PRESS RELEASE

Off ‘N Running Tours to start training LA Runners in March for the Athens Classic Marathon this Fall to commemorate the original marathon’s 2,500 year anniversary.

January 29, 2010, Los Angeles, CA – Off ‘N Running Tours, a company dedicated to helping individuals improve their athletic performance, today announced a marathon training program designed to prepare California runners for the Athens Classic Marathon in October. The company will be training and sending hundreds of runners to Athens this Fall so they can take part in this historical yet challenging event along with thousands of other runners.

“We’ve been getting calls from runners all over Southern California who are excited about and interested in running the Athens race, but are concerned about whether they are ready. The Athens Classic Marathon is widely considered to be a difficult race. Runners will need to train for more than they normally would in order to finish this one and is the reason why we are offering a 33-week training program,” said Cheryl Anker, President & CEO of Off ‘N Running Tours.

The annual Athens Classic combines the past with the present, a past that gave rise to the concept of distance marathon races as we know them today. On October 31, 2010, approximately over 10 thousand runners from all over the world will run this event. They are attracted to the experience of running the world’s first marathon course, as well as the opportunity to see historical sites and experience Greek culture.

Starting in March and lasting for 33 weeks, Off ‘N Running Tours will be preparing hundreds of beginning and intermediate runners for this event through their Athens Marathon Training Program. The group will meet on weekend mornings in West Los Angeles/Beverly Hills. In addition to weekly runs, the program fee includes monthly training schedules, scenic training courses for group runs, along with supplementary articles to keep runners “in the know” about current trends in performance, nutrition and running.

For over 15 years, Off ‘N Running Tours has trained California runners for marathons all over the world, such as the LA Marathon, the New York Marathon, the Chicago Marathon, the BMO Vancouver Marathon, the San Francisco Marathon, the Mardi Gras Marathon and the Honolulu Marathon. In addition to marathon training, the company creates and manages convention races nationwide and guided running tours of California. For the association who wants to offer their convention attendees an energizing activity, the traveler who wants to see the Los Angeles area or the local runner who wants to prepare for their next marathon, Off ‘N Running Tours offers something for everyone.

The cost to participate in the training program is $300 for 33 weeks. To register or for more information, visit http://www.offnrunningtours.com/athens-marathon-training.html.

With a couple of weeks left of my self-induced month long rest, I’ve had time to finalize my race wish list for 2010. Of course, this is subject to change and still needs to by signed off on by my better half. I’m trying to run at least one more race per year and this year has five events on the schedule. Please let me know if you plan on running any of these races. I loved to meet you in person (just like Team Flash in Florida).

Walt Disney World Marathon
Orlando, Florida
January 10
Mission Complete

6 Tunnels Half Marathon or Red Rock Canyon Half Marathon or both?
Henderson, NV/Las Vegas, NV
March 13/March 6

I need to do a little more digging on these races. I ran the Red Rock half last year and it’s great. The course is run on the scenic drive that weaves through Red Rock Canyon and the views alone are worth the $70 entry fee (until 2/21). The inclines are steep and yes your legs will be put to the the test but the organization was great and the medals were a really nice surprise.

The 6 Tunnels half looks really cool and I’ve heard good things about it. It is all the way across the valley (Red Rock is literally 5 minutes from my house) but the course route follow an old railway line that was used in the building of Hoover Dam. It goes thru tunnels cut thru the mountains and there are views of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam along the way. It happens to be a day before my wedding anniversary so I need to tread lightly on this one.

Fargo Marathon
Fargo, ND
May 22

Yes, I’ve finally committed and will be going home to run in the city I grew up in. After being lobbied by several friends for several years, my boyz and I will be going back to my roots. This will be another chance to run with my sister and I’m really excited to be running with one of my very good friends from high school who is going to run for the first time since a cervical spine fusion in 2000. They’re shooting for 20,000 runners this year so if you’re looking for a great race around this time, this one’s for you!!! Runner’s World ranked Fargo the 8th in the Top 10 marathons in the U.S. They’re also breaking off the 5K this year a day earlier and are offering participants the Go Far Challenge where you can race both the 5K and either the 10K, half or full marathon and earn a special medal (much like Disney’s Goofy’s Challange). Go Far in 2010!!!

Running With The Devil Half Marathon
Boulder City, NV
June 26

I almost ran this one last year but I think I was a little beat up. This is one of those “what are you thinking” races. The event ranges in distances from 5K to 50 miles but the kicker is the starting times. Each distance is planned to start so you’ll be racing during the hottest part of the day. This is June by the way and it’s the desert – you put two and two together and you’ll understand the race name. The marathon starts at 10 a.m. and the half starts at noon. The one good thing about this race is you don’t have to worry about getting up at 3 a.m. to make it to the corrals. Heck, you might even have a chance for a nap before the gun sounds.

Disneyland Half Marathon
Anaheim, CA
September 5 (Labor Day Weekend)

This will be my fourth year running this race and I can’t imagine not having this race on my schedule. This is the fifth year the race is being held (can’t believe I didn’t know about the first one) and they will be offering a special 5th year medal. This race will also complete my Coast to Coast Challenge – running Disney World and Disneyland in the same calendar year. The Angels won’t be in town again this year so that should mean the route will take us thru Anaheim Stadium again. It’s a crazy adrenaline rush and I’ve been know to walk that section just to spend a little more time in there.

Ragnar Relay
Valley of Fire to Las Vegas, NV
October 22-23

This is going to depend on two things and two things only. First, how is my body feeling and second, can I find a team this year. I was so excited that Ragnar came to Vegas last year. Since my fist expo when I picked up one of their brochures, I wanted to run this race. So last year, I thought I had a team all lined up and ready to go when it all just seemed to fade away. This year, I’m going to be looking high and low for a team. Whether I know you or not it won’t matter – just give me a holler and I’m there.

Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon
Las Vegas, NV
December 5

I plan to bookend my marathons this year. Last year’s inaugural Rock-n-Roll “rocked” and I expect more of the same next year. With over 23,000 participants last year, I’m fully expecting this race to boom in the next couple of years into one of the nations bigger marathons. The organization was top notch, running up and down the strip is crazy and the course is well thought out. Even though I struggled last year I still thought the whole experience was one of my favorite of the year.

So that’s it (for now). After looking over this list after I typed it, I realized that I could be doing 7-8 race this year. That’s double what I’ve ever run before so we’ll see how it goes. I can guarantee that Fargo, Disneyland and Las Vegas are in stone – the others will fall into place.

RMFR

First, let me apologize for not pounding out the posts like usual. Following the Walt Disney World Marathon and a vacation immediately after, I’ve been playing catchup at work and at home. It’s actually been nice being away from the computer for a change.

I’m worn out – physically and mentally. I know I’m not the most active distance runner. Last year I only ran 2 halfs and 1 full marathon (I guess I can throw in the Walt Disney Marathon in January since it was only 35 days after the Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon). I’m not a Maniac nor do I consider myself a “seasoned” runner either, but I’m beat.

A couple of warning signs that reared their ugly head:

• Bursitis – During Walt Disney, it popped up in my hip again. Funny thing is, there were no warning signs. I hadn’t felt anything in any of my training runs leading up to the event nor did it bother me in the Las Vegas event. The last time I had to deal with it, I rested for a month and that was that.
• Arches – The one thing that has been nagging me are my arches. Even before the Las Vegas Marathon I was trying to find ways to elevate the discomfort I was feeling. I have custom orthodics but I actually ran Las Vegas in my Sof Sole Custom Insoles. That change didn’t help so I’m hoping rest will.
• Brain Fatigue – As mentioned in a couple of previous posts, I haven’t been totally there upstairs as of late (relating to running). I haven’t been as gung-ho as I usually am. Running hasn’t been as joyful as it usually is and I’m hoping this break will full charge that battery.

With all that said, I know that urges are still there. In fact, the Tuesday following the Walt Disney Marathon, I participated in a 5K on Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island in the Bahamas – yes, my wife and I went on a Disney Cruise following the marathon). Even though my calves were in knots, how many times am I going to get to run an event in the Bahamas? The first mile hurt like hell but the overall run felt really, really good and I’m glad I did it.

So that’s the story and I’m sticking to it. It’s been 2 weeks off so far and I’m probably going to throw in 1-2 more. I’m trying to add a race every year and have a tentative schedule already planned out for this year and I’ll share that soon. Until then, RMFR!!!

Yes, it’s been well over a week since the Walt Disney World Marathon but it’s been a busy week (or should I say a laid back week away from computers)!!! I’m proud to report that my lil sis kicked a little tail and completed her first marathon with ease. While I’d love to say I coasted alongside her that would be lie. After tackling two marathons within 36 days, my body gave out around 15 miles and bursitis in my hip decided to pay me a visit. While I was able to hide it for awhile, I had to slow things down near the end and cost us a little quicker finish. Overall we made it home under 5 hours and Kirsten looked great. I’m sure you’ve read many reviews over the past week but here are a couple of my thoughts:

• Cold, cold, cold, cold. Although we were spared the rain that pelted the half marathoners the previous day, it was around 27º around start time. Yes, this was Florida!!! Luckily I brought enough clothes to wear multiple layers and used some spare socks over my gloves. Yes, this was Florida. The early water stops were ice rinks. Thankfully many volunteers were out warning runners or our day could have ended a lot earlier. Yes, this was Florida.
• Before the race, I got to meet Team Flash. After reading their site for so long it seems like I’ve known them forever. Great to hook up with you guys!!!
• We got to the corrals way too late. By the time we reached the starting area (much farther from the gathering area than we thought) we couldn’t get up my sisters corral (F) and just settled into the first one we could get into. This made things way more difficult than they should have been. It took all our effort in the first 10 miles just getting around the slower traffic.
• I was really disappointed that more of the race wasn’t run in the parks. I thought that they could have done a better job that would have afforded runners more time in a unique setting instead of the roads leading to and from the parks.
• I didn’t count but there sure seemed like a lot of on and off ramps.
• I’m not sure of the exact number of runners but it was well over 20,000. There were a lot of times where the roads narrowed and it seemed like the runners were really squeezed at some points.
• This is a review from the back of the pack. My sister and I both agreed that if we were able to get in the right corral and avoid the crowds, we probably would have had a little different view of the race.
• There’s nothing like family. With both our families and my parents cheering us on, it was great having the support (even if they were freezing). From the spectator side, they found it difficult to get around and see the race. There were tons of spectators and with limited viewing points available, it made for really crowded for families with young ones to get around

After reading this, the review of the race sounds pretty negative. While I would probably not run this race again, it wasn’t horrible. They saving grace was running Kirsten’s first marathon with her and our families cheering us on.

RMFR

After reading Robert Sullivan’s article “Stars Run Wild” in the February 2010 issue of Runner’s World got me thinking. Is it really a bad thing that so many celebrities are runner’s or use running as a publicity venue?

One of the things Robert pointed out in his article is that by running, celebrities “threaten to take over the mundane, real-life world that we, the noncelebrities, live in on a day-to-day basis.” No in a way, I can see his point, but only to a point.

As a runner, I guess I would definitely have an issue with a celebrity using running for publicity if in fact, they were not really runners. If they thought that being photographed in a pair of Nike’s and an iPod that it would somehow elevate their status in the public eye. Then, as a runner, I would take issue. But, when it comes down to actual fitness, I have no issue at all. In fact, I’d like to encourage it.

As runner’s, shouldn’t we be promoting the healthy act we participate in? To help discourage obesity in this world – especially in our children? Let’s face it. You and I don’t have the “pull” that an Edward Norton, Katie Holmes or the queen of all media – Oprah has on the masses. So if they can encourage other people to get their asses off a couch and onto the streets, shouldn’t that be a good thing? Heck, I say the more the merrier!!! Add to that, most celebrities run races for charities and I can’t imagine anybody having an issue with that.

Yes, it may lead to more crowded races and running outfits on the runways in France but that would also lead to more things being offered to runners. Imagine going into a sporting goods store with a larger running section than golf or cycling. Wouldn’t we “mundane, real-life runner’s” benefit from this? I think yes!!!

The only downside I can see is that people would jump right in without consulting other runner’s, physicians or expert advice. I believe we’re seeing the results of that now. With runner’s dying in many races this past year, I think people believe if you run, you’re automatically healthy. While running is a healthy lifestyle, running only provides fitness, not health. Be sure to get regular physicals and consult some experts before jumping in head first.

Give us your thoughts. How do you feel about Celebrity Running?

RMFR

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

This quote by Walt Disney is truly fitting for first time marathon runners this weekend at the Walt Disney World Marathon. That’s why we chose it for our race shirts. Not only will my sister and I be wearing these shirts during the race, our entire family will be cheering us on in them on Sunday. If you’re there, give Kirsten a big Runner’s Gang Sign salute!!!

RMFR

I remember my first marathon four years ago. I had trained for an entire year, lost 65 pounds and hit the wall at 18 miles. I finished with my entire family cheering me on and sat around thinking about how hard I worked and how proud I was to accomplish something big!!!

Last year, my wife surprised me with a great gift. The first part involved entry into the 2010 Walt Disney World Marathon. The second part was that my sister, Kirsten, was going to run with me. She wasn’t officially a runner but I’m sure she had spent some time on the treadmill before this. What was supposed to be a half marathon turned into a full when I selectively listened to my wife and happened to “not hear” the half and just heard marathon. Not one to back out, she dutifully accepted the challenge.

With some advice from me and I’m sure plenty of advice from her husband Jonathan (who had previously completed a marathon), she set a course to get ready for January 10, 2010.

Her first goal was to run a marathon relay at the Fargo Marathon back in May. Her and the Cobber Chicks kicked some arse and she caught the running bug. Not satisfied with only running 6 1/2 miles, her next step in this journey was the Dick Beardsley 1/2 Marathon in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She finished in glorious fashion in just under 2:07 and I couldn’t have been more proud!!!

This has set us up to where we are now…four days away from her first marathon!!! I’ve always tried to encourage people to run. I know what kind of difference it’s made in my life and more specifically my health, and if there’s a way I can get one more person to walk out the door and start running, I’ve done my part. Hopefully she’ll be a runner for life – if I have any say about it!!!

The fact that I actually get to run with her is an honor and I know that when we cross that finish line, there will be tears shed. Kirst, I’m so proud of you and I can’t wait to celebrate your first marathon it just 4 days!!!

RMFR

Well, we’re officially 6 days away from the Walt Disney World Marathon. With the Holidays and my recent running rut, it’s really snuck up on me. While training has been going well, it’s just kind of been there. It’s funny looking back. During the weeks leading up to the Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon, all I could do was think and write about that race. Now here we are under a week away and this is basically the first post on this race. Well, ignored no more!!! Let’s get to it!!!

This race has been on the schedule now for more than a year. What started out as a gift from my wife, turned into something WAY more. Accompanying me in this race will be my sister Kirsten – her first marathon!!! It was supposed to have been a half marathon but there was no way I was flying across the country just for a half marathon. The die was cast and the challenged was accepted. My sister would be training and running in her first marathon.

After running the Disneyland Half Marathon now the last three years, I can’t wait to run an entire marathon with Disney. From the overall organization (minus the Expos), the excitement and the Disney atmosphere – this is going to a fun race no matter what happens.

They boast that the course has no more than 100 feet elevation change and with Orlando sitting at 98 feet above sea level, it should be fast (I hope). The only things I’m really concerned about is the humidity, crowds of runners squeezing thru tight sections and being strong supporting my sister. The course winds throughout all four parks with sections on roads surrounding the resort. They’ve also put together some race videos that take you along sections of the course as well as a Google Earth 3D tour (although I can’t get the plugin to work).

The best part about this weekend is that it has become a family event. Not only will my family be joining me, but my sisters entire family as well as my parents will be cheering us on!!! Everybody came out to Las Vegas to support me in my first marathon four years ago and it’s only fitting we all regroup and do the same thing for my lil sis!!!

I’ll be heading out Wednesday and won’t be back to Las Vegas the following Thursday (the wife and I are throwing in a long belated honeymoon – almost 12 years later). No worries about the website though, I’ll have posts scheduled for you all while I’m away.

Mickey…here we come!!!

RMFR

I had New Year’s Eve off from work. This allowed me the luxury of running during the day and not having to get up before the sun to get a run in. I’ve been in a rut lately and decided to just lace up the shoes and run. I didn’t have a route or mileage in mind, I just wanted to run for the fun of it and let fate take me where it will.

I headed out intent on enjoying the day, the scenery and anybody I happened to “run” into and about 3 miles into my run I encountered “The White Hare”. Our interaction was quick but friendly. I didn’t hear him coming because I decided to wear headphones that day. When he was right behind me I finally heard his foot falls and ditched my headphones to say hello.

The White Hare passing me had to be in his late 50′s/early 60′s. Trim and setting a torrid pace, I immediately admired this man where time had showed it’s age in his outside appearance but not the same effect internally or physically. We gave each other the respectful running salutations in the fleeting seconds it took him to overtake me and move back close to the curb. I shouted out some encouragement, he gave me a wave without looking back and headed off into the distance. It was at this time I really got to watch him. Since I didn’t have a route in mind, I decided to follow him as long as I could keep up with him.

The first thing that caught my eye was his stride. Obviously he had some kinks in the armor because he favored his right side but he ran on the balls of his feet. I’m not sure I ever saw his heels hit the pavement and I was in awe. I’m not sure why I was so mesmerized. Maybe because it’s what I try to do with my stride or the fact that this silver-haired man just looked so natural but I couldn’t take my eyes off of him.

As luck would have it, he began walking at the traffic circle to let some cars pass and I was able to gain on him. He turned left and I followed. Up the inclined street we went. The White Hare floated above the pavement 100 yards ahead of me and my pace quickened. I didn’t want to lose this guy. I began to admire this man that I had know all of 10 minutes. He was a model of what I wanted to be in 20 years or at least what I think I want to be as a runner.

As we turned right and headed up another street with a gradual incline he turned his head and acknowledged that I was still kicking behind him. He didn’t have to wave or shout words of encouragement. The fact that he noticed me at all was enough. Maybe it was his way of telling me to stick with it. Keep running and keep enjoy the sweat and tears that follow and you too can be like me!!!

He turned right when I needed to go straight. There was no goodbye or good luck. Just a fleeting image of what could be. What I could be.

RMFR

Over the years I’ve been running, the same thing happens every New Year’s Day…the Bunnies appear. We’ve all seen them and we’ve all been them at one time or another just maybe not on New Year’s Day. I was one and I’m happy to report that after 4 years of running I believe I’ve graduated into official Rabbit status (I’ll never be a Hare).

For those of you wondering what kind of concoction I drank last night, you’ll need to refer to my first post ever “The Hare, the Rabbit and the Bunny”. In summary, I break down runner’s into 3 categories:

• The Hare is your serious, really good runner. You see them on the roads and wish you could run like they do.
• The Rabbit is your average everyday runner. They’re the staple of our passion – running diligently rain or shin. They’re not fastest of runners but they’re dedicated.
• The Bunny is your occasional jogger. They see other people running and give it a shot. We all hope they stick with it and become Rabbits but it’s usually a long shot.

So every New Year’s Day, the Bunnies surface with great intentions. They dig an old pair of sneakers out of the back of the closet, throw on some sweat pants and head out to fill their resolutions. Today I was very entertained – not by how these hopeful long term runners ran but the fact history repeats itself every year. Individuals and couples were out in force. Most struggled but there were a few that were determined to make that first mile of the year count.

I really hope a lot of these running virgins make it thru the month, I really do. The more the merrier I say. Running has really entered a new boom and with the internet and all the information readily available to runners it’s easier than ever to get started. I just hope that they can stick with it and really reap the benefit and joy like I have found in my new healthier lifestyle.

Until then, have fun trying to pick off the bunnies. I try and pass as many bunnies as I can on my speed days. On your easy days, see if you can’t encourage a couple Bunnies and make a runner out of them for life.

RMFR