June 30, 2008
US Track & Field Olympic Trials
Records are being set, crowds are reaching 20,000, and the excitement is just beginning. The US Olympic Track and Field Trials started this past Friday in Eugene and it is shaping up to be a memorable event. On Saturday, Tyson Gay set a US record in the men's 100m quarterfinals with a time of 9.77 seconds. He then went on to clock a smoking 9.68 seconds in the semifinals the next day. However, it's not considered a world record as as the wind gauge reading was 4.1 meters per second, twice the allowable amount.
Tickets are still available for certain events throughout the rest of the week (the trials end Sunday) but don't worry if you don't have any. The trials are part of the Eugene 08 festival which will provide jumbo video screens for live coverage of all the action inside the stadium. Aside from the jumbo screens, you can expect performances from some great Northwest bands, food from Eugene's tastiest restaurants, and interactive activities for the whole family, including a track obstacle course! If the first few days are any indication of how the trials will proceed, this is sure to be a week jam packed with excitement and energy.
Posted by orbike at 5:20 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 27, 2008
Reach the Bridge | Sunday, June 29
Unlike most runs and walks, Reach the Bridge doesn't have a huge crowd at the start line. The crowds - for those of you who accurately plan your start time - are at the finish line. That's right, Reach the Bridge (formerly Beat the Burnside) is Portland's only reverse-timed race. You've got to reach the Burnside bridge before it rises at 9 am SHARP!
Runners and walkers start at the World Forestry Center and run the majestic 8k course through Washington Park with a total elevation drop of 650' along the way. You'll be kept cool by the early morning breeze and the towering tree canopy along the paved roads as you pass by the Japanese Garden and through the Lewis and Clark Circle. After that, it is a heart-pounding rush straight down a closed W. Burnside to the bridge. You can see it in the distance - the clock is ticking - you're passing runners - runners are passing you... and for that short moment in time, you own Burnside.
Reach the Bridge is a fund raiser for the American Lung Association of Oregon. This is your opportunity to honor lung cancer survivors and pay special tribute to those lost to the disease. If you aren't yet registered, don't worry. You can show up at at either start (World Forestry Center or PGE Park) for day of registration. For more details, see the website.
Posted by orbike at 6:14 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 19, 2008
Drink Up
Now that the weather is FINALLY heating up, it's time to start being more careful about what you drink during your workouts. The outside temperature, along with the length of your run and your pace determines if water is enough to rehydrate, or, if you need something more. To add to the confusion, it seems like there are hundreds of different sports drinks out there. However will you decide? Runner's World has come up with a very handy guide to help you figure out what type of replenishment is best for your type of run. Don't forget to try a few different brands and figure out which works best for you.
Posted by orbike at 5:54 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 17, 2008
Summer Solstice Sundowner 2008
Celebrate this year's summer solstice by running or walking a 5k! The Oregon Road Runners Club invites you to join them at Clackamas Community College this Thursday at 7:15 pm in honor of the longest day of the year. The course is a double loop around the campus on a mixture of black top and bark dust trails. Because it's mostly flat, this race is great for runners and walkers of all abilities. Also, the forecast is for 74 and sunshine so the temps should be perfect right around race time. There will be an awards ceremony following the race for the top 6 people in the standard ORRC 5 year age divisions. You can also bring the kiddies as there is a free 1/4 mile run for children. See the website for more details.
Posted by orbike at 5:29 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 6, 2008
Four Months and Counting...
Four months from now, a little race you may have heard of occurs in the Rose City - the Portland Marathon - and I'm going to go ahead and say it, I'm running it. Or a least I hope so. Now, I know it's not uncommon for people to run marathons, but I've got my hesitations about committing to this race.
One, it means finding time to train during a jam-packed work schedule thanks to it being event season. Two, I am finally feeling comfortable running on my gimpy ankle that I sprained pretty badly a while back. On the bright side, though, I've been wanting to run a second marathon and I feel as if the Portland Marathon is kind of a rite of passage into the running community out here. (Even though I've lived in this fabulous city for over a year now, I sometimes still feel like a newbie.) I'm hoping that by saying it aloud, or in this case, writing about it on a blog, I will be forced to be held accountable and actually follow through.
That being said, expect some updates on how my training is going over the next few months. I'll be sure include the good, the bad, and the ugly - like those awesome blisters you can get on those LONG runs. I'll also keep you posted with training clinics, tips, and any other relavent info. If you want, feel free to post your own comments about how your training is going. Misery loves company, right?
Posted by orbike at 4:28 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 2, 2008
First Thursday Urban Adventure Runs
If First Thursday gallery walks aren't quite your style, come be a part of this alternative "walk" (ok, run). Fit Right NW is hosting it's very own First Thursday Run and Urban Scavenger Hunt at its NW 23rd location. The rules are simple: Receive your first checkpoint location at the start. When you arrive at each checkpoint you will be given a raffle ticket and the location of your next checkpoint. The more tickets you collect the more chances you have of winning prizes at the raffle drawing! Try to hit as many checkpoints as you can, but remember that the raffle drawing starts at 7pm whether you are there or not. Even if you don't end up winning any prizes, there is free food and beer for all, which lets face it, is almost as good as winning that new pair of Brooks...sort of.
Important Info:
- Thursday, June 5
- Sign-in : 5:30 pm / Event Start: 6 pm
- 1207 NW 23rd Ave.
- Bring a watch, good navigational skills, and great attitude!
Raffle Prizes:
- 3 Pairs of Brooks Shoes
- 6 Pairs of Balega Socks
- 3 Pairs of Archmolds Inserts
For more info, visit Fit Right's website.
Posted by orbike at 11:25 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack