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November 30, 2007
Napa Marathon Here I Come!!
Well, I did it - today I printed out the from, cut a check for $95.00, and mailed off to the Race Director. I just completed the seventh week of my training program, and so far no significant injures - so hopefully I will be able to make it to the starting line sufficiently trained and without any major injuries. Only 13 more weeks to go - man the training for this race has literally flown by.
The longest run so far is 15 miles, I alternating my long runs between the flats of Durham, and the hills of Paradise - to try to make sure the I can handle the stress of the continous rolling hills of the Silverado trail in Napa.
Next weekend is a 18 mile run, then back down to 14 miles in the hills the following week.
Only physical issues so far have been tired legs (I guess that could be expected), and some issues with my right ankle. Iit keeps talking to me after my long runs. It doesn't hurt during the run, but later that evening, and the next day it can be a little painfull to walk.
So far I'm not too concerned about that -certainly something I will need to be very careful with, and NO BASKETBALL until after the marathon. I'm probably going to slow down the volume and pace of my tennis also, to try to keep from creating a problem.
I just get the biggest kick out of the liablity waiver the race organizers require everyone to sign - here is the Napa Valley Marathon Waiver...
I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BY ACCEPTING THIS RELEASE, I AM RELEASING Napa Valley Marathon, Inc., Kaiser Permanente “Thrive”, the USA Track & Field Association (USATF), the Road Runner’s Club of America (RRCA), the State of California, the Napa Valley Unified School District, the cities and county of Napa, through which this race is routed AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, MEMBERS, SPONSORS, PROMOTERS AND AFFILIATES (COLLECTIVELY “RELEASEES”) FROM LIABILITY resulting from any or all injuries resulting from my participation in the Napa Valley Marathon to be held on March 2, 2008.
THIS RELEASE IS A CONTRACT WITH LEGAL CONSEQUENCES. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO READ IT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING. In consideration of the Releasees’ or Napa Valley Marathon’s acceptance of my application for entry in the above event, I hereby freely agree to and make the following contractual representations and agreements. I acknowledge that marathoning is an inherently dangerous sport and fully realize the dangers of participating in a marathon and FULLY ASSUME THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH PARTICIPATION INCLUDING, by way of example, and not limitation, the following: the dangers of collision with pedestrians, vehicles, other runners, and fixed or moving objects; the dangers arising from surface hazards, equipment failure, inadequate safety equipment, THE RELEASEES’ OWN NEGLIGENCE, and weather conditions; and the possibility of serious physical and/or mental trauma or injury associated with marathon competition. For myself, my heirs, executors, administrator, legal representatives, assignees, and successors in interest (collectively “Successors”) I HEREBY WAIVE, RELEASE, DISCHARGE, HOLD HARMLESS, AND PROMISE TO INDEMNIFY AND NOT TO SUE the Releasees and the sponsors of this event, the organizer and any promoting organizations, property owners, the California Highway Patrol and all other law enforcement agencies, all public entities, special districts and properties, and their respective agents, officials, and employees through or by which the events will be held, (the foregoing are also collectively deemed to be Releasees), FROM ANY and all rights and CLAIMS INCLUDING CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE RELEASEES’ OWN NEGLIGENCE, which I have or which may hereafter accrue to me and from any and all damages which may be sustained by me directly or indirectly in connection with, or arising out of, my participation in or association with the event, or travel to or return from the event.
The huge proliferation of MP3 players and other audio devices using headphones by road race participants constitutes a safety hazard. These devices can prevent runners from hearing critical instructions from course monitors, police, and other race officials. The Napa Valley Marathon endorses and agrees with USATF Rule 144.3(b), which states: The visible possession or use by athletes of video or audio cassette recorders or players, TV's, CD or DVD players, radio transmitters or receivers, mobile phones, computers, or any similar devices in the competition area shall not be permitted.
Therefore; I agree that if I use any of the above mentioned devices while participating in the 2008 Napa Valley Marathon, I will be disqualified from the event.
I agree it is my sole responsibility to be familiar with the race course, the Releasees’ rules, and any special regulations for the event. I understand and agree that situations may arise during the race which may be beyond the immediate control of the race officials or organizers, and I must continually run so as to neither endanger myself nor others. I accept responsibility for the condition and adequacy of my equipment. If I am a wheelchair entrant, I will compete wearing a helmet which satisfies the requirements of the Releasees’ Racing Rules or Regulations and that can protect against serious head injury, and assume all responsibility and liability for the selection of such a helmet.
I acknowledge that the numbered bib issued to me for the event on Sunday, March 2 2008, is and remains the sole property of the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and must be relinquished upon request of any Race Official and/or the Race Official’s designee. I acknowledge that the race has a 6.0 hour time limit and I must be off the course by 1:00 PM. I consent to be removed from the course and transported to the finish line if the 1:00 PM deadline is not met. I also agree that I will not be recognized or listed in the official scoring if I have not crossed the finish line by 1:00 PM.
I have no physical or medical condition which to my knowledge, would endanger myself or others if I participate in this event, or would interfere with my ability to participate in this event. I attest that I am physically fit and have sufficiently trained for this event, my physical condition verified by a licensed M.D. during the past six months. I also grant my permission for a doctor and/or nurse to take remedial action in case of an emergency. I attest and verify that I am at least 18 years of age. I agree, for myself and my successors, that the above representations are contractually binding, and are not mere recitals, and that should I or my successors assert my claim in contravention of this agreement, the asserting party shall be liable for the expenses (including legal fees) incurred by the other party or parties in defending, unless the other party or parties are finally adjudged liable on such claim for willful and wanton negligence. This agreement may not be modified orally, and a waiver of any provision shall not be construed as a modification of any other provision herein or as a consent to any other provision herein or as a consent to any subsequent waiver or modification. Every term and provision of this agreement is intended to be severable. If any one or more of them is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that shall not affect the other terms and provisions, which shall remain binding and enforceable.
The registrant acknowledges that MarathonGuide.com/Web Marketing Associates has no responsibility for the operation of the Napa Valley Marathon and associated races and is only acting as an agent to register applicants who wish to participate in the Napa Valley Marathon and associated races. Accordingly, the registrant agrees to hold MarathonGuide.com/Web Marketing Associates and its agents harmless from any liability or injury resulting from the Napa Valley Marathon and associated races. Furthermore, the registrant agrees that it shall have no claim against MarathonGuide.com/Web Marketing Associates for any injury that may occur during the Napa Valley Marathon and associated races. The individual event operators and sponsors have provided information included in this site and MarathonGuide.com/Web Marketing Associates does not verify the accuracy or completeness thereof. All confirmed orders are final once payment is submitted. MarathonGuide.com/Web Marketing Associates does not issue refunds.
Posted by Dennis at 09:00 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 28, 2007
Ironman Arizona
Well, I rethought the whole idea of doing this race in 2008 - and after thinking the whole thing through decided to "stick with the master race plan" that I have been developing over the last couple of years. 2008 will be a "confidence building year", as I complete my second marathon, a century or two, and culminate with the second running of the Vineman 70.3 Half Iron Man. Then, assuming a successful completion of 2008, I will sign up for an Ironman in 2009 - tentatively planning to do the Vineman 140.6.
By the way, the entry fee for the Ironman Arizona race is a cool $500.00. Ouch!!!! Add in air fair, hotel stay for 4 days (they require you to pickup your race packet 2 days before the race), and all the other things that go into doing a race like this - hmmm, pretty quick, we are talking about a pretty expensive "vacation".
The Vineman 140.6 entry fee is a little more reasonable, at "only" $295.00 for those that enter early.
Posted by Dennis at 05:17 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 23, 2007
Last Chance to Register for IronMan Arizona 2008
This just in - North America Sports announces a second IronMan Event to be held on November 23, 2008. This press release is from the Ford Ironman Website - all the details are here
If you want to race Arizona in 2008, there will probably be about a two hour window on Monday to sign up - after that the race applications will be closed to all except the pro's.
I need to so some serious soul searching between now and Monday morning - do I want to stay local, and do the Vineman (Sonoma County) 140.6 in 2008, or ship the bike and myself on an airplane, to do a larger, official "IRONMAN" event.
Second Ford Ironman Race for Arizona in 2008
Author: H. Manning November 23, 2007
TEMPE, AZ - North America Sports is pleased to announce the addition of a second Ford Ironman Arizona Race to their 2008 event schedule. The city of Tempe and the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community will again partner with NA Sports to host a Ford Ironman Arizona event on November 23, 2008.
The fall event will become the permanent date for this event going forward to 2009 and beyond. This change has been in the planning stages for some time, some of the reasons for the change include avoiding the gusty winds and hot weather that have challenged athletes in the first three years of the race and scheduling issues with all parties involved. The event will be held the weekend before Thanksgiving in the future.
“Tempe is excited to partner with North America Sports, and the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community to make Ironman Triathlon History. Two Ironman Arizona races in one year - 2008 will be an amazing year for our events!” said Travis Dray, Dept. Director of Parks and Rec, for the City of Tempe, and Ford Ironman Arizona finisher.
North America Sports will be holding events on both dates in 2008 to get the fall fixture into the race and community calendars. The event will also allow them to offer the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship qualifying slots, which without this second event would be lost to the athletes on the racing schedule for the 2009 qualifying year.
Race Director for both Tempe events, Paul Huddle stated, “The transition of the Ford Ironman Arizona to November is a testament to the commitment of all parties involved to the long term success of the event, in finding it a permanent ‘home’ in the calendar of all involved. Hosting two Ironman events in a year, is a big undertaking, and the enthusiasm of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community and the City of Tempe is huge vote of confidence.”
The April 2008 Ford Ironman Arizona event is sold out and general entry for the November 2008 will open, through the race site, www.ironmanarizona.com on Monday November 26th at 9 am PST/ 12 noon ET. To obtain further information about the event or to volunteer, please go to the race website.
Posted by Dennis at 03:06 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 17, 2007
Marathon No. 2!!
Well, here it goes... I've been trying to psyche myself up for the last month or so... To get myself mentally ready to take on my second marathon. I was sitting on the fence, going back and forth on the decision - when I pulled up the Napa Valley Marathon website. Holy smokes, talk about cool schwagg - this year they are giving out a really nice duffle bag (in addtion to the long sleeve shirt, and all the other stuff).
I'm pretty sure I'll be the first on my block to have one of these (and possibly the only one at Beyond Fitness!!! So, here it goes...
So far this summer I've done two half marathons, and most recently the hot half, which was a torturous dirt and rock hill climb half marathon in upper Bidwell Park. I've extended out some of my long runs, so I have a pretty good running base going into this. I've picked a plan up from coolrunning.com and I will be modifying it just a bit, to add track workouts and hill workouts into my weekly routine. This is a 20 week plan, however I started a little late. Luckily, with the running I have been doing, I actually exceeded the mileage that was listed for the first couple of weeks that I "missed".
Week Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun.
1 Off 3M 4M 4M Off 3M 6M
2 Off 3M 5M 3M Off 3M 7M
3 Off Fartlek(4M) 5M 3M Off 3M 8M
4 Off Fartlek(4M) 3M 4M Off 3M 10M
5 Off 4-5 Hills 3M 4M Off 3M 12M
6 Off 3-4 Long Hills4M 6M Off 5M 5M
7 Off 3 x Mile 3M 5M Off 3M 15M
8 Off 6M 5M 6M Off 5M 7M
9 Off 5-6 Hills 4M 7M Off 3M 18M
10 Off 7M 6M 7M Off 6M 9M
11 Off 4-5 Long Hills5M 8M Off 3M 20M
12 Off 3 x Mile 5M 8M Off 3M 10K Race
13 Off 6 x 880s 6M 8M Off 3M 22M
14 Off 7M 5M 8M Off 5M 10K Race
15 Off 6 x 880s 6M 8M Off 3M 24M
16 Off 4 x Mile 7M 10M Off 4M 10K Race
17 Off 5M 3M 5M Off 3M 26M
18 Off 6M 5M 8M Off 4M 12M
19 Off 5M 4M 6M Off 3M 12M
20 Off Fartlek 4M Off Off 2M RACE DAY!
I just finished week 5 of the training plan, and I capped off my week with a 10.8 mile run, from Jamba Juice in Chico (next to Round Table, on Forest Ave) up along the bike path to humboldt, the east, across Bruce Road, and up Humboldt to the top where it meets Highway 32. What an awesome run!!!! I left about 4:30 PM or so, knowing it would get dark on me (I took my running light). The sun was setting on my way up the hill, and once I turned around and came back, the lights of Chico were just starting to show up. By the time I was halfway down, the moon was out, and the lights were just awesome!! Definitely have to do this run again, as the hill workout is great, and the scenery makes you forget that you are working your butt off.
Speaking of the hill workout - that run is 10.8 miles, plus or minus, and almost 800 vertical feet of climbing. My legs held up pretty well, but I was glad to finally be back - total time was 1 hour, 50 minutes for the loop. A map of the run is here.
Best thing about finishing is that I ended up at Jamba Juice - what better way to cap off a long run than a smoothie and a sourdough pretzel!!!
Posted by Dennis at 07:50 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 05, 2007
2007 Almond Bowl Results
Sunday was another great day for running in Chico. Chico Running Club's 2007 Almond Bowl was a spectacular success.
Starting with the 5K race - 443 runners and walkers of all ages lined up as the starting gun went off at 9:00 AM.
Ages ranged from 5 year old Christopher Seegert, of Durham (41'49") to 80 year old Jack South (1hr, 01'38").
You had to move fast to get to the finish line before the first runners did - the fastest of the pack was David Daum, 23, of Chico - who finished in a lightning quick 17'11" - which works out to a 5'33" mile....
Second place overall went ot Jacob Rydman, 23, of Rockin, with a very fast 17'26".
Third place went to Mike Houar, 51, of Forest Ranch, with a time of 17'54". Way to go MIke, watching you run a pace this fast gives me hope that I will not always be stuck at 8 minute miles!!!!
In the Womens 5K Division, the fastest time belonged to Mary Torres of Chico, 23, with 18'06". The second spot went to Allison Ivie, 20, with a time of 18'32". Third place was Alyssa Flores, 20, with a time of 19'28".
In the 10K race, a total of 272 runners stepped up to the starting line. After a brief moment of silence, to commerate the tragic death of US Olympic hopeful Ryan Shay, the gun went off. The level of competition in this race was incredible - with race times that you typically would see a much larger, regional races. Top male honors went to Charlie Serrano, 23, with a BLISTERING FAST TIME OF 29'38". No, that is not a typo - this pace works out to a cool 4'46" per mile, across the 6.2 mile course..... Here is a cool little video of Charlie discussing his strong finish at the 2007 San Jose 1/2 Marathon.
Second place went to Patrick Boivin, of Chico, 24, with a 30'28" finishing time (Patrick won the 10k race last year). Third place was Antonio Miramontes, of Chico, 23, with a time of 30'47".
In the 10K Female Division, Jennifer James, 22, of Chico took first place with a very respectable 37'26", second went to Julie Shaw of Chico, 20, with a time of 39'10", and third place went to Roxanne Towne of Chico, 33, with a time of 39'39".
Chico Running Club did a fantastic job with this race (as they always seem to do). All the results (and the individual age group breakdowns) are here on their website.
Posted by Dennis at 07:14 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack