Massively wishes you a happy Halloween
Filed under: Age of Conan, Aion, City of Heroes, EverQuest, EverQuest II, Fallen Earth, Final Fantasy XI, Guild Wars, Lineage, Lineage 2, Warhammer Online, Star Wars Galaxies, Exteel, Free Realms, Champions Online, Runes of Magic, Legends of Norrath
Halloween is probably second only to Christmas in terms of holiday popularity. Ask just about anybody what their favorite holiday is, and they’ll probably list one of those two (if it fits the culture). Naturally, as MMO players, we have fun celebrating it in our virtual worlds just like we do in the real world. And boy, this year, do we ever celebrate. Just about every active MMO out there had (or has) something going on. The 2009 lineup included:
- Final Fantasy XI - Harvest Festival
- City of Heroes - The Deadly Apocalypse
- EverQuest II - Nights of the Dead
- Fallen Earth - Days of the Dead
- Warhammer Online - Daemon Moon Rising
- Aion - Harvest Revel
- Guild Wars - The Mad King’s Revelry
- Runes of Magic - Pumpkin Festival
- Lineage - Cavern of Chaos
- Lineage II - Spooks and Scarecrows
- Age of Conan - Nights of Lost Souls
- EverQuest - The Haunting of Norrath
- Legends of Norrath - Brraaaaaainss!
- Star Wars Galaxies - Galactic Moon Festival
- Exteel - Hey, sweet! Paint!
- Free Realms - Super Spooktacular
- Champions Online - Blood Moon
Most of these events last a few days into November, so if there’s any one in particular you’re dying to experience, you might still have a chance if you have a subscription laying around. If you’re not able to visit any of these in person, we have screenshots from many of these events in the gallery below. Enjoy!
Gallery: Halloween 2009
Massively wishes you a happy Halloween originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Tropical Trick or Treat Tri in Jamaica
The laid-back island life in Montego Bay takes a backseat Saturday as athletes take part in the Rose Hall Triathlon and Wellness Festival.
Saturday will mark the second running of the Wata Rose Hall Triathlon, putting the easygoing Jamacian lifestyle on end as athletes take on a hot, humid Olympic- and sprint-distances course along Montego Bay shoreline.
In the centerpiece Olympic-distance event, The two-loop, 1.5k swim is a triangular course that takes place in the Caribbean Sea off Iberostar Hotel. The bike runs the length of the Montego Bay shoreline past the host Rose Hall Resort and Spa, and is fairly flat by and large.
It’s the run that will be the big challenge. The two-loop 10k run takes place on the cart paths of beautiful Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, where the late Johnny Cash built his home (and which is where an aid station will be set up). Golf courses are often referred to by their terrain; a desert course, a cliffside course. This one ought to be called a “mountain course.” Once racking at T2, athletes are in for a rollercoaster ride that will not let up on the legs. The first lap and finishing final lap will culminate in a 200-meter uphill pitch that is being affectionately (and appropriately) named “The Witch.”
Athletes sign in at Friday night's packet pickup. Photo: Jay Prasuhn
The race also features a wellness festival, and a Halloween post-race party—appropriate timing since T2 is located at Rose Hall Great House, a 1700s old sugar plantation house that is reputedly… haunted. At least that’s how the story goes in the H.G. de Lisser 1928 novel, The White Witch of Rosehall. An 1800s tale of black magician Annie Palmer, who was claimed to have murdered three of her husbands, was also reputedly murdered in her own bed in the house by a voodoo priest from a neighboring plantation, and it’s said her ghost roams the house.
No telling if any bikes will disappear from T2 at the foot of the house.
Back to the 21st century… One athlete who figures to not only win the visually impared category but may well make a run at a top overall finish is Aaron Scheides. The distorted, blurred vision that Scheides suffers with is called Stargardt’s Disease, and qualifies him for a cane. Instead he uses guides, those of whom in the past years have included pro triathletes Matt Lieto, Luke McKenzie Joe Gambles and Ben Collins and top age grouper Matt Miller.
Saturday, his guide will be rookie rookie pro Andy Starykowicz, A 2:05:45 bike at Ironman 70.3 Steelhead put eventual race winner Andy Potts on the defensive then when he scored a runner-up finish, and puts the Scheides/Starykowicz tandem in the drivers seat for a top finish in Montego Bay.
The race also has at least one high-profile name on the start list: triathlete and Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, who looks to improve on the 2:17:54 PR he set at the Nation’s Triathlon in D.C. this June. Race organizers said that they also leave the door open for former heavyweight boxing champion and area resident Lennox Lewis to drop in and do the race in whole or as a relay.
Stay tuned to triathlete,competitor.com for a complete race report and photo gallery.
Ironman Purchases Spirit Of Racine Triathlon
Ironman 70.3 Racine, formerly the Spirit of Racine Triathlon, will take place on July 18, 2010 in Wisconsin. The event will become part of the Ironman 70.3 Series that includes 40 races worldwide and will serve as an official qualifier for next year’s Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 taking place on Nov. 13, 2010, in Clearwater, Fla.
Registration for Ironman 70.3 Racine will open this Sunday, Nov. 1, at Noon EST and will be available through the event’s official Web site, www.ironmanracine.com.
“Ironman is excited to be developing another world-class triathlon in Wisconsin in 2010,” said Ironman 70.3 Racine Race Director, Ryan Richards. “Expanding on the community relationship formed during the Spirit of Racine Triathlon and working with the great people in the Racine area to ensure a safe and successful race will be a top priority. Racine County residents and businesses have been very welcoming to events, and we look forward to the same hospitality when Ironman 70.3 Racine comes to town.”
Athletes will experience a 1.2-mile swim along North Beach in pristine Lake Michigan. With water temperatures under 78 degrees Fahrenheit, wetsuits will be permitted. Athletes will continue with a 56-mile bike course through the rolling countryside of Racine County and a flat 13.1-mile run through the Racine Zoo and surrounding Lake Michigan coastline.
Professional athletes will compete for a $30,000 prize purse. A total of 50 slots for the 2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 will be awarded to top professional and age group finishers.
Radcliffe Is Ready To Win
Paula Radcliffe will look for her fourth NYC title on Sunday. Photo: Laurel Wassner
Defending, three-time champion returns to NYC aiming for another victory.
Written by: Sarah Wassner Flynn
Clad in jeans and a slim black t-shirt proclaiming “Run NYC”, a fit and focused Paula Radcliffe oozed excitement for her return to the Big Apple, where she hopes to once again don the laurel wreath crown following her finish on Sunday at the 40th running of the New York City Marathon.
“I caught the New York bug way back in 1995 after my first run in Central Park,” said the world record holder, who nabbed marathon wins here in 2004, 2007, and 2008. “I thought there was some sort of carnival going on, but then I realized it was just your typical Sunday in the Park. There is just something so special about this city.”
Seated next to fellow legend and nine-time New York City Marathon champion Grete Waitz, Radcliffe kept things light while dishing about her least-favorite part of the course (the Williamsburg Bridge, leading into the Bronx) to her post-race splurges (chocolate cake and red wine). But the Brit’s demeanor quickly turned to all-business when speaking about her preparation for Sunday’s race—and her desire to earn her third-straight win.
“I’m a racer. I go into any race wanting to show off all of my hard work and training,” said Radcliffe, who most recently picked up a win here in last August’s New York City Half-Marathon. “I don’t come here to prove anything, but I always want to win. I love winning.” she said.
The women’s group is decidedly less stacked than the men’s—which features defending and two-time champ Marilson Gomes dos Santos of Brazil, four-time Boston winner Robert Cheruiyot of Kenya and 2004 NYC champ Hendrick Ramaala of South Africa along with Ryan Hall and a cadre of top Americans. But Radcliffe was quick to dismiss the notion that she’s racing against a watered-down field.
“The field’s still strong. [Japan’s] Yuri Kano is having a great year, and anytime you have [Ethopia’s] Derartu Tulu in a race, you have to watch out,” she said. “There may also be that one person out there who no one knows about, too. So I won’t make any plans. I’ll trust my instincts and just go.”
Looking on like a wise older sister, Waitz smiled and nodded, saying, “I see a lot of myself in Paula. Our trademark is to run hard from the start—and win.”
A Simple, Hard Way To Run Faster
Specific strength training will improve your running. Photo: John Segesta
Forget about those branded, one-size-fits-all technique systems. If you want to run faster, just get stronger. It’s that simple – and that hard.
Written by: Neil Cook
While Evolution Running, Chi Running and Pose Running all claim to be able to improve your speed and reduce injuries (all desirable outcomes), there is no research proving that any of those programs actually accomplish those outcomes.There are many people who believe one or all of these approaches is the way to improve your running. I am not one of those people. I’m old (fashioned).
So, here’s what I recommend. These methods are not supported by research either, but they have been around a lot longer and are a lot simpler (and cheaper).
Turnover
Every runner has a “natural” turnover rate (measured in strides per minute). As we gain strength and run faster that will increase. I don’t think it is wise to use some average or elite number of strides per minute as your goal. Measure your turnover and track it as you train and as your speed increases. I believe you’ll find that your turnover increases – that’s good. But many world-class runners are turning over in the 90 footfalls-per-minute range. If many of the rest of us tried to do that we’d either get slower, work harder or get injured.
Fast feet do yield faster running. But fast feet come from explosive power. The more force you can apply to the ground in the shortest period of time, the faster you will run. There are two ways I’ve had success with increasing people’s speed (and turnover). Skip up hills once a week (or twice if you can handle it). The hill should be considered a steep hill and it should take you between 4 and 8 minutes to skip to the top. You can get a bit fancier and also use Lydiard’s Bounding and Springing along with skipping. Don’t emphasize knee lift and don’t try to move forward fast. Focus on getting your feet off the ground and over the rope, and not just that, but also try to get your heels up to your butt. Move up the hill at a slow pace, explode off the ground and snap your heels up to your butt. Keep your knees low.
Also, do plyometrics, or explosive jumping. Plyometrics is hard – really hard – but it will make you strong. When you get strong three things happen. First, you can apply more force in a shorter period of time – hence your foot comes off the ground faster and you move forward faster. Second, your turnover increases. Third, your stride length increases.
Again, this isn’t easy, but it is simple. Get stronger and you’ll run faster. To run really fast though, you need to develop better neuromuscular coordination. But that’s another topic.
Pillars of Strength
Evolution, Chi and Pose all focus on the technique and a lot of drills. None of them emphasizes building strength as much as I believe is necessary.
Example one: A group of 50- to 60-year-old women I coach started doing hill skipping three years ago. Every winter we go to a hill in Central Park once a week and skip up the hill. Repeatedly. The incidence of injury among these women has gone down. They are running faster than they ever have (or at least faster than in the past 10 years, in the cases of those women who have been running for a long time). One has set a PR in each of the races she’s run in the last two months.
Example two: My wife just turned 50. She’s not done a lick of speed work since I met her (1997). For the past few years she’s been doing hills – skipping and running them – two or three times a week. After the first year she ran PRs from February through October. She just kept getting faster. Last year she was voted Most Valuable Woman in her triathlon club, and the year before she was Most Improved Runner in her running club. Last year she placed overall or in her age group in every road race and triathlon she entered. She just ran a five miler and her pace was sub-7:00/mile. She’s just started to train again after about six weeks of recovery. She doesn’t do anything special, she just loves hills!
While turnover and stride length have a correlation to running speed, I’m not certain it’s a causal relationship. I do know that the stronger you are as a runner, the faster you will run. It’s simple, but it’s hard.
***
Neil Cook is the head coach and program manager of the Asphalt Green MultiSport Club in New York City.
Official Age of Conan database offers easy info
Filed under: Fantasy, Age of Conan, News items
MMOs see updates quite frequently, and with games that have developers actively posting on forums an attentive community member can absorb plenty of useful information. However, not everyone is up to the task of tracking all news, dev posts and dev blogs on every little topic. This is where Age of Conan’s “New Community Database” enters the picture.
Handled by the community team at Funcom, the database will serve as an easily accessible source of pertinent game-related information about updates old, new, small and big. Everything from minor content stuff to full-on expansions, like Rise of the Godslayer. The website is still partially in beta as content is being added and knobs are being tweaked and dialed for maximum performance. So if in your venture for precious information you run aground due to a lack of content or technical issues, don’t be all too surprised.
Having an official wiki isn’t a bad idea. With time and attention there’s no doubt many a person will find the source of info highly useful. In fact, we’ve already discovered a great use for it right here, although that particular opinion is arguably of a subjective nature.
Official Age of Conan database offers easy info originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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2009 ING New York City Marathon Elite Race Handicapping
Can an American man win for the first time this century? Will Paula three-peat?
Written by: Sean McKeon
The 2009 ING New York City Marathon is not only the final Marathon Major of the year, but it is also the 2009 US men’s marathon championship. The combination of competitions has made for an extremely deep men’s race. The women’s race, on the other hand, has seen a share of top tier athletes withdraw, leaving the talent pool shallow, although not without firepower. Here are the official Competitor.com predictions for all three races:
Men’s Race:
Gharib is poised for his first Marathon Major title. Photo: PhotoRun.net
With the withdrawal of two-time-champion Martin Lel, the entire field took a deep breath and the race became wide open. It’s hard to bet against the defending champion, and two-time-winner, Marilson Gomes dos Santos. The Brazilian seems to run inspired in the Big Apple and makes decisive moves that others will need to key off of later in the race. The Moroccan duo of Jaouad Gharib and Abderrahime Bouramdane should be feared, as they could very well work together through much of the race. Gharib is the stronger of the two men as he is coming off an Olympic bronze from 2008 and a personal best performance (2:05:27) this spring in London. Bouramdane was a runner-up in Boston and fifth here in 2008, proving his mettle in major marathons. The top Kenyan contenders should be James Kwambai and Patrick Makau. Kwambai is in the sub-2:05 club with a 2:04:27 from Rotterdam this year and was runner-up at Boston in 2007. Makau has broken the one-hour mark in the half marathon more times than any man in history (seven), and has a 2:06:14 marathon on the record from earlier this year in Rotterdam.
Ryan Hall leads the American men into NYC. Photo: PhotoRun.net
Let us not forget the Americans, among whom the pressure will be on Ryan Hall and two-time top-three New York City finisher Meb Keflezighi. Hall and Keflezighi will vie not only for the overall race win but also for the US marathon championship. On paper it is a three-horse race: Ryan Hall vs. Meb Keblezighi vs. Abdi Abdirahman. But the unexpected is always to be expected in a marathon. Hall has the top personal best of the group with his 2:06:17, Meb has the Olympic silver medal to his name, and Abdirahman is the top returning American from 2008. One has to wonder how much will US championship factor into the overall race. My guess is very much so, and not because of the three top contenders, but because of the extreme depth of the American field.
Hall, Meb and Abdirahman may have better overall credentials but there are plenty of other Americans ready to take them on. Jason Lehmkuhle placed fifth in the 2008 Olympic trials marathon and an impressive eighth place in New York last year. Brian Sell is a 2008 Olympian in the marathon and it looks like this race may be the swan song for this popular runner. We don’t know much about his fitness but he always comes ready to grind. Track specialist Bolota Asmerom is running New York for the second time, having finished in a disappointing 2:16 in 2008. Asmerom is a big talent but we are yet to see if he can perform over the longer distances.
Debutantes Jorge Torres and Josh Moen are strong dark horses for an overall top-10 placing and potential US podium. Torres has rarely raced over 10,000m in his career but is coached by former world record holder and New York City champion Steve Jones and wouldn’t toe the line unless he was prepared to race hard. Moen had an amazing race in October at the US 10-Mile Championship, where he took Abdirahman to the line, and is ready to make his mark at the full marathon distance.
Competitor.com says:
Overall:
1. Jaouad Gharib – Morocco
2. James Kwambai – Kenya
3. Ryan Hall – USA
4. Meb Keflezighi – USA
5. Patrick Makau – Kenya
US Men’s Championship:
1. Ryan Hall
2. Meb Keflezighi
3. Jason Lehmkuhle
4. Abdi Abdirahman
5. Josh Moen
Women’s Race:
Racliffe hopes to hold up four fingers on Sunday. Photo: PhotoRun.net
Unfortunately, the women’s race is far less exciting, on paper, than the men’s race. Defending champion Paula Radcliffe of the UK is the world record holder, three-time champion and, debatably, the greatest women’s distance runner of all-time. Taking down Paula will be tough, and with the shrinking women’s field, it may indeed be virtually impossible. The main competition for Radcliffe will come from Kenya’s Salina Kosgei and Japan’s Yuri Kano. Kosgei is the reigning Boston Marathon champion and was a top-10 finisher in Beijing last year. Kano has an impressive 2:24:43 debut marathon time from 2007 and an equally impressive 1:08:57 half-marathon personal best from 2008. However, history is not on Kano’s side, as no Japanese woman has ever been victorious in New York.
Outside of the “top three,” the strength drops drastically, as five other major competitors were forced to withdraw for various reasons over the weeks leading up to the race. However, there is always a chance for a dark horse to emerge from the pack over 26.2 miles. If that is the case look for Russian ageless wonder Ludmila Petrova, the 2008 runner-up. The 41-year-old set a masters world record of 2:25:43 last year, but it is only a matter of time before age forces her off the podium. Countywoman Tatyana Petrova, no relation, is the reigning Los Angeles Marathon champion and a converted steeplechaser. Still in her first year as a marathoner, she could turn heads if she is able to run under 2:26 for the third time this year, which may be good enough for a podium position.
American Magdelena Lewy Boulet is the top American contender. The 2008 Olympic trials runner-up ran 2:30:19 in that race and has looked good so far this year, setting a personal best 1:11:46 at the Rock ‘N’ Roll San Jose Half Marathon in October.
Competitor.com says:
1. Paula Radcliffe – UK
2. Yuri Kano – Japan
3. Salina Kosgei – Kenya
4. Tatyana Petrova – Russia
5. Ludmila Petrova – Russia
New York’s Finest
Of the top American men running in Sunday's ING New York City Marathon, 2004 champ Hendrick Ramaala says, "They have what it takes to win. But we won’t make it easy.” Photo: Laurel Wassner
As the fastest-ever American men gather to run on Sunday, the rest of the field gets ready to fight.
Written by: Sarah Wassner Flynn
For more than a quarter of a century, the New York City Marathon has been dominated by foreign runners. In fact, an American hasn’t won the men’s race since Alberto Salazar claimed victory back in 1982—and the last statesman to medal here was Meb Keflezighi with his third-place finish in 2005.
But Sunday’s race may very well tell a different story. You’ve got red-hot Ryan Hall, fresh off becoming the first American man in 23 years to win the Philadelphia Distance run half-marathon last month. Joining him is a renewed Keflezighi, out to reclaim his post as the top American marathoner after a series of injuries. Then there’s Abdi Abdirahman, who lead the 2008 race for much of the first half. And you can’t discount 2008 Olympian Brian Sell, who’s looking to (possibly) end his competitive career with a swan song.
The American crew is so impressive that the other elite runners (Africans, mostly, plus defending champ Marilson Gomes dos Santos of Brazil) are taking note—and quaking in their running shoes. Speaking at a pre-race press conference on Friday, South African and 2004 NYC champ Hendrick Ramaala tipped his hat to the talented men, saying they’ve all got a shot at the top of the podium.
Abdi Abdirahman, Meb Keflezighi, Ryan Hall, Brian Sell, Jorge Torres and Jason Lehmkuhle gather at the pre-race press conference for the 2009 ING New York City Marathon, which is also serving as the USA Men's Marathon Championship. Photo: Laurel Wassner.
“Any of those guys could win the race, they just have to believe it,” said Ramaala, who said the field’s opened up after two-time NYC champion Martin Lel of Kenya pulled out last week due to injury. “They have improved so much, and should be able to stay up with us.”
Kenya’s Patrick Makau, a 2:06 marathoner who this year posted the second-fastest half-marathon time ever (58:52), agreed with Ramaala. “The Americans are catching up to the other marathoners in the world. [On Sunday], we will be all the same,” he said.
Ever the competitor, Ramaala was quick to cap his compliment with a bit of old-fashioned trash talk. “The Americans have so much support… the coaching, the camps. I have to travel 18 hours to [training] camp, and they live [where they train],” said Ramaala, smiling. “Yes, they have what it takes to win. But we won’t make it easy.”
Beating The Recession: Triathlon On A Budget
Photo: Larry Rosa
Professional triathlete Samantha McGlone provides advice on how to keep up on triathlon training and racing in the struggling economy.
Some experts claim that the recession is almost over. But with bank CEOs forfeiting their private jets and Escalades on fire sale at local dealers it seems like it might be a long time before the economy truly recovers. Until we can all once again enjoy drive-through, no-money-down, interest-only, 50-year jumbo mortgages, I will be counting my pennies and looking for ways to trim the fat from my triathlon budget. Here are some frugal training and racing tips till we are back in the black.
• Ditch the gym membership and find a strength program you can do on your own with a stability ball and dumbbells. Some of the most effective and sport specific strength exercises for triathlon are plyometrics and core exercises, most of which can be done with body weight and minimal equipment. On a cost-per-muscle-shredding basis, jump squats, planks and lunges will give you a bang for your buck.
A proper initial bike fit can save you money down the road. Photo: Jay Prasuhn
• When purchasing a new bike ensure you are fit correctly the first time. A good bike fit with a trained professional will save you money in the long run. Going through three or four stems to find the right position once you make a purchase is no bargain.
• Become a “locavore” athlete and support local races; there are many great, small races across the country. Don’t think you have to enter a big branded race half way around the world to be a real triathlete. Some race organizers will even offer discounts for entering the entire series or signing up in advance. Also, consider volunteering at an event in exchange for a free entry later.
• Race for free. If you really want to do an interesting race in an exotic local, race for a charity. By raising money for certain foundations, race entry fees and travel expenses are covered by the organization. Plus, racing for something bigger than a PR is a great way to add some incentive to get your butt out there and train.
• Use your commute to work as an excuse to fit extra bike or run mileage in. If you are spending time and money in the car driving to work, surely you can find a way to make that commute into a bike workout. It might involve some logistical planning (not to mention liberal use of handi-wipes) but it can be done. At the very least, run some local errands on your bike. A couple miles to the post office can be incorporated into any training route.
• Swap gear with other athletes. Invite some triathlete friends over for a party where every body brings gently used gear to trade. Maybe that wetsuit that never fit right can be turned into some race wheels.
• Definitely still take care of your body by having regular massages, but check out a local massage school. Often, an hour massage is priced at about $30 from an experienced, but still-in-training therapist.
• Consider bartering for services. Almost everyone has a skill that can be used in exchange for someone else’s expertise. Offer to baby sit your massage therapists kids or do your bike mechanic’s taxes.
• Ask if your employer or health insurance provider offers healthy living discounts; all those miles of training and having the cardiovascular system of a 20 year old ought to count for something. Some employers are trying to cut medical costs by promoting prevention and health – maybe the boss will chip in for that pool membership.
• Get a small group together and hire a coach for a few private sessions. With four to five athletes sharing the cost of individualized coaching you can get the benefit of (almost) one-on-one attention without the cost of months of expensive service.
• Check out tax rebates for kids involved in sport. Many states are now offering credits to offset the cost of children’s sports activities and summer camps.
• Eat in. Quality food cooked at home is always cheaper than even a middle-of-the-road restaurant meal. The markup for a pasta dish in a restaurant is about 400 percent. Cooking whole grains, lean protein and fresh fruits and veggies from scratch will save you money, taste better and improve your health and performance.
• Leave the family at home. It’s always nice to spend a weekend with the kids, but extra flights, rooms and SUV rentals can really add up. Relive the good old college days and slum it at your next race. Find some other athletes from your area and make a weekend of it. Share a ride to the race, split a hotel room or condo with a kitchenette and cook communal meals together to shave the food bill. Think of it as an “athletes-only” weekend – no non-racers allowed. So you may have to pump your own tires on race morning but think of the money you’ll save by not having to rent an SUV with a car-seat. Convince the family to give you the weekend-pass by promising to bring them to Hawaii when you qualify.
• Spend where it counts on equipment. A decent set of aero race wheels will make more difference than saving a few grams on the extra-light titanium bolt kit. Skip dessert instead.
And then there are definitely places not to scrimp:
• Never sacrifice safety to save a few dollars; even a minor crash or ding requires the purchase of a new helmet. The same goes with a crack in a carbon frame. You don’t ever want to doubt your equipment on a 40 mile/hr downhill.
New tires are always worh the money. Photo: Jay Prasuhn
• Always get new rubber for important races. Spending a hundred bucks on some new tires is much cheaper than risking a puncture and sacrificing thousands in race entry and travel fees.
• Don’t skimp on quality food. High performance and optimal health require proper nutrition. Fresh, healthy food may seem more expensive in the short term but in the long run that dollar value menu is really no value at all.
• Don’t bonk. It might seem like a good idea to use the failing economy as an excuse to shed a few pounds by under-fuelling but don’t try this on longer workouts. Cab fare home from a failed 100 miler can add up quickly.
Danskin Triathlon Series Hosted A Record 10 Events Celebrating Its 20th Anniversary In 2009
With a record 10 events and more than 23,000 women registered, the Danskin Triathlon Series recently completed its 20th Anniversary Series remaining the largest and longest running women’s triathlon series in the world.
“We want to congratulate the 23,000 women who signed up to be a part of our 20th Anniversary Danskin Series this year,” said Barb McKeever, Danskin Triathlon Series Director. “For the last 20 years, the Danskin Series has been at the forefront of women’s multisport. We hosted a record 10 events across the country this year, added new features and cities to engage a whole new generation of women in the sport. As the Series grows, we will continue to provide the best possible experience and inspire more women to challenge themselves in a Danskin Triathlon!”
As it has for the last several years, the Series supports Breast Cancer Research Foundation – the official charity of the Danskin Series. Since 2004, the Series had raised more than $900,000 supporting the Foundation’s mission to end breast cancer in our lifetime.
In celebration of the 20th Anniversary, Kirsten Young, a school teacher and amateur triathlete, competed in every race in the Series to raise money for Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Kirsten collected pledges and donations at each race expo with an initial goal to raise $10,000. With an overwhelming amount of support and determination on her part, Kirsten more than doubled her goal raising $25,000 for the Foundation.
Launched as a part of Danskin’s commitment to women’s health and fitness, more than 225,000 women have participated in the Series since 1990. This year, the popular series added new cities and features such as the complimentary SheROX Mentor Program. The innovative Mentor Program pairs athletes with experienced female triathletes who provide information and support to help women feel comfortable about what to expect during training and on race day. Mentors are available via e-mail and proactively send regular tips and suggestions to address individual needs and concerns. The Mentor Program also includes regular e-newsletters, group workouts, informational meetings, clinics and social get-togethers helping women prepare for and truly enjoy their Danskin experience.
The Danskin Series has played a significant role in the triathlon boom over the last decade. According to USA Triathlon, since 2000 female USAT membership has grown from 27% of the total of the annual members to over 38% at the end of 2008. A major factor leading to this growth has been “the growth of women’s-only events like the Danskin…” (Source: USA Triathlon).
2010 Danskin Triathlon Series schedule and registration dates will be announced in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to DanskinWomensTri.com for details.
