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Get Fit Minnesota; Stillwater Marathon announces physical fitness initiative for all ages and abilities 4/20/2010 5:47 pm Stillwater, MN, April 20, 2010 - The Stillwater Marathon Committee announced today a roster of community-oriented races to be held Saturday, May 29, 2010 over Stillwater Marathon weekend. This new event, titled "Get Fit Minnesota" is in partnership with District 834 elementary schools and open to all students and the general public. The shorter races feature "beginning runner" distances as part of an overall Get Fit initiative in support of physical fitness and to address rising obesity especially with the youth of today. A comprehensive training curriculum will be available to any school interested and willing to establish a coach who will regularly run and train with the students in preparation for the races. Proper nutrition and training methods will also be provided to participating schools and organizations. Get Fit MN Races will be affordable and safe for all ages and abilities. The 400 Meter and One Mile Events will be held on the Stillwater Area High School Campus. The 2.62 Mile Mini-Marathon course will showcase and follow the off-road Oak Park Heights Trail System to and from SAHS. Get Fit Minnesota Race Day features the Stillwater Marathon Health & Fitness Expo at Stillwater Area High School during and following the Get Fit Events. Enjoy a Pancake Breakfast after your run and visit the Health & Fitness Expo that is offering participants and the public an extensive array of free information, product samples, demonstrations and speakers by leaders in the Health & Wellness industry. Complete Details at www.GetFitMinn.com Boston Marathon 2010 4/20/2010 6:09 pm Jason Lehmkuhle Is 9th, Antonio Vega Places 12th in Personal Bests at Boston Marathon on April 19 Minneapolis/St. Paul - April 19, 2010 - Team USA Minnesota's Jason Lehmkuhle finished in ninth place and Antonio Vega was 12th at the Boston Marathon today, with both running personal best times. Lehmkuhle crossed the finish line in 2:12:24 (his previous best was 2:12:54) and Vega's time was 2:13:47 (previous was 2:15:45). The two were also the third and fourth Americans in the race, respectively. Also competing at Boston on a day with sunny skies, cool temperatures in the 50s and a slight breeze, was Michelle Frey who finished 23rd in the women's race with a time of 2:42:38. The 114th Boston marked Lehmkuhle's second appearance at the storied event, having first run the race from Hopkinton to Boston in 2007 when it was held in freezing rain and steady 15-to-20 mph winds. During that race Lehmkuhle cramped up in his legs, tried to drop out at the 24-mile mark and then did a walk/jog to the finish line for a disappointing time of 2:38:05. Since that time, he placed fifth at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in what was his personal best of 2:12:54, and then 10th at last fall's ING New York City Marathon. "You couldn't have asked for much more in terms of the weather for today's race," said Lehmkuhle. "My last experience in Boston was totally different so this day was a pleasant departure from that experience. Overall, I am really pleased with my race and how I managed my energy. I felt I was also significantly better prepared than my last go around here in 2007 because we made it a real priority to do a lot of training on hills that closely simulate Boston. "Antonio and I ran together in lock step through 22 or 23 miles. It definitely helped to have him there. We also were running with a small handful of guys which was good because it keeps you engaged, particularly during the last 10k where it gets really difficult. This time I had no cramps or injury issues out on the course. I won't tell you that I ran springy the last couple of miles but I certainly felt like I was out there competing the whole way through the line. "The only thing I would do over again was to go out a little slower than we did. I should know better having been here before but the downhills at the start are deceptive. The hills make 4:50 pace feel like 5:10." The two teammates went through the half marathon point in 1:04:54. Lehmkuhle averaged 5:03 per mile in the race and Vega ended up with 5:06 per mile due to a slowdown over the last 5k. Lehmkuhle said he plans to take a couple of weeks off from running to let himself fully recover. "Then Dennis (Barker) and I will map out a plan for the rest of the year, which will definitely include a fall marathon," he said. Vega, who was running just his third marathon and first appearance at Boston, posted almost 2 minutes better in the 26.2-mile distance than he did at last fall's Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. "The race went out pretty fast in the beginning and we were just trying to put the brakes on," said Vega. "Early on it was hard to hold back and I was getting antsy to pick it up. I'm glad Jason was there with me because his experience definitely helped me keep on pace. We worked off one another. The downhills were a lot more difficult than I anticipated. By 10 miles in, my legs were hurting a bit already. I need to be able to hold it together a little bit longer and get through that last 5k. I was definitely pretty tired by the end. "But I'm happy with my race because I got a PR out of it. The crowds were just incredible with wall-to-wall people after the half way point. I enjoyed myself out there and I'm looking forward to my next marathon. I certainly plan to give the distance another shot in the fall." Stillwater Marathon named to Dick's Sports Top Races 3/25/2010 4:31 pm
The Stillwater Marathon announced today that Dick’s Sporting Goods has selected the Stillwater Marathon as one of ten U.S. races that are part of Dick’s Sporting Goods National Runners’ Month. The new initiative is designed to promote running and highlight the retailer’s deep commitment to serving runners throughout the United States. The ten races include other highly regarded events such as the Pittsburgh Marathon, Boulder to Boulder in Colorado, Ridge Run in Chicago and Palos Verde Marathon in Los Angeles. About the Stillwater Marathon The Stillwater Marathon features four race distances with scenic river valley race courses for runners to enjoy commanding views of the St. Croix River, wild prairies, vintage steamboats, lumber baron mansions, extensive Victorian architecture and pass through steep sandstone bluffs before finishing beside the historic lift bridge downtown Stillwater. www.StillwaterMarathon.com About Dick's Sporting Goods
National Runners' Month Scheduled for May 2010, Dick's
Sporting Goods National Runners' Month is an initiative by leading sporting
goods retailer, Dick's Sporting Goods, to promote running and highlight the
company's deep commitment to serving runners throughout the United States. About Dick's Sporting Goods,
Inc. Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. is
an authentic full-line sporting goods retailer offering a broad assortment of
brand name sporting goods equipment, apparel, and footwear in a specialty store
environment. The Company currently operates 419 Dick's Sporting Goods stores in
40 states primarily throughout the eastern half of the U.S. The Company also
owns Golf Galaxy, Inc., a multi-channel golf specialty retailer, with 91 stores
in 31 states, e-commerce websites and catalog operations. www.dickssportinggoods.com Patrick Smyth, Emily Brown on U.S. Team 3/23/2010 10:40 am Patrick Smyth, Emily Brown on U.S. Team at World Cross Country Championships March 28 Minneapolis/St. Paul - March 23, 2010 - Team USA Minnesota's Patrick Smyth and Emily Brown are members of the U.S. team that will compete at the 38th IAAF World Cross Country Championships on March 28. The event - which includes a senior men's 12k, a senior women's 8k and two junior races - will be contested in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Smyth earned his spot on the six-member senior men's team by finishing second in the 12k at the USA Cross Country Championships held in Spokane on Feb. 13. The selection marks the first world team for Smyth, who graduated from Notre Dame last spring. Since that time, he has finished seventh in the 10,000 meters at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, fifth at the USA Men's 10k Championship, second at the USA Half Marathon Championships, and seventh at the USA 15k Championships. Brown was seventh in the senior women's 8k in Spokane and was named to the six member squad when the sixth place finisher declined her spot. This is the third time Brown has qualified for the U.S. team at World Cross Country, having placed third in 2008 at the USA Cross Country Championships and then winning the 8k cross championship in 2009. At the World Cross Country Championships in Scotland in 2008, Brown was 18th overall and led the U.S. women's team to a fourth place finish. She is a 2007 graduate of the University of Minnesota. According to a USA Track & Field release, the senior women of Team USA are set to challenge for their first team medal since 2005 when the team that year won the bronze medal in a women's 4 km (a distance no longer contested at World Cross). A total prize purse of $140,000 will go to individuals placing in the top six in both the men's and women's senior races, with $30,000 going to the champions. Another $140,000 is on the line for the top six teams in the senior divisions with the top men's and women's teams receiving $20,000. More information about the World Cross Country Championships as well as results for the Sunday afternoon races in Poland can be found at the www.usatf.org and www.iaaf.org web sites. About Team USA Minnesota Team USA Minnesota is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Formed in 2001, the purpose of the training center is to improve the competitiveness of post-collegiate American distance running and to develop Olympians. The athletes are coached by Dennis Barker, head cross country and track coach at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Team USA Minnesota's major sponsor is Life Time Fitness (lifetimefitness.com) and its silver sponsor is Twin Cities in Motion (www.mtcmarathon.org). It is also supported by the New York Road Runners and the USA Distance Project along with a grant from Running USA. For more information, visit the team's web site at www.teamusaminnesota.org. Emily Brown to Compete at NACAC Cross Country Champs 3/03/2010 7:10 pm
2010 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Registration More Than Half Full 3/03/2010 7:13 pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2010 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Registration More Than Half Full
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (March 3, 2010) – Registration for the 2010 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon is more than half full as participants from 49 states and 10 countries continue to join the field. Capacity for the October 3 race is 11,200.
“We’ve increased the field by another 200 participants, as interest in the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon continues to grow,” said Twin Cities In Motion executive director Virginia Brophy Achman. “In its 29th year, the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon continues to draw participants from around the world. The marathon has the 6th largest number of Boston qualifiers in the United States, so our participants have a great opportunity to take this race and use it in their long-range marathon goals.”
The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon was ranked 9th largest in the United States in 2009, based on number of finishers. There are currently 20 corporate teams taking part in the October 3 race, as well as training groups from around the country. Medtronic’s Global Heroes program returns to the field in this year’s event. Global Heroes celebrates participants who run with medical devices, and recognizes the shared commitment to healthy lifestyles. ###
About Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend
Twin Cities in Motion, (formerly Twin Cities Marathon, Inc.) is the non-profit organization that organizes running events throughout the year, including the Valentine’s Day TC 5K, 100% Irish For A Day TC 5K & TC 10 Mile, Medtronic TC 1 Mile, Red, White & Boom! TC Half Marathon, Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, Medtronic TC 10 Mile, the TC 10K, TC5K and the Medtronic TC Family Events and Medtronic TC Kids Marathon program and related events, as a community service for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Visit mtcmarathon.org for more information and Twin Cities in Motion page on Facebook. Three Team USA Minnesota Women to Compete Feb. 27-28: 2/24/2010 6:47 pm Heather Dorniden at USA Indoor, Michelle Frey at Cowtown Half Marathon, Meghan Armstrong at World's Best 10k Minneapolis/St. Paul - Feb. 24, 2010 - Three Team USA Minnesota women will be in competitions this weekend including Heather Dorniden at the USA Indoor Track & Field Championships, Michelle Frey at the Cowtown Half Marathon, and Meghan Armstrong at the World's Best 10k. The USA Indoor Championships will be held in Albuquerque, N.M., at the Albuquerque Convention Center on Feb. 27-28. Dorniden will compete in the 800 meters with the first round of that event set for Saturday at 5:15 p.m. and the final on Sunday at 3:50 p.m. (Central time). Dorniden has a best in the distance of 2:01.05 and so far this year has run 2:04.63 in the event. USA Indoor is the world's oldest indoor track championship, with the first meet being held in 1888 in New York. Approximately 700 athletes will compete in Albuquerque with the first two finishers in various track and field events qualifying for the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Doha, Qatar, on March 12-14. The USA Indoor Championships will be televised on Feb. 28 from 7-9 p.m. (Eastern) on ESPN2. Cowtown Half Marathon - Feb. 27 Michelle Frey will run in the Cowtown Half Marathon in Fort Worth, Texas, on Feb. 27, with the race starting at 7:30 a.m. The half marathon is one of six running events at Cowtown which this year has almost 19,000 participants, including 5,000 signed up for the half. Frey has a best in the half marathon distance of 1:12:42. In January, at the USA Half Marathon Championships in Houston, she finished 19th in a time of 1:17:11. She is preparing to run the Boston Marathon in April. World's Best 10k - Feb. 28 Meghan Armstrong will make her second appearance at the World's Best 10k on Feb. 28, having also competed at the event in 2009. The race, which is held in San Juan, Puerto Rico will celebrate its 13th anniversary at this year's event. Some 10,000 runners are expected to participate. Armstrong has a best of 33:26 in the 10k distance. So far in 2010, Armstrong has posted a personal best of 1:13:56 to finish 11th at the USA Half Marathon Championships in January, followed by a first place finish at the ING Miami Half Marathon that same month. Most recently she finished 13th at the USA Cross Country Championships women's 8k held in Spokane on Feb. 13. About Team USA Minnesota Team USA Minnesota is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Formed in 2001, the purpose of the training center is to improve the competitiveness of post-collegiate American distance running and to develop Olympians. The athletes are coached by Dennis Barker, head cross country and track coach at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Team USA Minnesota's major sponsor is Life Time Fitness (www.lifetimefitness.com) and its silver sponsor is Twin Cities in Motion (www.mtcmarathon.org). It is also supported by the New York Road Runners and the USA Distance Project along with a grant from Running USA. For more information, visit the team's web site at www.teamusaminnesota.org. *************** Contact: Pat Goodwin 952-924-1081 Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon Registration Starts Wednesday 2/17/2010 7:00 pm
(Duluth, Minn.) Registration for June’s Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon begins Wednesday, Feb. 17. The race entry process is conducted through a lottery in which 5,000 participants will be randomly selected. Beginning Feb. 17 and continuing through 8 a.m. March 1, registration will be available at GrandmasMarathon.com for all half-marathon hopefuls. Lottery participants can submit their registration any time during the 12-day online registration period. Participants will be randomly selected and their acceptance into the race will be confirmed via e-mail no later than March 4. Runners not selected will receive an e-mail notifying them that their entry was not among those chosen.
The entry fee for the 2010 race is $75, plus a processing charge. Only those 5,000 runners selected through the lottery will have their credit cards charged. The 20th annual Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon is Saturday, June 19, at 6:30 a.m., and is run on the second half of the Grandma’s Marathon course. Grandma’s Marathon Update The field for the 34th annual running Grandma’s Marathon is more than half full as 5,000 marathoners have signed up for the June 19 race. Registration will be limited to the first 9,500 runners.
For more information on any of Grandma's Marathon’s races or events, visit www.GrandmasMarathon.com or call (218) 727-0947. 2010 Grandma’s Marathon Online Registration Schedule
TCM Scholarship 1/20/2010 4:26 pm Twin Cities In Motion Seeks Scholarship Applicants for $5,000 Awards Scholarships available to two high school seniors in Twin Cities Metro Area MINNEAPOLIS, MN (January 20, 2010) – Twin Cities In Motion (TCM) is seeking applicants for it’s annual college scholarship awards, the organization announced today. The $5,000 college scholarships will be given to one male and one female area high school senior in the Twin Cities Metro area with a passion for running, a dedication to academics and a commitment to their community. The application process is open through March 1 and applications are online at mtcmarathon.org. Recipients will be selected on academic achievements, community service, running accomplishments (in either cross-country or track) as well as a personal essay. These funds may be used to attend a public or private institution and this year’s scholarship recipients will be notified in May. Michelle Volz, of Lakeville North High School, and Samuel Seehof, of Minnetonka High School, are the recipients of the 2009 Twin Cities In Motion College Scholarships. Volz, who attends the University of Minnesota, and Seehof, who attends Dartmouth College, were selected from nearly 100 top track and cross-country runners who also excelled academically and within their communities. “The college scholarship program recognizes our mission to support the growth of long-distance running,” said Twin Cities In Motion executive director Virginia Brophy Achman. “It is our hope that through financial support, our scholarship winners can continue their passions for running as they pursue their academic goals.” For more information, and an application, visit mtcmarathon.org/Partners/Scholarships.cfm. Tri Tips 7/31/2009 7:49 pm  Tri TipsTwenty-five pointers for faster multi-sport racing by Laurie Kocanda Training for triathlon is a lot of work. Not only do you have to become a proficient swimmer, cyclist and runner, you also have to work hard on race day putting all three disciplines together. World-class triathlete, Siri Lindley says, “Race day is a celebration of time spent training and the sport as a whole.” Races should be fun, something you look forward to during training. To race faster, consider the following race tips. 1. Check out the course ahead of time Know what to expect during the race and don’t get lost driving to the race at 5:30 a.m. 2. Eat a good dinner the night before the race Eat a meal high in “good” carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables. Remember to drink enough fluids so you start the race well-hydrated. 3. Get your race gear ready the night before Get everything packed up and ready to go so you don’t have to think about anything other than your race when you wake up. 4. Eat a good breakfast on race morning Again, think about “good” carbohydrates as well as fluids. 5. Arrive early to the race Get to the race early so you get a good spot in the transition area. For some races, a good spot in transition can make or break your PR. 6. Get your transition area set up right when you arrive Take care of business right away. Get everything set out for your transitions so you can spend some time relaxing before the race starts. 7. Know the race rules Don’t get disqualified for riding your bike in the transition area or for not buckling your helmet strap. Know the rules for drafting as well as any race-specific information. 8. Don’t do anything new on race day If you’ve always worn socks while biking and running, race day isn’t a good time to try going without. 9. Wear a race belt with your number on it Put your race belt on underneath your wetsuit. Then, wear it though the swim, bike and run. Don’t mess with pins and shirt changes. 10. Wear sunscreen Ever hear of skin cancer? Enough said. 11. Use body glide or other lubricant before putting your wetsuit on Use a non-petroleum lubricant before putting on your wetsuit. Then, reapply under places that are most likely to rub, especially your neck. 12. Get down to the swim start early Get in the water before the race, know which wave you are in, and try to relax while waiting for your start. 13. Remember to race the race you trained for Pace yourself. Don’t get caught up in other people’s races. 14. Position yourself appropriately in the swim No one likes to swim over someone, and no one likes to be swum over either. If you’re a good swimmer, get out in the front of your wave. If you’re not, head to the back of the pack. 15. Use a towel to get off excess sand Keep an extra towel in the transition area to brush off excess sand from the swim. 16. Resist the urge to overdress on the bike Remember, you will warm up on the bike. Unless it’s a particularly cold day, you will typically warm up after the first couple of miles on the bike. 17. Use the first couple of miles on the bike to recover Spend the first two or so miles on the bike getting your heart rate under control. Relax. Then focus on hitting the bike hard. 18. Pack an extra energy gel or bar on the bike This is especially true for long-distance races. If you depend on gels or bars while on the bike, pack at least one extra. All it takes is one bump to lose something. 19. Bring a spare tube and know how to use it Learn how to quickly change a flat in case it happens on race day. If you flat, finish the race without worrying about what it did to your overall time. 20. Use quick laces on your running shoes Again, try this before race day. 21. In longer races, eat and drink regularly Particularly for half-ironman and ironman-distance races, eat and drink as often as you can tolerate it. 22. Finish with a smile and keep your chin up for that photo No matter how much it hurts, muster a smile. 23. Pack sandals and a change of clothes for after the race Especially true if you plan to stick around after the race. 24. Thank the volunteers Without them, there would be no race. 25. Have FUN First and foremost, enjoy the day. Sub-Four Minute Mile Gives David Torrence USA 1 Mile Championship Title and Extra $10,000 in Medtronic TC 1 Mile Race 5/08/2009 08:12 am FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Kristine Smith Marketing and Public Relations
Manager
$10,000 BOUNTY AWARDED AS
3,200 runners took part in
the 5th annual Medtronic TC 1 Mile on Nicollet Mall in
( “This was a great start for the
USA 1 Mile Road Championships,” said Jim Estes, USATF Associate Director of
Marketing and Long Distance Running Programs.
“Thanks to the partnership with the Medtronic TC 1 Mile, it’s great to
see an emerging star like David Torrence win a
Shannon Rowbury (24) of San
Francisco, CA brings a second championship title from the race back to
California with her 4:33.4 finish, shy of the 4:28 bonus, but still picking up
$4,000 for her first place finish. Sara
Hall finished second behind Rowbury, in a repeat of the Brutus Hamilton
Invitational in April, finishing in 4:39.1.
And Sara Vaughn (23) of Nearly 3,000 runners came out for the 5th annual Medtronic TC 1 Mile. Organizers say the great spring weather really energized the field. “We had more than 1,000 runners in the first wave of the race tonight,” said Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. executive director Virginia Brophy Achman. “It’s powerful to see that many people running down the Nicollet Mall. We want to thank all the runners and spectators for coming out tonight to help us celebrate the 5th annual Medtronic TC 1 Mile.” There were 25 teams in the Corporate Team Challenge, and 25 states were represented. The race can be seen online on Flo Track at http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view/234973-medtronic-tc-1-mile. Results can be found at http://runner.onlineraceresults.com/event/view_event.php?event_id=3411. About
Medtronic TC 1 Mile There is still plenty of good snow 2/23/2009 2:40 pm All the snow lovers out there still have plenty of snow to enjoy if they choose. Check out the following Midwest ski conditions, compliments to Bruce Adelsman and Skinnyski 2008 Minnesota Multisport Award Nominees 9/30/2008 1:50 pm 10th Annual MINNESOTA MULTISPORT AWARDS Bich, Hauck, Hull & McGaver Lead the Field With three Nominations Each The MMA Selection Committee is pleased to announce its nominees for the 2008 Minnesota Multisport Awards. The awards, a.k.a. the Emmas, will be presented Academy Awards-style at the Tri-Night festivities at St. Paul College on Saturday, November 15. A significant change was instituted this year. The Grand Masters category used to include all athletes age 50 and above. GMs are now, as prescribed by USAT, recognized as men age 60 and above, and women 55 and over. And the nominees are (in alphabetical order): TRIATHLETE OF THE YEAR (Men) Brian Bich, 42, Duluth Dan Cohen, 34, Eden Prairie Sam Hauck, 24, Shoreview Curt Wood, 30, Chaska HM: Devon Palmer (21, St. Paul) TRIATHLETE OF THE YEAR (Women) Julie Hull, 36, Farmington Marlo McGaver, 38, Duluth Cathy Yndestad, 30, Apple Valley Becky Youngberg, 34, Eden Priaire HM: Katherine McCann, 25, Andover Marnie Walth, 38, Bismarck, ND DUATHLETE OF THE YEAR (Coed) Dan Cohen, 34, Eden Prairie Julie Hull, 36, Farmington Marlo McGaver, 38, Duluth John Shelp, 36, Maple Plain HM: Jeanne Fleck (43, Proctor), Jenny Wilcox (34, Cottage Grove) JUNIOR OF THE YEAR (Coed) Sarah Daniels, 17, Savage Lindsay Marshall, 19, Shoreview Anthony Phillips, 18, Sun Prairie, WI Michael Williams, 19, Maple Grove HM (Boys): Sam Anderson (15, St. Cloud), Phil Cleary (19, Willmar), Taylor Gombos, John Heinlein III (19, Stillwater), Nick Madrinich (18, Chaska), Brandon Onopa (16, Long Lake), Caius Rickard (17, Plymouth), Denver Rogolla (18, Milaca), Kyle Serryn (18, Lakeville), James Toay (15, Maple Grove) HM (Girls): Taylor Eliason (18, Carlos), Sarah Fleming, Shanna Hawksworth (19), Angie Henry (17, Wayzata) Gabby Keller (16, Maple Grove), Angela Kumm (19, Hutchinson), Lindsay Lee (16, White Bear Lake), Jaclyn Pribyl, Lucy Ramquist (15, River Falls, WI), Abby Tracy (17, Vadnais Heights), Greta Wilt (16, Minneapols) MASTER OF THE YEAR (Men age 40-59): Brian Bich, 42, Duluth Rhett Bonner, 44, Duluth Tony Schiller, 50, Chanhassen Greg Taylor, 54, Mankato HM: Gary Bork (55, Eden Prairie), Michael Colaizy (57, Osceola, WI), Doug Davis (41, Lakeville), Dave Dow (53, West Lakeland), Todd Firebaugh (46, Woodbury), Thomas Krenz (47, Chisago City), Montgomery Mouw (45, White Bear Lake), Rod Raymond (42, Duluth) MASTER OF THE YEAR (Women age 40-54): Jeanne Fleck, 43, Proctor Kim Fordham-Lien, 41, Aberdeen, SD Jan Guenther, 49, Mound Mary Beth Tuttle, 45, Pine Springs HM: Wendy Bengston (42, Chippewa Falls, WI), Julie McMonagle (41, Eagan), Karen Rothbauer (54, Shoreview), Sue Rubens (41, Plymouth), Laura Swartz (41, St. Louis Park), Robin Tedlund (49, Duluth) GRAND MASTER OF THE YEAR (Coed: Men age 60+; Women 55+) Hank Larsen, 68, Glencoe Patrick McMorrow, 61, Eden Prairie Jeanne Minder-Chatterton, 55, Shoreview Pam Stevens, 55, Sartell HM: Barb Beutler (57, Minnetonka), Jack Daugherty (66, Eden Prairie), Gene Holen (67, Shoreview), Nick Vanduzee (64, Chaska) ROOKIE OF THE YEAR (Coed) Kortney Haag, 29, New Hope Lydia Novotny, 25, Hopkins Patrick Parish, 23, Minneapolis Karla Valusek-Strom, 32, St. Paul HM: Brooke Larsen, (30, Northfield), Jamie Misner (28, St. Paul) MOST IMPROVED (Male): Dennis Dane, 28, Brooklyn Center Sam Hauck, 24, Shoreview Devon Palmer, 21, St. Paul Scott Penticoff, 38, Woodbury HM: Matthew Payne (31, Columbia Heights), Curt Wood (30, Chaska), Jonathan Balabuck (28, Thunder Bay, ONT), Christopher Leiferman (21, Truman), Brendan OFlanagan (31, Oakdale), Mike Torchia (20, Minneapolis) MOST IMPROVED (Female): Michelle Andres, 31, East Gull Lake Jeanne Fleck, 43, Proctor Kate McCann, 24, Andover Sarah Daniels, 17, Savage HM: Diane Hankee (31, Lino Lakes), Sarah Hermanson (31, Andover) Angel Hohenstein (29, Duluth), Julie Hull (36, Farmington), Laura Mills (23, Duluth), Ann Sudoh (37, Duluth), Jenny Wilcox (34, Cottage Grove), Susan Williams (36, Minneapolis), Cathy Yndestad (30, Apple Valley) PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR (Men) Dan Arlandson: Dominant Victory at Full Vineman (CA) Brian Bich: Victory and Masters Record at Pigman Half Sam Hauck: Come-from-behind Win at Turtleman Tony Schiller: Course Record at Lake Minnetonka Curt Wood: Course Record at Brewhouse HM: Sam Hauck: Win at Rochester Olympic Kevin O’Connor: Win at Manitou Scott Penticoff: Course Record at Liberty Olympic Rod Raymond: Win at Chisago Lakes Half PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR (Women) Julie Hull: Course Record at Chisago Lakes Half Marlo McGaver: Victory at Apple Duathlon Marlo McGaver: Victory at Iron Girl Cathy Yndestad: Course Record at Liberty Olympic Cathy Yndestad: 2nd Place Overall Finish at USAT Nationals HM: Kate McCann: Win at Manitou Cathy Yndestad: Course Record at Life Time Fitness Cathy Yndestad: Victory at Turtleman Becky Youngberg: Victory at Brewhouse For information on the Minnesota Multisport Awards, contact MMA Chairman Jerry MacNeil at 651-714-1829 or jerry@midwestevents.com. MEDTRONIC TWIN CITIES MARATHON RACE WEEKEND OFFERS EXCITEMENT FOR EVERYONE 9/29/2008 4:02 pm CONTACT: Kristine Smith Marketing and Public Relations Manager (763) 287-3888 x 113 September 29, 2008
MEDTRONIC TWIN CITIES MARATHON RACE
WEEKEND OFFERS EXCITEMENT FOR EVERYONE (Minneapolis) - Runners and spectators alike have the
chance to pace in some fun during the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon race
weekend events, that kick-off on Friday, October 3 with the C9 for Target Health
& Fitness Expo. More than 80
vendors, offering race weekend gear, running supplies and food sampling will be
available Friday and Saturday at the RiverCentre in
St.
Paul.
At the same time, speakers including Olympic marathoner Alberto Salazar
and Runners World Columnist Kristin Armstrong, will be sharing their inspiration
and expectations for Sunday's races.
The Better Health & Living Magazine Family Activities Tent will be open in front of the State Capitol from 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, and features more than 20 family friendly activities. The tent is free and open to the public. For those wishing to load up on some carbs before Sunday's race, the Buca Di Beppo Pasta Party takes place Saturday, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free for kids under 8, and $15 for adults, and can be purchased at the party, which takes place in the RiverCentre, adjacent to the Expo.
Spectators can find the 2008 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Spectators Guide that lists the best places to watch Sunday's runners, the weekend's schedule of events, as well as course maps, at Whole Foods, Caribou Coffee and Life Time Fitness. A down-loadable version is available at mtcmarathon.org.
Sunday, the
Medtronic TC 10 Mile kicks off with a special 7:05
a.m. start for
the USA Women's 10 Mile Championship, featuring the best from the women's
professional field in the United
States.
Immediately following, the remaining ten-mile field gets underway at
7:13 a.m. near the HHH Metrodome in
Minneapolis.
Marathoners get started near the HHH Metrodome with the Wheelers' division beginning at 7:50 a.m. and runners taking the start at 8:00 a.m. They will be entertained by more than 30 entertainment acts along the route and 12 Official ING Neighborhood Cheer Zones. Post-race festivities include the 27th Mile Party Tent, featuring entertainment, food and fun in front of the State Capitol.
Medtronic TC 10 Mile and Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon awards ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. and noon, respectively. The ceremonies will be hosted live on the LED board in the 27th Mile, courtesy of Freestyle Productions.
Streaming of the finish will be live on KARE11.com and will be available to review throughout the week following the race. Visit mtcmarathon.org for more information on all weekend activities.
About the Medtronic Twin Cities
Marathon POSTED BY: MACKENZIE LOBBY Past Champions to Return to Minnesota to Headline Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Field 9/22/2008 1:11 pm FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kristine Smith, Marketing and Public Relations Manager (763) 287-3888 x 113 September 19, 2008
PAST CHAMPIONS RETURN TO MINNESOTA TO HEADLINE MEDTRONIC TWIN CITIES MARATHON FIELD October 5th race will serve as USA Men's and Masters Marathon Championship, attracting a national field of professional runners vying for a prize purse of over $300,000
(Minneapolis, MN) - Past Twin Cities Marathon Champion Dan Browne (2002), along with defending USA Masters Champions Tracy Lokken and Susan Loken, are set to return to compete for $302,000 in prize money at the 27th Annual Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon on Sunday, October 5th.
Olympian Dan Browne headlines a strong men’s field that will compete for the USA Men's Marathon Championship. The field features over 20 runners that qualified for last November's Olympic Trials Marathon, including 6 runners who finished in the top 25. In addition to Browne’s 6th place finish, that list includes Mike Morgan (12th), Fasil Bizuneh (13th), Christopher Raabe (16th), Chad Johnson (20th) and Josh Ordway (21st).
Adding to the depth of the field is Fernado Cabada, the American 25K record-holder and Justin Young, who lowered his personal best by over five minutes to 2:13:54 at the Rotterdam Marathon in April. This year's race will also be the debut marathon for Ryan Sheehan, Celedonio Rodriguez, Antonio Vega and Josh Moen, all who've run sub-1:05 half marathons.
In the women's race, Mary Akor could become the first woman to win Grandma's Marathon and Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon in the same calendar year. Akor's biggest challenge could come from Russians Silvia Skvortsova and Olga Glok. Not only does Skvortsova have the best time in the field (2:27:07), she’s the only woman that has run sub-2:30 in the last five years - a feat she has accomplished in seven of the last eight years. While Glok has yet to break 2:30, she did run 2:31:12 in Istanbul and 2:30:40 in Paris within the last year. In addition, 10 women who ran in the Olympic Trials Marathon in April add depth to the field.
For the 18th consecutive year, the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon will be the host of the USA Masters Marathon Championship. Susan Loken of Phoenix is the three-time defending champion on the women's side. Loken looks to be challenged by three other women who qualified for the Olympic Trials Marathon, Meghan Arbogast, Susan Empey and Doreen Manske. Also looking to make a splash, in her marathon debut, is Jody Hawkins. Hawkins is familiar with Loken, having finished two seconds behind her earlier this year at the More Magazine Half Marathon in 1:20:16.
2007 USA Masters Champion Tracy Lokken returns to defend his title. Other top runners in the field include a couple of newly minted Masters in John Ashton and Carl Rundell, along with Paul Aufdemberge, John Mirth and 2004 USA Masters Marathon Champion Dennis Simonaitis.
2008 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Elite Field Top Competitors (as of 9/16/08)
About the Medtronic Twin Cities
Marathon An updated seed list will be available on race weekend. For media credentials and media guides, please contact Kristine Smith at kristine@mtcmarathon.org or 763-287-3888 ext. 113. Posted by Mackenzie Lobby Yndestad is 30-34W National Champion! 9/21/2008 9:18 pm Apple Valley's Cathy Yndestad was crowned 30-34W national champion on September 21 at USAT Age Group Nationals at Hagg Lake near Portland, OR. More impressively, she placed 2nd overall in the women's race behind undefeated (in 2008) Coloradan Brooke Davison. Also medaling were two-time 40-44M national champ Brian Bich, 42, of Duluth, who finished 2nd in his division and 9th overall. Chaska's Curt Wood would have won the 30-34M division had his water bottle remained in its cage during a bumpy stretch of bike course. The two minute "abandoning equipment" penalty dropped him from 8th to 19th place overall and from 1st to 2nd in his AG. Ski Clinic with the "Dynamic Duo" 9/17/2008 7:22 am CXC Team elite skier Johanna Winters and 2008 5k Freestyle National Champion Caitlin Compton are teaming up and hosting a Nordic Ski Clinic at Baker Park Reserve on Sunday November 2nd from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. All abilities are welcome, with or without rollerskis. The afternoon will be spent on dryland drills, skate and classic technique, ab-busting strength exercises, agility and balance, and more. The cost is $45 per person, and includes snacks and beverages at Gear West afterwards. For more information and to sign up contact Jojo Winters at johanna.winters@gmail.com, or 651-398-8520. TRI-NIGHT '08 SLATED FOR NOVEMBER 15! 9/17/2008 3:59 pm Tri-Night '08, featuring the 10th annual Minnesota Multisport Awards, a.k.a. the "MMAs," or "Emmas," will be held at St. Paul College on Cathedral Hill overlooking downtown St. Paul, on Saturday, November 15. MMA nominees will be announced on this and other sites on Monday, September 29. This year's event will feature a cash bar and sumptuous repast prepared by the gastronomic wizards of St. Paul College's Culinary School. The program that follows begins with the popular "People's Choice Awards". Next up will be the Midwest Multisport Series Awards presentation, honoring those who excelled in America's best and most competitive amateur triathlon/duathlon series. The program will conclude with the Oscar-style presentation of the MMAs. The festivites will start at 5:30 PM and wrap-up no later than 10 PM. Tickets will be available soon, so make plans now to join 300 of your peers (and their families and friends) on November 15. Stay tuned for more information. And don't forget to participate in the online voting for 2008 Triathletes Choice Favorite Race of the Year." Voting will extend until November 1. What was your favorite tri or du? Link here to vote. 2008 Olympian Kara Goucher to Compete for USA Women's 10 Mile Championship October 5 in Minneapolis 9/08/2008 1:34 pm FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kristine Smith Marketing and Public Relations Manager (763) 287-3888 x 113 September 8, 2008 2008 OLYMPIAN KARA GOUCHER RETURNS TO MINNESOTA IN SEARCH OF THE USA WOMEN'S 10 MILE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE October 5 USA Women's 10 Mile Championship is part of 10th Anniversary Medtronic TC 10 Mile (Minneapolis) - Duluth-native, Kara Goucher, will return to Minnesota in pursuit of the USA Women's 10 Mile Championship, Sunday, October 5, to compete against the top professional women for $25,000. Goucher, a Duluth East graduate, ran as Kara Grgas-Wheeler in high school. The 2007 World Championship bronze medalist at 10,000m in Osaka, Japan also represented the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in both the 5000m and 10,000m, placing 9th and 10th, respectively. Now she sets her sights on her first national championship on the roads. While this will be her inaugural ten-mile race, last year she ran 50:59 during her 1:06:57 half marathon victory over Paula Radcliffe at the BUPA Great North Run. Goucher will be joined by her husband, Adam Goucher, and her coach, Olympic marathon great Alberto Salazar, who will both also run the Medtronic TC 10 Mile. "We are pleased to welcome Kara to a highly competitive field on October 5," said executive director of Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. Virginia Brophy Achman. "The opportunity for us to host the championship this year furthers our efforts to support long distance running throughout the United States, including our silver level support of Team USA Minnesota and the USATF Distance Project." Goucher's stiffest competition is likely to come from a couple of other Minnesotan's, Team USA Minnesota's Katie McGregor and Emily Brown. McGregor is a four-time winner of the event and owns the course record of 53:51. Brown's best time for the distance is 56:40. Other top competitors include: Early USA Women's 10 Mile Championship Top Ten Seeding List (P.R.’s related to 10 Mile or closest distance) First Name Last Name Age Residence P.R. Event Kara Goucher 30 Portland, OR 1:06:5 2007 BUPA Great North Half Marathon Katie McGregor 31 St. Louis Park, MN 53:51 2006 Medtronic TC 10 Mile Emily Brown 24 Minneapolis, MN 56:40 2007 Women Run the Cities 10 Mile Melissa White 27 Royal Oaks, MI 51:48 2006 Utica Boilermaker 15K Nicole Kulikov-Hagobian 33 Hadley, MA 56:48 2006 Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Sopagna Eap 27 Eugene, OR 58:40 2006 Pear Blossom 10 Mile Alissa McKaig 22 Fort Wayne, IN 34:10 2008 Standford 10K Kara Roy 28 Fort Collins, CO 1:15:49 2008 Shamrock Half Marathon McKale Davis 24 Stillwater, OK 54:47 2007 Tulsa Run 15K Melissa Todd 33 Kansas City, MO 58:54 2006 Medtronic TC 10 Mile The USA Women's 10 Mile Championship prize purse is $25,000. The Women's event starts ahead of the rest of the Medtronic TC 10 Mile field with a 7:05 a.m. start, Sunday, October 5. Also known as "The Shortcut to the Capitol" the race starts near the HHH Metrodome, returning to its original course, after the I-35W Bridge collapse last year forced a temporary route-change. The course follows the last seven miles of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon route before finishing in front of the State Capitol. About the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America is recognized as one of the top marathons and great road races of our time. Join us as the tradition continues October 3-5, 2008. The three-day weekend celebration of fitness includes a 5K run/walk, children's fun runs, pasta dinner, health and fitness expo and Medtronic TC 10 Mile, in addition to the marathon. Medtronic is the title sponsor of marathon events and other major sponsors include C9 for Target, KARE 11, the Pioneer Press and CBS Radio-Minneapolis. Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. is the non-profit organization that directs race weekend as a community service for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Visit www.mtcmarathon.org for more information. (763) 287-3888 x 113 Posted by Mackenzie Lobby Alexandria Fun Run 9/05/2008 5:36 am If you're looking for historic charm in a post race shopping district, and a healthy dose of "Minnesota Nice" in your event experience, head to West Central Minnesota for the Alexandria Fun Run! Alexandria is a small city bustling with 25,000 residents, and has been on the map since the late 1800's. The run courses wind around two of the over 300 lakes in the Alexandria Lakes Area for the 5K, 10K, dog walk to City Park, and the new 1K kids run for children 12 and under. Timed results and random prize drawings. See you there, ya der hey? Osceola Duathlon 9/05/2008 5:55 am The 2008 Osceola Duathlon is right around the corner, taking place on Sunday, September 28th. This 3 mile Run, 22 mile Bike, and 1 mile Run course travel through the quaint streets of Osceola and the beautiful wooded surrounding area. The event starts at 8:30 a.m. in Oakey Park on Sunday, September 28th. All participants receive a long-sleeve t-shirt, goody bag, food, fun and music after the event. The event is computer-chip timed. There is also a Kids’ Duathlon on Saturday, September 27th that starts at 9 a.m. All kids receive a t-shirt, goody bag, medal and food after the event. Space is limited and this event does fill up fast so registered today. Register > Josh Moen, Macharia Yuot Join Team USA Minnesota 9/05/2008 9:47 am Josh Moen, Macharia Yuot Join Team USA Minnesota 8/27/2008Minneapolis/St. Paul - Aug. 27, 2008 - Two Division III standout runners, who have already made significant strides in their distance running careers, have joined the Team USA Minnesota Distance Training Center. They are Josh Moen , who ran for Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa; and Macharia Yuot , who competed for Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Moen, 26, grew up in Readlyn, Iowa, and graduated from Wartburg in 2005. At Wartburg he was a 10-time NCAA Division III All-American and a five-time National Champion in cross country and track. Since 2005, he has been a three-time member of the U.S. Chiba Ekiden team in Japan, including the team that set the U.S. and North American record at the event. He has also posted a best of 28:31.08 in the 10,000 meters, and a mark of 28:58 in the 10k on the roads, and placed fourth in both the 2005 and 2008 USA 10k Road Championships.
He has raced distances from the 5k up through the half marathon - with a best of 1:04:37 - and will make his marathon debut at the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon on Oct. 5. Moen has been training with Team USA Minnesota since Aug. 1.
Yuot, 26, is one of the Lost Boys of Sudan who arrived in the United States in 2000. At West Philadelphia Catholic High School he ran track and then ran track and cross country at Widener, where he was a 14-time All American and six-time NCAA Division III National Champion. Since completing his collegiate eligibility in the fall of 2006, Yuot has run three marathons including the U.S. Men's Olympic Marathon Trials in November 2007. He became a U.S. citizen in 2007.
So far in 2008, he has placed seventh in the USA 10k Championships, 10th at the USA 8k Championships, and 13th at the USA 15k Championships. Yuot joined Team USA Minnesota in mid-August.
About Team USA Minnesota Team USA Minnesota is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Formed in 2001, the purpose of the training center is to improve post-collegiate American distance running and to develop Olympians. The athletes are coached by Dennis Barker, head cross country and track coach at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Team USA Minnesota's major sponsor is Life Time Fitness (www.lifetimefitness.com) and its silver sponsor is the Twin Citeis Marathon, Inc. (www.mtcmarathon.org). It is also supported by the New York Road Runners and the USA Distance Project. For more information, visit the web site at www.teamusaminnesota.org.
*************** Contact: Pat Goodwin 952-924-1081 pfgoodwin@teamusaminnesota.org **************** www.teamusaminnesota.org **************** Posted by Mackenzie Lobby
Meghan Armstrong, Mike Hanlon Join Team USA Minnesota 9/05/2008 9:59 am Meghan Armstrong, Mike Hanlon Join Team USA Minnesota 9/3/2008Minneapolis/St. Paul - Sept. 3, 2008 - Team USA Minnesota has added two more athletes to its training center roster. The distance runners include Meghan Armstrong , who recently concluded her collegiate career at the University of Iowa; and Mike Hanlon , who graduated from Colgate University in 2007. Both joined Team USA Minnesota on Sept. 1.
Armstrong, 22, who went to high school in Tualatin, Oregon, before running with the Hawkeyes, qualified for nine NCAA running championships, including three in cross country, three in indoor track and three in outdoor track. Her accomplishments include the Iowa school record holder in the 1500 meters (4:17.41), two-time All American in the mile (4:40.59), and an All American in cross country for finishing 16th at NCAA's, with her team placing 10th.
In addition, Armstrong is the 2008 Big 10 3000-meter champion (with a best of 9:17 in the 3000); and the 2008 Big 10 10,000-meter champion (with a best of 33:28 in the distance). She finished sixth in the 10,000 at NCAA's in June. Since graduation, Armstrong was a member of the NACAC under-23 team that competed in Mexico in July, placing first in the 10,000-meter race.
Hanlon, 23, a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, was an individual qualifier from Colgate (Hamilton, New York) at NCAA cross country and NCAA track (in the 5000 meters). He was a three-time Patriot League champion on the track and a three time Patriot League top five in cross country. His collegiate bests include 3:48 in the 1500, 8:04 in the 3000 and 13:55 in the 5000.
As a professional runner, Hanlon competed at the 2008 USA 8k Championships where he finished 14th in a time of 23:26. He also ran 29:46 in the 10,000 last spring in his first attempt at the distance.
About Team USA Minnesota Team USA Minnesota is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Formed in 2001, the purpose of the training center is to improve post-collegiate American distance running and to develop Olympians. The athletes are coached by Dennis Barker, head cross country and track coach at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Team USA Minnesota's major sponsor is Life Time Fitness (www.lifetimefitness.com) and its silver sponsor is the Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. (www.mtcmarathon.org). It is also supported by the New York Road Runners and the USA Distance Project. For more information, visit the web site at www.teamusaminnesota.org.
*************** Contact: Pat Goodwin 952-924-1081 pfgoodwin@teamusaminnesota.org **************** ****************Posted by Mackenzie Lobby Carrie Tollefson to Run Grandma's Minnesota Mile on Sept. 7; Chris Lundstrom at City of Lakes 25k on Sept. 7 9/05/2008 10:07 am Carrie Tollefson to Run Grandma's Minnesota Mile on Sept. 7; Chris Lundstrom at City of Lakes 25k on Sept. 7 9/5/2008Minneapolis/St. Paul - Sept. 5, 2008 - Team USA Minnesota's Carrie Tollefson will run the second annual Grandma's Minnesota Mile in Duluth on Sept. 7. It will be her first competition since the U.S. Olympic Trials where she competed in the 1500 meters in early July. She has a best in the mile of 4:27.95.
Grandma's Minnesota Mile features a flat and fast point-to-point course run through the heart of Duluth's historic downtown. The race starts on Superior Street near Fitger's and ends near the Holiday Inn. The event has four different divisions including the Grandma's Minnesota Mile for elite runners, which starts at 10:20 a.m.
Back in Minneapolis, Chris Lundstrom will compete in the City of Lakes 25k which goes around two of the city's inner lakes - Lake Calhoun and lake Harriet. The 2008 event marks the 27th running of the race and is used as a test of a runner's conditioning for fall marathons. The race starts at 8:00 a.m.
Lundstrom, who finished second in the 25k last year, is preparing to run the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon on Oct. 5 which is also the site of the USA Men's Marathon Championship. He has a best in the 25k of 1:19:36.
About Team USA Minnesota Team USA Minnesota is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The athletes are coached by Dennis Barker, head cross country and track coach at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Team USA Minnesota's major sponsor is Life Time Fitness (www.lifetimefitness.com) and its silver sponsor is the Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. (www.mtcmarathon.org). It is also supported by the New York Road Runners and the USA Distance Project. For more information, visit the web site at www.teamusaminnesota.org.
*********** Contact: Pat Goodwin 952-924-1081 pfgoodwin@teamusaminnesota.org *********** www.teamusaminnesota.org *********** Posted by Mackenzie Lobby Burrito Union 10 Hour Tri News 9/03/2008 10:48 am Good news, the Burrito Union 10 Hour Tri, to be held this Saturday (Sept 6th) at Pattison Park, Wisconsin, has extended it's early bird entry fee. You must register either online by Thursday or come to registration/packet pick-up (4-7pm Friday Sept 5th) at Pattison State Park. Solo: $120 2 Person Team: $170 3 Person Team: $210 It's the last chance to have a super fun party and race at the same time. Register > Inner Strength Fitness Moves to Uptown 8/30/2008 7:26 am After a year and a half near South Minneapolis' Minnehaha Park, Inner Strength Studio has found a new home in Uptown at 28th Street and Lyndale Avenue. Preparations are underway for a January 2009 opening, complete with new innovative fusion classes and a grand opening adventure race to kick things off with a bang in their new neighborhood. Owners Melissa and Tre Moreno say, "Inner Strength Fitness has been built with intuition and passion, coupled with word-of-mouth and grassroots marketing. We are family-owned, locally run boutique fitness studio that strives to provide an alternative to the big-box, chain gyms. We offer quality, personalized instruction, and a friendly, warm environment that fosters a holistic approach to health and fitness. Although we are an authorized Spin Studio, our classes meld fitness approaches and styles to fit the needs of our clientele—Yoga & Spin, Spin & Core, Spin & Strength. We also offer Outdoor Bootcamp classes that are guarantee to kick your butt, as well as Yoga Wine & Cheese evenings, monthly fundraising Spin classes, a weekly running club, Single Spin events, family classes, Yoga For Athletes and much more. There are no membership fees or complicated contracts at Inner Strength—you simply pay for the classes you take." Another thing that sets Inner Strength apart is their commitment to the environment. Melissa states, "We are dedicated to running our business in a sustainable way. To encourage our clients to cut down on driving, we offer a discounted monthly membership package to those who arrive to the studio by foot, bike or public transportation. We are also committed to keeping our new space as "green" as possible, from the choices we make in building materials to the cleaning products used on the yoga mats and bikes. Tre and I would be thrilled to walk you through the new space and tell you more about the exciting plans we have for the studio. With its lofty feel, open-air deck and convenient location, we think the future is bright for Inner Strength in Uptown." The studio will be closed over Labor Day weekend, but will open on Tuesday, September 2 at their temporary location, which is also at 28th and Lyndale in Uptown. Your first class is free! Visit their website for more information > Johanna Winters' Summer Ski Training 8/30/2008 8:32 pm Check out the Star Tribune article > August 16 and 17. What a Weekend for Tri in the Midwest! 8/19/2008 5:37 pm August 16 and 17. What a weekend! It started with the Young Life Triathlons in Detroit Lakes, where the outright winners of BOTH the Olympic and Sprint races were women. North Dakota's ultra-talented Marnie Walth outperformed everyone in the longer race; rising star Sara Hermanson did likewise in the shorter one. Next was the inaugural YWCA Women's Only Triathlon at Lake Independence, wherein almost two-thirds of the 500-member field were first timers. The event, won by Laura Swartz, was conscientiously produced and a great time was had by all. The YWCA event was not the only new race staged on this busy weekend. The other was the Lake Marian Sprint in Lakeville, which was won by national-classers Brett Lovaas and Becky Youngberg. The St. Paul Olympic and Sprint Tris drew their largest field ever on August 17. More than 900 athletes took part. The sprint was won in decisive fashion by rookie sensation Patrick Parish and heretofore unknown Erin Manlove. A cadaveric four seconds separated the top two men--Mike Torchia and Brendan O'Flanagan--in the Olympic race. Conversely, female Rookie of the Year frontrunner Kortney Haag outdistanced her nearest challenger by more than two minutes. Arguably the weekend's marquee event was the 11th edition of the Pigman Half, which was won by first year pro Dan Bretscher of Indiana. Bretscher, the hands-down winner of the 2007 USAT Athlete of the Year award, finished only 1:01 ahead of runner-up Brian Bich, whose 4:11:28 rewrote the masters record. Cathy Yndestad handily won the women's race. The victory, the 31st of her young career, was her eleventh in twelve starts this season. Young Life, YWCA Women's Tri, Lake Marian Sprint and St. Paul Tris Results > Pigman Results > Still room at the St. Croix Valley Sprint Triathlon 8/15/2008 3:40 pm Hey triathletes, what are you doing on August 30? Well, there are still spaces available in the 8th annual St. Croix Valley Sprint Triathlon - a 1/3 mile swim, a 10 mile bike and 4 mile run staged at picturesque Lake Front Park in Hudson, WI. The event features the best post race meal in the sport of triathlon: a Hawaiian luau, replete with roast hog and polynesian rice! more info > What would get you to run 100 miles in the Himalayas? 8/13/2008 12:27 pm For Minnesotans Scott Penticoff and Patrick O'Shaunessy, all it takes is the goal of raising funds for Admission Possible, which helps low-income students become first-generation college students. The men hope to raise at least $22,500, and inspire young people to dream big. 2008 Turtleman Triathlon 8/11/2008 4:37 pm Overall winners Sam Hauck and Cathy Yndestad were not the only stars at the 25th annual Turtleman on August 9. Great efforts by talented tri-rookies Patrick Parish (5th man) and Kortney Haag (4th woman), up-and-comers Matthew Payne (9th man) and Sara Hermanson (9th woman), and rising junior star Lindsay Marshall (10th woman) blended nicely with the efforts by the "Ususal Suspects," i.e. those who can be counted on to turn in strong performances, like Dan Cohen (2nd), Curt Wood (3rd), Dennis Dane (6th), Brett Lovaas (7th), Dave Holden (8th), Scott Penticoff (10th), Kate McCann (2nd), Becky Youngberg (3rd), Julie Hull (5th), Marta Lewinski (6th), super-master and four-time T-Man champ Jan Guenther (8th). Props go out to the men's 65-69 AG. The top three finishers in that category--studs Roe Erlandson, Nick Vanduzee and Hank Larsen--would have swept the podium in the 60-64 AG. Sam Hauck's victory was one of those "there's-no-way-this-guy-can-win" deals. In fourth place when he entered T2 and 4:09 behind leader Curt Wood, who appeared destined to win his second major race in six days (if Curt could have duplicated his Brewhouse run split he would have won handily), Sam appeared undaunted. He then systematically picked off the three men who stood between him and the biggest win of his young career. Cathy Yndestad paid for the win, her tenth in 11 starts this year, with on ounce or two of blood and a half pound of epidermis. Riding hot into the final turn, Cathy went down hard, looking like she and her bike were taking their turn on the backyard slip-n-slide. She bounced up and ran her way to the win, her margin over runner-up McCann a plump 4:44. 10-Hour Burrito Eating Contest? What? 8/07/2008 10:07 am Burrito Union 10-hour Tri Ultra Endurance Race or a 10 hour Party? Register > If you are planning on participating in the 2nd annual Burrito Union 10-hour tri at Pattison State Park Wisconsin, you better bring your swim suit, bike and run stuff as well as your grill, cooler and lawn chair; this race is a party! Here's how it works. The triathlon consists of a 600M swim, 14 mile bike and a 3.1 mile run. The person or team that does the most triathlons in the in 10 hours wins. You can do the race solo, as a 2-person relay, or 3-person relay. Co-race director, Rod Raymond says, "The BU 10-hour is for partiers with an exercise problem! We'll have a hot tub on the beach, karaoke, open mic w/ guitar and bongos, and great food and beverages. Last year we had some teams do one triathlon, then stoke up the grill and cheer the rest of the day. It was hilarious! So while your teammates are out pounding it out on the bike, you could be behind the microphone singing 'Blowin in the wind.'" Co-race director Clayton Keim states that, "while this race is fun and laid back, the organization is top notch. We have a great timing crew, water safety team, road officials, great give-aways and hand crafted awards. This is top course with a down home crowd. You will leave different than you were when you arrived!" If you are looking for a unique experience, rustle up some other crazy and whacky friends and check out the Burrito Union 10-hour triathlon on Sept 6, 2008. www.BurritoUnion10HourTri.com TAKE THE BURRITO UNION 10-HOUR CHALLENGE: Any 1, 2 or 3 person team that can beat co-race director Rod Raymond and Ski Hut manager Chris White, will receive free growlers of beer from the Brewhouse and a Ski Hut Schwag bag. "While we won't be happy if any team beats us, we will be happy w/ what they have to sing to get their award!" -Chris White Spectators Get Involved at Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon 8/07/2008 1:37 pm REGISTRATION FOR 3RD ANNUAL ING NEIGHBORHOOD CHEER ZONES CONTEST UNDERWAY Contest gives Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon spectators the chance to win cash prizes for neighborhood charities. (Minneapolis, MN) With registration for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon and Medtronic TC 10 Mile finished, opportunities are now available for spectators to participate in the weekend by hosting an official ING Neighborhood Cheer Zone along the marathon course. Again this year, ING and Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. are hosting the official ING Neighborhood Cheer Zone contest, offering cash awards to the top three winners to be donated to a neighborhood school, non-profit association or recreation/community center. The contest is a way to recognize the neighborhoods that come out to support the participants each year. "Energy and enthusiasm from the community helps to make a marathon successful," said Mike Emerson, President, ING Reinsurance. "The ING Neighborhood Cheer Zone contest is a great way to recognize the many Twin Cities residents who come out on race day to support the runners." Those interested in creating an Official Cheer Zone can register for free by September 10. Each cheer zone will be given a cheer zone starter kit with Thunder Sticks, spectator guides and decorating ideas to get creativity started. Official cheer zones will be judged on creativity and enthusiasm. Cash prizes include a $750, $500 and $250 prizes to first through third place winners. Prize money won by the zones will be donated to a non-profit neighborhood association, recreation or school of the winners' choice. A fourth prize, recognizing a contest created by kids will be added to this year's awards. Visit mtcmarathon.org for more details and to register a cheer zone by September 10. Wood, Youngberg & Thompson Enjoy a Brew... Arlandson Opts for Vino! 8/06/2008 3:56 pm Curt Wood and Becky Youngberg recorded stunning wins at Brewhouse on August 3. Wood's "amateur" victory (First-tier pro David Thompson was also in the race and managed to lower his own "pro" record despite a painful knee injury) required a course record effort and one which made him the first Minnesota amateur since 2003 to beat Brian Bich, a nine-time Brewhouse champ, in a triathlon. The W was Wood's third of the season. The comeback trail for Youngberg, the 2004 Minnesota Triathlete of the Year, has been uphill and bumpy. Until about three weeks ago, that is. Improved fitness and the confidence it inspires have paved the way for stellar performances, starting with a 3rd at Timberman, followed by a 2nd at Heart of the Lakes and another 3rd at the Chisago Lakes Half Ironman, then her win at Brewhouse, which she also won in 2003 and 2004. More impressively, she managed to out-race pre-race favorite Marlo McGaver, who is a two-champion and course best holder here. Marlo finished 2nd, 1:46 behind Youngberg. Michelle Andres took the final podium spot. In other weekend tri action, Dan Arlandson won the Full Vineman in Northern California. Arlandson's 9:17:55 was among the fastest men's time in the 19-year history of this event and his margin of victory was an magnum-sized 41:39. Central Cross Country Ski Association Camp at Telemark Resort 8/01/2008 6:08 pm CENTRAL CROSS COUNTRY SKI ASSOCIATION WRAPS UP THE ANNUAL TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT CAMP AT TELEMARK RESORT SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER Garrott Kuzzy and Sarah Willis, 2 of the Camp Coaches, Review a Great Four Day Camp HAYWARD, WI (AUG 1, 2008) CXC kicked off the 12th annual Technique Development Camp at Telemark Resort on Monday, July 28. The camp is sponsored by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation and included participants ranging from beginning J3-J4 skiers to master skiers and a coaches education block. The majority of the skiers were high school age. Meals, lodging and most training was provided by the excellent staff and facilities at Telemark. Sessions were led with a solid coach-athlete ratio by CXC coaches including Elite Team coach Bryan Fish, Junior Development Program coach Bill Pierce, Youth Program Director Everett Myers, as well as Scott Wilson and Yuriy Gusev. Guest coaches for the camp were Sarah Willis, CXC physiologist, Garrott Kuzzy of the US Ski Team and CXC Elite Team and Jay Tapper, personal trainer. CXC past President Dennis Kruse acted as camp co-director.
During the camp, there were a variety of fun activities involving the group. The first evening, Garrott Kuzzy gave a presentation on the "Pipeline" from youth skiing to the US Ski Team. The athletes had an interesting question/answer session and really benefited from his wisdom. Pre breakfast morning exercises were led by Jay Tapper, personal trainer and owner of ActivEdge (www.activedgewi.com). Jay led warm up and stretching sessions focusing on how to get the edge over the competition by initiating movement from the core and always keeping good posture. He followed up later in the day with a core strength presentation. In the second evening session, Kuzzy inspired the group with recap of his 9th Place World Cup finish through race coverage video clips. This helped the athletes envision the future and get a first-hand version of the excitement of international competition. Athletes were impressed with the ability to learn and train with a World Cup athlete during the day, and listen in the evening while he recapped some of his winter's escapades. Afterwards, Gusev and Fish unveiled the new CXCACADEMY (www.cxcacademy.com) to the athletes, offering them the opportunity to get on line/on demand coaching support with training plans, videos, and extras. This website is a great new resource for athletes and coaches of all abilities. It should be especially valuable for those without year-round coaching and training programs. During their down time, the campers were able to take advantage of Telemark's pool to cool off during the hot and humid north woods camp. The final evening, the group went to Lake Owen for a long ski and ended the afternoon with a barbeque, water skiing, and some agility/strength games. It was a great way for the athletes to get to know each other and create and strengthen friendships they made throughout the camp. This camp was a valuable learning experience for all. Many athletes made huge improvements with breakthrough technique tips and by learning what it takes to become a top skier! Door County Century Price Increase 7/29/2008 1:14 pm This year's Door County Century ride is already more than half full. Registration fees for the annual event will increase on August 1st. Register > KATE & JULIE, MICHAEL & ROD LEAD THE WAY IN CHISAGO CITY! 7/28/2008 11:14 am Kate McCann and Julie Hull each recorded their 3rd victory of the 2008 season at the Chisago Lakes Triathlons on July 27. And they did so in spectacular fashion. Kate, also triumphant at Buffalo Olympic and Manitou, covered the 1/4 mile swim-17.4 mile bike-5K run in 1:14:54, outdistancing her closest rival, Rookie of the Year candidate Lydia Novatny, by 3:10. 2003 Rookie of the Year Kristen Weaver came out of a three year retirement and raced impressively enough to take the final podium spot. Rising stars Ann Moyer, Sara Hermanson and Laura Mills grabbed the next three places. While Kate fended off upstarts and recidivists, Julie had to outrace some of the most talented and well-established performers in our region. And she did. BIG TIME. Her previous best at 70.3 was her victorious 4:54:48 at Pigman last year. On this warmish morning she popped a 4:37:13, leaving pre-race favorite and former Chisago Lakes champ Marlo Crosby-McGaver, who finished 2nd, in arrears by 4:04. Former Minnesota Triathlete of the Year and Spirit of Racine Half winner Becky Youngberg grabbed 3rd (4:42:05). Others breaking the five hour barrier were Michelle Andres (4:42:46), Diane Hankee (4:47:29), Liberty Half runner-up Erica Visto (4:53:31), Becky Burdick (4:54:26) and Thunder Bay's Marcia Migay (4:57:50). Motivated by having been stripped of a junior record at Heart of the Lakes Triathlon due to a drafting penalty (sometimes even honorable triathletes find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time) the week before, the contrite and hungry two-time Minnesota Junior of the Year Michael Williams took out his frustration on the men's sprint field, keeping them in his rearview mirror from gun to tape. HIs 1:08:40 was 43 seconds better than the time of fast-closing runner-up Josh Blankenheim, who was also a podium finisher here in 2007. Fond du Lac, Wisconsin's Tim Petrie nabbed 3rd. Quietly stalking the men's leaders in the half, Rod Raymond methodically picked off athlete after athlete. Illinois pro Greg Thompson, Scott Penticoff, Mark Carey and finally David Holden watched helplessly as Rod demonstrated why he's known as "The Rocket." There was less than two miles to go when Holden relinquished the lead he held for 68 miles. As David watched Raymond's floppy blonde hair and monster calves bound away, Carey was moving up, his sights set on 2nd place. Rod, 2nd here in 2006, had as he put it, "his head on a swivel" the rest of the way. He reached the line in a satisfying 4:10:43. Spent, but smiling, Carey was totally pleased with his silver medal effort when he crossed 13 seconds later. It was Mark's second outstanding performance in a half in a week's time (and his fourth of the 2008 season!). The prior Sunday, Mark was the 2nd amateur (10th overall) in 4:10:48 at Spirit of Racine. The 2008 Chisago Lakes races--kids event, sprint and half--attracted approximately 1400 participants. 10th Anniversary Medtronic 10 Mile Fundraising 7/25/2008 7:37 pm Online Lottery Registration Complete FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE (Minneapolis, MN) - Online lottery registration for the Medtronic TC 10 Mile is complete. A field of 6,000 participants, including former Olympian Alberto Salazar, will take their mark at the start line of a special 10th Anniversary of "The Shortcut to the Capitol" Sunday, October 5, at 7:13 a.m. There are still a limited number of opportunities for participants to join the fun, while helping kids in the community, according to Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. executive director Virginia Brophy Achman. "The tremendous response to the lottery is evidence that the sport of running and the commitment to fitness continue to remain high on the list of lifestyle goals of people throughout Minnesota," said Achman. "Because of the keen interest in this event, we offer those who weren't selected through the lottery the chance to take part in the Medtronic TC 10 Mile through our fundraiser entry program." Twin Cities Marathon, Inc., along with its youth fitness partners, Bolder Options, MIGIZI Communications and YWCA of Minneapolis, raises funds to contribute to helping kids get healthy and fit throughout the greater Twin Cities community through additional entry opportunities. The partners fundraiser entry program information is now available and further information is online at www.mtcmarathon.org. About the Medtronic TC 10 Mile As part of the 10th Anniversary of the Medtronic TC 10 Mile, Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. is hosting the 2008 USA Women's 10 Mile Championship, which features a special start time of 7:03 a.m. on October 5. The second annual Medtronic TC 10 Mile Media Challenge is also part of the event. For more information, visit mtcmarathon.org. About the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America is recognized as one of the top marathons and great road races of our time. Join us as the tradition continues October 3-5, 2008. The three-day weekend celebration of fitness includes a 5K run/walk, children's fun runs, pasta dinner, health and fitness expo and Medtronic TC 10 Mile, in addition to the marathon. Medtronic is the title sponsor of marathon events and other major sponsors include C9 for Target, KARE 11, the Pioneer Press and CBS Radio-Minneapolis. Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. is the non-profit organization that directs race weekend as a community service for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Visit www.mtcmarathon.org for more information. HOLT: Still Walking the Walk After All These Years 7/21/2008 8:09 pm Billed as "Minnesota's Favorite Triathlon," the 23rd version of the Heart of the Lakes Triathlon certainly lived up to that moniker on July 20. The convivial atmosphere at this annual "arrive-early-stay-late" get-together, which capped it's 2008 enrollment at 1300, is palpable as soon as one sets foot on the venue at Lake Pleasant City Park. The event is also billed as the "Minnesota State Triathlon Championship" and thanks to mighty fields and perfect racing weather, a combination the likes of which haven't been in place since 1999, when the post-race venue was littered with the smithereens of numerous broken records, it truly lived up to that appellative as well. Pre-race favorites Brian Bich and Cathy Yndestad added to their mounting win totals in '08. For Brian, a six-time HOLT winner, it was his 4th W in five starts. For Cathy, her 2nd straight win at HOLT was her 9th in ten starts this season. While Cathy dominated, winning by more than a four minute margin, Brian spent a good deal of his 90 minute race looking over his shoulder. In the end, Brian only had 20 seconds to catch his breath before the mercurial Sam Hauck, arguably the men's frontrunner for this year's Most Improved award, concluded his silver medal performance. Brett Lovaas, who turned in perhaps his best effort of the season, filled out the podium. Joining Cathy on the women's podium were former HOLT champion Becky Youngberg, who is returning to the formidable form she wielded in 2004, when she won the Minnesota Triathlete of Year award, and 2006 Rookie of the Year Marta Lewinski. Other brilliant efforts were turned in by girls Junior of the Year frontrunner Sarah Daniels, who finished 6th overall in the women's race--the highest placing ever by a junior in this race--and lowered the 19U record by 2:58; Tony Schiller, a 10-time HOLT winner, whose incredible 1:32:21 landed him in 6th place in the mens race and nuked the 50-54 CR by a flabby 9:10; Kona-bound Michael Colaizy, who sliced 20 seconds from his own 55-59M mark; Pam Stevens, 1992 HOLT winner, who crushed the women's 55-59 best by 15:16; and the inspiring Hank Larsen, who celebrated his 68th birthday by lopping 2:34 off his own 65-69 mark. Midwest Events thanks director Jeff Holmberg, who along with Deb, Missy, Leo, Zane, Joe, Jim & Bill (Ratacek), Dan et al, continue to produce a truly special and enriching event. Traverse Bay Open Water Challenge Postponed 7/16/2008 8:53 am Due to extremely cold water temperatures in West Bay this year, the Traverse Bay Open Water Challenge in Michigan, originally slated for June 28, has been rescheduled for Saturday August 16, 2008. For more information contact skcover@chartermi.net. Register > Tri-riffic Weekend! 7/14/2008 9:07 pm July 12-13 may have been the most exciting multisport weekend of the summer thus far. It was certainly the busiest. More than 3000 athletes, approximately 20% of whom where there to lose their triathlon virginity, converged on Lake Nakomis in south Minneapolis on Saturday. In the $250K pro race, winners Simon Whitfield of Canada and awesome Aussie Emma Snowsill proved that they are bona fide medal hopefuls at next month's Beijing Olympic Triathlon, while Andy Potts (2nd) proved that he is unequivocally America's most complete male triathlete. Ironically, Potts has had only one off-day this season. Unfortunately, that day was two weeks ago at Hy-Vee World Cup in Des Moines, where Andy failed to secure the final US Olympic berth. America will be sending strong teams (especially it's women's squad--Laura Bennett, Julie Ertel and Sarah Haskins) to Beijing, but without Potts, the men only have one legitimate medal contender (Matt Reed). Apple Valley's Cathy Yndestad wowed the spectating throng with her dominant, course record-setting victory in the Elite Amateur race at Life Time Fitness. For Cathy, the 2007 LTF Toyota Cup Elite Champion, it was her third consecutive win here and her 8th in nine starts this season. She was joined in the winner's circle by Pennsylvania's Adam Webber, who also set a course record on this day. Minnesotans turning in excellent efforts included Shoreview's Sam Hauck (4th Elite Male) and Dennis Dane (5th Elite Male), honorary Minnesotan from Bismarck, ND, Marnie Walth (5th Elite Female), Andover's Kate McCann (8th Elite Female) and Proctor's Jeanne Fleck (11th Elite Female/1st Elite Master). The performance of the day, however, was turned in by star distance runner Kristen Nicollini-Lehmkuhle, who made her tri debut at LTF. Against one of the two (with St. Anthony's) deepest amateur women's fields assembled thus far in 2008. Kristen finished an amazing 2nd. Wow! Lifetime Fitness Triathlon Results > Also contested on Saturday was the Timberman Triathlon, a.k.a. Minnesota's Destination Triathlon, at Sugar Lake in Cohasset. The Olympic distance race was won by 2007 Most Improved Award winner Dan Cohen of Eden Prairie, and 2005 MI winner Julie Hull, who should be in the hunt for the 2008 edition of that prize. Timberman Triathlon Results > The 5th annual Graniteman Triathlon was contested on Sunday. A record 420 athletes participated. Lakeville's Doug Davis set a masters record and finished 2nd overall and Michelle Andres of East Gull Lake significantly lowered Lynette Bacon's women's course record. Andre's, like Hull (and Kate McCann and Jeanne Fleck), is on pace to garner a Most Improved nomination. The men's race was won by Columbia Heights amiable Matthew Payne, who is quietly moving up in the men's ranks. His performance at Heart of the Lakes next weekend should demonstrate whether or not he is ready to bark with the region's Big Dogs. Graniteman Results > 2008 Minneman Triathlon 7/06/2008 11:29 am Chaska's Curt Wood picked up his 7th career tri win, his biggest since Timberman '06, on July 5 at the 4th annual Minneman at beautiful Lake George Regional Park north of Andover. He set an amateur record in the process, but more importantly, the performance demonstrated his readiness to take on the top notch competition--Pennsylvania's Adam Webber, Wisconsin's Mark Harms, Colorado's Craig Greenslit, New Yorks's David Kahn et al - he'll face at Life Time Fitness next weekend. As concerned as he should be with LTF's imported talent, he should be equally concerned about local challengers, especially rising star Sam Hauck, who finished just nine seconds behind him at Minneman. Curt's amateur record was not the only one that was set on this temperate July 5 at the two-time Minnesota Triathlete's Choice Favorite Race of the Year. David Thompson lowered his own pro mark, as well. And Cathy Yndestad demolished, as expected, Sarah Kolpin's amateur women's record. Divisional bests were turned in by Amy Klosterman (45-49W), Dale Woodbeck (50-54M), Bob Sturm (60-64M), Barbara Sellers (60-64W), Gene Holen (65-69M)--Barbara and Gene bettered their own CRs--and the venerable Bob Powers, 84 (70+M). The most impressive age-group performance of the day, however, was turned in by Gary Bork, who blasted the previous men's 55-59 best by 10:24. results > 2008 Rochesterfest Triathlon 7/01/2008 1:42 pm June 29th, 2008 marked the calendar for Inaugural RochesterFest Triathlon. The skies cleared only moments before the elites, racing for $2000, kicked the race off at 8am to Sunny Skies and a stiff 20-25 mph NNW wind. The morning sun began to rise on Foster Arend Pond to illuminate the buoy-filled lake. The stage was set for Rochester's newest sporting event. The competitors would be facing the wind mostly head on for the first half of the bike ride. In the Olympic distance event the field was set for a fantastic race. The Men's Elite Division was stacked with some of the midwest's most talented amateur elites and they did not disappoint. Four athletes finished with sub-2 hour times, with Sam Hauck finishing just seconds in front of Brett Lovaas, followed a minute later by Scott Penticoff. Rochester's Mark Carey, coming off a great performance at Ironman 70.3 Kansas City (33rd Overall), finished forth with 1:59:45 overall time. Iowa's Doug Vander Weide finished out the top 5 with 2:01:13 performance, just ahead of 2008 Fairmont Champion David Holden. In the Women's Elite division, no surprise here, Kathy Yndestad ripped the competition with a 2:13:01 best the 2nd place finisher by 5 min 36 sec. Kortney Haag of New Hope, MN came in 2nd with a 2:18:37, followed by Iowa's Erin Anderson. Manitou Triathlon Race Director and Triathlete Michelle Carlson fished forth with a 2:27:22. In the men's sprint race Jesse Nelson followed up his 4th place finish on Saturday at the Camp St. Croix Croixathlon with a win at the RochesterFest Sprint Triathlon on Sunday. Not too easy racing twice in one weekend! Mario Minelli and Rick Hoover rounded out the top 3. In the womens sprint race Lacey Osuldsenen from Lacrosse took the title with Amy Klosterman and Joanna Hall finish 2nd and 3rd within 10 secs of each other! So, the day turned out to be a great day of fun for some 480 participants. Participants came from all over the country with some 17 states represented. We finished the day with Patty Ekman of West Concord winning a brand new Trek Equinox 7 time trial bike. It is clear that the multisport lifestyle has spread throughout the state and is alive and well in Rochester. results > WCCO covers Team Strong Heart and RAAM 6/28/2008 7:00 am Team Strong Heart crossed the finish line at the Race Across America competition in 7 days, 1 hour, and 55 minutes, which put them at 2nd place in a 4-person team. Riding on the 4-person team was Amy Xu, Jay Thompson, John Rotach and Milinda Silbernick. Also, soloist Tim Case finished the race in 11 days, 18 hours, and 24 minutes.  They raised over $30k in their mission to support Camp Odayin for kids who have cardiovascular diseases.Detailed coverage can be viewed at raceacrossamerica.org and teamstrongheart.com. WCCO TV (CBS/Channel 4) covered Team Strong Heart stories of Race Across America. Team Stong Heart thanks those who have sent them encouragement and positive thoughts during this 24/7, one-stage, non-stop, considered to be the toughest cycling race in the world. 2008 Red Bridge Run 6/25/2008 9:45 am Chuck Ryan reports on the Red Bridge Run canoe race at The Red Bridge Inn on the Fish Hook river near Park Rapids. Chuck's blog > 2008 Lake Minnetonka Triathlon 6/22/2008 12:07 pm June 21, 2008. It was a picture-perfect first day of summer. Clear, sunny, warm but not hot. Tonka Bay was a glossier version of the sky. It was a great-to-be-alive day. A day to be outdoors. A great day for a triathlon. A great day for fast times. It was no surprise, therefore, that a trio of talented young whippersnappers--Brett Lovaas, 33, Eric Hendrickson, 28, and Anton Pshon, 26--all managed to beat the men's course record at the 4th edition of the Lake Minnetonka Triathlon. What was wonderfully surprising was that it was a relative geezer who won the race. In one of the most awe-inspiring performances one will ever see, 50-year-old warhorse Tony Schiller raced like a arrogant colt: chase-pack in the swim, 26 mph on the bike; at 16:33 5K finish. Unheard-of splits for a man of his vintage. The result was a brilliant 1:03:37, 59 seconds better than the old course record, 2:55 better than the prior masters best; a 10:30 lowering of the 50-54 mark. It was a special performance on a special day by a special athlete. The last time Schiller, a six-time World Champion--#6 turned in just two weeks prior in Vancouver, BC--won a race outright was at Timberman in July 2003. He set a course record then, too. Likewise, it was a Geezerette--48-year-old Jan Guenther--who outdueled the whippersnapperettes--the triathletic triumvirate from Duluth of Angel Hohenstein, Laura Mills and Jennifer Imsande--at Lake Minnetonka. The former US Master of the Year and winner of an unprecedented 14 Minnesota Multisport Awards, Guenther posted a brisk 1:14:58. Her nearest challenger was 2:09 back. For Guenther, it was her 30th multisport win since turning 40. Her last outright victory was in 2006 at the Spirit of Racine Half Ironman. results > Duluth Duathlon Update 6/21/2008 2:42 pm On July 6, Lester Park in Duluth will attract some of the best multisport athletes in the region for the 3rd annual Duluth Duathlon. The 3.3 mile trail run, 20.4 mile road bike, followed by another 3.3 mile trail run is a terrific course and good challenge for many athletes as it winds over the cross country ski trails at Lester Park for the run, and follows back country roads up Lester River Road on Duluth's East end for the bike. Race Director Clayton Keim says, "This race is shaping up really nicely and should be another great race for the Duluth area. This race shows out-of-towners another side of Duluth - showcasing the beautiful area out at Lester Park and the roads that some of the area's top bikers like to train on. The sport of duathlons and triathlons is growing, and duathlons are great because you don't need the swimming skills, and are a step up from running 5 and 10Ks. For many athletes, this is a great race to get ready for the Brewhouse Tri in August and the Burrito Union 10 Hour Tri in September (also in the Twin Ports area). If you're not sure about doing all three legs, get a team of 2 or 3 together and make it a good time. The last two years we've had a large number of teams which makes it fun, and it's a great way to get started in this sport." Registration is still open at www.DuluthDuathlon.com, with the next price hike on June 26. Solo registration is currently $45, and teams just $55. All athletes will get a commemorative race pint glass, and sign up by June 25 to guarantee free race shirt as well. You can also get involved as a volunteer, or just come out and watch athletes zip through the course. Director Clayton Keim can be reached at sales@rollerskishop.com or 320-492-1275. Swim Back On for Hy-Vee Triathlon 6/19/2008 6:23 am For days, Hy-Vee and West Des Moines city officials have been monitoring water conditions at Blue Heron Lake in West Des Moines' Raccoon River Park in the hopes of hosting a true triathlon. Today, they got the news they had been waiting to hear: the water level is lower and the bacteria readings well within the safety range. Officials announced at 2 p.m. that age-group, junior and youth elites, and ITU World Cup athletes will all have the swim returned to their events during this weekend's Hy-Vee Triathlon. "Safety of the athletes has always been our number one priority," said Randy Edeker, co-chair of the Hy-Vee Triathlon. "Every day that the lake levels dropped and the sun stayed out, we were more optimistic." New course maps are being drawn up reflecting the swim routes and bike transition area. Those maps will be distributed to the media and posted on www.hy-veetriathlon.com as soon as they are finalized. Last week, with the water levels dangerously high and the bacteria counts spiking way beyond safe levels, putting 2,200 amateur athletes in the water was too risky and the event was changed to a duathlon. Although race officials did not completely rule out a swim for elite athletes, the outlook for the professionals was about as grim as for the amateurs. "It has always been our deep desire to deliver a swim to both elite and age-group athletes," said Edeker."We were told to hope for a miracle, and it looks like we got one." All races will now take place under the regular weather guidelines as established by the sport's national federation. said Edeker.The finish line will remain on the campus of Southwoods School, where officials moved the event last week after flood waters threatened Des Moines. The Kids Tri-Fest will be there as well. "West Des Moines has been absolutely fantastic in accommodating us on such short notice,""We could not accomplish the Herculean task of such a move without the support of city officials and West Des Moines residents. We are extremely grateful." All activities will take place at the times already scheduled. Volunteer and spectator parking will be at Wells Fargo on Mills Civic Parkway. Athlete parking will be explained during the mandatory briefings each participant must attend prior to racing. The Kids Triathlon for children ages 5 to 12 will remain a duathlon, which is a run-bike-run. It will be hosted entirely on the campus of Valley Southwoods. 2008 Liberty Triathlon - Olympic and Half 6/17/2008 3:47 pm Despite extremely windy conditions and a bike course that many claimed was more challenging than its predecessor, several records fell at the 4th annual Liberty Olympic Triathlon on June 14, starting with Scott Penticoff's and Cathy Yndestad's stunning 1:59:51 and 2:08:38, which eclipsed the old race marks by the corpulent margins of 5:41 and 12:27, respectively. For Scott, it was his second career win and marked his emergence as one our our region's premier multisportsmen. For Cathy, it was arguably the finest Olympic distance performance by a US amateur woman this season. Other records were lowered by juniors Sam Anderson and Sarah Fleming, masters Steve and Shelly Howe (40-44), Carol Markham-Cousin (50-54W), 55-59ers Mike Colaizy and Jeanne Minder-Chatterton, and Alan Rousseau (60-64M). The Liberty Half was won by Devon Palmer (4:17:43), who had some help from Dan Cohen, Dan Arlandson and John Shelp, who found a way to do some extra bike miles. Cohen and Arlandson rebounded to claim podium spots. The women's race was won by Canadian Karen Rosehart in 5:04:36. Divisional records were lowered by Doug Davis (40-44M), Scott Meyer (00-19M), Jim Kelly (45-49M), Mark Harris (55-59M) and David Asp, who bettered his prior race best in the 60-64 category. Popular triathlete Ann Rhea took a nasty spill on the bike, which resulted in the breakage of ribs and collarbone, extensive road rash and a punctured lung. On behalf of Minnesota's multisport community, Midwest Events wishes Ann a quick recovery and return to racing. We'll miss you till then, Ann! Ann joins the elite ranks on Jeremy Sartain, Heidi Keller-Miler and Tanya Miller on the tri scene's injured list. For Liberty results as well as results for the Fairmont and Paynesville Area triathlons, link through pickleevents.com. 6/15/2008 8:38 am Midwest Events' acclaimed Senior Photographer Paul Phillips (Competitive Image), is sharing his expertise with the general public. Visit his blog and check out "How to Take a Great Soccer Photo - Part 1." With example photos and accessible step-by-step instructions, Paul's tips will help even the most technologically-challenged soccer mom or dad acquire images to be proud of. Competitive Image Website > Competitive Image Blog > "Photography 101": Learn from the Best 6/15/2008 8:52 am Midwest Events' acclaimed Senior Photographer Paul Phillips (Competitive Image) is sharing his expertise with the general public. Visit his blog to learn how to to improve your sports photography skills. "How to Take a Great Triathlon Photo" and "How to Take a Great Soccer Photo - Part 1," offer valuable insights into the world of photography. Examples of photos, along with accessible step-by-step instructions and tips will help even the most technologically-challenged soccer mom or dad capture an image to be proud of. Paul's Blog > Competitive Image Website > Minnesotans Rock the Tri Results 6/10/2008 1:22 pm Schiller is 50-54 ITU World Champion! On Saturday, June 7, Tony Schiller won his age division at the ITU Age Group World Championships in Vancouver, BC. It was Schiller's 6th World title. The swim portion of the race was cancelled due to dangerously cold water (54 degrees) and replaced by a 3K run. A bunch of mid-westerners battled storms down at the Rockman Half-Iron in Illinois. Heather Haviland topped the second place woman by 17 minutes. Neil Miller finished 2nd overall, and Mark Carey cracked the top five. results > Also, St. Paul's David Thompson missed the podium at Alcatraz by just one spot, finishing 4th overall, and once again turning in the fastest bike split of the day. results > 2008 Manitou Triathlon 6/08/2008 2:34 pm It was, as Yogi Berra said, "deja vu all over again" for Kevin O'Connor at the 18th annual Manitou Sprint Triathlon on June 8. A come-from-behind win here in 2007 earned him the Performance of the Year award. Not only did he come-from-behind to win again, he also managed to lower the men's amateur course record in the process. A POTY nomination is almost a certainty. It was a breakout effort by Devon Palmer that set up the men's race. Blasting to the front on the bike, Devon dared the stacked men's field to try to catch up. In pursuit, O'Connor separated himself from the rest of the elite men, yet couldn't quite reel Palmer in. It then took a blazing transition and a pedal-to-the-medal run to catch and finally overtake the talented 21-year-old from St. Paul. Palmer also slipped under the old CR. Brett Lovaas, rising star Dennis Dane and Rhett Bonner grabbed places 3rd through 5th. Picking up the biggest win of her young career and her 2nd victory in eight days was Kate McCann, who turned in a 1:10 and change. Only three-time Manitou champ Cathy Yndestad has gone faster (1:09:55 in 2007) on this course. Julie Hull, a.k.a. Ms Consistency, and Mary Beth Tuttle filled out the women's podium. Conditions at Manitou were less than ideal. The day was breezy and damp. Air and water temperature was between 58 and 60 degrees. The fast times were attributable to great field quality--the most competitive of the season thus far--and aggressive racing at the front. Once again, Michelle Carlson and her committee produced a first-class race. results > YWCA Women's Tri Update 6/05/2008 1:48 pm Registration for the first annual YWCA Women's Triathlon is half full. This women-only sprint triathlon will take place August 17 at Baker Park and is open to both beginner and experienced triathletes. Two sessions of a new Triathlon Race Skills class are open for registration. The four-week course includes tips for open-water swimming, bike handling, transitions, race prep and more. Session one is scheduled for Sundays (1-3 pm) beginning June 22 at Lake Nokomis. Session two is scheduled for Sundays (8-10 am) beginning July 20 at Baker Park, the same location as the YWCA Women's Tri. The Tri Race Skills Classes are taught by Dave Cameron, open-water and triathlon swim expert, and veteran triathlon coaches Lauren Fithian, cycling expert and five-time Team USA member, and Paul Johnson, former college track coach with 28 years of multisport experience. more info > class registration > YWCA Women's Triathlon registration > Minnesotans in Hog Heaven! 1500 Stampede in Buffalo! 6/02/2008 5:31 pm Attendance and performance records fell on June 1 at a pair of our region's premier events. More than 800 athletes enrolled in this year's Pigman Sprint, stop number three on this year's ultra-competitive Midwest Multisport Series. The race was won in course record time (1:01:03) by St. Paul's David Thompson, Cathy Yndestad of Apple Valley, successfully defended her women's title, her victory her third in four starts this season. Duluth's Brian Bich claimed his 7th men's amateur title and missed his own course & masters record by one tick of the clock. Seven Minnesota men--Thompson, Bich, Dennis Dane (4th), Kevin O'Connor (5th), John Shelp (6th), Rhett Bonner (7th), Eric Hendrickson (8th)--cracked the top 10 at this Iowa classic; three Minnesota women--Yndestad plus Julie Hull (3rd) and current Master of the Year frontrunner, Jeanne Fleck (5th)--finished in the top 5. Pigman Spint results > The Buffalo Triathlon, the largest and most competitive event in the Tri Minnesota Series, drew 1500 participants on June 1 and records fell like dandruff from a perennially unwashed scalp. Australian distance superstar Chris Legh won for the third time in a race best 1:50:50. For women's champ Kate McCann, a 2007 Most Improved nominee, it was her 3rd career win and easy the biggest triumph to date. In the companion sprint event, Eric Ellingson blew away the men's course record. Also setting records were Sam Hauck (Olympic amateur record), Mary Beth Tuttle (45-49W Olympic), Micke Colaizy (55-59M Olympic), Patrick McMorrow (60-64M Olympic), Pam Stevens (55-59W Olympic), Laura Schwartz (40-44W Sprint), Jack Daugherty (60-64M Sprint). Sam Hauck's amateur win was aided by Curt Wood's collapse from heat exhaustion near the finish line. Wood was within 30 meters of the line when he went down. Several efforts to stand failed, and he finally rolled across the finish line. During this ordeal, which lasted an excruciating 30-40 seconds, Sam was able to pass and claim a five second victory over Wood. Both men finished well under the amateur best set by Eike Mrosek in 2005. Buffalo Tri results > For Podcast versions of this story, go to The MacNeil Minute 2008 Apple Duathlon 5/25/2008 12:27 pm The Apple Duathlon, arguably the finest run-bike-run event in the U.S, celebrated its 26th anniversary on May 24. And what a celebration it was! As always, the field was National championship caliber. The race was won by David Thompson (America's best male pro duathlete?) and Marlo Crosby-McGaver (America's best female amateur duathlete?), who have seven Apple wins between them. Neither would be able to lower their own course records on this extremely windy Saturday, though Thompson came close. His 1:21:20 was just twenty-eight seconds off the mark he set in 2007. In 2nd and 3rd for the men were Dan Cohen and John Shelp, who also rounded out the podium with Thompson at the super-competitive Gear West Du the week before. Brooks Grossinger and Chad Millner rounded out the top 5. Check out the women who filled out the top five: 2nd - Marnie Walth (2-time Apple champ), 3rd - Cathy Yndestad (reigning Gear West champ), 4th - Heather Haviland (2000 Duathlon National Champion), and 5th - Dr. Sarah Kolpin (the 2006 ITU World Amateur Duathlon Champ completed med school the week before the race). Other sterling efforts were turned in by Jeanne Fleck (7th woman / 1st master), Todd Firebaugh (10th man - 45-49 course record), Kerry Mayer of Brookfield, WI (decimated the men's 60-64 course record), and top juniors Sarah Daniels, 17, and Denver Rogalla, 18, both of whom seem destined for JOY nominations at season's end. Midwest Events congratulates Pam and Daryl Stevens and their outstanding committee for continuing to produce a truly first class event. CXC's Scott Wilson Honored 5/22/2008 8:23 am Midwest Events would like to congratulate Scott Wilson who has been awarded the Al Merrill Nordic Award for demonstrating an exceptional level of commitment, leadership, and devotion to excellence. During the USSA Spring Congress in Park City, UT, Scott Wilson, Hayward WI, was awarded the Al Merrill Nordic Award. In a letter from USSA President and CEO Bill Marolt, the CXC Program Manager was cited as follows:  "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on having been selected to receive the 2008 Al Merrill Nordic Award, which is presented to the individual involved with any aspect of nordic skiing (cross country, nordic combined or ski jumping), who has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment, leadership, and devotion to excellence. Each of the three nordic sport committees submits a nominee with the final selection being made by the sport committee chairpersons. You should share a special pride in being recognized for your efforts by the leadership of your organization.I am really pleased about this award. In your nomination, the committee stated that, "Scott is the Program Manager for the mid-west based award winning Central Cross-Country Ski Association and has been since the organization’s inception. He is in practical terms the 'unpaid race consultant' to the USSA. He is a working dynamo and a walking encyclopedia on TD issues, competition rules and event logistics. Mr. Wilson has provided invaluable support to the US National Championships and has been instrumental in formulating the operations of the US SuperTour, which is our Continental Cup and major vehicle for FIS and National Ranking in the US." You have been a leader in the evolution of what is becoming a strong national program, and I am grateful for your leadership. In his brief acceptance speech Mr. Wilson recognized the tremendous support CXC has received from the Central Cross-Country Ski community and the exceptional dedication to excellence displayed by the board and staff, coaches, athletes, and their families. Weekend Tri Highlights 5/17 5/19/2008 6:42 pm The 16th annual Gear West Duathlon, which kicked off the 9th season of the Midwest Multisport Series, was staged on May 18, and drew just over 500 athletes. Conditions were cool and quite breezy, but vastly preferable to those of the past two or three seasons. Times not impressive but the field quality was, as most of Minnesota's top athletes were on hand. The men's race was won, as usual, by David Thompson, though he was "under the weather," as they say. Among those who turned in impressive efforts were Brooks Grossinger, the top amateur and 4th place overall. Hopefully, Brooks is returning to the form he displayed in 2006. Dennis Dane finished 5th --2nd amateur-- beating a Who's Who of established talent in the process. And twenty-one-year-old rising star Devon Palmer also cracked the top 10. The women's race was won by Cathy Yndestad. Her margin of victory over course record holder Marlo Crosby-McGaver, who was racing despite a high hamstring injury, was 1:37. Also grabbing our attention were Tri-Minnesota Series star Michelle Andres, who placed 4th and appears ready to take her place among the best in the region, 2007 Junior of the Year nominee Sarah Daniels, 17, who placed 8th, and Duluth up-and-comer, Angel Hohenstein, who rounded out the top 10. Among the age-groupers, Michael Colaizy continues to dominate the 55-59 category. If he stays healthy and continues to race at a high level, he should garner a Grand Master of the Year nomination at season's end. Gear West Duathlon results > The 4th annual Albert Lea / Land Between the Lakes Tri, also on May 18, was won by Patrick Parrish and Michelle Carlson. For Carlson, a coach and race director of the Manitou Sprint Triathlon, it was her 2nd career victory. It was the 1st career win for Parrish, who raced in his first tri last August at the Turtleman, where he, frankly, got spanked, finishing 41st. But the former collegiate XC star is a fast learner. He place 2nd in his second tri effort at St. Croix Valley Sprint. At Land Between the Lakes, his margin of victory was 3:49. His time of 1:23:35 -- the 2nd fastest men's clocking in race history. (Jeremy Sartain's record is 1:22 and change.) Because Parrish did less than 3 races in 2007, he will be eligible for Rookie of the Year consideration this year. Land Between the Lakes results > Two other Minnesota multis were contested this past weekend -- the inaugural Lakes to Pines Tri in Park Rapids and the Thief River Falls Tri. Go to the tri & du page on midwestevents.com to find the links that to these events' websites. 2008 Fargo Marathon 5/18/2008 7:29 pm 45 degrees at the start, 65 at the finish, this flat course starts and finishes at the Fargodome and loops through Fargo and neighboring Moorhead. It was a good day to qualify for Boston. Here are da 2008 Fargo Marathon results > Journeys Marathon Results 5/12/2008 9:03 am The 2008 12th annual Journeys Marathon in Eagle River, WI brought an all time record number of participants with a total of 854 runners/walkers. Results: Overall Female Full Marathon Winner Laura Hufschmidt Madison, WI 3:37:15 Overall Male Full Marathon Winner Jeff Kolb Sheboygan, WI 2:50:01 Hand-crank Full Marathon Winner Dean Juntunen Mass City, MI 2:11:55 Overall Female Half Marathon Winner Nadine Wetzel-Curtis Glenwood City, WI 1:36:21 Overall Male Half Marathon Winner Steve Frericks Marshfield, WI 1:15:52 Overall Female 5K *NEW COURSE RECORD Jamie Badour Ewen, MI 21:02 Overall Male 5K Tom Shockley Woodruff, WI 19:20 Overall Female Power Walk Sarah Hutkowski Wisconsin Rapids, WI 2:31:14 Overall Male Power Walk Dave Kendall Appleton, WI 2:21:07 full results > South Dakota's Best of the US Qualifier is June 21 5/12/2008 4:21 pm "BEST OF THE US" INVITES SOUTH DAKOTA'S BEST TO RACE AT THE DAKOTA MAN TRIATHLON ON JUNE 21! (St. Paul, MN - 5/10/2008) "Best of the US" Management and Race Director Howard Bich invite the triathletes of the Sunshine State to race at the third annual DAKOTA MAN / BEST OF THE US SOUTH DAKOTA QUALIFIER, a sprint course event at Lake Alvin, south of Sioux Falls on June 21. The fastest male and female resident amateurs will receive invitations to represent South Dakota at the "Best of the US National Championship" on October 26 at Tempe Towne Lake in Tempe, AZ. Top South Dakotans we hope to see at Lake Alvin on June 21 include former duathlon world champ Kim Fordham-Lien (2007 SD BOUS Representative), Amy Blackstone, Steph Badwound, Kathy Brady (2006 SD BOUS Representative), Sam Dannenbring (2006 & 2007 SD BOUS Representatives), Craig Harrison, Mieke Meyer, Tara Brodkorb, Jason Crisp, Lisa Gustin, Liz Burke, Cathy Diecs, David Farnsworth, Matt Maxon, Mary Fouberg, Gerald Kubiek, Mark Lavin, Kezia Manlove, Justin Manning and Katie Weaver-Jongerius. more information on the Dakota Man Triathlon > The Best of the U.S. Amateur Triathlete Competition is produced by Midwest Events, LLC of Saint Paul, Minnesota. more BOUS info: Jerry MacNeil, PR Director: 651-714-1829 bestoftheustriathletes.com 2008 Oakdale Duathlon 5/10/2008 4:08 pm Farmington's Julie Hull and Eden Prairie's Dan Cohen outraced a record field at the 7th annual Oakdale Duathlon at Lake Elmo Regional Park on May 10. It was the 2nd win of Hull's multisport career, the other being at the Pigman Half Iron in 2007, and Cohen's 3rd. Both turned in times on this mild, overcast morning which were only slightly slower than the course records. Brendon O'Flanagan of White Bear Lake, and Anton Pshon of St. Paul, rounded out the men's podium. Rising star Jenny Wilcox of Cottage Grove, and Tracie Kent of St. Paul, placed 2nd and third overall for the women. Check out the live podcast from the exciting finish of this year's Oakdale Duathlon on The MacNeil Minute > results > Chain of Lakes Tri Highlights - 5/3 5/05/2008 8:03 am The 7th annual Chain of Lakes Triathlon in Alexandria kicked off Minnesota's tri season, and the Tri Minnesota Series, on May 3. Cold and blustery, it was not a day for records. A pair of Alexandrians, one former, one current, were victorious. 2005 Most Improved nominee Jennifer Lenarz, now of Apple Valley, picked up her 2nd COL win to go with last year's 2nd place finish. She bettered Cross Lake's Jeanna Baratto's runner-up clocking by 2:23. Sharing the top step on the podium with Jennifer was local master Joe Schneiderhan, who outraced 2nd-placing Jesse Moen of Minneapolis by 1:21. A record 234 athletes signed-up for the race. results > Free Spring Triathlon Clinics 5/01/2008 8:50 am Are you ready for the 2008 triathlon season? Looking to do your first triathlon or want to improve your training? Want to learn the difference between truly training and just working out? Join us for the May triathlon clinics. The expert coaches from Endurance Athlete will be running these triathlon clinics that will cover triathlon specific training, swim, bike, run, and transition techniques, plus have tons of fun and meet new people to train with throughout the summer. ALL ABILITIES WELCOME!! May 11, 18, 25 & June 1 8:00-10:00 AM Now Bikes & Fitness; Arden Hills email > 612.599.8004 Wisconsin's Best of the US Qualifier is June 15th 5/01/2008 11:17 am (St. Paul, MN - 5/2/2008) Best of the US Management and Race Directors Jim Bruskewitz and Dan Seymour invite the triathletes of the Dairy State to race at the WISCONSIN TRITERIUM TRIATHLON / BEST OF THE US WISCONSIN QUALIFIER, an Olympic distance classic contested at Fireman's Park in Verona, WI on June 15. Wisconsin boasts a plethora of talented triathletes. Among those that we hope to see at Wisconsin Triterium, are three-time Representative Cynthia Bannink (9th at 2005 BOUS Championship; 13th at the 2006 Championship; 4th at the 2007 Championship), Jeff Anders, Mark Beaversdorf, Wendy Bengsten, Karla Bock, Michael Boehmer, Brianna Boehmer, Laura Coleman, Heather Curnutt, Chris Davis, Alex Dean, Kim Dunker, Jeff Fleig, Maggie Fournier, Mark Harms (5th at the 2006 Championship; 3rd at the 2007 Championship), Aaron Kamnetz, Tracy Kellner, Laurel Kielber, Sarah Kolpin, Kristin Koravec, Jaime Kulbel, Kimberly Kuphal, Joe Kurian, Terry Labinski, Michelle Lanouette, Craig Lanza, Larry Lanza, Lynn Laux, Michael Meteyer (2005 Representative/12th at BOUS Championship), Isaac Pischke, Austin Ramirez, Chris Reikert, Brian Shaning, Joellen Torresani, and Tim Valley. "Wisconsin has sent super teams in '05, '06 and '07" notes BOUS PR Director Jerry MacNeil. "Harms and an injured Bannink just missed the podium in the Fastest State Competition in 2006. They returned in 2007 and absolutely dominated the team competition, winning by an unheard-of margin of almost two minutes." Harms is a two-time USAT Athlete of the Year Honorable Mention. Any male/female combination of the abovementioned athletes will give Wisconsin a very strong presence at the Championship. The fastest male and female resident amateurs will receive invitations to represent Wisconsin at the Best of the US National Championship on October 26 at Tempe Towne Lake in Tempe, Arizona. more information on the Wisconsin Triterium Triathlon > The Best of the U.S. Amateur Triathlete Competition is produced by Midwest Events, LLC of Saint Paul, Minnesota. more BOUS info: Jerry MacNeil, PR Director: 651-714-1829 bestoftheustriathletes.com SCS Multisport River Falls Camp Still On 5/2-5/4 4/28/2008 1:45 pm The weather outside may be frightful for the first weekend in May, but have NO FEAR! SCS Multisport has an outstanding and outrageous contingency plan for "River Falls" base camp this coming weeked. If the forecast holds up we will be holding our first annual SCS Indoor Campout. Camp will be run as close as possible to the River Falls schedule but will take place inside SCS Studios in Eden Prairie. We will have our masters swim/ clinic, indoor computrainer racing, a double movie indoor bike ride on the big screen, long run (outside), CAMPING ON THE GRASS inside at the studio and YES there will still be smores! Activities will take place from Friday night, May 2nd - Sunday around noon on May 4th. We will wait out forecast and make the call officially on Wednesday evening. register > Weekend Race Highlights 4/27 + 28 4/28/2008 9:00 pm 2007 Minnesota Triathlete of the Year & US Athlete of the Year Honorable Mention Cathy Yndestad won her first race of the 2008 season on April 27 at the Saguaro Lake Triathlon in the mountains east of Phoenix, Arizona. Once again, she was dominant, finishing 7th overall and winning by almost a seven minute margin. results > In other weekend news, 12-14 inches of race eve snowfall prevented the staging of the the 25th edition of Morris Tinmann Triathlon. Yucky weather--cold and windy, but without the snow that plagued the western and norther parts of the state--didn't discourage the 200 participants of the inaugural Winter Be Gone Duathlon in Oronoco north of Rochester. The long course event, which consisted of 5k and 10K runs bracketing a 30K bike ride, was won by former Minnesota Rookie of the Year Mike Gruba of Rochester and Jenny Wilcox of Cottage Grove. The companion 2-mile-13-mile-2-mile duathlon was won by Mario Minelli of Kasson and Susan Mead of Minneapolis. results > St. Paul pro David Thompson placed 9th at the silver anniversary edition (25th annual) of the venerable St. Anthony's Triathlon (satriathlon.com), and Duluth's Marlo Crosby McGaver placed 10th at the USAT Duathlon National Championships in Richmond, VA. results > Top Amateur Triathlete Jeremy Sartain Hospitalized with Injuries 4/25/2008 9:04 am Midwest Events sends out thoughts and prayers to Jeremy Sartain, who suffered severe injuries to his lower extremities in a motor cycle accident on Interstate 94 in St. Paul on April 23. He fractured his tibia and pelvis and dislocated his hip. His injuries are thankfully not life-threatening, but look, at this point, to be season-ending. Best wishes to Jeremy for a quick recovery. Tri Training Seminar with Chris Legh - May 30th 4/19/2008 12:01 pm Two time Ironman champion, six time Australian national champion, and defending Buffalo Triathlon champion Chris Legh will be returning to race in Buffalo this year. A special event will be held Buffalo Triathlon race weekend allowing a select few to train and have dinner with Chris and receive expert advice on training and share in his remarkable story of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. Ideal for any aspiring elite triathlete looking for solid, time-tested personalized advice from one of the legends of the sport, or anyone looking for a real motivational boost towards reaching their goals. Athletes will meet with Chris at Golds Gym in Buffalo at 4pm on Friday, May 30th for a hands-on swim, bike and run clinic (limited effort for those racing Sunday) followed by cocktails and dinner at Waterstones Restaurant at the Wild Marsh Golf Club at 7pm. Questions regarding the seminar can be directed to Race Director Brett Oden. Cost is $175 and includes dinner. There will be 10 spots available on a first-to-register basis. register now > Weekend Multisport Update: 4/12-13 4/14/2008 7:07 am St. Paul's David Thompson, Proctor's Jeanne Fleck and Mankato's Greg Taylor gave Minnesota national recognition with stellar performances on April 13. Fifth-year pro Thompson won the prestigious Powerman Alabama Duathlon by a 3:06 margin. Fleck, the 2007 Minnesota Rookie of the Year, picked up her first career multisport win at the Iron Girl Sprint Triathlon in Las Vegas. And, for the second straight year, Greg Taylor won the 50-54M division at Ironman Arizona. SAGBRAW Bicycle Tour Adds Appeal to Multisport Athletes 4/12/2008 8:22 am Started in 1978, SAAGBRAW (Sentinel's Active Americans Great Bike Ride Across Wisconsin) was the first cross-state bicycle tour established in Wisconsin. Through its 31-year history, SAGBRAW (TM) has changed hands four times and even dropped one of the A's, but the integrity and meaning of SAGBRAW remains intact. For 2008, current SAGBRAW owners Eric and Kathy Schramm will introduce the SAGBRAW Endurance Endeavor to the tour, giving tour participants the opportunity to not only ride their bicycles for fun, sport and well being, but to also put in some lap time at community pools to enhance their healthy vacation experience. "Adding endurance-based training to a bicycle tour provides the perfect opportunity to offer variety to training, and variety is the spice of life!" Annemieke Tennis, SAGBRAW Endurance Endeavor coordinator exclaimed. "We have set up early morning lap swims and admittance fees at the overnight locations along the route, and we also take care of the logistics of moving your gear. After your morning swim you have fully-supported bike routes on some of Wisconsin's finest back roads. All you have to do is swim, bike, and have fun!" For duathletes and triatheletes, this would mean having a pool available in the morning and then going on a training ride, i.e. the tour route, where the scenery changes day-to-day. But the SAGBRAW Endurance Endeavor is open to all participants, not just athletes in training. Tour participants may also test ride state-of-the-art bicycles from the Specialized "Test with the Best" demo bicycle trailer, scheduled to appear at the 2008 SAGBRAW tour. This opportunity, combined with the Endurance Endeavor program, is unique to traditional multi-day organized bicycle tours and one the Schramms believe moves SAGBRAW into the 21st century. "We are reinventing this Wisconsin cycling tradition to fit modern times." Tour Director Kathy Schramm stated. Today, SAGBRAW is known as "Schramm's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Wisconsin." It's a 31-year tradition in the making, and yet, has a new life and direction to continue the Great Bike Ride Across Wisconsin that it has always been. more info > Spirit of the Marathon 4/07/2008 4:22 pm See the movie > Run the race. Lake Superior College "Thrill on the Hill" Scholarship Fund Run 4/05/2008 5:52 pm The second annual "Thrill on the Hill" is back in Duluth on May 3rd for a rollercoaster race on neverending hills. The walk/run traverses a beautiful course through the neighborhoods surrounding Lake Superior College and showcases vistas of the Duluth Harbor and St. Louis Bay. The race course will include parts of the LSC campus, Trinity and Hutchinson Roads, and the Piedmont Ski Trails. The event includes a 5K run/walk and a 10K course which features a hybrid half road/half trail run. A Husky Dash Kid's Race is free for kids ages ten and under and starts at 11:30 a.m. The early registration fee is $20; race day registration fee is $25. All race proceeds will benefit the Lake Superior College Foundation's general scholarship fund. Chip timing will be used. The first 250 entrants will receive a "Thrill on the Hill" T-shirt. All racers will be eligible for door prizes. The registration fee includes a post-race BBQ lunch donated by sponsor Upper Lakes Food. Packet pick-up will be held Saturday, May 3 from 8-9 a.m. in the Lake Superior College main concourse. register > Caitlin Compton Interview After Ostersund 3/21/2008 11:57 am 2008 MNSA/MiSSeries Banquet to Honor Anne Rykken and Mike Marciniak 3/20/2008 10:41 am This year, the 2008 Minnesota Nordic Ski Association is presenting two Lifetime Achievement Award: the first to Anne Rykken of St. Paul and the second posthumously to Mike Marciniak of Cloquet. Ms. Rykken has been involved in cross country skiing for several decades. She was an avid ski racer, coach, co-founded the Como Park Youth Ski League, she was instrumental in creating the Minnesota Youth Sky League (MYSL) and served as the Executive Director for approximately ten years, during which she grew the organization to 18 youth clubs in Minnesota. Anne also led the Como Park club in attaining 150 youth skiers, co-authored the curriculum for multiple levels of skier abilities, and began the Silver Skis program to help kids bridge the gap between MYSL and local high school programs. Mr. Marciniak was involved in cross-country skiing for nearly 50 years. He was a ski racer, a successful high school coach, Junior Nationals coach, US Ski Team Regional coach, Chief of stadium at World Cup events, he was a technical delegate to World Junior and FIS World University Games, among other events, he was the course inspector at the Lake Placid Olympics and he was awarded three USSA Central Division Presidential Awards for his work in the Central Division of the USSA. Mike's work with the Central Division cross country ski program helped established the base upon which high school racing in Minnesota grew to the large participatory sport it is today. Mike passed away this last summer, so he receives the MNSA Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously. The MNSA/MiSSeries Banquet is Welcome to All The 2008 Minnesota Nordic Ski Association (MNSA)/Minnesota Skinnyski Series (MiSSeries) Banquet is set for the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis. The evening starts with a 5:00 p.m. cocktail and social hour, followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. and dessert at 7:00 p.m. The Program includes: A multi-media presentation on the Series events - featuring music, animation and great pictures of participants and volunteers. MiSSeries awards presentation. Minnesota Nordic Ski Association Lifetime Achievement Award and roast. Date, time and location: Saturday, April 5, 2008 @ 5 p.m. Midtown Global Market Lake Street & Chicago Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota Cost: $30 each - includes program, wine, beverages, dinner, desert and more . . . Sign up now. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, April 2, 2008. Reserve your spot now. Reservations by mail: mail a check with name, address and phone to: Amy Wyman Minnesota Skinnyski Series 1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55422 Register Online > Postal reservations must be mailed by April 1. Online reservations will be available until April 3. Space is limited. Reserve your spot early. Questions: Contact Amy Wyman at 612-604-5332 or email series@skinnyskiseries.com. New Lake Marion Triathlon 3/16/2008 8:54 am The South Metro Storm Swim Club is proud to present the 1st Annual Lake Marion Triathlon in Lakeville, MN on August 17th. Race director and experienced triathlete Chuck Smith says, "With so few south of the river triathlons in the state, we're pumped to bring a first class race to the Lakeville area!" More than 400 racers of all ability levels are expected to attend this sprint-distance event. The elite wave of competitors are guaranteed a wide open course since they will be starting 30 minutes before the rest of the field. Smith adds, "The elites won't have to pass anyone other than themselves on the 2-loop bike course." This is also a bonus for spectators, who will be able to cheer on the elites as they exit the water and still have enough time to view the age-group swim starts. Stick around after the race for a water ski show from the Prior Lake Water Ski Team! All proceeds will support the local nonprofit South Metro Storm Swim Club. register > "Power to the People" Intro to Power-Based Cycling Training 3/13/2008 1:01 pm Excel Cycle and Dig It Triathlon and Multisport present "Power to the People," a talk geared towards cyclists and triathletes interested in learning more about using power meters and improving their cycling with power-based training methods. Power meters are transforming the ways endurance athletes train on the bike. This talk, presented by Jason Digman, will provide a thorough introduction to power-based training for cyclists and triathletes of all levels. Come out and learn about how you can take your riding to the next level. Jason is an expert in power based training. He coaches cyclists and triathletes throughout the country, and is certified with USA Triathlon and USA Cycling, and attended USAC's intensive power training course. This event takes place on March 30, 2008 at noon at Excel Cycle in Excelsior, MN. more info > Skier Gala 3/12/2008 10:15 am The Silent Sports Foundation of Minneapolis, in conjunction with Central Cross Country Skiing, the United States Ski and Snowboard Association, and University of Minnesota Alumni Association cordially invites all skiers to join the entire Midwest cross country ski community on Sunday, April 6, 2008 for the inaugural SKIER GALA celebrating the great past ski season and anticipating many exciting years to come. Co-Masters of Ceremony include two Minnesota Greats; cross country ski legend Chad Giese - past Minnesota state high school champion, six time winner of the Mora, Minnesota Vasaloppet, and Factory Team member - and running legend Dick Beardsley - two time winner and course record holder of Grandma's Marathon. The program will incorporate a tribute to Ahvo Taipale, recognizing his past accomplishments as the Head Coach of the University of Minnesota two-time National Championship Teams. Introducing Ahvo and members of his historic team will be U of M Athletic Director, Joel Maturi. Keynote speaker will be Pete Vordenberg, Head Coach of the US Ski Team. Guest speakers will include Garrott Kuzzy and Caitlin Compton. The SKIER GALA dinner program will take place at the McNamara Alumni Center at the University of Minnesota, Memorial Hall. 300-400 people are expected to attend. This event kicks off a grass-roots support for our US Ski Team in pursuit of podium finishes at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada, and also highlight our own CXC Junior Olympic Development Team for it's education and development of healthy lifestyles for our young local talents as future US Olympic medalists. Program: 3:30 PM Reception 4:15 PM Dinner 5:00 PM Speakers 6:30 PM Walking tour of the U of M new TCF Football Stadium site Dinner cost: $50 per person, $25 under 20 years old, or $600 per sponsor table seating 10 people. Please reserve space by April 4th. CXC Ski website | purchase tickets > TC 1 Mile Registration Opens March 13 3/12/2008 12:43 pm Registration for a shot at one of the largest one-mile prize purses gets under-way March 13, as the Medtronic TC 1 Mile offers a $25,000 purse and the chance for one male and one female to walk away with a $10,000 bounty on May 8. "The $25,000 prize purse is the culmination of the vision to bring a highly competitive field to downtown Minneapolis, not only to showcase the beauty of the city, but to recognize the phenomenal growth and interest in this race," said Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. Race Director Brian Mastel. "In addition to first place prize money of $4,000, we're excited to also offer a $10,000 bounty each to the first place male breaking four minutes and to the first place female breaking 4:28." On-line only registration starts at 12:01 a.m. March 13 and the first 600 to register are guaranteed an entry into the lottery-only, fall-favorite, Medtronic TC 10 Mile race. Another 400 Medtronic TC 1 Mile finishers will be randomly selected for a guaranteed entry into that race as well. The Medtronic TC 1 Mile runs along Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis amid streets filled with spectators and the gorgeous city skyline. Race officials expect about 2,500 participants, including runners from around the country. The first wave begins at 6:50 p.m., Thursday, May 8. Teams can take part in the Corporate Team Challenge again this year and spectators can cheer on their favorite participant at one of the Official Cheers Zones along the route. registration info > YWCA of Mpls Launches New Women's Triathlon 3/10/2008 10:16 am The YWCA of Minneapolis has opened registration for a new women's only sprint triathlon. "The YWCA has been empowering women and girls since 1891, and this is a direct extension of our mission," declared YWCA CEO Becky Roloff, "to create a triathlon dedicated to supporting women of all ages and all athletic abilities." The triathlon is a sprint-distance race (500yd swim/15mi bike/5K run) that will take place Sun. Aug. 17th at Baker Park in Maple Plain, MN. The race is limited to 500 participants and race directors Jan Guenther and Paul Johnson predict it will fill quickly. "I've been involved with many races over the years, but this triathlon is about celebrating women's fitness and encouraging women to achieve personal goals in a fun, safe, and supportive environment," said Guenther, a distinguished veteran triathlete. Proceeds from the event will benefit the YWCA of Minneapolis Women's Wellness program, empowering urban women of color to take control of their health. more info | register > Another Tri-Specific Swim Meet March 30 3/08/2008 8:55 am Back by popular demand, the SCS triathlon-specific swim meet is scheduled for 1:00 pm on Sunday, March 30 and registration is now open. The event is sponsored by SCS Multisport and Gear West Bike, and is a perfect opportunity for triathletes and swimmers of all levels to test their swimming fitness. Don't let the thought of diving off the blocks or mandatory flip-turning scare you away from this meet. We all know that most triathletes prefer to swim without the restraints of lane lines, and with the flotational help of wetsuits. So after the "normal" events, race officials will take out all the lane lines while you squeeze into your wetsuit (if you have one), to kick it open water style with a tri-specific buoy swim. But if you want to line up on the blocks, stare down your competition, do that arm-shake thing, and execute flawless streamlines off the walls that's fine too. As long as you have fun! The cost is $15 and includes as many events as you'd like to sign up for. For more info, visit scsmultisport.com, or contact Dan Cohen. register > Bicycle Touring "Summer School" in Wisconsin 3/07/2008 6:39 am Bicycle Touring "Summer School" will be in session June 6-8, 2008, as the UW-Whitewater campus plays host to Bike Wisconsin's first ever Wisconsin Weekender Tour. This educational and informative 'learn about bicycle touring' event will offer seminars and demonstrations geared specifically towards those wanting to learn more about organized bicycle touring, or those in need of a refresher course, without having to invest in an actual week-long event. Participants may elect to attend seminars or "cycling classes" given by Wisconsin's own experts in the field. Subjects will include group riding techniques and bicycle safety, bicycle fit for upright and recumbent, hill climbing techniques, riding apparel, bicycle accessories, stretching, massage, and nutrition/hydration. These confidence-building classes will be offered in the morning and afternoon throughout the weekend, in conjunction with fully-supported bicycle loop routes (25-60 miles), allowing one to learn, then ride, in a relaxed setting along the beautiful back roads surrounding Whitewater, WI. Registration fees include classes, fully-supported bicycle routes, maps, dorm lodging at a UW-W residence hall, meals, event T-shirt or cap, a Friday evening "Pep Rally" and a "Graduation" lunch on Sunday. Wisconsin Weekender Tour: Sample the ins and outs of an organized bicycle tour in one weekend. For more information: Fool's Five - 30th Anniversary - April 6th, 2008 3/07/2008 7:31 am The 8K in Lewison, Minnesota has a colorful history. "Of course, I'm proud to know there's a race I've won 13 times with victories in four different decades.... If in some way I have helped to send the message of the importance of being thankful for our gifts and the value of sharing our abundance with others, then every hard fought mile trying to bust through your crazy country winds was all worth it." - Tony Schiller, winner of Fools Five in the 70's, 80's, 90's, and 00's Lewiston regularly welcomes more participants on race day than there are residents, and those who have stayed for the social hour following each year's race have heard guest speakers like world-class runners Alberto Salazar, Frank Shorter, and Dick Beardsley, as well as cancer research specialists, motivational speakers, and cancer survivors.
Priscilla Welch, 63, began running at the age of 35 to improve her health and offset the monotony of unemployment, with encouragement from her husband Dave. After serving 17 years in the British Royal Navy, the native of Upper Dean, England, not only improved her situation but took keenly to running, finishing her first marathon in London in 1980 in 3:26 without preparing adequately. Still improving at age 42, she set a masters world record with a time of 2:26.51, finishing second in the 1987 London Marathon. At the time, only seven women in the world had run a faster marathon. Later that year, she won the New York City Marathon with a time of 2:30.17, becoming that marathon's eldest champion. Welch remains the eldest runner, male or female, ever to win the New York City marathon. Pledges, donations, and auction proceeds are given to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, for cancer research. A separate auction raises money for a local cancer support group.LOVE - BELIEF - ATTITUDE - HOPE - COMMITMENT Team USA Minnesota's Katie McGregor Interviewed in Runner's World 3/06/2008 8:17 am Team USA Minnesota runner Katie McGregor was fourth in the USA Cross Country Championships in February. She was fourth in the 3,000-meter run at the USA Indoor Championships in February. Next, McGregor will first compete at the USA 15-K in Jacksonville on March 8 and then will race in the Central Park Challenge 8-K in New York on March 15. Then it's on to the World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland, on March 30. The Runner's World Interview > Masters World Cup Nordic 2008 3/05/2008 6:43 pm
Stop DKT! 3/04/2008 07:00 am Not since Steve Prefontaine has there been a personal challenge of this magnitude in the endurance world. David Kennedy Thomspon was the fastest triathlete on a bike in 2007. This year, his sponsors believe in his cycling so much, they are issuing a challenge: The athlete with the fastest official bike split in these 5 world class races will receive an $800 prime. If an athlete has the fastest official bike split in all 5 races he will receive a $6,000 bonus. Schedule for the DKT Challenge: Pole Pedal Pant Cancelled 3/03/2008 12:53 pm The race organizer is in the process of revamping the race for next year by obtaining feedback from the public regarding venue selections, with possible options including: 1) remain at Rainbow Resort (www.rainbowresort.com), Waubun, MN (with a unique and private, race-oriented trail system for skiing, biking, and running, that can be very flexible in setting up for a winter tri); 2) change the race venue to the TC area (with a bigger crowd but with many inflexible issues); 3) other locations? The POLE PEDAL PANT Winter Triathlon event has been a part of MN winter history for 20 years. We appreciate your continuous support, participation, and feedback which is the greatest reward to those hard-working volunteers. Send feedback > Minnesotans Earn Inside Triathlon 2007 All American Honors 3/01/2008 4:35 pm Midwest Events congratulates the following Minnesota multisporters who earned Inside Triathlon 2007 All American honors: Curt Wood (25-29, Chaska) Brian Bich (40-44, Duluth) Tony Schiller (Chanhassen -#1 ranked 45-49M) Lou Harris (75-79, Minneapolis) Sue Burton (45-49, Minneapolis) - IT Duathlete In that results from only five major races--Tri Nationals, Short Course Tri Worlds, Hawaiian Ironman and Short Course Du Nationals and Worlds) were considered, several top Minnesotans were conspicuously absent, chief among whom was Apple Valley's Cathy Yndestad, who earned USAT Athlete of the Year Honorable Mention. Midwest Events nevertheless applauds Inside Triathlon for its ongoing service to the North American age grouper. 2007 USAT Athletes of the Year 2/27/2008 10:08 am Midwest Events congratulates reigning Minnesota Triathlete of the Year Cathy Yndestad of Apple Valley on being named 2007 USAT Athlete of the Year Honorable Mention. Hawaii's Bree Wee was named AOY. Joining Cathy on the HM list were Arizona's Katie Ellis, Illinois' Jennifer Garrison, Hawaii's Rachel Ross and Massachusetts' Kim Webster. Though his name will not be published on the USAT website and in press releases, Duluth's Brian Bich was ranked 5th among US Masters triathletes in 2007. Only the MOY and three HMs will be published this year. Bich earned MOY HM honors in 2006 and is a two-time 40-44 National Champion. Florida's Joe Bonness was named 2007 MOY and the "official" HM list consists of Californian Albert Boyce, Tennessee's Bruce Gennari and Pennsylvanian Herb Spicer. RETUL Available at Gear West 2/26/2008 8:43 am Gear West Bike and Triathlon store in Long Lake, MN is now offering RETUL - a dynamic, 3-dimensional biomechanical measuring system to optimally fit you on your bike. RETUL stands out among other fitting systems because it doesn't use formulas to make adjustments on the static cyclist. Instead, the highly accurate system utilizes 3D measurements via infrared markers on the cyclist while he/she is cycling. The result is ultra-precise measurements of your ideal cycling position that can be tracked and duplicated to assist in future changes to your position. Gear West is taking appointments for professional fittings and RETUL position measurements for an introductory rate of $200. Call the store at 952-473-0093 to set up a session. For more information and photos, click here, or visit gearwestbike.com. Ironman World Record Holder Cherie Gruenfeld Writes Book 2/26/2008 3:22 pm Two-time US Grand Master of the Year and Ironman World Record holder, Cherie Gruenfeld is one of Triathlon's finest ambassadors. She is also a wonderful writer. Check out her great new book, "Become an Ironman." The book is a very personal take on the wonderful sport of Ironman. It contains not only training and racing tips but a number of reminiscences and stories, as well as plenty of terrific pictures taken by veteran photographers of the sport. Ian Murray of Triathletix, and USAT 2006 Coach of the Year says, "This book is a joy to read. It offers the perfect balance of clear, practical data along with electrifying inspiration." "Become an Ironman" is available in softcover and published by Meyer & Meyer, publisher of the official Ironman book series. It can be found on Amazon's website. 2008 American Birkebeiner 2/24/2008 5:08 pm Gear West Duathlon Big Giveaway 2/21/2008 9:36 am The 2008 Gear West Duathlon announces a new reason to stick around after the race for the awards ceremony. In addition to the $5,500 worth of giveaways Gear West Bike and Tri already does, they have partnered with Wigwam socks to give away one entry to any Ironman North America race. IMNA races include Arizona, Canada, Coeur d'Alene, Florida, Lake Placid, and Wisconsin. The 70.3 races in California and Florida are eligible as well. This has a value of well over the $500 entry fee, as all of these races sell out almost immediately. You can choose any Ironman North America race in either 2008 or 2009. So run-bike-run your way to the awards for a chance to win on May 18. To register for the Gear West Duathlon click here. To visit the Gear West Bike and Tri website click here. Tim Burke with 2nd Top Ten Finish at the Biathlon World Championship 2/21/2008 12:14 pm Ostersund, Sweden, Burke's 2nd Top Ten Finish at the BiathlonWorld Championship Tim Burke (Paul Smiths, NY), in 15th position coming into the final standing shooting stage, hit all five targets, then flew through the final 2.5K to finish 10th in the 12.5K Pursuit at the Biathlon World Championships today. Burke's 10th place gave him two top-10 finishes in the first competitions at these Championships. He finished 1:18.6 behind the "King of Biathlon" Ole Einar Björndalen, who won in 31:04.5 and like Burke had two penalties. Jason Lehmkuhle and Kristen Nicolini Lehmkuhle named 2008 Human Race Heroes 2/19/2008 7:55 am In conjunction with the 36th running of the St Patrick's Day Human Race, Jason Lehmkuhle and Kristen Nicolini Lehmkuhle have been selected 2008 Human Race Heroes, recognizing their efforts on and off the race course. The Heroes initiative was started in 2002, the 30th edition of the St. Patrick's Day Human Race run/walk, held on St. Paul's Summit Avenue each March. "These are people who have contributed to making the St. Patrick's Day Human Race a great event, while also making their communities a better place to live," said Chris Fuller, president of The Sporting Life, the company that owns and manages the event. Jason and Kristen have run for Team USA Minnesota since 2001, and were married last summer. They have each run the St. Patrick's Day Human Race twice. Both were winners of the 8K race in 2004. Kristen also won in 2006, while Jason was second in 2003. They are currently training for the USA Track and Field championships this summer, the event that selects the team for the Beijing Olympics. In addition to their own running, they spend time coaching and helping other runners achieve their best performances through work with Bolder Options, Edina High School and the Minnesota Distance Running Association. Each year the Human Race Heroes select a non-profit that The Sporting Life features, helping it gain attention and raise funds. For 2008, Jason and Kristen have selected the Jenny Crain Make It Happen Fund. Crain is an elite runner from Wisconsin who suffered serious head injuries after being hit by a car while on a training run last August. She recently came out of a coma, has started speaking and is learning how to eat again. The fund helps pay for her medical expenses. "We think that it is important to remember that she is still continuing to improve and needs as much support as she can get," said Kristen. "Hopefully, this donation will help Jenny and her family focus more on getting healthy instead of the financial aspect of it all. She is a true competitor on and off the track." The Human Race Heroes will be introduced at a pre-event party on Wednesday, February 27 at O'Gara's Pub in St. Paul at 7:30 PM. The party will also serve as a fundraiser for the Make It Happen Fund. Special wristbands will be available for a $5 donation, and a poster designed by another elite American athlete, Marla Runyan, will be available for $15. There is no fee to attend the party. Quick Facts: The St Patrick's Day Human race has been held on Summit Avenue in St. Paul each year since 1973, averaging more than 2,000 participants each year. The 2008 event will be held on Sunday, March 16, and includes a 5K run/walk, 8K run and quarter and half mile youth run. Previous honorees as Human Race Heroes: 2002- Janis Klecker and Mae Horns 2003- Leslie Seymour 2004- Ron Daws and Steve Hoag 2005- Gary Westlund and Jeanne DeMartino 2006- Bonnie Sons and Chris Celichowski 2007- Gloria Jansen and Stacey Millett Click here for more information about the St. Patrick's Day Human Race. www.TSLevents.com. For bios of Jason Lehmkuhle and Kristen Nicolini Lehmkuhle, please visit the Team USA Minnesota web site. Click here for more information about the Jenny Crain Make It Happen Fund. Garrott Kuzzy Interview 2/19/2008 3:10 pm From Super Tour to World Cup, CXC Ski Team Athlete Garrott Kuzzy and teammate Brian Gregg are making all the folks back in the Midwest proud. In this interview, Garrott talks about skiing in the B finals at Canmore. Minnesota Finlandia Results 2/17/2008 8:22 am 2008 Vasaloppet Finish 2/16/2008 8:06 am The thrilling sprint finish between victor Nikolai Anikin, Adam Swank, and Matt Liebsch, who all finished with in a second of each other. Bich and Yndestad repeat as Minnesota Triathletes of the Year 11/16/2008 4:03 pm (St. Paul, MN – 11/15/2008) –– Duluth’s Brian Bich picked up his seventh and eighth “Emmas” (Minnesota Multisport Awards) at the 10th annual Minnesota Multisport Awards Presentation at St. Paul College on November 15. Bich, 42, was named Minnesota Triathlete of the Year for the fourth time (2008, 2007, 2006, 2003), and Master of the Year for the 3rd time (2008, 2007, 2006). He is also a former winner (2003) of the Performance of the Year. On the national tri scene, Bich has twice been named Honorable Mention USAT Master of the Year and is a finalist for this year’s USAT Master of the Year award. The 2008 USAT award winners will be announced in early December. The trophies were presented "Academy Awards-style," with fellow athletes serving as presenters. The event drew approximately 300 attendees. Apple Valley’s Cathy Yndestad was named Minnesota Triathlete of the Year for the 2nd year in a row. She earned USAT Athlete of the Year Honorable Mention status last year and is a shoo-in to do so again this year. Cathy also won this year’s Performance of the Year Award (2nd place overall at the USAT National Age Group Championships) bringing her career Emma total to six. Another Minnesotan who should also receive national recognition is Marlo Crosby, who won her 3rd consecutive Minnesota Duathlete of the Year award on November 15. Marlo should be named USAT Duathlete of the Year Honorable Mention next month. Proctor, Minnesota’s Jeanne Fleck, 43, was the only other multiple winner at this year’s MMAs, garnering the Most Improved Female and Female Master of the Year trophies. First-time Emma winners were Kortney Haag (Rookie of the Year) of New Hope, Hank Larsen, 68, (Grand Master of the Year) of Glencoe, Sam Hauck (Most Improved Male) of Shoreview, and Dan Arlandson (Performance of the Year) from Mendota Heights. Maple Grove’s Michael Williams, who turned 20 at season’s end, picked up his 3rd consecutive Junior of the Year award. And the winners were: * MALE TRIATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Brian Bich, 42, Duluth * FEMALE TRIATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Cathy Yndestad, 30, Apple Valley * JUNIOR OF THE YEAR: Michael Williams, 19, Maple Grove * ROOKIE OF THE YEAR (Coed): Kortney Haag, 29, New Hope * MALE MASTER OF THE YEAR: Brian Bich, 42, Duluth * FEMALE MASTER OF THE YEAR: Jeanne Fleck, 43, Proctor * GRAND MASTER OF THE YEAR (Coed): Hank Larsen, 68, Glencoe * DUATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Marlo McGaver, 38, Duluth * MOST IMPROVED MALE: Sam Hauck, 24, Shoreview * MOST IMPROVED FEMALE: Jeanne Fleck, 43, Proctor * MALE PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR: Dan Arlandson, 32, Mendota Heights Dominating Victory at Full Vineman * FEMALE PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR: Cathy Yndestad, 30, Apple Valley 2nd overall at USAT National Championships * THORPE RUNNING INSPIRATION AWARD: Jeremy Sartain, 34, St. Paul * TRIATHLETES CHOICE FAVORITE RACE OF THE YEAR: Minneman TEAM MINNESOTA – MEN TEAM MINNESOTA – WOMEN Dan Arlandson, 32, Mendota Heights * Michelle Andres, 32, East Gull Lake Dan Cohen, 34, Eden Prairie * Jeanne Fleck, 43, Proctor Dennis Dane, 29, Brooklyn Center * Jan Guenther, 49, Mound Sam Hauck, 24, Shoreview * Kortney Hagg, 29, New Hope Brett Lovaas, 34, Minnetonka * Julie Hull, 36, Farmington Devon Palmer, 22, St. Paul * Kate McCann, 24, Andover John Shelp, 36, Maple Plain * Marlo McGaver, 38, Duluth Curt Wood, 30, Chaska * Marlina Walth, 38, Bismarck, ND Co-Captains: David Thompson, 30, St. Paul * Becky Youngberg, 34, Eden Prairie Brian Bich, 42, Duluth * Captain: Cathy Yndestad, 30, Apple Valley The MMAs are sponsored by the Best of the U.S. Amateur Triathlete Competition (LLC) of Saint Paul, Minnesota. More info: Jerry MacNeil, PR Director: 651-246-5128 or jerry@midwestevents.com www.bestoftheustriathletes.com 2008 Aquathon Series - Madison, WI 02/12/2008 4:59 pm A training series of 1000 meter swims and 5K runs on 5 Thursday nights... summertime in Madison, Wisconsin. Eight Team USA Minnesota Runners Will Compete at USA Cross Country Championships 02/11/2008 7:45 pm Eight Team USA Minnesota distance runners - led by five-time World Cross qualifier Katie McGregor and three-time qualifer Matt Gabrielson - will compete at the USA Cross Country Championships and World Cross Country Team Trials in San Diego, Calif., on Feb. 16. The U.S. World Cross team selected on Saturday will travel to Edinburgh, Scotland, to compete at the 2008 IAAF World Cross Country Championships on March 30. Six women and nine men from the open races will comprise the U.S. team. Team USA Minnesota qualified three athletes for the World Cross team in 2004, placed four on the team in both 2005 and 2006, and had four qualified or named to the team in 2007. In addition to McGregor and Gabrielson, the Team USA Minnesota athletes who will compete include two-time World Cross qualifier Jason Lehmkuhle , Andrew Carlson , Chris Lundstrom , Kristen Nicolini Lehmkuhle , Mandi Zemba and Emily Brown . This will be Zemba and Brown's first appearance at the national cross country championships. For more information, visit the web site at www.teamusaminnesota.org. Madison Super Tour 02/06/2008 7:34 pm 2008 City of Lakes Loppet 02/03/2008 8:26 pm The weather was the big story at this year's City of Lakes Loppet. After years of scarce snow, frigid cold or both, skiers signed up in record numbers for the weekend's events, which included kid's races, sprints, skijoring (with dogs), and Luminary Loppet (candle-lit night ski). The main events were Sunday, with races beween Wirth Park and the streets of Uptown Minneapolis in 10K, 25K Classic and 35K Freestyle events.  
Boulder Triathlon Camp w/Coach Jared 02/02/2008 1:42 pm  Presents: Boulder Triathlon Camp: April 16-20th 2008 Five exciting days training together in Boulder County! Endure 20 mile climbs and attack 20% grades on the bike! Run through pine tree forests, open-space meadows, up steep canyons and along rock ridges. Don't worry, we will get wet too! You could get as much as 20 hours of training in; if you're up for it! The rest of the time is for relaxing, eating and enjoying the Front Range. Accommodations: Campers will be staying in cottages in Chitaqua park at the base of the Flatirons in Boulder. There will 4-6 people in each 2-3 bedroom cottage. There are patios, kitchens and wi-fi but no TVs. Food: Breakfasts, training and recovery foods will be provided including the famous banana oatmeal waffles! A couple lunches and dinners will be provided. We will explore boulder for the rest of our eats! triendurance.com Inside Tri Features David Thompson 01/21/2008 3:06 pm Veteran writer Tim Carlson has published an extensive interview with St. Paulite and rising star David Thompson. A sampling: David Thompson has risen from third overall amateur at the 2002 USA Triathlon Nationals in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to one of the top money-winning pros in the United States in 2007... Lars Flora Interview - 2008 Nationals 01/13/2008 10:14 am Nordic World Cup: Next Stop Canada 01/13/2008 11:31 am World Cup Moves to Canada Sat, Jan 12, 2008 - By FIS After a break of more than two weeks, the Viessmann FIS World Cup Cross-Country will continue in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, in Canmore, which is situated 100 km west from Calgary. From 22nd to 26th January, the athletes will compete in four different World Cup races (per gender) in the Canmore Nordic Centre which was developed for the 1988 Winter Olympics. For the World Cup in 2005, the government of Alberta invested significantly to refurbish the Center to a high level standard. The Centre features more than 70 kilometers of world-class racing trails at an average elevation of 1425 meters. About 195 athletes from 20 nations are expected to compete on the challenging courses just outside the famous Banff National Park. The competitions will start on 22nd January with Pursuit races for ladies and men. On the following day, the sprinters will be able to show their strength in a classical sprint race on a 1,4 km course. After a rest day, on Friday 25th, the traditional interval start races over 10 km (ladies) and 15 km (men) are planned. The Canadian competition week will have its final on Saturday, 26th January with a Sprint competition over 1.1 km in the free technique. "We are happy to have Canada on the World Cup schedule. Especially in view of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver it is very important for the International Ski Federation to create and develop the knowledge base. I’m sure that the Canadians will organize great competitions in a good atmosphere as they did already in December 2005, when they hosted the Cross-Country World Cup last," stated Juerg Capol, FIS Race Director Cross-Country. Beside the top level sports program, the Canmore Organizing Committee has created a nice social program. The kick off will be on 19th January with a kids' race called the World Cup Festival Youth Ski Tournament, which is a part of the Bow Corridor Regional Race Series. This series is a supporter of Right-To-Play, an international organization dedicated to creating a "healthier and safer world for kids through the power of sport and play". From 22nd of January there will be event program on each race day in the town including a medal presentation for the top athletes of the day. More information Starting times: Tuesday, 22nd January Pursuit 7,5 + 7,5 km ladies 11:00 am* (7pm CET) Pursuit 15 + 15 km men 12:30 am* (8.30 pm CET) Wednesday, 23rd January Sprint classical technique Qualification 10.00 am* (6pm CET) Sprint classical technique Finals 12:30 am* (8.30 pm CET) Friday, 25th January 10 km free technique ladies 11.00am* (7pm CET) 15 km free technique men 12.30am* (8.30pm CET) Saturday, 26th January Sprint free technique Qualification 10.00am* (6pm CET) Sprint free technique Finales 12.30am* (8.30pm CET) *local time Record Ski Jump 01/12/2008 3:28 pm Austin To Round Out 2008 Ironman 70.3 Series 01/11/2008 12:05 am January 10, 2008 - Austin, Texas, considered among one of the nation's hot beds for the sport of triathlon, will now host its own Ironman 70.3 event. Last year, Endorfun Sports presented the first long-distance triathlon as part of the Longhorn Triathlon Festival at Walter E. Long Park. The event is the final addition to the 2008 Ironman 70.3 Series and will now be referred to as Longhorn Ironman 70.3 Austin. The event, on October 5, 2008, will serve as the first official qualifier for the 2009 Ironman World Championship 70.3 taking place on November 14 in Clearwater, Florida. Keith Jordan, Endorfun Sports owner and producer of the popular Timberman 70.3 in New Hampshire comments, "We have already laid the groundwork with a very successful race in 2007, drawing more than 900 athletes from 38 states in addition to Mexico, Canada and Great Britain. By adding the Ironman 70.3 designation, we expect the race to draw over 2,000 athletes from around the globe. This race will have the spirit of Austin and put our city on the world map as a destination and triathlon mecca," said Jordan. The 1.2 mile freshwater swim will take place in Decker Lake at Walter E. Long Park. The bike is a 56 mile highly scenic, one-loop course through rolling Texas farmland, with views of sprawling ranches, longhorns, horse farms, cedar-covered vistas and sunflower fields. On the half marathon run course, athletes will discover why Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World. Live, local entertainment will keep athletes motivated as they encounter a two-loop course meandering through Walter E. Long Park, along the shores of Decker Lake and through the Travis County Expo Center grounds. The 13.1 mile run course will encompass approximately two miles of grass roads, while the remainder of the course is on asphalt roads. The course will be completely closed to traffic. In addition to the $25,000 professional prize purse, overall and age group winners will receive locally crafted limestone awards. The event will receive tremendous support from the city, the Austin Sports Commission, Austin Parks & Rec, TXDot, local law enforcement. Athletes and supporters will be invited to a post-race party on Sunday evening, following the race. Local and regional volunteers will staff themed aid stations along the course, and vie for the "Best Aid Station" cash award. Many will be community and non-profit groups who receive a donation for sending volunteers to the event. If you or your group would like to volunteer, please contact audra@endorfunsports.com. For more information about the Longhorn Ironman 70.3 Austin, or to sponsor the event, contact Claire Jordan at 512-535-5224 or visit www.ironmanlonghorn.com A Running and Triathlon Resource Site CXC Heads to the World Cup 01/08/2008 5:05 pm CXC HEADS TO THE WORLD CUP CXC Team skiers Brian Gregg and Garrott Kuzzy have been named to the 2008 World Cup team. HAYWARD, WI (January 8) CXC Team skiers Brian Gregg and Garrott Kuzzy have been named to the 2008 World Cup team to represent the United States at the World Cup races in Canmore, Canada from January 22-26, 2008. CXC Team head coach Bryan Fish will be joining the CXC athletes as a World Cup team coach helping both CXC and the US Ski Team. Gregg and Kuzzy qualified for the World Cup races based on their performances on the SuperTour circuit and at the 2008 US National Championships last week in Houghton, MI. Highlighted by his strong sprint performances on the SuperTour and a blazing fast qualifying time at US Nationals sprint, Gregg will be competing in the two sprint World Cups in Canmore, the classical sprint on January 23 and the skate sprint on January 26. Kuzzy has been dominant in this season's SuperTour races having won both sprint and distance races. The current overall SuperTour leader will be focusing on both distance and sprint events at the World Cup. He will be racing the 30km pursuit (the combination of a 15km classic and a 15km freestyle) on January 22 and the 15km skate on January 25, as well as the skate sprint. "Qualifying for these races has been my goal for the season and now that I have made the team, I look forward to gaining some international experience. I feel well prepared for these races and am psyched to compete with the best in the world." The races will be Kuzzy and Gregg's World Cup debut. Four CXC Team athletes have earned World Cup starts since the program's inception a year and a half ago. CXC Team athletes Caitlin Compton and Laura Valaas competed in the 2007 World Championships in Sapporo, Japan last year. More information on the World Cups can be found at www.albertaworldcup.com or www.cxcskiing.org. Minnesota Junior Elite Team Goes National 01/02/2008 11:27 am Minnesota Junior Elite Team Goes National!
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