RUNNING AROUND CONNECTICUT  HI-TEK Racing

Running on Empty - February 2012

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Record Crowd of nearly 600 expected at Sunday’s O, R & L - Run for Refugees

New Haven, CT – Mayor John DeStefano will start a record crowd of nearly 600 runners at this Sunday’s O, R & L Run for Refugees, raising awareness and support for refugees who have settled in Connecticut.  

Organized by JB Sports (Coordinator of New Haven, Christopher Martins, and Branford Road Races), the event benefits IRIS, New Haven’s refugee resettlement agency. Since 1982, IRIS has resettled over 4,000 refugees, people forced to flee their home countries because of persecution.  Last year IRIS helped more than 300 refugees and immigrants from nations such as Congo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Eritrea, and Cuba.  Services include job training, English language training, health care, education, a food pantry, after school programs, and short term housing assistance.

“Last year’s race was a huge success. It’s fun for the entire family, whether running, walking or cheering on the participants,” said Chris George, Executive Director of IRIS.  “The Run for Refugees—Connecticut’s most international road race—offers a great chance to do something healthy for yourself and, at the same time, helpful to others,” George said.

This year’s race field includes refugees from all over the world. The 5K (3.1 miles) Run / Walk begins at 10:00 AM at New Haven’s Wilbur Cross High School (181 Mitchell Drive). The challenging certified course starts and finishes at New Haven’s Wilbur Cross High School and runs through picturesque East Rock Park.  After the race, participants can enjoy a warm, post-race party featuring international foods, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.

“We are happy the response to the 5th annual event has taken off.  Run for Refugees is truly a unique road race experience” states Chris George.  Runners are encouraged to participate in costume or their favorite team’s jerseys to be eligible to win a number of prizes.  Participants may still collect donations for IRIS or pay a flat entry fee until February 3rd.  Prizes are awarded to the top fundraiser.  Runners and walkers are also encouraged to participate in teams and solicit contributions.

For more information on the event, call IRIS at (203) 562-2095 or JB Sports at 203-481-5933 or visit www.jbsports.com.  The event is presented by JB Sports and is sponsored by Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services, O, R & L, Hadley, Inc., Yale-New Haven Hospital, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Church World Service, The Urology Center, Coffee Cake Club, ProPark, The Orthopaedic Group, Miya’s Sushi, Whole Foods, Elm City Market, Soul de Cuba, Archie Moore’s, Chabaso Bakery, World Affairs Council, Collins & Martin, P.C., Guilford Rotary Club, Episcopal Migration Ministries, Steve Mednick, Attorney, Beers, Hamerman & Co., P.C., Pike International, Palumbo Automotive, East Rock Pharmacy, Quinnipiac International Human Rights Law Society, Chapel Pulmonary and Critical Care, LLC, Starbucks, Kebabian’s, Fleet Feet West Hartford, Children’s Dental Group, International Association of New Haven and Honest Tea.

For more information about IRIS, visit www.irisct.org

Four Past Stratton Faxon New Haven Road Race Runners Make Up Majority of U.S. Olympic Marathon Team

This year, the U.S. Men’s Olympic Marathon Team is comprised of past Stratton Faxon New Haven 20K winners.  Nearly every top ten finisher has competed in New Haven and five have won the Stratton Faxon New Haven 20K.  The U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials were held this past weekend in Houston.

“The New Haven Road Race Committee takes pride in having four team members of the U.S. Marathon team,” states John Tolbert - Stratton Faxon New Haven Road Race Elite Athlete Coordinator.

Highlighted by Desiree Davila’s 2nd place finish, six of the women’s top ten finishers have competed in the Stratton Faxon New Haven Road 20K. 

For race information on the 2012 Stratton Faxon New Haven Labor Day Road Race visit newhavenroadrace.org or call (203) 481-5933.  Around 7,000 runners are expected to compete in this year’s race. 

Innuagural Redding Road Race Half Marathon, 10K & Kids Fun Run Filling Quickly!

The Inaugural Redding Road Race Half Marathon, 10K and Kids' Fun Run will be held on May 6, 2012, starting at 8am.  The races, benefitting New Pond Farm Education Center in West Redding, Connecticut are USATF Sanctioned and certified courses run on bucolic country roads that have participants passing a horse farm, a waterfall, a rail road bridge, wetlands, streams, lakes, a historic schoolhouse circa 1789 while starting and ending in beautiful New Pond Farm.  The course is typical Connecticut running, rolling hills with bigger hills strategically avoided.  There is also plenty of flat running to allow runners to settle into a comfortable pace.

The race's goal is simple, "If you don't leave this race having a new favorite race, we didn't do our job."  Runner giveaways will be second to none.  Each runner will get a large (3"), in-house designed finishers medal, a in-house designed performance shirt (you get to pick the color!!), and at least 4 other race insignia gifts.  Water, replenishment drink and Gu will be available at all aid stations; food will be provided before and after the race and there are two special runner zones along the course:  the mile 9 cold sponge zone where the runner can cool off and the mile 11 candy zone where runners can grab some gummy bears, pretzels, candy bars, soda, etc. The Kids Run, an awards ceremony, free runner's raffle and massage therapy will occur after the races.

As for spectators, we haven't forgotten about you. New Pond Farm will have special programs during the race for spectators or you can choose to just hang out with their curious cows, sheep and chickens.  There will also be a DJ at the farm entertaining the crowd and announcing incoming runners.

Registration has been overwelming since it opened a couple of weeks ago and, if registration trends continue, we expect the race to close out by early February.  Please visit us at our very detailed website; www.reddingroadrace.com and at facebook; http://www.facebook.com/pages/Redding-Road-Race-A-Run-for-the-Cows/118238834949588?sk=wall and visit New Pond Farm at www.newpondfarm.org.

Cold Weather Running Primer

For all of you runners out there who are a little concerned that the cold weather is here, it is a good idea to read up on cold weather running preparation. With some knowledge, stretching, quality running gear, and good old-fashioned motivation, you can get yourself primed and prepared for your best winter running season yet.  There is no need to head indoors for the winter season – running outside in the winter can be one of the most enjoyable times to exercise, as long as you do it right.

Take time to stretch.

As a runner, I’m sure that you’ve heard that stretching is necessary and helpful for getting your muscles warmed up, and it is the truth.  Stretching is especially important before running in cold weather, as the cold can cause our muscles to become more frigid and tense.  You can stretch indoors or outdoors, as both will suffice, but be sure to spend as long as you need to in order to feel relaxed and loose.  Be sure to do a complete stretch, but focus particular attention on those nagging injuries (e.g. hamstring issues are likely to crop up in winter if you’ve had them before) and age-appropriate focus areas (e.g. Achilles tendon for runners over 40.)

Wear running gear appropriate for cold weather.

Don’t skimp when it comes to purchasing good cold weather running gear, as it will keep you dry, warm, and safe.  Some gear may be pricey, but it will last you a long time and is worth the investment.  When you dress for the cold, think of dressing in layers, as layers will not only keep your body heat in, but you can always shed a layer if you get too hot. 

Layering is your best bet for preparing for the cold weather.  Layers help your body’s heat remain trapped, as well as allow sweat to move from your first layer to your outer layers.  Your first layer, the one closest to your body, can be layered with clothing such as Thinsulate, DryFit, Thermax, or CoolMax.  These materials basically wick the sweat away so you can stay dry and warm, and a number of high-quality manufacturers use the materials in their products.  Much of today’s compression running tights uses the latest technology and can be great options for winter running.  Experts point you away from wearing cotton for this layer due to its lack of wicking ability.

You may need a middle layer if the temperature is going to be below 10 degrees F.  Fleece makes a great second layer, as it has wicking action and keeps you warm.  The outer layer will act as protection from snow, rain, or sleet.  You may wear a light or heavier zip-up jacket depending on the temperature outside.  You’ll find that Gore-Tex, Microsuplex, and Windstopper apparel all adequate for cold weather running.

Don’t forget to wear proper gloves, a hat, and socks, as 30 percent of one’s body heat can be lost through extremities. You can wear a thermal or fleece hat and a pair of socks that can wick away moisture, such as CoolMax.  Stay away from cotton socks because they do not wick away moisture. There are a variety of running gloves for mildly cold days and for extreme cold mittens have been known to work well, as your fingers tend to share their body heat.

Be sure to stay hydrated.

You might be tempted to drink fewer fluids in thinking that you won’t sweat as much in cold weather, but the cold weather does not keep you from sweating. Be sure that you drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after you run to avoid dehydration.  In addition to dehydration, hypothermia can be a risk for runners in the winter.  In addition to investing in clothing that doesn’t hold moisture, drinking enough water can help prevent hypothermia as well.

You are well on your way to running in cold weather, and with a little planning and preparation you can make it a safe and productive winter.  Here’s to a wonderful cold weather running season.

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