July ROTG Newsletter

Members of RunnersOnTheGo now have immediate access to more than 300 discounts around the nation and world.

Start taking advantage of your Membership today with the featured discount specially designed to help you improve your cross-training.

Featured Discount

RunnersOnTheGo.com is pleased to announce a new partnership with Gold's Gym in Utah. Gold's Gym now offers ROTG cardholders a $50 discount off the enrollment fee when signing up for a membership at 17 of their Utah locations.

Simply show your card at the time of purchase at one of these locations: St. George, Cedar City, Spanish Fork, Provo, Orem – University, Orem – North, American Fork, Draper, Sandy, Salt Lake City – Van Winkle, Salt Lake City – Sugarhouse (soon to be Brickyard), Bountiful, South Jordan, West Jordan, Taylorsville, West Valley, and Tooele.     

Don't live in Utah? 

Don't worry, RunnersOnTheGo is adding more discounts to the Member Card every day, located all over the nation and world.

Want to see the other discounts exclusively available to you as a Member?

Go to: http://runnersonthego.com/MemberCard/PromotionList

(Click the tabs at the top of the page to organize the list.)

Did You Know?

As part of our service to you, we identify races, running stores, group runs, scenic runs, or just fun things to do while traveling.

Did you know about the running scene in Ottawa, Canada? Check it out: http://runnersonthego2.wordpress.com/   

NEXT NEWSLETTER FROM RUNNERSONTHEGO.COM:

1.     A special Did You Know? A useful tip for meeting up with family and friends after a big race.

2.     Discount specials you won’t want to miss.

*SPECIAL NOTE: TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES TRAVELING AND RUNNING AND GET THE NEW RunnersOnTheGo.com T-SHIRT IF WE USE YOUR STORY.

The Cincinnati Running Experience

The Cincinnati Running Experience

The Flying Pig Marathon. How did the Cincinnati – known as the Queen City – become host of a marathon named for pigs? Believe it or not, Cincinnati was once known as Porkopolis because of its prominence as a pork processing center.

Today, Cincinnati is better known for the variety of opportunities for runners who are traveling on business, vacation or to compete in one of its challenging races, including The Flying Pig, http://www.flyingpigmarathon.com.

Scenic runs

Home to hills and more hills along the beautiful Ohio River that separates Ohio from Kentucky, Cincinnati offers runners and walkers nine city parks with trails ideal for running. A click on http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/index.php/trail-maps gives you all you need to know about the locations, distance and difficulty of the various trails. For more than 3,000 running routes in Cincinnati, check out http://www.usatf.org/routes/search/.

Running with a group can make the experience even better, so run with the group that best fits your schedule. It’s a great way to make friends you can hook up with next time you’re in town. It's always good to check ahead to make sure the group is running when you will be visiting.

Run with a group

Going to be in Cincinnati on a Monday evening? How about meeting for the Pub Run at 6:30 PM at the Tin Roof Cincinnati for a run of 3 – 6 miles? Runners of all levels are welcome. And just as important, be sure to stick around for good food and socializing after the run. For information about other group runs with Fleet Feet, click on http://www.fleetfeetcincy.com/racing/weekly-group-runs.

Also, check out the Tuesday and Saturday runs north of town just outside I-275 with Mojo Running http://www.runmojo.com/training-group and don't overlook the Meetup listings for a variety of group running opportunities, http://www.meetup.com/Cincinnati-Run-Club/.

The Running Spot

As in most cities, running stores in Cincinnati play an important role in the running community. Topping the list is Bob Roncker's Running Spot, http://www.runningspot.com, at four area locations. Named the No.1 Specialty Running Store in the US in 2008, the store offers a variety of services for runners. You can attend clinics, join a free running group or a training group (for a fee) and consult their calendar of events to find out about local races that might fit your schedule. It's just a great place to hang out with other runners and get the inside scoop on the local running scene.

Plan your next race

Speaking of local races, an information-packed Web site is provided by Running Time LLC, a race management company that lists featured races and has links to all the local races, http://www.runningtime.net/.

Another good resource to stay up-to-date is: Cincinnati Running's site, http://www.cincinnatirunning.com/cgi-bin/calendar.pl.

The Flying Pig Marathon

That brings us back to The Flying Pig. Held the first Sunday in May, the Pig is the ideal spring marathon. The out-and-back course begins downtown near Paul Brown Stadium and includes a short loop in Kentucky. The highest point of the course comes after leaving scenic Eden Park between miles 8 and 9. From mile 21, the course follows the curve of the Ohio River, with the "Finish Swine" on Pete Rose Way.

Much more than just one race, The Flying Pig is now the 17th largest marathon weekend festival in the US, offering six running events, including a half marathon, 10K, 5K a couple of relays and even events for kids. There's also a "Pigabilities" division for athletes of any and all abilities. Note that all events are walker friendly, too. Really ambitious runners can take advantage of one of the multi-event packages. And, don't forget the Christian Moerlein Beer Series of three races: Bockfest 5K, Little Kings mile and Hudepohl 7K and 14K.

The festivities kick off on Friday at noon with the P&G Health & Fitness Expo, which attracts 50,000 guests – many there just for the shopping. Activities run through 3 PM on Sunday for the post-race party. The Flying Pig is definitely a "destination" marathon with runners from all 50 states and DC; and the 2013 marathon set a record for international participation with runners from 18 countries.

A great place to run

The next time you want to have a new racing experience or are traveling for business, take advantage of all Cincinnati has to offer: great urban running routes, scenic park trails and a memorable marathon festival. Enjoy an interesting city and make some new friends along the way.

8/19/13

Copyright © 2013 by Will Kuhlmann

614-563-8237

willk43085@yahoo.com

  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Sources for fact-checking

Online:

Flying Pig Marathon events and historical reference:  http://www.flyingpigmarathon.com

Cincinnati parks:  http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/index.php/trail-maps

USA T&F running routes:  http://www.usatf.org/routes/search/

Fleet feet running groups:  http://www.fleetfeetcincy.com/racing/weekly-group-runs

Run Mojo running groups:  http://www.runmojo.com/training-group

Cincinnati Meetup running groups:  http://www.meetup.com/Cincinnati-Run-Club/

Bob Roncker's running store:  http://www.runningspot.com

Local race calendars:  http://www.runningtime.net/;

                                                http://www.cincinnatirunning.com/cgi-bin/calendar.pl

Other:

Correspondence with Betsy Ross, President, Game Day Communications, http://gamedaypr.com/; bross@gamedaypr.com; (513) 929-4263

Photos of Flying Pig Marathon: Michael E. Anderson (Contact: Game Day Communications)

New Runner Willie Hitzemann

Member Cardholder and former outstanding college lacrosse player, Willie Hitzemann, is like many college athletes—he recognizes that his future is in endurance sports. And he is embracing the challenges and opportunities in the endurance world with enthusiasm.

His first event is the upcoming Lake Tahoe Half Marathon on September 14, http://www.runtahoe.com. Just a year and a half ago Willie and two buddies left their homes in Ohio to move to California to take advantage of the outdoor environment. They landed near Lake Tahoe and enjoyed the skiing and snowboarding that Tahoe is known for. But that’s only one season. Willie wants to experience the full range of interesting challenges.

Willie also has ties to Southern California. He has worked out with Joe Decker and Gutcheckfitness.com, one of the RunnersOnTheGo.com sponsors. Joe, the World’s Fittest Man and 2-time winner of the Vermont Spartan Death Race, inspired Willie to make the most of his abilities, and Willie will soon be setting his own endurance records.

For Willie’s training, he favors the Nike 5.0 Prerunner for its great support and light weight—he rates it as the most comfortable shoe he has worn. He schedules his training runs for mornings and evenings with temperatures between 65 and 70. South Lake Tahoe is ideal for distance training with plenty of hills and scenic trails that keep training interesting.

We’ll keep you posted on Willie’s progress and encourage you to send us your stories to share with other interested runners. 

Running May Be Ruining Your Smile

New Study & Expert Commentary:

Running May Be Ruining Your Smile

It's no secret that running can be great for the mind, body and soul, but what it's doing to our teeth may surprise you. According to the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, a new study is linking an increase in cavities and tooth erosion among runners and athletes who train for long periods of time, multiple days a week.

"Expending that much energy requires an increase in carb and sugary food intake like sports drinks and protein bars," explains Dr. Jessica Emery, cosmetic dentist and owner of Sugar Fix Dental Loft Chicago. "Sugar feeds the decay causing bacteria. Our defenses against this bad bacteria live in our saliva. Because of this sugary food, the dry mouth that comes with the way we breath during our exercise and the dehydration that comes with sweating for long periods of time, these make a perfect trifecta for cavities."

There are a few things you can do to combat this.

1. Always drink plenty of water before, during and after your workouts. If you are a distance runner, consider increasing your salt intake which allows your body to retain water.
2. Carry some sugar free gum to pop in right after you finish your run. This will get rid of the dry mouth and allow your saliva glands to start working again.
3. Continue to brush and floss regularly and if you are experiencing increased sensitivity or pain, see your dentist immediately.  

Travel Race Checklist

Travel Race Checklist

Think you have all the gear you need for a race? Think again! 

Experienced ultra runner Marie from San Diego once forgot to pack her contact lenses and had to run a 100K wearing her emergency pair of glasses--not her running sun glasses--that proved to be a major annoyance.

Many of us have our own ways to make sure we take all the necessary gear when we travel to races. But overlooking a seemingly insignificant item can become a big problem. Planning ahead is important, so start a list several weeks before you travel and add to it as you think of things to take.

Your list will depend on the time of the year, time of day and location of your race. It’s a good idea to do a historical check of the weather at your location and pack specifically for the typical weather. Then add clothing to be prepared for unusual conditions. This is particularly important if you are running at elevation--think June snow storm at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, east of San Diego.

It’s best to have several thin layers you can add or shed as the weather dictates. The old standby, a garbage bag cut to fit over head and arms, is always a good idea. Avoid fabrics that absorb water when they get wet or ones that tend to chafe.

Matt from Columbus, OH goes to thrift stores to get his layers so he can drop them along the course without worrying about trying to recover them later. Many races give clothes along the course to charities, so everyone wins.

One other consideration. When flying to your destination, if you choose to check some of your luggage, make sure you carry on your essentials for race day. A one-day delay in locating your checked bag could be a disaster on race day.

How do you make sure you've packed all the gear you need? Let us know. We’d like to hear from you.

Saving $$ when trying to prevent or cure running injuries

Want to save money when trying to prevent or cure running injuries?

RunnersOnTheGo.com is partnering with a variety of clinics including chiropractic, physical therapy, and massage therapy. The clinics offer significant discounts to members of RunnersOnTheGo.com and they love to treat endurance athletes. Most are in Utah, although you will find a few outside of Utah including the San Diego Running Institute, who even offers a Computerized Gait Analysis to analyze your running form and see where you might be going wrong.

Find them here: http://runnersonthego.com/Home/Listing/6a967edf-de76-42a9-b698-be9b13329d66?destinationKeyword=san-diego-ca

Clinics in Utah that offer discounts include:

-Experience the Difference Therapeutic Bodywork & Massage in Provo.
They offer $15 off all services; you can find that discount here:
http://runnersonthego.com/Home/Listing/3f104cd8-4db2-4818-bbc2-c72b5cf498be?destinationKeyword=provo-ut

-Canyon View Chiropractic Wellness in Salt Lake.
They offer 20% off all services for RunnersOnTheGo Members. Find the discount here:
http://runnersonthego.com/Home/Listing/208235b9-ae7c-4a84-b39f-d3bc6e7af93a?destinationKeyword=salt-lake-city-ut

The greatest discount of all could be
-VAST Chiropractic, Inc in Salt Lake.
They offer 50% off all services to RunnersOnTheGo Members all year long.

However, in July VAST Chiropractic is offering exclusive deals to ROTG Members. They include:
– 60-Minute Massage ($47)
– 60-Minute Massage + Initial Chiropractic Exam & Adjustment ($69)
– 60-Minute Massage + Initial Chiropractic Exam & Adjustment + ART ($89)

And

-60-minute massage, chiropractic adjustment, 20-ART session, and NormaTec Compression Treatment. Just $69. More than 50% off regular price. Appointment must be scheduled before July 31st.

Find those discounts here:

http://runnersonthego.com/Home/Listing/6b6001c9-81fe-472a-bfe6-27f99e4bcdc6?destinationKeyword=salt-lake-city-ut

All you have to do to take advantage of those discounts is become a Member of RunnersOnTheGo.com by purchasing the Member Card. Then show your card at the time of purchase and you will receive the discount.

The card will not only give you discounts to these places but to many more races, running stores, and more. You can purchase the card for just $20 and often make up your money in one single use.

Purchase the card at this link: http://runnersonthego.com/MemberCard/MembershipBenefits

If you would like to search out the type of discounts that you will get with the card first, you can find them at this link: http://runnersonthego.com/MemberCard/PromotionList

(Click the tabs at the top of the page to organize the list.)

Not sure if you want to purchase the card...sign up for our email newsletter to see what types of discounts we offer. You can sign up for the newsletter on the RunnersOnTheGo.com Home Page. You will receive info about exclusive deals being offered to Cardholders as well as interesting running reviews.

Divina Pastora Marathon in Valencia, Spain

The finish line area of the Divina Pastora Marathon in Valencia, Spain!

Running on water? Not really, but the start and finish lines of the Valencia, Spain Divina Pastora Marathon make you think you are. There’s more than a cool start and finish to attract runners from around the world to Valencia on the third Sunday in November.

This year the weather was cold and windy on Friday when we went to the Expo at the complex of buildings near the finish line where the Opera House is located. But on Sunday, the temps moved up to the low 60’s and it was a great day to run.

Running kilometers instead of miles is a real difference and seemed to enhance the experience of running in an interesting foreign city. Among the memorable sights along the course were the America’s Cup Port and the beach along the Mediterranean, the University of Valencia, the Royal Gardens, and the Plaza de Toros.

Water stops? They were pretty much like in the U.S., except that hardly anyone spoke English, and being given dried apricots during the later miles was an unexpected treat. Crowd support was great and spectators yell your name on your race bib when you pass by from start to finish.

If you are considering running a marathon in Europe, definitely consider the Valencia Divina Pastora Marathon. There’s no half-marathon, so make sure you arrive several days in advance to overcome the 6+ time difference from the US. Also, schedule your race for the first part of your trip so you can really enjoy the food and culture of the country you visit after your work is done.

We’ll talk more about preparing to run in Europe and the great experiences you can enjoy, so stay tuned.

NASA ASTRONAUT TO RUN COLORADO WILD WEST RELAY WHILE IN SPACE
Longtime Competitor Will Join Team from Orbit

ENGLEWOOD, CO, June 30, 2014 - NASA Astronaut Steve Swanson is officially registered with a 6-person ultra team to compete in the Wild West Relay which takes place August 1st and 2nd in Colorado. He will join the competition from the International Space Station where he is currently in orbit. The race is a 200-mile relay originating in Fort Collins and ending in Steamboat Springs. Swanson has completed the Wild West Relay Race twice before as a participant.

To participate, Swanson will be strapped onto a treadmill on the International Space Station where he will run his six relay legs for his team at his designated times. The team is hoping to be in communication with Swanson during the race to notify him when to start running, and for him to notify his team when the next runner should start when each of his legs is completed.

Swanson will compete on a six person ultra-team (each runner averages 33 miles) with the team 200 Miles, 20 Orbits and 90 Schillings. The name of the team represents the number of miles of the relay, the expected number of orbits that will be made during the course of the relay and the team's favorite beverage. The captain of the team is Bredt Eggleston of Fort Collins, a friend of Swanson's and previous participant in the relay. Other astronauts are expected to be part of the team, including Sunita "Suni" Williams, who participated in the Boston Marathon in 2007 by running her marathon on the Space Station.
Swanson is originally from Steamboat Springs and attended the University of Colorado, Boulder. He is currently two months into a six month mission on the International Space Station.

About the Race
August 1-2, the Wild West Relay will cover 200 miles from Fort Collins to Steamboat Springs. Runners compete on a 12-person or a 6-person ultra team through foothills, open spaces, and back roads, passing through three National Forests and crossing two mountain passes. The race finishes at the Steamboat Springs Ski Resort. More information available at www.rltrelays.com. 

Furthermore, RunnersOnTheGo.com Members receive a discount to the relay. Each runner who owns a card can receive $10 off their respective race cost.
See the following link:
http://runnersonthego.com/Home/Listing/cf3e288a-e0ec-4e1b-9a26-52ee22e74191?destinationKeyword=ft-collins-co

Roads Less Traveled Relays are staged by Timberline Events LLC, a Colorado owned company. The races benefit Volunteers with a Purpose, Inc. (www.VolunteersWithAPurpose.org; which benefits non-profits in the communities that races pass through - over $250,000 raised and distributed), and 1% For the Planet.

Ottawa: The Rideau Canal and much more

 Ottawa: The Rideau Canal and much more

Some destinations surpass our expectations for good running and travel experiences. Ottawa ON certainly fits into that category.

Before going on a family vacation trip that included a stop at Ottawa I’d never heard of the Rideau Canal. Now I’m happy to say that I know it well. The canal is the place to be when you visit Ottawa, judging from the number of runners and cyclists I saw.

There are wide, well-maintained paths on both sides of the canal as it winds through the downtown of Ottawa. There are interesting views of the city and plenty of grass and trees along the way to make this the most welcoming of urban running areas. As you run, you’re accompanied by boats of all types, including canoes and kayaks, and even stand up paddle boarders.

A quick note: for anyone thinking of traveling to Ottawa in the winter, be sure to bring your skates. The Canal has the title of the world’s largest skating rink; it’s almost 5 miles long.  Last year there were 71 days of skating, with 1,200,000 visits to the canal—along the same route runners and cyclists use in warmer weather.

At the south end of the path are the locks to help transport boats down to the Ottawa River--

definitely an interesting conclusion to your run. There I encountered two kayakers on an 8-day 180 mile trip from Kingston, on Lake Ontario, the north end of the canal. One has run Boston twice and made me a believer in the great opportunities to enjoy endurance sports in Canada.

The canal is an important part of the highlight of the running year in Ottawa—the Ottawa Race Weekend that will be held on May 23-24, 2015, http://www.runottawa.ca.  The marathon start and finish are on the Canal, and runners get to enjoy the path twice during the run. There’s also a half marathon, 10K, 5K, 2K and kids race. Last year 47,500 runners competed in the six events during the weekend.

Once you’re done with your run, take some time to walk along Parliament Hill to see the very impressive Parliament and government buildings that appear to be straight out of old England and are surprisingly accessible. Be sure to walk up behind the buildings to see the spectacular view of the Ottawa River. Maybe even take in the changing of the guard if you want to play tourist.

If you need some new running shoes or other gear, make your way up Bank St. to the Glebe neighborhood and stop in the Running Room, www.runningroom.com, 613-233-5617. You’ll need to take a cab if you’re staying downtown and are not with a car.

Speaking of downtown Ottawa, there are quite a number of good hotels within walking distance of the government and the canal. At breakfast, you may even encounter a foreign government official in town for an important meeting. Also, before you travel, check out Ottawa’s schedule of festivals—it seems there’s one for every interest. When I was there, we wandered over to Confederation Park to catch part of the Jazz Festival.

My suggestion: add Ottawa to your list of places to visit and to run.

  

  

The part of the path I ran then turns east for more open views of the city with parks 

http://rideau-info.com/canal/hiking/index.html

http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/visitors/what-to-do/sports-and-leisure/rideau-canal-skateway