Liberty Sports Magazine

USA Triathlon Hall of Fame

matt — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 18:58:35 +0000

Triathlon legends Mark Allen, Scott Molina and Scott Tinley, who combined to win nine Ironman World Championship titles over the course of their decorated careers, highlight the fourth class of the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame.

Also selected in this year’s class were top age-grouper Ethel Autorino and contributors Bob Babbitt and Sally Edwards.

Allen, Molina and Tinley, along with previous USA Triathlon Hall of Fame inductee Dave Scott, are commonly referred to as triathlon’s “Big Four.”

All six inductees will be honored at a banquet on Thursday, May 10 at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego to open the ITU World Triathlon San Diego race weekend. Ticket information will be available on usatriathlon.org in the near future. This exclusive event, which has sold out in each of the past three years, will be limited to 250 attendees.

“Our six inductees for 2012 represent all that is good about the multisport lifestyle, and USA Triathlon is thrilled to honor their contributions to our sport,” said Chuck Graziano, chair of the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame Committee. “We look forward to hosting the event in San Diego and believe this will be a fitting kick off to the ITU World Triathlon San Diego weekend.”

The USA Triathlon Hall of Fame was founded in 2008, and this year’s class will bring the total number of inductees to 19. Visit usatriathlon.org for more information on the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame.

About this year’s inductees:

Mark Allen (Pre-2000 Elite):

Mark Allen is recognized as one of triathlon’s all-time greats, having captured six Ironman World Championship titles between 1989-95. His final victory came at age 37, making him the oldest champion in the event’s history. Allen also excelled at Olympic-distance racing, winning the first-ever ITU World Championships in 1989 in Avignon, France, by more than a minute. Between 1988-90, Allen put together a winning streak of 20 races. Over the course of his competitive career, which ended in 1996, Allen earned a podium finish in 90 percent of his races. He was named Triathlete of the Year six times by Triathlete magazine, and in 1997 Outside magazine tabbed him “The World’s Fittest Man.” He currently coaches athletes in over 50 countries through MarkAllenOnline.com and is an award-winning author for the book he co-authored with Brant Secunda titled “Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You.”

Ethel Autorino (Age Group Triathlete):

Ethel Autorino stands as one of the most decorated age-groupers in U.S. multisport history. She is a 10-time age-group winner at the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship and went on to capture six gold medals and one silver as a member of Team USA at the ITU World Championships between 1990-2000. In her first-ever Ironman World Championship, she posted the women’s 50-59 age-group record in 1986 and in 2000 set the women’s 70-74 age-group record. A resident of Piscataway, N.J., Autorino was featured in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” for her 2000 Ironman performance.

Bob Babbitt (Contributor):

Bob Babbitt has helped push the sport of triathlon to new heights through a myriad of contributions over the past 25 years. His work in the world of multisport media began when he co-founded the popular endurance sports publication Competitor Magazine in 1987 and launched Competitor Radio in 1990 alongside fellow triathlete Paul Huddle. Babbitt has co-authored books with the likes of Mark Allen and Julie Moss and also authored “30 Years of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship.” Additionally, he is the creator of the Columbia Muddy Buddy Ride and Run Series and is the co-founder of the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which has raised over $32 million to help disabled athletes over the past 19 years. He was the 10th inductee into the Ironman Triathlon Hall of Fame and was presented with the Shoemaker Media Awareness Award by the Paralysis Project of America. Babbitt has completed more than 300 triathlons, including six Ironman events.

Sally Edwards (Contributor):

As an athlete, best-selling author and entrepreneur, Sally Edwards has constantly displayed the passion and the plan to get America fit. She has founded six fitness-related businesses, including Fleet Feet Sports, YubaShoe Sport Snowshoes and current ventures such as Upbeat Workouts, an iPhone app for runners. Edwards has written 23 books on sports, fitness and health, including the popular title, “Triathlons for Women.” As an athlete, Edwards is a 16-time Ironman finisher and set a Master’s world record in the event in 1988. She is a former winner of the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run and ran in the 1984 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Edwards has served as the national spokeswoman for the Danskin and Trek Women’s Triathlon Series since 1990. She has a streak of 150 last-place finishes in the Danskin and Trek events so that no other woman has to finish last. Edwards was inducted into the Triathlete Hall of Fame in 1999.

Scott Molina (Pre-2000 Elite):

Scott Molina stands as one of the most decorated triathletes in the history of the sport. Among his 104 professional triathlon victories are six USA Triathlon Elite National Championships – including four straight from 1983-86 – the 1988 Ironman World Championship and a pair of World’s Toughest Triathlon titles. He posted 50 U.S. Triathlon Series victories and recorded more than 200 total podium finishes over the course of his career. Born in Pittsburg, Calif., as one of seven children, Molina married fellow professional triathlete Erin Baker in 1990. The couple has three children and one grandchild. He resides in Christchurch, New Zealand, where he has worked as a triathlon coach since 1995.

Scott Tinley (Pre-2000 Elite):

With nearly 100 career multisport victories, Scott Tinley ranks as one of the winningest triathletes of all time. After discovering the sport as a student at San Diego State in 1976, Tinley became a two-time Ironman World Championship winner, topping the podium in 1982 and 1985. He is a member of the Triathlete and Ironman halls of fame. Additionally, Tinley is a pioneer in off-road triathlon and continues to co-own and manage the longest running off-road triathlon in the world, Scott Tinley’s Adventures in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Tinley, a doctoral candidate, continues to stay close to professional and amateur sport as a researcher, college lecturer, marketing consultant, columnist, writer and participant. He resides in Del Mar and Gaviota, Calif., with his wife, Virginia and two children, Torrie and Dane.

HCM Foundation Gets a Running Start on ’12 Fundraising

Jill Forsythe — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:05:34 +0000

Allentown, PA – February 23, 2012 – Thanks to the dedicated support and partnership of the Lehigh Valley Road Runners (LVRR), HCM Foundation has successfully launched its 2012 fundraising campaign. Courtesy of LVRR Race Directors Chris Garges and Carly Patterson, HCM Foundation was named charity race partner, receiving 10 entries into the 11th annual LVRR Superbowl 10k race, held in the Lehigh Valley Parkway on Sunday, February 6, 2012. Although the charity entry racers were only asked to raise $125 each, the 10 racers instead raised a powerful $3,000 for HCM Foundation. The Superbowl 10k had 489 finishers, ranging in age from 11 to 66. Information and event photos can be found on the LVRR’s website: http://lvrr.org.

HCM Founder and President, Mike Marsteller, expressed his gratitude, stating “I’m touched by LVRR’s support because we are both local organizations with different missions, but a common bond of making our community a better place.” And that these organizations clearly do. To illustrate the full circle impact, it was a mere day after the Superbowl 10k race that HCM Foundation was approached with its next service request from the social work department at Fox Chase Cancer Center—a request the organization could accommodate thanks to the proceeds of this race. A local woman was about to be scheduled for her radiation treatments, lasting 5-6 weeks. Living in a nursing home, she couldn’t afford transportation to and from the hospital. HCM Foundation has stepped up to cover the cost of a shuttle service to ensure that she can receive life-saving treatment.

In addition to charity partner opportunities, HCM Foundation raises the majority of its program and service budget from the innovative “Team Challenge” philosophy. The HCM Team is a group of athletes—from an array of backgrounds and fitness levels—who collectively support cancer patients, survivors, and their families by translating their commitment to training and racing into direct fundraising for HCM Foundation. Each member is asked to raise a minimum of $2,500 over the course of the year through donations in support of their racing efforts, wrap around fundraising events, in-kind goods and services and other creative means. Since the team’s inception in mid 2010, members have collectively raised more than $30,000 to strengthen the vital mission of HCM Foundation, assisting dozens of local families in battling the woes of cancer. For more information on the HCM Team Challenge, please visit: http://hcmfoundation.org

HCM Foundation is a non-profit organization that builds meaningful, comforting and long lasting relationships that support families who are significantly impacted by cancer. When cancer enters into the life of one person, it enters into the lives of their entire network of family and friends— HCM Foundation is the compassionate link within the community that keeps this network together, motivated and strong. The main mission of the Lehigh Valley Road Runners is to promote youth running in the Lehigh Valley. The Road Runners also strive to develop and promote distance running and racing in the greater Lehigh Valley area, to provide information and social activities, and to enhance training opportunities in a supportive atmosphere for all runners of all abilities. United, these organizations change lives…one race, runner and cancer patient at a time.

Rivertown Race Series

Pat Engleman — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:01:32 +0000

Break out of your normal running race rut with the updated River Town Race Series hosted by the Montour Area Recreation Commission. The series gives racers the ultimate season-long, cross-discipline race experience and winners take home some serious cash and even better memories. Races take place in and around the Susquehanna River in rural PA where mud, water, and even fire are all fair game. The races are of varying difficulty, ranging from a relatively flat 5k running race to 75 mile road bike epics. Participate in one or as many of the events as you’d like. To learn more, visit www.rivertownrace.com

Endurance Sports Expo Seminar List

Pat Engleman — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 03:45:38 +0000

Here is the Seminar list for this weekend’s Endurance Sports Expo at Oaks, Pa.

The Endurance Sports Expo (ESE) is a premier event where endurance athletes can meet manufacturers, retailers, race directors, clubs, nonprofit organization and coaches. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn, experience, demo and buy products and services that can enhance their active sports experience.

Save time at the door and purchase your tickets online.

Save $2 off your admission by using the code ESE2off

February 25th & 26th
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA
Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4
Purchase Tickets Here

Preparing for Competition – the Ultimate Training Plan for the New Year

Pat Engleman — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:23:26 +0000

Presented by Jarrod Robert Shoemaker, 2011 USA Elite Sprint National Champion, and Jeff Matlow, CEO of I Am Athlete

Mr Shoemaker and Mr. Matlow bring their years of knowledge and succes to help you with putting the best plan forward.
Jarrod Robert Shoemaker, has won Duathlons and Triathlons Nationlly and Internationally on the Elite level.

Jeff Matlow, is the founder and CEO of I Am Athlete, Inc., a leading provider of registration/fundraising technology, e-commerce and social networking solutions for the amateur athletic market. Jeff guides the strategic growth and development of the organization and has led the company to exceeding 600% yearly growth since its inception, developing a client list that includes USA Volleyball, American Trail Running Association, Life Time Fitness, Susan G Komen, New York City, City of Philadelphia, USA Triathlon, American Cancer Society and thousands of others.

Jeff served on the USA Triathlon Board of Directors from 2006-2009. During his tenure there he served as Board Treasurer and led the Marketing & Technology Committees. His initiatives led to over 300% growth in USAT’s investments.

Jeff currently serves as Secretary on the Running USA Board of Directors and is the Chair of the Running USA Strategic Planning Committee. In his spare time, he is a marathoner, Ironman triathlete and sports journalist.

Come see these two athletes at the Endurance Sports Expo this weekend in Oaks, Pa. Check the site for more up to date seminar listings.

Learn About The Areodynamics of Specialized Bikes

Pat Engleman — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:07:11 +0000

Presented by Mark Cote, Road Product Manager/Aerodynamicist at Specialized Bicycle Components
Mark will discuss the elements that went into such bikes as the Shiv and the Venge.

Mark Cote, As an aerodynamicist and product manager for Specialized Bikes, Mark works as part of the team that has developed the Shiv & Shiv TT, Venge, Transition, Tarmac SL4, and many other road and triathlon specific products. He has spent the past decade of his career developing road cycling and triathlon focused products that fit better and slip through the wind easier. During his undergraduate studies at MIT, he focused much of his time on athlete position optimization in the MIT Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel. Since then, he’s worked in five different wind tunnel facilities, done extensive research in computational fluid dynamics, and executed power tests on the road and track to design and validate various cycling products. Hooked on triathlon since his first race in 1995, Mark has competed in over 150 triathlons from ITU Worlds to Ironman events and regularly dabbles in road and cyclocross racing. He lives and trains in Aptos, California.

Come see Mark at the Endurance Sports Expo this weekend in Oaks, Pa Check out the site for more up to date seminar schedules.

How to be Fast, Prevent Injuries, and Have Fun with your Next Tri

Pat Engleman — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:00:20 +0000

Presented by Karen Sing, the Triathlon Wetsuit Product Manager and Director of Sponsorship and Events for Profile Design

Karen Sing will talk about how to improve your speed while avoiding injury. She will also remind you that it’s supposed to be fun.

She will also be bringing prizes along with her including a wetsuit and a set of wheels to give away.

Karen Sing, better known as the “Queen of Neoprene,” she has been responsible for conception, design, development and production of wetsuits and speedsuits for the past 18 years. Prior to her current position, she brought a complete line of wetsuits and speedsuits to market at Zoot Sports. She has been involved in the multisport market since 1989, when she agreed to a 6 month stint (“to help them get organized…”) as part of the original founding team of Quintana Roo, the first triathlon wetsuit and hard goods company. Her most notable products are the 2001 Quintana Roo Supersuit, the 2007 Zoot Zenith, 2008 Synergy and long leg Speedsuit, and the Profile Design Marlin.

Gait Cycle and Running Injuries

Pat Engleman — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:01:14 +0000

By: Brad J. Bernardini, MD, FAAOS

“Its from overuse…” If you’re a runner, you’ve probably heard this phrase before! Unfortunately, this doesn’t really explain the cause of your running related injury. What specifically about your running has caused your injury? Well, I’m here to try and shed some light on this subject. Most injuries can be explained within the context of the running gait cycle. With this knowledge, you’ll have the potential to better identify when it occurs and how it can be corrected by improving your form.

A complete gait cycle is defined as the movement from one foot strike to the successive foot strike on the same side. Within this cycle, there are 2 main phases; Stance and Swing. These can be further broken down into subdivisions. Each of which is an extremely complex activity involving the interaction of bony alignment, joint range of motion, neuromuscular coordination, and the physics that govern bodies in motion! To make it even more complicated, most of this is organized and implemented by the brain at an unconscious level!

For our purposes there are 3 important subdivisions of the stance phase that can be held responsible for the vast majority of common running ailments; Foot Strike, Mid Stance, and Toe Off. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but represents the majority of the commonly seen injuries in competitive and recreational runners.

Foot Strike Injuries: Unfortunately, many runners are making initial contact with their heels. “Heel-Strikers” has become a dirty word in many running circles, and with good reason. Heel striking is caused by over-striding and effectively applies the brakes each time you do it! With this comes a forceful contraction of your quadriceps muscle. This places enormous stress many times your body weight, on the knee cap This stress can rapidly contribute to “Runners Knee” or “Patello-Femoral Syndrome” which includes Patellar Tendonitis, Chondromalacia (cartilage damage), and Quadriceps Tendonitis. Fortunately, you can correct heel striking by very gradually shortening your stride, increasing your cadence, and concentrating on gently foot striking immediately under your center of gravity with either your forefoot or mid-foot. This may become even more important with downhill training.

IT Band Syndrome, another very common running injury, has also been shown to occur just after foot strike. This occurs as the back edge of the ITB rubs on the underlying bony prominence at outer portion of the knee. ITB Syndrome develops more commonly with a reduced knee flexion angle at foot strike; usually around 20-30 degrees. Interestingly, this rubbing effect has been shown to occur more frequently when over-striding, heel striking, running downhill, and running at slower speeds. Conversely, sprinting, running at faster speeds, and mid-foot striking with a slightly greater flexion angle are associated with a lower rate of ITB Syndrome. I’m not suggesting you go out and sprint your next 10k, but I am suggesting you avoid heel striking and start shortening your stride! ITB stretching, foam rollers, and hip strengthening exercises also work great.

Mid-Stance Injuries: As we progress through the gait cycle, the foot and ankle go through a complex change in their biomechanical alignment called pronation. For the record, not all pronation is bad! Pronation not only helps to dissipate the initial forces of foot contact, but also helps to provide a smooth transition and adaptation to varying running terrain. With normal pronation and running, an eccentric muscle contraction is required of the soleus muscle in the calf to balance the biomechanical changes in alignment. As with most things in life; “better in moderation than excess!” Excessive pronation causes the soleus muscle to work overtime causing micro-tears at its bony attachment to the shin bone. What happens next? You guessed it… “Shin Splints”, now known as MTSS (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)! MTSS can be improved by controlling pronation with foot and ankle strengthening exercises, mid-foot striking mechanics, calf stretching, orthotics, and a good pair of stability shoes which help to avoid over-pronation.

Mid-stance and over-pronation can also contribute to the previously mentioned runners knee. During pronation and stance in runners with weak hip muscles; the knee dips inward causing excessive stresses to be applied to the knee cap. Excessive pressure on the outer half of the knee cap develops and can contribute to patellofemoral syndrome. My recommendation in this case is to work on hip strengthening exercises that promote outward rotation of the hips and knees during a single leg squat. Hip abduction machines and crab walks with a resistance band are a couple of my favorites! Again, focusing on form after this has been identified is extremely important. During stance, your knee should remain directly over your foot, or slightly to the outside of it! Anything toward the mid-line is less than ideal.

Toe Off Injuries: The culprit responsible for most injuries during the toe off portion of the gait cycle is actively pushing off too hard in order to achieve greater acceleration. Fairly straight forward when it comes to calf muscle strains and achilles problems. Pushing off forcibly creates a significant amount of force within the muscle and at the muscle-tendon-bone junctions. This is commonly seen in over-striders who heel strike which slows them down. Their only choice is to push off harder in order to get back up to speed! Over thousands of repetitions the calf muscles and tendons are working way harder than they were meant to, and eventually they fail under the extra stress.

More complicated is the cause of plantar fasciitis; my current demon!!! Yes, I get injured too! During a forceful toe off in a runner with tight heel cords, they are forced up onto their toes earlier than usual in the gait cycle. This causes something known as the “windlass mechanism” to prematurely tension your plantar fascia along the bottom of your foot! As tends to be the case, excessive tension leads to micro-tears, inflammation, and eventually pain!

Corrections in form for both of these problems start with a shorter stride and mid-foot strike to maintain forward momentum. This obviates the need for active push off to maintain speed. Thus, resulting in less calf contraction, and less tensioning of the plantar fascia during toe off. Calf stretching exercises after the muscles are warm is recommended for plantar fasciitis, but never during the early treatment for a calf strain or muscle tear. Trigger point massage and ice baths are also recommended for plantar fasciitis.

Summary: The above is a glimpse into how a critical evaluation of the gait cycle can help with the correction of common running ailments. If you suffer from one of these potentially disabling injuries, you may be able to better pinpoint the exact cause with the new knowledge you’ve acquired. That being said, gait analysis is difficult to self-assess and correct, and is best guided by an experienced sports medicine professional. When it comes to correcting your form, remember that rapid and improper changes in your running technique can be as detrimental as the improper form that you’re trying to correct. As with all cases; proper gear and training environments are recommended in addition to proper technique.

Whether or not there is a singular “ideal running form” is up for debate. However a few things are certainly worth improving. Stay of your heels at foot strike, try to avoid dipping your ankles and knees inward during mid-stance, and ease up on forcibly pushing during toe off. These changes may be just what you need to stay injury free!

Come hear Dr. Brad Bernadini speak at the Endurance Sports Expo. Go to www.endurancesportsexpo.com for details and to purchase tickets.

Great American Clean Up of PA

Pat Engleman — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:56:49 +0000

Everyone wants to live, work, and play in a clean and green community! You can help by participating in the 2012 Great American Cleanup of PA from March 1 – May 31. Clean up litter along roads, streams, parks, forests and neighborhoods.

Registered events can get free cleanup supplies like bags, gloves, and vests that are donated by PennDOT and Keep American Beautiful.

Additionally, from April 21-May 7 registered events have access to free disposal! To organize or participate in a cleanup event in your community, click here

Local Racer Noonan Earning His Stripes in South America

Pat Engleman — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:29:32 +0000

Local racer Zack Noonan of the Lehigh Valley has joined the men and women of the USA Cycling’s National Development Program racing around the world. The team is finding success in New Zealand, Uruguay and the Dominican Republic.

WOMEN
Women’s Tour of New Zealand

With three riders in the top 10, the American contingent is in great position after the first of five stages of the Women’s Tour of New Zealand

. Kristin Armstrong (Boise, Idaho/Exergy Twenty12) completed the 7.1-kilometer time trial in 10:15 to win the stage. Evelyn Stevens (Dennis, Mass./Team Specialized-Lululemon) finished in second place, 17 seconds behind while Carmen Small (Durango, Colo./Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) was just 44 seconds behind Armstrong in ninth place. Theresa Cliff-Ryan (Cedar Springs, Mich./Exergy Twenty12) is in 18th, Ally Stacher (Asheville, N.C./Specialized-Lululemon) is in 34th and 17-year-old Addyson Albershardt(Matthews, N.C./NOW and Novartis) is in 50th place, 1:34 behind Armstrong.

Find up-to-date results here

The following group of four American women on Tuesday rode the course expected to be used for the road race at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Robin Farina (Charlotte, N.C./NOW and Novartis for MS)
Megan Guarnier (Mountain View, Calif./TIBCO-To the Top)
Amanda Miller (Fort Collins, Colo./TIBCO-To the Top)
Shelley Olds (Gilroy, Calif./AA Drink-Leontien Cycling Team)

U23 MEN
Rutas de America 2012
Ty Magner (Athens, Ga./BMC-Hincapie Sportswear Development Team) opened the six-stage Rutas de America 2012 in Uruguay in fine fashion, placing sixth in each of the first two stages. Magner is currently 37 seconds behind race leader Jorge Soto Perera (URU). Robert Bush (Louisville, Ky./Chipotle-First Solar Development Team) sits in 50th place, 17:44 back while Zack Noonan (Kutztown, Pa./BikeReg.com-Cannondale) is 20:22 back in 56th. Kit Karzen (Beverly Hills, Calif./Get Crackin’-MS Society) is in 64th and Ian Moir(Long Beach, Calif./Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) holds 81st. Among U23 riders, Magner is in second place while Bush sits in fifth after two stages.

Vuelta Independencia Nacional
After four of nine stages of the Vuelta Independencia Nacional in the Dominican Republic, Kerry Werner (Banner Elk, N.C./USA U23 BMC Development Team) sits in 14th overall, 2:11 behind the leader. Tanner Putt (Park City, Utah/BMC-Hincapie Sportswear Cycling Team), who has posted three top-10 stage results, sits 9:54 back in 42nd. Russell Finsterwald (Colorado Springs, Colo./Front Rangers Junior Cycling) is in 46th and Jos Chalmers (Indian Harbour Beach, Fla./ZMotion Racing) is 16:47 back in 69th place.