Ryan Hall's Blog, page 149

Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Announces Goo Goo Dolls As Pre-Race Headliner

Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & ½ Marathon today announced that the Goo Goo Dolls will headline the pre-race concert. The band will perform for more than 30,000 runners on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 3:00 p.m., prior to the marathon and half marathon start.

“The Goo Goo Dolls are one of the first bands that comes to mind when thinking about the late 90’s and we are thrilled to have them headline this year,” said Alex Bennett, Vice President of Events for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “The band will resonate with runners of all ages and will be a great way to get pumped up before that 13.1 or 26.2-mile journey down the Las Vegas Strip.”

The Goo Goo Dolls reached superstardom in 1997 when they released “Iris” for motion picture City of Angels. The song topped the Billboard charts at number one for four weeks and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Following the success of “Iris,” the band released triple-platinum album, Dizzy Up the Girl, which included “Iris” as well as, “Slide,” “Black Balloon,” “Broadway” and “Dizzy.” The Goo Goo Dolls have also released hits, “Here Is Gone,” “Sympathy” and “Big Machine” and have sold 12 million albums around the world.

The Goo Goo Dolls concert highlights an electrifying weekend of rocking and running as participants span across all eight lanes of Las Vegas Boulevard, shutting down the Las Vegas Strip in extraordinary fashion. Runners of all levels are invited to light up the Las Vegas Strip at night, experiencing the famed boulevard from a unique point of view.

The race returns the weekend of Nov. 11 – 12 and is one of the only private events to exclusively shut down the Las Vegas Strip at night. Race highlights include all the must-see Vegas sights such as the iconic ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign, the Fountains of Bellagio, and the finish line at the foot of the Mirage volcano.

Race weekend begins on Saturday night with the Brooks Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K presented by SLS Las Vegas, followed by Sunday evening hosting the marathon, half marathon and 10K distances. Runners can choose to participate in the “Remix Challenge” and earn a bonus third medal by running in both the 5K on Saturday and any distance on Sunday.

Sunday begins with the Goo Goo Dolls performance at the Las Vegas Village, across from the Luxor. In addition to the headlining concert, live bands and DJs spanning all genres will play along the race courses entertaining and encouraging runners as they make their way to the finish line.

The marathon and half marathon will take off at 4:30 p.m., on Las Vegas Boulevard next to Mandalay Bay. The 10K starts at 4:00 p.m. at an additional start line on Las Vegas Blvd, four miles north of the marathon and half marathon start. All three distances finish at the same location, next to the Mirage Volcano on the Strip.

For more information or to register for Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas, visit StripatNight.com or follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.

RELATED: A Time-Lapse Glimpse of Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon

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Bear Expert Weighs In On Recent Runner-Bear Encounters

The last month has seen a spike in encounters involving runners and bears with little rhyme or reason. The trio of highly-publicized incidents have ranged from cute to creepy to catastrophic. And interestingly enough, they spanned the corners of the country from Alaska to Colorado to Maine.

“It’s unusual to have three incidents of separate groups of runners in a row,” says Dave Garshelis, PhD, a bear biologist and wildlife research scientist with the Minnesota Department of National Resources, who co-chairs the Bear Specialist Group. Garshelis has studied black bears for almost three decades and also works as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota.

“This does happen pretty much every year that there is a runner who gets attacked,” he says. “It’s hard to explain, especially when you see a burst of it happening and not in one area. It’s not like there was a food shortage. There’s no real underlying reason. I imagine that it’s just by chance that you end up with three in a row.”

In terms of what actually prompted the bears to engage with the humans, Garshelis says more than likely the runners tripped a “chase stimulus” within the bears.

“If you’re a bear it’s probably an odd ball thing to happen,” he explains. “You walk out of the woods and all of a sudden a person goes running by. There is that potential stimulus to chase—like a dog chases a car—for whatever reason. Why does a dog chase a car? It’s unexplainable, but it sets off something in their brain to chase.”

As you’d expect, he closely follows all human-bear encounters. In the case of Moninda Marube, who was chased by two bears in Maine but found refuge behind a thin screen door, Garshelis says there’s evidence to support his theory that this wasn’t a predatory attack, but rather the chase stimulus kicking in.

“Clearly if the bears wanted to get to him and all they had to do was lean into this flimsy screen door,” he says. “At that point the separation of this screen door was enough to say ‘the chase is over.’ Whatever signaled the chase to shutoff at that point indicating that this wasn’t a predatory attack. The initial event was over when there was a structure involved.”

Now, the potentially life-saving question: What do you do if you encounter a bear while on a run? The first steps, he says, are to be prepared before the encounter even happens. This includes some common-sense preparation.

Run with a friend if you can
If you can’t, tell someone what trail you’ll be on
Research the area: Are there black bears? Or the significantly more aggressive grizzly bears?
Bring pepper spray
Plan your schedule: Bears are likely to be more active in early morning or late night. They want to avoid the heat, so more than likely “they will hole up during the day or find a shady spot and will be more active when it’s cooler.”

 

RELATED: The Do’s and Don’ts of Wildlife Encounters on the Trail

Assuming you have taken all of these precautions, but you still encounter a bear, what should you do?

Despite the end result of Marube’s situation, running is rarely your best option. Don’t try to climb a tree, either, Garshelis says. Bears are faster and better climbers than we are.

“He [Marube] was a natural runner and he trusted his legs more than fighting the bear,”Garshelis says of the situation. “In most cases it’s better to stand your ground, yell at the bear. Convince the bear you are a person and try to stop whatever has triggered the bear to chase you. By standing still and yelling—typically—it won’t chase and will run away. You could also try throwing something at it or using pepper spray.”

If that doesn’t work and the bear continues to advance, that means it’s trying to prey on you. This is extremely rare, Garshelis says. But at that point, it’s just a matter of doing what you can to survive.

“Now you’re dealing with a strong animal with sharp claws and big teeth,” he says. “It’s hard for a person to save themselves except for falling to the ground and curling up. Fight or play dead. Typically, if the bear is trying to prey on you, the fight is better than to play dead.”

Search YouTube for bears in suburban areas and you’re likely to find a slew of videos. Even earlier this month, police in La Verne, Calif., (about an hour east of downtown Los Angeles) helped this bear cub get a plastic jug off its head.

“There has definitely been a trend toward less fear in bears,” Garshelis explains. “People have recognized—especially black bears—that they are showing up more in suburban areas. Actual attacks are very rare. So extremely rare that maybe people have become too complacent about seeing black bears. It’s OK to not always be on edge. But when they show up in places we haven’t seen them—or they surprise you [on a run]—that’s when it’s important to know how to handle the situation.”

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Neely Spence Gracey Repeats Win At Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half

Photo: Kevin Morris

Defending champion Neely Spence Gracey returned to the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon reclaiming her title in 1:13:13 and finishing in 6th place overall. She finished more than four minutes ahead of the next woman Julia Kohnen who crossed in 1:17:37. Jamie Vest took third in 1:17 37.

“It’s always exciting to get the win,” said Spence Gracey, who finished in the top 10 at both the Boston and New York City Marathon last year. “I love this race and it didn’t disappoint this year. I’m really happy it was a good start to my fall season. I love the energy here. It’s a great course. I like coming to Chicago and running along the water, finishing at the fountain. It’s just really iconic. Rock ‘n’ Roll does it right. It’s a big party!”

The men’s race was much closer with Tyler Pence of Springfield, Ill., passing up Scott Dahlburg with about four miles to go to take the lead and eventually the win. Pence finished first in 1:09:06 but Dahlburg was not far behind taking second place in 1:10:21. Finishing off the podium was Gedion Yetrif in 1:12:25.

“It was my fourth time doing this race and it’s a great crowd every time,” said Pence. “The first five miles were my favorite. They’re in the city and it was easy to relax in the beginning. This was my sixth half and every single one I’ve gone from the gun and that just hurts. This time I wanted to start calmer.”

Women’s running pioneer, Kathrine Switzer, was on hand to cheer on the half marathon and 10K runners after finishing the 5K on Saturday. Switzer became the first woman to complete the Boston Marathon starting the fight to overcome gender stereotypes. Her foundation, 261 Fearless—named after the original bib number she ran with—supports women in the sport of running and is one of the featured charities of the weekend. Through her partnership with Humana, the 70-year-old is now focused on inspiring seniors to achieve their best health and experience all life has to offer.

 RELATED: Katherine Switzer Preps for NYC Marathon at Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago

“One of the reasons I’m involved with Humana and Rock ‘n’ Roll [Marathon Series] is that if we can show older runners that our sport can be engaging, social, and fun, we can keep them at it,” Switzer said. “I’m trying to be a good example.”

 Switzer met Spence Gracey at the finish line to congratulate the champion.

 “When [Kathrine] comes up and she says, ‘Your story’s so amazing, I’m inspired by you,’ I started to tear up,” said Spence Gracey. “She’s so iconic in the sport, and it’s so impressive that she even knows who I am. I actually got her autograph, I’m such a little fan girl.”

More than 18,000 runners took to the streets of the Windy City for the half marathon and 10K which started in Grant Park. Among them was actor and comedian Danny Pudi, who finished the half marathon in 1:36:17. Kansas City, Mo., resident Greg Heilers became the latest member of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series’ century club, running his 100th Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series event in Chicago.

 The fast and scenic course gave runners a first-class tour of downtown with epic views of the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan, Chicago River and more. In true Rock ‘n’ Roll fashion, live, local bands lined the course to keep them moving. After crossing the finish line, runners and spectators celebrated at the Toyota Rock ‘n’ Roll Concert Series featuring the New Orleans jazz group, Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

 Next summer’s Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon weekend is scheduled for July 21-22, 2018. For race results, photos and special 2018 presale registration, visit RunRocknRoll.com/Chicago.

RELATED: The Best Photos From Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Race Weekend

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Kilian Jornet Wins Hardrock 100 After Dislocating His Shoulder

Photo: Kilian Jornet Instagram

Famed ultrarunner Kilian Jornet won the Hardrock 100 for the 4th time this past weekend. What was notable about this particular victory, his slowest by far, was that he ran almost 87 miles of it with a dislocated shoulder.

Around mile 13, Jornet, a native of Spain, took a tumble as he was running through a steep patch of snow. According to this iRunFar post-race interview, Jornet said he was looking more at the surrounding scenery instead of the terrain beneath his feet. He dislocated his left shoulder during the fall, an injury he has dealt with multiple times. Using his other arm, Jornet was able to pop his shoulder back into place. Medics wrapped his arm in a sling at mile 42 due to the pain. In addition to the difficulty of running with only one functional arm, a hail storm slowed his progress during the race. His finishing time was 24 hours, 32 minutes and 32 seconds.

“Yeah, I didn’t think I could finish because at the beginning it was painful, then it was a bit better, but then when the storm started it became very painful,” said Jornet in his post-race interview. “It’s not easy. Yeah, I wasn’t sure at all.”

Following Jornet in second was American Mike Foote in 24 hours, 54 minutes and 54 seconds. Jornet and Foote exchanged leads until the final 11 miles. Colorado native Joe Grant was third in 25 hours, 37 minutes and 27 seconds.

The winner of the women’s race Caroline Chaverot of France, also faced difficulty on her way to victory. Chaverot almost dropped out when she and her pacesetter became lost two-thirds of the way through the race. She estimates that she spent 90 minutes lost in the dark, causing her to fall off course-record pace. Spotting another runner in the distance, she eventually made her way back on-course, finishing in 28 hours, 31 minutes and 18 seconds.

“It’s difficult to be motivated when you get lost,” said Chaverot in her post-race interview. “Then I said, Okay… my family is following and…so I was lucky enough to get one ticket, so I have to finish. It was really difficult. I tried to motivate myself.”

Darcy Piceu of Colorado was second in 29 hours, 21 minutes and 37 seconds. Nathalie Mauclair of France was third in 30 hours, 33 minutes and 50 seconds.

The Hardrock 100 is one of the most challenging ultramarathon courses. Runners face an elevation change of 66,100 feet over 100.5 miles. The race is run on a looped course that starts and ends in Silverton, Colo. Entry is only guaranteed to the previous year’s male and female winner. The rest of the 1,000 participants are drawn from a lottery. The 2018 race will take place next July.

RELATED: Watch Kilian Jornet Run and Ski the Seven Summits of Romsdalen

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The Best Photos From Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Race Weekend

More than 18,000 runners took to the streets of the Windy City for the 2017 Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon and 10K, which both started in Grant Park. The fast and scenic course gave runners a first-class tour of downtown with epic views of the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan, Chicago River and more. Neely Spence Gracey returned to claim her second title in a row on this course while Tyler Pence won the race for the men. In true Rock ‘n’ Roll fashion, live, local bands lined the course to keep them moving. After crossing the finish line, runners and spectators celebrated at the Toyota Rock ‘n’ Roll Concert Series featuring the New Orleans jazz group, Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

Women’s running pioneer, Kathrine Switzer, was on hand to cheer on runners after finishing the 5K on Saturday. Switzer became the first officially registered woman to complete the Boston Marathon, starting the fight to overcome gender stereotypes. Her foundation, 261 Fearless—named after the original bib number she ran with—supports women in the sport of running and is one of the featured charities of the weekend. Through her partnership with Humana, the 70-year-old is now focused on inspiring seniors to achieve their best health and experience all life has to offer.

RELATED: Photos From The 2017 Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago 5K

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Photos From The 2017 Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago 5K

Runners kicked off the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon weekend with a picture-perfect 5K in Grant Park this morning. Women’s running pioneer, Kathrine Switzer, took part in the 3.1-mile race alongside her foundation 261 Fearless. Switzer was the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon 50 years ago starting a movement to bring women into the sport of running. As for the winners, Austin Winter and Brigitte Girouard took the top spots in Saturday’s race.

RELATED: The Best Photos From Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Race Weekend

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#LiveUTLRA

Mellie and her friends balance their active and social lives together – most recently enjoying a race-cation to Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego!

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How To Integrate Cross-Training Into Your Running

Most athletes have come to appreciate the benefits of cross-training. However many fail to integrate it effectively, because they don’t understand how to pair it with a running training program. The integration of new training elements takes planning and thoughtfulness, and different types of cross-training require different approaches.

Three categories, three strategies:

Aerobic non-impact includes cycling, spinning, swimming, pool running and elliptical.
Aerobic impact could be CrossFit, boot camp, dance or aerobics.
Strength work is free weights, drills, yoga and Pilates.

Aerobic Non-Impact

2–3 TIMES PER WEEK

This is the easiest category to integrate into a running program, since it can be used to replace a recovery day or a harder workout day. Ideally these would be used for recovery days, and your harder running days would not be compromised. However, if you are dealing with an injury, swapping a harder running workout with a harder cross-training workout is a good option.

Some important aspects to consider are duration and effort level. Non-impact exercises actually allow you to work out longer and harder than running. For instance, if you had planned a 45-minute run, you could swap it with a spin on the stationary bike for 70 to 90 minutes or a run on an elliptical for 60 to 70 minutes at a moderate effort. Since there is little to no impact, you can still recover in the same time frame. Swimmers, for instance, work out every day because of this. Runners, however, should limit harder sessions to two or three per week. When looking to add cross-training into your routine, an aerobic non-impact option should be your first choice.

Aerobic Impact

1–2 TIMES PER WEEK IN OFF-SEASON

When it comes to integrating an impact regimen with a running routine, I do not advocate this during a buildup to a specific goal or target event. During the off -season or when you are not training for a specific event is a great time to try out CrossFit or Orangetheory or a fun dance class. However, if you are preparing for a target goal, this type of training becomes tricky to integrate efficiently and can hinder your running-specific development. The impact and higher level of intensity make it harder to simply swap out a run on any given day. As a general rule, cross-training is meant to limit the impact on the body while also providing other ancillary benefits such as muscular strength and minimal recovery time. Remember, harder runs or tough aerobic efforts such as a bike ride, swim or elliptical workout are where you will gain the most in terms of better running performances. Muscular strength is secondary to the aerobic benefits of cross-training.

Strength Work

2–3 DAYS PER WEEK

I do not want to minimize the benefits of strength work and the role it plays with injury prevention, form development, power and stamina. However, strength work is secondary to aerobic work as it relates to improvements in running performance. The good news is that you can see huge improvements in your overall muscular strength with a minimal amount of work. This type of cross-training can be added on top of your existing program. A yoga or Pilates class can be added on an easy run day versus simply replacing that run. Or you can add a 15-minute core workout and drill routine as part of your cool-down after a harder run session. Strength work should never replace aerobic work but should be an additional element. These sessions should be shorter in duration and with a focus on form and body awareness. They should not be overly taxing or exhausting. They are meant to turn on various muscle groups and create overall muscular balance.

RELATED: Cross-Training Classes That Are Great For Runners

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About the Author

Two-time U.S. Olympian Alan Culpepper won national titles from the 5K to the marathon. His first book, Run Like a Champion, is available at VeloPress.

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7 Accessories To Help You Adjust To The Heat This Summer

Photo: Scott Draper

Summer running is awesome—the sun is out later, group runs are in full swing and you can find a race to run nearly every weekend. But don’t suffer in the heat! Run prepared (and up your style game) with the right accessories for the season.

Patagonia Duckbill Cap

$29, patagonia.com

The giant mesh holes allow for maximum breathability while keeping the sun off your melon. This run-specific five-panel hat is minimal, lightweight and feels great on the run. Plus, the bill is completely foldable—and rebounds back to its natural shape—for quick stashing.

RELATED: 8 Hats To Keep You Cool-Headed During Summer Running

Tracksmith Twilight Tank

$48, tracksmith.com

Upgrade your style for that local race or your daily run with this singlet made of a Bravio nylon blend from Italy that feels soft, silky and light—and fits loosely to cool quick. Available in men’s and women’s.

Swiftwick Vision Five Pride Crew Sock

$18, swiftwick.com

Display some patriotism on the Fourth of July—or whenever—with these crews that breathe well, stay relatively cool and have just the right amount of cushion for pushing through those hot miles. Bonus: Swiftwick gives a percentage of sales from its Vision line to charity.

Chapstick Sun Defense

$2, chapstick.com

Keep those lips safe and pain-free with this SPF 25 lip balm. It’s also got aloe and vitamin E, a mild and pleasant citrus flavor and doesn’t make a gooey mess like other lip protection can.

Smith Optics Salute Women’s Sunglasses

$139, smithoptics.com

Beat back the brightness of summer rays with some mirrored aviator frames. These Chromapop-polarized Smiths feature grippy nose and ear pieces that lock onto your face even in the sweatiest moments.

RELATED: 7 Stylish Sunglasses Made With Performance In Mind

Thinksport SPF 50+ Sunscreen 6 oz. Family Size

$24, shop.gothinkbaby.com

This water-resistant sunscreen is free of biologically harmful chemicals. Perhaps more importantly, it smells pleasant and rubs in much easier than many high-SPF sunscreens do.

Camelbak Ultra Handheld Chill

$45, camelbak.com

The first insulated soft fl ask on the market, this handheld keeps your drink cold for twice as long. Elastic webbing lets you carry it nearly however you want, and the double pocket is large enough for a phone and gel.

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Greg Heilers Is Running His 100th Rock ‘n’ Roll Event in Chicago

Photo: Courtesy of Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series

Like many Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series runners, Greg Heilers is drawn to the entertainment-themed races by multiple factors. There’s the medals. (Heilers keeps his bling in a backpack that’s so loaded down, he guesses it weighs near 50 pounds.)

There’s the destination cities.

“I like to get out of town,” says the Kansas City, Mo., resident.

There’s the on-course music.

“I don’t stop to listen to (the bands),” he says, “but it is uplifting at times.”

Heilers, though, is different than most Rock ‘n’ Roll runners in one very big way. He’s a regular, with Sunday’s Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon representing his 100th Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series event.

When asked what the 100th event signifies to him, the understated Heilers says, “It just means that in Dublin (next month) I get to start on the next 100.”

Heilers was raised in America’s Heartland, attending high school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he ran cross country and track, and played basketball. He ran cross country one year at Loras College in Iowa.

By 2005, he weighed 210 pounds, hardly obese at 6-foot-3. But it was heavier than he preferred, so Heilers set off on a goal to run a 5K every month for a year. He met his goal and in 2007 ran his first half marathon. (Today he weighs 185 pounds.)

Heilers ran his first Rock ‘n’ Roll event in 2008 at the inaugural San Antonio race. He’s been a regular ever since.

His favorite U.S. stop on the series, though, is Philadelphia. “It’s the history,” says the 48-year-old civil engineer. “The course is flat and fast.”

Heilers isn’t a dawdler, as his 3:09 marathon PR confirms. Some 33 of his Rock ‘n’ Roll races have come at the 26.2-mile distance.

Like all Rock ‘n’ Rollers, Heilers has memories banked away, stories to tell. He has built a reservoir of friends through his running travels, sharing hotel rooms, meals and tales over post-race beers.

Maybe his most indelible Rock ‘n’ Roll snapshot comes from Las Vegas, the first time the race was held at night. At mile 15 of the marathon, Heilers spotted a man modeling a Sacha Cohen Borat mankini, the lime green, V sling thong with straps stretched over the shoulders. The spectator had a drink in one hand, a cigarette in the other.

“It was quite the sight,” Heilers recalls. “It kind of throws off your marathon pace.”

RELATED: Wear Blue Is Honoring Military Lives At Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago

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