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Menudo, Federer and More at Arthur Ashe Kids' Day

active_tennis — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:09:49 GMT

Rising stars Demi Lovato, Colby O’Donis and Menudo will team with tennis superstars Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Ana Ivanovic and Novak Djokovic for the 13th annual Arthur Ashe Kids Day.

The popular full-day tennis and music festival for children and families – including interactive games, musical entertainment, and tennis clinics – will be hosted by MTV’s Susie Castillo and Nickelodeon’s Quddus.

The festivities are set for Saturday, August 23 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y., from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. The full-day tennis and music festival kicks off the 2008 US Open.

This year's special guests include:

Colby O’Donis - At the age of 19 and signed to Akon’s KonLive label, Colby is generating a great deal of excitement with club DJs, on the radio and internet with his first single, “What You Got” featuring Akon, taken from his debut titled, Colby O.

Menudo - Coming out of Puerto Rico in the 1970s, MENUDO was the first, and the greatest, of a wave of talented singing and dancing groups that's still relevant 30 years later. Two generations later, a new, updated version of MENUDO is back, with a contemporary sound and look, and the same universal appeal.

Demi Lovato - 15-year-old Demi Lovato stars as Mitchie Torres in the Disney Channel Original Movie "Camp Rock." Her television credits also include a starring role as Charlotte in the Disney Channel short-form series "As The Bell Rings," where she also showcased her singing talents, a lead role on Nickelodeon's "Just Jordan" and a guest appearance on 20th Century Fox's "Prison Break."

General admission promenade tickets are $10, and loge tickets are $20.

Admission is free for the interactive games and clinics, which will take place on the outer courts from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Visit usopen.org for more information and tickets.

Training Is Actually Fun!

supernaynay — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:22:28 GMT

I went for a swim this morning at the local pool, and what a great way to start my day!!! It is just my third time going since moving to SLO County back in the beginning of 2006, with the first time being that spring... so I am in the Slow Lane... but last week when I went I had a tough time - maybe it had something to do with the really tough trail run I did right before??? Just a hunch... Anyway, it was much easier today - in the morning they have the lanes set up long-ways (50m each length) and in the afternoon/evening they set them up short-ways (25y each length)... so maybe that helped. I switched off doing the breast stroke to one end then kicking on my back and guiding myself along the lane next to the rope - it was easy to breathe that way... I think I just need to get used to being in the water before working on the whole freestyle/flip turn business... no need to drown my first few times out, eh???

Apple Triathlon

scottjacobsen — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:51:27 GMT

Hi Everyone - hope the summer is going well for you all!

A couple of notes and pics from the Apple Triathlon the past weekend. Polar did have a few athletes there - myself, Carolyn and a fellow from Alberta. So there was a fair amount of red and black moving around the course.

For myself - this was a little tune up for IMC this coming weekend. Normally I do the olympic distance for this race, but with IMC coming up, I wanted a shorter, but higher intensity workout that I could recover quickly from. So, while I wasn't at all concerned about the result of this race, and wasn't going "all out," still managed 2nd in my age group, 34th overall. This is also the first time I have ever seen this race go with a "no wet-suit" swim due to the temperature. It was interesting watching all of the panic in the transition area before the race . . . .

As an aside - I was also coaching and being evaluated at the youth camp prior to the apple, and finished off my certification for the NCCP Triathlon Competition coaching card - so I was happy about that . . . .

Have a great remainder of the summer everyone, and good luck to Carolyn and I think Mike for IMC this weekend! We should get together for a group Polar picture if you have time - I'm staying at the Best Western, and can be reached at 250-718-8584.

. . . .Scott

August 20

bvcc — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:46:45 GMT

Distance: 10.2 miles
Time: 1:40:19

Pace: 9:49 per mile
Stretch: Yes

Weekly mileage: 15.3 miles
Cumulative mileage: 368.4 miles

Tomorrow: 5 miles easy

Comments: I really felt good this morning. Yes, the last few miles were tough, but not overwhelmingly so. And I bounced back fairly quickly after. So I'm happy. Now two easy days, then a tough, tough weekend.

America for Gold

mvalenti — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:38:28 GMT

It is all about the numbers. Just ask any athlete in Beijing. Whether it is the final score in a tennis match, the winning time in a triathlon or the perfect 10 on the balance beam the smallest units of measurement separate athletes from the joy of victory and the agony of defeat.

There are numbers in the world of international athletic competition, however, that few of us know about. These numbers reflect the financial costs associated with representing our nation abroad on the international field of play. America for Gold (AFG), which launched eight days before the start of the Beijing games, has set out to provide financial support to U.S. athletes. Along with its launch, AFG began "$8 per month starting 08-08-08."

AFG is committed to supporting athletes by taking the financial numbers game out of the equation and allowing athletes to focus on physically preparing to represent our nation in international competition.

"We are going to apply the same determined focus and energy you will see on the field of play this summer to helping athletes succeed," said Montford.

To support AFG, one-time or monthly contributions are accepted. Donations can be made online, by phone at (877) 477-4488 or by U.S. mail. To learn more about America for Gold or to make a donation, please visit www.AmericaForGold.org .

Wild Cards Awarded at 2008 US Open

active_tennis — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:39:10 GMT

A talented group of young Americans along with several international players have been awarded main draw wild card entries into the 2008 US Open.

USTA Girls' 18s National Champion Gail Brodksy (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Jamea Jackson (Bradenton, Fla.), Asia Muhammad (Las Vegas), Melanie Oudin (Roswell, Ga.), Ahsha Rolle (Miami Shores, Fla.), CoCo Vandeweghe (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.), Frenchwomen S�verine Bremond and an Australian player to be named have been awarded women's singles main draw wild card entries.

Amer Delic (Jacksonville, Fla.), Brendan Evans (Key Biscayne, Fla.), Scoville Jenkins (Atlanta), Austin Krajicek (Bryan, Texas), Jesse Levine (Boca Raton, Fla.), and Sam Warburg (Sacramento, Calif.), along with two international players, Carsten Ball (Australia) and Laurent Recouderc (France), have been awarded men's singles.

Both the men's and women's US Open singles champions will earn $1.5 million with the ability to earn an additional $1 million in bonus prize money (for a total $2.5 million potential payout) based on their performance in the Olympus US Open Series. In addition, both US Open singles champions will receive a new 2009 Lexus IS-F automobile.

Upcoming action, BMX, tri recap, more excitement in the next couple of days

Gale Bernhardt — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:00:57 GMT

Tonight NBC will air BMX racing. A new sport to the Games, I've seen taped highlights and expect plenty of action.

If you missed any of the triathlon event, you can find exclusive NBC video here.

Taylor Phinney, son of cycling's Davis Phinney (1984 bronze medal winner and Tour de France rider) and Connie Carpenter-Phinney (1984 gold medal winner with 12 national titles and four world championship titles), . Watch for him in 2012.

Mountain bike finals are Friday and Saturday:

Georgia Gould, Ft. Collins, Colo: Pan American Champion, 2006 U.S. national champion.
Mary McConneloug, Fairfax, Calif: Ninth in Athens 2004 mountain bike race, three-time USA national champion.
Todd Wells, Durango, Colo: Third in 2007 Pan Am Games, deep success in cyclo-cross and mountain bike racing.
Adam Craig, Bend, Ore: Under-23 National Champion, Cross Country. Gold medal winner, 2007 U.S. National Championships.

Modern pentathlon is Thursday and Friday, with former swimmer and triathlete Sheila Taormina making Olympic history.

The Gear Junkie -- OR Show Summer 2008, part III

Stephen Regenold — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:39:52 GMT

In this third look at the latest gear from the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade show I have uncovered stylish sunglasses made for fishermen, water shoes that look like skate shoes, and a luxury rooftop cargo box from Thule that will sell for $800. . .

H. Toad Cayo
This techy T-shirt can take you "from trailhead to summit and taco stand to dance floor." That's according to ***** Toad, which commissioned this everyday shirt to be constructed with a proprietary fabric called DynoSoar that is made from 85% recycled poly Dri-release and 15% organic cotton. DynoSoar feels like cotton but has performance properties for wicking, drying, comfort and odor control. $54; available February 2009; http://www.hornytoad.com

Thule Excellence Roof Box
Advertised as "ultra premium," the Excellence rooftop cargo box from Thule has 18 cubic feet of capacity and touches like struts, stiffeners and a high-gloss two-tone finish. Its main innovation is in its looks, which Thule says can complement the lines of a higher-end vehicle, which is the market. Made for SUVs, crossovers and mid-size vehicles, the Excellence box is sleeker, lighter, and more aerodynamic than much of the competition. The box comes with a customized lid cover to shield from the elements during storage to help maintain a newly-purchased appearance for years. $799.95; available March 2009; http://www.thule.com

Marmot Wool Half Zip
Marmot cites the Half Wool Zip as offering "a glimpse into the future of base layers." That future apparently includes lots of sheep and a few coconuts. Indeed, with its unique combination of natural and synthetic fabrics the top employs the latest version of Polartec Power Dry with wool on the outside layer to keep you warm even when wet. The inside layer is polyester, which Marmot cites as being comfortable next to the skin and highly breathable. Last, the polyester fabric is fused with fibers derived from coconut husks to add odor management, wicking and sun protection. $85; available this fall; http://www.marmot.com

Gregory Diablo with Bio-sync
As part of a new line of eight lightweight trail packs with "Bio-sync suspension," the Diablo moves as your body moves, according to Gregory. Made for running, hiking, cycling and other aerobic sports, the Bio-sync suspension system uses elasticized attachment points at each shoulder harness and on the waist belt that the company says can mimic the wearer's body motion during activity. The pictured Diablo pack (called the Dipsea in the women's version) is a six-liter pack with just enough space for water, food and a layer or two. A notable feature: the "tube management system" is made so that after a drink your hydration hose will snap back into place on the shoulder harness automatically with the aid of a powerful embedded magnet. Just don't get your compass too close to that small force field. $59; available January 2009; http://www.gregorypacks.com

Inno Kayak/Canoe Locker
Load and lock down your kayak or canoe with this unique lockable strap system rack. Rubber-coated steel cable straps ratchet around your craft and lock with a key. Capacity is one kayak or one canoe and up to two wind-surfboards or up to three surfboards. $229; available now; http://www.innoracks.com

Smith Mogul
Made for fishermen, the Mogul comes in "fishing-specific" lens tints and is available with "polarchromic" lenses that shift when the ambient light changes outdoors. It has polarized glass lenses with a hydrophobic coating on both sides of the lens to keep splashed water from smudging your view. An anti-reflective coating is applied to the inside of the lens to eliminate backlit reflections from bouncing into the user's eye. Light-blocking temple arms and a distinguished chrome logo badge complete the Mogul look. $159 (polarized), $179 (polarchromic); available now; http://www.smithoptics.com

Teva Gnar
Borrowing more from the skate culture than the boating world, the Gnar is engineered to perform in the water. Features include a tacky rubber outsole for grip on slick stone, a closed-cell EVA tongue that absorbs no water, and mesh panels for drainage once you step out of the creek. $80; available in January 2009; http://www.teva.com

Stephen Regenold writes The Gear Junkie column for eleven U.S. newspapers; see http://www.THEGEARJUNKIE.com for video gear reviews, a daily blog, and an archive of Regenold's work.

Wed. 8/20: Once again

DaveVause — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:19:52 GMT

today: 3 miles
week: 7 miles
65F/54% @ 0600 on Severn Crossing trails
body fat: 15.1%

Today is day four of my most recent come-back attempt. For the past several weekends, I've done a "test" 3-miler with Denise around the lake at Buddy Attick Park. Each week, I have left it at just that one run: even gentle runs on the park's soft surface, flat trail have mildly irritated my PF.

Sunday was different. My PF continued to improve.

Monday, we slipped out for a pre-dawn 3-miler in the neighborhood. It was warm and moist. Mists hung low across the commons and the marsh we run past.

Tuesday was strength training. I have a difficult time doing my strength training if I'm not running. My mind says to me: "If I'm not running, what's the point of anything?" Tuesday morning was different. At 5:45 I was in my gym for a 1-mile treadmill warm up and a full body, 2-set per exercise, mostly compound barbell work out, done to Yes, Van Halen, Led Zepplin, and any other energetic rock my iPod library can serve up.

I woke up this morning with that wonderful feeling of every muscle in my body having been strenuously exercised recently. I monitor my PF first thing every morning. I could feel them very mildly strained. The complicating issue was that Denise is traveling tomorrow. Knowing that running with her is very motivating to her, I really wanted one last run to give her momentum to run while on her trip.

At 0600, we slipped out into the cool air of the pre-dawn. A gust from the north was a harbinger of those blustery cold winter days six months from now. For now, it was a pleasant run in the cool morning shadows.

Hitting 45 miles per week this spring altered my mind/body connection while running. Ever since, even after a 13 week hiatus, I have this feeling of lightness and ease in my stride. After 3 years' marathon training, running this spring became a very natural feeling. Now, when I go out, my body just slips into a pattern it knows so very well, and does what comes so naturally to it.

Hopefully, I'm back to running for good. I will know tomorrow morning when I awake and once again check my PF.

Northwest Remains Alive - Next Step - Semifinals

ActiveTom — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 03:39:32 GMT

Mill Creek, Wash (Northwest)., topped Jeffersonville, Ind (Great Lakes)., 3-2 in seven innings on Tuesday. The win, which was Mill Creek's second straight after dropping its Little League World Series opener on Saturday to Lake Charles, La. (Southwest), earns it a spot in Wednesday's single-elimination world quarterfinals. Mill Creek will face Waipahu, Hawaii (West) which went 3-0 in winning Pool B.

"It's unbelievable to get to the (U.S.) semis," Mill Creek pitcher Jason Todd said. "We're going to be going up against a good team in Hawaii. It's a great feeling to know that you're moving on in the Little League World Series." "We're happy to be going on," Mill Creek coach Scott Mahlum said. "We wanted to win or we didn't want to play tomorrow. I didn't want to back-door (into the quarterfinals)."

Alex Jondal was the Mill Creek hero on Tuesday. Down 2-1 in the fifth, Jondal hit an RBI single to plate Todd - who had doubled - to tie the game at two. In extra innings, Jondal hit a two-out, two-strike single over the head of Jeffersonville left fielder Brad Koerner to score Todd again, this time ending the game with the 3-2 victory. "I was thinking I needed to shorten up my swing with two strikes," Jondal said of his game-winning RBI. "The past two games I haven't done great, but I finally got into a hitting rhythm today. I was ecstatic. (I'll) remember this for the rest of (my) life. It was great."

Jeffersonville had its chances to advance. Like it did against Hagerstown, Md. (Mid-Atlantic), in its opener, Jeff led 2-1 after four-and-a-half innings, but couldn't hold on. "We're playing against the best teams in the United States," Jeffersonville coach Derek Ellis said. "A bad pitch here and a blunder there, that will bite you against teams that are this good. You're able to go that at state or at a regional. Here, you can't give extra outs."

Like he did against Hagerstown, Jeffersonville ace Drew Ellis had another great performance. After throwing a no-hitter in the loss to the Maryland champions, Ellis allowed just two runs on five hits against a Mill Creek team that scored 15 runs against Hagerstown on Monday. Ellis also struck out seven Mill Creek batters.
"I thought he did a great job," Coach Ellis said. "He held those guys to one run. I'm very proud of what he did. He did a great job."

Todd finished the game 2-for-3 with a game-tying home run in the bottom of the first inning. He scored all three of Mill Creek's runs. Todd also pitched 5.2 solid innings, giving up two runs on five hits while striking out 11 Jeffersonville batters. "Jason battled out there," Mahlum said. "He didn't have his best stuff, but he threw a great game." "He's a pretty dogone good pitcher," Coach Ellis said. "He has a nice curve ball and he throws it hard."

Coach Ellis said that despite the winless trip to Williamsport, his league's first trip since 1965 was far from a waste. "The kids are in good spirits," Ellis said. "How could you not be after an experience like this? They battled hard. I'm extremely proud of those guys. It's a memory I will never, ever forget. I'm sure it will hit me (in the future) what these kids have accomplished. Not many kids can say that they have played in the Little League World Series. These kids will always be associated with that."

BOX SCORE
Jeffersonville, Ind. 110 000 0 - 2 6 3
Mill Creek, Wash. 100 010 1 - 3 7 1

W - Alec Kisena (1-0). L - Christopher Wenger (0-2). 2B - Josh Burke (J), Drew Ellis (J), Jason Todd (MC). 3B - Austin Hines (J). HR - Todd (MC).

Pool A Records - Jeffersonville 0-3, Mill Creek 2-1.