After a short break and my disastrous last run (falling down is very very bad) I was a little leery of going out on the course, but it was a surprisingly good run. The core strengthening I've been working on is really starting to pay off. I always thought running was all in the legs, but it really is all of you. This week I'm planning on pushing up to 2 miles on my longer run, and like always hoping to cut down time. I'll keep you up to date as I go along.

 A friend of mine noticed that I tend to favor southern races, especially Florida. Well I do not do it intentionally. Partly it is because I live in Florida and I get to talk with many Florida race promoters. Also, it is winter and winter is the racing season in Florida. While the Spring and Fall fill up with northern races, we couldn't pay people to run in a 95 degree 110% humidity race. Though some of these races may be far away, it is a great way to add some excitement to the family vacation. Visiting Bubbe in Palm Beach for Hanukkah, why not plan to run the Marathon of the Palm Beaches while you're down. Taking the family to Disney for Turkey Day next year, don't loose precious running hours; sign up for the Space Coast Marathon. If Gasparilla is more your style you can always come run the 5K with me this February (maybe in a few years I will be ready for the marathon). From October on dozens of races are planned in Florida and if your holiday plans include a stop in the sunshine state why not take advantage of some of these great races, and Boston qualifiers. It is a much better way to spend the day then playing a seven-hour Monopoly game with the in-laws now isn't it.

  Savannah is the last fabulous eccentric southern city. Charming is the word that comes to mind. If you are planning a last minute weekend getaway to Savannah why not check out the Enmark Savannah River Bridge Run while you are there. If you are planning on running in the 5K or 10K get ready for a bumpy ride. Savannah markets itself as the toughest bridge run in the south.  You will be up and down the entire time, and the bridge itself is a rough incline. On the upside, the race begins on historic Montgomery Street and moves through this fabulous little city. It should be a fun race.

I have made a nine-week plan for the big race day. This will basically be intervolves of walking and running days with increasing distance and my long run on Sunday. I'm hoping to finish in 27 minutes, but really I'll just be happy to complete the course.

 My running buddies noted that my stride is a bit too wide, which could explain why I'm heavy on my heels and vulnerable to knee problems. The over-striding has to be the result of being 5 feet tall and trying to overcompensate. I was so preoccupied, however, with trying to shorten my stride this morning that I got tangled up in my feet and took a nice dive on the running path. I didn't know a person could slid on concert. My hip took the brunt of impact which I guess is better then my face, but oh what a shiner. I'll consider it my first war wound  to the running gods.

The Philadelphia Marathon went off without a hitch this Sunday, with Timothy Psitet taking the win with a 2:25:01. Just seconds ahead of running club mate Solomon Too at 2:26:03. Out of the 16,000+ individuals that registered, 6785 people finished. As expected, it was chilly, but the wind presented a problem to the runners. It was unpredictably gusty, but any seasoned marathoner will tell you that weather on race day is always unexpected.  Philly native Kristin Price took the lead for the women, (2:42:05) with Paige Miller (2:43:57) in close second. All in all a pretty great race

 To recap my past blog, I joined a running club about a week and a half ago. Everyone has been very nice and very inspiring. Perhaps too inspiring. At this mornings trot around the neighborhood I was convinced that it would be a good idea to sign up for the Gasparilla 5K in February. "You always write about the races why don't you participate in one!", and I was thinking, while infused with adrenaline and bravado, "Its three miles, I can do that, no problem". Now at noon, I am overcome with the thought, "Oh goodness, what have I committed to?" Nevertheless, I have 80 days and a new pair of 1223, so I think this is altogether feasible. Gasparillla is a great time of year to be in the Tampa Bay area and the race is a highlight for us at New Balance Tampa. I will keep everyone posted from time to time on my progress, and I hope to see all my Tampa weekend runners out there participating. If I can do it, believe me, anyone can.

 I used to be an athlete in high school, but that freshman 15 was more like 45 and my competing days went bye-bye. Maybe it is because I work at New Balance, or maybe it's because I Tivoed the complete season of Biggest Loser, but I caught the fit bug.

 I have been really excited about running/jogging. It is fun, it's free and you can do it just about anywhere. Not that I need to be the next Meb Keflezighi, but I would like to improve.So, I first enlisted a friend that is a pretty good runner. Comments like, "Why don't you just go faster" and "You are pretty fast for a…you know…husky girl" ended that arrangement quickly. Therefore, I decided to do something even scarier.

I joined a running club. I had a vision that a running club would be like the high school track team, and equally stuck up and pretentious. However, I was happy to see runners of all different levels in the parking lot of the local Panera at six a.m. The morning runs may not be for me, but I found that they had plenty of other scheduled times and even different fitness levels. The team is a nice mix of weekend warriors and seasoned lifers. I found a comfortable section in the pack with some very fast 60 year olds. Who were more then happy to comment on my form and give advice in a sweet way. Like my grandma would if she ran 25 marathons in 15 years. My goal right now is to move my way up the pack to run with the 30 year olds.

Nevertheless, in seriousness, it was a great choice and I would urge folks not to be intimidated to join. I would highly recommend any runner to look into a local running club. Most large cities have a couple to choose from, or why not start your own.

The Florida Gulf Beaches Holiday Halfathon is coming up on December 9, 2007.  This is a really fun local run, which is great training for those planning on doing Gasparilla in a few months. The Madeira beach area is very pretty and it will be decked out for the holidays. Plan on seeing Santa keeping  pace. For registration info, visit Holiday Halfathon.

 I know many of our readers really know what they want from their footwear. I came across another interesting program for those laden with good opinions and a meticulous eye. New Balance Corporate has the Wear Test Program. All you have to do is sign up at New Balance's corporate site and if you are selected you get to test new products before they hit the market. It is not just for runners either, New Balance tests every shoe type we carry and clothing as well. You get to wear the products for a while, provide some thoughtful insight then ship them back at no cost to you. Applying  for the program does not guarantee acceptance and they take on testers on a need basis. It is, however, a great way to have your voice heard when it comes to the brand you love. Not to mention seeing all the cool new stuff before it hits the market. For more information check out Wear Test Program.

 I came across an interesting study that I thought our die-hard runners might like. The USATF (A.K.A the institution that certifies road racecourses) is conducting a Stretch Study. The study is designed to test the effectiveness of pre-run stretching of the three major leg muscles. Volunteers that participate will be randomly selected for the pre-stretch and non pre-stretch groups. Participants, in either group, will be asked to run at least ten miles a week for three months, and fill out a reaction form. The requirements are:

• be 13 years or older


• be injury-free for at least 6 weeks prior to enrolling


• be running at least 10 miles per week


• be able to run for at least 3 months (the duration of the study)


• be willing to commit (after being randomly assigned) to either pre-run stretching or no stretching for your running routine

 The Institutional Review Board of Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Springs, MD. has sanctioned the study. Beyond all that, you are going out for your runs anyway, why not contribute a little info in the process. For more information or to participate in the study visit the USATF.

The Philadelphia Marathon is less then a week away, and will surely be a great race. This race has, and usually does, sells out months in advance. If you are thinking of running a nice marathon or half marathon next year, plan to register for the Philadelphia as soon as you can.  Philly is a very cool town and the race laces through the most scenic parts of the city. You'll start at the art museum, cruse around city hall, the liberty bell, the Schuylkill River and even Betsy Ross' house. This year they will be separate corrals and start times for the half marathon and marathon. The corrals and finish line are planning to be larger this year to accommodate a big turn out. Historically the 7:00am start is a little chilly so if your running (or a spectator for that matter) wear a few layers to peel off during the race as you warm up. The course is relatively flat with only about 100 feet of elevation, so it is sure to be a fast fun race.

I wrote a few weeks ago about how happy I was alternating between the 858 and the 1223. It was great to hear that both of those shoes have been given accolades by Runner's World. The 858 was awarded this season's Best Update, for its seem-free lining, additional flex grooves and better all around fit. All nine international Runner's World editors awarded the 1223 Best International Update for 2007.  It is nice to know your shoes get all kinds of fancy awards, but the proof is in the pudding. They are the best running shoes I have ever had, New Balance or otherwise. You'll know what I mean the second you try them on.

The running world has been buzzing about the Men's Olympic trials for weeks now, and I want to congratulate Ryan Hall, Dathan Ritzenhein, and Brian Sell for making the team. Unfortunately, the celebration was marred by the loss of Ryan Shay. One of the most experienced and hopeful runners in the country. Ryan collapsed at mile 5 ½ and was taken to Lenox Hill Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 8:46 a.m. Ryan was 28 years old. I will keep you all posted as more information as it comes in.