Dear Athlete!

Checking in with runners and walkers who are not in the front of a race is a healthy practice. Recently I asked a few what they liked about races. The answers weren't surprising: decent shirt, good refreshments, plenty of water on course, start on time and music at finish. Most were not driven by a "fast" time but they were interested in "time" and used it as a comparison to see where they were or needed to be fitness-wise.

The one common theme though was an appreciation for the camaraderie and friendliness of the others in the event. This struck me as the same reason most of you prefer shopping at specialty running stores...you get to "self-select" and be around people similar to you. Our sport isn't complex and at several levels that's refreshing!

Sonya Estes of Runners Roost Lakewood  has a special treat for you along with the edgy Brooks people on Friday July 9th, 2pm-7pm to learn about "Brooks Run Happy"! If you haven't noticed their crazy ad campaign, this is a "must" visit!

A couple of weeks ago I stopped by our buddies at Denver's Runners Roost on S. Colorado Blvd. It looked like a running trade show! Runner's Edge, Hydapouch (contrary to an ill-informed local running blogger it has, in fact, increased it's appeal through several major training groups, was well-received at two recent races and reduced the paper cup usage at the Bolder Boulder), Brooks  and the Denver Rock N' Roll Marathon were all front and center. For me it was a chance to catch up with several friends, talk running and just hang out with great people. I watched David Manthey take care of his training group, heard Ed Reigert of the Roost talk up his Roost Run Club fun runs and met a person who makes t-shirts into quilts (this was popular about 20 years ago but I hadn't seen it recently). Before you throw away that stack of shirts from races almost forgotten, email her or check out the web site www.TShirtsToQuilts.com ...great idea!

Our RunDenver Series of 5K's will kick off again in December and we're actively recruiting a new title sponsor (if interested email Shannon Koch for more information). The series has grown to over 2,000 participants spread over 5 winter events and serves as a perfect way to stay in the game from December until the kickoff of the Spring race season, the annual Runnin' of the Green! 

Like to watch fun video of major road races?  Click on the link at USA Track and Field's USA Running Circuit. As the emcee and announcer at the recent AJC Peachtree Road Race  (also the USA Men's 10K National Championship) I can personally attest to the excitement!

How many of you remember Steve Kelley (no relation!) sitting in all the seats of the old Mile High Stadium as a fundraiser back in 1980 for the American Cancer Society.  One of Denver's very best personalities, selflessly raised nearly $30,000 back then. Fast forward and with a more normal twist, you can run or walk up and down and all the way around the 2nd Annual Step Up For Cancer at Dick's Sporting Goods Park next month on August 8th! Do it for three reasons: it's fun, it's easy and it raises needed money for a bunch of wonderful charities (including ACS but my favorite is Leukemia and Lymphoma Society)!

My good buddy Lonnie Somers, and fellow Running USA Board Member, and his wife Michelle were featured in Colorado Runner Magazine in its current issue about their charity the Fetal Hope Foundation and its national event series (7th annual in November here in Denver).  If you have not checked it out, I certainly encourage you to do so.

Those of you who wondered if anyone would take me up on my offer to host them for 5:30 a.m. training runs from my home, wonder no more! Two guys agreed and they're pulling me slowly (not them...me!) back into shape! If you're interested, they're always room and the fastest guys are around 7 min/mile pace and we range back to 8 min/mile pace.

We'll be down in the Springs directing the Zooma Women's 10K and Half Marathon at the Broadmoor  on the 17th of July (a perfect getaway at a very upscale resort!). It's not too late to sign up!

If your travels take you to the Trek Women Triathlon Series  or the Rock N Roll Half in Chicago where I will be announcing, please stop by and say hi!

See you on the roads and trails!