Ryan Hall's Blog, page 343

October 5, 2015

5 Reasons Why the Chicago Marathon Rocks

Photo: Photorun.net

In just a few days, I’ll be running the Chicago Marathon with 45,000 of my BFFs. It’s my second time running the legendary race, and I can’t wait to share the experience with a close friend of mine that I’ve been training through the Saucony 26Strong program.

When I heard that we’d be running Chicago, I was psyched to go back to where I started my marathon career five years and five marathons ago.

Here are five reasons why the Chicago Marathon is awesome:

It’s Flat!

Tell anyone who knows anything about running that you’re racing Chicago, and you’ll hear “It’s so flat!” on repeat. And they’re right, it is. If hill repeats are your personal version of hell, well, you picked the right race. This course is known as fast and flat for a reason! The only minor inclines happen as you run on bridges across the Chicago River—you’ll cross the river five times—and a slight incline at the end.

Crowd Support

If you’re the kind of person who thrives on the roar of the crowd (I am!), you will love Chicago. The crowds at this race are off the charts, and, with miles of smiles, your face might hurt just as much as your legs by the time you’re done.

It’s a World Marathon Major

While you’re going out to dominate your own race, some of the world’s best runners will be out there on the same course. Where else, other than at a major marathon, do you compete at the same time, on the same course as the world’s best? The World Marathon Majors takes seven of the most high-profile marathons in the world (including Chicago) and offers huge prize money, so the Chicago Marathon always attracts some of the world’s best.

Race-cation, Anyone?

As a cynical New Yorker, I don’t love just any other city. But Chicago counts as a good city. It has enough character and attractions to appeal to both other city-dwellers and those generally overwhelmed by big cities. And really, how scary will running 26.2 miles be after you’ve gone up to the 108th story of the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower? If you’re looking for a great way to see the city after the marathon, an architecture boat cruise is the way to go — it’s a great way to see the city without having to move your sore quads.

RELATED: 5 Places to Run In…Chicago

Deep Dish Pizza

Perhaps better saved for a post-race treat, than pre-race carb loading, the chewy crust and generous toppings on this Chicago standard will definitely top off your glycogen stores!

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Published on October 05, 2015 11:52

Photos: 2015 Twin Cities Marathon

One of Competitor’s bucket-list marathons, the Twin Cities Marathon took place on Sunday, stretching from downtown Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul. It was the signature event in a weekend of races that also included a 10K and 10-Mile race, which in total attracted more than 30,000 runners. The marathon itself had 8,511 finishers.

The men’s winner was Dominic Ondoro of Kenya, who crossed in 2:11:16. Abraha Serkelam Bise of Ethiopia won the women’s race in 2:31:40

Here are photos from “The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America,” taken by Paul Phillips of Competitive Image:

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The first wave of the marathon takes off.

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The marathon started in Minneapolis.

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Leaving downtown Minneapolis early, runners stream by the Basilica of St. Mary in the rising sun.

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Clint Wells of Boulder, Colo., was the Masters winner in 2:24.

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By Mile 4, the lead pack was already well established.

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Mile 5 went by Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis.

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Winner Domonic Ondoro of Kenya was in control from the very early miles forcing the pace and diminishing the lead group.

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The men's lead pack approaching 11 miles.

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The lead pack encountered rolling hills at Mile 14.

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Eventual winner Domonic Ondoro grabbing some water at the Medtronic Aid Station.

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At Mile 21 the men's podium had been established.

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Women's winner Abraha Serkelam Bise of Ethiopia is smooth at Mile 19.

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The top 3 women, including Jane Kibii of Kenya, were tight until the final few hundred yards.

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Dominic Ondoro began opening a gap at Mile 24.

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Dominic Ondoro checking his lead.

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Dominic Ondoro wins in 2:11:16, some 23 seconds ahead of second-place Elisha Barno.

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The top 3 women, Kibii, Abnet Yeshanbel Sime and Abraha Serkelam Bise are shoulder to shoulder at Mile 25.

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At Mile 26, Bise makes a move to try to pull away.

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Abraha Serkelam Bise wins in 2:31:40, four seconds ahead of Kibii.

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The women's podium: Kibii, Yeshanbel Sime and Serkelam Bise.

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The men's podium: Elisha Barno, Dominic Ondoro and Jacob Chemtai, all of Kenya.

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Published on October 05, 2015 11:03

Photos: 2015 U.S. 10-Mile Championship

Early Sunday morning, before the start of the Twin Cities Marathon in Minnesota, some of the top distance runners in the U.S. competed in the Medtronic TC 10 Mile, which played host to the USATF 10-Mile Championship. The race started in downtown Minneapolis and finished in St. Paul.

In addition to the men’s and women’s race was the “Equalizer Bonus,” where the women started 6:18 in front of the men and the overall winner, male or female, received a $10,000 bonus. The women’s winner, Molly Huddle, ended up winning the bonus as well, crossing in 51:44 ahead of Neely Spence Gracey (53:03) and Alexi Pappas (53:10). Sam Chelanga, who recently became a U.S. citizen, captured his first U.S. title, winning the men’s race in 46:47, one second ahead of Tyler Pennel, and six seconds ahead of Dathan Ritzenhein.

Here are photos from the 10-mile championship, taken by Paul Phillips of Competitive Image:

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The pro women had a 6:18 minute head start in the equalizer format, Molly Huddle (20157) held on to the lead for $10,000 bonus.

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The pro men are off and chasing the lead women.

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A few minutes before sunrise on the scenic 10-mile course.

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With Huddle off of the front, Neely Spence Gracey and Alexi Pappas are in the chase group.

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The lead men at 6 miles, all of the men's medalists are tight: Tyler Pennel, Dathan Ritzenhein and eventual winner Sam Chelanga.

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Molly Huddle won in 51:44, an event record. She also won the the $10,000 Equalizer Bonus since none of the men were able to catch her.

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Sam Chelanga won the men's 10 mile in 46:47 and Molly Huddle was the top female at 51:44.

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The men's 10 Mile Podium, left to right: Dathan Ritzenhein (3rd, 46:53), Tyler Pennel (2nd, 46:48) and Sam Chelanga (1st, 46:47)

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The women's 10 Mile podium, left to right: Neely Spence Gracey (2nd, 53:03), Molly Huddle (1st, 51:44) and Alexi Pappas (3rd, 53:10).

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Photos: 2015 Reebok Spartan Race World Championships

Photos: 2015 Flagstaff Sky Race

Photos: 2015 Twin Cities Marathon

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Published on October 05, 2015 09:51

October 2, 2015

Top Speakers Planned for Second Annual Endurance Sports Summit

Chris McDougall, Lisa Smith-Batchen, Travis Macy, Marshall Ulrich, Dr. Julie Angel and Dr. Simon Donato will be among the feature speakers at the National Endurance Sports Summit on Oct. 10-11 at Princeton University.

Best-selling author Christopher McDougall will be among the headlining speakers at the National Endurance Sports Summit, Oct. 10-11 at Princeton University in Princeton, N.J.. The second annual endurance sports summit will include two full days of expert-led presentations, panels and clinics about numerous endurance-related topics, including training, racing, nutrition, injury prevention, charity and business. In addition to McDougall, the author of “Born to Run” and “Natural Born Heroes,” other athletes, authors and professionals slated to participate include Karl Meltzer, Ann Trason, Dr. Simon Donato, Travis Macy, Dr. David Horton, Dr. Julie Angel, Lisa Smith-Batchen and Marshall Ulrich.

Event organizer Joe Benun says NESS attendees will have an opportunity to take hard-won wisdom from legends in the endurance sports world and bring it back home and to the workplace. Attendees are encouraged to come for the weekend, a day or even just a session. He says the goal of the conference is leverage endurance sports to empower and transform individuals, their communities, and ultimately, to better world.

“Endurance sports by itself is a great thing, but we’re really trying to elevate them into the community,” Benun says. “We believe that through endurance sports you can learn to shatter your boundaries and do what was thought impossible. We believe that you can fulfill your greatest life’s goals by learning from those who fulfilled their greatest dreams. And we believe that providing a life changing conference shouldn’t have to cost a month’s rent. That is why we are putting on NESS.”

NESS is an initiative of Team U, a grassroots group that started four years ago at Princeton University. Team, the only intercollegiate fundraising endurance team, is dedicated to improving global health and alleviating poverty. It has since expanded to colleges across the country, with a chapter in Paris, France.

Benun said he and his co-organizers realized that there was something missing in the endurance sports community: a platform to explore the interdisciplinary and socially beneficial aspects to endurance sports. The team also felt that there was something missing in the market—an event where participants can learn and talk directly with the athletes they admire.

The Summit’s interdisciplinary design is integral to the weekend.

“What’s truly unique is the connection between seemingly different speakers as well as participants,” says NESS co-organizerAnna Broome. “We will have cyclists, ultra-runners, mountaineers, triathletes, academics, and many others coming together to learn, connect, and empower others to do the same. It increases the current endurance sports network in an incredible way.”

For more about the National Endurance Sports Summit, visit the NESS event website.

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Published on October 02, 2015 15:12

Katherine Hopper: Moving Beyond Race-Day Blunders

Photo: Shutterstock.com

-I stopped to call for a ride home around mile 19 of my first marathon.

-I ended up in the finish-line medical tent twice.

-I left my bib at home on race day.

The list goes on. I’ve made plenty of marathon race day blunders. Logging hundreds of miles didn’t prepare me for the mental battle that I experienced during my first marathon. The more marathons I run (six so far, including the Boston Marathon in 2013 and 2014), the more lessons I learn, and I don’t expect to stop growing from my mistakes anytime soon.

Here’s a guide to help you avoid some of the mistakes that I’ve made:

Create Multiple Goals

You never know what’s going to happen on race day. You can have a perfect training season, only to find yourself struggling right from the starting line. A twinge in your leg may have crept up during taper time, there may be a monsoon watch in effect, or you may get a GI bug on race day. As you near your race, set up multiple goals for yourself to account for race day uncertainties.

During my first marathon, I failed to do this and set one single time goal, to run a 3:35 and qualify for Boston. At mile 19 when I realized I wasn’t going to meet my goal, I mentally checked out and borrowed a friend’s cell phone to call for a ride home. Thankfully I came to my senses and finished the race, but it could have been a much better experience if I’d had at least a couple backup goals planned.

An example of setting multiple goals would be to: 1) finish the race 2) finish the race without walking 3) finish the race in under 4 hours and 30 minutes and 4) reach your dream goal of qualifying for Boston.

Pace Yourself

As soon as I crossed the starting line of my first marathon, the roar of the crowds and the freshness of my legs from tapering made me feel invincible. I was running alongside a pace team, cruising 20 seconds per mile faster than my goal marathon pace. Instead of listening to my better judgment and slowing down, I ended up burning out by mile 19.

For at least the first five miles of your race, stay at a pace slower than your goal marathon pace. Pick up your speed later if you’re feeling good, but don’t try to “bank” speed during the first portion of the race.

Set Your Stuff Out

Start preparing your marathon outfit, accessories, and nutrition well in advance of the race. I learned this lesson the hard way when I forgot my bib at home, the morning of a race. Fortunately it was a local race so I was able to swoop back by my house to get my bib in the nick of time. I like to set everything out at least two nights in advance of the big day. If I’m traveling to a destination race, I start planning and gathering a week in advance.

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Published on October 02, 2015 11:33

October 1, 2015

Newton Running Tabs Joe O’Neil as New CEO

Boulder, Colo.-based Newton Running got its start in 2007.

Newton Running announced today it has hired athletic footwear industry veteran Joe O’Neil as its new CEO.

The Boulder, Colo.-based company said in a release O’Neil, who replaces Newton co-founder Jerry Lee as CEO, will lead operations, product development, sales, marketing, merchandising and finance. Lee will remain as the company’s chairman, but he will shift his focus to visionary and strategic leadership as he steps away from his day-to-day responsibilities.

O’Neil has more than 30 years of experience in the athletic footwear industry, most recently as senior vice president of Quiksilver Inc.-owned footwear brand DC Shoes. He has previously worked in leadership roles for Puma, adidas, Reebok and Nike.

“I am very excited to have someone of Joe’s capabilities and experience taking on the operational leadership of Newton Running as we prepare for the next chapter of the company,” Lee said in the press release. “Joe earned his stripes at the giants of our industry. He’s a lifelong runner who believes in the Newton Running brand and shares my desire to build a socially responsible company that makes the best damn running shoe in the world.”

Newton is a privately held company and Lee and Boston-based Fireman Capital Partners are the principal stakeholders. Craig Heisner remains as Newton’s president, a role he has held since coming to the brand in March 2013. Both Heisner and O’Neil were brought to Newton by Fireman Capital Partners, the investment firm led by former Reebok chairman, president and CEO Paul Fireman that made a $20 million minority share investment in Newton Running in 2013.

Under Lee’s leadership, Newton Running burst on the scene in 2007 when he and footwear and running form guru Danny Abshire unveiled the brand’s initial shoes based on a unique forefoot lug technology aimed at putting more energy return into a runner’s stride. Since its inception, Newton has made one of its primary objectives to help runners run more efficiently with better form.

While at the helm, Lee helped Newton get off the ground and grow and also insisted the company made a commitment to sustainability and philanthropy. Abshire, who started tinkering with athletic footwear designs more than a decade before co-launching the brand, remains with the company.

Newton Running is the official footwear and run-course sponsor for the U.S. Ironman series and is presenting sponsor of the Destination Races Wine Country Half Marathon Series.

“It is an honor to be working with Jerry Lee and Danny Abshire,” O’Neil said. “The combination of Danny’s creativity and Jerry’s vision and commitment to social responsibility are inspiring. I’m very excited about the product and the opportunities ahead.”

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Published on October 01, 2015 18:06

25 Marathon Spectator Signs We Love

When a race is getting tough, a clever spectator sign could be just what a runner needs. Funny spectator signs are a staple of most road races, and it’s a sideshow that most runners truly appreciate.

Here are a few we’ve gathered that make us smile:

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Seen at Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio (bonus points for the Meb Keflezighi cameo!)

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Seen at the Pittsburgh Marathon (Photo: Pete Madia, P3R Photography)

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Seen at the New York City Marathon (photo: Brian Metzler)

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Seen at the Boston Marathon (Photo: Scott Draper)

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Seen at the Boston Marathon (photo: Scott Draper)

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Carlsbad Marathon

Seen at the Carlsbad Marathon (Photo: Rich Cruse)

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Seen at the Pittsburgh Marathon. (Photo: Phil Pavely, P3R Photography)

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Seen at the Audi Power of Four (Photo: Allison Pattillo)

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NYC3

Seen at the New York City Marathon (Photo: Brian Metzler)

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Seen at the Carlsbad Marathon (Photo: Rich Cruse)

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Seen at Hapalua (Photo: Honolulu Marathon Association)

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Seen at the LA Marathon (Photo: Scott Draper)

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Seen at the New York City Marathon (photo: Brian Metzler)

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Seen at Rock 'n' Roll Arizona (Photo: PhotoRun.net)

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Seen at Rock 'n' Roll Nashville (Photo: Donn Jones)

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Seen at Rock 'n' Roll Raleigh

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Seen at Rock 'n' Roll San Diego

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Seen at Rock 'n' Roll Liverpool (Photo: Alan Edwards)

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Seen at the Carlsbad 5000 (Photo: PhotoRun.net)

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Seen at the Trail Half Marathon Championships (Photo: Allison Pattillo)

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Seen at the Dolomiti Extreme Trail (Photo: Mario Fraioli)

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Seen at the Pittsburgh Marathon (Photo: Pete Madia, P3R Photography)

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Seen at the Boston Marathon, just a few months after the New England Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. (Photo: Scott Draper)

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Published on October 01, 2015 14:51

Trail of the Week: Trail Running at Lake Tahoe

Our Trail of the Week feature is made possible through a partnership with Trail Run Project<

Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S., and this route on the Nevada side—from Spooner Lake to the Tunnel Creek Station—rewards you with some of the most spectacular views of Lake Tahoe.

There are some very narrow sections with a steep drop off especially on the Marlette Flume Trail, so take your time when running along any of these narrow sections.

Starting from the Spooner Lake parking lot, hop on North Canyon Road to start the run. At approximately one mile start looking for the beginning of the Marlette Lake Trail which will be on the left-hand side of the road.

This trail begins just to the north of Spooner Lake. In the first three miles, the trail climbs approximately 1,500 feet to Marlette Saddle which is the high point of the trail at 8,200 ft. Although this part of the run is challenging, be sure to take in the scenery as you’ll pass through groves of aspens and conifers through which you may catch a glimpse of old logging cabins.

Once you crest Marlette Saddle, enjoy a half mile descent down to the beautiful blue Marlette Lake. The Marlette Lake Trail ends at the southern end of the lake, but you can continue along the lake using the Marlette Lake Road that runs along the shore.

This flat jeep road is scenic in its own way as it skirts the shore of Lake Marlette giving you a chance to take in the views. This is just a short segment of dirt road that connects to Marlette Flume Trail where the real fun begins!

The Marlette Flume Trail boasts some truly spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. A 4.4. mile gentle descent from Lake Marlette to its northern junction with Tunnel Creek Road, this historic trail traverses the ridge, weaving around rocks and trees and then opening up to expansive views of Lake Tahoe and the mountains beyond. Although the trail feels mostly flat or slightly downhill, do use caution as this section has very steep drop offs and the trail can be very narrow in some sections. Make sure you take the time to take in the views!

From Marlette Flume Trail, get ready for a slightly steeper downhill cruise as the next three miles features a 1,500-foot descent down the Tunnel Creek Road. This dirt jeep road will still give you glimpses of Lake Tahoe before ending at Tunnel Creek Station.

The Data

Miles: 13.9

Runnable: 92 percent

Singletrack: 75 percent

Average Grade: 5 percent

Max Grade: 20 percent

Total Ascent: 1,337 feet

Total Descent: -1,961 feet

Highest Elevation: 8,163 feet

For a closer look, check out the interactive map, data, photos and virtual run simulator courtesy of Trail Run Project:

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Published on October 01, 2015 14:38

The Summer of Speed: A Look at the Latest FKT Trail Records

Photo: Michael Barlow

Runners blaze trails with new FKTs and records across the country.

As gratifying as it is for trail runners to complete a race, set a personal record or simply hit the trail, sometimes nothing satisfies quite like tackling a big project.

When you are talking about some of the best trail runners in the world, those projects are often challenging a fastest known time (FKT) on an iconic route. FKTs have no prize money, no awards ceremony and usually only a few close friends around to offer encouragement. According to many runners, gratification comes in the sense of personal accomplishment and achieving long sought-after goals.

RELATED: Inside the FKT Trend

So far this year, runners have planned, researched and run their way to more than a dozen new FKTs across the country. Let’s take a closer look at them:

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Published on October 01, 2015 12:46

Wear Pink: Running Gear for Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making pink the hot color of the season for runners. Many running brands donate a portion of proceeds from the sale of limited-edition items to organizations dedicated to fighting breast cancer and helping breast cancer patients and survivors.

For example, New Balance has announced it will contribute 5 percent of each product sold from the New Balance’s Lace Up for the Cure Collection to Susan G. Komen, with a guaranteed minimum donation for $500,000 each year. Balega is donated $1 from the sale of every pair of its Grit and Grace Enduro Socks to the Breast Cancer Fund. Adidas announced it will donate 10 percent of net sales from its Unstoppable line to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, while Newton Running is donating $5 from the sale of every pair of racing shoes in October to BreastCancer.org. Skechers Performance has released limited-edition footwear and apparel lines in conjunction with the American Cancer Society and is also sponsoring the 2015 American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Oct. 24 in San Francisco. Meanwhile, Under Armour last year announced that its successful Power In Pink program allowed it to donate $10 million to help create the Under Armour Breast Health Innovation Center at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center in Baltimore.

Click through the pink-themed gear supporting the cause below.