Sunday’s run, in near perfect conditions for this time of year, was also three minutes quicker than my fastest Rock ‘n’ Roll 1/2 Marathon, and the first time I’ve placed in my age group in 8 attempts.

Not sure this crazy streak will continue much longer, but I’m hopeful of a good showing at the Marine Corps Marathon in just under 8 weeks time. Still plenty of work to do, but things are looking good!

[Thanks to Kim Smith for the photo, taken at Mile 11.4, which incidentally was the second fastest mile of my race.]

From the Running Etc. newsletter:

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned runner, we look forward to helping you meet your goals!

Training Program Includes:
~ Personalized 8 week training program developed by certified RRCA running coaches
~ Opportunity to train with like-minded individuals who will motivate & inspire
~ Organized weekday and weekend group runs
~ 15% discount at Running Etc. on non-sale items during training period
~ Brooks technical t-shirt

Cost: $75

If interested contact: Jonathan Harris or John Lomogda at (757) 627-1500

Training programs begin Sunday July 11, 2010

If you’re thinking of entering this great annual event, you can save $10 off the regular entry fee if you register in the next 14 days. As an added bonus you’ll receive a commemorative, limited edition 10th anniversary tee (pictured left) for free!

Just use online code FRIENDTEN when you sign up, and be sure to enter my email address [steve dot speirs at gmail dot com] in the “Referred by” field.

Limited time offer expires: 2/23/10. Don’t delay, sign up today!

PS If you have any problems with my email address, just leave a comment below and I’ll reply to you personally.

Elite Racing will announce on Tuesday August 5th a brand new race to add to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series; currently made up of races in Phoenix, Nashville, San Diego, Virginia Beach, Philadelphia, San Jose and San Antonio.

They’ve also created a rather neat web site where you can guess the new venue which will also feature a video press announcement about the newest Rock ‘n’ Roll event on Tuesday, August 5 at 9am PST.

Naturally you can take advantage of a one day only, special registration offer on August 5th.

I’ve had my guess, what’s yours?

[Update 8/5/08]

I guessed correctly! Seattle is the next destination in the Rock ‘n’ Roll series of races. I didn’t win one of the 20 free entries, but it was nice to get the email saying I was correct anyway…

Anyone planning on running the full or half marathon? Race day is June 27th, 2009. Click here for the event web site.

Exciting times ahead for local Race Management & Timing Company Kale Running as they announce the acquisition of the ChronoTrack Timing System.

Kale Running are one of 20 leading timers in the United States and the only timing company in Virginia to get on board with the innovative system.

One of the many goals of the ChronoTrack system is to simplify the timing process for athletes. At the heart of the system is a disposable tag that eliminates the need for several organizational choke points which hopefully will mean more time for athletes to focus on their race and less time waiting in lines. Shorter lines before the race and no line to return your tag/chip after the race definitely sound good to me!

ChronoTrack was used to time the Los Angeles Marathon in March 2008 and the Cleveland Marathon in May 2008. During the Cleveland Marathon there was heavy rainfall and exceptionally high winds throughout the race.

The results from the these races prove that the system is a professional, all weather timing system ready for the rigors of timing races in the 21st Century.

said David Simms, President SAI Timing.

So, how does it work?

The disposable D-tag is easy to attach your shoe and far lighter and less intrusive than other timing tags and chips. Apparently, once the D-tag is attached to your shoe, you’ll quickly forget it’s even there! Official instructions for attaching the D-Tag to your shoe are available here.

What are the benefits to the athlete?

• No pre-race check-in
• Tag is disposable
• Easier to attach to shoe
• Lighter, less intrusive tag
• Accurate Time
• No Fees for lost or unreturned tags
• No post-race tag return

ChronoTrack have also put together a useful list of frequently asked questions:

What happens if the D-tag gets wet?
The tag is completely weatherproof and will work regardless of rain, heat, storms, humidity or other inclement conditions.

How do I make sure I have the right tag?
Each tag will be clearly marked with the bib number of the participant to whom the tag is assigned. Because the timing tags are clearly marked with the runner’s bib number, there is no need for “chip check” or “tag check” at packet pickup. The purpose of traditional chip check was to ensure that the chip given to the runner was the correct chip. Because the tags are already labeled with the runner’s bib number, there is no need to check that the tag is correctly assigned.

How do I make sure that my tag works?
Each D-tag is checked and double-checked for functionality before they are distributed to the athlete. The tag is always “on” and does not need to be activated. There will be no “tag check” or “chip check” at the EXPO.

I already own another timing chip; can I use it with the ChronoTrack system?
No. Using the disposable D-tag assigned and given to you before the race is the only method to correctly track your times. Other tags and chips are not compatible with the ChronoTrack system.

What is tag time and how is it different from gun time?
Tag time (Chip time) is recorded by an electronic tag that is attached to a runner’s shoe. Your tag records the time at which you cross the start line, the finish line and several split times in between. Tag time is often shorter than gun time because tag time begins when a runner crosses the start line while gun time starts when the gun is fired; many runners don’t cross the start line until several minutes after their official gun time has begun.

How accurate is tag time?
Tag time is the most accurate form of marathon timing available because it measures the exact time between a runner crossing the start line and the finish line. Tag time also records several important splits, providing an accurate record of a runner’s pace.

Can I leave the D-tag on my bib?
No. For optimal performance, the D-tag must be attached to the shoe in the proper manner. For instructions on properly using the D-tag please click here.

Can I flatten and tuck the whole D-tag in my laces to make sure it stays?
No. This can cause damage to the D-tag and also lowers the performance of the D-tag. For optimal erformance, the D-tag must be attached to the shoe in the proper manner. For instructions on properly using the D-tag please click here.

Can I create a hole in the D-tag and tie it on?
No. Puncturing or cutting the D-tag can damage the tag. For optimal performance, the D-tag must be attached to the shoe in the proper manner.

Are you sure the D-tag will stay adhered throughout the race?
Yes! The D-tag has a special adhesive to ensure its durability. Alterations to the D-tag or how it is attached to the shoe are far more likely to cause additional problems that could have easily been avoided.

What if I don’t have laces?
The D-tag can also be used by attaching it to your ankle with a Velcro strap. The tag should still be formed to make a “D” shape and then attached with the Velcro.

From an event organizer’s perspective the Chronotrack system allows them to focus their energy elsewhere, not only in the weeks leading up to an event but also on race day. An obvious benefit is that event organizers can now utilize volunteers where they are needed instead of focusing on the demands of a complex timing system. The ChronoTrack system is not only easier, but it is also more cost effective, with the tag cost being significantly reduced to the point where they can be disposed of after a race without disrupting the quality and accuracy necessary for a timing system.

What are the benefits for Kale Running and other event organizers?

• Tag is disposable
• Costs are lower
• Easier to distribute pre-race
• Eliminates post-race bottlenecks
• Frees up volunteers to help in other key areas

Kale Running, who incidentally are also the only timing company in Virginia to utilize the well-known ChampionChip system, are naturally very excited about the state-of-the-art timing system, which will be used at this year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach on Labor Day weekend. Kale have said they hope to put on an introductory low key race with the system some time in August, both as a dry run for themselves and also to benefit some of the local Rock ‘n’ Roll runners who might like to see how it all works. Keep an eye on their web site for further details.

Feel free to email Team Kale if you have any questions regarding ChronoTrack.

Exciting times for runners in Virginia!

Elite Racing have announced some great changes for this year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach, VA, which will be the 8th running of the hugely popular event. Full details over on my other blog cymru66.com.

Also, if you still haven’t entered “Rock ‘n’ Roll”, make sure you sign up before the $15 May 15th price increase. Actually, if you use discount code POCKET you can save an additional $10 – making a cool saving of $25! Better hurry though, as the code also expires May 15th…..

Registration will close when the magic 20,000 runner limit has been reached, so make sure you hurry as the race has traditionally filled up very early in previous years.

The eighth annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon will take over the Virginia Beach oceanfront on August 31, 2008. Over 20 local bands are set to play on 14 stages along the course. Some of the premier east coast bands will keep you groovin’ towards the finish line! You will be treated to everything from classic rock to R & B and reggae to disco.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon starts at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, runs through the scenic Virginia Beach oceanfront and finishes on the spectacular oceanfront boardwalk. Participants are treated to 14 stages along the 13.1-mile course, featuring 20 local bands as well as 16 local high school cheerleading squads spaced approximately every mile.

My own race went very well. I didn’t really know what to expect after 8 weeks of training in hot and humid conditions, but was hopeful of running an even-paced race with a strong finish. My main focus is the Marine Corps Marathon at the end of October, so this race would be a good indicator of how my training is progressing. I’m pleased to report I felt good throughout the whole race, not particularly fast, but quite strong. My mile splits ranged from 6:11 – 6:20 per mile, which in my mind is a pretty consistent race. I was also able to run the last 4 miles progressively faster, so that was an added bonus too.

Splits: 6:15, 6:15, 6:15, 6:14, 6:12, 6:19, 6:13, 6:20, 6:11, 6:20, 6:19, 6:18, 6:13

All in all a great experience, tons of fun and things are looking good for my fall marathon in October. For the record I finished in 1 hour 22 minutes and 35 seconds, and out of the 17,017 finishers, placed 108th overall and 7th in the 40-44 age group. The medal (pictured above) is a great one to add to my collection!

All of the RouteTours blend the excitement of fast-paced video, music and motion graphics with intelligent maps, information and more.

Here’s what they have to say about the Rock ‘n’ Roll 1/2 Marathon:

“Fast as it is flat, these 13.1 seaside miles stretch through one of America’s most scenic beach communities. The race starts adjacent to the Virginia Beach Convention Center, runs through the resort area, dashes through Camp Pendleton, rounds 37th Street and finishes on the breathtaking Oceanfront Boardwalk. After the race, you will experience a post-race Finish Line Beach Party on the sand as well as a spectacular headliner concert that evening.”

Click here to view the virtual tour. If it seems like a long way, just be thankful you’re not running the race on Sunday! If you are racing this weekend, previewing the course will surely help you in your preparation for the 13.1 miles of fun