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April 2011 Archives
What was not noted in this release was the departure of Jim Hoff. Hoff, the long time vice president of sales at ASICS America, was a somewhat mercurial character. He was also well respected in the industry. What was also a fact was that Hoff could sell and could manage sales people. Under Richard Bourne, the former ASICS CEO, Hoff lead one of the top sales teams in the business.
Sales people are born, not made. They can, like sprinters, have their skills developed and finely tuned. Sales people do not like to be managed. Sales people need to know that they are appreciated. The ability to walk the sales tightrope, to deal with tough goals, is not something all can appreciate. It continues to confound me how few companies understand or appreciate their sales force.
A great sales manager manages without sales people knowing, realizing that the very ego that may drive one crazy at times is also the reason for their success. Jim Hoff was old school. One earned his respect. In my mind, Jim Hoff was one of the very best vp of sales that I have observed over the past three decades. He will be missed.
What will be interesting to see is how Wulff's reorganization, with some long time ASICS employees, affects the future of ASICS America. Moving people with experience in other branches of the business makes them more well rounded, and also, gives them a chance to improve their skills. Change is good, and ASICS America needs to stay at the top of their game. We wish Mr. Wulff and ASICS America the best of luck.
The brands that realize, it is one shoe sale at a time to reach the ultimate level of success, will, in the end reach the top of the performance footwear food chain.
Lavillenie has now set his sights on Sergei Bubka's pole vault Meet record at the Doha, Qatar Samsung meeting, to be held on May 6. That should be no issue for Monsieur Lavillenie, as he cleared 6.03 meters in March, making him the third best pole vault performer EVER.
One wonders if Renaud Lavillenie or Steve Hooker will challenge Sergei Bubka's now 1 and one half decade old world record? Bubka, still bigger than life, when asked, notes that World records are made to be broken. One also thinks that Mr. Bubka put that world record into a place that only one as competitive and focused as he was during his career. We shall have to wait and see....
2011 BAA Boston: Course is not Record Elgible, BAA still paying World Best Bonus, release, note by Larry Eder
The fact remains that Geoffrey Mutai ran the best time ever for the marathon, in any conditions. Recognizing that, and showing supreme class, the John Hancock company is paying Geoffrey Mutai the $50,000 bonus for the World Best time and will continue to do that bonus in the future.
Nice job John Hancock!
This video was passed on to me by Victah Sailer, our photographer, who found it and noted how funny it was! This video is well done, and has a wry sense of humor about the obvious physical attractiveness of cross country runners.
And a correction on my pieces on Grete Waitz: Grete won New York nine times, but did not win Boston on her only time racing there, which was, unusual for Grete a dnf. I will be posting a fine piece by George Hirsch, founding publisher of Runner magazine and RW publisher for nearly two decades, on his memories of Grete, which recently ran in the New York Times, this evening.
And people can not stop the conversations on the Boston Marathon, which was history making...
Also have a couple of Pat Butcher pieces and two pieces on minimalist running coming up as well, so stay tuned this week. RBR will be at the Payton Jordan Invite on May 1, at Stanford, CA.
Hope to see many of you there!
What Is Strong? (60 second) from Saucony on Vimeo.Saucony is introducing a new TV ad campaign with 15, 30 and sixty second spots. Their pr agency, Mullen, sent this off to me earlier today! I like the message and love the branding campaign.
The multi-platform ad campaign is from Mechanica and the tv ads were produced by Shilo. Nice images, strong voice-over, and strong running story (and yes, they actually promote track & field!). Saucony has a print, digital and this TV portion of the campaign, titled, Find Your Strong.
But, I, thought you would like to see something behind the scenes. The next time you hear that the shoe companies are not doing enough to support the sport (and I mean all of them), consider the story of Ryan Wilson.
Ryan Wilson ran 13.12 this year for the 110 meter hurdles. He is ranked, by Track & Field News (the bible of the sport), numero 4 in the world. That makes him numero deux in the U.S. (behind our friend, David Oliver). Two years ago, this hurdler did not have a shoe contract, now he has a sponsorship agreement with Saucony.
Now, running for Saucony, Ryan is featured in a national commercial. Think about that when you watch this commercial.....it is the little things that mean the most..this is how the footwear companies support our sport and the athletes that we follow.
(Some of the commercial was filmed at the College of San Mateo, with their excellent Mondo track facility).
Sanya Richards-Ross, 2010 USA Outdoor Champs, photo by PhotoRun.net
Also, read the note from Ken Young of the Analytical Distance runner, on the course at Boston and Geoffrey Mutai's performance. There is no one tougher on course measurement and the aiding effects of winds, etc than Mr. Young. I personally witnessed his meeting with Derek Clayton, the former world best marathoner holder, way back in 1983 or 84. Mr. Young does not think the Boston course, nor the wind had an aiding effect that is more than acceptable.
Still, Boston, in my humble opinion, should be considered the world best....all conditions.
The 2011 Virgin London marathon was a record breaker! Emmanuel Mutai set a new course record of 2:04.34 and Mary Keitany showed that she can run much, much faster, with her time of 2:19.19. The starting field of 34,500 made for a great day of racing and personal victories. Here is the photo gallery, created by Running Network's Chuck Bartlett, on the 2011 Virgin London marathon. We hope that you enjoy! (Special thanks to PhotoRun.net for the use of their photos).
photo by PhotoRun.net
That Mutai and Mosep are amazing athletes should not be in dispute. That the Boston Marathon course is a tough course should also, not be in dispute. Conditions had not been like that at Boston since 1974, when, runners of that era will agree, it was the perfect storm.
I believe, that the pushing of records is the worst thing that we can do for our sport. Also, specialists rules, that only geeks can understand, undermine the ability of our sport to be popularized. Do we want to be soccer (or football, as my friends in Europe and UK call it)? Nope. However, the right for our sport to forge its path as a popular sport which everyone does sometime in their lives, is hampered by rules that are hard to explain without a sixpack of an adult beverage, a slide rule, chalkboard and two hours.
Let's figure out how to build our sport, not confuse people when they get interested....
This photo gallery features the photos of PhotoRun.net, as they captured the great moments of the 2011 BAA Boston Marathon. Not only was there a battle to the tape on the women's side, where Caroline Kilel held off the final charge of Desi Davila, 2.22.36 to 2.22.38. And then, just four seconds back, was Sharon Cherop, who ran 2.22.42. That trio gave us the fastest women's finish since 1994! Desi Davila is now the fastest American women of all times at Boston. In fifth place came the resurging Kara Goucher, who ran 2:24.52, per pb.
On the men's side, Ryan Hall's front running brought through the halfway in 1:01.47 and then, Hall pushed until about 31k, when Geoffrey Mutai started moving away, running 4.43 miles. Moses Mosop caught Mutai at 23 miles and battled to the finish, which was reached first by Geoffrey Mutai, in a world best, all conditions of 2:03.02, to Mosop's 2.03.06.
Gebre Gebremariam just held off Ryan Hall, 2:04.53 to 2:04.55. Ryan Hall is now the fastest American of all times, all conditions.
Just under 27,000 marathoners started the race, under ideal conditions, with, at times, ten mile an hour tailwinds!
The 2011 BAA Boston Marathon was unforgettable! Enjoy the photo gallery, put together by Chuck Bartlett, the RN webmaster.
Grete's wins at New York, and Boston were just part of her story. Grete Waitz and Joan Benoit Samuelson were the prime movers in the LA 1984 Olympic marathon. Waitz took the silver and Joan took the gold. Grete gave Joan a hug afterwards, and showed her class.
Grete was always very kind to me in interviews and always patient with questions. She loved the sport and she loved running. Over the last six years of her life, she was challenged by battling cancer. She became more of a champion by becoming more like the many of us who have had cancer affect their lives.
Grete Waitz was 57 at the time of her death. It was just announced that Grete requested a private ceremony, which will be held next week. Please keep Jack Waitz, her husband, her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
2011 Boston Marathon: Hansons Brooks runner takes 2nd in 115th Boston marathon, by Tiffany Herman/Brooks, note by Larry Eder
Desiree Davila, 2011 BAA Boston Marathon, 2nd place, photo by PhotoRun.netHere is a release from Brooks on their new star, Desi Davila:
Hansons-Brooks Runner Davila Battles to the Finish at World Renowned Boston Marathon
Brooks-sponsored Athlete Places Second Female Overall, Finishes First American Female
Boston (Apr. 18, 2011) - Desiree Davila, member of the Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project (ODP), an elite running group sponsored by Brooks® Sports, Inc. today fought to the tape to become the first American female finisher and second-place overall female finisher at the 2011 Boston Marathon. Davila clocked in an official time of 2:22:38, an American women's course record, making her the third fastest U.S. female marathoner of all time. Only Olympic medalists Joan Benoit Samuelson and Deena Kastor have run faster.
"I felt great during the buildup to the race and am ecstatic about my performance today," said Davila. "To beat my personal record by three minutes and race for the win proves that my hard work really paid off. Now I'll be able to shift my focus to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, and earning a spot on the team that has the honor of competing in London."
Finishing just two seconds behind winner Caroline Kilel of Kenya, Davila spent the last five miles of the race battling for the lead. The two runners were neck and neck in the home stretch, but Kilel pulled ahead in the final few meters for the win.
"We are so proud of Desi. She ran a great race today and battled to the end," said Jesse Williams, sports marketing manager for Brooks Sports. "We have enjoyed watching Desi's running career grow throughout the years! She just keeps getting better each time out and makes us proud of how far the Hansons-Brooks women's team has come since 2003."
Founded with the mission to revive American distance running, the Hansons-Brooks ODP is one of the largest post-collegiate elite running groups in the nation. Living, working, and running together on a daily basis, they use the power of team training to reach their running goals.
Although none of the Hansons-Brooks runners were well-known college athletes, through the group-training program, the team has far exceeded expectations. Including today's race, other high-profile Hansons-Brooks ODP successes include Davila's fourth-place finish in the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Brian Sell's third-place finish at the 2007 Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon, which earned him a spot on the 2008 Olympic Men's Marathon team, Sell's fourth-place finish at the 2006 Boston Marathon, and Trent Briney and Clint Verran's fourth- and fifth-place finishes at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon.
About Brooks
Brooks Sports, Inc. is a leading running company that designs and markets a line of performance footwear, apparel, and accessories in more than 64 countries worldwide. A subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Brooks was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in Bothell, Wash., near Seattle. The company's mission is to inspire everyone to run and be active by creating innovative gear that keeps them running longer, farther, and faster. Visit www.brooksrunning.com for more information, and follow frequent brand updates on Twitter (@brooksrunning) and Facebook (Brooks Sports).
About the Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project
Brothers Keith and Kevin Hanson founded the Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project (ODP) in 1999 with the goal to revive American distance running. Recruiting post-collegiate runners nationwide, the Hansons-Brooks ODP, based in Rochester Hills, Mich., gives its athletes the rare opportunity to live, work, and run together in a supportive, training-focused environment founded on team principals.
2011 BAA Boston Marathon: Ryan Hall finishes 4th as the Fastest American at 115 Boston Marathon, release, note by Larry Eder
Well, Ryan took fourth today, driving up on Gebre Gebremariam, running 2:04.55, the fastest time EVER, under any conditions by an American. As one observer noted, "Well, Ryan just told the other U.S. marathoners to be really worried about how he will run in Houston next year."
Ryan did tell the media that he will focus on the 10,000m and 5,000m this summer. That is good news. If Ryan can get his 10,000m down to 27 minutes or so (and he can), he will get to a new level in the marathon.
This release is from ASICS America, one of Ryan Hall's sponsors:
In London, they had pace setters, in both the men and women's races, and while they did help keep the races on a fast pace, both races finally got to serious racing, and Virgin London had a course record and a women's sub 2:20 marathon!
I have to admit that I enjoyed both races for different reasons. Both London and Boston have great fans, strong media support and the desire to run both great city marathons continues to grow with the running community.
Several observations: adidas won the marathon wars this weekend. As sponsor of both Virgin London and BAA Boston, adidas had tremendous licensed apparel at both-the jackets could be seen everywhere in both cities. adidas athletes (Emmanuel Mutai, Mary Keitany) won Virgin London, and in Boston (Geoffrey Mutai, Caroline Kilel) won BAA Boston. Spencer Nel, adidas sports marketing director, told RBR, " there could not have been a better day or better marathon weekend!"
This was a perfect marathon day, and they must be appreciated for what they are-the perfect storm of a marathon day!
115th Boston Fastest Marathon in history: Davila nearly steals win, by Jill Geer, USATF, note by Larry Eder
2011 Boston: Fastest Marathon & Marathon Debut Ever! 2:03.02 & 2:03.06, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder
Ryan Hall, an iconic US marathoner, who left his coach and training group earlier this year, finished fourth, running the best time EVER for an American ANYWHERE, with his fine 2:04.55!
The facts are that the Boston Marathon 2011 race will go down as the fastest EVER under any conditions. Did the tail wind have something to play with the time? Yep, Did the perfect weather help? Of course.
As the course violates rule 260 of the IAAF rule book, which says that a marathon course can not start & finish more than fifty percent of the distance of the marathon and that the drop in height over the entire course is 138 meters, and limits are 42 meters. This is point to point.
The men's race was being watched in the media room, however, the women's race had the media room on its seats!
2011 BAA Boston Marathon: Desiree Davila Runs 2:22.38-Fastest Ever American women at Boston, by Larry Eder
Des joined the Brooks Hansons Distance Project in 2007, in fact, she was one of the first. " Hansons allowed me time to develop." noted Desi after the race.
Desi ran her first marathon at the 2007 Boston Marathon, finishing 18th in 2:44.56. The following April, Davila ran the US Olympic Marathon Trials, improving seven minutes and 26 seconds to 2:37.50, with a 13th place.
Des continued to develop under the watchful eyes of Keith and Kevin Hanson, the brothers who made their dream a reality. They wanted to develop a training group, who used the benefits of training together, developing into world class athletes over the long term, using high mileage, strong speed work and good racing.
In the fall of 2008, Des Davila showed that hard work and a long term approach was making some impressions on her running-she took fifth in 2:31.33. Three marathons, and personal best each time!
In 2009, Desi ran the World Championships in Berlin, Germany, where she placed 11th and ran a fine 2:27.33. Desi was running well, and in fact, was running as a top U.S. marathoner.
In 2010, Desi worked on her leg speed. First, she made the US team for Doha and the World Indoor Champs. Desi ran her personal best in qualifying for the final of the 3,000 meters-she knocked ten seconds off her best, running a superb 8:51. Davila made the final, taking sixth, also under nine minutes.
At the hot and humid USA Outdoor, Desi Davila made a gut wrenching move with 4,000 meters to go and took over third place, running 32:22 for 10,000 meters-her second best time ever.
photo by PhotoRun.net
The fall of 2010 showed the U.S. that Des Davila was now a real force in U.S. distance running, as she took 4th in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, running 2:26.20.
This past winter, Desi Davila churned 120 miles a week in Rochester Hills, Michigan, home of the Brooks Hansons Distance Project. Keith Hanson told RBR earlier today that she loves her long runs, putting in three miles at race pace in most of her 20 milers.
Keith and Kevin Hanson, the creative and eccentric geniuses behind the Brooks Hansons Distance project developed Desi the old fashioned way-they let her take the time to get the training in and development to become world class.
The running Desi Davila showed at the 2011 BAA Boston marathon nearly won her the title. Falling short by two seconds, Desi made it clear, after the race, that she had given it all she had: " This was my perfect day and perfect race. I gave it all I had. Caroline just had a little better day. I could have done no more."
The last six miles of the Boston marathon were some of the greatest competitive distance running that I have ever seen. Caroline Kilel and Sharon Cherop were running all out as was Desiree Davila.
" I saw Desi around 22 miles and she was running relaxed behind Kilel and Cherop, she smiled at me, and I knew she had more..." noted Kevin Hanson, in recalling Desiree's race.
The surging was mostly done by Caroline Kilel and Desi Davila, and there were four to five surges over each mile. Kilel would look like she had broken Davila, then Desi would come back.
As they hit 25 miles, Caroline Kilel took the lead, and with 1,200 to go, Davila made another move, which Kilel responded too, and Cherop dropped back a bit. At just around 800 meters, Davila made one last rush, and put just some room on Kilel, who charged to the front and held off Davila over the final two minutes. Sharon Cherop, who finished third, moved with 400 meters to go. Davila had come to a virtual stop with 400 meters to go, and started back up, not giving up.
In the end, Caroline Kilel ran 2:22.36, to Desiree Davila's 2:22.38, with Sharon Cherop finishing third in 2:22.42! This was the fastest times on the Boston course since 1994!
Desi Desiree has gone from a good runner to the best active American women marathoner. Her time at Boston is the best ever run by an American women at Boston.
Desi told the media today that she will not be running the World Championship marathon this year--her focus in on a race in Houston next January 2012. Something tells me that Desiree Davila will be a huge factor in Houston.
In two hours, twenty two minutes and thirty-eight seconds, Desi Desiree went from being a good American marathoner to being the best American women performer at Boston, EVER. That should wake a few people up!
Kim Smith, the Kiwi marathoner, who had run 1:07.36, took the lead early, hellbent on running a fast race. In perfect conditions, with a tailwind, Smith lead the field through 5k, in 16.41, 10k in 33.29, 15k in 50.09 and 20k in 67.06. Kim Smith had built up her lead to 50 seconds at 20 kilometers.
Kim Smith hit the halfway point in 1:10.43. Kim Smith looked nearly unbeatable, as the chasing pack, consisting of Caroline Kilel, Desiree Davila, Dire Tune, Caroline Rotich, Kara Goucher and Yolanda Cabillero, were catching up.
Kim Smith lead at 25km in 1:24.15, where she had lead of 19 seconds. In between 16 and 17, Kim Smith grimaced and grabbed her calves in pain. She ran the next mile in six minutes. The pack swallowed Smith up and spit her out-she dropped out before 20 miles.
By 20 miles, Kara Goucher was in seventh, Dire Tune was in fifth, and Sharon Cherop, Caroline Kilel and Des Davila were running together. The American, Davila went into the lead just around 35k, hitting that in 1:58.38.
Between 35k and 40 kilometers, Caroline Kilel, looking to be struggling, and Des Davila, very controlled, surged and surged, with Sharon Cherop barely holding on.
The race continued to be quite exciting, as Des Davila tried to win and Caroline Kilel tried to win.
Over the final mile, the lead changed three times, with Des Davila taking the lead with 1,200 meters to go, and Kilel grabbing the lead with 400 meters to go.
Sharon Cherop, who had been struggling, began to move with 400 meters to go, as Des Davila was passed and Caroline Kilel willed herself across the finish line in 2:22.36.
Desiree Davila of the U.S. ran 2:22.38, her best by four minutes, for second place. Sharon Cherop of Kenya, running 2:22.42, held on for third.
Caroline Rotich, Kenya, ran 2:24.26 for fourth place. Kara Goucher, six months after having her son Colt, ran a pb of 2:24.52.
After the race, when asked what Caroline would spend her winnings on, she giggled, taking it all in and noted, " I will buy a plot of land to build a new house." Well said, well said.
Note that this race was the fastest for women since 1994! Des Davila ran the fastest time EVER for an American women on this course!
Also note that, due to the IAAF rule on Gold Label marathons, all marathoners in the top ten, men and women, will now have reached the Olympic A standard. David Katz, IAAF member of the Technical committee and measurer of the 2012 London Olympic race course, told RBR that as " the IAAF understands that competition is the key in Gold Label races, and as marathoners only run once, maybe twice a year, this new rule allowing marathoners to qualify through Gold Label races such as INY New York, Bank of America Chicago and BAA Boston."
Women's 2011 BAA Boston Marathon top ten
1. Caroline Kilel, Kenya, 2.22.36
2. Desiree Davila, USA, 2.22.38-PB
3. Sharon Cherop, Kenya, 2.22.48
4. Caroline Rotich, Kenya, 2.24.26
5. Kara Goucher, USA, 2.24.52-PB
6.Dire Tune, Ethiopia, 2.25.08
7. Werknesh Kidane, Ethiopia, 2.26.15
8. Yolanda Caballero, Columbia, 2.26.17
9. Alice Timbilli, Kenya, 2.26.34
10. Yuliya Ruban, Ukraine, 2.27.00
For more on the Boston Marathon, please go to: www.bostonmarathon.com.
2011 BAA Boston Marathon, LIVE Reports: Geoffrey Mutai Runs 2:03.02 & Caroline Kilel wins in 2:22.36!, by Larry Eder
2011 Virgin London Marathon: Emmanuel Mutai wins (finally), in 2:04:40, in Course Record!, by Larry Eder
Keitany surged away from Liliya Shobukhova, the 2010 Virgin London Marathon champ, just between 14-15 miles and never looked back.
Mary Keitany finished in 2:19.18, for the fastest time in the world for women. Liliya Shobukova ran a personal best of 2:20.15, also a Russian national record and Edna Kiplagat of Kenya ran 2:20.44, her personal best.
(First American was Magdelena Lewy Boulet in 2:31.23).
1 Mary Keitany, KEN 2:19:19
2 Liliya Shobukhova, RUS 2:20:15
3 Edna Kiplagat, KEN 2:20:46
4 Bezunesh Bekele, ETH 2:23:42
5 Atsede Baysa, ETH 2:23:50
6 Yukiko Akaba, JPN) 2:24:09
7 Irina Mikitenko, GER 2:24:24
8 Jessica Augusto, POR 2:24:33
9 Aberu Kebede, ETH 2:24:34
10 Mariya Konovalova, RUS 2:25:18
Click here to search for FULL RESULTS
For complete results, please check www.virginlondonmarathon.com.
This is our live coverage of the 2011 Virgin London Marathon. We will do twitter updates each mile and will do 5k segments here!
Cover of Virgin London
Just finished my three mile walk this morning along the St. Katherine Docks, which was totally deserted this morning! Both races should be tremendous, in London, as the womens' race starts at 9 am and the Men's elite at 9.45 am. I am in the London Media room, which gives us a ton of room to work and information galore.
35,643 applications were accepted for the 2011 Virgin London Marathon, which means, with such good weather, 35,000 will probably start. Marathons are huge assets for major world cities, as they bring tourists, marathoners, and their families to the cities. Hotels, restaurants, tourist areas all gain value for the city.
Companies like Virgin do not sponsor races like London without the seeing the branding value of such a huge event. This release notes that Sir Richard Branson, the creative leader of Virgin, will start the race!
2011 Mt. SAC Relays: Brown Wins 1,500m in 3:35.70, Solinsky in 3:35.79, Flanagan wins in 4:11.67, Huddle over Simpson in 5,000m in 15:10.63-15:11.49, by Larry Eder
In the women's steeple, Cathy Mason of Saucony Hurricanes won in 9:58.62, with Derek Scott of PUMA leading the men in 8:31.52. Molly Huddle (Saucony) and Jenny Barringer (New Balance) battled over 5,000 meters, with Huddle taking the race in 15:10.63 to Simpson's 15:11.49. Liz Malloy was third in 15:19.87, with Christin Wurth-Thomas in fourth in 15:21.75 and Sara Hall, on her birthday, running 15:27.71 for fifth.
On the men's side, Aaron Brown won the 5,000m in 13:27.01 over Jorge Torress of Reebok, in 13:27.58. Andy Vernon was third in 13:27.85 with Scott Bauhs in 13:30.18, for fifth, running one of the best races he has run in a couple of years.
Emily Brown of New Balance won the women's 10,000 meters in 33:16.44 and Alfred Kipchumba of the University of Portland won the men's 10,000m in 28:38.34. For complete results, please go to http://www.mtsacrelays.com/results11.htm.
Some notes from K. Ken Nakamura:
I made some corrections (thanks to Mark Butler), and also added two
categories - oldest winners, and multiple winners.
1) Alistar Hutton is the oldest winner, 35 years old, in the London
marathon. Gharib can improve this stats.
2) Martin Lel has three wins in London, tied with Antonio Pinto and
Dionicio Ceron. Lel can be first four time winner on the men's side.
2011 Virgin London Marathon: This Years Field, Statistical Analysis, by K. Ken Nakamura, note by Larry Eder
Liliya Shobukhova is running better and better. Her 2:20:25 at Bank of America Chicago was her fastest yet. Can she break 2:20? Heck, can she break 2:18?
Ken Nakamura's statistical analysis give an even geekier color to the two marathons this weekend. We hope that you enjoy both! ( We will tweet both live, so Virgin London will start at 4 AM East Coast time on Sunday, April 17, and BAA Boston will start around 9 AM East coast time on Monday, April 18.
Boston is implementing three waves in 2011, each with just about 9,000 runners, and it is estimated that it will take 7 minutes or so for each wave to get across the starting line. Joan Benoit Samuelson is running on Monday and Bill Rodgers is the grand marshal this year!
Marathon News: Gebremariam for BAA Boston? Shobukhova for Virgin London: Who can beat them? by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder
Liliya Shobukhova: Who can beat her at 2011 Virgin London? photo by PhotoRun.net
In 2011 Virgin London, LIliya Shobukhova will be hard to beat, with her leg speed and ability to run in very tactical situations. On the men's side in London-let me get there, and Friday evening, I will prognosticate!
Boston is off to good form. The Saucony minimalism evening was well attended and well received. Lightweight, minimalist, whatever you call it, is part of the running vernacular.
PUMA event: Run Wicked Fah with PUMA During Marathon Weekend: Sportslifestyle brand challenges Bostonians to run for charity, release, note by Larry Eder
Run Wicked Fah with PUMA® During Marathon Weekend
Sportlifestyle brand challenges Bostonians to run for charity
What: Whether you're running the big "26.2," cheering someone on, or just looking for a little weekend workout, the PUMA Store is the place to be in Boston during marathon weekend. In true PUMA fashion, we're celebrating the world's oldest marathon by giving local runners the chance to try out our latest footwear, get some exercise, and most importantly, give back. From Friday, April 15th through Monday, April 18th, we're inviting the public to run a mile (or two!) on a treadmill set up in the front window of our Newbury Street storefront. For every mile logged, we'll donate a pair of shoes and $100 to Soles4Souls, an organization that provides shoes for those in need around the globe. Runners will get the opportunity to test out the new PUMA Faas, our new range of lightweight running shoes inspired by Jamaica, the fastest country in the world, and will receive a free limited edition marathon t-shirt while supplies last.
When: Friday, April 15th, 10 am-9 pm
Saturday, April 16th, 10 am-9 pm
Sunday, April 17th, 12 pm-6 pm
Monday, April 18th, 10 am-9 pm
Where: The PUMA Store
333 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02115
RSVP: No need! Just stop by our Newbury Street store and ask one of our staff members for availability. You can also find more information at www.facebook.com/PUMARunning or www.puma.com/running.
Contact: Katie Sheptyck Heather Bouzan
PUMA North America, Inc. PUMA North America, Inc.
978.698.1295 978.698.1227
[email protected] [email protected]
PUMA is one of the world's leading Sportlifestyle companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories. It is committed to working in ways that contribute to the world by supporting Creativity, SAFE Sustainability and Peace, and by staying true to the principles of being Fair, Honest, Positive and Creative in decisions made and actions taken. PUMA starts in Sport and ends in Fashion. Its Sport Performance and Lifestyle labels include categories such as Football, Running, Motorsports, Golf and Sailing. Sport Fashion features collaborations with renowned designer labels such as Alexander McQueen, Mihara Yasuhiro and Sergio Rossi. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and Tretorn. The company, which was founded in 1948, distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 9,000 people worldwide and has headquarters in Herzogenaurach/Germany, Boston, London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit http://www.puma.com
This is also Marathon week, with London and Boston marathons only 24 hours apart. RBR is heading to Boston tonight for a talk on Minimalism tomorrow, which features Dr. Jack Daniels. Then I head over to London to write about that race and then, back to Boston to write about the Boston marathon. Should be fascinating weekend.
Kara Goucher, 2011 NYC Half Marathon, photo by PhotoRun.net
For Ryan Hall, who is under a microscope due to his erratic racing, change of coaches, interviews-you name it-this is an important race. Hall needs to perform, as one of the most talented marathoners in the world, Hall needs to harness his enthusiasm for the end of the race, where he can and should be a factor. Hall has the ability to run a 2:04, we will have to see if he can focus his energies on that goal.
For Kara Goucher, this is her first marathon after having her son a year ago (actually about seven months). Kara has gone from a 1:14 to a 1:09 half marathon and is running well. RBR feels that it is putting lots of pressure on Kara to see her in the winners circle this time around-top three would be superb.
photo by PhotoRun.net
Jason Lemkuhle has raced well, including a 1:32 30k in Japan. If he can get into a rhythm, a 2:09-2:10 is in order in London. Magda Lewy is ready to run 2:24,and London is perfect for her, she just needs to watch the early pace, and Magda is a fighter.
I like Blake Russell. She trains in my favorite part of the world-Carmel, Monterry and Pacific Grove. Blake is a racer, and, in my mind, could be the next American women under 2:25. She has the wheels to run 2:22 or better. Let's see her fitness level.
And then, Dez Davila. Des is the spoiler. This women has track speed, road speed and is training well. Dez is the kind of women marathoner who could make the top three in this race, and run a 2:23 or better on this course. I am picking her as the spoiler. Consider this: Davila moves at the end of the race, that is how she ran 8:51 for 3k, 32:22 for 10k and her 2:26 marathon. Dez gets flying the last four miles and picks off a few front runners, and the party dramatically changes!
All in all, some great racing within the races. RBR will be at both, so you will be able to see my observations on London and Boston within a 24 hour period. Now, I am off to Boston to see Dr. Jack Daniels speak tomorrow night and then, off to London! Good luck to all marathoners in Boston and London!
2011 Virgin London Marathon: Record Payout from London Marathon charity, release, note by Larry Eder
The 2010 Virgin London Marathon charity trust topped $5.3 million in donations this past year! This release gives the reader an idea of the broad range of projects that VLM supported!
USATF Minnesota News: Lemkuhle to run Virgin London Marathon on April 17, Carlson 5th, Gabrielson 6th at Great Ireland Run 10k, by Pat Goodwin, note by Larry Eder
photo by PhotoRun.net
Caster Semenya will be running in Dakar, Senegal on May 28, and then heading to the Nike Prefontaine Classic on June 4, per EME News. More details to come.....USOC announced that Nike has renewed contract and will outfit U.S. Olympic & Paralympic teams for 2012, 2014, and 2016. Watch for press release later tonight!
2011 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle: Amy Yoder Begley & Simon Bairu lead 32,427 finishers, release, note by Larry Eder
Simon Bairu, en route to Canadian Record for 10,000m, May 1, 2010,
Payton Jordan Invite, photo by PhotoRun.net.
Amy Yoder Begley and Simon Bairu lead the 32,427 finishers on the 8 kilometer course on Sunday, April 10. Congrats to all who ran or walked the race this year!
2011 GO! St.Louis Marathon: Howard over Gilpin by two seconds & Turner win a warm one, release, note by Larry Eder
photo by PhotoRun.net.
2011 BAA Boston Marathon: Joan Samuelson to Run Marathon, Bill Rodgers will be Grand Marshal, release, note by Larry Eder
Both are Boston royalty. Joan Benoit Samuelson is known for winning in 1979 and 1983 Boston Marathons: in 1979, she set the American record and in 1983, she set the World Record (still number 4 time on Boston course). In 1984, Joan Benoit Samuelson took the biggest gamble of all: winning the US Olympic Trials less than thirteen weeks after knee surgery, in the Olympic Games, Samuelson pulled a Frank Shorter (taking lead early), actually leading for the better part of 23 miles, to win the inaugural Women's Olympic marathon. Now, having qualified for seven Olympic Trials, rumor has it that Joan is considering her eighth qualifying time for the marathon.
Bill Rodgers won his first of four BAA Boston Marathons in 1975, running a then AR of 2:09:55. Bill had taken third in the 1975 World XC in Rabat, Morocco, less than a month before, and Rodgers just dusted the field. While his three subsequent wins at Boston are impressive, there was an eighteen month period, 1978-1979, when Bill Rodgers was just, well, on. I think he won 32 of 38 races in that time period. My favorite race was his one hour run, where he ran 12 miles, 1,381 yards, while talking much of the way. I have heard that there is a film of that hour run, which I would love to find.
(One of my favorite pictures of all times)
The wonderful thing about both Joan Benoit Samuelson and Bill Rodgers is how they have kept their warmth, and their dignity, with all this brouhaha over running celebrity. Both belong to a very special pantheon within our sport! It is great to see the BAA Boston Marathon showing them such respect. Good luck to Joan Benoit Samuelson on running this upcoming race!
David Oliver opened the 2011 Outdoor season with a fine 13.16 over the 110m hurdles. Oliver achieved a world leader and noted, via twitter, " It will be a good season." David ran this race in St. Kitts & Nevis, at the Kim Collins Invitational, in honor of 2003 World Champion Kim Collins.
Also note that Justin Gatlin ran 20.49 for the 200 meters, also at the Kim Collins Invitational in St. Kitts.
Files Ongari celebrating her 2:24:19 at 2011 ABN-AMRO Rotterdam Marathon, photo by PhotoRun.net
April 10 was a very busy day for marathoners. In the few races we list below, over 150,000 marathoners were worshiping Phidipidees, as they ran 26.2 miles ( I know, Phidipidees did not die from the 26.2 miles he ran that day (or 25 miles), it was probably the 100-150 miles he had run in the preceding days) in Rotterdam, Paris, Brighton, Daegu, MIlano, Linz and Debno.
Rotterdam was the fastest as Wilson Chebet ran 2:05.27 and Files Ongori ran 2:24.19. The men hit 1:02:07 for the halfway, then slowed under world record pace. 2:05.27 is now, the the world leader. Let us see what next weekend, with Virgin London and BAA Boston, brings to marathon geeks.
Coaching 101: Hydration & Running Performance for Your Teenage Runner, by Roy Stevenson, note by Larry Eder
Hydration is a huge issue in modern sports. In my experience as a junior college and high school coach, I found that water took care of about 75 percent of my athletes' complaints (add a nap or eight hours sleep, and you have 85 percent of their complaints).
By the time I started coaching community college, I demanded a water bottle, full of water, on my athletes or near them at all times. I am okay with sports drinks, as long as they are not carbonated and diluted, however, I believe in the eight to ten glasses of water a day for an athlete. Water helps take the waste products, such as lactic acid, out of an athletes body. It also helps in recovery and is one of the most important parts of a proper training plan.
Hydration is important in both warm and cold weather. I recall a training partner, who did not drink before or during most of a long Sunday run, getting into trouble with about a mile to go, cramping and hypothermia (being too cold), just not considering that hydration and proper clothing for a cool Northern California Sunday were just smart training practices.
The young man complained of cramping and could not complete a sentence. We thought he had a stroke, but it was dehydration and hypothermia (being too cold). Our coach, who would follow us in a car, put a blanket around him and made him drink water. Soon, he was fine, but it left an indelible mark on my training partners and myself.
So, Robert Hartings' current idea, to throw something across a river, makes a lot of sense! Could be a lot of fun, and great on TV! Heck, it has to be more enjoyable that watching the current TV detritus focused on half wits from state of New Jersey.
Next Thursday evening, April 14, 2011, from 6-8 P.M., in Boston, MA, at the Cyclorama, you will be able to say hello to the good doctor and hear his thoughts on Minimalism and training. This event is sponsored by Saucony
( for more information, please check at the end of this post). If you are in town, put the event on your schedule.
2010-11 World Marathon Majors Resumes: Kebede & Shobukhova are current leaders, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder
At the USA Indoor Champs, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, held at the end of February, I had the chance to spend some time with Brittney Reese. The world indoor and world outdoor champion in the Long Jump, Brittany is the best women long jumper, not only in the U.S., but, in the world. A former basketball player, Brittney Reese took up the long jump when she was a junior in high school. Brittney, who is pretty modest, is a tough competitor. She loves to be pushed and while she admits to needing a bit of work on her run up, Reese has the tools to get into rarefied territory in the long jump.
It will be fun to see how Brittney does this weekend at the Ole Miss Invitational, to be held in Oxford, Mississippi this weekend! Good luck Brittney!
My bet? Watch Brittney Reese add another medal to her already impressive collection in the long jump!
In my mind, a great commercial has only one way of going. It has to grab you right away, and then entrap you. It can be funny, sad, make you curious, fascinate you. This one entraps you, makes you curious and then, like watching a reality show, it gives you that little sick feeling in your stomach, and then, you look around, making sure no one else is watching! When, in fact, all of Europe is watching! Nice to see that French guys can be as big of dorks as U.S. guys.
Vodaphone hit the collective unconscious with this one.
Per my rankings, this gets 3 and one half Stanleys of 4. (Decided to name
an award after my real name, sounds kind of cool, right?).
This is one of two palate cleansers for the month! Enjoy!
IKEA commercials, are, well, always entertaining. I should know, I have may pieces of IKEA furniture around the house, including the only one I put together, which, somehow has stood together for fifteen years even though, parts were left over afterwards. I must confess that I am not one who can put together furniture in a proper way.
IKEA commercials, are, well, brilliant. Take this one. If one starts with the universal theorem that men, while we perhaps, can mature, we are essentially, Neandertals, we have a universal starting place.
In this commercial, a care-free male of the species invites a loving member of the female species into his domicile. The afore-mentioned female of the species is injured, impaled, or perhaps, finds her demise, from an errant fork. It is a bit ambiguous, I must confess. Perhaps, for our gentle readers, we should say, that the female of the species was, well, thwarted, by a fork left on the sofa, from a previous foraging attempt the male of the species.
In this commercial, there is no real time for introspection. In fact, introspection, be damned! There, I have said it!
IKEA just positions, center of page-" Tidy Up".
Another universal message is added to the lexicon. The world has been saved, once again, by a humorous message and the power of a few, well chosen words. Kate L. Turabian (the Stylebook) will be pleased, not sure about George Orwell.
The race, in its' present evolution, has 50,000 runners (it was over 30,000 back in 1986), and 150,000 spectators. It is one of the BIG ONES, like a moving, breathing entity. The wave start was one of their first innovations and BolderBOULDER 10K has been at the forefront of the road running movement.
Saucony, working in partnership with Dick's Sporting Goods, will sell Saucony footwear and apparel developed for the Bolder Boulder road race. Dick's Sporting Goods is becoming a larger and larger player in running footwear sales. Developing a program around the 200,000 fans and runners who will populate Boulder, Colorado race weekend shows once again, just how big the running footwear and apparel business is.
A $7.5 billion running footwear business, with $6 billion of the sales under $65 a pair, is the focus of many industries. The most committed runners, whether they run 10-15 miles a week or 60 miles a week, are creatures of habit. They have favorite running trails, favorite races, favorite workouts, and favorite running footwear and apparel. The core runners are also huge influencers in the sport. They are asked about footwear, training, apparel, how running affects their lives. They are the ten percent who influence the ninety percent.
Yet, in races like this, the Big Races, like BolderBOULDER 10K and the BaytoBreakers, are made up only by ten percent of committed runners, the rest are runners or walkers who run, but race once or twice a year! These fitness runners see running as part of their life, but juggle running with other activities for fitness and just do not see the benefit of running a road race every weekend.
Running continues to grow, and evolve, and races like the BolderBOULDER will continue to play a huge part in the sport. Sponsorships such as Saucony and Dick's Sporting Goods are creative ways to build more revenue and opportunities for the running community.
Most of the successful great athletes in our sport have coaches, or advisers. I am not sure what is tougher today, winning an Olympic or World Championship medal in the middle and long distances, or making and marketing a great running shoe.
If one looks at the most successful footwear companies, one finds that they have long term relationships with their ad agencies. Look at Nike, who has been with Wieden & Kennedy for twenty-four plus years (and this was after Phil Knight noted to the partners, " I hate advertising"."
VITRO has been with ASICS America since the mid nineties. Heck, William Jefferson Clinton was President! And Fun Lovin Criminals was playing "Scooby Snacks" on the radio! (I have just rediscovered this song, much to my son's dismay). Many of us were looking forward to the 1996 Olympic Trials and Olympics in Atlanta that summer, when a brash little ad agency convinced ASICS to give them some business.
Over the years, VITRO has created award winning ads for ASICS America, from print, to innovative web programs, and now, to a TV commercial that has to be seen to believe.
I am always fascinated with constructions. The above commercial, " Levitation", was created by VITRO to launch the 33 by ASICS performance line in general and the GEL-Blur33 in particular. Per the ad agency, VITRO, no special effects was used to make the commercial. That even makes it geekier!
Like a good commercial, "Levitation" gets our attention. That whole fascination with models, games, and intricate things comes into play! The detail is fascinating, and the construction is mesmerizing. And for a 30 second commercial, it keeps one's attention, while also sending the viewer to 33byASICS.com.
ASICS was, actually, the number one performance footwear company in North America in 2010. Brooks is pushing for the prize at this time, followed by several key players. In a tightly contested battle with Brooks Running Shoes, and Saucony, Nike, Mizuno and New Balance, among others, performance running product is getting better and better, in my humble opinion. In our sport and biz, competition is king.
While Nike has the overall lead in running footwear sales (approx $2.8 billion), the jewel at the top of the food chain is ASICS America, with somewhere around $450 million in sales with an average shoe price of $95. The sweet spot, as many call it, is that $95-$130 price tag.
Run Specialty has approximately 723 doors, with Fleet Feet being the largest in the performance running sales, with 89 doors. Of the 723, many of the newer stores will carry one major brand and a few smaller brands (we count 43 running & trail brands at this time, per Running Network footwear reviewer and editor Cregg Weinmann), plus yoga and pilates apparel.
The running retailer who is successful knows his or her community, from top to bottom, knowing when to hit the coaches of the local high school or college team, when to have XC or Track nights, when to have DIVA nights, and just how many local races they can support on the weekends before they loose their minds. Without lightweight product, however, the run specialty store would close its doors-the consumers have taken up the mantra.
The real geek stores number about 450, and they have seven brands on their walls. " If you can not help me sell more shoes, bringing in a different consumer, then let me alone." noted more than one prominent Specialty retail running guru.
What will be fascinating over the next year is to see where lightweight and product lines such as 33 by ASICS go. RBR sees lightweight as having a continued effect on the making, branding and selling of performance running footwear for some years to come.
Let me get this straight. So, the guy who directs, arguably, the most complicated marathon in the world, the Virgin London Marathon, has resigned as the manager of the London 2012 Olympic marathon. Knowing Mr. Bedford, one surmises that perhaps the politics that is insidious in an large sporting event, and its organization, such as the London Olympics, has made the already complex nature of a successful championship marathon course and it's operations virtually impossible to manage.
Nick Bitel, the CEO at the Virgin London Marathon, told InsidetheGames.biz that Mr. Bedford was frustrated with the organizers of the Games. Apparently, the folks at London 2012 just do not appreciate the complexity, from security issues, to course planning, to the logistics that go into planning an Olympic marathon.
Face it, the Olympics is a focal point for every extremist group (left or right) who wants to make the global media stage. One must consider such events in a contrarian fashion to be successful. Bedford and his team do just that at the Virgin London Marathon, all the way to Bedford planning his retirement from race directing at said marathon.
David Bedford is a unique individual. A former World record holder at the 10,000 meters, one of Britain's greatest runners, Bedford has worked behind the scenes (along with greats Brendan Foster and Ian Stewart, among others), to make distance running in Great Britain better at both the elite and the citizen runner level. That the London 2012 marathon committee does not comprehend this, well, is their loss.
One hopes that London 2012 can find a way to pull the proverbial head out of their backside, but, alas, egos are egos. Without David Bedford, something will get missed in the London 2012 Olympic marathon. And with that, my stomach becomes uneasy......
New Balance, which as sales reported at $1.8 billion dollars in 2009, is one of the key players in the performance running footwear business, which has been hot for the past decade, defying the economic slowdown that most other industries faced over the past three years.
For more on this story, please read:
To learn a bit more about how the federal shutdown would shut down this very popular event, please read the following:http://www.expressnightout.
The government shutdown is a huge issue, and a canceled road race pails in comparison to the effect of such a shutdown. However, the road race, in many ways, is a microcosm of our society. A road race is a moving city, a living breathing entity, where, fast or slow, the runners and walkers are doing something to better themselves. The logistics of a road race are complicated. When one plans a road race, one tries to predict all situations-government shutdowns do not normally come into the planning. For Race Director Kathy Dalby, this is really out of her control.
After that, you can read the note posted on the race site by Race Director Kathy Dalby, which I posted below.
Starting May 1, 2011, the race will be taking registration online! However, there are rules for qualifying and making the lotter, so get yourself over to the webisite, www.FalmouthRoadRace.com! Per Rich Sherman, former co-Race Director for the past 38 years (he resigned last month), this is a great move for the NB Falmouth Road Race, as it will save at least 45,000 pieces of paper!
Lots of questions and interest in the Saucony Kinvara and the new Hattori. The 2011 Boston Expo will have many of the top brands showing their approach to the Minimalist conundrum. Saucony's approach will be watched by many...
Again, as we have said before, the response to the questions about making lighter weight product, to answer the needs of the consumer and questions of the shoe geeks, is different, from brand to brand.
What seems to be happening is a plethora of product, well-made and quite different approaches to answering the mantra of lighter makes better. That seems to be the mantra, even though most of these companies have made lightweight product for years....
Whatever you call it, Minimalism, lightweight, trainer-racer, bare-foot, the last couple years have shaken running footwear up. Cregg Weinmann, the Running Network footwear editor, notes that we have had minimalist shoes forever-they are called track spikes and racing flats! In the back of old Track & Field News in the early seventies and in Runners World from 71-74, one will see the EB racing flat of 4.5 ounces. Reebok had one similar about 1975.
What is fascinating about the Brooks Pure Project is that they have come up with a collection of running footwear that are lightweight, performance based and answer the needs of many, noted Cregg Weinmann, the footwear review editor for the Running Network. Weinmann noted that the Pure Project is a "Good idea - (it) shows that Brooks wasn't caught flatfooted, and that there is continuity to the PureProject range. The strength of a trio (plus one) is that it hits the "Goldilocks" phenomenon and one of the three will be "just right" for somebody."
RN's Cregg Weinmann called it the "Goldilocks" concept-create three or more products in a category, and the product will answer the needs of many. The Brooks Pure Project hopes to have an answer for many who are looking for lightweight, dialed in, performance running footwear.
Brooks is very careful not to call their Pure Project minimalist or barefoot-they are lightweight, and they are trying to answer the needs that Brooks saw in speaking to consumers around the country.
The challenge for Brooks is that their shoes will be available in several months, whereas many of their competitors have lightweight product out or, are about to launch new products. What all of this discussion has done, from the Vibram product to Newton to Nike Free and the LunarGlide, from the Kinvara to the Hattori at Saucony, to the NB 890, to the ASICS 33 and the adidas adizone, and now the Brooks Pure Project, is that runners are getting their questions and curiousities answered--the response from the consumer, which will be seen in run specialty, is which of the shoes will resonate with the consumer.
In the meantime, watch our posts on Brooks, ASICS, (we have written on Nike, adidas, NB, K-SWISS, PUMA, and others as well) and Saucony coming up!
2011 Carlsbad 5,000: Gebremeskel and Kiros take the races for Ethiopia! by Dan Cruz/Competitor Group, note by Larry Eder
the Competitor Group gives us an eye-witness view of this great race!
So, what do you do if you just won the World Cross Country title in Punta Umbria, Spain on March 20? Well, you head over to Ponteverde, Spain and run a 10,000 meter track race, if you are Vivian Cheruiyot.
Vivian Cheruiyot, in her debut at the distance, lead from the 2nd kilometer on, and hit the 5,000 meter mark in 15:37.1, and took just 15 minutes to run the second half of the race! Pretty darn impressive for a debut over the distance!
On top of that, some blazing performances across the U.S. this weekend in the track & field world! Thanks to our chronicler of all things athletics, Alfons Juck, the man who brings you the daily news from around the world (courtesy of EME News).
2011 Vattenfall BERLIN HALF MARATHON: Geoffrey Kipsang & Valentine Kipketer take Berlin Half, by SCC-Events, note by Larry Eder
Craig Virgin, former AR 10k, World XC champ (2x), 3 time Olympian, has been Hospitalized, by Larry Eder
Craig Virgin, one of our most colorful and amazing distance runners of the modern era, has been hospitalized in Panama City, Florida, complaining of chest pains. This was reported this week in a story on Track & Field News website. Keen observer Jeff Benjamin, a long time correspondent for American Track & Field sent us note on Craig today and asked us to make sure people knew that he is sick. There have been many notes up on the Facebook page of Craig Virgin, one today from Paul Geis, one of Craig's competitors.
I was raised in St. Louis, Missouri. The first time I heard about Craig Virgin, was when he was a junior in high school in Illinois. He had won his state mile and two mile. We knew the guy was a total stud, and that he was from just across the river, we thought was pretty cool! Craig Virgin had broken the high school record of 8:41.5 for two miles set by Steve Prefontaine, with Virgin's run of 8:40.9 in 1973, during my sophomore year in high school. HIs high school cross country course record in Illinois, which was 13:50.6, has been challenged only recently by Lukas Verzbicas, who ran 13:54.
I met Craig in the 80s, and we have seen each other at different events on and off for years. I have had some fascinating conversations about training and racing. In his prime, Virgin had the U.S. record at 10,000 meters, won two World Cross Country champs and made the 1976, 1980 and 1984 Olympic teams.
Virgin won the World Cross Country in 1979 and 1980. He broke the 10,000m AR in 1978, running 27:39.4. Two years later, Virgin an 27:29.90, the second fastest time in history (at the time).
Please keep Craig Virgin, who is 55, in your thoughts and prayers. Track & Field News reported that Craig was hospitalized this week with a pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot. This is very, very serious. As we know more, we will keep you informed.
To learn more about Craig, we suggest your read the following piece-Craig Virgin, the Prefontaine who lived:
Craig Virgin official website:
2011 Carlsbad 5,000m: Eliud Kipchoge Defends Carlsbad title, eyes World Record, by Dan Cruz/Competitor Group, note by Larry Eder
Dejan Gebremeskal after the 2011 NB Indoor GP 3,000 meters, photo by PhotoRun.net!
ASICS America Reorganizes Marketing Department: Kevin Wulff Makes his first move at the iconic brand, release, note by Larry Eder
ASICS announced the reorganization of the Marketing department at ASICS on March 31. This was announced to the industry through a story on SportsSourceone.com, which was taken from an ASICS press release the same day.
Gary Slayton, the VP of Marketing has been moved into the new area titled Emerging Markets and Erik Forsell has been named as his replacement as Vice President of Marketing Communications. Mr. Forsell has a wide area of experience in the performance sports equipment and youth sports business. Mr. Forsell is from outside the running industry.
Gary Slayton, one of the most experienced members of the ASICS America team, has headed up a very successful marketing communications department that has produced quality advertising, marketing and events for ASICS for the past two decades. His move into the emerging markets, while making much sense for ASICS, was greeted with both surprise and some concern by associates of Slayton across the industry. Slayton has been at ASICS America for 25 years and is well respected across a very close and competitive performance sports footwear industry.
Shannon Scott, the manager of marketing communications at ASICS America, has been promoted to the director of Marketing Communications.
Shannon Scott has been at ASICS for 22 years and has been an able and successful manager of the marketing communications department.
ASICS America is facing huge challenges at this time, with competition in the performance running footwear business bearing down on the number one brand. Over the past year, ASICS lost a key manager in sports marketing, Ben Cesar, to a rival brand, Nike. The major news, however, was the retirement of Richard Bourne, along with the naming of Kevin Wulff as CEO. This news has focused industry eyes and ears on the brand.
How will Kevin Wulff react to the challenges his brand is facing? The brand has been known for the closeness and the longevity of the staff, under former President Richard Bourne. Under Bourne's leadership, ASICS America was number one fifteen of his nineteen years at the helm-how does one live up to that type of legacy?
The eyes of the industry will be on Kevin Wulff as he stears an iconic brand through rough waters over the next years. Sometimes, changes are needed, and sometimes, changes are the last thing needed. Mr. Wulff will have to determine his next moves.....
Philemon LImo, winner of the 2011 Hervis Prague Half-Marathon, photo by PhotoRun.net
On a positive note, German track fans will be able to watch the 2011 World Championships from Daegu, Korea. Seems that the German TV stations could not come to a financial arrangement with the IAAF over the rights for the World Champs. The IAAF made a very profitable arrangement with Asian TV, so have stood rather firm on the pricing.
Besides competition, without major events like the Samsung Diamond League and the World Championships on non pay TV, the sport would not exist to the average sports fan.
We were fortunate to have our roving marathon troubadour, Pat Butcher, aka thegloberunner.org, in Prague. Here were his observations of the race from this morning in the city of Prague.
Liu Xiang, in 2007, was the king of the hurdle world. His injury in 2008 has taken nearly three years for him to return to form. Obviously, Xiang wants to return. David Oliver was the world's top hurdler in 2010. Two top hurdlers about to race over the 110 meter hurdles, one of the most difficult events in sport.
We shall see in about six weeks! For this sport to succeed and for the 2011 Samsung Diamond League to grow it is competition, competition, competition!
The track in the picture is Stadio Olympico in Rome, Italy. The Golden Gala Meeting, to be held, Thursday, May 26 in Rome, Italy, will have a double matching of Allyson Felix and Sanya Richards-Ross, in both the 400 meters and 200 meters. A nice double on any day, but two great races within races! This is the kind of thing that the Samsung Diamond League is all about! I can not wait to see what unfolds at the adidas GP New York and Nike Pre Classic!
Both parties have handled this well. The focus is finding Alan Webb the best environment for his development. That is the art rather than the science of coaching.
Alan Webb has been America's miler for nearly a decade-the man who could win the gold medal for the U.S. at the distance. Instead, in 2007, it was Bernard Lagat, who won the 1,500 meters and 5,000 meters at the 2007 World Champs. The difference was experience and timing. In the semi finals, Webb ran 52.9 for the last 400 meters, in the final, he ran 54.1, when Lagat ran 52.8 for the last 400 meters and 13.1 for the last 100 meters.
Alan Webb is a tremendously talented athlete. He has the talent to win Olympic and World medals. He needs the self confidence, both in his own running and racing, but also in his training program. We wish Alan Webb well in his journey to become America's best miler/1,500m runner.


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A few days ago I asked my readers to comment on the online marketing practices of a number of related firearms and ammunition vendors. The discussion became quite interesting, both in Comments and in offline e-mails.
Readers' reactions seem clearly split along age-related lines. Those who are older, and were probably brought up with ethical and moral guidelines similar to those I learned at my parents' knees, seem to either side with my position, or at least be willing to consider it. Those who are younger, and who grew up in an age of "If it feels good, do it!", are less worried by and more supportive of the business practices of the companies under discussion.
For myself, I think a comment by Murphy's Law encapsulates my concerns admirably:
If a seller is less than honest about one thing, what else are they less than honest about?
Go read the original post and its comment thread, and see what you think.

subset: commoncrawl


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When life hits us with unexpected challenges or prolonged suffering, faith gets shattered. There will be times when grief and loneliness overshadows and make us question 'Why is this happening to me? Why God is not interfering? Why is He quiet? If God is just, why did He not defend me from false accusations?'
Tag: Don't Give Up
You Are In GOD'S Training Phase!!
You Are In GOD'S Training Phase!! "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11 Often, the time between God gives His promise and its fulfillment is the toughest. It can be compared to … Continue reading You Are In GOD'S Training Phase!!


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My conclusion of the day: Size doesn't matter! That's for sure when stepping into the tiny café right in the heart of Münster. It's called "Milchmädel" ("Milkgal") and has exactly 4 chairs inside and 2 outside! Not a lot, but that really is irrelevant, because whatever you get at "Milchmädel" is really delicious even if you have to eat or drink it standing up!
The owners Alexia Jägers and Ralf Kleimann both grew up in pastry shops. So when the previous tenant left the location in 2011 they grabbed the opportunity and opened their café. The concept: using good products, most of them organic & fair-trade, and making everything by hand with lots of love.
And I definitely fell in love this morning. Alexia made me a hot chocolate called "Schoko Diva," which was the best thing I've tasted lately. Caramel and salt are added to tasty hot chocolate: what an explosion of flavors! This definitely made my day! Thank you, Alexia and Ralf!
"Milchmädel" is located in the Domgassenpassage, right in the heart of Münster.
– Liz


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September 17th, 2018
The reopening of the Tulare Regional Medical Center will generate approximately $107.1 million in economic impact annually and support over 660 jobs, according to an economic impact analysis commissioned by the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation and prepared by Impact DataSource of Austin, Texas. The report analyzed the planned investments and hiring proposed by Adventist Health in reopening the medical center and calculates the economic and fiscal impact associated with the investment. The study was sponsored by Tulare County Board of Supervisors, SoCal Gas, Tulare Chamber of Commerce, Greater Tulare Chamber Trust, Tulare Hospital Foundation, Sequoia Regional Economic Development Foundation, and Adventist Health. "The impact of the hospital is significant, not just in the medical care it provides and the lives it saves, but it also economically benefits nearly every industry sector in the County through local spending and payroll" stated Tulare County Supervisor Pete Vander Poel. Tulare Chamber President & CEO Donnette Carter added "With an average salary of $74,500 for hospital workers, the restoration of lost jobs and addition of new ones will have a positive impact in local spending as the hospital reopens and ramps up to full operation." The economic impact is measured based on employment, compensation to employees, economic output and the value added from the operation. "Economic impact is more than the direct spending of the hospital and employees, as indirect spending and activity create additional economic impact and support further jobs in the community" stated EDC Vice Chairman Colby Wells of SoCalGas. "We appreciate the leadership of the EDC in assembling sponsors and facilitating this study. Adventist Health looks forward to the hospital's reopening and to the economic health that will result", said Adventist Health executive Randy Dodd. We're grateful for the warm welcome we've received and are enjoying the many opportunities we've had to get to know our new community." Tulare Hospital Economic Impact
EDC Earns Reaccredition
[Washington, DC] – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announces that the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) once again has been recognized as one of 60 economic development organizations accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). Originally accredited in 2001, the organization was reaccredited by IEDC following 16 successful years of activity as an AEDO member."The Tulare County EDC displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor", said IEDC President and CEO Jeff Finkle.
The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly held standards in the profession. The program consists of two phases: a documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, funding, program, and staff of the candidate economic development organization. TCEDC was reviewed by a team consisting of economic development professionals from Pennsylvania and Missouri. The team noted that the TCEDC "marketing/workplan continues to be analytical and thoughtfully developed at both the strategic and tactical levels" and the TCEDC's "work is tightly or in their words "solely focused on business attraction." Their delivery on this continues to be thorough and well executed".
"The EDC Board of Directors has made it a priority to be mission focused and vision driven and it is an honor to receive this professional designation" stated TCEDC Board Chairman George Vasquez. "It confirms the direction and work of the EDC is on target, strategic, and places us among the top in the economic development community" Vasquez added. Earning the AEDO accreditation tells the community and prospects that the TCEDC attained a measure of excellence assuring that their trust is well placed and their business is in good hands.
Maintenance of the AEDO status is required every three years and is accomplished through documentation submission and/or onsite visits by a team of the AEDO subcommittee.
The International Economic Development Council is the largest membership association serving economic and community development professionals in the world. With over 5,000 members nationwide and abroad, IEDC offers the economic development profession one source for information and professional development, one voice for the profession and one force for advocacy.
EDC Top 25 in North America
Leading Economic Development Profession
Toronto, ON., September 18, 2017: Tulare County Economic Development Corporation was recognized as one of the top 25 digital economic development organizations (EDOs) in North America at the 2017 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference. The annual Digital 25 reflects those organizations that best use digital technology to differentiate their communities online, and to better serve businesses.
The recognition comes from Community Systems, a company that develops websites and software to foster economic growth and tourism in communities across the world. The Digital 25 recognition is based on results from an annual survey of over 400 EDOs, analyzing how they use digital technology to drive growth and support community businesses.
"We're thrilled to be recognized at IEDC as a digital leader in the economic development industry," said Paul Saldana, President & CEO of the Tulare County EDC. "Embracing digital technology has helped the EDC save time, better serve businesses and create a better digital portal into the communities we represent." The EDC is currently undergoing a major overhaul of its digital content and delivery systems, Saldana reported.
"We're pleased to recognize these 25 leaders in the economic development community," said Ben Wright, CEO of Community Systems. "These are some of the most successful EDOs in North America and we believe that's a direct result of how they embrace and use digital technology to help businesses and community members."
In July and August 2017, Community Systems surveyed 436 economic development practitioners about the importance they place on digital technologies, which technologies they've adopted, budget for technology as well as their overall attitudes about technology. Results showed how data driven technology is implementing positive change throughout the economic development community.
Welcome Faraday Future
1,300 jobs coming to region
Faraday Future has announced it will lease the former 1 million square foot Pirelli Tire plant in Hanford for its new manufacturing facility. The facility, which has been vacant for more than 15 years, was ideally suited for Faraday as they abandoned their original plans for a manufacturing plant in Nevada, which was announced in 2015. "We are excited about another electric vehicle manufacturer coming to the Tulare-Kings County region" commented EDC President Paul Saldana, "companies like Faraday and Green Power Bus will lead the growth of a new industry in our region that will contribute new jobs and economic expansion throughout our communities" Saldana added. The Tulare County EDC, along with the Tulare County Workforce Investment Board supported the proposed site over other sites in consideration in California, as the economic impact would be positive for both counties and its residents.
GreenPower breaks ground on plant
GreenPower Motor Company didn't just break ground on Friday for its electric-power bus manufacturing plant – it laid down roots.
The owners of the Vancouver, Canada-based company all expressed they had found a partner in the City of Porterville and they couldn't be happier setting up shop, the first major green energy company to locate in Porterville.
GreenPower Chairman Fraser Atkinson made it very clear the company had found a home in Porterville, not just a location.
After telling how helpful and open the city staff was from the very first day they came into town in late 2015, to today, Atkinson said, "It was that kind of commitment and dedication that solidified" their decision to place their plant here.
Phillip Aldridge, company CEO who will head up operations in Porterville and one of the company's founders and principal owners, told a crowd of more than 100 city officials, civic leaders, business people and citizens, "It's been a long, long time in coming," he said of the company that is just five years old.
"We're excited," he said, followed by saying he has moved his family from Canada to Springville where his wife will run the soon-to-be-opened Springville Inn.
Vice Mayor Brian Ward welcomed GreenPower to the city, "especially to celebrate the unique partnership that has been formed between GreenPower and the city.
GreenPower will build a 145,000 square-foot plant. It also plans a two-story, 6,000-square foot office at the same site on Hope Drive at the Porterville Municipal Airport. There, it will assemble all-electric buses ranging from 30 to 40 feet, including a beautiful double-decker bus that can hold 100 passengers.
The company also plans to build school buses, a new product line its announced this year, and Atkinson said they are also rolling out a shuttle bus which will come in 30-foot and 36.5-foot lengths.
Officials have said the company, which already began limited operations in a hangar across the street from its plant side, will employ about 60 people once the first phase of the new plant is completed. It will employ more as it finishes phases 2 and 3.
On top of GreenPower, Atkinson said they hope as many of their overseas suppliers come to Porterville as well. City officials confirmed a few companies have already begun looking for sites.
Atkinson said Friday he knows one supplier is looking and that supplier would be "a huge help to them."
Friday was a day of celebration in more ways than one. As part of the festivities, the California Air Resources Board presented the city with a ceremonial check for $9.5 million, which will pay for Porterville to become the first all-electric city transit system in the nation.
"The Air Resources Board is very excited to be presenting this check to Porterville," said CARB board member Alex Sherriffs, a physican in Fowler who is also a member of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.
He said the electric-power buses are "especially important" in the San Joaquin Valley, home to some of the worst air quality in the nation.
"Tens of thousands emergency room visits and hundreds of premature births," are caused by bad air quality, he noted.
With the buses, and hundreds more to come throughout the Valley, Sheriffs said, "We'll be breathing easier in the months to come."
Seyed Sadredin, Valley Air District Air Pollution Control officer/executive director, said Porterville has become the example for green jobs in the Central Valley.
"What's doable in Porterville sets an example of what can be done in the San Joaquin Valley," he said, congratulating both the city and GreenPower.
The grant will pay for 10 40-foot electric buses, with GreenPower providing an 11th bus for backup. That first bus could be delivered as early as late fall, assembled in the hangar before the plant is completed.
"Today is the start of a brand new endeavor of GreenPower and the City of Porterville working together," said Brendan Riley, company president.
Area Development Magazine named the Visalia-Porterville-Tulare MSA as one of the 100 leading locations for 2017, the only Central California county to make the list. Area Development ranks all 394 MSA's across the US on 21 economic and workforce indicators. Each MSA earned a ranking within each indicator, which helped determined the overall ranking for the 100 leading locations.
The Visalia-Porterville-Tulare MSA ranked 64th overall nationally, and number 18 of mid-size communities (population between 160,000 and 600,000).
"The fact that our region is the only area in Central California to make the top 100 confirms the strong economic performance of our economy and let's decision makers know that we understand what businesses need to be successful" stated Paul Saldana, President & CEO of the EDC.
2017 Census of Agriculture
What is the Census of Agriculture?
The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Even small plots of land - whether rural or urban - growing fruit, vegetables or some food animals count if $1,000 or more of such products were raised and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year.
The Census of Agriculture, taken only once every five years, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. For America's farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity.
Frequently asked questions about the 2017 Census.
Why is the Census of Agriculture important?The Census of Agriculture provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial agricultural data for every county in the nation. Through the Census of Agriculture, producers can show the nation the value and importance of agriculture, and they can help influence the decisions that will shape the future of American agriculture for years to come. By responding to the Census of Agriculture, producers are helping themselves, their communities, and all of U.S. agriculture.
Who uses Census of Agriculture data?
Census of Agriculture data are used by all those who serve farmers and rural communities — federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations and many others.
How can I participate in the 2017 Census of Agriculture?
Where can I access information about previous Censuses?
Presidential Memorandum Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burdens for Domestic Manufacturing
The President issued a directive to the Secretary of Commerce to "conduct outreach to stakeholders concerning the impact of Federal regulations on domestic manufacturing". The EDC looks forward to opportunities that improved and streamlined manufactures will have on the growth of manufacturing within Tulare County.
Many people in the water community have been asking me the same question these past few weeks – What will a Trump Administration mean for California water? No one knows the answer for sure, but as we move forward, as always, ACWA will stick to its core values. And the template for those core values is the coequal goals of advancing a water policy that benefits both California's economy and environment.
I have worked in California water under five governors and now – with the election of President Trump – six presidents. These transitions are just part of life for those who work on public policy. ACWA, as an organization founded in 1910, has worked with many governors and presidents and with each administration, we worked to deliver reliable, safe water while preserving the environment. Now, we adhere to the coequal goals of water supply reliability and ecosystem health, and use the 2009 Delta Reform Act and Gov. Jerry Brown's California Water Action Plan as our road map for achieving those goals.
We will continue this endeavor under the Trump Administration, and being an optimist, I see this change in Washington as a chance to open new dialog on critical water issues as outlined in the CWAP. Issues include adequate storage, functional Delta conveyance, protection of watersheds and making conservation a way of life. Using a broad brush, here are some of the key issues and opportunities that lie ahead:
On her way out the door, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell issued a six-point secretarial order outlining "timely actions" federal officials must take to address the effects of drought and climate change on California's water supply and wildlife. ACWA likes many of the order's main themes, others we are wary of. But I can say unequivocally that I wish Jewell and the Obama Administration had issued this order for "timely actions" in a more timely manner. We have been waiting for years for some action on these issues. But again, as an optimist, it is a positive sign that the order appears to send a signal to the federal government to develop a meaningful partnership with the state of California in resolving these complex issues.
As we move into 2017 with a new administration in Washington, we have an opportunity for a new era of collaborative problem solving and constructive partnership. We have the road map to success with the coequal goals and the California Water Action Plan. That vision is our future.
source: Association of California Water Agencies
California Continues To Outpace Nation In Job Growth; Multiple Industries Drive Gains
California added 13,600 payroll positions in November, building on the upwardly revised 34,400 jobs added in October, according to Beacon Economics' analysis of the latest release from the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
While November's gains fall below the average monthly gains over the last year, the state continues to outpace the nation in terms of year-over-year jobs growth. California payrolls expanded by 2.4% from October 2015, compared to 1.6% in the nation overall.
"California's labor market has see solid gains throughout the year, although the pace of growth is somewhat lower than last year," said Robert Kleinhenz, Executive Director of Research at Beacon Economics. "And while the monthly numbers are somewhat mixed across the regions of the state, nearly all have seen sustained increases in yearly terms. The fundamentals of the state economy are sound, and growth is expected to continue into the new year."
California's unemployment rate fell to 5.3% in November, down from 5.5% one month earlier. The last time the state saw a 5.3% rate was over 10 years ago in June 2007. The driving force behind this drop has been more local residents finding work, with household employment growing by 47,000, outpacing the 15,300 increase in the state's labor force.
EDC Staff
The EDC staff is dedicated to bringing you the latest news on the Local Communities, County, Region, and State economy.
September 2018


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Social Partners
Part of the magic of Israel, is our diversity,
our vibrant colors and the sense of community,
social responsibility and togetherness we all share.
"Kol Israel arevim ze laza" means we are all responsible for one another
and that is a fundamental truth we rely on.
So… we do our little bit for our community.
In each IsraeliBox, every month,
we choose an item that is made by a non-profit organization. We promise!
One item we put inside your box, will always be created by a social cause
nonprofit organization from our community, and by placing these items inside the IsraeliBox each month,
we support them with dignity and pride.


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Top Reasons Why Georgia Businesses Should Offer Employee Benefits
As a business owner, CEO, or HR professional, you know one of the most important factors of maintaining a successful business is keeping employees happy. And that means you have to provide them with enough incentive to maximize their productivity.
While there are multiple ways to accomplish this, offering your employees benefits that go beyond the legal requirements tends to be one of the most effective. Here are the top reasons why you should strongly consider providing added benefits for your employees.
1. Increase Your Reputation
Acquiring skilled and dedicated employees is what will create a strong foundation for your business. And to bring these individuals on board, it helps to have some tangible benefits that will differentiate you from the competition.
Consider giving your employees benefits like paid vacations and holidays, health plans, and retirement plans to make your business more attractive. It will demonstrate that you believe in your company enough to invest in your employees and prove that you're stable.
2. Reduce Turnover Rate
It's incredibly challenging for a business to make any profit when employees are constantly coming and going. Ultimately, the overall talent level will lack, and new team members won't have any veterans to go to for advice.
Offering benefits packages is often enough to make employees stick around and stay committed for the long run. By investing in your employees, it shows that you have their best interests in mind, and it will make them want to invest in your company in return.
3. Improve Morale and Productivity
By understanding the needs of your workforce, it's likely that employees will be more dedicated and take their jobs more seriously. Showing that you care about your workers is one of the best ways to increase their loyalty.
Nothing can put hamper productivity quicker than a bad attitude, and by providing adequate benefits, you can help keep your employees happy with a positive attitude.
4. Healthy and Productive
Your workforce should be in relatively good health, assuming you offer a health/dental plan and sick leave. If workers have a solid plan in place, there is a better likelihood that they will have regular checkups and take preventative steps. Being proactive will not only improve their health, but it will reduce the number of sick days they have to take.
By offering sick leave, workers who are ill and potentially contagious won't infect others. The result should be a healthier – and much more productive – workforce.
While offering employee added benefits may contain an initial up-front cost, the long-term advantages, and increased productivity will translate into having a significant impact on your bottom line. You will position your company from the competition to acquire real professionals who are committed for the long haul. Offering added benefits will help create a stable workforce with limited turnover that will translate to savings.
Shopbenefits.com is committed to making insurance easier and more accessible for businesses of all shapes and sizes. With us, we won't just give you the link, but we will be there to give a helping hand whenever you need it.
At Shopbenefits.com, you'll work with an agent who knows your industry inside and out – and will always be there to lend a helping hand when you need one.
Contact us for your complimentary review or call (404) 256-2171 and ask for Al Schiebel to see what option is best for your business. Get your affordable quote today!


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Today, I'm listening to the #RolandMartinUnfiltered podcast. I mentioned in a previous blog, which you can find HERE, my love for podcast, especially when I'm at work. If you are not familiar with Roland Martin, he is a journalist, political commentator, author, etc.
To get to the point, he refers to the speech that Oprah gave at the Golden Globes this past Sunday, 1/7/2018; and how immediately there was chatter saying, Oprah should run for President. Social Media was in a frenzy due to the awesome speech and how it was delivered. *News Flash* Oprah talks for a living. If it's one thing she can do, it's giving a speech. Anyway, Oprah hasn't come directly out stating that she would "run" (and has often said she wouldn't), but many believed that this speech was her way of indirectly saying, she may give the 2020 election a thought.
Immediately, I think, Oprah isn't qualified to be President. Hell, Trump wasn't either but look what happened! I've always thought that one had to have some political background when it came to being President. Besides, having a little military experience wouldn't hurt either, right. I mean since the President is Commander and Chief over the Army and Navy. It only seems right.
Well! I'll be the first to admit that I learned something new today.
There are only 3 requirements to being eligible for President. Just THREE!!!!!!!
Thanks to Uncle RoRo, (that's Roland Martin–you would know that if you were on Twitter) he has informed me that according to the Constitution of the United States; Article II: Section 1, you only have to be 35 years of age, a United States Citizen, and a resident of the United States for 14 years to be President. That's it folks! I had to go and double-check for myself. I don't sit up at night reading the Constitution so like the Pastor tell me on Sunday mornings, "go and read the word for yourself." So that's what I did and clearly it was there. Written. This means Oprah is qualified! I'm qualified! Unfortunately, I guess Trump is too. But this isn't about him. While we are at it, the House of Representatives chooses the Speaker of the House and it could basically be anyone. The Constitution does not mention any qualifications required when it comes to the Speak of the House, only who chooses the speaker.
Nevertheless, this is all astonishing to me! How very littler is required for such powerful positions. But I think this is what disturbs me the most; that just because you are qualified that does not mean you are certified? Furthermore, why is it that I must have more qualifications, certifications, prerequisites, experiences, recommendations, justifications, applications, and everything else under the sun for my job and you only have to have these 3 little things to qualify to be President?
It's time for a change! The Constitution needs to be rewritten. The laws need to change. The Amendments need to change. It's 2018 and we are living off of laws that were written in the 1700's. Two hundred and thirty years ago to be exact.
So my question to you is, were you aware of the "three" qualifications required to run for President? If Oprah ran for President would you vote for her?


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Harmony Blinds
Harmony Blinds website is built on a Joomla CMS system that allows the customer to edit and update all the page content themsleves.
The full range of blinds are available to view with a filter option to display only select types of blinds. Each range page has its own image gallery showing blinds that have been installed by Harmony Blinds and how they look in sistuation.
The site has a simple form where customers can request a visit and order new blinds. This has been very successful generating lots of new leads to supply blinds.
Three versions of the home page were produced to generate different landing pages for Reading, Bracknel and Wokingham. Each of these are sent to load depending on the domain name used. This helps search engine optimisation and generate lead specifically for each area.


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JAMES BAILEY has secured a William Hill World Darts Championship debut after winning the 2018 DPA Oceanic Masters.
The 49-year-old from Brisbane has enjoyed a memorable 2018 which will culminate in his appearance in the sport's biggest tournament at Alexandra Palace in December.
Bailey began the year by competing at the PDC Qualifying School and he also played in the opening PDC Unicorn Challenge Tour weekend before returning Down Under.
He has also won two DPA Harrows Pro Tour events during 2018 and reached two other finals before making his World Series of Darts debut in the Melbourne Darts Masters, where he took on Gary Anderson.
Bailey won through the 32-player field to claim the top domestic title at Tuesday's Oceanic Masters to conclude the season-ending week of DPA tournaments at the Warilla Bowls Club.
Bailey defeated Dave Marland and Mark Cleaver without dropping a set before then seeing off Damon Heta 3-1 in the quarter-finals.
He repeated that scoreline in the semi-finals against John Bunyard, before enjoying a 3-2 win over Tim Pusey in the final.
Pusey, who competed in the World Series events in Auckland, Melbourne and Brisbane earlier this year, saw off Chris Vasey, Brad Thorp, Mick Lacey and Steve Fitzpatrick to reach the final.
2016 champion David Platt lost out in the second round to Mick Lacey, while New Zealanders Cody Harris, Rob Szabo, Warren French and Koha Kokiri all lost out in round one.
Heta, who will compete in the bwin World Series of Darts Finals this weekend in Vienna, overcame Gordon Mathers and Michael Cassar before losing to Bailey.
2018 DPA Oceanic Masters
John Bunyard 3-1 Rhys Mathewson
James Bailey 3-1 Damon Heta
Steve Fitzpatrick 3-2 Ben Robb
Tim Pusey 3-1 Mick Lacey
James Bailey 3-1 John Bunyard
Tim Pusey 3-2 Steve Fitzpatrick
James Bailey 3-2 Tim Pusey
For full results and more information about the DPA circuit, please visit www.dartplayersaustralia.com.


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Serenity and Cheerful Contentment
(Chapter 5, verses 1-12)
After Jesus saw the crowds he retreated to the mountain. When he sat down the disciples approached him; (2)
at which time he commenced teaching them, saying:
(3) "Those who recognize their spiritual
need have godly serenity and are cheerfully content since they've embraced the kingdom.
"Since those who mourn know that they'll be comforted, they're cheerfully content and have godly serenity.
(5) "Those who are docile and even-tempered have
godly serenity and are cheerfully content since the earth has been willed to them. They will inherit it.
(6) "Those who have a healthy appetite, thirsting for righteousness are cheerfully content and have godly serenity
since their appetite will be satisfied and their thirst quenched.
(7) "The compassionate are cheerfully
content and have godly serenity since they, too, will be shown compassion.
(8) "Those whose hearts are pure
and undiluted have godly serenity and are cheerfully content since they will see God.
(9) "Those who are composed and
peaceable have godly serenity and are cheerfully content since they will be identified as 'God's sons.'
(10) "[As strange as it may seem to the uninitiated], those who have been victims of religious persecution have
godly serenity and are cheerfully content since the kingdom of the heavens is all but theirs.
"You yourselves have godly serenity when others condemn and persecute you. When they spread all kinds of horrendous lies
about you, and use all types of wicked words against you for my sake, you maintain your cheerful contentment. (12)
Be happy and jump for joy, for a great heavenly reward awaits you. Yes, count yourselves in good company since the prophets
before your time were persecuted just like you.
Disciples Light of World
(Chapter 5, verses
(13) "The earth has salt, and all of you here are
that salt. But salt that is not salty is no good. That doesn't make sense, does it? Since the saltiness of salt cannot be
restored, it is cast outside only to be stomped on by people walking by.
(14) "The world has light; you are
that light. [You cannot help but be noticed!] It's like a city, full of light, that's built on the top of a mountain. You
can't miss it. (15) When people light a lamp in a dark house they don't set it under a piece of furniture.
The house will still be dark if they did! No, they leave it in the open so that the entire house (or at least the entire room)
can be illuminated. (16) Likewise, let your light shine in the open, before all men, that they may observe
your fine works and give glory to your heavenly Father.
Mosaic Law Fulfilled,
Not Destroyed
(Chapter 5,
verses 17-20)
Court Action Against Improper
Word, and Deed
(Chapter 5, verses 21-22)
(21) "I know you heard of what our forefathers were told, namely, 'You must not murder. If anyone commits
a murder, he'll pay for it in court.' (22) But, I have more to say than that. Everyone who has murderous
anger toward his brother will have to pay in court for that too. In fact, whoever even addresses his brother with a word that
decor doesn't allow me to repeat here will be accountable to the Heavenly Supreme Court. And whoever says, 'Just die,
you God damned fool!' (or anything like this), he can forget it. The Heavenly Supreme Court holds the utterer liable and sentences
him to eternal death as represented by the fiery Gehenna.
Settle Matters Before They Escalate
(Chapter 5, verses 23-26)
in the Heart
(Chapter 5, verses 27-32)
(31) "In the past, oral law stated,
'Whoever divorces his wife for even seemingly insignificant things need only give her a divorce certificate.' (32)
However, I'm changing that. Anybody who divorces his wife for anything other than sexual misconduct with a man, woman, child,
or animal, is guilty of leaving her open for committing adultery. And if anyone marries this exposed woman, they're both committing
Mean What You Say
(Chapter 5, verses 33-37)
Turn the Other Cheek
(Chapter 5, verses
(38) "We've all heard the saying, 'An eye for eye and a tooth for tooth.' (39) But there's
more to it than that. I'm telling you today that you shouldn't allow yourself to be drawn into a fist fight over words. If
someone insults you, just don't return the insult. Turn the other cheek, as it were, by not retaliating with an insult of
your own. (40) And if someone had a legal reason to sue the pants off you, be willing to give him your shirt
too, in a manner of speaking. The point is, don't be vindictive or retaliate in kind. (41) And if a civil
official, or his representative, forces you into undesirable temporary civil service, do more than what is asked. (42)
Be generous to persons asking you for necessities, and don't reject the poor one who is trying to get a loan from you. Give
it, but without the traditional interest.
Love Your Enemy
(Chapter 5, verses 43-48)
To Matthew: Chapter 6