Dathan Ritzenhein

EUGENE (26-Jun) – On the heels of his runner-up finish in the 10,000m last night at the USA Outdoor Championships here, Dathan Ritzenhein told reporters gathered for the Track & Field Writers of America (TAFWA) awards breakfast this morning that he had chosen three-time New York City Marathon champion Alberto Salazar to be his new coach.

“I’m going to be joining Alberto and Galen up there,” said Ritzenhein referring to Portland about 125 miles north of here. “There’s only so far you can get on your own.”

Ritzenhein, who was coached a the University of Colorado by Mark Wetmore, split with his professional coach, Brad Hudson, after last April’s Flora London Marathon where he finished 11th in a personal best 2:10-flat. Ritzenhein was disappointed with his performance and said today that aspiring to be a 2:08 marathoner wasn’t good enough when the world’s best were running much faster. Salazar not only has the know how, but incredible assets as his disposal at the Nike World Campus, including state of the art training facilities and sports scientists.

“I think it would be a mistake to do it halfway,” said Ritzenhein, a two-time Olympian. “Now you have to be ready to run 2:06, 2:05, to be competitive. Now I see you have to be ready to run fast.”

Ritzenhein’s performance last night signaled at least a short term return to the track. He’s likely to go through the same kind of training which Salazar has used effectively with Kara Goucher, building up her track speed they laying on the endurance training to be competitive in the marathon.

Because he ran his marathon in April, Ritzenhein said he was several weeks behind in his training for the track, but was very satisfied with his progress. His job now, he said, was to train for the IAAF World Championships in Berlin. But he said that the marathon would never be far from his thoughts.

“I’m going to come back to the marathon,” he said.

Natal Carbineers will host a 5 km and/or 10 km fun run/walk this Sunday, 28 June, to raise funds for well-known KZN runner Frankie Cawdry. Cawdry, owner of a Comrades green number, was severely injured when struck by a car on the Wednesday before the Comrades while scouting for a location for the Chiltern AC table on the Comrades route.

Cawdry, convenor of the Highway Ladies Time Trial League, also served on the Comrades Marathon seconding tables management team and as such has contributed greatly to all participants’ enjoyment of the race. Cawdry, who is described as “a true adventurer and free spirit” and has completed the Duzi and the Triple Challenge and climbed Kilimanjaro, faces a long road back to recovery.

She remains in hospital and since she is self-employed, she will be without income until she can work again – and will then be faced by huge medical bills. A fund with a dedicated bank account to help her with expenses has been set up by Chiltern AC. The details of the account are:

Bank: Standard Bank

Name: Chiltern Frankie Cawdry Fund

Acc No.: 251 596 125

Branch Code: 045426

The fun run will be held at the Scottsville Race Course and will start at 08:00

 

 American record holder Deena Kastor will take the first significant step in her comeback from last summer’s devastating foot injury in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on 11 October, according to Associated Press. Kastor broke her foot in the Olympic Marathon in Beijing. She won the Chicago race in 2005. Kastor set the U.S. record of 2:19:36 at the 2006 London Marathon and believes she can better that mark, and even get below 2:18. Paula Radcliffe of Britain holds the women’s world record with 2:15:25 at London in 2003.

Deena Kastor

The 36-year-old Kastor is the first elite woman to commit to run the Chicago marathon.

“Chicago regularly brings in a star-studded field,” she said. “I really think that I am going to have my work cut out for me.” Among those Kastor expects to see in the field is Constantina Tomescu-Dita of Romania, who won gold in Beijing.

Galen Rupp win’s 10 000m

Oregon Track Club member Amy Yoder Begley thrilled the Hayward Field crowd in finishing third at the Olympic Trials last year, bettering the Olympic Games women’s “A” qualifying standard in the process, and she brought an even bigger roar last night as she won her first national championship and set a Hayward Field record.

“My husband gave me a new mantra this year, ‘Just do it, don’t think.’ This year there are no limits out there,” Yoder Begley said afterwards. “I learned to sprint this year. It was my trainer’s idea. I stayed healthy and worked on my speed. It’s hard to gut it out for those shorter races.”

Yoder Begley and 2008 Olympic 10,000m bronze medalist Shalane Flanagan traded the lead twice in the final lap, with Yoder Begley emerging as the victor in 31 minutes, 22.69 seconds, which is the #9 U.S. women’s 10,000m time in history. Flanagan was the runner-up in 31:23.43. Both times shattered Flanagan’s previous Hayward Field record time of 31:34.81, set in winning the 2008 Olympic Trials. 2008 Olympic Trials fourth-place finisher Katie McGregor punched her ticket for her third U.S. World Championships team with her third-place finish in 32:08.04.

1 Amy Begley                Nike                 31:22.69S

2 Shalane Flanagan        Nike                 31:23.43S

3 Katie McGregor           Reebok             32:08.04

4 Magdalena Lewy Boulet  unattached     32:20.45

5 Molly Huddle               unattached       32:43.11

Oregon track club double as college sensation Rupp takes snr men’s title

In his last ever race in a University of Oregon singlet, 2008 NCAA Cross Country champ, and 2009 5,000m and 10,000m winner Galen Rupp battled two-time Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein most of the way in the 10,000m final, until Rupp broke away with 150 meters to go before winning the race in 27:52.53.

“I was focused on the race first and foremost. I wanted to make sure that I had done everything I needed to do mentally and physically. I knew it was just about relaxing when I was in there. And to make it count,” said Rupp after the race.

Ritzenhein qualified for a second World Outdoor Championship with his runner-up finish in 27:58.59, and Oregon TC Elite member Tim Nelson finished third in 28:01.34

1 Galen Rupp                 Oregon                    27:52.53

2 Dathan Ritzenhein      Nike                        27:58.59

3 Tim Nelson                 Oregon TC Elite         28:01.34

4 James Carney             New Balance             28:13.37

5 Edward Moran             Nike                        28:34.54

6 Meb Keflezighi             Nike                         28:35.49

7 Patrick Smyth             unattached            28:35.70

8 Abdi Abdirahman         Nike                        28:35.79

9 Jorge Torres               Reebok                    28:42.13

10 Forest Braden      Brooks ID / Brooks    28:43.98

 

 

 

Prodigal carbo loading

 

 

Prodigal Khumalo, a Zimbabwean who now lives permanately in Durban, South Africa, is probably one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. On the roads though, he is one of the toughest guys on the scene, his dedication and commitment to his running knowing no boundaries. I caught up with Prodigal

Q: Cuanruns – Hi Prodigal, welcome to Cuanruns

A: Prodigal Khumalo – Hi Cuan, thanks for having me

Q: Cuanruns – Prodigal you ran a huge pb of 2:16:02 at this years Nedbank Durban City Marathon. Tell us how the race went and were you at all suprised with your result?

A: Prodigal Khumalo – You know, I was trying to run a sub 2:20 for the past 3 years but I always kept on failing at it. The closest I came was 2:22 in the Soweto Marathon last year. I went and changed my training plan a little bit and then I ran a 2:16:02 and it felt really easy. At the start of the race I decided to run out front and push the pace which I did and by halfway I knew today was going to be special. The only problem was that from 35km when I experienced some painfull calve cramps which really cost me even a sub 2:15 but at the end of the day I was very happy

Q: Cuanruns – You are originally from Zimbabwe but now live here in Durban, South Africa. Why the change?

A: Prodigal Khumalo – Yes, my running has improved tremendously since coming to South Africa so I decided to stay. I have many routes here in training which I am used to now and I love the climate and the people

Q: Cuanruns – What are your upcoming plans?

A: Prodigal Khumalo – I am currently in training now and will sharpen up with a few 10km and 21,1km races and possibly one or two cross country races but I will run one ultra, maybe like a 50km or so and also one marathon near the end of the year and like to be under 2:20 again

Q: Cuanruns – Long term goals?

A: Prodigal Khumalo – You know that one, my dream is to win the Comrades Marathon. I know I can do it as well

Q: Cuanruns – What is a typical day like in the life of Prodigal Khumalo?

A: Prodigal Khumalo – I wake up in the morning and go and do my morning run, then I am back and do stretching then I rest and relax, maybe watching tv or reading. In the evening I go out and train again and then stretch afterwards and make sure I watch my favourite programme Generations! Then I sleep and start again the next day! Wednesday’s are normally longer runs and my long run is on a Saturday. I have total rest on Sunday’s and go to church to worship God my creator

Q: Cuanruns – Do you have any words of advice to athletes who want to improve their current form?

A: Prodigal Khumalo – Hard work and discipline, that is what it is about. Athlete’s must also have fun though. It’s not only about running but you cant have too much fun, you need to find the balance as it is more hard work than play. Have a goal, make a plan, commit to it, do the training, believe in yourself and everything will come together

 

COMRADES MARATHON 2010 ENTRY & QUALIFYING PROCEDURE

  

 

Entry for the 2010 & 85^th anniversary of the Comrades Marathon will be cut off at 20 000 runners, and no extensions will be entered into. We urge all runners and potential runners that wish to run in 2010 to take careful note of the entry process and the cut off dates. We therefore request that you enter early to avoid disappointment. Entries will be done in 2 phases.

 

Phase 1: 1 September 2009 – Entries open to all previous Comrades Runners, and will close 31 October 2009. The total will be capped at 15 000 entrants. Please note that entries will close whichever figure or date is obtained first. IE: 15 000 entries received by 10 October, will see entries close.

 

Phase 2: 01 November 2009 entries open to all Novices and will close on 30 November 2009. This will be capped at 5000. Please note that entries will close whichever figure or date is obtained first. IE: 5 000 entries received by 10 November, will see entries close.

 

                               Qualifying period for 2010 will be as follows: 24 May 2009 to 26 April 2010.

 

Runners who finished the 2009 Comrades Marathon can use their finishing time for 2010. As in 2009, runners were able to enter before they qualify. This means while all entries will have to meet the entry criteria above, runners will still be allowed to qualify in official qualifying races up until the month of April 2010, with the 26^th April 2010 as the final cut-off date. Upon qualification, runners simply need to submit the time and details of the qualifying race through to the CMA office. Upon receiving the qualifying information the runner’s entry will be confirmed.

                                                        Race Day for 2010 is: Sunday 30 May 2010.

 

Fot more info and advice on training, visit www.comrades.com

Hendrick Ramaala

Thabita Tsatsa

Defending champion – Stephen Mokoka (Nedbank)

4 July see’s the running of the Nedbank Matha series incorporating the SA Half Marathon Championships being held in Port Elizabeth at the NU2 Motherwell stadium.

With last years winning time of 62:03 run on a flat but windy course, expectations if there is good weather could see a winning time in the 61min region. Defending champion Stephen Mokoka from the Nedbank running club is definitely the one to watch. With a win in this years Two Oceans 21,1km beating many of the best up country runners, Mokoka is a man in form and will want nothing more than to win again, although in a faster time.

Fellow clubmate and international running star Hendrick Ramaala will also be looking at going one better after finisshing 2nd last year. The former New York Marathon winner who is the only person in South Africa to record a sub 60min half marathon has had a good season so far with a good running in this years London Marathon running a 2:07 after passing the halfway mark in 61:33!

Others to watch out for in the men’s race will be the young Tshamano Setone who this year ran a 3:39 1500m and has the speed and talent to cause an upset. It wont be that easy though as many athletes from Kenya, Zimbabwe and Lesotho will also be looking at making an inmpact. Zimbabwean international Kelvin Pangiso who runs for the Mr Price team will be one of them looking for glory. Pangiso has a 61:25 pb and will be looking at getting close to that after showing great form in recent training.

In the women’s race it will be a case of South Africa vs the rest of Africa with many strong Zimbabwean athletes coming up for the race. The Mr Price team is well represented with Samukeliso Moyom Chiyedza Chokore, Muchaneta Gwata, Tanith Maxwell and Charne Bosman all looking in great form going into the event. They will be faced with a stiff challenge though from the Boxer athletics club who have Thabita Tsatsa, Jenna Challenor and Helaria Johannes, 3 very fast girls who have all run under 80mins this year already, Johannes being the fastest with a 74:16.

Yasukazu Miyazato (JPN) and Kami Semick (USA) won the 23rd IAU 100km World Cup. The race was held on June 19–20 in the beautiful town of Torhout, Belgium one hour away from Brussels. Teams from Japan and USA won the men’s and women’s team divisions respectively. Jonas Buud (SWE) and Irina Vishnevskaya (RUS) won the European Championship. Italy won the men’s team title and Russia won women’s.

On June 19th-20th, Torhout, Belgium was the site of the 23rd IAU 100 km World Cup and European Championship. The race was hosted by the ‘Night At Flanders’, a historic race that celebrated its 30th Anniversary during the festive weekend.

There were over 200 athletes participating from 28 countries in the World event and there were several others contesting the race in the open section. The race was unique in its setting as the run started at 20:00 hrs having the runners through the night.

The men’s division was won by Yasukazu Miyazato (JPN) in 6:40:43. He was followed in by Jonas Buud (SWE) and Giorgio Calcaterra (ITA) in a time of 6:41:49 and 6:42:04 respectively.

Miyazato ran a very strong and consistent race running in the front of the pack from the very start. He had a tough run through the third of the race battling with his Japanese team-mate Masakazu Takahashi who finished 5th.

Buud on the other hand, ran a very tactical race, as did Calcaterra coming from behind in the latter stages of the run and making solid ground over the other runners. Calcaterra was the returning champion having won the 22nd edition of this race in Tarquinia last year.

This race also doubled as the European Championship with Buud taking top honours with Calcaterra in 2nd place and Marco Boffo (ITA) taking the bronze medal.

The women’s race was won by Kami Semick (USA). Kami was the top runner coming into this event from last year and lived up to the pre-race hype and expectations. She ran a time of 7:37:23.

She was followed into the finish line by last year’s 4th place finisher Irina Vishnevskaya (RUS) in a time of 7:46:25. 2007 bronze medalist, once again grabbed the 3rd place, Monica Carlin (ITA) came in a time of 7:53:57.

Carlin had the early lead, but about 40km into the race Kami took the lead and never relinquished it. Vishnevskaya ran another tactical race coming from behind to grab the silver medal.
 
Vishnevskaya won the gold in the European Championship. Carlin grabbed the silver while Helena Crossan (IRL) got the bronze medal.

In the team competition, Japan won the men’s division followed by Italy in the silver medal spot and France getting the bronze. Italy won the European Championship men’s division. France grabbed the silver medal and they were followed by Spain.

USA won the gold in the women’s team competition followed by Team Russia and Japan. In the European Championship, Russia took the gold in the women’s division followed by Teams from Germany and Italy.

The race was enjoyed by all and running through the night did bring a unique experience to the weekend of festivities. Athletes, Team Managers and Officials are looking forward to the 24th IAU 100km World Cup in Gibraltar in November 2010.

Results 100km World Cup 2009, Torhout, Belgium

Men:

Gold — Yasukazu Miyazato JPN 6:40:43
Silver — Jonas Buud SWE 6:41:49 (1st European Championship)
Bronze — Giorgio Calcaterra ITA 6:42:04 (2nd European Championship)
4th Place — Marco Boffo ITA 6:45:38 (3rd European Championship)
5th Place — Masakazu Takahashi JPN 6:51:17 

Women:

Gold — Kami Semick USA 7:37:23
Silver — Irinia Vishnevskaya RUS 7:46:25 (1st European Championship)
Bronze — Monica Carlin ITA 7:53:57 (2nd European Championship)
4th Place — Devon Crosby-Helms USA 7:59:17
5th Place — Meghan Arbogast USA 8:04:28
6th Place — Helena Crossnan IRL 8:04:40

Team Competition Men:

Gold — Japan 20:31:01
Silver — Italy 20:43:12 (1st European Championship)
Bronze — France 21:00:46 (2nd European Championship)
4th Place — Spain 21:14:59 (3rd European Championship)
5th Place — USA 21:48:33

Team Competition Women:

Gold — USA 23:41:08
Silver — Russia 24:32:06 (1st European Championship)
Bronze — Japan 24:41:21
4th Place — Germany 25:00:39 (2nd European Championship)
5th Place — Italy 26:06:48 (3rd European Championship)

Yasukazu Miyazato (JPN) wins the 2009 World 100km Cup

Hey everyone!

 

Welcome to my new blog. On it you will find info on what’s happening in my life, news on the running world and other bit’s and pieces. Any advice or comments, feel free to leave a comment!

 

Happy running everyone