Ryan Hall's Blog, page 127

Fenway Park Marathon Raises $320,000 For The Red Sox Foundation

Photo via twitter.com/RedSoxFund

Last week, 50 athletes from 12 different states took to the bases and completed the 116 laps around Fenway Park to complete the inaugural Fenway Park Marathon. The race is believed to be the first marathon ever held entirely within a major league ballpark.

The 26.2-mile course inside the famed ballpark took runners around the perimeter of the outfield warning track in a counter-clockwise direction. Registration filled in less than two weeks and was limited to 50 entrants, which included Dave McGillivray, the director of the race who also directs the Boston Marathon.

RELATED:  Dave McGillivray And Fenway Park To Host 116-Lap Marathon

Each athlete raised a minimum of $5,000 to receive their bib, with proceeds going to the Red Sox Foundation, the official charity of the Boston Red Sox that primarily focuses on youth programming and cancer research.

You’re probably used to seeing Michael Wardian’s name at the top of race results and the Fenway Park Marathon was no exception. Wardian, of Arlington, Va., won the race with a time of 2:53:45 (and even managed to high-five his kids every lap). The first woman to finish was Frances Kilmczak of Collinsville, Conn. with a time of 3:57:46.

RELATED: Michael Wardian Tells How He Shattered The World Marathon Challenge Time Record

McGillivray is no stranger to Fenway Park—he has run into it during endurance runs five times—and has produced events with his company, DMSE Sports, at the park. He has dreamt of making the Fenway Park Marathon a reality since 2004 and hopes to make it an annual event.

“For me, the monotony of running around and around NEVER ONCE happened…never…it was just so exciting to be in the moment. It rained a few times and poured once and as uncomfortable as that was, it just added another element of challenge to it that we will never forget,” said McGillivray in a press release.

He added, “Watching Michael Wardian blow by us every few laps was both inspiring and depressing (ha) but he was so gracious cheering the rest of us along as he ran around us every time—he had to have run 30-miles. Most everyone’s times were relatively slower than expected only because we know we ALL ran further than a marathon—most of us ran 27.5 miles or more given all the laps and passing on the outside. But, no one cared—we were all just so glad to be able to be there and do this.”

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What It’s Like To Run In A War Zone

We are all aware of the various conflicts (wars) around the globe. I was present in post-war Kosovo for several years, as well as Afghanistan for a little over a year and a half. I am a long time intermittent runner—as opposed to a long distance runner. In each of these environments, I found down time to sneak in a few runs. However, there are some challenges unique to each location most people wouldn’t know about unless experienced firsthand. Here is what it is like to run in a war zone.

Kosovo

In 2002, Kosovo was making a comeback from the third war fought in the region in a decade. The roads were rough, the electricity intermittent and quality running routes were scarce. A few weeks after arriving, I decided that my physical fitness needed some work. The option of running in Mitrovica, touted as the most dangerous city in the world, was not embraced enthusiastically. A local showed me the football stadium near the Ibar River with a track surrounding the field. This became my haven for the next few months.

I was armed and had to be constantly armed. Originally I tried a fanny pack to carry a pistol but found it slapped against my body while running and constantly wiggled down my waistline. I later acquired a chest harness to carry my weapon, cellphone and a can of pepper spray. I only ever used a cell phone. Thankfully the rest stayed in the pouch, but I never ran without it. Ever.

To make it worse, I found it necessary to carry a hydration system because the climate in Kosovo is mountainous and dry. Three liters in a backpack was enough to stay hydrated during typical 3-mile run. On the upside, it did help to offset the weights of the chest pack for the previously mentioned weapon.

Pristina

Later, I was assigned to the capitol city of Pristina, where I was forced to run on a treadmill due to a dense population, high vehicle traffic, and the absence of a track. While the treadmill kept me off of the rugged terrain and away from the hostiles, entirely safe it was not. A power outage occurred while I was running at an 8-minute mile. I slammed my groin into the control panel which was very painful at that speed. This happened more than once a week. I am a slow learner.

After I run, I like to shower for obvious hygienic purposes. This too proved challenging. The water shut off at night and did not return until the morning. When repairs were made on the plumbing, the water would be off during the entire day, and sometimes for a week or more. Bathing with baby wipes and bottled water was necessary, but not very pleasing.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan also proved challenging. Running off base was impossible, as there was an active shooting war going on. Treadmills and helipads were my only running options. Running on the grocery belt (treadmill) compromised 95 percent of my Afghanistan endurance activity. There was a big screen TV in front of the bank of treadmills for viewing eastern and middle-eastern programming. Some of it was even in English. I preferred to listen to MP3s. Helipads got me outside but were prone to helicopters landing (as designed). This usually means inhaling a pound or two of dust in a given run.

All in all, running abroad has been challenging, enlightening and rewarding. I am a runner, and I am going to find a way to get in my miles, no matter what. I found with a little planning, and a lot of persistence, I can run just about anywhere. In fact, I have.

RELATED: Military Veteran Shares The Significance Of The Marine Corps Marathon

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Portland Parks Foundation Crowdfunding For Wildwood Trail Footbridge

Wildwood Trail in Portland, Ore., stretches for roughly 30 miles and is part of Forest Park in the northwest part of the city. The trail is a favorite spot of trail runners and hikers alike—it is designated by the Secretary of the Interior as a National Recreation Trail—and 96 percent of the trail is runnable. However, there is one issue: West Burnside Street.

RELATED: Trail Of The Week—Wildwood Trail In Portland, Oregon

That street is what has led the Portland Parks Foundation to already raise $2.3 million for the addition of a footbridge, which will pass over West Burnside Street. Right now, the trail crosses right over the street and with its 40 mph speed limit, it has been labeled a problem by local transportation authorities (as far back as 20 years ago). In fact, it is estimated that over 80,000 runners, hikers, walkers and schoolchildren navigate this crossing each year and as many as 20,000 cars flash past each day.

The working budget for the footbridge is 2.5 million, though that number won’t be finalized until the end of 2018. The Portland Parks Foundation hopes to start construction on the footbridge next year. It will be 18 feet high and 190 feet long and was designed by Pacific Northwest artist Ed Carpenter. It was designed with the aesthetic of the local flora and fauna in mind to provide runners and hikers a continuous connection with nature.

The crowdfunding campaign began September 20 and is now live at oregonskitchentable.org.

RELATED: 5 Places To Run In Portland

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Heat Forces Cancellation Of Rock ‘n’ Roll Montreal Marathon And Pushes Half And 10K One Hour Earlier

A spokesman for Competitor Group Inc., which owns the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series, said the company has made the decision to cancel this weekend’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in Montreal due to unsafe weather conditions.

The half marathon and 10K races will still take place Sunday morning, though the start time for the half marathon will be one hour earlier at 7:30 a.m. The 5K and 1K kids run remain scheduled as planned for Saturday.

Unseasonably warm weather is expected to bring temperatures in the high 80s and 93 percent humidity Sunday morning. Rock ‘n’ Roll organizers, in conjunction with Montreal city officials, deemed it unsafe to hold the 26.2-mile race. Citing the American College of Sports Medicine’s heat and humidity guidelines, both parties agreed a cancelation of the full marathon was in the best interest of participants.

“This is something we’re doing for the safety of runners,” says Alex Bennett, vice president of events for CGI. “We work closely with the city and our medical providers to get a consensus and we believe we’re doing what’s right for the city and the people. We take all of this input very seriously.”

Runners who are signed up for the marathon have the option to run the half marathon, take a refund or have their entry fee applied to a future Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon race.

The two-day event helps celebrate Montreal’s 375th anniversary and the 150th anniversary of Canada. In what can only be described as an act of irony, Canadian rockers “Moist” will headline the concert.

“Our number one priority this race weekend is the safety of all participants,” says Louis Malafarina, the event’s race director. “While we are deeply disappointed to have to cancel the 42.2 km distance, we do so knowing it is in the best interests of participant safety.”

Running in excessively hot temperatures can cause heat cramps, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Here are some tips for tackling hot-weather running.

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What It Looks Like To Run Along America’s Iconic Route 66

Last summer, Salomon sponsored athlete Max King decided to embark on what he called a “running holiday.” With only his running pack and his two feet, he explored sections of the iconic highway Route 66. The 2,448-mile road, which originally ran from Chicago to Los Angeles, was a symbol of American progress. However the advent of the Interstate Highway System left much of the highway in danger or completely abandoned.

RELATED: Jack Of All Trades—5 Questions With Max King

King decided to travel through sections in the Southwest, documenting his experience. He visited communities still thriving along the road with a combination of running and rides from friendly locals. His journey features gorgeous scenery of the American west. It also highlights the spirit of those fighting to keep Route 66 alive.

“Everything that I saw out there is something special,” says King in the short film. “It represents a special piece of American history. And while only a percentage of the road has survived, its spirit lives on.

Learn more about King’s running holiday and Route 66 by watching the latest episode of Salomon TV above.

RELATED: Salomon Launches Clean Sport And Athlete Transparency Initiative 

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The New Brooks Levitate Promises To Give Runners More Energy

Photo: Brooks Running

Brooks Running is launching the all-new Levitate—a shoe engineered to provide the most energy return of leading performance running shoes. The Levitate took seven years of research to perfect. It is the first Brooks shoe to feature the brand’s new DNA AMP midsole.

DNA AMP is a polyurethane (PU) foam that naturally expands, returning energy to the runner with every stride. Brooks encased the foam in a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) skin that resists horizontal expansion. This means the shoe is able to deliver energy directly back to the runner. Brooks describes the feel of the shoe as flexible but firm.

Photo: Brooks Running

The upper is made with Fit Knit material that moves and expands as a runner’s foot is in motion. The bottom of the shoe has an arrow point pattern, which is meant to promote a smooth and quick heel to toe strike.

Photo: Brooks Running

What does all of this technology add up to? A shoe that promises to return energy back to the runner with every step. Brooks claims that the Levitate is one of the most responsive and springy shoes in the industry.

“We’re pushing the limits of energy return with the new Brooks Levitate and are excited to unveil a shoe that has been engineered from the ground up to provide runners with an infinitely energetic experience,” said Carson Caprara, director of global product line management, Brooks Running. “The Brooks Levitate features our revolutionary new DNA AMP midsole technology that releases energy straight back to the runner, making the experience so fun they might feel like running forever.”

The Levitate is available for pre-order now and will release on September 30. The shoe is $150 and comes in two colors each for men and women.

RELATED: The 10 Best Trail Running Shoes Of Fall 2017

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8 Different Types Of Runners You Will Definitely Encounter

I will always talk about my love of the running community over and over again. Never will one meet a bigger and friendlier group of people all striving toward their goals. I’ve been around the block (pun intended) a few times since I started running almost six years ago, and I’ve met many different types of runners.

Even though every single runner is different, they often fall into one of these group below. It’s always good to know how to navigate a situation before jumping in headfirst. So read on to find out the types of crowds you may encounter upon entering the world of running.

The Ultrarunners

These people are crazy. They are also my heroes. Fifty-mile run for fun? That’s just a normal weekend for them. With the endurance of a demigod of Herculean proportions, they’re just simply better then everyone else around them. Organic is the only food superior enough to grace these athletes’ palates, and Whole Foods is their mecca. (Also they all wear really tiny shorts for some reason.)

RELATED: The Everyman—Trail Runners vs. Road Runners

The Mickey Mouse Club

I really don’t want to say too much about this group of people who love to run Disney races because who doesn’t love a good Disney movie? What I don’t understand is their seeming love of shoulder-to-shoulder “walks,” exorbitant race fees and stressful sign-ups. But then again, they come away with some of the coolest photos and wear the prettiest princess costumes, so clearly I’m the one missing out.

The Tough Mudders

This group includes all obstacle type races so I apologize if all you Spartans feel left out. Never have I met a race category so coveted just for the prestige and arrogance brought on by a race shirt. Won’t you please let me into your exclusive group? I promise to train extra hard just so I can be voluntarily electrocuted.

The Devoted (aka the Marathoners)

These people are 26.2 percent crazy and 100 percent awesome. They’re also 100 percent likely to have a 26.2 sticker on the back of their car. These runners can work the topic of marathons into literally any conversation. They’re like vegetarians—you always know who they are because they will always tell you.

The Party Animals (aka the Themed Racers)

I’m talking color, foam, chocolate, eggnog and undie runs (even nudes!) Simply there for a good time, these people are never without a good gimmick on the banner. If there’s a cool prize just for showing up, you’ll be sure to find droves of these runners.

The Weekend Warriors

These runners exclusively wear T-shirts from 5Ks. Do other shirts even exist? The answer to that is no, because other shirts don’t tell everyone that you’re an active mid-lifer who races for the middle school fundraiser, the local fire station and puppy shelters all in one calendar year. You’ll find them decked out in compression socks, arm sleeves, sweatbands, water packs and other gear not needed for the 3.1 miles they’re about to embark on.

The Do-Gooders (aka the Charity Racers)

If it involves fundraising and telling everyone what a great cause they’re running for, these runners are all in. They’re constantly asking other people to pay for their running habit, but you can’t really say no. And why would you! After all, the money goes toward amazing causes that need the support.

RELATED: Find Meaning In Running By Fundraising For Charity

The Back-of-the-Packers

This group will forever hold a dear place in my heart long after my running shoes have been retired. I easily fall into this group, so I’m slightly biased. These guys are out there, rain or shine, pounding the pavement for the sheer satisfaction of finishing. Yes, we have our time goals too. But we don’t race for the glory of the win. We race for the love and zest of life it brings us.

For more articles from Kelsey Sheron, visit The Blonder Side of Life!

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Here’s The Lineup For The First U.S. Virgin Sport Festival Of Fitness

Photo courtesy of Virgin Sport

Finally we have the details of the first U.S.-based Festival of Fitness—Virgin Sport San Francisco—with the lineup recently announced by Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Sport Global CEO Mary Wittenberg.

From October 14-15, 2017, athletes and fitness fanatics will descend up on San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza for events such as the  SF Bay Half Marathon, Twin Peaks Mile, and Go Fit Yourself Lineup featuring local studios, ClassPass and Flywheel Sports instructors.

RELATED: Wittenberg Steps Down From NYRR To Launch Virgin Sport

“We are so excited to work with the City of San Francisco and our event partners to promote health, movement and community,” shared Mary Wittenberg, Global CEO of Virgin Sport in a press release. “Our Festival of Fitness offers a weekend of fun and unique challenges for everyone, from workout warriors to first timers to fans. We hope you will join us in celebrating both sport and San Francisco.”

The festival kicks off on Saturday at 9 a.m. with the Twin Peaks Mile, a new event that takes runners up the iconic San Francisco peak. Participants can then stick around at the finish line in the beer garden and take place in costume contests relevant to themed waves developed just for the race.

RELATED: 5 Places To Run In San Francisco

The fun continues on Sunday starting at 7 a.m. with the Virgin Sport SF Bay Half Marathon. The course begins and ends in the Civic Center Plaza, where runners, friends, family and more can finish the day off at the Go Fit Yourself Lineup at Civic Center. With three stages full of workout challenges, there will be something for every level of athlete.

Registration prices begin at $29 for the Twin Peaks Mile and $109 for the Virgin Sport SF Bay Half Marathon. To register and check out the full schedule for the Go Fit Yourself Main Stage, ClassPass Stage and FlyWheel Stage, visit the official website at Virginsport.com/SF.

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Darcy Piceu Sets New FKT On The John Muir Trail

Photo Courtesy of Darcy Piceu

A HOKA ONE ONE elite trail and ultra-runner, 42-year-old Darcy Piceu, joined the ranks of the recent Fastest Known Time (FKT) successes and set one herself on the John Muir Trail on September 17.

RELATED: Joe McConaughy Shares How He Crushed The Appalachain Trail FKT Record

Piceu tackled the 211-mile trek from the summit of Mount Whitney to Yosemite Valley, while climbing 47,000 feet of elevation. The John Muir Trail starts at 14,496-foot Mount Whitney—the highest mountain in the continental U.S.—before passing through the Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks and coming to an end in Yosemite National Park.

Her time of 3 days, 4 hours and 12 minutes bested the previous FKT by over 11 hours. The previous record was set by Sue Johnston in August 2017 with a time of 3 days, 15 hours, 32 minutes.

RELATED: Austin Runners Set New Women’s Record For Wonderland Trail

“This high-altitude route winds along the Pacific Coast Trail through the Sierra Nevada mountains and features some of America’s most beautiful terrain,” said Piceu in a press release. “With most of the trek spent at 10,000 feet, this challenge played to my strengths as a runner and my training this summer—including an FKT on the Huyauash Circuit in Peru before the Hardrock 100.”

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Tough Mudder Expands With Creation Of World Championship

Photo: Courtesy of Tough Mudder Series

Tough Mudder is continuing its rapid growth with this week’s announcement that they are adding three Tougher Mudder Regional Championships and a Tougher Mudder World Championship to their roster.

Tougher Mudder is the ‘elite’ wave of the race series and anyone can enter but you are chip-timed and are first up in the race waves. For the regional and world championships, the popular mud run and obstacle course series won’t stray from its usual format—10 miles of rugged terrain and over 20 signature Tough Mudder obstacles—but will be adding on a few specific rules to the regional and world championships. According to their website, this includes: “Unique challenges on course, the ability to qualify for the Tougher Mudder World Championship, penalty loops for obstacle failures and a special prizing structure.”

RELATED: 7 Popular Obstacle Races In The U.S. Worth The Mud

In the regional championships, the top men and women each have a chance to win prize money, with first taking $2,500, second getting $1,000 and third with $500. These numbers, of course, increase for the world championships, where first will take away $10,000, second gets $2,500 and third gets $1,000.

This year’s events are taking place as follows:

10/7/17 – Tougher Mudder East Championship at Tough Mudder Tri-State
10/21/17 – Tougher Mudder South Championship at Tough Mudder Carolinas
10/28/17 – Tougher Mudder West Championship at Tough Mudder Las Vegas
11/4/17 – Tougher Mudder World Championship at Tough Mudder SoCal

RELATED: Q&A With Obstacle Racer Amelia Boone

Do you think you’re ready and want to get in on the action and go for that $10,000 and World Championship title yourself? To compete at the world championship, athletes must place in the top 10 at one of the three regionals OR submit this waiver application for consideration. Good luck to everyone racing and for more information and to register, visit the Tough Mudder website.

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