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e-newsletterAugust 2015
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Marathon & Beyond
 

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M&B News

M&B at 60th Pike Peak Ascent/Marathon Weekend
 
M&B was thrilled to visit Manitou Springs, Colorado, for the 60th annual Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon weekend! The Peak Busters, who gather each year to celebrate women participating in the Ascent/Marathon, celebrated their 40th anniversary during the weekend as well.

M&B publisher Jan Seeley along with a few friends took on the Ascent again this year, and Jan shared these thoughts with us afterward:
"So thankful for four successful finishes at yesterday's Pikes Peak Ascent (just one hill, 7,815 feet vertical gain to 14,115!). My assignment was to make sure my dear friend Carol "Pitts" Roberts made it to the top. On a very hot day--even at the top of the mountain--we made it. Congrats to Lori Ozment and Sally Strauss on their great day on this magnificent mountain."

Congrats to Jan and all of the other runners who completed the Ascent and/or Marathon last weekend! 

Between the Lines:
Top US Marathons by the Numbers

For many runners, the end of August can mean increased mileage and some of our longest runs before a fall race approaches. Over 550,000 runners completed a marathon in 2014, a number that continues to rise each year. October is the most poular month for marathons in the United States and Canada, with 122 events held in 2014. 

Runners take into account many things when planning their races for the year, including location, climate, and size of the event. In our July/August issue author (and finisher of 111 marathons) Hal Higdon answers a frequently asked question -- "What's your favorite marathon?" -- with a top 10 list of his favorites. When looking at his list by the numbers, we see that some also coincide with the most "popular" races in the country, as illustrated by number of participants.

Compare Hal's list of favorites in "Top Ten Marathons in the United States" with the list below and see if any should make it to your running "bucket list" for an upcoming year!

Most Marathon Finishers 2014
  1. New York City Marathon (50,564)
  2. Chicago Marathon (40,802)
  3. Boston Marathon (31,926)
  4. Honolulu Marathon (21,824)
  5. Los Angeles Marathon (21,506)
  6. Marine Corps Marathon (19,689)
  7. Walt Disney World Marathon (19,235)
  8. Philadelphia Marathon (10,363)
  9. Twin Cities Marathon (8,853)
  10. Houston Marathon (6,945)


Word on the Street

January 15, 2016
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

 
"Bienvenue!" That's the formal way to welcome friends in Louisiana. 

Welcome to the Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge, the Capitol City, January 15-17, 2016

Now in its fifth year, the Louisiana Marathon was established in 2012 as a major winter racing event and running festival. The unique Louisiana culture brings a celebratory spirit to this event that includes the Full, Half, Quarter, 5K and Kids' Marathon.

The course features a fast, flat, festive path from downtown along the river through the University Lakes, the Louisiana State University campus, and historic river town neighborhoods. The marathon has secured USATF certification and is an official Boston Qualifier route. With less than 500 feet of total ascent and incredibly runner-friendly weather, between 8 and 11% of participants qualify for Boston each year. 
 
The overall weekend experience is unique. Runners who stay downtown walk from the expo -- filed with 75 exhibitors, guest speakers, and local music -- to the start/finish lines and finish festival. Logistically, you can keep your car keys in your room from Friday though Sunday and forget about showing a little ankle or using a two-finger whistle for a cab ride. A plethora of local restaurants around the downtown area await your arrival before or after your run.

Recognized as the best running fest on the bayou, Rendezvous 2016 will feature local jazz+funk+zydeco and country bands on stage while over 24 restaurants will share tastes of local cuisine that can be washed down with Dasani water or one of several Abita beers -- our state's finest craft brewery. For veggie lovers, the event has hosted a Vegan Showcase tent. Each runner gets six free tastes with his/her bib and more can be purchased for what amounts to $3 a taste. How 'boutcha com'n!

The Louisiana Marathon expects to attract 24,000 to 30,000 attendees from 50 states and a dozen countries each year -- over 34 states to date. The race is a true celebration of both running and Louisiana culture. The race crew strives to establish, in collaboration with its partners and the local running community, Louisiana as the running capital of the South while showcasing the music and food of state.

For more information about the race, travel, and the weekend experience, visit: http://thelouisianamarathon.com 



Subscriber of the Month: Jennifer Moree

Subscriber Jennifer Moree traveled to Alaska this month to complete her 30th marathon. After years of taking care of her family, she has been taking time for herself over the last few years to pursue her love of running. Read her story below.

Tell us when and why you started running.
I was a community volunteer and stay-at-home mom of three busy boys. I had been totally invested in my three sons' numerous activities. After my youngest son departed for college in 2007, I realized I had time to physically invest in myself. I decided to participate in the local Jeff Galloway Run-Walk Club. I had never been a runner but quickly bonded with a group of individuals who were encouraging and supportive. This eventually led to my first marathon at age 52 -- the Detroit Marathon in October 2007 -- with several of my new running buddies. What a feeling of achievement! 

What did your family think about your new-found love of running?
Until my children had left home for college, my schedule was too complicated to allow me to pursue any significant running activities. I marvel at some of the ladies I run with who are able to pursue their running and family activities. My "late start" as a runner allows me more time for training and traveling as I visit marathons around the country. I am working on completing my 50 States Club qualifications. My three sons now introduce me to their friends as their "marathon mom." My husband and my sons remain my biggest fans and supporters. I subsequently became a volunteer cross-country coach at a local school, adding further to my knowledge and enjoyment of running. 

You largely follow a run-walk marathon plan. Tell us why this works best for you and how being a part of the Galloway "family" has kept you going.
I witnessed friends in my community successfully utilize the Galloway program. This gave me the encouragement to try it for myself. This program was a great aid in my transition from a non-runner to a frequent marathoner. In 2009 my training was interrupted by surgery for a congenital heart defect. I was soon able to resume my running with little fear because of my self-confidence gained through the Galloway method. I continue to follow this model in all my marathons. I feel adherence to this method has allowed me to avoid significant injury. 

I have run 29 marathons. During my time of running marathons I have met the most wonderful, friendly, and supportive group of runners.  They have become my extended running family, and we have enjoyed the fellowship at various running events. My running journey continues to unfold.

Upcoming Marathon & Beyond 2015 Events
Foothills 50K Frenzy, Boise, Idaho: October 3, 2015
Chicago Marathon Expo, Chicago, Illinois: October 9-10, 2015
Contact Us. We'd love to hear from you!
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Champaign, IL  61820
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