Weekend Warriors http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com Get in the game: Running, biking, swimming, and other healthy activities Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:57:30 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 en hourly 1 E.V. runners fare well at NYC Marathon http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/11/17/ev-runners-fare-well-at-nyc-marathon/619/ http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/11/17/ev-runners-fare-well-at-nyc-marathon/619/#comments Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:57:30 +0000 Mike Gossie http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/?p=619 The East Valley was well represented at the New York City Marathon. Here are the East Valley’s finishers, with overall place, name, hometown and finishing time for the 26.2-mile course:

568, Benjamin Gherardi, Scottsdale, 2:54:14.
1772, Rhet Stinson, Mesa, 3:09:28.
2355, Andrea Felton, Scottsdale, 3:14:37.
3452, Ricardo Izquierdo, Chandler, 3:21:46.
5609, Anthony Maldonado, Chandler, 3:31:45.
8488, Tiffany Crane, Tempe, 3:42:31.
11025, Frank Ekeberg, Tempe, 3:50:28.
11649, Stephanie Whitman, Chandler, 3:52:09.
13968, Charles Lotzar, Scottsdale, 3:57:29.
14530, Robin Samaddar, Scottsdale, 3:58:42.
15013, Craig Thorpe, Scottsdale, 3:59:41.
16473, Matthew Reum, Tempe, 4:04:02.
17599, Shawn Yerkes, Scottsdale, 4:07:34.
18654, Shawn Dechant, Chandler, 4:10:30.
19046, David Hanlon, Scottsdale, 4:11:37.
19592, Deborah Yellowaga, Chandler, 4:13:16.
20353, Reid Wilson, Scottsdale, 4:15:23.
20541, Lori Hickernell, Mesa, 4:15:53.
20843, Tiersa Lesueur, Gilbert, 4:16:45.
21617, Oliver Reschreiter, Scottsdale, 4:18:57.
22261, Steven Schwartz, Gilbert, 4:20:39.
22976, Andrea Lucarelli, Tempe, 4:22:39.
25112, Christine McGurk, Scottsdale, 4:28:23.
26161, Rebecca Hildreth, Gilbert, 4:31:22.
26540, Jessica Cheng, Tempe, 4:32:30.
26556, Mark Rascoe, Tempe, 4:32:34.
28295, Susan Daul, Mesa, 4:38:14.
28624, Jim Toel, Scottsdale, 4:39:15.
29275, Lori MacDonald, Mesa, 4:41:22.
30014, Vince Lester, Mesa, 4:43:49.
34540, Yvette Rangel, Queen Creek, 5:00:39.
35646, Deidre Grafel, Chandler, 5:06:39.
35678, Anne Gazzaniga, Scottsdale, 5:06:54.
36263, Debra Gersten, Scottsdale, 5:10:32.
36463, Amanda Mahowald, Mesa, 5:11:57.
36713, Troy Homewood, Chandler, 5:13:36.
36739, Jenifer Hulfish, Mesa, 5:13:44.
37354, Karen Rodd, Mesa, 5:17:42.
37400, Conrad Metzger, Scottsdale, 5:18:04.
37607, Darren Roberts, Scottsdale, 5:19:43.
39089, Shelley Branam, Chandler, 5:32:59.
39108, Marretta Mathes, Mesa, 5:33:07.
39214, Debbie Beebe, Scottsdale, 5:34:12.
39504, Jeanette Poolheco, Maricopa, 5:37:11.
39529, Laura Dubard, Scottsdale, 5:37:28.
39580, Niall Mandal, Scottsdale, 5:38:03.
40670, Denise Christophel, Scottsdale, 5:51:38.
41164, Julie Riedel, Scottsdale, 5:59:46.
41751, Jennifer Sposato, Scottsdale, 6:13:40.
41753, Tara Davis, Scottsdale, 6:13:41.
41755, Lisa Stone, Scottsdale, 6:13:42.
41847, Kenneth Brands, Chandler, 6:15:54.

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Want to run Boston? Better hurry up and qualify http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/30/want-to-run-boston-better-hurry-up-and-qualify/601/ http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/30/want-to-run-boston-better-hurry-up-and-qualify/601/#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:44:54 +0000 Mike Gossie http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/?p=601 boston1

For me, there have not been many things that made me feel more like a runner than running up Heartbreak Hill on Patriots Day.

If you’re like many runners who aspire to qualify and run the Boston Marathon, you might want to pick up the pace. This is straight off the historic race’s Web site:
“Registration is underway. If you have met the qualifying standards and intend to enter the race, the Boston Athletic Association urges you to register now and not wait as registration is on pace to reach its maximum field size earlier than ever before.”
If you’re looking for a challenge or need a goal, qualifiying for Boston is a tough, but attainable goal for many runners to set. In case you’re wondering, here are the qualifying times for each age group:
18-34: 3:10 for men; 3:40 for women
35-39: 3:15 for men; 3:45 for women
40-44: 3:20 for men; 3:50 for women
45-49: 3:30 for men; 4 hours for women
50-54: 3:35 for men; 4:05 for women
55-59: 3:45 for men; 4:15 for women
60-64: 4 hours for men; 4:30 for women
65-69: 4:15 for men; 4:45 for women
70-74: 4:30 for men; 5 hours for women
75-79: 4:45 for men; 5:15 for women
80 and older: 5 hours for men; 5:30 for women

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Valley TV anchor’s ratings soar as a runner http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/29/valley-tv-anchors-ratings-soar-as-a-runner/571/ http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/29/valley-tv-anchors-ratings-soar-as-a-runner/571/#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:53:18 +0000 Mike Gossie http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/?p=571  

KPHO Channel 5 investigative reporter Tammy Leitner (who is also this blogger’s wife) and KPHO Channel 5 anchor Catherine Anaya at the GoDaddy.com YMCA Half Marathon at South Mountain.

KPHO Channel 5 investigative reporter Tammy Leitner (who is also this blogger’s wife) and KPHO Channel 5 anchor Catherine Anaya at the GoDaddy.com YMCA Half Marathon at South Mountain.

 

For Valley TV stations, the competition for viewers during November sweeps is just getting started, but there may already be a clear winner. Not when it comes to ratings, but running.
KPHO Channel 5’s Emmy Award-winning anchor Catherine Anaya delivers the news at night and delivers strong race results on the weekends. On Oct. 18, she clocked a 22:38 to finish third among women and first in her age group at the Arizona State Fair 5K. She followed that up a week later with a solid 1:45:36 at the GoDaddy.com YMCA Half Marathon, good for third in her age group on the challenging South Mountain course.
Anaya has a PR of 3:26:37 at the 2007 P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon. Now, she she has her sights set on a return trip to the Boston Marathon, which she ran in 2007. That’s the year ice, wind, sleet and rain almost forced organizers to call off the race, something that’s never been done in the marathon’s 111 years. Anaya overcame the brutal conditions and finished in 3:38:09.
So what is she looking to do if she qualifies for the 2010 edition of the race?
Stay tuned.

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Don’t be scared! It’s OK to run on Halloween http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/28/dont-be-scared-its-ok-to-run-on-halloween/529/ http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/28/dont-be-scared-its-ok-to-run-on-halloween/529/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:00:32 +0000 Mike Gossie http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/?p=529 Looking for an event to scare up some sweat this Halloween? There are plenty of  5K goodies in the East Valley’s fitness fun bag this weekend. And just think, if you’re 175-pound person running a 5K at a 10-minute-per-mile pace, you’ll burn enough calories to eat a package and a half of M&M (assuming it’s a 1.69-ounce package) or a Snickers bar and still have about 100 calories to spare.

skeleton_lg2
• Boo Bash Dash 10K and 2-Mile Family Fun Run: Wear a costume and enjoy Halloween activity booths, snacks, vendors, face painters and raffles for cash and prizes. Participants receive an event T-shirt.
When it is: Saturday, Oct. 31. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. 2-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk starts at 9 a.m., followed by the 10K at 9:15 a.m.
Where it’s at: Mesa Riverview theater district, 1061 N. Dobson Road, Mesa.
What it costs: $10 (under 18); $20 (18 and older); $25 race-day registration.
More information: (480) 844-0963 or http://www.mesariverview.com/events_view.asp?maleveid=85

• 4th Annual Ghosts & Goblins: 5K run/walk; 1 mile fun run/walk; free kids Monster Dash. Participants receive an event T-shirt.
When it is: Saturday, Oct. 31. Registration opens at 7 a.m. Races start at 8 a.m.
Where it’s at: Kiwanis Park, Tempe. Race site is south of Baseline Road, travel on Mill Avenue to All American Way-West. Start is on All American Way across from the ball field .
What it costs: $20 for the 5K; $15 for the 1 mile fun run/walk.
More information: (623) 362-8438 or http://www.arizonarunningeventsco.com/

• Freaky 5K Run & Festivus: There will also be a 1-mile Lil’ Goblin Fun Run/Walk “for the short-of-legs and short-of-breath.” Entry includes t-shirt, race bag and an eco-friendly trick-or-treating satchel. You’ll need it because there will be trick-or-treating along the way, so don’t forget your costume. Awards for best costume and best Halloween spirit.
When it is: Saturday, Oct. 31. Registration opens at 3:30 p.m.; Freaky 5K begins at 5 p.m.; 1-mile Lil’ Goblin begins at 5:15 p.m.
Where it’s at: CityNorth, Loop 101 and 56th Street, Phoenix.
What it costs: $35 for the 5K if you’re pre-registered; $40 day of race. $15 for the 1-mile Lil’ Goblin Fun Run/Walk.
More information: (480) 201-6762 or http://www.freaky5k.com/

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A.J. bike race shifts gears with $5 entry fee http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/27/aj-bike-race-shifts-gears-with-5-entry-fee/519/ http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/27/aj-bike-race-shifts-gears-with-5-entry-fee/519/#comments Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:23:38 +0000 Mike Gossie http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/?p=519 mountainbike

In this era of triple-digit entry fees, East Valley cyclists are going to find the Powerline PMBR ’09 Mountain Bike Race in Apache Junction a refreshing change of pace.
“For me, price is important because no one should have to sit out because of cost,” said Martin Loftus, who is organizing the Nov. 7 race with Dan Wilson and Liz Langenbach of the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department.
The trio set an entry fee of $5, which is in stark contrast to the $115 it would currently cost a runner to enter the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon.
“A family of four can come and compete for $20,” Loftus said.
The 14-mile flat and fast race course will start and finish at Prospector Park. The course is primarily hard-packed dirt following power lines, with some occasional sandy areas.
“The course is not technically difficult, so a high level of mountain-biking skill is not necessary,” Loftus said. “We have a few fast local guys who I expect to show up. But I hope to attract people who are new to the sport so they can be encouraged to try other events as well.”
Loftus said he helped create the event to encourage others in the East Valley to get fit and stay fit.
“The most common city-sponsored sports — football, baseball and soccer — all require teams of people and well-maintained fields,” Loftus said. “How many adults participate in those sports on a regular basis? Cycling, on the other hand, can be done all your life. While riding in groups is nice, you can do it alone as well. I want to show that a bicycle race can be a cost-effective way to promote lifelong health and fitness.”
And how are they able to put on such a cost-effective race?
“Dan Wilson and Liz Langenbach and I do all the planning and course marking,” Loftus said. “Also, we give awards in fewer age groups than most races, and the awards — used sprockets — are donated by the Apache Junction High School Bicycle Shop. Since the course is on trails, we don’t have to pay for barricades or police. And registration and timing is all done by volunteers.”
But Loftus hopes participants take away more from the race than just knowing they got a bargain.
“Everyone should leave feeling a sense of accomplishment for having given their best effort for that day,” he said. “First-timers should gain the confidence needed to train harder and smarter for the next test of their fitness.”

Test yourself
What:
Powerline PMBR ’09 Mountain Bike Race
When: Saturday, Nov. 7. Registration will start at 8 a.m. and the race will start at 9 a.m.
Where: Prospector Park, 3015 N. Idaho Rd., Apache Junction
Cost: $5
Information: Contact Dan Wilson at (480) 474-5146 or visit http://www.globalbikesbikeshop.com/PowerlinePMBR.html
Note: Helmets are required

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Free yoga class Sunday in the park http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/24/free-yoga-class-sunday-in-the-park/515/ http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/24/free-yoga-class-sunday-in-the-park/515/#comments Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:41:00 +0000 Mike Gossie http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/?p=515 If you want to try yoga but don’t want to pay yoga studio prices until you find out if you like it, there’s a free yoga class Sunday that will help you stretch your athleticism.
The Phoenix Yoga Meetup Group is offering Yoga in the Park Sunday, Oct. 25 at 9:30 a.m. The free class takes place at Chaparral Park & Community Center, 5401 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale. The class will last about an hour. It’s probably a good idea to bring a yoga mat or a blanket.
With the weather finally cooling off, this is a perfect time for yoga in the park. For more information, visit http://www.meetup.com/greatest/calendar/11654681/.

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E.V. cyclists can take a spin this weekend http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/23/ev-cyclists-can-take-a-spin-this-weekend/503/ http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/23/ev-cyclists-can-take-a-spin-this-weekend/503/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:00:12 +0000 Mike Gossie http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/?p=503 cyclingweb

East Valley cyclists have plenty to do this weekend.
• There’s a free emergency bicycle repair class Saturday, Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. at Gilbert’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd. Global Bikes will walk you through basic bicycle maintenance to help build your confidence. Workshop leaders will cover what you should ride with, pre-ride checks, how to change a flat, booting tires, chain repair and care. This class is offered through the Town of Gilbert’s Leisure Pursuits Classes. Call (602) 652-3000 for more information.
• Global Bikes is also hosting a pair of MS 150 training rides, with two mileage options — 30 miles or 45 miles. Even if you’re not training for the MS 150, you’re welcome to tag along for the ride. Cyclists will meet Saturday, Oct. 24 at 7 a.m. at Global Bikes, 835 N. Gilbert Rd. #111, Gilbert.
The 30-mile course is mostly flat with a slight uphill grade as McKellips pitches up after Power Road to Ellsworth. There can be some wind at times and two water bottles is the minimum recommendation. Approximate ride time is 1:45 to 2 hours, depending on ability and wind conditions.
The 45-miler is a demanding ride that takes cyclists over the steeper side of Usery Pass. This ride has a lot of climbing, even before you hit Usery Mountain. There is rough pavement and wind can be a major factor. This is a 3-4 water bottle ride and a few gels or cliff bars are also a good idea. Approximate ride time is 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on ability and wind conditions.
Global Bikes will be providing S.A.G. (support and gear) for the rides, which will include water, tubes, tires, emergency repairs, etc. Global Bikes will also be providing drinks and snacks after the rides. Call (480) 892-1315 for more information.
• The Phoenix Area Biking, Hiking Etc. Meetup group has put together a beginner’s mountain bike ride Saturday, Oct. 24 at 8 a.m. on the Pemberton Trail at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Park Road, Fountain Hills.
The ride is for those who want to explore mountain biking or trail riding. Cyclists will meet at the main trailhead, get organized, check out each other’s bikes and equipment for safety purposes, then head out for a casual, easy-paced ride on the Pemberton Trail.
Organizers describe it as a fun ride for beginners to give them exposure to the sport of mountain biking. Organizers say riders need to have a helmet and plenty of water.
There is a $6 park fee to get in. You can write a check if you don’t have the cash. If you need directions, or have any other questions, call (480) 433-9126.

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Are you looking to challenge yourself this weekend? http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/22/are-you-looking-to-challenge-yourself-this-weekend/497/ http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/22/are-you-looking-to-challenge-yourself-this-weekend/497/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:17:03 +0000 Mike Gossie http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/?p=497 There are a couple cool events this weekend if you’re looking to challenge yourself.
• Talk about your step aerobics! Climb Phoenix is Sunday, Oct. 25 at 8 a.m. at Renaissance Square, 40 N. Central Ave. in downtown Phoenix. Participants start in building one, climb up 26 floors, elevator down, go to building two, climb 27 floors, then elevator down to the finish. Participants will cover 1,272 steps before their day is done. The event benefits the American Lung Association.
For more information, call (602) 258-7505 or visit http://www.lungarizona.org/climbphoenix/index.html.
• One of my favorite Valley races returns Saturday, Oct. 24 to South Mountain, 10919 S. Central Ave. in Phoenix.The YMCA Half Marathon and 5K is back for the 41st time with a new sponsor — GoDaddy.com. Arizona’s oldest half marathon features a challenging, scenic course with a unique sendoff for runners: Wyatt Earp starts the race with a double-barrel shotgun in the tradition of the old west.
For more information, call (602) 212-6178 or visit http://www.raceplaceevents.com/.

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Action-packed weekend coming for E.V. athletes http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/11/action-packed-weekend-coming-for-ev-athletes/477/ http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/11/action-packed-weekend-coming-for-ev-athletes/477/#comments Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:08:30 +0000 Mike Gossie http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/?p=477 running

Next weekend is going to be HUGE for runners, walkers, bikers, hikers, swimmers and triathletes throughout the Valley, with an amazing array of events that will help you get your sweat on. Here are five to choose from if you want to get in on the action:
• The Chandler Challenge: Saturday, October 17, 8 a.m. at Tumbleweed Park. Consists of a 5K fun run-walk and a 10K run. The 5K course leaves Tumbleweed Park, crossing McQueen Road, and heads south on the Paseo Trail with the turnaround at Queen Creek Road. The 10K course leaves Tumbleweed Park, crossing McQueen Road, and heads north on the Paseo Trail to the turnaround at Chandler Boulevard. Benefits the Chandler Education Foundation and Chandler Unified School District. For more information, visit http://www.4peaksracing.com/ or call (623) 330-0913.
• 18th Annual Frank Kush 5K and Family & Dog Run: Saturday, October 17, 8:35 a.m. at Tempe Town Lake. Great event for families and athletes of all ages, shapes, sizes and species. You’ll see lots of strollers, dogs, runners and walkers. For more information, visit http://www.arizonarunningeventsco.com/kushregistration.htm or call (480) 921-9341.
• JCC Scottsdale Fall Festival Adult & Youth & Relay Sprint Triathlon & Duathlon: Sunday, October 18, 7 a.m. at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, Scottsdale. The adult triathlon consists of a 250-yard swim, 9.5-mile bike and a 2-mile run. The youth triathlon consists of a 100-yard swim, 3.1-mile bike and a half-mile run. This is a great event for people wanting to dip their toes into triathlon for the first time. For more information, visit http://www.trifamilyracing.com/ or call (602) 564-0717.
• Arizona State Fair 5K Run/Walk: Sunday, October 18, 8 a.m. at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix. The cool thing about this race in that participants get a T-shirt and four free tickets to the Arizona State Fair and are also entered into drawings for ride tickets and VIP concert tickets. For more information, visit http://www.runningmasters.net/ or call (480) 220-2019.
• Ride and Stride Series Race #2: Sunday, October 18, 8 a.m. at Market Street Park at DC Ranch, 20715 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale. This unique event features a time-trial bike send off with participants starting at five-second intervals. This bike-run event is perfect for those wannabe triathletes who want to get into multisport competitions, but are still worried about the swim. For more information, visit http://pinnaclepeakevents.com/?page_id=157 or call (602) 206-4915.
The best of the rest:
• Arizona Open Water Swim Series #4: Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m. Lake Pleasant Harbor Marina , Peoria. 4,000-meter open water swim and 2,000-meter open water swim. Call (480) 460-5052 for more information.
• Arizona Road Racers South Mountain Classic 20K and 5K: Sunday, October 18, 7:30 a.m., South Mountain Park, 10409 S. Central Ave., Phoenix. For more information, visit http://www.arizonaroadracers.com/ or call (602) 954-8341.

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Want to cycle? Get started with free clinic http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/10/want-to-cycle-get-started-with-free-clinic/489/ http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/2009/10/10/want-to-cycle-get-started-with-free-clinic/489/#comments Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:08:16 +0000 Mike Gossie http://weekendwarriors.freedomblogging.com/?p=489 Tempe Bicycle is hosting a free clinic Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. for those who are just starting out in cycling and those who have been riding, but need some basic informtation to move further into the sport. The clinic will cover adjusting and sizing your bicycle, repairing a flat, lubricating your bike, tips on shifting, state and city laws and tips on riding for greater safety.

Tempe Bicycle is located at 715 S. Rural Rd. in Cornerstone Mall. For more information, visit www.tempebicycle.com or call (480) 966-6896.

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