Active Endurance Sports

Endurance Weekly: 5/5

Active Toby — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:46:25 GMT

The latest comic from Frazz creator and noted triathlete Jef Mallett:

Check out this roster of 15 green sports stars

Active Expert, Bruce Hildenbrand previews the Giro d'Italia that starts Saturday

Even with the torch atop Everest, Olympics are clouded
Climbing Everest because it's there is inspiring. Climbing Everest because it's in Tibet is not nearly so heartwarming, particularly to an international audience that is still trying to sort through the ethics of getting enthusiastic about August's Beijing Olympics. Read full story

Make doping a crime, says Lewis
Olympic legend Carl Lewis has called on governments around the world to make the use of banned substances in sport a criminal offense. Read full story

Shave valuable time in you bike-to-run triathlon transitions by installing a quick-lace system:

Cyclist Lights Up Times Square

Jesse@Active — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:55:46 GMT

Like he did for Dominique Rolling after his stage win at the Amgen Tour of California, Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team owner Sean Tucker put Ivan Dominguez on a Times Square big screen after his Tour of Georgia Stage 1 win.

The victory ensured that Toyota-United remains the only team in the world to have won at least one stage in every major American tour over the past three seasons.

You can listen to Sean Tucker talk about the team, why Rollin is know as "The Horse" and the future of American cycling at Bicycling.net.

America's Best Cyclists Roll Through Georgia

Jesse@Active — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:40:40 GMT

The Tour de Georgia is underway! Yesterday, super-sprinter Ivan Dominguez of the Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team won the 70.4-mile stage 1 from Tybee Island to Savannah.

Photo courtesy of Action Images

From the Toyota-United press release:
Ivan Stevic from Toyota-United was in an early breakaway of six riders that never gained more than a minute advantage over the field for most of the race. "With eight kilometers to go, the Pro Tour teams formed an alliance and drove hard to catch the leaders. Our guys were waiting in the wings to spring Dominguez to the finish if Stevic's group was caught," said Len Pettyjohn, Team Director for Toyota-United.

With 1,000 meters to go, Henk Vogels the team captain of Toyota-United led the charge with Dominique Rollin, Ivan Dominguez and Hilton Clarke on his wheel to set up the sprint for Dominguez. "Henk put us in a perfect position and took me to 500 meters where I let loose with everything I had to deliver Ivan as close to the finish as possible before he blew past me with 200 meters to go and easily won," said teammate Dominique Rollin.

"With 50 meters to go, I looked under my arm and saw I had the same gap as when I passed everyone earlier and realized then I was the fastest and no one was going to pass me." said Dominguez after the race.

Read more on the Tour de Georgia at Active Expert Bruce Hildenbrand's blog.

And you can follow all the action live over at WCSN.com. The fine folks at VeloNews.com have more on catching the peachiest cycling race in the world.

Free Running Clinics With Jeff Galloway

Jesse@Active — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:11:32 GMT

Olympian Jeff Galloway is conducting free clinics throughout the United States to help both novice and experienced runners make the most of their ability.

Jeff has coached over 250,000 runners to their goals and is the author of more than a dozen books on running. An All-American runner at Wesleyan University, he has developed clinics for NASA astronauts, vice-president Al Gore and a variety of North American corporations. He also served on the Atlanta Committee for the 1996 Olympic Games, designing a heritage program to bring the Olympic excitement and fitness into area schools.

These lively sessions feature plenty of time for individual questions and cover key points that include:

-Maximizing training effect in a minimum of time
-How to train for a marathon/half marathon and not be tired
-How to stay injury free
-How the run-walk-run method allows you to run faster in races
-Fat burning tips
-Nutrition for running
-How to be more motivated

For specific locations and times, visit JeffGalloway.com. Dates and times subject to change.

Daytona, FL -- April 19
Sarasota, FL -- April 19
Tampa, FL -- April 20
Lakeland, FL -- April 20
Charlotte, NC -- April 23
Raleigh, NC -- May 3
New York, NY -- May 5
Mahwah, NJ -- May 6
Springfield, MO -- May 12
Salt Lake City, UT -- May 14
Dallas, TX -- June 7
Temple, TX (Scott & White Half) -- June 8
Orlando, FL -- June 28
Sacramento, CA -- July 10
Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- July 26
Pensacola, FL -- August 9
Los Angeles, CA -- August 16
Albany, GA -- August 23

In addition, Jeff offers running schools in four- to five-hour sessions with individualized form evaluation, personal training information, priority email access afterward and more. Go to JeffGalloway.com for further information about registering, tuition, and details on exact times and locations.

San Jose, California - Thursday, April 24
Conway, Arkansas - Saturday, May 10, noon-5 p.m., Chamber of Commerce, 900 Oak Street, Conway 72032
Dallas, Texas - Saturday, June 7
Austin, Texas - Sunday, June 8
Orlando, Florida - Saturday, June 28
Sacramento, California - Thursday, July 10
Fresno, California - Monday, July 21
Fargo, North Dakota - Saturday, July 26
Hawkinsville, Georgia - Saturday, October 11
Princeton, New Jersey - Sunday, December 7

Active Endurance Weekly

Active Toby — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:56:09 GMT

Active Endurance Weekly: 4/7

Ryan Hall is back in London for the London Marathon on April 13, check out the racing news at Runner's World, where Hall says I don't think I've ever been this fit in my life" and listen to a podcast with Hall over at TFS.

There have been 19 world records set in the sport of swimming and 18 of them using one suit - the Speedo LZR Racer since its debut in February, 2008. Swimsuit manufacturer/competitor, Arena, is pushing the governing body of the sport, FINA, to ban the Speedo suit on the grounds that it is illegal. The swimsuit debate continues.

It looks like Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. will be the official outfitter for the U.S. team at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Here is the article in the Wall Street Journal.

Have you heard the latest craze over the detoxifying magic of apple cider vinegar?
Check out this and the 10 Outrageous Diet Scams at Mark Sission's Daily Apple.

Set your TiVo tonight because the Ironman World Championship 70.3 will air on NBC April 12.

�SPINNING� NATION�, A NATIONWIDE DAY OF SPINNING�

Active Toby — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:28:02 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOW THIS IS POSITIVE SPIN
FRAN DRESCHER AND THOUSANDS OF VOLUNTEERS PLEDGE TO JOIN
'SPINNING� NATION', A NATIONWIDE DAY OF SPINNING� TO CHANGE
THE WORLD.

(March 12, 2008 Los Angeles) This spring, fundraising for charities will take on a whole
new spin. On June 28, thousands of Spinning� enthusiasts across the country will join
actress Fran Drescher and other actors, athletes and enthusiasts to make the U.S. a
"Spinning� Nation". The largest fundraising event of its kind, registered fundraisers will
participate in four consecutive one-hour classes conducted in licensed Spinning�
facilities throughout the 50 states. Each rider will have raised at least $250 in pledges,
and collected funds will be donated to Athletes for a Cure, The AIDS Research Alliance
and The Cancer Schmancer Movement.

Response to "Spinning� Nation" has already been overwhelming. According to Scott
Zagarino, Executive Director of event-developer Sportsgrants, Inc., over 150 clubs
signed up to participate during the first 10 days of registration. "We designed the event
to accommodate up to 500 clubs which we thought was a very ambitious goal," said
Zagarino. "However, we have experienced such enthusiastic support for 'Spinning�
Nation' we may have to expand the parameters to include more clubs who want to take
part."

"Spinning� Nation" will be a day that marks several firsts in event fundraising. Mad
Dogg Athletics Inc., owners of the Spinning� trademark, has for the first time endorsed a
single nationwide charitable event, and health clubs from coast to coast have never before
joined together to simultaneously conduct the same charitable program. In addition, this
will be the first time three charitable organizations with diverse constituencies have ever
partnered for a single event, one of the goals of the Sportsgrants, Inc. organization. "In
2007, various charity events held in the US raised 43 billion dollars, but at a cost of 57
billion dollars," commented Zagarino. "We hope to change that fundraising paradigm
through Sportsgrants, Inc. by fostering innovative ideas and cooperation among
foundations, businesses and private citizens that result in effective fundraising with
minimum overhead and maximum benefit to the people and organizations who need our
help the most."

According to John Baudhuin, CEO of Mad Dogg Athletics, there are currently 165,000
licensed Spinning� instructors and over 1 million people attending a Spinning� class
every week. "We are proud to choose 'Spinning� Nation' as our first nationwide
fundraising effort, " Badhuin said. "It is fantastic to be able to channel the enthusiasm
people have for Spinning� towards fighting some of the world's most devastating
diseases."

Fran Drescher, who is president of Cancer Schmancer, is delighted to be part of this
groundbreaking event as well. "I'm absolutely thrilled that Cancer Schmancer has been
included as part of the Spinning� Nation fundraising event. I will do everything in my
power to make the day a success and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping
us realize our goal to ensure that all women's cancers get diagnosed in Stage One when
they're most curable."

Athletes for a Cure is a sports fundraising initiative of the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Prostate Cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America, effecting 1 in 6 men.
The AIDS Research Alliance is a national leader in fast-track independent AIDS
research, seeking to develop a cure for AIDS and develop strategies to prevent new HIV
infections. Thirty-three million people are currently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

~~~
Media Contact:
Kathy Jones
Halo Group
310-994-0066

For more information:
Spinning Nation www.spinningnation.org
Athletes for a Cure www.athletesforacure.org
The Aids Research Alliance www.aidsresearch.org
The Cancer Schmancer Movement www.cancerschmancer.org

Visit the Spinning� Nation Online Community

Active Endurance Weekly: 3/17

Active Toby — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:21:56 GMT

Cycle safety campaign in London:

Velonews posted the column, Questions about the Cupertino crash..., written By Bob Mionske, that asks some important questions about media bias and cyclist safety resulting from the fatal accident in SF last week.

How would you like to be able to run any race in 4 weeks? Active Expert Matt Fitzgerald gives us the skinny on nonlinear periodization.

Our own Active Expert, Joe Decker gets interviewed by Endurance Planet about taking on Barklay 100, arguably the world's toughest 100 mile race. Listen to the interview

While we're on the topic of impossibly difficult events, check out this video from Pittsfield Peaks Ultra Challenge - Death Division

You can expect barbed wire, mud boggin, wood choppin, tunnels, deep water diving, running, crawling, crying, screaming, and sweating. Doubtful you'll finish but be proud of yourself for trying. www.peakraces.com for more info.

Do you dream of toeing the line in Hopkinton? Check out this discussion of the fastest marathon courses. You just might get the extra edge to qualify for next year's Boston Marathon!

Take the B-Fit B-Day Challenge

Jesse@Active — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:05:57 GMT

Active contributor and EveryMan Triathlete Roman Mica and the endurance-loving folks over at raceAthlete.com have created a challenge worthy of celebration. Well, chances are you were going to be celebrating on your birthday anyway...

But this takes the party one step (or several, depending on how old you are) beyond the traditional cake and ice cream. The idea behind the B-Fit B-Day Challenge is to swim, bike and run your new age. To do this, take your age and:

1) Swim the number of miles in the first number
2) Run the number of miles in the second number
3) Bike the number of miles in the combined number

So a 45-year-old athlete would:

1) Swim 4 miles
2) Run 5 miles
3) Bike 45 miles

"My goal in creating the Challenge was to come up with something that has all of the athletic appeal of a triathlon, but with a much more gentle and family-friendly atmosphere," says Mica. "We really hope this new Challenge will encourage athletes, their friends, and their family to celebrate their birthday in a unique and healthy way."

The B-Fit B-Day Challenge is completely free and open to anyone of any age. The website currently boasts over 120 members. Those who join can create profiles with photos and video, interact and encourage others, post completion times and take part in some great sponsor premiums offered on the site.

(Thanks to B-Fit B-Day member Stronger for permission to use her awesome photo montage!)

The Challenge is divided into three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Bronze: Do all three (swim/bike/run) during the week of their birthday.
Silver: Do all three (swim/bike/run) in the 72 hours (three days) before, after or during their birthday.
Gold: Do all three (swim/bike/run) in 24 hours to celebrate their birthday!

Some important notes: Since "0" birthdays (like 10, 20, 30, 40, 50...) are important milestones, the "0" represents a 10. This means that on those "0" birthdays athletes must celebrate this big milestone by running ten miles.

Also, note that transitions don't count in the overall time.

"It's not so much about how far or how fast you go or how many people you pass, but more of a celebration of your life, health and fitness on your birthday," Mica says. "In other words, where a race is highly competitive, stressful, punishing and very public--you know...a race--the B-Fit B-Day Challenge is personal, intimate, rewarding and stress free."

Active Endurance Weekly: 3/3/08

Active Toby — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:33:26 GMT

TCSD (Triathlon Club San Diego) released a preview of their 2008 race apparel:

For those of you coming down from your weekend runner’s high, check out this article posted by Active Expert Charles Stuart Platkin, where researchers have finally demonstrated the existence of an 'endorphin driven runner's high'.

Do you get enough sleep? Check out this study released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggesting that Americans aren’t getting their Zzzz’s.

Did your favorite marathon make the list? Check out the Guide to Some of the Best Marathons in North America and let us know.

"You can't keep those women down, you can't get them back in the kitchen." Read the full story to find out which major marathon event director has his foot in his mouth.

Listen to this podcast from Endurance Planet, where USAT Coach Troy Jacobson answers a question about strength training for the marathon, finishing strong in a 70.3, and full Iron-distance event.

And last and certainly not least, ActiveX: ARMaggedon

Leipheimer Wins 2008 Amgen Tour of California

Jesse@Active — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:55:09 GMT

The 2008 Amgen Tour of California is in the bag after a serious example of guts and glory during Stage 7 into Pasadena. Bissell Pro Cycling rider Tom Zirbel's solo breakaway in the wind and rain didn't survive the final six circuits around the Rose Bowl.

After the trailing sprinters caught him, Big George Hincapie hammered home to take the stage.

Levi Leipheimer's Astana team protected the yellow jersey to prefection, solidifying his second Tour of California overall title in as many years.

And proving that there's more to the squad than just being "That Clean Team," Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H3O took the overall team classification by a scant 16 seconds over Astana.

Stage 7 Results
1. George Hincapie - High Road 3:50:57
2. Rory Sutherland - Health Net Presented by Maxxis 3:50:57
3. Jason McCartney - Team CSC 3:50:57
4. Michael Creed - Rock Racing 3:50:57
5. Tom Zirbel - Bissell Pro Cycling 3:50:57

Overall Individual Classification
1. Levi Leipheimer - Astana 29:24:32
2. David Millar - Slipstream Chipotle 29:25:21
3. Christian Vande Velde - Slipstream Chipotle 29:25:40
4. Fabian Cancellara - Team CSC 29:25:50
5. Gustav Larsson - Team CSC 29:25:51

Overall Team Standings
1. Slipstream Chipotle Presented by H3O - 88:17:05
2. Astana - 88:17:21
3. Team CSC - 88:25: 49

Best Young Rider
1. Robert Gesink - Rabobank 29:26:50
2. Thomas Peterson - Slipstream Chipotle 29:27:30
3. Kevin Seeldraeyers - Quick Step 29:28:12

Overall Sprint Classification
1. Dominique Rollin - Toyota-United 44 points
2. Juan Jose Haedo - Team CSC 42 points
3. Gerald Ciolek - High Road 32 points

King of the Mountain
1. Scott Nydam - BMC Rcing 26 points
2. Jurgen Vandewalle - Quick Step 19 points
3. Robert Gesink - Rabobank 17 points

Most Aggressive Rider's Jersey (awarded by the press)
BMC Racing Team

Shift into Democracy's High Gear

Jesse@Active — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 06:05:16 GMT

With the political season heating up, I thought I'd turn my attention to some politicians who have made news in the cycling world.

First up is Mary Peters, Bicycling magazine's recent Wheel Sucker of the Month. Ms. Peters claimed, in an August interview with PBS that bike paths are unnecessary wastes of the government's transportation budget. Unfortunately for cyclists (and the environment and people who would prefer less cars on the road), Peters is the current secretary of transportation.

Then there's Paul Soglin, former mayor of Madison, Wisconsin. On a snowy day in December, he railed against cyclists who braved the roads, writing on his blog that they "should be taken out and shot." Let's hope he stays a "former" mayor.

At least there are politicians like Earl Blumenauer. This Wall Street Journal article details how the Oregon congressman chooses bike over car for his Capitol Hill commute and is a strong voice for cyclist advocacy.

For those looking to relieve the burden high gas prices are putting on their wallet, check out the *Gear Junkie*'s tips on winter commuting.

Ride safe, and remember that exercising your right to vote can sometimes impact your right to exercise.

Mark Your Race Calendars

Jesse@Active — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:25:36 GMT

In her article "Ten Tips for the New Year," Active Expert Gale Bernhardt's first recommendation is: Set a Goal.

What better way to give yourself something to work for in 2008 than to sign up for a race? But be aware, some pre-planning could save you a little money. Many races that already have registration open will be raising their prices beginning January 1.

For triathletes, that includes races such as the Accenture Chicago Triathlon, Vineman Ironman 70.3, Big Kahuna Triathlon (70.3-distance) and the Hy-Vee Triathlon in Des Moines, Iowa--which also happens to be the final Olympic qualifier for the 2008 U.S. triathlon team.

Other races will be opening registration right after the New Year. This includes the Superfrog Triathlon (70.3-distance), the 5430 Sports triathlon race series and the World Famous Mud Run, part of the Camp Pendleton (California) Hard Corps Race Series. On January 3, registration for opens to USA Triathlon members, with non-member registration opening the next day.

Now is the perfect time to find out the registration details of your favorite race and add it to this list. Runners, cyclists, adventure racers, swimmers and anyone who wants others to be a part of an awesome event can add it to the comments section below.

What's going to be your motivation to train in 2008?

National Cyclocross Championships Kick Off

Jesse@Active — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:47:05 GMT

Starting Thursday, December 13, and running through Sunday the 16th, the USA Cycling National Cyclocross Championships will feature the best American racers fighting for the stars and stripes jersey.

Of the record total 2,045 competitors registered for the weekend, Ryan Trebon of Corvallis, Oregon, and Katie Compton of Colorado Springs, Colorado, will be back to defend their elite division titles. There are also 13 age-group champions returning to defend titles in nearly 40 races that will take place over the four-day event.

Athletes from 45 states plus the District of Columbia will compete on the almost two-mile course, which features two back-to-back stair sections, each 40 feet long. Placed a quarter-mile from the finish line, the stairs will make for some tight finishes.

Cyclocross is usually very spectator friendly, and the Kansas City course is no different. Several spots points allow viewers to take in the entire race, and heated spectator tents will also be provided (forecasts are for low to mid-30s for the event).

A wide start area, several segments of doubling-back and some tough hills round out what's in store for the riders. The course will be muddy due to winter storms that went through the area at the beginning of the week.

Jesse Anthony, reigning U23 champion, pushes his bike up a hill. Photo: ©2007 Action Images/Kurt Jambretz

Race Director Bill Marshall said in a press release, "The course is in great shape right now. We had about an inch of snow on the course before this ice storm, but the warmer rain melted it, so now it's a layer of ice. But it's been raining more than anything lately, so it's going to make for pretty muddy conditions for the entire week."

"I think weather always makes racing more interesting," said Georgia Gould, recent winner of the overall Gran Prix of Cyclocross Series and the current U.S. mountain bike national champion. "Mud adds an element of finesse and technical skill over and above simple brute strength. In the end, the winner is the one who makes the fewest mistakes on the slippery course."

Check out www.kccrossnationals.com for race schedules, spectator information, photos, results and more.

Big Weekend For Tri Registration

Jesse@Active — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:47:00 GMT

This weekend will be a big one for triathletes planning out their 2008 season as several big races open registration. Set your alarms on Saturday to snag a spot in St. Anthony's Triathlon, the Wildflower Triathlons Festival and the Escape From Alcatraz lottery. Then start the workweek off by registering for the Los Angeles Triathlon on Monday morning.

, April 25 through 27, kicks off many a triathlete's season in St. Petersburg, Florida. The race is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2008. It starts off on Friday with a fitness expo and the black-tie Medallion Gala. Saturday's Meek & Mighty Triathlon is actually two races: a 100-yard swim/3.6-mile bike/half-mile run tri for kids age 7 to 10, and a 200-yard swim/5.4-mile bike/1-mile run race for novice triathletes age 11 and over.

Sunday, April 27, is the Olympic-distance St. Anthony's Triathlon. Once named "Race of the Year" by USA Triathlon, St. Anthony's draws elite triathletes from all over the world competing for $60,000 in prizes ( Mike Reed, Greg Bennett, Craig Alexander and Chris McCormack rounded out the top four pro men in 2007; top-three women were Michelle Dillon, Sarah Haskins and Julie Dibens.) A great place to watch and learn.

There's also an elite amateur division for fleet-footed age groupers. Limited to 4,000 individuals and 100 relay teams, last year's event sold out in seven hours. Registration opens December 1 at 9 a.m. EST.

Read or share stories of past experiences at this message board post: ~~m-29932~~.

Also beginning registration on Saturday is the Wildflower Triathlons Festival. Featuring a 70.3-distance long course race, a sprint-distance mountain bike race and an Olympic-distance tri over three days in early May, Wildflower continues to be one of the most talked-about West coast races. Read Everyman Triathlete Roman Mica's race review (including need-to-know secrets) of the 2007 25th anniversary race here.

December 1 is also the day when lottery applications are available for the drawing to participate in the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon. The notorious course starts with a plunge from a ferry into the waters off Alcatraz Island, then consists of a 1.5-mile swim, 1-mile run, 18-mile bike and 8-mile run, including the infamous 400-step Sand Ladder.

And on Monday, December 3, registration opens for the Los Angeles Triathlon. Featuring both Olympic and sprint-distance races, the event is part of the Life Time Fitness Series, which draws some of the best triathletes in the world.

Favorite Advice and Activities from Trish and Toby

Active Toby — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:44:00 GMT

Hey everyone, Trish and Toby here. This month we've created a guide to our best seasonal articles to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout the holidays. No matter what your active passion may be, we've got you covered.

Lifestyle:
With holiday feasts right around the corner and weather that can diminish our motivation to train, it is not uncommon to pack on a few extra pounds this time of year. Active Expert Charles Stuart Platkin’s article, The Diet Detective: Fall Into Healthy Eating Habits, offers valuable tips for maintaining fitness without a compromise in performance at winter races and ensures a return to peak form in the spring.

Endurance:
Have you ever heard the saying, “athletes are made in the off season”? Now's the time to target your weaknesses and build proper technique and habits to lead into a successful racing season. Check out Boost Your Endurance in 7 Simple Steps and get the most from your off-season training.

Team:
Basketball season is upon us and it’s time for fundamental workouts with and without the basketball. Mississippi State basketball coach, Sharon Fanning, shares a 45-minute Workout that will developing confidence, coordination, strength, timing, and stamina on the hardwood.

Action:
Indoor Climbing Gyms Offer Year-round Fun Fitness and a nice break from the treadmill and stationary bike routine. Don’t let the winter elements take you off belay—utilize indoor climbing gyms to build stamina and confidence in a controlled environment. When the weather warms enough to head outdoors, you’ll be in peak condition.

Activities of Interest:
Check out Sacramento Winter Softball Camp by Olympic gold medalists Tairia Flowers and Natasha Watleyto hone your softball skills at the plate and in the field. Focus will be on increasing offensive power, slapping techniques, defensive fundamentals and pitching development. This camp will also feature practice-structure tips and drills along with valuable college recruiting advice from the pros.

Take advantage of The Classic Y-100, one of the last century rides of the year on November 25 in Ormond Beach, Florida. Crank out 100 in this inaugural ride that promises a beautiful route leading north along the Intracoastal waterway through parks and along the Atlantic coast. This event features a great safe route for beginners as well as 65- and 35-mile routes.

Folks in Southern California have already begun to register for the 2008 Carlsbad Marathon and Half Marathon on January 20. This was Toby’s first half marathon back in 2006 and he recommends it for runners of all abilities because of the fast course and beautiful ocean view.

See your training bear fruit at the oldest Ironman-distance triathlon held in the continental United States. Check out one of five 2008 Vineman events: Ironman 70.3, full Vineman, sprint tri at sundown, women's half or Aquabike during this weekend-long triathlon celebration.