The Boston Marathon ATT Athlete Alert Program

Nice feature- go to baa.org, look up a runner's bib number, then text runner to 31901 for instructions- you can get splits at 10K, half marathon, 30K and finish. ATT Athlete Alert Program.

Are Skechers Shape-Ups a Cure for Heel Pain?

I've had problems with plantar fasciitis for a while, so these shoes are a godsend! It is now hard to wear any other pair of shoes. Well worth the money. -review of Skechers Shape-ups on amazon.com.

Recently I've been increasing my running, and while the majority of time I don't feel any heel pain running, I do usually have discomfort walking around the rest of the day.

Today I think I've found the answer. I tried on a pair of Skechers Shape-ups at the Camp Humphreys PX, and knew immediately I had to have a pair. All I can say is they are nothing I've ever worn before, and I can now forget about deciding which inserts to wear. They feel amazing!

You need to order 1/2 size big.

Looking to Give Your Running a Boost- Try Hop Scotch!

What struck me as an adult version of hop-scotch kicked my butt, and hamstrings, and quads. -Milwaukee Journal reported Tom Held, who is undergoing a high intensity sports performance program at Froedert & Medical College of Wisconsin Sports Medicine Center.

It looks like this program, with heavy emphasis on plyometrics and core strength, is a killer if you are not used to it.

In more technical terms: “As for all of the ‘hop-scotch,’ this is a proven method that helps to activate your muscles’ stretching (and) shortening cycle, and thus resulting in your being able to run faster -Off the Couch by Tom Held

Volcano Erupts Boston Marathon Plans for up to 600 Runners

"Just when you thought you've dealt with everything, now you can throw volcanoes into the mix," Guy Morse, Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association, said. "we are preparing the best that we can to accommodate those athletes when they arrive, be it Sunday night or whenever it is. The situation will play out over the coming days. It's too early yet to tell exactly how many athletes will be impacted by this travel situation."

"It took me nine tries and 13 years to qualify for Boston, which I finally did. When I got the news yesterday about the volcano, I just laughed. Qualifying for Boston is a lot like finally marrying the girl you dreamed about all of your life only to learn that you make yourself miserable. Oh well. If I can't make it in I'll just hope for better luck next year." -American runner stranded in London


-Volcano making travel a pain in the ash

Nicotine Patch Found to Boost Endurance

Ten out of 12 subjects cycled for longer with NIC administration, and this resulted in a significant 17 ± 7% improvement in performance (P < 0.05). No differences were observed for perceived exertion, heart rate or ventilation. There were no differences in concentrations of plasma glucose, lactate or circulating fatty acids. In the absence of any effect on peripheral markers, we conclude that nicotine prolongs endurance by a central mechanism. -Experimental Physiology

MY COMMENT: I wish I'd taken a look at nicotine and exercise as a grad student masters thesis. I just spent a couple of hours researching the negative effects of smoking on running when I stumbled onto this study. Apparently nicotine increases sweat response at the same time it increases production of vasopressin, an anti-diuretic hormone. In other words, you produce less urine. That could be beneficial to marathon runners.

Nicotine was found to increase vasopressin secretion by all three routes of administration -J of Physiology


Slapping on a 7 mg patch sounds easy, but may not be for everyone.

"All subjects commented on the ‘side-effects’ they experienced overnight after applying the nicotine patch; these included increased heart rate and reduced appetite, headaches and nausea, restless sleep and vivid/bizarre dreams and feelings of having a hangover when they arrived for testing; most subjects reported that these symptoms disappeared once they started exercising"

17 High School Boys Break 9:00 at Arcadia 3200

One got DQd so only 16 officially. results This race was incredibly deep- possibly the best high school distance race ever! Six more guys dipped under 9:10.

The race was won by Jake Huryszof North Carolina in 8:49.

Aikman Runs 1:49 Half Marathon

Former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, donning bib No. 8, finished Sunday's America's Run half marathon in 1:49:47, amid cheers throughout the stadium. - Dallas Morning News

MY COMMENT: How many NFL quarterbacks can run 13 miles? Nice job Troy. I am betting that he is thinking marathon someday.

Running Shoe Deal

adidas Men's Supernova Cushion Size 7 Running Shoe

$49.99 List Price $89.95

Running Shoe Deal

adidas Women's Kanadia Trail Running Shoe -$49.99 list price $64.95 (limited sizes)

No More Marathons for Van Gundy

“I ran and retired all in the same day,” - Jeff Van Gundy, comment following the Houston Marathon. See a video clip of Van Gundy finishing in 4:14:29

MY COMMENT: Ask any first timer immediately after finishing a marathon about running another, and more than likely you'll get the exact same response.

Troy Aikman To Run Half Marathon

After he retired from the NFL following the 2000 season, Aikman ran to stay in shape. He is a frequent user of the Katy Trail, the greenbelt along which the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT or Katy) Railroad traveled through Dallas. The 3.5-mile running, biking and hiking trail is a public park maintained by The Friends of Katy Trail, a non-profit organization with 1,200 members. -star-telegram

MY COMMENT: Aikman is hoping to break 2 hours. I love the fact that a 3.5 mile trail can garner such tremendous community support! Check out Friends of the Katy Trail blog.

Six Kenyans Under 2:07:07 Entered in Rotterdam

I don't know why Americans never run this race, home of 3 of the top 10 fastest marathons including 2 of the top 4. Perhaps it's a money issue, but what a missed opportunity for a 2:12 guy trying to dip under 2:10.

Check out the list of elite runners entered in Rotterdam, scheduled for Sunday, 12 pm EST. You can watch coverage of this race at universalsports.com.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIT) As Effective As Moderate Long Term Endurance Exercise, Study

"Doing 10 one-minute sprints on a standard stationary bike with about one minute of rest in between, three times a week, works as well in improving muscle as many hours of conventional long-term biking less strenuously," -Medical News Today

MY COMMENT: I've been dabbling a little with a short 10 minute high intensity bike ride on rollers following my morning jog. I like the idea, especially for masters runners that can no longer handle high mileage. I also do some high intensity intervals in the pool a couple times a week, which does a fabulous job of keeping the heart and lungs in shape, but not much for legs, at least the way I swim.

Cartilage Transplant Surgery Shows Promise for Bad Knees

We're taking cartilage cells, and instead of sending them off to a lab, we're simply mincing them at the time of the procedure,” Dr. Guettler explained. “They're sprinkled on a biological scaffold and implanted into the knee, all in one setting." -ivanhoe.com

This procedure is used to repair "holes" in cartilage. Researchers are still working on ways to replace worn out or otherwise damaged cartilage (orthopedics.about.com).

Here is another good article on cartilage replacement using your own cells in Medical News Today

Bernard Legat

I’m going to be focusing on endurance, working on long, nice runs—nothing less than 10 miles. We will be doing long tempo runs. We will be doing a lot of long hill work. We will be doing soft-surface repetitions as well, like on a golf course. We will be doing things this time around that will really get me ready for the 5,000m. -runningtimes.com

interview with 35 year old Bernard Legat, who wants to run 12:50 this year. Legat also expressed interest in running a marathon "after one more try at the Olympics."

Legat has 2 Olympic medals in the 1500 meters- a bronze from Sydney in 2000 and a silver from Athens in 2004, winning both while representing Kenya.

Iowa State Runner Lisa Koll Sets 10K Collegiate Record

Lisa Koll won the Stanford Invite 10,000 is a record setting 31:18, the 6th fastest time ever run by an American woman. Iowa State Athletics

Full results here. An old training partner of mine for a time in Okinawa, Rachel Booth, placed 8th running 33:22.

Here is an interview with Lisa following an indoor 15:29 this winter. She talks about dealing with injuries including plantar fascitis.

An up and coming talent if she can stay healthy!

Josh Rohatinsky Reveals Anemia Problem

Good interview with Josh Rohatinsky prior to his PR 1:01:55 half marathon in New York, where he reveals a history of iron deficiency. This race is a good indication that Josh is right on track for his Boston Marathon build-up.

Track and Field Videos on Flotrack

Television EMF- Is it Safe?

Is indoor cycling in front of a television safe? When I first started using my road bike on E-Motion Rollers, I thought the only risk for me was falling off (OK, I admit I did kind of tip over the other day trying some out of saddle standing climbing, but I just in case I padded my floor with several blankets to soften the fall). Now I'm not so sure.

Thinking I could track total miles ridden rather than time, I purchased a wireless bike computer. If you are not familiar, a magnet is attached to a spoke, which passes close to a sensor mounted on the fork. The sensor transmits to the computer mounted on the handle bars, indicating speed, distance, etc. The problem was, I couldn't get it to work. After changing the battery and fiddling with all possible angles and distance from the magnet to the sensor, I simply gave up. Then one day I removed my bike from the room and presto, the computer worked perfectly! I took it back into the room where I had my E-Motion Rollers set up, and it immediately quit on me.

After a little research, I learned about electomagnetic forces emitted by televisions and other appliances (World Health Organization). I discovered that my bike had to be moved all the way out into the hallway (10 ' or so) before EMF interference from the television disappeared.

Is EMF harmful? Let's hope not, because I have to have the TV on when I ride indoors.

Knee Osteoarthritis and Shoes

Flip-flops and sneakers with flexible soles are easier on the knees than clogs or even special walking shoes, a study by Rush University Medical Center has found. And that's important, because loading on the knee joints is a key factor in the development of osteoarthritis.- sciencedaily.com

MY COMMENT: So I guess this means if you want your knees to last, hang on to old racing flats for walking around. "Our study demonstrated that flat, flexible footwear significantly reduces the load on the knee joints compared with supportive, stable shoes with less flexible soles."

Ten Reasons To Do The Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon

If you have a "bucket" list for marathons, there is no way you can exclude the Bataan Memorial Death March Marathon.



1. The "heavy" category means you carry 35 pounds.

2. "I've done 17 marathons - this was unreal. I wasn't prepared for the sand.
I wasn't prepared for all the loose sand - many miles of this and a lot of it uphill."

3. "Being part of an event honoring the real Bataan Death March and meeting actual veterans"

4. Footwear is limited to military service recognized boots (military only I guess)

5. Participants will wear BDUs, ACUs or their service equivalent uniform (military only I guess)

6. Over the period of record 1980-2004, the 24-hour average wind speed in late March is about 8 mph, with daily maximum gusts of near 30 mph. However, wind speeds along the east-facing slopes of the Organ and San Andres Mountains, near much of the march route, can be much higher, with gusts of 50-60 mph quite common during windstorms

7. Miles & Miles of Nothing but Desert

8. White Sands Missile Range has been a site for defense testing, to include various munitions, for more than 50 years. Do not touch, pick up or kick anything along the route

9. In the true Death March, the surrendered had no options. They helped each other through the ordeal just to stay alive. In the memorial event, marchers are encouraged to remember this spirit

10. NO MAMA, NO PAPA, NO UNCLE SAM ............ REMEMBER THE SACRIFICE

The Next Bataan March Marthon is March 27, 2011! Results for 2010 here.

Read about the REAL Bataan Death March here.

31 Sent to Hospital from LA Marathon

“It’s important for people running a marathon to stretch, eat properly and stay hydrated tonight and in the days following the race"- Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Orthopedic Hospital medical director 31 Los Angeles Marathon runners hospitalized, 1 in critical condition

MY COMMENT: Stretch after a marathon? I like to kick back with a few brews and a steak. Stretching is the last thing I'd recommend.

Mo Takes 3rd at New York City Half Marathon!

Mohamed Trafeh's 1:00:39 half marathon in New York puts him at least in the same ballpark with America's best, Ryan, Meb, and Ritz. The question is, WAS THIS GOOD ENOUGH TO ATTRACT A SPONSOR??

Of note, Josh Rohatinsky, a former NCAA XC champ from BYU, is showing signs that his switch from Alberto Salazar to Jerry Schumacher is paying off. Josh finished 6th in 1:01:55.

Who is Telling the Truth? You Be The Judge!

Marathon Performance Training Group is pleased to announce the addition of Mohamed Trafeh. The former Arizona Wildcat and Duarte High School, CA phenom is preparing for a breakout season. The 24-year old wrapped up 2009 with a victory in the 32nd Annual Cow Harbor 10k (29:15.6). Other notable finishes included 2nd at the USA 20k Championships and 12th in the USA 15k Champs. He is tentatively scheduled to run a marathon in Morocco (where he is currently training) to begin the 2010 season. Trafeh makes his home in Southern California.

Coach and agent Brad Hudson on Trafeh: “Mo is an outstanding athlete. We’re really excited to bring him on board. He’s a super talent with tons of ability — very untapped -marathonperformance.com (Brad Hudson)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Brad Hudson coaches you, correct?

MT: No. I am self-coached.

Did he ever coach you?

MT: No. I talked to him a couple of times. He gave me some friendly advice.

On the Marathon Performance Web site, it says he is your coach and agent. It also says you run for their team.

MT: I was surprised to see that, actually. I got a message from a guy on Facebook asking me for a picture to put on the Web site. And I gave him a few pictures. I thought he was going to do a little profile on me for Marathon Performance. Next thing I know it looks like they included me in the group as if I was one of his athletes. He doesn’t coach me or represent me. He’s my friend as far as Facebook goes, but nothing further than that. -runningtimes.com

Mo Trafeh- Self Coached Runner Poised for a Breakthrough!

I'm rooting for Mo Trafeh to do something special at the NY City Half Marathon this weekend.

In case you missed it, Trafeh led the Jacksonville Gate River Run (15 kilometers) just last weekend from start to finsh (4:22 opening mile), winning with an impressive 42:58. Not bad for a self-coached runner with NO SPONSOR!

Good write up on Trafeh in Running Times.

Currently his sole means of support is road race prize money, so you know Trafeh is hungry and motivated. Could you imagine Ryan Hall racing 15K an a half-marathon on back to back weekends?

Go for it Mo! I'm rooting for you to hang in with marathon world record holder Halie Gebrselassie. You can watch coverage of the race at 7:30 am EST at universalsports.com.

Great Running Story!

The story of Bereket Piatt and Habatamu Rubio, both PT juniors, is interesting, and not just because their coach is confident they will win state titles this year while chasing each other, although that is part of it.

The real story is the two talented runners are native Ethiopians who have been adopted by two Port Townsend families — Ruth and Tony Rubio, and Nancy and John Piatt -kitsapsun.com

How would you like to be a high school coach that has not one, but 2 native Ethiopian boys running on your cross country and track teams? I even ran against these 2 last year at the 2009 Rhody Run in Port Townsend!

1. Gray Joseph Lakewood WA 25 M 00:37:54.72
2. Steidl Uli Shoreline WA 37 M 00:39:28.72
3. Timeus John Kent WA 24 M 00:40:09.97
4. Fraiser Ian Port Townsend WA 35 M 00:40:34.33
5. Effmann Jason Portland OR 33 M 00:40:47.79
6. Piatt Bereket Port Townsend WA 17 M 00:42:29.49
7. Conrick James Seattle WA 26 M 00:42:37.47
8. Runio Habtamu Port Townsend WA 16 M 00:43:47.71
9. Young Don Port Townsend WA 45 M 00:44:08.16
10. Darrock Keith 31 M 00:46:06.47
11. Houk Elva Port Orchard WA 25 F 00:46:07.87
12. Elger Dave Sequim WA 55 M 00:46:14.67

Rhody Run Results 2009