(Claire Godrow, Mile 20)

California International Marathon
Sacramento, California

Claire Godrow, 40, is a premiere US Masters’ runner, who recently participated in the California International marathon, where she was the first US Masters’ finisher. She crossed the finish line in a time of 2:57:59, a PR. Next up for her is the Boston marathon, of course.

Starting off the New Year on two feet: The Chili 10k

By Sara Ross, THE PACKET AND TIMES www.orilliapacket.com

Starting 2010 off on the right foot means running the Chili Ten for nearly 100 locals, including Endurance Empress Louise McGonigal.

“We brought in the new year with the Snowflake 10km run in Orillia this morning.  Dave was a volunteer with an Ontario Police Officer friend.  We had a lot of snow last night so the roads were snow packed and my yaktracks came in helpful for secure footing.  My time was the same as last year so I am very satisfied with that,” McGonigal said.

Her husband Dave Watts was among the volunteers.

Also among the runners, Heidi Birks, 44, who began running to stay in shape and says knowing she had a race coming up kept her New Year's Eve tame.

"I was home at a reasonable time and I didn't drink, so it was a good incentive," Birks said. "It was a good thing to do this today. It's a great way to start off the new year and you feel fit."

Jennifer Jackson, 14, didn't go out at all New Year's Eve, just so she was ready for the race.

"We didn't go out last night, but still it's just an early morning for the holidays," she said. "It's a good way to start the year."

The Orillia Snowflake Series is Canada's only winter running series and raises money for the Sharing Place food bank.

Race organizer Dawn Hamel says many people make the New Year's Chili Ten a tradition.

"Some people only come to the New Year's race every year. There's lots that only come out on (Jan. 1)," she said. "It's a good way to start the New Year."

IrongeezelleSays:  How are you keeping your new year’s resolutions? These 100 Canadians started on the right foot – with a run, and they did it in freezing temperatures. What’s your excuse here in temperate Arizona? Right! No excuses. Get out there and start, or if you have fallen of the resolution wagon by now, hop back on, every day is a new day to start afresh.

The Echidna (or Spiny Ant-eater) and the Platypus share the distinction of being the only two surviving monotremes, a primitive link between the reptiles and the other more advanced mammals. Like the Platypus, the Echidna lays eggs. Echidnas are widely distributed throughout Australia, and New Guinea. In Australia they live in a variety of habitats, from dry deserts to humid rainforests or in the Australian Alps. (Source: Wikipedia)

ÜberBikers Ride Ocean Road in OZ

So far, Nancy and Wim Pauw have cycled from Melbourne across the great ocean road to Warrnambol and will now head inland to the mountains and wine country.

“The weather has been absolutely perfect for riding, around 70s. It is much hotter inland. So we will have to see how that goes. The riding has been tough thus far.  Hilly and we started against the wind, but now we will be heading in the general prevailing wind direction should be a bit easier. The people have been so friendly, or perhaps it is that we're in a country where we actually understand what is being said. We have seen kangaroos, koala bears, Australian “hedgehogs” called Echidna, beautiful red parrots and some other gorgeous birds as we rode through the rain forest. Who knew the best Thai food we would ever eat would be in Australia! We can't wait to find out what else this trip will bring.”

Another update from the Überbikers:

“Just a quick update to let everyone know that we continue to be having a safe and adventuresome ride in Australia. We hit some extreme heat that changed our daily riding. We were on the road as soon as it got light to take advantage of the bit of safe early morning temps. Although we were in areas that were on high alert or being evacuated for fear of bush fires, we were able to find our way north through the Grampians after leaving the great ocean road. Today was a rest day after about 1500 kms of riding.

We are in the wine growing area of New South Wales; so, it is a nice place to kick back. The wind now decides our route; we either are slowed to a crawl or flying through the kilometers. Thankfully, tomorrow is supposed to be a tail wind as we have a big climb on the agenda. 

Our latest wildlife viewing has been pretty much all types of parrots and exotic birds. We also have seen wallabies and unfortunately a lot of road kill, which varies in smell and recognition. We feel so lucky to have this journey and to be healed enough to ride together again..”

PF Chang’s Rock n’ Roll Half and Full Marathon

Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Arizona

21, 460 runners completed the 13.1 mile distance; among the 13,486 females, Ironsqueak Kim Lorenz, who despite minimalist training, ran 1:49:29, and came in shortly, one minute and one second to be exact, after her mate Robin. “Sundays run was fun, especially since I hadn't trained much, only ran a couple eight milers, so the half was pushing it, just tried to keep Robin in my sights...happy with my results- all things considered. “

5, 691 runners covered the 26.2 mile course; among the 2,507 females, Shannon McQuaid, friend of Aquaphor athlete Wendy Gesund, who was thrilled that Shannon, despite a recent bout with walking pneumonia ran the marathon in 3:14, placing 6^th in her division.


Mountain Rags and Lisa Kravetz

Thanks to Red Hot Mama for sending news about her friend Lisa Kravetz. “Lisa does a Camelback Marathon hiking 26.2 miles (11 trips), can you believe that? She also wins the 7 Summits Hike every year, and owns her own online clothing store "Mountain Rags" with cool & sexy hiking and running clothes!” www.mountainrags.com

Be Part of the News in 2010: 

SHEROX Triathlon Series

Time to put your resolutions to a test: REGISTER!

Miami, FL  WHEN: Sunday, April 25, 2010  WHERE: City of Miami's Marine Stadium 
  

Tempe, AZ  WHEN: Saturday, May 8, 2010  WHERE: Tempe Beach Park
www.redrockco.com

Boulder, CO  WHEN: Sunday, July 18, 2010  WHERE: Boulder Reservoir 
Philadelphia, PA  WHEN: Sunday, August 1, 2010  WHERE: Fairmount Park 
Rock Hill, SC  WHEN: Saturday, October 9, 2010  WHERE: Ebeneezer Park

www.sheroxtri.com