Dear Athlete,

Maybe I have been too quick suggesting that cold weather was jumping on us! OK, I'm wearing more layers (gloves sometimes) and it feels great!

Lonnie Somers announcing at Women's Half Marathon in Nashville (yes, he is wearing a skirt and tutu).

Those of you heading to RNR Denver this weekend should get "no excuse" weather (Lonnie Somers, my co-conspirator in the Melting Pot Halloween Hustle on October 30th and the upcoming RunDenver Series is announcing at the event this weekend so give him a "high five" at the finish). Plus, if you are there, visit the Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon booth! We have new surprises (and giveaways!) in store for you! 

Part of the really exciting things that I get to do is introduce you to people I promise you'll like and want to know better.

 My travels took me all over the map the past 30 days and it was great fun. I had a chance to catch up with two friends (Hal Higdon at the Akron Marathon and Bart Yasso at the Quad Cities Marathon). Both races were amazing and I was able to snag an interview with each guy.

Click here to enjoy hearing the latest from Hal about his updated re-release of Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guideand life on the road!

Hal Higdon

Bart has been a guest at my home over the years and we've shared dozens of fascinating times together. He truly is the "Mayor of Running" at Runner's World. Bart will bejoining me at the inaugural Norfolk Freedom Half Marathon  on November 13th. Click on this video to learn why the event is significant in his life (you may want to sign up...a tres' bling finisher medallion!). It is appropriate to suggest that if you're not heading to Norfolk, VA, then you will not want to miss the Race for Fetal Hope 5K (with prize money this year) here in Denver at Washington Park the same day! 

Norfolk Freedom Half Marathon with Bart Yasso

OK, I want to return to another guy who impressed me in August with his dedication to the Colorado Relay. His team supported the Wounded Warrior Project (I was invited to be a part of a presentation at the WWP in September in Jacksonville and was humbled and deeply touched). I asked Brian Remington to come by my home and share why he will run the half in Norfolk. Click on his interview below. These are your fellow runners and I think you'll find it a solid few minutes. 

Interview with Brian Remington

Although I forgot my Flip Video camera last weekend in Austin, TX (Trekwomen Triathlon where my significant other, Renee Hamilton negotiated the challenging course with style!) to interview Sally Edwards (Triathlon Hall of Fame), I did promise to remind you to attend her Heart Zones Training (Seminar, Workshop, Certification) in Lakewood on 22 or 23 October.

By the way, my co-announcer at the annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Carissa Bealert will be our announcer at the Norfolk Freedom Half Marathon as well! Carissais an extraordinary talent, runner and I want to introduce you to her here. Click on her website and then go to her blog. It is all about "clean eating and working out". If I don't forget, I'll interview her in Norfolk! 

Finally, I want to encourage you all to participate in three significant events on the horizon here in Colorado: 

• Fit For Fire 5K in Washington Park on October 16th  We will NEVER take for granted the women and men who risk their lives so we can enjoy ours!
• Melting Pot Halloween Hustle 5Kin Littleton on Sunday, October 30th. Who knew the Melting Pot once had jail cells and is haunted? Support the Tennyson Center, please!!
• The Inaugural Anything Is Possible 5K  on top of Cherry Creek Dam on Sunday, November 6th at 1:50 AM (for military folk, 0150 hrs). That's right and you'll start the race and finish before you started. Learn how by clicking on the link (and yes, the course is certified and you will be timed!). You did the Midnight Ride? Now do this for two great causes!

I need to get this out the door! Please come up and say hello where I'm announcing if your travels take you to: 

• Danskin Triathlon Palm Springs, CA October 9th
• Des Moines Marathon October 16th
• Rock 'N Roll Marathon in St Louis October 23rd
• Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon in LA on October 30th
• Women's Half Marathon in Scottsdale on November 6th