Run a Mile and Help Raise Funds for Cindy Brochman

An evening of mile races on the Macalester College track one week from today will raise funds for Twin Cities runner Cindy Brochman who is battling cancer.

Brochman, a former St. Olaf College runner who has been a long-time fixture on the local road running scene as a member of the Run N Fun team, was diagnosed with myo fibroblastic sarcoma in December.

There's a fine interview with Brochman, HERE, on the Chad Austin's Running Minnesota web-site about her condition and her varied athletic career -- which also includes volleyball and snowshoeing.

You can also follow Brochman via her Caring Bridge pages, HERE.

The "Rock for Broch!" races begin at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. There are separate mile races for kids, masters, and open runners of various abilities. Runner's are asked to make a $10 minimum donation to register for the event.

All proceeds from the event will help Brochman pay the medical expenses she is incurring. Silcone "Rock for Broch" bracelets and buttons will be sold at the event. There will also be a fund-raising raffle.

Today is the final day for mail-in pre-registration; entries must be postmarked by June 23. In-person pre-registration will continue through Friday, June 26 at the Run N Fun store in St. Paul. Race-day registration begins at 5:15 p.m. on June 30.

You can find the entry form for the race here.
You can also add this event to your facebook profile. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=85531785892

First Minnesotan to Win Grandma's Since 1982!

Sauk Rapids native Christopher Raabe won the 2009 Grandma's Marathon. This performance makes him the first Minnesota man to win the race since Dick Beardsley's win in 1982.

Raabe's win is the first by an American since Mark Curp won Grandma's in 1995.

Mary Akor claimed her third Grandma's win, just barely over Alina Ivanova.

-- Official Women's Results: 1. Mary Akor 2:36:52 ... 2. Alina Ivanova 2:36:58 ... 3. Robyn Friedman 2:38:03 ... 4. Serekalem Abrha 2:41:06 ... 5. Albina Gallyamova .... 7 Jenna Boren 2:47:49

-- Official Men's Results: 1. Christopher Raabe 2:15:13 ... 2. Charles Kanyao 2:18:36 ... 3. David Tuwei 2:19:49 ... 4. Rueben Chesang 2:19:54 ... 5. Tesfaye Girma 2:20:40 .... 10 Chris Lundstrom 2:24:11

Full results found here.

2009 Grandma's Marathon Results Posted

Grandma's Marathon results for the 2009 races have been posted here. Once there at the results page, you can click on the link for the race you want: the Marathon, Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, and William A. Irvin 5K.

For more information on the races, go to the 2009 Grandma's Marathon Web site.

June 20 - Grandma's Marathon - USATF Minnesota Championship this weekend

I want to give a shout out to my friends and teammates running this weekend, cheer them on if you are there:

Team Discover Strength: (the best place in the Twin Cities for athletes to properly strength train)

• Luke Carlson--Full (goal to qualify for Boston!) Go Luke! Luke had to pass on 2 races last year due to injuries, he's highly motivated and I can't wait to see him rock!
  
  
• Greg Vigland--Full (Goal to let Luke beat him by only 1 second-job security). Greg's been coming around these past few months, and I think he shows great potential.

My Run n Fun teammates: (The best store for running equipment in the Twin Cities)

• Kari Campbell--5K
• Ann Haugejorde & Daughter--5K
  
• Nicole Porath--1/2
• Mary Joann Palmer 1/2
• Jennifer Blue 1/2
• Kelly Faris 1/2
• Sara Conrad 1/2
• Jenny Wilcox 1/2
• Elaine (Eggleston) Nelson and Hubby 1/2
• Robin Balder-Lanoue 1/2
  
• Erin Ward 1/2
• Shelly Larson FULL
  
• Pam Weier FULL
• Katie Zuehlke FULL

View Results HERE

Deena Kastor to Make Comeback at Chicago 2009

Read the full story here

I'm so excited to watch Deena shoot for a comeback and potentially a new PR at the Chicago Marathon 2009. I was fortunate enough to talk with her at the Olympic Trials and at the New York City Marathon last year. She told me at NYC it was going to be her first week of walking directly on her foot after the suffering a break during the Olympic Marathon in Beijing in August. She explained the foot went numb for about 30 seconds around mile 3 before hearing a loud pop, (when she actually suffered the break)...describing it as a very painful experience...Probably in many more ways than just physically! Imagine all the work to train for the Olympics only to have to drop at mile 3! Agh.

Go Deena! We're rooting for you.

Check out Newton Shoes

Very cool--Newton Shoes. Check them out.

ACTION/REACTION TECHNOLOGY™

The genius behind the Newton running shoes is the patented Action/Reaction Technology™. When using the ultra-efficient Land-Lever-Lift midfoot or forefoot running gait, the technology absorbs and then returns your own energy back to you. It's not fancy technospeak, and it's no gimmick. It's a revolutionary way of building a running shoe based on Sir Isaac Newton's third law of motion – "For every ACTION, there is an equal and opposite REACTION." Loosely translated, it means you get a boost of forward energy with every single stride you take.

How it Works

When your midfoot/forefoot LANDS on the ground, the technology's four external actuator lugs are pressed into hollow chambers inside the shoe's midsole via an elastic membrane. (ACTION). This movement is the shock absorption part of the system. The highly energized membrane supporting the lugs causes them to load up with energy.

As your forefoot levers inside the shoe, the lugs release their stored energy and LEVER you forward.There is a final burst of energetic return (REACTION) from the Action/Reaction Technology™ as you LIFT your knee and begin a new stride.

Most running shoes use various forms of air, gel, foam or plastic to counteract the foot's impact and response with the ground. But none of these materials capture and return energy with the liveliness of our responsive Action/Reaction Technology™. We've spent over 12 years researching, developing and refining our technology. With independent laboratory testing, 9 US Patents (other US and foreign patents pending), world records and PR's, Newton shoes are showing results superior to any other running shoe technology.

Sir Isaac Newton's third law of motion is the inspiration for our Newton Action/Reaction Technology. Replacing the foam and inherent energy loss of traditional running shoes.

The Motion continues to make its mark as the leading lightweight high-performance midfoot/forefoot stability trainer. With improved durability in the heel, a new high-rebound midsole material and anatomically designed forefoot strapping, the Motion offers an improved ride with greater stability, durability and fit. A medial (support) post extends from the arch area to the metatarsal heads to combat early and late-stage pronation. It features Newton’s Action/Reaction Technology™ in the forefoot and an advanced rearfoot design aimed at maximizing forward propulsion and optimal running form. Independent studies prove this technology, in conjunction with the LAND-LEVER-LIFT running technique, provides less stress on a runner’s joints, muscles and tendons.

UPPER

• Highly breathable, fast-drying,open air mesh
• Minimal anatomical support strapping
• Bilateral stretch panels for comfort and fit

MIDSOLE

• High rebound light-weight midsole offers firm cushioning
• Medial posting to control early to late-stage pronaton
• Biomechanical forefoot plate and flex grooves to increase communication between foot and the ground

OUTSOLE

• Carbon rubber heel for increase durablilty
• Rearfoot technology cradles the heel as the foot settles for protection and cushion
• Forefoot Action/Reaction Technology

GREEN FEATURES

• 100% recycled laces, webbing, insole top cover
• 100% recycled box, packaging
• 10% recycled outersole rubber
• Protective enough to run fast paced long training runs and reliable enough to run 5K to marathon races

• Superior forefoot cushioning and propulsion
• Less impact = less fatigue and less muscle damage to go farther and faster
• Shoes fit true to your current running shoe size
• Wear over time will occur with Newton Running shoes
• With every shoe there is an adjustment period; learn more about adjusting to the shoe