Expo/Packet Pick-Up

Hopefully you have noticed that we added the directions for packet pick-up. We will be having an Expo this year at Antlers Hilton. We will be working with Boulder Running Co. and Colorado Running Co., two local running stores, and their vendors to have some things for the runners at packet pick-up. Antlers Hilton is about a half mile, at most, away from the park, so this should be very convenient for most, especially if you are attending the prerace dinner, Pasta in the Park. The Expo runs from 12-4 on Sunday, while the Pasta in the Park begins at 4pm. We encourage EVERY runner to pick-up their packet prior to race day as this will alleviate many problems and ensure a smooth race day. Off to Winter Series IV this morning, and finally, it is suppose to be nice...I think spring may be among us!

Finish Line Festivities!

With it being so cold today, I had to think of something warm and exciting, and so - the finish line it is! The best part of a marathon is finishing. We hope to make is something special for each and every one of you. I have created a poll that everyone can vote on, choosing multiple answers, depending on what is important to you. If I have left something out, please feel free to post a comment to this entry and I will be sure to keep it in mind. We are hoping to extend the cheering (and live music) this year into the afternoon, so that no matter when you finish, you feel your accomplishment! Make sure you cast your vote and add comments so that we include all of what matters to you in our finish line festivities. Hang in there, spring is just around the corner.

Headphones - To be or not to be?

Well folks, that is the question these days! I have to say that this is a question that has many opinions from many different angles. (I taught angles this week.) However, whether or not I believe in personally wearing headphones during a race or a training run does not affect the rule that I have had to make for our races. I wanted to explain briefly, so hopefully, some would read and maybe understand my difficult position of pleasing all :(. Our race has insurance to protect each and every person that participates in that day, whether it be a volunteer or a runner. The insurance has dictated that to keep the environment as safe as possible, runners are not allowed to wear headphones of any sort (ie. earbuds, i-pods, -you name it). I would be very disappointed if someone did get hurt. We are also in the process of applying to be RRCA Regional Championship races for the marathon and the half marathon, and at very least State Championship races. RRCA strictly enforces this policy along with any of their races as well, for the same reason: safety of all involved.

I am a runner myself as many of you know, and have just crossed over to the dark side of race directing this year. I am not intending this "ban" in any way to be heavy handed or to make your race torturous. I also do not want to decrease the numbers of our race! Actually, quite the opposite, I would love to see the race grow so that instead of music, there is someone for you to chat with along the way. I have met some pretty fantastic people during a marathon. Another option that our race provides are pace teams, this year in the half marathon as well as the marathon! I joined the committee a few years ago because I had the desire to bring pace teams to the ADT races. By bringing people with the same goal times together, you have a common interest before the race begins and it is amazing how quickly you become each other's support and friend.

I hope that on race day American Discovery Trail races will provide a fun and exciting yet safe atmosphere for everyone involved. Happy Running!