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Running Boston with AMAA in 2008

Memories of the huge Nor’easter that hit Boston the night before last year’s marathon has not dampened the enthusiasm to run the fabled Hopkinton to Boston run in 2008.   AMAA is gearing up for a unique marathon weekend in Boston.   On the Saturday of marathon weekend, the U.S. Olympic Women’s Marathon Trials will take place on a criterion style course in downtown Boston.   The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) website has the course posted.   We are looking at our Saturday Sports Medicine Symposium schedule to see how we can provide time for AMAA attendees to go view the Trials on Saturday morning.   This might dictate a longer Sunday session; we will gauge interest and weigh all factors before setting the agenda and symposium schedule.

The “Run Boston with AMAA” program will expand a new fundraising option that began with a few AMAA runners last year.   To help raise money for the Walk-Run programs of ARA, we will provide tools and tips based on the successes of last year’s participants.   Our online fundraising tools via Active.com made it easy for individuals to contact colleagues, family and friends to go online and donate to his/her AMAA marathon cause.   To participate in this limited program, we will take $500 initial deposits and retain a credit card’s information.   Each participant will be required to raise a total of $1500 and will have incentives to raise additional funds.   The deadline to raise the minimum will be late February.  If you fall short of the minimum, your credit card will be charged to make up the shortfall.   Last year’s participants exceeded the minimum $1500 goal.   Email Dave Watt (dave@americanrunning.org) if you are interested.

The CLINIC:  “The Doctor is In”

Look for more visibility of our highly respected medical advice and information source, “THE CLINIC”.   We are looking at partnerships with a youth sports website, so that we can capture more interest from parents and coaches in cross country and track and field.   Our sports medicine “clinic” is one of the best features of membership.   No other sports organization provides free advice and information to your question on a specific medical illness, injury or general question.   We do not simply pull a past answer and use that as a canned response.   Each member receives a response from one to two ARA Clinic Advisors. 

Walk-Run After-School Groups:  Free Sign Up Continues

ARA and Youth Runner are seeking elementary and middle school groups to sign up for the 12 week One-on-One Walk & Run training program.   Kids and parents can form groups that can take the 12 week Walk-Run challenge.   ARA and Youth Runner are providing training plans and advice along with completion incentives, including posters and magnets to groups for free.   Groups can sign up for a presence on the Youth Runner website:  www.youthrunner.com . 

Contact Dan Kesterson at Youth Runner Magazine (dank@youthrunner.com) or Dave Watt at ARA (dave@americanrunning.org) and mention the “One-on-One, Walk-Run” in your email subject line.

XC BORDER WAR 2:  Battle of the
Potomac Championship

The rolling terrain of Smokey Glen Farm is once again the battlefield for boy and girl cross country runners from Maryland and Virginia in a post-season showdown.  In last year’s inaugural races, the Maryland team proved it had too much top speed and depth and defeated the Virginia squad.   Runners loved joining forces with runners who were foes during the regular season.  They also loved the free Nike singlet and the famous barbecue chicken dinner at Smokey Glen Farm courtesy of Nike and The American Running Association (ARA). 

ARA produced the series of 5K races to showcase the best in youth running as an inspiration and example to parents and kids of what can happen when boys and girls commit to a fun and solid running program.   Stay in touch with this year’s races on our website, www.battlexc.com

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