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RUNNER'S NICHE
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Vol. 6 No.2 March-April 2001
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NOTES FROM THE EDITOR
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Yes, I am still e-publishing Runner's Niche. I have received a
few e-mails from people wondering if the magazine is still going
out. This is understandable since the once monthly editions have
been sent out only every other month or so lately. Real life
gets in the way of my hobbies from time to time, and so the
Niche has been put on the back burner. But, at last, here is a
new issue. I hope you enjoy it, and that you are getting some
good training now that Spring has arrived.
- WG
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MARATHON & BEYOND MAGAZINE - Marathon & Beyond, the only magazine
that focuses on the specific needs of marathoners and
ultrarunners. M&B offers in-depth articles on training, race
strategies, injuries, nutrition, race profiles, running history,
and more. Visit their web site at:
http://www.marathonandbeyond.com
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RUNNER'S NICHE / MARATHON & BEYOND TRIVIA CONTEST
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Oleg Shpyrko of Somerville, Massachusetts was our winner last
month. He will get a free issue of Marathon & Beyond and fame!
Trivia contest entrants are limited to one prize per calendar
year.
When answering, email your answers with the subject "trivia
contest" and answer the questions in the order they appear below.
Mail to: woodyg3@netone.com. The FIRST person to answer all ten
questions correctly wins. If nobody answers all ten correctly, we
will award the prize to the person who answers the most questions
correctly. Good Luck!
This month's questions (1972 Munich Olympics theme):
1. Frank Shorter won the Munich Marathon, of course, but what
legendary marathon star took the bronze medal?
2. Soviet 1500 meter runner Ludmila Bradina won her two
preliminary heats and the final at Munich. What was unique about
her times in each of these races?
3. The winner of the mens 800 meter race forgot to remove his
trademark golf cap during the national anthem at the awards
ceremony. He was forgiven for his understandable forgetfulness
by his adoring nation. Who was he and what country did be
compete for?
4. The winner of the mens 5,000 and 10,000 was, of course, Lasse
Viren of Finland. Viren collided with another runner in the
middle of the 10,000, and both fell to the ground. Viren caught
up with the leaders and eventually took the gold. The runner he
got tangled up with watched the remainder of the race from the
infield. Who was this Ethiopian superstar?
5. The same runner who fell and was out of the 10,000 still
managed to medal in another event. What was that event and what
was his placing?
6. In the 10,000 meter race mentioned in question 4, second place
finisher Emiel Puttemans of Belgium ran a time of 27:39.6. Had
Viren not placed ahead of Puttemans, what significance would this
time have had to the world of track and field?
7. Who won the 3,000 meter steeplechase at Munich?
8. What was the longest distance event for women in the 1972
Olympics?
9. The winner of the womens 800 was also the first woman to break
2:00, who was she?
10. The third place finisher in the mens 800 later attended
college in the United States at Eastern New Mexico. Who was he
and what is his homeland?
Last month's answers:
1. American Mark Coogan won a silver medal in a major
international marathon. At what event did he win his silver
medal? Answer: Pan Am Games.
2. How many world records did Czech superstar Emil Zatopek set in
his running career? Answer: 18
3. Who holds the women's American record for 5 K on the roads?
Answer: Deena Drossin.
4. Who holds the women's world record for 10 miles on the roads?
Answer: Colleen DeReuck.
5. For what nation did former world marathon record holder Steve
Jones compete? Answer: Wales.
6. At what distance did Kiwi Dick Quax hold a track world record?
Answer: 5000 Meters.
7. How many times did Frank Shorter win the prestigious Fukuoka
Marathon? Answer: 4.
8. What nation do marathon stars Martha Tenorio, Rolando Vera and
Silvio Guerra come from? Answer: Ecuador.
9. Who was the bronze medalist in the 1992 womens Olympic
Marathon? Answer: Lorraine Moller.
10. A female athlete won both the Boston and New York Marathon in
1981. Who was she? Answer: Alison Roe.
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www.ontherun.com/runningdelights
Our entire catalog is now online with secure ordering.
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FROM USATF
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*A new feature in Runner's Niche, "From USATF" will feature news
from the governing body of track, cross country and road running
for the USA.
April 17, 2001
ROD DEHAVEN NAMED USATF ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
INDIANAPOLIS - Rod DeHaven has been named USA Track and Field's
Athlete of the Week after finishing sixth at the 105th Boston
Marathon in a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes and 41 seconds, a
personal best by 21 seconds.
The 2000 Olympic Trials winner, DeHaven had the first top-10
finish by an American at the Boston Marathon since 1994, the best
finish by an American since 1987. It is also the second-best time
by an American at Boston since 1983, behind Bob Kempainen's
2:08:47 in 1994.
DUNHAM SETS U.S. 50K RECORD IN CHICAGO
Dave Dunham set a new U.S. men's road record in winning the
Chicago Lakefront 50K on Saturday, April 7 despite temperatures
of nearly 80 degrees and winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour.
A resident of Bradford, Mass., Dunham completed the race in
2:57:35, bettering the existing standard of 3:33:00 set by Jeff
Wall in 1982. After running steady six-minute miles for the
majority of the competition, Dunham took advantage of a strong
tailwind in the final five miles in breezing to the finish. Dan
Held of Waukesha, Wisc. stayed with Dunham for the first 20
miles, but then retired as Dunham ran alone the rest of the way.
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RUNNING TOUGH - 75 CHALLENGING TRAINING RUNS
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Book Review By Woody Green
Ever wonder what kind of workouts legends like Emil Zatopek,
Roger Bannister, Mark Plaatjes, Peter Snell, Lorraine Moller, Kip
Keino, or Frank Shorter considered their most important? What do
current stand out runners like Alan and Shayne Culpepper, Adam
Goucher, Khalid Khannouchi, Suzy favor-Hamilton an Denna Drossin,
do in their training to put them at the top? What do coaches such
as Bill Dellinger, Dave Welch, Ric Rojas, Rich Castro, and Damien
Koch have to say about the best training methods?
Running author Michael Sandrock has written a worthy follow-up to
his debut effort "Running With the Legends." His first book was
an intimate look into the lives, training and racing of some of
running's most elite. His new book, "Running Tough - 75
Challenging Training Runs," is a collection of workouts that are
the favorites of several top athletes and coaches.
Chapters detail sample workouts for long runs, off-road training,
fartlek training, intervals, hills, tempo runs and recovery runs.
The workouts are certainly challenging, as the title indicates,
but examples of how recreational runners might scale down the
same type of workout are provided. The final chapter details
Sandrock's training plan, which he ties together with the example
workouts from the best in the sport.
The book is not just a training guide, however. The descriptions
of each workout are entertaining and motivational. It is
impossible to read this book and not want to head out the door to
try running a couple of these workouts. Experienced runners will
be reminded of workouts they may have done years ago and
forgotten, while novice runners will find a great source for new
workout ideas.
Sandrock has scored another hit, and this book is a "must have"
for any runner's library.
Runner's Niche book Rating: 5 out of 5 winged feet.
("Running Tough" is published by Human Kinetics.)
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THE ROADRUNNER
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By Wendy Butler
The mountains provide a sense of astonishment and give the body
a sense of energy. In New Mexico, runners will find themselves
in a place of varying terrain and climate. The altitude can
make the experienced runner feel like they have taken a year
off. In such a vast land of beauty, it is possible for the
runner to track the stars and beat the unrelenting push of the
day.
Many different types of running enthusiasts jog on the trails of
the Southwest. New Mexico includes the plains of the east (watch
out for those tumbleweeds), the mountains of the Northern and
Central region and the western mesas. Put all this together and
it turns into a training paradise.
In Albuquerque and its surrounding areas, runners like to head
toward the mountain trails. This type of running is to be
carefully dealt with. Although it is a joy in such a scenic
place, there are many things that even the experienced runner
should be aware of. To maximize the results of such running and
feel stimulated at the end, precautions must be addressed.
*Breathe Carefully!*
The elevation in the city of Albuquerque is 5000 feet. In the
foothills of the city, the elevation is 7000 feet. At the top
of nearby mountains, the air will become thinner because of the
alarming 10,000 foot altitude. Jog 100 feet and you will feel
the pressure begin to pile up in your chest. It is a good idea
to try and condition yourself first and be aware of the problems
that the lack of oxygen can have on the body. Medical reports
say that high altitude can be anything above 5000 feet. New
Mexico natives can usually handle the difference, but if you
have come from sea level the day earlier, then it is a good idea
to take it easy on the first run whether you are in the city or
on top of the mountain.
Individuals may feel varying effects when they are at elevations
greater than 8000 feet. Oxygen at these levels is about 45%
less dense than at sea level. Headaches and nausea may occur.
One should expect to have 50 to 80% less humidity, especially in
the mountain areas. Problems such as coughing and nosebleeds
may occur. Dehydration also may occur, which in turn leads to
an increased respiratory rate. Preventative measures include
drinking eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day and starting
activities slowly.
What you wear will also contribute to your performance while
training. The right kind of shoes can be found with most major
brands. Because the jogging trails are mostly dirt in the
entire state, trail shoes will be the best bet. If you are on
the pavement in the city, you can't really take to wearing a
trail type shoe. The best approach might be to wear a shoe that
has moderate traction.
*Where to run in the sunny Southwest*
Going outside the Albuquerque area, there are plains and more
plains beyond. Usually great weather will contribute to great
running. Ignoring the frequent winds and endless roads on the
plains will help provide the runner with stamina to keep going.
These endless roads go to small towns all over the State. Many
runners use historical routes. One that most people recognize
is Old Route 66 which goes over hilly terrain and mountain
passes. The openness of the land will put the runner in a world
of ease that can optimize performance.
Close to the city of Albuquerque, you will find numerous trails
to run on. Some favorites include the Embudito Trail that runs
partly through a mountain pass near Albuquerque. Tres Pistoles
Canyon, near I-40 and also over a mountain pass is another trail
to be contended with. Near Santa Fe is the Atalya trail. This
trail is about 3.5 miles and 1700 feet to the summit where the
runner can get a great view of the city.
*Time to be the roadrunner*
Let the races begin. In New Mexico, there are several races to
pick from and plenty of people to race with. First, there is
the Open Marathon that takes place in the very scenic and
historical town of Taos. There are also several trail races.
One is Gil's Wheeler Run that takes place in the mountain town
of Red River. This race is 11 miles total and about 1500 feet
of climbing. Another is the La Luz Trail Run in August. It is
9 miles long and goes up to the Sandia mountain crest next to
Albuquerque at about 4500 feet. The Big Tesuque Run goes up the
Aspen Vista Trail and is about 6 miles and 2000 feet each way.
Of course this is a just small sample of the races available.
Among the racers in New Mexico is the state's governor, Gary
Johnson. He has run charity races and numerous marathons. He
has also entered and finished the Iron Man Triathlon race.
Johnson encourages people to live healthier lifestyles and says
that running is a passion for him. In an informal interview
done by Slowtwitch editor, Dan Empfield, Johnson gave the
following summary of his thoughts on running and how he would
like people to respond. "I often say to people that every person
needs to determine what makes his or her life work. In my
particular case, I found that being as fit as I possibly can be
makes my life work. You need to find out what that something is
in your lives--whether it's canoeing, playing chess, knitting,
reading, or whatever it might be. But get more of what makes
your life work and then get rid of those things that get in the
way of what you want to do." Johnson rises at 4:30 a.m. every
morning to run, swim or lift weights, and plans to continue
running competitively.
High country can be of great benefit to the runner. Generally,
the more situations a runner is exposed to, the better the
performance in later training and competition. The land of
enchantment has open arms for those willing to embrace. It is
both challenging and beautiful. The mind and the body will come
together here.
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LATE NOVEMBER
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Fiction By Woody Green
A man can feel quite old at 38 years. From the eyes of this
weary old runner the course seems much like any other. The dried
yellow grass on rolling hills filled with barren trees looks
like a thousand other courses. Fresh white paint lines and
bright orange cones on the grass contrast sharply with the
muted, drab colors of late fall. The wind penetrates the skin
with icy prongs and numbs both the nose and the spirit of the
tired runner. He flexes his legs tentatively, puts his head down
and forces a few quick steps to bring him to an easy jog. The
wind puts up a swirl of air, wrestling with the runner, twisting
around his cold torso and resisting forward movement. He
progresses relying on instinct alone. The tired legs oppose the
commands his brain is sending, but there is no stopping the
runner now. He is tired, worn, and uncertain. He is lacking
confidence on this difficult day in late November. His soul
however, is filled with running and he will race on this day.
The warm-up jog he has done so many times before is an automatic
ritual and the concept of not competing today is never even
considered. He is a runner, a cross country runner, and today he
will test himself against the best in the country.
After his warm-up and a strip down to his running shorts and
singlet, he stands at the starting line. His skin burns from the
harsh wind and he feels a few bits of icy sleet pelt his face. A
shiver tickles his spine
and he hops up and down a few times to keep himself warm. The
other runners, mostly younger, look quite anxious. Some smile
and laugh, others look as if they are ill, but all are nervous
and flighty. The runner feels the exhilaration of adrenaline,
and marvels at how he can still be so nervous after all these
years.
His legs ache and he knows the important race in still three
months away, but his heart thunders to life and his stomach
springs about his abdomen as the starter calls the runners to
the line. He wishes he could go to the bathroom one more time.
With the gun there is a sudden rush forward, almost frantic, and
elbows hit chests as everyone pushes off the starting line. The
runner can relax now, and do what he came to do. The worst part
is over, and all that remains is the race itself. He will not
win today, his legs are too worn from one hundred twenty miles a
week. He seeks to push his body only to the level it can sustain
on this day, to remind his body why all the miles are worth it,
and to satisfy his soul.
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WEB SITES OF INTEREST
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*USATF Mid-America Regional Masters Championships
To be held in Boulder, Colorado on October 6. Information can be
accessed from the Runner's Niche web site at:
http://home.rmi.net/~woodyg3/runiche.html
*Marathon By The Sea
Information on this race in Saint John, NB, Canada can be found
at:
http://www.marathonbythesea.com
*Pure Runner Ecommerce Site
http://www.purerunner.com
*LAKE TAHOE MARATHON TO OFFER NEW THREE-DAY ULTRA RACE
The Lake Tahoe Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, October 14, will
offer a new three-day ultra race this year in addition to its
26.2-mile marathon.
Info:
http://www.laketahoemarathon.com
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THERAPY
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By Erica Preus
It's raining, getting dark, and a little chilly. That is one of
my favorite times to run. Everything is quiet outside except for
the fall of the raindrops on the sidewalk. The people in the
cars driving by look at you like you are crazy, but you know they
are missing out. This is my therapy time as I call it. Running
gives me the chance to think. I can have conversations with
myself and no one knows. You can sort through a bad day or a
good day. It is relaxing and refreshing and it is good for you.
Running keeps me in shape and provides me with great
opportunities. Being on the Cross Country and Track teams at my
high school I have made friendships that last through thick and
thin. Runners do anything for each other because they know the
pain each one goes through. It is not a glorified sport, but we
are all in it for the competition, and the fulfillment we have
when we finish that race. It gives you something to work for and
a time to prove yourself. Running has opened a new world for me.
It is something I will never be able to give up. Whether I am
running with some of my best friends down "the dirt road of life"
as we call it, or running by myself in the rain I am cleansing my
soul and reaching deep into my self. I am accomplishing
something many cannot do and in the meantime have made a lifelong
impact on me and my teammates. If you have not begun running, I
strongly encourage you to give it a try. Like I said, it is my
therapy.
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DON'T TOSS THOSE BIB NUMBERS
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Louie Tieman (email address lourun2@hotmail.com) is looking for
used bib numbers. He has a collection including bibs worn by
Olympic runners such as Jon Brown and Rod DeHaven. Contact him if
you have a number you think he might like to add to his set.
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LETTER FROM OUR READERS
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*Vanouver Memories, Vancouver Plans
Dear Runner's Niche,
I too was at Fort Vancouver last weekend (ed: 2/17/01). I was
EXTREMELY fortunate in that there were only three in my age group
[55-59]. As I knew that I could not touch the other two I just
ran through to enjoy[?] the course. It certainly was tough. The
first time I went around to start lap 2 the wind almost stood me
up.
It was an extremely fine two days of racing. It is my
understanding that the same meet will be held at Fort Vancouver
next year. The only difference will be that the masters race
will only be 6K.
I hope to see you there. In additon to running in the old folks
race, I plan to have one boy who will be a senior next year there
to run the junior 8K.
Jim Peterson
Assistant XC Coach
Hanford HS
Richland, WA
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