I’m not big on writing a turn-by-turn recap of my races; honestly, I don’t see how people remember all those details! However, I will try to summarize my 2010 Western States.

For the past few years, I have been snake bit during 100 milers with stomach issues. I’ve run over 100 ultras and 20 plus 100 milers and recently, for some unknown reason, I can’t seem to avoid horrible stomach issues in 100’s after about 40 miles. I trained hard this year in preparation for WS, and I worked with a dietician (who is also an ultra runner) to try and avoid any major stomach issues. All the training runs and preparation races went well. With Western States approaching, I developed a plan that broke the race into thirds, adjusting my hydration/nutrition plan as the mileage increased.

The race started well. With all the snow in the high country, I decided to go out at a conservative pace and I took it very easy to Robinson Flats (located at mile 30). My plans called for:
an average of about 300 calories per hour (60/70grams of Carbs)
between 300-700mg of sodium per hour
20 to 50oz of fluids per hour depending on the heat

Just outside of Millers Defeat, I started having issues with my stomach. This continued to worsen through the canyons; I really couldn’t push the pace along this section and lost time especially on the climbs to Devil’s Thumb and Michigan Bluff. My crew did a great job trying to help me turn things around, and Francesca was even texting with our dietician looking for advice. Once I arrived at Foresthill, everything I ate or drank immediately made me nauseous. I spent extra time at Foresthill with my crew before heading down California Street, but nothing seemed to improve the situation. I had picked up my pacer, Alyssa Godesky at Foresthill. She did everything she could think of to help me as we proceeded down to the Rucky Chucky, but things only got worse. By now, everything that went in, came back out! By the time I arrived at Green Gate (mile 80), I hadn’t had any real sustenance for over 25 miles and had to call it a day.

So what happened? Because my stomach issues have been associated with dehydration in the past, I was topping off my bottles in between aid stations from the creeks along the course. This is a common practice at WS and since I’ve run the race twice before, I knew where all the good water sports were located. In hindsight, I think I was over drinking early in the race. Also, I had planned to get most of my sodium from my electrolyte drinks and avoid taking sodium capsules, because they seem to be too strong. I changed this strategy early (in the first 10 miles) by taking 1 to 2 S-caps per hour, because I was getting stitches along my sides in the high country. Mistakenly, I continued to drink the electrolyte drink and probably put too much sodium into my stomach.

So, what did I learn? As my running coach Scott Jurek pointed how, TRUST YOUR TRAINING and avoid making any major changes on race day. Well, onward to Leadville in August. This will be my 4th time running this terrific event and I’m really looking forward to the high mountains and the cool temperatures. Oh yes, and not seeing the contents of my stomach along the way!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 2010 Charlottesville Spring Classic Running/Walking events have been canceled.

February 26, 2010, Charlottesville, Virginia - The Charlottesville Spring Classic 5 Mile Run / 4K Walk Board of Directors has decided with great regret to cancel this year’s event scheduled for March 6th, 2010.

As most of you are aware, Charlottesville, Virginia and the entire Mid Atlantic have experienced a record snowfall this winter. The Charlottesville Spring Classic route is run primarily along the Rivanna footpath: both the race course and the start/finish location at Meade Park still remain under 3 to 4 inches of snow and ice. As the City of Charlottesville is still in the process of recovering from snow removal, road repairs as well as basic operations, it is not possible to have Meade Park and Rivanna footpath cleared in time for a safe event.

As runners, we understand your disappointment and therefore the Charlottesville Spring Classic Board of Directors has decided to roll over all entrants to 2011.

We wish you all the best with your running and we are sure you will join us as we eagerly greet the coming spring.

Charlottesville Spring Classic
Board of Directors

The Charlottesville Marathon Board of Directors extends a special discount to those runners impacted by the cancellation of the 2010 Myrtle Beach Marathon and Half Marathon.

The Board will offer a $5.00 discount into either the Charlottesville Marathon or Half Marathon. The offer is valid only from 2/15/2010 until 2/28/2010.

Registrants must submit a Paper Application (NO online registration will be available for this offer), along with proof of entry into the Myrtle Beach Marathon or Half Marathon.

Please complete paper race application, include Myrtle Beach “Proof of Entry”, submit a check minus $5.00 (special offer amounts are, Marathon $75, Half Marathon $65) and mail to: Charlottesville Marathon, 110 Old Preston Avenue, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902. 434.293.7115

Charottesville, Virginia - February 3, 2010 -  The Charlottesville Marathon/Half Marathon Race Board of Directors  is pleased to announce their partnership with State Farm Insurance as the new Title Sponsor of the Charlottesville Marathon. The date for the 8th Annual event is April 17th, 2010.
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State Farm is a nationwide insurance company with a mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. State Farm is a big part of the Charlottesville community as the largest local private employer. Community grants and employees active in volunteerism and government, build the State Farm reputation and keep it a household name in the area.
“The Charlottesville Marathon Board of Directors is very excited to partner with such a great national company, dedicated to the well being of the local community.  We look forward to a long term relationship and to working together to promote a healthy, active lifestyle.”
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Registration for the State Farm Charlottesville Marathon will be held at Charlottesville Running Company at 110 Old Preston Avenue on the historic Downtown Mall, where the race will begin and end.

You may also register online at: www.charlottesvillemarathon.com.  Charlottesville Running Company store hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10AM - 6PM and Sunday from 12PM - 5PM.   Phone:  434.293.7115  Website:  www.charlottesvillerunningcompany.com

Charlottesville Marathon
J Russell Gill III
Race Director

Charlottesville Marathon
Dawn Cromer
Director of Marketing

The hours for Lannigan Field (that’s the UVA Track ) have changed! The new OPEN hours are: Monday-Friday: dawn to 1:30PM and again from 6:00PM to dusk. Saturday and Sunday: from dawn to 8:00Am and again from noon until dusk. This means the track will be CLOSED all other times for varsity practice!

Runners,
Listed in no particular order are the details for the first training run for Bel Monte Endurance Run on Saturday Jan 30, 2010 at 8am

1. PLEASE RSVP by emailing me with how many people including yourself will be coming. Anyone is invited to come even if you are not running the any of the races. I need to have a somewhat accurate count so I know how much water to put on the course. My email address is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
2. Everyone is required to have some sort of hydration system with them for the run, i.e. handbottle or camelbak. I will have water at about the halfway point of the run. Everyone needs to bring their own gels or food that they wish to have during the run.
3. We will be running the 25K course which is 15 or so miles and there will be places to cut the run short if you like.
4. Everyone will be able to run at their own pace or pair up with someone. I will have maps of the route we are running. There will only be the permanent markers on the trees and signs on the trails, so go to www.badtothebone.biz and read the details of the course and be familiar with it.
5. There will be a sign-in sheet for everyone and you ALSO need to sign-out when you are done so that I know you have gotten back to the park safely.
6. Directions to the park, for mapquest or GPS use the address:
3440 Mt. Torrey Road Lyndhurst, VA 22952 This will put you at the entrance to Sherando Lake Recreation Area. Once inside the park drive to the guard gate, there is a park fee of 5 bucks. Drive down the main road and stay to the left after you cross the bridge and we will meet at the Beach lodge parking lot which is the first parking lot on the right after you make the sharp right turn. Look for my blue jeep cherokee.
7. PLEASE arrive early so that we can have a short course briefing and be on the trail as close to 8am as possible. Allow enough drive time and time to get your stuff ready.
8. Dress accordingly, this is still january in VA so come prepared for anything.
9.I probably forgot something but I’m sure I will remember it on jan 30.

See you there,

David Snipes
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

NEWS! On April 17th, 2010 the Charlottesville Marathon, Half Marathon and Arch’s 8K Road Championship will be one of the first USA events to use the new MyLaps BidTag Timing System. AMD Timing purchased ChampionChip about a year ago and recently changed the name to MyLaps.



Charlottesville Running Company and Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports recently purchased the new MyLaps BidTag Timing System and we are very excited that it will utilize a disposable timing chip built into the bib number. Look for more news regarding our new timing systems and services.



Entrants for the 8th annual Charlottesville Marathon and Half Marathon are coming in at a fast pace.

The new Charlottesville 8K Road Championship, which is held on the same day has a new title sponsor! More details to come… The 8K will have a cash purse of over $3000 and we expect a large number of Elite runners in town to compete.

Registration is open for all events held on April 17th, 2010.

Land-Lever-Lift!

Running is something the human body was designed for and wants to do. Good running technique is as simple as Land-Lever-Lift:

Land quietly in an athletic position with each footstrike under your hips.

Lever off the front of the lugs of your shoes.

Lift your knee (do not push off or pull back with the toes) to begin a new stride.

These techniques are used by the best runners in the world. As you work to improve your form, repeat the phrase to yourself, “Land, Lever, Lift. This will help your body remember the proper mechanics and you will become a more efficient, injury free runner.

What tips would you like to share? We want to hear from you!

Gill

Top 10 Fun Ways to Live Longer

With Get Moving Charlottesville make every Monday the day you recommit to living your healthiest life. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to mean treadmills and salads everyday. Many activities that are fun and pleasurable are also good for you. By understanding how these activities can help you live longer and what to do to get the most benefits, you’ll be putting some fun into healthy living.

1. Drink Red Wine
Red wine is packed with resveratrol, an antioxidant. These work to protect your body against the effects of aging. One or 2 glasses of red wine a day can help keep your body young.

2. Eat Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a wonderful food that contains a large amount of antioxidants that protect your body from aging. Find good quality dark chocolate, learn to appreciate it, and have a bit of it each day. Eating chocolate may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol while providing an energy boost.

3. Smile
Smiling is a great way to change your attitude, connect with people and give benefit to your body. Like relaxation, smiling can work to counteract the effects of stress. By forcing ourselves to smile, we “trick” our body into believing that everything is good, thereby reducing stress. Like a switch, smiling can actually change your mood. So put a smile on, even if you don’t feel like it, and pretty soon you’ll be smiling for real.

4. Have More Sex
Sex and touching are thought to be essential parts of health. Sex releases an assortment of beneficial chemicals in the body. Sex and touching help us bond with others, strengthens relationships, and increases our own self-worth. Frequent sex may even extend your life by years.

5. Relax
Relaxation is the opposite of stress. While stress brings harmful health effects, relaxation helps our bodies to rest, heal and function better. By practicing daily relaxation techniques1, you can train yourself to turn off your stress and replace it with calm energy. This will improve your blood pressure, heart rate and ability to cope with life’s challenges.

6. Make Exercise Play
Physical games and sports are a great way to keep both your body and mind healthy. Simple exercise routines are great for maintaining balance, flexibility, endurance and strength. Group games and sports can give your mind a workout as well, as you anticipate other people’s actions and how to work together. Find a game and activity that suits your level of physical ability and play often.

7. Sleep
Sleep is an essential body function. Most Americans do not get enough sleep. Medications, stress, illness and poor sleep habits all can prevent you from getting between 7 and 9 hours a night. The health benefits of sleep include more energy, better immune function, and more.

8. Spend Time With Loved Ones
Relationships are an important part of health. Not only do strong bonds with other people mean you will have help when you need it, being connected also means protection from loneliness, depression, and mental illness. Spend time cultivating your relationships with friends and family to improve your health and your life.

9. Solve Puzzles and Play Brain Games
Mind games are a great way to stay involved and engaged in the world. Games can exercise different parts of your mind and entice your curiosity. If possible, choose social games like chess or bridge that exercise your brain while keeping you connected with others.

10. Be Positive
Having a positive attitude about aging can add more than seven years to your life, according to researchers. Avoid the cultural push to glorify youth and regret each passing year. Find ways to to pleasure in your increasing age and enjoy greater learning, experience, and control in your life.