for the Boston Athletic Association under coach Terrence Mahon, where he hopes to make strong improvements on the track and on the roads.

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Championship Spotlight

Novices, Arkansas GP Racers, National Champs in Go! Mile RRCA National 1-Mile National Championship Road Race North Little Rock, AR • June 14, 2014 By Erin Taylor

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7KH 55&$ FRQJUDWXODWHV WKH IROORZLQJ 55&$ 1DWLRQDO 0LOH &KDPSLRQV OPEN Michael Hammond (24, Greenville, SC, 4:07) Keri McClary (23, Springdale, AR, 4:52) MASTERS Karl Lenser (55, Conway, AR, 5:19) Cortney Allison (48, Little Rock, AR, 6:19) GRANDMASTERS Kenny Wilsey (50, Little Rock, AR, 5:35) Lynn O’Neal (50, Bryant, VA, 6:31) SENIOR GRANDMASTERS Ben Wiley (60, Nashville, AR, 5:48) Angie Orellano-Fisher (64, Sherwood, AR, 7:52)

Go Mile!

The Go! Mile celebrated its fourth year as “one fast little race” by adding the excitement and honor of hosting the 2014 RRCA National Championship 1-Mile Road Race in support of Bring Back the Mile. Go! Mile, presented by Go! Running and part of the popular Arkansas Grand Prix series, a series of 22 races of all distances, challenges everyone from novice to elite to a 1-mile running event. The gun sounded the start of the first race—the First Mile—at 7:30am Sat., June 14, in Burns Park in North Little Rock. The First Mile is for beginners to walk or jog the mile to celebrate the beginnings of their fitness journey. This was followed by four age-group heats, including the 40+ masters race for both the men and women. Little Rock’s Courtney Allison won the Female 40+ division with a time of 6:19. There were 112 finishers in this event, the largest field for the race, including RRCA board member Kelly Richards, who was 4th overall in this heat. In the Male 40+ division, Karl Lenser of Conway, AR finished first among the 74 finishers with a time of 05:19. Capping off the event was the Elite heat for invited runners (men with sub-5:30 mile time; women sub-6:00). The Windstream RRCA National Elite race promised to be fast and it delivered with several postcollegiate track runners in the fray competing for $7,000 in prize money. There were 52 Elite finishers, with the top 4 overall finishers right on each others’ heels to the finish line. Michael Hammond (24, Furman Elite), of Greenville, SC took 1st in 4:07.54. Rob Finnerty (24, Furman Elite), also of Greenville, finished a close 2nd in 4:07.83. For the female Elite race, Keri McClary (23, Springdale, AR), won with a time of 4:52.41. Cheryl Nolan, 24, finished with a time of 5:05.10 to take 2nd, and Little Rock’s two-time Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier Leah Thorvilson (35) was 3rd in 5:05.22. “The Elite race is exciting and unique to watch. Rarely do you get to see national-level elite athletes run close to a 4-minute mile,” said Gary Taylor, Go! Mile race director and Go! Running owner. “But the Go! Mile Running Festival is so much more. It’s been designed to have something for everyone. With seven different heats, it’s a race for the whole family, whether you’re an experienced runner or just new to the sport.” From 2010–12, the event served as the RRCA State Championship 1-Mile race. In 2013 it was the RRCA Southern Region 1-Mile Championship and in 2014 it served as the RRCA National 1-Mile Championship race. In 2015, the Go! Mile will again host the 2015 RRCA National 1-Mile Championship.

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Championship Spotlight

Kogo Wins 4th Virginia 10-Mile to Claim Title RRCA National 10-Mile Championship Road Race Lynchburg, VA • Sept. 27, 2014 By  Ben  Cates  &  Chris  Humpreys  The 41st staging of the Genworth Virginia 10-Miler served as the RRCA National 10-Mile Championship and drew thousands of runners and spectators along with guest announcers Kathrine Switzer and Roger Robinson. What began in 1973 as a single racing event has morphed over the decades into a series of events: the Genworth Virginia 10-Miler, the Bank of the James 4-Miler, the Centra 4-Mile Walk, the Amazement Square Amazing Mile Children’s Run, and associated family activities across Lynchburg. Julius Kogo leaned back and let his legs do all the work. He arrived at the finish line of the 41st annual Genworth Virginia 10-Miler neck-and-neck with his training partner, Cleophas Ngetich. Kogo’s long stride made the difference, as he claimed a narrow victory—his fourth overall and third straight in Lynchburg—to earn the title of RRCA National 10-Mile Champion. The duo from Chapel Hill, NC separated themselves from two other runners, Girma Gebre and Simion Chirchir, near the 5-mile mark at Riverside Park. Kogo and Ngetich ran alone the rest of the race, each trying unsuccessfully to break away from the other. When they arrived at the finish line, Kogo crossed at 48:20 and Ngetich at 48:21. “We were pushing together,â€? Kogo said. “We were trying to go for the course record, but we didn’t manage it today.â€? Rod Dixon’s 46.50, set in 1981, remained the record on a day when both Kenyan runners said the mark was unreachable due to humid conditions. “They’re in another league,â€? said longtime local runner Jeff Harrington, who won the Masters division. “You might as well tell me to fly to Mars or something. ‌ they’re so efficient. ‌ I’m sure they were breathing hard and straining, but I think I was straining a lot harder than they were.â€? Harrington won the Masters for the third time in four years,

turning in 58:58, a mark identical to his time in last year’s run when his friend Gregg Cavaliere took the top prize. Harrington was able to hold him off this year. While the drama in the men’s race came at the finish line, the drama for the women’s race occurred before the race began. Jane Murage, the 2013 winner, withdrew at the last minute; her replacement, Lilian Mariita, surged to an early lead and never looked back. Mariita finished in a time of 54:45, 18 seconds ahead of 2ndplace finisher Sophy Jepchirchir and nearly a full minute ahead of last year’s pace. Jepchirchir finished 4th in 2013 and her time of 55:03 was 2:37 ahead of last year’s pace. Mariita has won several races this year including the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon 10K in May, the Minneapolis Get in Gear 10K, the Gum Tree Run 10K in Tupelo, MS, and the Louisville Papa John’s 10 Miler. Mariita, originally from Kenya, currently trains in Hebron, KY. “I felt good,� Mariita said. “I like the hills. I liked this course.� Kara Foster, the top American finisher, posted a 56:43. Foster hails from Pennsylvania, ran track at Penn State, graduated in 2012, and was the Big 10 Champion in the 10,000m her junior and senior seasons. She is currently sponsored by Oiselle Running Apparel for Women. Robin Steckley of Forest won the Grandmasters division (50+) in 1:16:31. She relocated to the area from Canada in 2011. And then there was Bill Draper, the iconic symbol of endurance and determination at the 10-Miler, who participated for the 41st time and walked to the finish line with aid from a fellow runner. The 86-year-old New Jersey native finished at 11:35am, 3 hours and 35 minutes after the race began. That didn’t matter to a crowd of about 200 people who waited at the finish line for Draper to cross. “This is the finest run I’ve ever been in,� he said of the 10-Miler. “Everything here is superb.�

7KH 55&$ FRQJUDWXODWHV WKH IROORZLQJ 55&$ 1DWLRQDO 0LOH &KDPSLRQV OPEN Julius Kogo (29, Chapel Hill, NC, 48:19) Lillian Maritta (25, Hebron, KY, 54:44) MASTERS 1LɈ /HYYPUN[VU 3`UJOI\YN =( ! Amy Cernava (46, Asheboro, NC, 1:11:01) GRANDMASTERS Billy Pearlman (55, Roanoke, VA,1:06:57) Pam Rickard (52, Rocky Mount, VA,1:20:29) SENIOR GRANDMASTERS Will Morrell (63, Southern Pines, NC, 1:14:21) Kathleen Doswell (65, Columbia, VA, 1:34:48)

TriDuo  Sports  Photography

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Compiled with permission from articles in the News & Advance of Lynchburg, VA.

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Championship Spotlight

Rock/Creek’s StumpJump 50K National Ultra Championship Chattanooga, TN • Oct. 4, 2014 By Jean Knaack Rock/Creek’s StumpJump is by far the largest and most popular race in the eight-event Salomon Rock/Creek Trail Series. The events are hosted by the organization Wild Trails, whose mission is to encourage and promote a healthy and active lifestyle through trail running and other forms of outdoor recreation and to advocate, protect, and preserve the land (natural spaces) used for such activities. Both the 11-mile course 7KH 55&$ FRQJUDWXODWHV WKH and the coveted 50K IROORZLQJ 55&$ course for the StumpJump 1DWLRQDO 8OWUD &KDPSLRQV provided runners a beautiful experience of running through some sensational double- and single-track OPEN trails in Chattanooga. The StumpJump 50K served Daniel Hamilton (26, 4:25:28) as the 2014 RRCA National Ultra Championship. Beth Meadows (28, 5:22:46) The race, now in its 13th year, had almost 500 runners participate in the two distances. The race takes MASTERS place on the beautiful single-track trails of Signal William Warner (61, 5:24:48) Mountain and Walden Ridge, outside of ChattaSally Brooking (57, 5:45:55) nooga and featuring a liberal dose of Tennessee mountain stone and over 4,400 feet of elevation GRANDMASTERS gain. William Warner (61, 5:24:48) StumpJump also serves as the first sporting Sally Brooking (57, 5:45:55) event of Chattanooga’s River Rocks festival. Now in its 5th year, River Rocks is the 30-day event that SENIOR GRANDMASTERS brings world-class and amateur athletes together to Dan Kuhlman (60, 5:30:55) enjoy all that Chattanooga has to offer for the outNo female participant door lifestyle.

Caffeine Photography

Road Runners Club of America 2015 RRCA National Championship Event Series The RRCA Championship Event Series boasts over 185 races that attract over 330,000 runners nationwide at the state, regional, and national level. We invite you to run in the 2015 RRCA National Championship Event Series, which provides awards for winners at the open, master, grandmaster, and senior grandmaster levels. January 10, 2015 MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIP MISSISSIPPI BLUES MARATHON – JACKSON, MS www.msbluesmarathon.com

April 12, 2015 10 MILE CHAMPIONSHIP PRESIDIO 10 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA www.guardsmen.org/presidio10/ April 26, 2015 5K CHAMPIONSHIP HY-VEE ROAD RACES 5K – DES MOINES, IA In Conjunction with 57th Annual RRCA Convention www.hy-­veeroadraces.com/5K/ June 13, 2015 1 MILE CHAMPIONSHIP GO MILE – LITTLE ROCK, AR www.gorunning.com/gomile/

RRCA Championship Series Sponsors Gatorade Endurance • Sports Authority Ashworth Awards • FORTIUS Media Group, LLC

August 15, 2015 HALF MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIP PARKERSBURG NEWS & SENTINEL HALF MARATHON PARKERSBURG, WV www.newsandsentinelhalfmarathon.com October 31, 2015 10K CHAMPIONSHIP MARINE CORPS MARATHON 10K WASHINGTON, DC www.marinemarathon.com/MCM_Weekend/ MCM10K.html November 7, 2015 ULTRA CHAMPIONSHIP NASHVILLE ULTRA MARATHON – NASHVILLE, TN www.nashvilleultra.com

Scan the code to view the full RRCA Championship Event Series Calendar

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Project9_

Training Tips

Managing the Emotional Side of Injury E\ -DPLH &RUH\ 55&$ &HUWLÂżHG &RDFK I won’t be able to run for a while! A recent visit to the doctor confirmed an injury to my IT band, which has meant no running for the last three weeks and counting. Abruptly getting sidelined in the middle of marathon training has been less than ideal and has really played havoc with my emotions. I like to think of myself as a happy person. But since this injury, smiling is a rarity. There are days I’m on the verge of tears from the time I wake up to the time I fall asleep. If I’m really being honest, the first few days of this injury were mostly spent on the couch, pouring a bag of chocolate chips in my mouth, feeling absolutely pathetic. But there also have been days where I’ve perfected a yoga pose I haven’t been able to maneuver since my last yoga kick three years ago. Or days where I opt for 10 needles in my leg and realize I’m stronger than I give myself credit for. Some mornings I’ve shot right out of bed at 5am to hit the pool for several hours and been reminded how lucky I am that I’m still in good health overall and have many other reasons to be grateful. Six Emotions Experienced During Injury Impatience I was never given an estimated time for how long it would take to heal, which makes it really challenging. I’ve become so impatient wondering when I’ll be able to run again. Every morning, I think and hope that when I get out of bed the pain will have magically gone away. So far it hasn’t. Determination I want to come back to running stronger than I was before this injury. While I may lose all the endurance and speed that I built up, I’m working on becoming stronger in my arms, core, and other areas of my body that I know will help me down the road. Uselessness I can’t help but feel useless when I hobble to the grocery store in pain or discover I can’t take my dog on walks because she pulls me too hard. Relying on others isn’t something I do willingly, so that’s been extra challenging. Courage I’m not sure which was more gutsy, when I said yes to dry needling and didn’t know what to expect or when I said yes again two days later after I knew how painful putting 10 needles in my leg was. Regret If I could go back in time, there’s so much I would do differently. I just can’t help but feel regret when it comes to the entire situation. Optimistic Despite all the negative emotions I’ve experienced during these last three weeks, I’m optimistic that I’ll still be able to run

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Chicago. And even if I can’t, I know I’ll be able to run a marathon sometime in the near future. I may even be faster and stronger because of this experience. Six Ways to Combat Sad Emotions Be Social My instructor in a yoga class had us introduce ourselves to the person next to us. As it turned out, that person was dealing with a similar injury. After class we chatted about ways we’ve been dealing with it and shared advice. Interacting with others who are going through a similar challenge is a reminder that you don’t have to go through an injury alone. Embrace Happy Emotions I can’t think of a better time to embrace the small victories. Even if it has nothing to do with fitness, allow yourself to be happy as much as you can during this difficult time. Be Kind to Yourself and Others It’s okay to be angry, but there’s no good that comes out of beating up on yourself. Be nice to yourself and channel that negative energy into positive ideas on what you’ll do differently next time. It’s more productive and more beneficial to your well-being. I’ve also noticed that going out of my way to help others puts me in a better mood. That, in turn, has helped combat my anger and sadness. Don’t Eat Away the Pain I mentioned earlier that I spent the first few days of my injury throwing down a bag of chocolate chips. Hardly a suprise that the stomach ache made me feel even worse! Eating healthy during this difficult time will actually make you feel better. You’ll have more energy, and it won’t be so easy to feel sorry for yourself. #ChallengeYoSelf There are so many ways to challenge yourself besides running. Taking on new challenges has helped take my mind off the fact that I can’t run. And speaking of challenging myself ‌ Set New Goals All the biking and swimming I’ve done during my injury have reminded me how much I enjoyed training for a triathlon four years ago. With all the excitement from this year’s Nation’s Tri, I couldn’t help but set my sights on a new goal.

Jamie Corey is a Washington, D.C.-based running blogger addicted to running miles and eating bagels (equally). She’s an RRCA certified coach and author of RuntheDistrict.com

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MOLLY HUDDLE | American Record Holder – 5000 m | Team Saucony Athlete

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WHOA. Light, responsive and oh so comfortable. Step into a pair and feel whoa for yourself. TRIUMPH | ISO SERIES •

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