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5/7/2022

Grooming Future Champions in Thika Kenya

The Kenya Athletics Training Academy (KATA) is barely eight months old since it was officially opened September 2021. (Founder and executive director Bob Anderson flew over from California USA for the opening.)

KATA's presence in Thika and Kiambu County is being felt widely after our pioneer athletes have gone flat-out to inscribe the name of the Academy in the region.

During the last two seasons, nearly 90 per cent of our trainees have participated in both Cross Country and Track with positive indicators.

Competing at County level and getting selected to represent the unit at regional level is a positive indication that with time, the future champions in Kenya’s Central region will be the products of the Kenya Athletics Training Academy (KATA).

In addition to winning slots to regional championships, all our athletes have posted their Personal Records in their individual events, again proving that KATA is attaining its objectives of seeing upcoming and young runners improving their times.

All this is because of the well-thought out Program in the Academy that combine a high level of discipline, hard-work, and self-realization among the current crop of our learners.  The on-site management team make it all work: Florence Kimiti (manager), Elam Wangwero (operations) and Joseph Ngure (head coach).  All report to Bob Anderson daily who works from his office in Mountain View, California.  

Our day’s Programe begins with morning workouts between 06.15 and 08.00am with easy morning run covering 12 to 18Km on alternative days before breakfast in our Olympic Dining Hall at KATA.  

After breakfast, cleaning and maintenance of the Academy is the duty of the day for everybody.  We feel this is one of the processes of making these future champions responsible and useful members of society. Some go to nearby colleges to acquire skills that will come in handy after retiring from their active sporting career.

Currently we have our most improved athlete Zakariah Kirika (29:54 10k) pursuing electrical wiring, Fredrick Kiprotich is studying Agriculture and Boniface Mungai is studying accounting at a local university.

During three training sessions daily (not including Sunday), our second training session takes place between 9:00am and 11am and is mainly for agility, coordination exercises and speedwork.  The last training session begins at 16:30 pm to 17:30 pm. This is easy jogging mainly around the Academy.

In addition to daily and weekly training, the athletes focus on short-term goals that is tested during our monthly 10Km time-trial that is held usually every third Wednesday of each month. (Eight have been held so far.) These trials are open and several athletes from our neighbouring training camps have joined our team in testing their training too.  We charge no entry fee and pay no prize money.  But we offer internet exposure to all our finishers. (All results, a story and photos are posted timely on the My Best Runs website which currently have over 100k visitors monthly.)

It is from this time-trial that those who meet the target get the opportunity to compete in Europe through their respective management. Three of our athletes have had the privilege of going to Italy last year and this year since February, Peter Mwaniki Njeru and Lucy Mawia are in Europe now and are posting remarkable results. This is a big motivation to our KATA team!  

Apart from training and keeping the Academy clean, our athletes’ trains on the use of computers and each has to post his or her work-out on My Best Runs where our editorial team, under the stewardship of Elam, Okata and Eston Mwangi, update races on a daily basis.  (My Best Runs also have editorial people (all runners) in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Bend Oregon, Chandler Arizona and Mountain View California.)

As the season moves on, we are expecting good performance in Road Races in Kenya beginning with the inaugural Uhuru marathon classic on May 8th in Kenya where four of our athletes will be flying the KATA flag.  

Lucy and Peter have already done well in races in Europe and will be racing again May 1 in France and Italy.  Lucy clocked a 31:20 10000m on the track in Italy and most recently Peter placed second on a tough 15k course in Istanbul clocking 46:33. Lucy is racing in France and Peter a half marathon in Italy on May 1. 

With a lot of potentials in the region, our next target will be young talents in our neighbouring schools and our technical arm will be visiting 2-3 institutions to help in training the school kids as they prepare for their inter-schools championships next month.

We are overwhelmed by the number of new athletes who want to join our Academy.  But then the opportunities are many. 

(04/30/22) Views: 241
Coach Joseph Ngure

How to Choose a Running Partner

Choosing a running partner is similar in many ways to choosing a mate.  Compatibility, chemistry, and ability to get along are very important. 

A running partner will experience you during your best, and worst, times, and will be expected to be there for you through thick and thin.  Finding a good running partner is no easy task, and there are a number of considerations that should be made when looking for a good fit. 

Pace

One of the most important considerations when choosing a running partner is the pace that each runner prefers to run.  If one runner is significantly faster than the other, the faster runner should be honest about whether or not he or she is comfortable slowing down.  In turn, the slower runner should not take offense if his or her pace is too slow.  Occasionally, a faster runner will agree to join a slower runner during an easy or recovery day. 

These types of situations work very well, because the faster runner can benefit from being held to a slower pace, while the slower runner may be forced to run slightly faster than normal.  For beginning runners, however, finding someone very close to their goal pace is highly recommended. 

Compatibility

Choose a running partner who is compatible with your lifestyle.  For instance, if you are only available to run in the morning, finding a runner partner who is only available in the evenings will not work.  Also seek someone who has the same tendencies as you.  If you like to talk while you run, someone who prefers only the sound of his or her footsteps will not be a good partner. 

Goals

A factor that can make having a running buddy indispensible is choosing someone with a similar goal as you.  For instance, if your goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon, finding another runner with a similar desire can help keep you motivated and on track.  Running partnerships that mix two people with drastically different goals often fail due to resentment. 

For instance, if one person is simply running for fun while the other person is running competitively, each party may feel frustrated with the other person’s level of commitment. 

Opposites Attract

While compatibility is a great quality for a running partner, bear in mind that running with someone who has certain opposite features can also be good.  For instance, if you are good at long runs but not very good at speed workouts, seeking a running partner who is great at speed but not so good at distance can benefit both of you. 

Attitude

Always look for a running partner who has a similar attitude as your own.  If you are an overwhelmingly positive person, you will not enjoy the company of a pessimist, and vise versa.  Some of the best running relationships have been ruined because one runner sees the world through rosy colored glasses while the other prefers to think that every glass is half empty. 

(04/29/22) Views: 106

100-year-old Lester Wright clocks 26 seconds in 100m

Lester Wright, a WWII veteran and recent centenarian, has broken the M100+  world record in the 100m, clocking 26.34 at Penn Relays last weekend in Philadelphia. He erased the previous record of 26.99 seconds, set by fellow American Donald Pellmann at age 100 in 2015. Wright had just turned 100 the day before the race.

Wright served in the U.S. military during WWII in Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge in 1944.

Wright said to the media post-race that he was inspired by having his wife, children, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren in the stands to watch. This world masters record is not Wright’s first; 24 years ago, he broke the M75+ world 200m record at age 76.

The newly crowned world’s fastest 100-year-old man still competes for his hometown Shore Athletic Club, a community athletics organization out of Spring Lake, N.J.

Wright and his wife Adele have been married for 81 years, raising four children, who gave them six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

Wright became a centenarian on April 29 and then on April 30, he celebrated in style, running a new age-group world record in front of thousands of track fans. He crossed the line to a standing ovation, finishing seventh out of nine runners, beating an 86-year-old and 92-year-old.

(05/05/22) Views: 104
Marley Dickinson

Amputee runner Jacky Hunt-Broersma completes 102 marathons in 102 days

As Forrest Gump in the Oscar-winning 1994 film of the same name, lead actor Tom Hanks abruptly trots to a halt after more than three years of nonstop running and tells his followers, "I'm pretty tired. I think I'll go home now."

Jacky Hunt-Broersma can relate. On Thursday, the amputee athlete achieved her goal of running 102 marathons in as many days, setting an unofficial women's world record.

And she can't stop/won't stop, saying she will run two more for good measure and wrap up her challenge Saturday with 104.

"I might as well end April with a marathon," she told The Associated Press.

Britain-based Guinness World Records did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment. Guinness lists the men's record for consecutive daily marathons as 59, set in 2019 by Enzo Caporaso of Italy. It can take up to a year for the organization to ratify a world record.

"I'm just happy that I made it. I can't believe it," Hunt-Broersma said. "The best thing was the incredible support I've received from people around the world who've reached out, telling me how this has inspired them to push themselves."

Hunt-Broersma, 46, began her quest Jan. 17, covering the classic 26.2-mile marathon distance on a loop course laid out near her home in Gilbert, Arizona, or on a treadmill indoors. Since then, it's been "rinse and repeat" every day for the South Africa native, who lost her left leg below the knee to a rare cancer and runs on a carbon-fiber prosthesis.

Her original goal was to run 100 marathons in 100 days so she would beat the record of 95 set in 2020 by Alyssa Amos Clark, a nondisabled runner from Bennington, Vermont, who took it on as a pandemic coping strategy. But earlier this month, after nondisabled British runner Kate Jayden unofficially broke Clark's record with 101 marathons in 101 days, Hunt-Broersma realized she would need to run at least 102.

On foot, day in and day out, she has covered 2,672 miles -- the equivalent of running from her Phoenix suburb to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, or from New York City to Mexico City.

Along the way, Hunt-Broersma gained a huge social media following and raised nearly $27,000 to help fellow amputee blade runners get the expensive prostheses they need. Health insurance typically doesn't cover the cost, which can exceed $10,000.

Hunt-Broersma, who ran her 92nd at this month's Boston Marathon, hopes her quest will inspire people everywhere to push themselves to do hard things.

What's next for the endurance athlete? A 240-mile ultrarace to be staged over mountainous terrain in October in Moab, Utah.

 

(04/29/22) Views: 103

New study finds exercise improves heart health even more for those with anxiety and depression, just another reason to lace up for your run today

A new study from the American College of Cardiology suggests that regular exercise can decrease the likelihood of heart complications by 22 per cent in individuals with anxiety and depression, compared to 10 per cent in those who don’t. Put simply, exercise seems to have stronger benefits for the heart health of those who struggle with stress-related conditions.

Researchers believe this is because of exercise’s ability to help counteract the negative effects of stress. “The effect of physical activity on the brain’s stress response may be particularly relevant in those with stress-related psychiatric conditions,” said the study’s lead author, Hadil Zureigat. “This is not to suggest that exercise is only effective in those with depression or anxiety, but we found that these patients seem to derive a greater cardiovascular benefit from physical activity.”

Heart attack remains among the leading causes of death in North America, and as anxiety and depression rates have risen throughout the pandemic, these findings couldn’t come at a better time. 

Researchers considered ‘adequate’ weekly exercise as 150 minutes of moderate-intensity movement. 

How to get back into running

While there are many ways to get 150 minutes of exercise in a week, or roughly 20 minutes a day, running is among the easiest. Beyond a pair of running shoes, there’s really no equipment needed. 

If you’ve taken a hiatus from running, or looking to get started for the first time, here are a few tips. 

Start with a 20 minute walk/run, and over time, decrease the time spent walking and increase the time spent running. Start with one minute running, one minute walking. 

Don’t run every day when you’re getting started; it’s best to alternate between a running day and a strength-training or cross-training day. Having some diversity in your exercise routine keeps things interesting and keeps injuries at bay.

Don’t worry about pace when you’re getting started–focus on consistency, and your pace will improve over time.

Running doesn’t feel good when you’re getting started (or restarted in some cases), but don’t let this discourage you. With every run, it’ll feel a little better.

(05/04/22) Views: 103
Running Magazine

Eugene Marathon was gone but not forgotten as record number of runners will mark race's return

It’s been three years since the Eugene Marathon and Half Marathon held a live race.

It’s been even longer since the finish line was inside Hayward Field.

Both are back this weekend as the longtime local road race returns Sunday morning to the streets of Eugene and Springfield.

The traditional finish line had to be moved to Autzen Stadium in 2019 due to the construction of the new Hayward Field. The race was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, then went virtual in 2021 as the pandemic continued.

“On some days I can’t believe it’s been four years,” race director Ian Dobson said. “And on some days it feels like it’s been forever, like it’s hard to remember it almost.”

Hard to remember, maybe, but hardly forgotten.

Registration for the 15th Eugene Marathon and Half Marathon and Saturday morning’s Eugene 5K and Kid’s 1K Duck Dash — which both start outside Hayward Field and end on the track and the finish line — has reached record-setting numbers.

According to Dobson, approximately 9,700 have signed up for one of the four races. Broken down, they expect 4,000 for the half marathon, 3,200 for the marathon, 1,500 for the 5K and 1,000 for the Duck Dash.

The race has essentially reached capacity.

"Actually, we don’t even know what it is because we’ve never had to explore that," Dobson said with a laugh. “We’re limiting registration because we want to make sure we can do a great job for the people that are registered, not because we can’t fit more people on the roads.”

The marathon’s previous best year was 2013 when it had 8,561 registered participants.

“We’re really, really excited about that,” Dobson said. “I think some of it is genuine enthusiasm for the event, and a lot of it is also people who are, ‘It’s time to get back to doing stuff.’ ”

The 26.2-mile marathon and 13.1-mile half marathon courses will closely resemble what they were in 2018 with only a few minor changes. 

The most obvious is where the marathon and half-marathon participants split off from each other. That point is now on the south side of the Willamette River's Knickerbocker Bridge instead of the north side. 

That change eventually redirects marathon runners through downtown Springfield and keeps them off Centennial Boulevard.

“Which I think is a gift to everyone,” Dobson said. “Traffic control, law enforcement, runners, everybody.”

The Eugene Marathon and Half Marathon has always been largely a community event, though professionals and other runners with larger goals have also participated in the race. This year is no different.

There are 80 “elite” runners entered in both races, a designation given to men who have recorded marathon times of 2 hours, 25 minutes or 1:08:00 for the half marathon, and women who have times of at least 2:53:00 or 1:20:00, respectively, since May 1, 2019.

The 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifying window opened in January and hitting the standard of 2:18:00 for the men and 2:37:00 for the women is certainly on the agenda for many.

For the rest of the runners, the race weekend marks the long-awaited return to road racing. Dobson said at least one-quarter of the registrations have been rolled over from people who initially signed up in 2020 or 2021.

“I think there’s a real excitement to be back to something familiar," Dobson said. “It just feels good.”

Eugene Marathon and Half Marathon

Start: 7 a.m. Sunday at 17th Avenue and Agate Street

Finish: Inside Hayward Field

(04/30/22) Views: 87
Chris Hansen

Eilish McColgan motors to victory in the Vitality London 10,000 in 30:23

Eilish McColgan came within two seconds of Paula Radcliffe’s long-standing British and European 10km record at the Vitality London 10,000 on Monday (2) morning.

After a frantic sprint finish, McColgan stopped the clock at 30:23 to miss the record by a tantalising margin. However, Eilish did relieve her mother and coach Liz of yet another family record as she improved her Scottish record of 30:38 which had stood since 1989.

This was McColgan’s second near-European record in just over a week, proving the European 5000m silver medallist is back in top shape after testing positive for coronavirus in March. In Malaga last week, McColgan clocked 14:45 for 5km to fall one second short of Sifan Hassan’s European standard bearer.

At twice the distance eight days later, McColgan came within touching distance of Radcliffe’s 10km mark of 30:21 from 2003 which also stood as a world record for more than a decade. However, the European all-time list is headed by Lonah Chemtai Salpeter’s 30:05 clocking from Tilburg in 2019 although that time was not ratified for record purposes.

“I am gutted to have missed the British record by a couple of seconds. I probably didn’t believe I could do it, so I went into the race thinking I’d be happy to run 31:40, but I’m in much better shape than I give myself credit for,” said McColgan.

McColgan passed through halfway in 15:15 - by contrast Radcliffe rocketed through 5km in 14:48 when she clocked 30:21 - and despite mustering up some of her track speed in the last 200 meters, McColgan couldn’t quite revise the record books. 

“I only saw the clock when I turned the corner towards the finish line, and I thought: ‘Oh my god, I could make it in time. I think I probably ran a 200m PB in the push for the finish line. I was so desperate to get the record but hopefully there will be another opportunity to go for it again later this year,” said McColgan who holds the European 10km record in a women’s only race at 30:52.

McColgan won the women’s race by more than one minute from fellow Olympian Jess Piasecki in 31:28 with Samantha Harrison third in 31:44.

In the men’s race, British international Ellis Cross achieved a significant victory over multiple Olympic, European and world 5000m and 10,000m champion Mo Farah who was racing for the first time in almost one year due to a stress fracture. 

Cross broke clear of Farah in the last two kilometers for victory in 28:40 to Farah’s 28:44. "I’m lost for words – I did not expect this in a million years. Honestly, I know it’s a cliché, but I couldn’t believe it. I just felt very good from the get-go. Obviously, I knew Farah had a finish, so the last 2K I thought I’d try and wind it up a bit – try to sting his legs a little bit to hold him off,” said Cross.

(05/02/22) Views: 85

Giulietta & Romeo Half Marathon in Verona: Alfred Kipchirchir and Meseret Gola win

The Dermasphere Giulietta & Romeo Half Marathon and Avesani Monument Run 10k experienced another historic day of great international sport and strong solidarity with the A Casa far from Home project "Emergency Sick Children of Ukraine - We help sick little ones on the run"They traveled half the world to come to Verona starting from the endless African highlands to become the new champions of the Dermasphere Giulietta & Romeo Half Marathon.

The 'Romeo' of 2022 is Kenyan and bears the name of Alfred Kipchirchir, he is the winner of the 15th edition of the Verona half marathon where he crossed the finish line in 1h00'57 ".

The 'Juliet', on the other hand, is very shy but when she runs she has grit and class to spare, her name is Meseret Gola and she comes from Ethiopia. He took the success in 1h10'09 ".

Two excellent performances, even if both failed to beat their personal bests or even to beat the records of the course. It is difficult to do so at this point of the season that sees the great road racing competitions finish. The satisfaction of winning the prestigious Verona race was nevertheless great.A great event as usual was the one organized by the organizers of Gaac 2007 Verona Marathon Asd, in collaboration with the Municipality of Verona, which maintained organizational standards of excellence, confirming the Gold Label Fidal.

Official start complete with a gunshot entrusted to the mayor Federico Sboarina and for the following waves also to the Sports Councilor Filippo Rando present at the start to greet the thousands of Italian and foreign participants.

Surprise second in the standings was placed by the Polish Ada Nowicki in 1h02'51 ", delighted at the arrival for having established a new personal best. He beat his 1h03'11 "which he had done at the Napoli City Half Marathon last February. Place of honor again for the colors of Kenya with Bernard Musau Wambua with 1h02'57 ". First of the Italians is the South Tyrolean Hannes Perkmann (Atl. Valli Bergamasche Leffe), sixth in 1h05'03 ".  Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA) athlete Peter Njeru finished fifth clocking 1h03'53 just 30 seconds back of 4th place.  

Female podium completed by the Kenyan Lilian Lelei (Atl. Castello), second in 1h14'04 "and third the Ethiopian Meseret Ayele (G.s. Il Fiorino) with 1h15'25". Holding the Italian flag high is Arianna Lutteri, the current Italian marathon champion, who ran in 1h21'40 ". Avesani Monument Run 10k, real 9.7km, which was won by Alessandro Comai (Venus Triathlon) in 29'19 ", while among women the success of Claudia Andrighettoni (Us Quercia) in 34'23". Hundreds of people also participated in the non-competitive Avesani Monument Run 10k.

Gianni Pistis, coach and runner of the Charity Partner A Casa Away From Home, engaged in the project "Emergency Sick Children of Ukraine - We help sick little ones on the run" has more than hit the target.

Leaving last, Gianni had the task of overcoming a minimum of a thousand athletes, for each of which a company from Varese, which wishes to remain anonymous, will donate a thousand euros. Gianni honored his commitment by finishing in general position 204 with a time of 1h28'18 "and thus surpassing over 2 thousand athletes.

(05/01/22) Views: 84

89-year-old Bylahalli Raghunath Janardan hopes to complete 4th World 10K

As Bengaluru prepares to get back to large participatory running events, an 89-year-old retired Railways officer Bylahalli Raghunath Janardan, is setting his eyes on his 4th World 10K, scheduled to be held on May 15.

Even though he hasn't fully recovered from a spine injury, he incurred a few months ago, Janardan is determined to take part in the Bengaluru running festival with a back support belt, "I haven't taken part in any marathon in the last two years because of various problems and that's why I am really looking forward to the World 10K. However, I won't be running at my absolute best as I am currently recovering from a spine injury, but I will run slowly and walk intermittently with a back support belt."

When asked about the exciting aspects of a mass participatory running event, the 89-year-old said, "It's great to run with a crowd and especially youngsters. I get inspired to train hard when I see them run and I feel they get inspired by me as well."

Speaking about the importance of exercise in his life, Janardan said, "In 1995, I had to go through a difficult time. While I was travelling with my family to find a prospective match for my daughter, I fainted in the car. Later, I was diagnosed with Major Epilepsy and I was told that I have to take medications for the rest of my life. When I started taking the medications, I had a tough time dealing with the side effects. I felt lazy and lethargic. However, after nine months, I decided to give up medicines and start exercising."

Janardan also spoke about the turning point in his life, "Once my son was selected to play the sitar at a cultural event which was hosted at a place 30km away from my home. Just like that, I decided to get on a cycle and ride to the event venue. And I also came back home the same day. After that day, I started cycling regularly and became a very active person. I have not touched the Epilepsy medicines again and I have also never had an Epilepsy attack. That is the difference an active lifestyle has made in my life."

The USD $210,000 World Athletics Elite Label Race will witness some of the world's finest distance runners on the roads of Bengaluru as well as thousands of mass participation competitors from across India. For the first time, the event will be conducted in two formats: on-ground and a virtual app-based run.

(04/30/22) Views: 81

Kenny Moore one of the great story tellers of American sport for decades has died

Kenny Moore, a former University of Oregon distance runner, two-time Olympian, journalist and author, died Wednesday in Kailua, Hawaii. He was 78.

Kenny's wife, Connie Johnston Moore, would like to share this message with you and with others, written from their long-time Hawaiian home:

"Kenny found his opening this morning. It was about 7.  He was already pretty distant and peaceful and then his breathing stopped. It was a very loving time for me with him. I think he knew he could leave with this morning being our last sunrise. I know you are sad but be grateful for him. It was his time and it was a relatively easy letting go I think for him. I hope you can spread the word for me. Take your time. Just love Kenny, love love love him. We were all privileged to know him and have him in our life. Peace and Love to you and everyone in Eugene."

From his 2019 Induction into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

As an athlete, Kenny Moore found himself right in the middle of some of those great stories while putting his own stamp on running and track and field greatness.

He was known as ‘Ken’ Moore when he graduated North Eugene high school and arrived at the University of Oregon.  He would letter three years each in track and cross country.

Always a versatile distance runner, Ken was a three time All-American on the track, with three more top national finishes in the 3-mile, 5,000 meters and the steeplechase.  Moore was a 1963 cross country All-American and was part of back-to-back teams that finished 2nd in the nation.

As a post-collegiate racer, he flexed his muscle at greater distances, winning the 1967 US Cross Country Championship and dominating the demanding Bay to Breakers road race in San Francisco.  Ken won the 12K monster six consecutive years from 1968-1973.

In 1970, Moore placed second in the prestigious Fukuoka International Marathon with a loop-course American record and personal best time of 2:11.36.

Moore competed on the biggest stage of all twice. He finished 14th in the marathon at the Mexico City Olympics then qualified again in 1972, finishing dead even with training partner Frank Shorter.  Shorter would take the gold and glory on the final day of the Munich games in the shadow of the terrorist attacks.  Moore just missed the podium, finishing 4th.

These experiences and these times provided extensive material for the writer who would become known as Kenny Moore.  In 25 years at Sports Illustrated, Moore told the big stories, championed the protection of amateur athletes and co-wrote the definitive biography of the enigmatic Steve Prefontaine that inspired the film “Without Limits”.  Moore has also written a biography of his Oregon coach, the legendary Bill Bowerman.

His activism helped win the freedom of imprisoned Ethiopian marathon champion Mamo Wolde.

KENNY MOORE - Athlete and Writer R.I.P.

(December 1, 1943 to May 4, 2022)

(05/04/22) Views: 79