When I was a kid good grades might have earned me five dollars, but for kids in Baltimore it could mean a new pair of New Balance shoes. The Shoes for Grades program, which began last week, rewards kids that improve or maintain good grades. It's a new program and experts are mixed on the outcome. I know I would have worked a little harder to get a cool pair of retros. I am certain my mom would have loved that too. Let us hope it works well.

Gasparilla is in the air here in Tampa. The city seems to slow down a bit to enjoy this yearly revelry. Alas, while all of my friends are getting ready for parades, pirate invasions, and some good clean debauchery, my team and I are in the final throws of training. If we where more skilled runners we could probably get away with loosing up a little early, but with only nine days left of training before we start getting into race mode I just don't think it's a good idea. Besides a finishing medal is cooler then Gasparilla beads anyways. I hope to see many people down at the race and come see us at the Expo. I had a chance to see some of the clothing we're bringing down and it's very cool stuff.

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I wanted to let you guys know about a great race that will be held in a few months. The 1^st Annual Nautica South Beach Triathlon will be held on April 13, 2008. The ˝ mile swim, 18 mile bike race, and 4 mile run, will be crisscrossing beautiful South Beach. The race will benefit St Jude's Children's Research Hospital. South Beach with it's fabulous restaurants, alfresco atmosphere, and art deco style is a great place to visit and this race will undoubtedly become a fabulously annual event. Let's see, incredible athletes, sandy beaches, and tiffany blue water...hmmm. I think I'm going to have to go down there to watch the race….for work purposes, of course.

The P.F Chang's Rock ‘n' Roll Arizona is one of the youngest American marathons and it will be running for the fifth time on January 13^th.  This incredibly fun run dashes across Tempe and Phoenix Arizona in the early morning hours before the weather becomes unbearable. The whole atmosphere is designed to be fun and lighthearted. This year Kool and The Gang will be performing, along with 70 other bands along the race route. Not to mention the 40 local high school cheer squads that will be motivating you along the way. The first half of the race is relatively flat and straight for both the full and half marathon. The incline will increase by the 13th mile and will level off with bridge crossing in the last few miles. Given the boisterous attitude, it should be a great race.

I've come across a great tool for anyone that is starting or continuing an exercise program. New Balance as launched NBFit recently. This online tracking program is tailored to help you achieve your goals, no matter what type of goal you have. The site contains a Tracking Journal, Achievement Calendar, a whole slue of Charting Tools, and even a Team Function so you can work with your friends and family. I've signed up a few days ago and I have really liked it. Check it out at NBFit.com

The holidays are brutal on a training regiment. The team has had one tonsil surgery, two pulled muscles and a partridge in a pear tree. Even I was slacking this week, but the race is forty days away. This should be enough time to smooth over any bumps (and cake) we may have had in the last few days. At our last training session, everyone was running between 8-12 minute miles. I figure some intense interval training this week should help get us back on track. How do you get back on track after the holidays, any advice?