Ryan Hall's Blog, page 119

November 5, 2017

5 NYC Parks for Walking off Marathon Soreness

Bravo! You’ve completed the TCS New York City Marathon. And if you’re lucky enough to have a few carefree days left in the Big Apple, there’s no better time—with fall colors and moderate temps—to visit some of the city’s favorite parks. Plus, your recovering legs will thank you for a leisurely stroll to get the blood flowing.

Here are five free park events this week that will get you walking, hiking–or in one case, skating–off your marathon soreness.

Central Park Tour: Heart of the Park : Monday, November 11, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. This free east-to-west tour passes some of the park’s most famous landmarks, including Conservatory Water, Loeb Boathouse, Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Cherry Hill, the lake and Strawberry Fields. It begins in front of the Samuel F. B. Morse statue (inside the Park at 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue) and ends at 72nd Street and Central Park West. Warning, marathon runners: the tour involves some stairs.

Morning Fitness at Fort Tryon Park : Tuesday, November 7, 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. (Also held Thursday at 7:30 a.m. and Saturday at 8:30 a.m.) Breathe in the autumn air and take in the view during this free, one-hour session of walking, stretching and strengthening exercises. Suitable for all levels. Meet at Cabrini Boulevard and Fort Washington Avenue in Manhattan.

SkateFest : Tuesday, November 7, 1 – 3 p.m. For marathon spectators—or runners who recover quickly—learn to skate with the pros during an afternoon of ice skate lessons at Bryant Park’s Rink at Bank of America Winter Village. The lessons are free, taught by folks from US Figure Skating. All ages and skill levels welcome, but spots are limited. Walk-up registration begins at the rink 45 minutes prior to the 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. sessions. Skate rentals are available.

NYRR Open Run: Brooklyn Bridge Park : Tuesday, November 7, 7 – 8 p.m. Of course you’re not ready to race again yet, but if you’re up for a couple-mile light jog or walk, join this weekly, volunteer-led, free running initiative. Participants are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the run and to leave their valuables at home – bag check is not provided. Open to all ages, experience levels, walkers, strollers and dogs. Meet on the south side of Fornino on Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Evening Group Hike at the Greenbelt Nature Center : Wednesday, November, 6 – 9 p.m. Take a walk on the city’s wild side—and explore a less-visited borough–on this free weekly evening hike. The hike covers four or five miles, has some small climbs and is moderately paced. Bring water, snacks and a headlamp (a smartphone flashlight will do in a pinch) now that it’s getting dark earlier. Meet at the Greenbelt Nature Center on Staten Island, 700 Rockland Avenue at Brielle Avenue.

A bit of trivia: Across the five boroughs, New York City has more than 1,700 parks, playgrounds and recreation facilities. The largest is 2,765-acre Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx. Central Park is about one-third that size.

The post 5 NYC Parks for Walking off Marathon Soreness appeared first on Competitor.com.

View more on Ryan Hall's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on November 05, 2017 11:37

November 4, 2017

NYC Tightens Security for Marathon

hoto Credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York

Just days after a pickup truck plowed down a bike path along the Hudson River, killing eight people and injuring nearly a dozen more, NYPD tweeted about working with its law enforcement partners to prepare for the TCS New York City Marathon: “Be assured, this team effort has all of us ready.”

Both competitors and attendees will find unprecedented security at this year’s race, thanks to the efforts of NYPD as well as its federal, state and city agency partners. A number of measures have been put in place—some of them visible to attendees and others behind the scenes—to make sure the entire marathon community is safe this weekend.

Marathon officials suggest people not carry bags if possible, to speed up access to venues with increased security. Those venues include, but are not limited to: the opening ceremonies, all spectator locations in Central Park and spectator locations on Central Park West. If you do bring a bag, make sure it’s only one per person, and no larger than a woman’s purse. All bags carried into race venues will be subject to inspection. Keep in mind, the following are prohibited at all marathon locations:

strollers
carts and coolers
folding chairs
hydration backpacks
selfie sticks
drones or other unmanned aerial devices

A complete list of prohibited items for runners and spectators can be found here. As always, if you see something—an unusual object, an unattended bag or a suspicious-looking individual—say something to the nearest race official or law enforcement officer.

The post NYC Tightens Security for Marathon appeared first on Competitor.com.

View more on Ryan Hall's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on November 04, 2017 13:54

2017 TCS New York City Marathon to be Broadcast on ABC7, ESPN2 and Available Globally in Over 616 Million Households on Sunday, November 5

Scenes from Staten Island side of TCS NYC Marathon. Photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin

ESPN commentators John Anderson and Sage Steele to serve as lead announcers with support from 15 nationally and locally recognized commentators, reporters, and analysts

10.5 hours of race-week coverage planned on ABC7 in New York tristate area

New York, November 3, 2017— The 2017 TCS New York City Marathon will be broadcast on ABC7, ESPN2 and will be available globally in more than 616 million households across over 175 different countries and territories on Sunday, November 5, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET, with extended coverage until 2:00 p.m. ET on ABC7 in the New York City tristate area, it was announced today by New York Road Runners. The 47th running of the race will also be available streaming live via the ABC app in New York and the ESPN App nationally from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET.

The broadcast, which has been produced by IMG since 1994, will consist of 33 cameras covering the 26.2-mile course, including a camera attached to the chair of professional wheelchair athletes and U.S. Paralympian Amanda McGrory and Brian Siemann. The production staff of 300 will include 17 commentators, reporters, and analysts, with ESPN’s Sage Steele serving as the race-day host for the second consecutive year. Steele currently serves as ESPN’s lead host for SportsCenter on the Road and as the weekday anchor for SportsCenter:AM.

ESPN SportsCenter anchor John Anderson will call the play-by-play on race day for the fifth consecutive year, with marathon analysts Tim Hutchings and Carrie Tollefson providing commentary from the booth and Emmy-award winning broadcaster Larry Rawson and three-time New York City Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe serving as lead athlete reporters. The group will be joined by a number of reporters stationed along the course, as well as at the start and finish, including Lewis Johnson and ABC7’s Ryan Field, Laura Behnke, Amy Freeze, Anthony Johnson, Kemberly Richardson, John Del Giorno, Michelle Charlesworth, and Josh Einiger.

Returning for a second year in the broadcast will be an in-depth look at runner biometric data through Performance Metrics powered by TCS. Ten notable runners will wear a small electronic device that will collect real-time data for in-race analysis. ESPN “Sports Science” host John Brenkus will break down the Performance Metrics live in the broadcast, which will include pro athletes Stephanie Bruce, Brian Siemann, two-time New York City Marathon champion Amanda McGrory, New York City Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi who is racing his 26th and final marathon, ultramarathoner Michael Wardian, former NFL star and media personality Tiki Barber, 1974 New York City Marathon champion Kathrine Switzer, running journalist Jen Miller, NYRR President and CEO Michael Capiraso, and NYRR Coach Roberto Mandje. The data will focus on heart rate, breathing rate, and cadence and pace relative to the conditions of the course and environment, such as elevation, grade, and weather.

The broadcast will also include four professional athlete features: Keflezighi’s 26th and final career marathon, Shalane Flanagan’s return to New York, Mary Keitany’s dominance, and the story of Beverly Ramos, the Olympian from Puerto Rico who has had to endure the devastating effects of the recent hurricane while finding a way to keep up her marathon training.

A new coaches corner segment will allow viewers to hear from the coach of a top pro in the race for an insider’s view on race strategy.

In the New York tristate area, ABC7 will air 10.5 hours of race-week coverage, including race day. In addition to the Sunday race broadcast, coverage of the following will be available on ABC7 as well as on the ESPN App nationally outside of the New York tristate area:

· Friday, November 3: TCS New York City Marathon Opening Ceremony, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Eyewitness News sports anchor Ryan Field and meteorologist Amy Freeze will kick off the celebration for one of New York City’s greatest sporting events, reporting from the Parade of Nations and the evening fireworks in Central Park.

· Saturday, November 4: Countdown to the Starting Line, 7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Live from the TCSNYCM Eve Experience at the TCSNYCM Pavilion in Central Park, Eyewitness News sports anchors Liz Cho and David Novarro and meteorologist Amy Freeze reveal the big names to watch on race day and look at what it takes to put on the biggest marathon in the world.

· Sunday, November 5: Eyewitness News Marathon Sunday, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Sports anchors Ryan Field and Laura Behnke will host coverage from Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. Meteorologists Lee Goldberg and Amy Freeze will report from the start, while Kemberly Richardson, Michelle Charlesworth, Josh Einiger, and Anthony Johnson will report from throughout the city. John Del Giorno will cover the race from above in NewsCopter7.

A two-hour condensed encore presentation of the race broadcast will air on ABC affiliate station nationwide on Sunday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. local time.

Internationally, coverage of the race will be available to over 616 million homes in the following countries and territories: Australia –Fox Sports, Brazil – Globosat, Canada – FloSports, China – Tiankong Sports/Sohu Sports, Cuba – ICRT, Europe – Eurosport, Italy – RAI, Japan – FujiTV, Mexico – Sky Mexico, Netherlands – NOS, New Zealand – Sky, Sub-Saharan Africa – TVMS, South Africa – SuperSport, South America – ESPN International, Southeast Asia – FOX Sports & FloSports, Spain – TVE, Switzerland – SRF, Thailand – Cineplex, United Kingdom – FreeSports.

About the TCS New York City Marathon

The TCS New York City Marathon is the premier event of New York Road Runners (NYRR) and the largest marathon in the world. Over 1,000,000 people have finished the race since its first running in 1970 with just 127 entrants and 55 finishers running four laps around Central Park. The race expanded to all five boroughs in 1976 and just celebrated its 40th year as a five-borough affair. Held annually on the first Sunday of November, the race features over 50,000 runners including the world’s top professional athletes and a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners. Participants from approximately 125 countries tour the city, starting on Staten Island at the foot of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and running through the neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx before ending in Manhattan. The NYRR Youth Invitational at the TCS New York City Marathon covered 1.8 miles of the race course in Central Park, beginning near mile 24 and finishing at the famed TCS New York City Marathon finish line. More than one million spectators and thousands of volunteers line the city streets in support of the runners, while millions more watch the television broadcast in 175 countries and territories, including viewers in the New York area on WABC-TV, Channel 7, nationally on ESPN2, and via various international broadcast partners. The race is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, which features the world’s top marathons—Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York—and crowns the top professional male and female marathoners each year. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading global IT services, consulting, and business solutions organization, is the premier partner of NYRR and the title sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon. The 47th running of the TCS New York City Marathon is set for November 5, 2017. To learn more, visit www.tcsnycmarathon.org.

The post 2017 TCS New York City Marathon to be Broadcast on ABC7, ESPN2 and Available Globally in Over 616 Million Households on Sunday, November 5 appeared first on Competitor.com.

View more on Ryan Hall's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on November 04, 2017 09:32

TCS New York City Marathon Race Week Features Enhanced Technology, Commemorative Merchandise, and Immersive Activations Across New York City

Photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin.

Tata Consultancy Services, Premier Partner of New York Road Runners and title sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon, joins NYRR Foundation Partners New Balance and United Airlines, and first-time race partners to celebrate the world’s largest marathon through exciting race-week events and activations

New York, November 1, 2017 – New York Road Runners and its official partners are proud to announce a variety of exciting events and activations surrounding the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon. This year’s activities are highlighted by enhanced technology, commemorative merchandise, and a variety of free and open-to-the-public events for the thousands of runners, spectators, and volunteers that are a part of New York City’s most popular sporting event. The TCS New York City Marathon will take place Sunday, November 5 with an expected 50,000 finishers.

“We are proud to partner with organizations that are committed to finding new and exciting ways to enhance the TCS New York City Marathon experience for the runners, spectators, and fans around the world,” said Sarah Cummins, head of business development and strategic partnerships at New York Road Runners. “From new engagements with robotics and artificial intelligence to a variety of free and public events featuring professional athletes and notable runners and an all-new merchandise line from New Balance, the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon will be the most exciting yet.”

Activation highlights surrounding race week are included below, and a full list of this year’s TCS New York City Marathon partners is available at www.tcsnycmarathon.org/about-the-race/partners.

TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES (TCS)

Tata Consultancy Services, one of the world’s leading IT services and consulting firms, is the Premier Partner of NYRR, the title sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon, and the Official Youth and Community Services Partner of NYRR.

NYRR and TCS have come together on Performance Metrics Powered by TCS, which features notable runners with wearable technology that will collect biometric data, including heart rate, breathing rate, pace, and speed, to track their performance. The data will be showcased in real time for the race broadcast, which airs live on WABC-TV, Channel 7 in New York and ESPN2 nationally on Sunday, November 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Viewers will experience the race from a new perspective through John Brenkus, host of ESPN’s Sport Science, who will provide analysis during live look-ins with the runners, breaking down all the data and explaining to viewers what it all means as the group runs 26.2 miles through the five boroughs of New York City. The group of notable runners who will participate in Performance Metrics Powered by TCS features a mix of personalities including Kathrine Switzer, 2009 New York City Marathon champion and American marathon legend Meb Keflezighi, and media personality and former NFL star Tiki Barber.

To highlight the evolving power of robotics and artificial intelligence, TCS is launching two new engagements this year. The TCS New York City Marathon Chatbot Powered by Tata Consultancy Services will welcome guests, promote the TCS New York City Marathon Mobile App Powered by Tata Consultancy Services and answer common guest FAQs.

In addition, runners and guests will have the opportunity to engage with Pepper, a humanoid robot. Through unique programming, the robot will welcome guests, promote the TCS New York City Marathon Mobile App Powered by Tata Consultancy Services, and encourage and congratulate runners.

Runners and fans can experience the sights and sounds of the TCS New York City Marathon in full virtual reality. Users can cheer on runners with the crowds at First Avenue or stand on the finish line as they cruise by. This guided immersive VR experience is available at the Tata Consultancy Services zone in the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion.

The 2017 TCS New York City Marathon Mobile App Powered by Tata Consultancy Services, available now, features live on-map tracking on race day, an interactive expo map, Race Predictor, and a number of other features. Developed by Tata Consultancy Services, the app is available for download free of charge at the iTunes Store and Google Play.

TCS will again sponsor the TCS goIT Marathon App Contest and Awards Presentation, taking place at the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion on Friday, November 3 at 2:00 p.m. Finalists from city schools will present the fitness app they have created to a panel of judges including Sury Kant, President TCS North America, UK and Europe, TCS; Michael Capiraso, NYRR President and CEO; and Rob DiMartini, New Balance President and CEO.

NEW BALANCE

New in 2017, NYRR is proud to welcome New Balance an NYRR Foundation Partner and the official footwear and apparel sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon.

For the first year as part of its year-round partnership with NYRR, New Balance will serve as the presenting sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon Expo. In 2017, the three-day exhibition, where all race participants will pick up their race number and New Balance shirt, will feature an expanded space inside the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, making it the largest running exhibition in the country. Official TCS New York City Marathon merchandise will be available for purchase in the New Balance space, which will sit alongside more than 150 exhibitors to welcome an expected 125,000+ runners and fans from around the world.

New Balance’s All Roads Lead to NYC campaign will celebrate the emotion of the marathoner’s journey from start to finish. The campaign features real 2016 TCS New York City Marathon finishers with their hands in the air in a victory pose that embodies a human “Y.” To celebrate that emotion, New Balance will offer NYC Victory Pose locations throughout the city, with life sized “N” and “C” photo backdrops inviting visitors to become the “Y.” The NYC Victory Pose kicked off October 29 at the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion and is available in other locations around New York City, including the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub.

The New Balance Run Concierge will offer a variety of services to TCS New York City Marathon runners and their friends and family. The Run Concierge will be available in four locations across New York City, each with a different theme, and will feature a unique experience at each. At the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, visitors can take part in the New Balance Test Drive, which allows them to test a pair of New Balance running footwear for free and unlock a surprise gift bag. The TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion will also host the New Balance Run Concierge, offering any visitor – runner or non-runner – who purchases a marathon-badged top free customization. The Run Concierge will be available at the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion through November 3 and at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub beginning November 2 through November 4.

New Balance commissioned five local artists to create murals in each of the five boroughs in celebration of the TCS New York City Marathon. The art by David Park in Staten Island (827 Castleton Avenue), Doves in Queens (30th Avenue and Wellington Court), Wayne in the Bronx (Bruckner Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue), Ron English in Manhattan (1st Avenue and St. Marks), and AvOne in Brooklyn (307 McKibbin Street) embodies the spirit of each borough and allow visitors to step into the artwork.

On race day, New Balance will host the New Balance Mile 20 Block Party to push runners through the proverbial “wall” with live music by Bronx DJs, a large interactive digital screen, encouraging words from fellow New Yorkers, and a curated a cheer zone.

On Monday, November 6, runners and their friends and family can stop by the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion to celebrate their achievement and purchase New Balance finisher gear.

During race week, for each pair of co-branded athletic shoes purchased at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub or on the New Balance website, New Balance will donate a pair of shoes to NYRR’s youth programs through the 1 for You 1 for Youth* program. More than 267,000 youth are served nationally through NYRR’s free youth running programs and events, including 134,000 across New York City’s five boroughs.

UNITED AIRLINES

United Airlines, an NYRR Foundation Partner and a year-round supporter of NYRR programs and events, has been a partner of NYRR for more than 20 years and is the Official Airline of the TCS New York City Marathon.

In celebration of championship marathoner Meb Keflezighi’s 26th and final competitive marathon, United Airlines welcomed Meb to the TCS New York City Marathon for race week by presenting him with his final race bib as he arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport on Monday, October 30.

Prepare for take-off with United Airlines at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance. Visit the United Airlines Take-Off Dome, a 360-degree immersive performance visualization experience that will prep travelers and runners for TCS New York City Marathon race day or wherever their journey takes them.

Celebrate at the TCS New York City Marathon Opening Ceremony Presented by United Airlines on Friday, November 3; pre-show at 4:45 p.m.; Parade of Nations at 5:30 p.m., followed by the TCS New York City Marathon Fireworks Presented by Poland Spring. The event opens at 4:00 p.m. Grandstand seating is available to ticket-holders, and overflow standing room is available along the parade route.

New at the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon

BEDGEAR

New York Road Runners is thrilled to welcome BEDGEAR, the fast-growth PERFORMANCE® lifestyle brand, as the Official Mattress and Performance Sleep Partner of the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon. Throughout race week in combination with course strategy sessions, NYRR coaches will present sleep tips provided by BEDGEAR highlighting the importance of rest as part of the marathon training experience. In addition, BEDGEAR sleep science and sleep meditation sessions will take place at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub and the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion, and personalized, complete Sleep System technology-based fittings will take place at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance.

Featured Partners

ABBOTT

Abbott is the title partner of the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K and the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a championship-style competition for marathon runners comprised of six annual races including the Tokyo, Boston, Virgin Money London, BMW BERLIN, Bank of America Chicago, and TCS New York City Marathons.

In 2017, the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K will host the USA Track & Field (USATF) 5K Championships featuring 10 Olympians and six members of Team USA from the 2017 IAAF World Championships vying for a record $60,000 prize purse and the title of U.S. champion.

MICHELOB ULTRA

Michelob ULTRA and New York Road Runners renewed their partnership in 2017 in a deal extending to 2019. Michelob ULTRA, the superior light beer that champions living an active and balanced lifestyle, is an NYRR Strategic Partner and the official beer of the TCS New York City Marathon.

In 2017, Michelob ULTRA offered 95 runners the chance to run the TCS New York City Marathon as part of Team ULTRA. The Team ULTRA runners bring unique stories to the marathon field. These include the story of Tracey McGee of New Jersey, who completed a marathon in 2016 with a broken hip and now wants a chance to show what she can do when running a marathon healthy, and Bryan Brinson of Georgia, who will run his first TCS New York City Marathon in honor of his son who recently passed away.

Michelob ULTRA will activate at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance with an interactive mosaic photo wall inviting runners and spectators to participate.

HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY

Hospital for Special Surgery and New York Road Runners renewed their partnership in 2017 in a deal extending to 2021. Hospital for Special Surgery is a strategic partner and official hospital of NYRR providing year-round programming and recovery support across the five boroughs.

During TCS New York City Marathon race week, Hospital for Special Surgery will offer a variety of free events including a daily speaker series at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance, foam rolling and strength training classes at the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion and at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, and post-race recovery on Monday, November 6 at the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion.

POLAND SPRING

Poland Spring® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water is a Strategic Partner of NYRR and title partner of the Poland Spring Marathon Kickoff.

In 2017, Poland Spring returns as the title partner of the Poland Spring Marathon Kickoff. The five-mile race in Central Park ushers in the start to TCS New York City Marathon race week. Poland Spring offered giveaways, free samples, lawn games, and exciting photo activations to get runners in the race-week spirit.

WABC-TV, CHANNEL 7, AND ESPN2

The 2017 TCS New York City Marathon broadcast is produced in partnership with IMG Productions and will be televised live on Sunday, November 5, on WABC-TV, Channel 7 in the New York tri-state area from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET. For the rest of the nation, the broadcast can be viewed on ESPN2 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET. and via WatchESPN on computers, tablets, smartphones, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360, and Xbox One for those who have video subscriptions from affiliated providers. Additionally, the race will be available live in Spanish via ESPN Deportes+ and internationally via a variety of global broadcast partners.

Pre-race coverage will be carried live in the New York tri-state area on WABC-TV, Channel 7 from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. ET on Sunday, November 5. Additional race-weekend programming on WABC-TV, Channel 7 includes live coverage of the TCS New York City Marathon Opening Ceremony Presented by United Airlines on Friday, November 3, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and the Countdown to the Starting Line on Saturday, November 4, from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m. ET. View all the broadcast details, including online and via mobile devices.

For the latest TCS New York City Marathon news and media information, please visit the NYRR online media center. Also, follow us on Twitter @nyrrnews. To join the social media conversation, search #TCSNYCMarathon.

About the TCS New York City Marathon

*For every pair of athletic shoes sold to a customer at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub NYC in New York City, New Balance shall donate a pair of new athletic shoes to New York Road Runners, a 501(c)(3) public charity, for the benefit of a New York Road Runners supported youth program, up to a maximum value of $500,000 based on New Balance’s then current wholesale pricing. This Promotion shall run from December 12, 2016 to December 31, 2017

The post TCS New York City Marathon Race Week Features Enhanced Technology, Commemorative Merchandise, and Immersive Activations Across New York City appeared first on Competitor.com.

View more on Ryan Hall's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on November 04, 2017 09:21

TCS New York City Marathon Race Week to Feature More Events and Programming Across New York City Than Ever Before

Free events, athlete and celebrity appearances, live entertainment, and other programming to highlight race week at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance, TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion, and NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub

New York, October 25, 2017 – New York City will become the worldwide hub of running during race week at the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon. Official locations across New York City will bring to life the iconic event, including the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion just off of the iconic finish line near West 67th Street in Central Park, and the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub in midtown Manhattan. More than 50,000 runners are expected to cross the finish line of the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon, the world’s largest marathon, on Sunday, November 5.

“We are excited to officially kick off the celebration of the 47th running of the TCS New York City Marathon,” said Michael Capiraso, president and CEO of New York Road Runners. “This year’s race week is expected to be the best yet. From the variety of free and open-to-the-public venues that are celebrating the TCS New York City Marathon and running all week long across the city, to the great programming and activations provided by our partners to enhance the race-week experience for our runners and spectators, we look forward to welcoming the world to the TCS New York City Marathon.”

“The TCS New York City Marathon is an inspiring and memorable day for the thousands of runners, spectators, volunteers, and staff that are part of this five-borough celebration, but the week leading up to race day is just as special,” said Peter Ciaccia, president of events for New York Road Runners and race director of the TCS New York City Marathon. “We’re proud to bring the spirit of the TCS New York City Marathon to even more locations during race week this year, showcasing the diversity of the city while giving the runners that will take to the streets of the 26.2-mile course, the spectators that will cheer them on along the way, and local New Yorkers who join outside their doorsteps the chance to share in all the excitement leading up to New York City’s biggest block party.”

TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance

The TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance will debut a new, expanded space inside the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center this year with the addition of New Balance as the presenting partner, a second hall, and larger aisleways to accommodate the more than 125,000 runners and spectators from around the world. New Balance will offer more than 35,000 square feet of space where visitors can purchase official TCS New York City Marathon branded merchandise and accessories. The expansion will make the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance the largest running exhibition in the country and one of the top 10 health and fitness expos globally. More than 150 exhibitors are expected to be onsite offering a variety of activities, including free course strategy sessions every hour at the NYRR Running Lab. TCS New York City Marathon partners will be among this year’s exhibitors and include United Airlines, New Balance, BEDGEAR, Fitbit, Gatorade Endurance, Hospital for Special Surgery, Michelob ULTRA, Poland Spring Brand, and PowerBar.

All race participants must visit the expo to pick up their race number and New Balance race shirt.

The TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance is located at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Halls 3B and 3E, 11th Avenue at West 35th Street, and will be open to the public Thursday, November 2 and Friday, November 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (last entry for number pickup at 7:00 p.m.) and Saturday, November 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry for number pickup at 5:00 p.m.). For more information, please visit the TCS New York City Marathon website or the TCS New York City Marathon Mobile App Powered by Tata Consultancy Services, available for download in the iTunes Store or Google Play (complete details available on the TCS New York City Marathon website).

TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion

The TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion will return for the third year beginning Sunday, October 29, following the Poland Spring Marathon Kickoff. Free and open to the public, the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion serves as the official welcome center during race week and is located adjacent to the iconic finish line in Central Park. The space will feature a variety of programming and events throughout the week, merchandise sales by New Balance—the official footwear and apparel partner of NYRR—and a bar and café operated by Tavern on the Green.

Designed with the bright colors and beautiful imagery of the iconic race, the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion will offer visitors details on the race course, the name of each registered TCS New York City Marathon participant displayed on a 9-foot by 52-foot wall, and demos of the TCS New York City Marathon Mobile App Powered by Tata Consultancy Services. Exciting activations from official race partners including New Balance, The Rudin Family, BEDGEAR, Fitbit, Hospital for Special Surgery, Michelob ULTRA, and Tiffany & Co. will take place throughout the week.

Programming highlights include race-course strategy sessions; panels with professional athletes such as 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon team member Jared Ward and Fitbit Ambassadors Ryan and Sara Hall and ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes; and appearances by notable runners including former NFL player Tiki Barber and award-winning singer Prince Royce. A variety of film screenings will also take place throughout the week including Meb, a series of short films documenting the final year of Meb Keflezighi’s professional running career; Run Mama Run, including breakfast with Sara Brown, courtesy of New Balance; and BOSTON, a documentary about the 120-year history of the Boston Marathon. Musical entertainment will also be provided courtesy of local bands.

The TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion will also host the NYRR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and the Abebe Bikila Award and George Hirsch Journalism Award presentations on Thursday, November 2 at 4:00 p.m., which is open to the public.

Additionally, runners and their friends and families can stop by on Monday, November 6 for Marathon Monday at the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion, featuring official New Balance merchandise and finisher gear for sale, medal engraving by Fond Memories, official photo products from MarathonFoto, sales of the New York Times, and the Hospital for Special Surgery Runner Recovery Zone.

A variety of ticketed events will take place at the TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion throughout the week, including NYRR Night of Champions on Friday, November 3, which benefits NYRR’s free youth and community programs; the TCS New York City Marathon Eve Dinner on Saturday, November 4; and the VIP Blue Line Lounge Presented by Tata Consultancy Services on Sunday, November 5 (for tickets to the TCS New York City Marathon Eve Dinner or VIP Blue Line Lounge, please visit https://tickets.tcsnycmarathon.org/).

The TCS New York City Marathon Pavilion is located at West 67th Street and Central Park West just inside Central Park and will be open to the public beginning Sunday, October 29, through Friday, November 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. closing on Friday, November 3) and on Marathon Monday, November 6, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free in addition to internet services and free charging stations courtesy of Tata Consultancy Services. For more information and the full schedule of daily programming, please visit the TCS New York City Marathon website or the TCS New York City Marathon Mobile App Powered by Tata Consultancy Services, available for download in the iTunes Store or Google Play (complete details available on the TCS New York City Marathon website).

NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub

New York Road Runners’ new community running center, the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, is a year-round home base for runners of all ages and abilities throughout the five boroughs and beyond.

The NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub showcases the latest in running education, training, and innovation and offers a wide variety of footwear, apparel, and accessories for purchase from New Balance in the New Balance Run Hub on the mezzanine level. New Balance will provide a host of exciting activations during race week, including the New Balance Run Concierge where visitors can try out the latest NB footwear for free and unlock a surprise gift bag.

During race week, the NYRR RUNCENTER will host a variety of free events and programs including RUNTalks with NYRR Rising New York Road Runners Ambassador & Special Advisor, Team New Balance athlete, and Olympian Jenny Simpson, and Team New Balance athlete and Olympian Emma Coburn, meet and greets with New York City running legends Haile Gebrselassie, Paula Radcliffe, Bill Rodgers, German Silva, and Ryan Hall. Famed marathoner and 2017 TCS New York City Marathon participant Kathrine Switzer, Olympian Deena Kastor, and endurance athlete and activist Alison Desir will also participate in a panel discussion on the past, present, and future of women’s running. Hospital for Special Surgery, an official partner of the TCS New York City Marathon, will offer free classes and foam rolling throughout the week. Runners can also sample Gatorade Endurance’s new Endurance Formula which now has no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners and a lighter taste on Monday, October 30. BEDGEAR, the official Mattress and Performance Sleep partner of the TCS New York City Marathon, will also have presentations on Sleep Science by research scientist Lorenzo Turrichia, and sessions of Yoga Nidra led by Ingrid Prueher, a pediatric and adult sleep and nutrition consultant. Running history tours of Central Park will also start in the NYRR RUNCENTER throughout the week and will be offered in languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French.

The NYRR RUNCENTER is also home to the 1 for You 1 for Youth* program. During race week, for each pair of co-branded athletic shoes purchased at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the NB Run Hub or on the New Balance website, New Balance will donate a pair of shoes to NYRR’s youth programs. Over 267,000 youth are served nationally through NYRR’s free youth running programs and events, including 134,000 across New York City’s five boroughs.

The NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub is located at 320 West 57th Street, just southwest of Columbus Circle near Central Park. The NYRR RUNCENTER is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The NB Run Hub is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

To learn more about the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub and to see a complete schedule of programming and events, please visit the New York Road Runners website or the TCS New York City Marathon Mobile App Powered by Tata Consultancy Services, available for download in the iTunes Store or Google Play.

The 2017 TCS New York City Marathon will be televised live on Sunday, November 5, on WABC-TV, Channel 7 in the New York tri-state area from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET, and for the rest of the nation on ESPN2 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET.

About the TCS New York City Marathon

The post TCS New York City Marathon Race Week to Feature More Events and Programming Across New York City Than Ever Before appeared first on Competitor.com.

View more on Ryan Hall's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on November 04, 2017 03:44

November 3, 2017

6 New York City Marathon Tips

If you haven’t been to the New York City Marathon and this is the first time that you’ll be there to spectate, there are a few tips that you should follow as you look to cheer on those brave enough to run.

New York City Marathon Tips
6. Avoid the Crowds

If you’re not a fan of crowds like me, a lot of place to watch the race can be a little over bearing. If you don’t want to be crammed next to a bunch of strangers for hours on Sunday, go to the Bronx. This may be some of the best advice that someone gives you on race weekend. There are many added benefits. For one, it’s much more sparsely populated, so your friends may actually be able to see you as they run by. Two: you won’t have an up close smell of what you’re fellow bystander had for lunch that day. Three: you’ll be toward the end of the race when runners need the most encouragement.

5. Finish Line Madness

For those bold enough to try and watch runners cross the finish line, make sure you arrive by 7 or 8AM, otherwise it’s difficult to see. Once you’re there, you have to be committed. Once you leave, you won’t be able to make it back. Also make sure to be prepared for the rain. The forecast calls for some showers, and the last thing that you want to do is have to abandon your post to escape from the elements.

4. Watch Out for Pickpockets

Out of towners may not be accustomed to this, but those from NYC have seen it all.

3. Be Prepared for the GPS Tracking to Crash

The GPS widget in each racer’s bib can provide an easy way for friends, family, and spectators to find who they need, but it’s also been known to crash when you need it the most. Let the person who you’ve come to watch know where you’re going to be. This will give them some chance to see you if all else fails.

2. Pack the Essentials

If you plan to watch the race, you’ve committed to being on your feet for hours in an area that wasn’t designed to handle the number of people that will be there on Sunday. Bring your phone, portable charger, subway map, plenty of water, snacks, extra cash (enough to cover expenses but not enough that you’ll regret falling culprit to tip #4), rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat, etc…

1. If You Can’t Be There…

Don’t worry. The race will be televised locally on ABC and nationally on ESPN. You can also stream the race on the watch ESPN app. If you can’t make either of those work, I’m sure you can find a sketchy link on Reddit that will lead to a less than high definition broadcast that will get the job done.

Photo Credit: Steve Pisano

The post 6 New York City Marathon Tips appeared first on Competitor.com.

View more on Ryan Hall's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on November 03, 2017 18:35

November 2, 2017

A First Look At The New TRX Home2 System With Strength Exercises For Runners

Product Opener Shot

Photo: Courtesy of TRX

The TRX suspension system—which enables you to train functional movement patterns using your own body weight—is a complete home gym in a 1-pound box. It’s managed to pierce a lot of runners’ inner shields exactly because it builds light, lean muscle; can go anywhere your sneakers do; and brings total-body benefits—without the bulk.

What exercises best complement your running regimen is up for debate: “Do I do body-weight, HIIT, yoga, weights, TRX, or what?! True: There are almost too many choices. But TRX simplifies that—with a free 1-year subscription to their updated fitness app. Here is a first look at the new TRX Home2 System ($199.95, trxtraining.com) available for purchase today, the updated TRX app, plus the 4 Best TRX strength exercises for runners.

What’s New

Lighter than ever, the TRX Home2 weighs only a pound and packs really small, so you can take it anywhere. Out of the box, you can easily anchor this total-body training tool to sturdy tree limbs, roofing joists, pullup bars, ceiling anchors, or over doors. What stands out is the continued simplicity of the device and its attachments despite its wide range of uses.

Adjustable Foot Cradles: This new feature accommodates a greater range of foot sizes. Whether you wear a women’s size 5 or men’s size 14, you can adjust the Velcro foot cradle to fit, so your foot doesn’t slip. Yet, it’s still easy to get your foot out too. That quick change comes in handy when going from exercises like TRX Lunges (with a secure toe cradling) to a TRX Hip Bridge (with a stable heel platform).

Padded Straps System: The strap area just above the handle gets a lot of wear and tear, but with the added padding of the TRX Home2 System, your hands and wrists don’t. This makes for a more pleasant hand-feel as you’re pressing and pulling your body weight with each repetition. The foot cradles are padded as well.

Loop Stop Up Top: Depending on what suspension system you’ve tried, you may have encountered the dreaded not-quite-even straps. So you find yourself fiddling to get the handles even when you should be training. The TRX Home2 System attaches the straps to a shorter loop near the top that doesn’t allow as much play on each side. So even though you can adjust the strap length easily and quickly, the anchoring point has a smaller radius that keeps the straps in just about the same position, allowing you to get to work faster.

TRX App Updates

The TRX app has also been updated to provide new workouts for the TRX Home2 buyers, who get a free 1-year subscription to the app (normally $4 per month for more than 80 workouts in running, cycling, yoga and HIIT).

Throughout the training, you can view integrated video demos of the moves, making it easy to glance at your phone, tablet or computer and then follow along. The coaches give encouraging cues and really helpful form tips so you know why you’re doing what you’re doing. And if you’re wearing a heart rate monitor, the coaches prompt you with “custom” in-ear heart-rate-based pacing tips so you get the most out of your workout, as if you were working with a real trainer.

Only got 10 minutes? Or want to train slow and strong today? Want a running/cycling sprinting interval, or a TRX/strength combo workout that kicks your bum? The TRX app lets you scroll through workouts based on the time you have and the type of workout you want to do. You can also schedule workouts with reminders, record your own moves, and grow as an athlete with in-app progression algorithms to help you track your stats and exceed your fitness goals.

4 Best TRX Strength Exercises For Runners

TRX Photo: Courtesy of TRX

These 4 TRX strength training exercises for runners will help power up your core, train under-exercised muscles, and strengthen your lower body all over so you’re running lighter (and longer) than ever before.

Side Lateral Lunge to Hip Hinge

Adjust the TRX strap to mid-height. Stand facing the anchor point with feet wider than shoulder width, about 4 feet apart, lightly holding a handle of the TRX in each hand, arms slightly bent. Step back so straps are about 45 degrees to floor.
Push your hips back and down and lower hips into a side lunge until your right thigh is about parallel to the floor, keeping your right knee tracking over your right toes as you lower; and keep your chest up throughout. The left leg should stay straight the entire time as the right leg bends.
Keep feet planted but press up to center until both legs are straight and your arms are straightened and lowered in front of you to about hip level.
Hinge forward at the waist, pushing your hips back and keeping your core tight, as you lower your chest until your torso and arms are parallel to the floor. Use your glutes and core to return to center.
Grip handles and return to a right lateral lunge. Do all reps on one side and then repeat on opposite side.

TRX Lunge

Stand facing away from a low anchored TRX strap, about 1 foot away from it, with the top of your right foot secured into the adjustable foot cradle. Place hands lightly behind head.
Lower your right knee back and down toward the floor until your left thigh is parallel to the floor, making sure your knees track over your toes and don’t go past your toes.
Fire through your left glutes to press back up to standing. Repeat.

Forward Lunge with Y Flye

Stand beneath a TRX with the straps adjusted to their shortest point. Face away from the anchor point, with your arms straight in front of you parallel to floor, lightly gripping the handles. Straps will be at about 45 degrees to floor and feet should be hip-distance apart.
Lunge forward with your right foot until your front thigh is parallel to the floor and your back knee nearly touches the floor. As you lower, lift your arms out into a Y position to activate your back.
Press through the heel of your front foot to return to standing.

2-Arm Row

Stand facing the anchor point with the straps adjusted to short- or mid-length. Step away from the anchor point so that the straps are at a diagonal to the floor. And lean back so that your body forms a diagonal line to the floor, with arms straight, as you lean back holding the straps in front of you. Toes up. To make it harder, lower the straps and lean back farther.
Row both of your arms in to your sides, tucking elbows into sides and pulling your torso up, keep toes up still. Keep body strong and activated throughout.
Lower under control to start, with body at a diagonal to the floor.

The post A First Look At The New TRX Home2 System With Strength Exercises For Runners appeared first on Competitor.com.

View more on Ryan Hall's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on November 02, 2017 08:00

November 1, 2017

Running the Race Was the Easy Part

Patrick May was just three weeks removed from major surgery when he stood with his mother at the starting line of the 2015 UPMC Health Plan/UPMC Sports Medicine Pittsburgh Marathon 5K. They were planning to walk, and Patrick’s ability to do even that was cause for celebration. The month prior, the seventh grader had two and a half feet of small intestine removed as part of his ongoing battle against Crohn’s Disease. As race time neared, however, Patrick’s competitive fire started to burn.

“Thirty seconds before the start he said, ‘Mom, I want to run. I can’t walk,’” Mary Amrhein- May said. “I said, ‘Oh, OK, we’ll see how this goes. He just did it. He didn’t even get tired. I was so proud of him.”

In 2016, both Patrick and Mary ran again in the 5K together as part of the DICK’S Sporting Pittsburgh Marathon Run for a Reason charity program as they raised money for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). Along with Patrick’s father and brother, the whole family has been active as volunteers, fundraisers and advocates for CCFA since the year after Patrick was first diagnosed.

The diagnosis, which came just days after Patrick’s seventh birthday, was difficult to hear but also provided some relief, Mary said. Patrick had been sick for some time but his symptoms were somewhat vague and would come and go. When his weight and growth began to suffer, however, Patrick’s pediatrician sent him to a specialist at Children’s Hospital who quickly reached the conclusion that Patrick was suffering from Crohn’s Disease, a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract.

Different drug therapies over the next several years yielded some relief and positive results, and in the meantime the family became involved with CCFA. It started as a way to learn about programs and services that might help Patrick, but they quickly found a supportive community of people with whom to share experiences and concerns.

Running became part of the equation when they got involved with CCFA’s Team Challenge program, which offers support and training for destination races in return for fundraising. As the family began to look for experiences closer to home, they learned that they could raise funds for CCFA as part of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon’s Run for a Reason program. Mary and Patrick signed up to run the 5K together in 2015, and Mary would then run the half-marathon the following day.

Crohn’s Disease had other plans, however, and Patrick suddenly found himself in an emergency health situation because of strictures on his small intestine. Surgery couldn’t wait. He was in the hospital for 10 days and, after eight days without eating was just 58 pounds when he was discharged on April 10, 2015.

He recovered quickly, and mother and son decided to walk, rather than run, the 5K together on race day. That turned out to be easier said than done for Patrick, who runs on his middle school team.

“I saw a whole bunch of other kids getting ready to run and I was sort of feeling like I wasn’t going to let my pride take a hit,” Patrick said. “I decided I wanted to run.”

Fundraising remains an important part of the family’s life. In January 2016, Mary was one of the recipients of the Power to Inspire Awards sponsored by Mizuno and hosted by Fleet Feet Sports. Patrick was the guest speaker for the Women of Distinction Luncheon in 2013 and 2015, served as an honoree for the PA/WV chapter of Team Challenge from 2011 through 2013 and was an honoree for the National Team in 2014. He and his brother Will also received the 2013 Youth in Philanthropy Award sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals for their work with CCFA.

“It’s to find a cure, and not only for me but for a whole bunch of people all over the world battling Crohn’s or colitis,” Patrick said of his fundraising efforts. “We all want a cure because we’re all kind of muddling through, some better than others. But we all still want a cure.”

Mary Amrhein-May and Patrick May’s top tips for fundraising:

The whole family works together, including Mary’s husband, Charles, and older son, Will. Their extended family and friends are also very generous and many donate every year.
Patrick has given a number of speeches to help CCFA raise funds.
The Mays use social media to advertise their fundraising. They both periodically post their fundraising pages on Facebook and always include a brief personal statement, such as a positive comment about the latest research from CCFA, a personal story of hope, a meaningful photograph, a silly or funny comment or a challenge about competing with each other in their fundraising efforts.
Over the years they have also made things to raise money, including Christmas ornaments, t-shirts, cookies, key chains, candy bars and CDs (both Mary and Charles are professional musicians).
Patrick hosted a fundraiser at Chipotle last year in addition to his speeches and personal correspondence. Will organizes an annual fundraiser for CCFA at Bruster’s in Bethel Park on Mother’s Day. Mary and Charles have performed benefit concerts and have a few annual performances dedicated to fundraising efforts. For the past several years they have performed at the Spring House in Eighty-Four on Palm Sunday, and donate their professional fees as well as any money collected at the event to CCFA.
Finally, they feel it is very important to thank everyone who supports their efforts, and take the time to write personal thank-you notes to family and friends.

The post Running the Race Was the Easy Part appeared first on Competitor.com.

View more on Ryan Hall's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on November 01, 2017 14:25

October 12, 2017

How to Combine an Ultramarathon with a RV Trip in the National Parks

While planning a trip to Biscayne and Everglades National Parks in Florida, I peeked on Ultrasignup.com in search of an ultramarathon in the area around the time my husband and I planned to visit the parks. And voila! There was indeed an ultramarathon, albeit far from these national parks, in Pensacola, Fla. I registered for the 2017 Wildcat 100 ultramarathon, my 21st ultra. The deciding factor was the availability of RV hook-ups at the race site. Plus, I had been training and had completed a 24-hour ultra in May. Combining an annual summer vacation in America’s national parks, with an ultramarathon, seven states away from home was a go.

Combining visits to a national park with a 100-mile ultra event in an RV makes for a fun trip. There’s no getting in and out of a car and into and out of a hotel/motel. The RV is your home on wheels with bed(s), a bathroom/shower, and a kitchen. It’s easy to hook up and unhook to water, electric, and sewer at the RV parks and campgrounds. We stayed in two different RV parks: Miami Everglades Resort and KOA Sugarloaf Key.

Based on our experience, follow these tips on what to pack, how to pack, and how to grocery shop for life in the RV and preparing for a 100-mile race.

Hiking/Running Clothes and Gear

1. A hundred miles is a lot of miles. Generally, the time limit is 30 to 32 hours. The Wildcat 100 time limit is 40 hours. Pack several sets of running clothes: shorts, skorts, sport bras, and singlets/tanks. The weather can change. Pack a rain jacket, light jacket, long sleeve shirt, running tights, caps, bandanas, cooling towels, underwear, compression wear, socks, and sport sunglasses.

2. Pack neatly. Pin each set of shorts/skort/running tights, singlet, sports bra, and underwear together with a safety pin. Gentlemen, adjust accordingly. Next, roll each pinned set of clothes into a compact bundle. I packed six sets of running clothes and used three sets.

3. Your toes and feet will demand shoe changes. Pack several pairs of running shoes. I packed my Asics trail shoes, Asics Nimbus Gel shoes, Vibrams, and Birkenstocks in separate plastic bags. The weather can change and your shoes will get wet.

4. Pack your first aid essentials. In a clear Ziploc bag pack Band Aids, Neosporin, Desitin, Vaseline, bug spray, After Bite, athletic tape, pain reliever, Tiger Balm, duct tape, tweezers, small scissors, toe nail clippers, bandage wraps, gauze pads, KT tape, sunscreen, and medication you may require.

5. Pack hiking clothes, swimwear, and water shoes. Depending on the trail terrain in the national park, pack hiking boots. Carry the first aid Ziploc bag in your backpack.

How to Pack It All

packing running gear

Renting RV kitchen/cooking supplies, and towels, pillows, and sheets is expensive. The first roll of toilet paper is free. So be creative.

1. Fill a pillowcase(s) with your neatly rolled running/hiking/swim clothes. First, line up the rolled clothes to fit in a clear white trash bag. Insert the filled bag in a pillowcase to form a pillow. Pack the clothes-filled pillow in your suitcase.

2. Pack towels/bed sheets. Roll each bath and beach towel. Roll the bed sheets. Pack them in a separate white trash bag. We packed two bath towels, two hand towels, a towel for use during the ultra event, a kitchen towel, and four bed sheets.

Cooking Essentials and Stocking the RV Refrigerator

For cooking, we packed these items.

A camp cooking pot
A skillet with a folding handle
A pocket knife
Condiments
An apron

Healthy dishes

Before heading to the RV campground, go grocery shopping. In Florida, we shopped at Publix supermarket. Make a shopping list. Buy only what you need and what will fit in the compact RV refrigerator/freezer. Plan meals ahead of time. Our shopping list consisted of the following:

Protein: chicken, pork, bacon, and eggs.
Vegetables: asparagus, mushrooms, onions, spinach, cauliflower, and malanga (similar to taro root).
Fruit: watermelon, bananas, peaches, mangoes, avocados, and tomatoes.
Liquids: water and seltzer, dark chocolate almond milk, canned coconut milk, and Pepsi.
Condiments: garlic butter and olive oil.
Paper goods: a roll of paper towels (also used as napkins), paper plates and plastic ware for two people, a small bottle of dish soap, a sponge, and cleaning wipes to last the duration of the racecation without being wasteful.
A Styrofoam cooler and ice.
Special treats: Puerto Rican bread and shortbread cookies, and brownies from the bakery (we eat Paleo, but we’re technically on a vacation).
Reuse grocery bags to collect trash. Reuse the white trash bags for dirty laundry.

The post How to Combine an Ultramarathon with a RV Trip in the National Parks appeared first on Competitor.com.

View more on Ryan Hall's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on October 12, 2017 11:24