Los Angeles, CA June 22, 2010 – The 13.1 Marathon® - Los Angeles will return to the city’s most popular training grounds along the Santa Monica Bay for an unforgettable race experience. Amidst ocean views participants will enjoy a Hollywood themed half marathon and Karhu 5K celebrating the best of Los Angeles.

Both first-timer friendly and perfect for marathoners in training, 13.1® – Los Angeles will offer a scenic and festive run along a closed course with fully supported aid stations, live entertainment, and medals for all finishers. Participants and spectators are encouraged to wear costumes and enjoy a race “Where the Party Meets the Pavement”.

“The inaugural 13.1 LA was a tremendous success and we were thrilled with the enthusiasm and support we received from the local community”, stated Greg Laird, Founder and CEO of US Road Sports & Entertainment Group. “We look forward to bringing the only stand alone national half marathon series back to Los Angeles and growing this event into one of Southern California’s premier road races.”

13.1 Marathon® – Los Angeles will take place on Sunday, January 16, 2011 beginning at 7:13am at Santa Monica Beach located at Ocean Park Blvd and Neilson Way. The walker-friendly course will remain open for 3 hours and 30 minutes, a 16 minute/mile pace.

This year’s Racers are invited to join the official benefiting charity, Team World Vision to raise funds for clean water projects in Kenya and Malawi while training with local team groups. There is no fundraising minimum and team members will enjoy a Pre-Race Team Dinner, Pep Rally on race morning, and Post-Race Celebration Cookout. For more information on Team World Vision please visit www.worldvision.org

Registration is currently open. Early registration for 13.1® – Los Angeles is $65 until August 27, 2010.  The regular registration fee of $80 will apply from August 28, 2010 to January 9, 2011. Week of registration will be $100.

Karhu 5K early registration is $18 through August 27, 2010.  From August 28, 2010 to January 9, 2011 registration is $20. Week of registration will be $25.

To register and for more information on 13.1® – Los Angeles visit www.131losangeles.com.

OK, I’m lame. Two weeks for a race review? I’ve already given myself 20 lashings with a wet noodle to compensate for my lack of writing. Without further ado…here it is.

For a smaller city race, Fargo knows how to put a race together. With the Fargodome serving as a staging area for all the race participants, the nearing inclement weather wasn’t a problem pre-race. Thousands of runners were allowed full access to stretch, warm up and dress accordingly with the safe confines of the North Dakota State Bison football field (as a huge fan, this was pretty cool).

I do have to admit that this was the first race I’ve ever participated in where the shorter distances went out first. The 10K starting things off, followed by the half and then full marathons. Each course was a little different but I have to imagine that the faster marathoners had to have run into some slower half marathoner traffic that probably wasn’t welcome.

Anyway, just as the 10K set off, a light rain started. With temperatures in the high 50º’s/low 60º’s, the start was a little cold. Knowing that after the first mile that I’d warm up, it didn’t change into my long sleeve shirt – and I’m glad I didn’t. The rain was awesome once we got started. Besides the pools of water that were stepped in I would have been grateful if we would have had it with us the whole way. High temperatures were initially predicted and this was just what the doctor ordered!!!

With over 6,000 half marathoners, the start wasn’t bad as I thought it was going to be. There were no timing corrals but everything was orderly and my sister and I only need about 2 1/2 minutes to cross the starting line. While neither of us was expecting to really put any real speed into the day, it was obvious after a mile and a half that I was feeling really good. My sister coming off a cold and hampered training, had told me from the onset that if I wanted to go…GO!!! In other words…Run Mother F’er Run!!! So after 1 1/2 miles, I stepped up my pace to around 8:00/mi. to see what would happen.

If you’ve never been to Fargo, it’s really quite quaint. I never really realized it growing up there but the older established neighborhoods with their circa 1940′s architecture and tree canopied streets makes for a great race route. Winding thru north Fargo streets, the half marathon route found it’s way to the 1st avenue bridge that leads across the Red River over to Moorhead, Minnesota. The bridge isn’t that steep so it made for a fairly scenic point in the race. At least the Red wasn’t flooding the route this year…but the rain was. After making a loop thru Moorhead we exited onto the Main Ave. Bridge (that’s a painting of it on the medal). I hadn’t been on that bridge since the 9/11 memorial and it really is eye pleasing. I actually read the pillars as I passed.

As we continued south, we started entering my “neck of the woods.” I grew up on these same streets and many of our family and friends lived/used to live on these same streets. South 8th and 9th Streets were easily the highlight of my race. While I was fairly zoned in, the amount of people that lined these streets was awesome. Even in the trying weather, thousands turned out cheering on the runners, young and old alike. These two streets are completed canopied with trees. It’s like looking down the nave of an immense church that stretches for as long as the eye can see.

My family staked their roots in downtown Fargo (where the route passed twice). My dad, always in character, had his duck call (yes duck call) in full force. If that wasn’t enough to help me target them, having my 6′-9″ cousin as a landmark was the nail in the coffin. Sorry, but your not going to miss “Big Dave.”

By the time I passed them for the final time around mile 10, my pace was starting to take it’s toll. I had my training interrupted by a late injury and didn’t get to pace out a longer run at 8:30/mi. With only 3 miles left and a 2 minute cushion to set a PR, I knew I’d have to gut this one out. I walked the water station and crest of a hill and then pulled on the boot straps for my final push.

The crowds around the Fargodome for the finish were great. You literally ran thru a 1/4 mile of people 5 deep on either side. Of course my family had found their way to the dome and were positioned right at the turn towards the entrance to the finish. Words of encouragement? Heck no!!! There was my dad yelling at me to get my ass moving!!! By now, I was 2 1/2 minutes under my 2 hour PR. While I knew that, they had no idea.

Entering the Fargodome for the finish was exhilarating. All of those runners and family members before me had filled the stands and it seemed to be one consistent roar from the crowds. With another gear now in place, I looked towards the finish to see the official time reading 1:59:42. There’s something to be said for a clock because there was no way I was going to let that clock hit 2 hours before I crossed the finish line.

Now I don’t know if the dome interfered with my Garmin or if some supernatural thing happened that overcast morning in Fargo but I took off. I know I’ve never run that fast in my life but I nearly hit 15 m.p.h. on that home stretch and crossed the finish line at exactly 1:59:59. If you look at the photo closely below, I’m actually cheering (freakin’ dork). I’ve honestly never had that look on my face crossing a finish line…EVER!!!

My chip time was 1:57:25. A PR by over 3 minutes. Go Far…Go Fast…Go Fargo!!!

I may be a little biased and I’d love to hear from other runners what they thought of the race but this was by far my best race experience (with running thru Angel Stadium a close second). While it’s quite a ways to travel for a race, I’m pretty confident that this will become an annual race for my family and I. Next time though it will be the full marathon for sure!!!

RMFR

For those of you thinking about running the Walt Disney World Marathon next year, they just sweetened the deal. Everybody who runs in 2011 will get a free day in the park on Monday (blog post here). Since most people make a race like this a destination race anyway, staying the extra day is an easy decision to make. No way you’d get me on a plane immediately after a race. I’ve driven 3 1/2 hours right after finishing a half and could barely get out of the car.

Disney is also allowing runners to help pick out the medal for next year is well. Click here to vote for which one you like to see hanging around your neck.

It’s been over a week now and I’ve had time to reflect on what happened. Being able to run (and walk) with my parents, sister and grandmother was one of my coolest running experiences to date.

After flying, driving and running to get to Fargo for the 5K I figured the worst was past me and could finally look forward to actually running a race. The weather was great for a Friday evening and the atmosphere was electric. The organizers of the Fargo Marathon rescheduled the 5K so more people could attend the race. Attend they did!!! Looking at the starting corral, I’d say the organizers were a little overwhelmed with over 5,000 runners cramming into the street. Organized, it was not.

We settled in towards the back of the masses. If it weren’t for my father aimlessly wondering off (he’s 64 and it happens a lot), we may have been able to leave some of the walkers behind us. It didn’t take long for everybody to get going but the amount of people you had to navigate around was crazy. I wanted my dad to be able to settle into his pace but half the time was spent trying to open holes and create a way through. The crazy part was that all the way to the finish, it was the same. The crowds never let up!!!

For my sister and I, running with our parents was special. Our dad, once a fellow running maniac, worked with a trainer to overcome his many ailments to run this race. Our mother as well had trained but physically didn’t have as many obstacles to overcome. We finally settled into 12 minute miles and crossed in just over 36 minutes. I had told them from the beginning that we could walk if they needed to if anything came up and was actually amazed that they ran the whole thing!!!

Once we finished and hugs were dispersed, my mother and I went back out on the course to find my 84 year old grandmother. Upon hearing that the family was participating in the 5K, she immediately signed up. In my eyes, she’s always been a physical specimen. Despite her age, she’s always been active in golf and tennis. When she used to winter in Arizona, she had to join leagues with women 10-20 years younger than herself for some “competition.” We found her about a 3/4 mile from the finish walking with her friends. The entire time walking with her, the phrase that kept coming up was “Ya know…I can walk faster.” Crossing the finish line the second time (which screwed up my timing chip) we were met by the rest of our friends and family and my niece and nephew joined up with us on the course.

I know it’s not much of a “Race Review” but this wasn’t about the race run on this day. This race was the effort put in by us all for that one day we could all run together as one. I’m hoping to make this a yearly journey but if we don’t get to run again ever…I know we’ve had our moment in the sun!!!

RMFR

Well, we’re less than 4 weeks out from the Fargo Marathon and our Fargo Fitness Challenge on Facebook has been a great success. While we hit 70 fans and at least 32 confirmed runners, I have a feeling that it’s impact is going to be much larger than that.

Let’s just take a look at my immediate family for an example. The Selvig clan has slowly grown into a running family. My father was a runner before the boom and as a result, is a little broken down. His running has been limited (by physicians, not him) but has sought the help of a trainer and will running the 5K. While it took a little work on my dad, my mom was “gung ho” from the beginning. She’s always been in shape and a dare anybody to stick with her exercise schedule. My sister and brother-in-law will be running the 5K and 1/2 marathon with me and I talked my cousin and his wife to join the family reunion run. Now, to top it off…my 85 year old grandmother wants to walk the 5K. 85!!!

Side note: there will be over 20 people staying at my parents place that weekend!!!

For those of you that lost count, thats 8 fair-skinned Norwegians that will be hitting the streets of Fargo, ND – all in the name of fitness and health. It didn’t take a whole lot of encouragement. It was more infectious than anything. People get excited if your truly excited and motivated to do something.

Sometimes we keep to ourselves because we don’t want to drown a conversation with our running stories. I challenge you to dangle the bait the next time your in a group of nonrunners and see who takes the bait. You never know whose life you could change by introducing them to running.

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With the completion of the Red Rock Half Marathon this weekend, that makes 10 long distance races under my belt. While compared to others this number may not be earth shattering, but if you would have asked me or others that knew me and my eating habits before running, I would consider this quite an accomplishment!!!

Most know my story but when I started running in 2006, I weighed 270 pounds and decided to make a life change. Now in my fifth year of hitting the pavement, I thought I’d look back and reflect on where I’ve been:

2006
Las Vegas Marathon – 5:01:24
My first marathon. With the support of my entire family cheering me on and cramps in every muscle I finish with cheers and hugs. Discouraged with the course, I vow not to run the marathon again until they change the route.

2007
Disneyland Half Marathon – 2:29:02
The first trip to the Magic Kingdom has me hooked. Running thru Disneyland, California Adventure and Anaheim Stadium will become a yearly trip for the entire family. To date, the hottest race I’ve run in. Race was nearly black flagged before the start.

Las Vegas Half Marathon – 2:00:46
Course didn’t change and I was starting to like this half marathon thing. After being discouraged by my previous half, I set my current PR that still stands (but hopefully not for long).

2008
Disneyland Half Marathon - 2:10:53
Back again for my second running. Since the Angels were in town, we didn’t get to run thru Anaheim Stadium but the weather was much more suited to running. Now used to running longer distances more often, I quickly shower and then off to the parks with the family.

Las Vegas Half Marathon – 2:18:09
I was really hoping to go under 2 hours but a severely sprained ankle 3 weeks before the race changes my plans drastically. I end up limping to the finish but “finish” is the key word in this sentence. There’s always next year…or is it?

2009
Red Rock Half Marathon – 2:18:00
Wanted to expand my race frequency, I opt for a race right out my back door. While I know the hills will be a challenge, the scenery more than makes up for the burning thighs and breakneck downhills. Will end up being a staple on my race schedule.

Disneyland Half Marathon - 2:02:13
Missing out out a Ragnar Relay team, we’re back to the family’s favorite race. From their perspective, it’s wake up, eat, wait for dad and then go see Mickey. Tried to go under 2 hours again but ran out of gas after trying to make up for lost time with heavy traffic at the start. Will settle for a course PR.

Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon – 4:40:28
Finally!!! Devine Sports out…Competitor Racing in. This move was highly anticipated and didn’t let anybody down. A new course with nearly half of the marathon run on the strip. Cold weather, extreme hunger, cramps and bonking prevented a better time but a 20 minute PR shouldn’t be looked down upon. I considered this race as a tune up for what was to come.

2010
Walt Disney World Marathon – 4:55:18
My most memorable race to date. After encouraging my sister to start running, we met in chilly Florida to run her first marathon. While I was hoping to “help” her finish strong, I was the one who had to battle bursitis while she was the strong one. Still a great running experience and can’t wait to run with her again.

Red Rock Half Marathon – 2:09:36
Another great race. Running in the opposite direction of the previous year, I overcame a lack of training due to injuries to PR the course by over 8 minutes. If you haven’t run this race, I highly recommend it.

RMFR

This past Saturday was the Red Rock Marathon and Half Marathon in Las Vegas and what a great event!!! This demanding course is well worth it for the scenery alone being run in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (just 20 minutes west of the Las Vegas Strip) but what makes it a great event is the event organizers – Calico Racing.

I ran this event last year and loved the organization and attention to details and this year exceeded my already high expectations. From packet pickups on both sides of the valley to the constant email updates runners were kept well informed. Since there is no parking at the Canyon itself, buses transport runners from the Red Rock Hotel & Casino to the starting line every 15-20 minutes. It’s a great place to meet new people and I’d like to give a shout out to Hobey from Seattle (in Las Vegas with his wife for their 25th wedding anniversary) and Bobby from Las Vegas (going for his Calico Slam) – my bus mates to and from the race.

With two starting lines – marathoners started at the finish while the half started at the other end – both were well equipped with food, water and bathrooms. Race director, Joyce Forier, personally sees to the start of both races and seemed to be everywhere at once. Around 600 participated in the half marathon (another 100+ ran the marathon) and while the start of the race was a little tight packed, the group was easily separated when the climbs started. The really cool thing about this race is when the marathoners (who start before the half) meet up with the half marathoners. Constant encouragement (both ways) could be heard up and down the line of runners and really gave the race a hometown feel.

Running this route often, there’s NO WAY I could handle the hills out and back and I’m very content running the route one way. With around 1,800 ft. in elevation change, this is definitely not a race to go hunting a PR on but the challenge of the long climbs and fast descents is a running reward in it’s own right. Since I’ve been hampered with injuries all year long, this race was going to just be a fun run for me. With all races, it didn’t end up that way and I bested my time from last year by over 8 minutes – no worse for wear.

Want to talk about food? By far, the best post race feed I’ve ever experienced. Waiting just past the finish line was the Salvation Army serving up eggs, pancakes, pasta and peach cobbler along with cookies, bagels, fruit, etc. I’m not usually hungry after races but there was not way I was going to pass up this feast.

Calico Racing puts on a series of events in and around Las Vegas. While I’ve only run the Red Rock races, I’m certainly going to sign up for more in the future. If you haven’t run a Calico race in Las Vegas yet, you’re missing out on great smaller races from a well organized and dedicated group of racing professionals.

RMFR

This weekend is the Red Rock Marathon and 1/2 Marathon. The route follows the road that loops through the Red Rock Canyon Conversation Area. The 1/2 marathoners run it one way while the marathoners go out and back. This is a great race for one simple reason, the views are absolutely breathtaking and with some snow on the upper peaks, it’s even better. For my race review from last year, click here.

I ran this for the first time last year. The start is five miles from my front door (yes, exactly five miles) and I hit this route regularly during my longer training runs. For those of you fortunate enough to have run these hills before, you know what I’m talking about. I’ve met some really great people on this stretch of pavement. The crew from Team 180 Energy. Erin, Melina, Tanya and Mei Lan taking a time out from their girls weekend. Cruising up and down the hills with fellow “Lober” Troy.

Point is, this weekend will add another great memory to these torturing inclines. With my achilles still not 100%, I’m going to just enjoy the whole experience again. When it comes down to it, isn’t that what running is all about? I’ve always said that if I didn’t enjoy running, I wouldn’t do it. This Saturday, you can bet I’ll be enjoying every painful second!!!

RMFR

I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am about the Fargo Fitness Challenge. What started out as an offer to come run the Fargo Marathon May 21/22 has blossomed into a movement to get people active and running.

Yes, Fargo is in North Dakota. No, buffalo still don’t roam free. Yes there is electricity. No, the movie Fargo was not actually filmed in Fargo (go figure). Yes, it’s flat. I mean REALLY flat!!!

It all started in November when my good friend Heidi asked if I’d like to come run in one of the Fargo Marathon events with her. She was a runner back in high school and was quite an elite level at one time until being derailed by back surgery (which has prevented her from running) and taking time to start a family. After 10 years, she was ready to give running (and her back) another shot. With my sister already committed to running, I had to finally stop waffling and sign my name to the dotted line.

So now I was running Fargo (my home town) but spiritually, I really needed more. I’ve really been in a slump lately and I needed to stoke the fires. Heidi and I spoke one Saturday and came up with an idea. What if we tried to inspire others to run/walk with us. Not just runners…but friends, family, neighbors, kids and acquaintances who might need a nudge (or push) to get active and back on the healthy track. There’s nothing better than having others there by your side encouraging, helping and challenging you every step of the way.

So that’s where we are friends. In the first week, we already have over 35 people on our Facebook page and another 11 people confirmed participating in one of the weekend events (5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon or Full Marathon). My running spirits couldn’t be higher and those that I’ve spoken to are equally inspired. With around 100 days remaining until the event, I’d like to officially challenge you to join us in Fargo, May 21 and May 22. Click the link below to go to our Facebook page and join the movement. Can’t make it to Fargo? Pass this along and help be a part of something I think is going to be pretty great.

The Fargo Fitness Challenge Facebook Page

RMFR

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.