Buffalo Chips Weekly News Update

Race For The Cure, Sacramento Draws over 25,000

Saturday, 13 May-Sacramento’s 10th annual RFTC broke new ground for Sacramento area fitness and for Sacramento area “compassion.” With a goal of raising $1,000,000, this year’s Sacramento RFTC exceeded that demanding goal by over $200,000!

On the “running side,” our legions of bison were led inspirationally by our own bevy of survivors including…

Chris Iwahashi, 3rd overall “survivor” and first in the 50+ divisions
Lilian Shek, 2nd in 55-59 survivor division
Florence Fong, 2nd in 65-69 survivor division

And MANY others of our most inspired female bison, I am sure!

In the typical divisions, impressive times were recorded by…
Plc name age time pace/mi
35 Nathan Paddeck 13 Lincoln 19:01 6:07
16 Edward F. Randolph 36 Sacramento 17:41 5:41
26 Mark Murray 43 Sacramento 18:30 5:57
37 Chuck Nichols 56 Elk Grove 19:15 6:11
145 Gary Lotspeich 57 Sacramento 22:22 7:11
87 E Takahashi 61 Sacramento 21:01 6:45
395 Cliff Stapp 64 Folsom 25:38 8:14
273 Irv Faria 74 Carmichael 24:17 7:48
552 Roger Fong 72 Sacramento 27:02 8:41

57 Merie Paddeck 17 Lincoln 20:13 6:30
133 Holly Harmin 42 Rocklin 22:09 7:07
138 Carole Parise 40 22:12 7:08
415 Maggie Ward 59 25:46 8:17

Thanks to ALL participants for making this part of all women’s improving “quality of life” experiences.

As reported by Cheri Alvarez
Luis and I have worked the first aid station at this event for several years now, with the direction of Steve Wetmore and various other folks from BCRC (Becky Johnson & Allyson Thomas). One of the things I can say is that it is truly amazing to see the wall of people (and trust me when you see the start of the second wave of the 20,000 runners come at you at the aid station...it is a WALL of people), it really is amazing. Knowing how many people are involved in finding a cure or how many people that have been touched by this....it really brings things into perspective. Life is too short. Yes it is a race, but its not a foot race...its a Race for Life. This event makes me proud to be from Sacramento, and makes me proud to be a small part of the running community who really care. Thank you Buffalo Chips for being out there and thank you Sacramento!!

From John Blue
There were certainly a lot of chips at the Race for the Cure Saturday, and I’m not up to speed enough to report on all, but I did want to highlight a notable performance by Ed Randolph, the first Chip overall, who had a ‘breakthrough’ race in what has been a breakthrough year, dropping his PR in the 5K by nearly 30 seconds, and finishing 15th overall. Ed moved into the ranks of ‘top Chips’ with his 2:55 at the CIM in December. (Mark Murray)

Quicksilver 50/50 Report

Rena Schumann (1st woman) and Mark Lantz (3rd overall) were the first Chips in for this hilly 50 miler. The race directors report the lowest finishing percentage EVER for the 50 mile race. This reporter (John Blue) can vouch for the damage heat can do as he came in an hour later than he was expecting--looking in vain for the First Aid tent and settling instead for a nap under the old oak tree. Ally Condon appears to be the first Chip in for the 50K, and 2nd for her age group. Barbara Ashe won the senior division in the 50K with Linda McFadden hot on her heels. If I missed anyone, WEAR CHIPS GEAR and you'll be easier to pick out of the crowd. (John Blue)

Buffalo Chips Weekly Workout Update

Tuesday, 16 May, 5:30 p.m. from 251 Commerce Circle…
Groups: A-B…2(1), 3(800), 4(400)
C-F….2(1), 2(800), 2(400)
G-H….1, (2(800), 2(400)
SS & FW….steady, of course

Thursday, 18 May, 5:30 p.m. from Univ. Park on Univ. Ave.
Base building run of 4-8 miles on parkway.

Saturday, 20 May, 8 a.m. UNIVERSITY PARK 5k FUN RUN…Free RACE for Club Members.
Summer program of 2X/month FREE “time trials” or FUN RUNS on highly accurate University Park 5k Course. Come ONE, Come ALL, and sharpen your racing development for later “peaking events.”

Sunday, 21 May 8 a.m., from Fish Hatchery, Hazel and Hiway 50…
Rolling gentle hills of distances up to 20+ miles.

NOTE: Remember that Linda Hall has Jelly Belly “Energy Bean Samples.” You MUST be willing to e-mail her a review of this new product, but those of us who have tried it find it every bit as good as “GU,” and much easier to carry and get down. These “samples” are FREE, and we will have them for the SATURDAY FUN RUN participants !

Buffalo Chips Upcomming Races - From Chips Website

May 20, 2006 - 23rd Annual Run with Nature 10K/5K (Folsom)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn Rotary Community Day 10K/5K/Kids (Auburn)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn International Triathlon (Auburn)
May 21, 2006 - 15th Annual San Carlos Rotary Run 5K/10K (San Carlos)
May 29, 2006 - No Excuses 5K (Sacramento)
May 29, 2006 - Marin Memorial Day 10K (Marin)
June 24-25, 2006 - 33rd Annual Western States 100M (Squaw Valley to Auburn)
June 24, 2006 - Shriners 8K (Sacramento)
July 7-8, 2006 - Reno Odyssey Relay Run Adventure (Reno)
August 12, 2006 - Susan B Anthony Women's 5K (Sacramento)
September 10, 2006 - Buffalo Stampede 10 Miler (Sacramento)

Safety Report

Four vehicle burglaries were reported this morning (5/02). One occurred at the Hazel Access parking lot downstream of the Fish Hatchery and the other three occurred at the CSUS Aquatic Center parking lot. A black SUV, possibly a Ford Expedition, with a license plate close to 4BDL092 was seen when the victim’s vehicle was being parked at the Hazel Access and one of the victims at the Aquatic Center also saw a similar vehicle. The sighting of the suspect vehicle at Hazel was made at 6:45 am. Individual vehicle burglaries have occurred at the Sacramento Bar Access, in the county park area and also at the parking lot at Bannister Park (Fair Oaks Park District), over the past two weeks. We are also aware of other burglaries throughout the Sacramento Region. It is highly recommended that you leave nothing in plain sight when you park your vehicle in any Sacramento area since these "smash and grabs" seem to happen everywhere. Also, please be aware of your surroundings and "suspicious" people/vehicles that may be cruising an area. Pass the word . . .

Kevin Cimini
River City Rebels Running Club
WE'RE ALMOST AS GOOD AS THE CHIPS!

Buffalo Chips Weekly News Update

Coming: Race For The Cure, 13 May…

Come one, Come All….

This is THE program that all of us can and should get “behind.” The statistics are still overwhelming: 1 in 8 women will experience breast cancer before they turn 40 years of age. We all have friends and loved ones who have battled this disease and we have lost others close to us who did not “win” their proud fight against this killer.

The Susan B. Komen foundation has become the biggest source of funding for research, education, and treatment programs for this disease in the world. We can ALL support this program with our small entry fee contribution, and our presence in the crowd on Saturday morning.

IF you need to get a bigger, longer, or “better quality” workout effort in for your own personal training agenda, you can simply park near Panera or even University Park and then run over to Cal Expo for the “event.” Run the 5k, or even “race” it and then do your long cool-down back to your car.

Show the “survivors” that you care, and that you support them and “the cause” with your participation. This program is giving young woman hope and the medical research community the funds to actually become “proactive” with this most serious disease.

Boston Marathon, postscript….

Did you see the ONL Boston Marathon coverage? We finally reviewed our TIVO’d recording and it was easy to spot our own Mary Coordt in the “elite starting field,” as she was the one in the long t-shirt conservatively starting near the back of that special field.

And then in the closing segment as the race clock approached 2:55 who is coming down Boyleston? Our own Mary Coordt is almost the featured finisher in the closing scenes. She is the one in the yellow top running VERY strongly and over the last few strides….waving to her “fans” in the crowd !!!!

8 - )

Buffalo Chips Weekly Workout Update

Tuesday, 9 May, 5:30 p.m. from 251 Commerce Circle…
Groups: A-B…2(1), 3(800), 4(400)
C-F….2(1), 2(800), 2(400)
G-H….1, (2(800), 2(400)
SS & FW….steady, of course
Drink regularly and keep your electrolyte levels up with a sports drink before and after afternoon or early evening workouts.

Thursday, 11 May, 5:30 p.m. from Univ. Park on Univ. Ave.
Steady State base-building run of 4-8 miles OR….mini-hill session of “levee repeats”.

Saturday, 13 May, 8 a.m. Race for the Cure, Cal Expo

Sunday, 14 May 8 a.m., Rescue
6-18 miles of rolling hills and creative pavement.

General Training Observation: We have had NO TIME to adapt to these warmer temperatures, so be patient with your body as your savor your daily workouts at 80+ degrees Fahrenheit. Wear lighter colored clothes, wear a hat or visor…and remember your sunscreen. Carry a water bottle when you are running your individual/solo runs.

Run Safe and Run SMART…

Buffalo Chips - Upcoming Races from Chips Website

May 13, 2006 - Race for the Cure 5K (Sacramento)
May 14, 2006 - Reno 5K/10K (Reno)
May 20, 2006 - 23rd Annual Run with Nature 10K/5K (Folsom)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn Rotary Community Day 10K/5K/Kids (Auburn)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn International Triathlon (Auburn)
May 21, 2006 - 15th Annual San Carlos Rotary Run 5K/10K (San Carlos)
May 29, 2006 - No Excuses 5K (Sacramento)
May 29, 2006 - Marin Memorial Day 10K (Marin)
June 24-25, 2006 - 33rd Annual Western States 100M (Squaw Valley to Auburn)
June 24, 2006 - Shriners 8K (Sacramento)
July 7-8, 2006 - Reno Odyssey Relay Run Adventure (Reno)
August 12, 2006 - Susan B Anthony Women's 5K (Sacramento)
September 10, 2006 - Buffalo Stampede 10 Miler (Sacramento)

Buffalo Chips Weekly News Update

30, 40, 50 Winners All, But Mary Coordt Was THE Winner!

Overtaking a struggling early leader at about 24 miles, CHIP Mary Coordt knew that she had to “work the last couple of miles” as she was now the women’s race leader. Crossing the finish line as the only woman under three hours, Mary WON the 2006 Big Sur Women’s field as a mid-30 year old. That second place woman took “first place in the master’s women’s division and the third place woman was the first place finisher in the women’s 50 division. Wow ! Strong women, running quite well (Mary 2:59, Tammy Slusser 3:01, Christine Kennedy 3:05).

Also finishing quite close to her expected performance was CHIP NEWSLETTER CO-EDITOR, Sara Heintz. Congratulations to all finishers of this wonderful, but very challenging marathon course.

This week on the NATIONAL SCENE…

At Stanford ….from David Monti, Race Results Weekly…

Alan Webb made a strong 10,000m debut here tonight, just nipping Dathan Ritzenhein in the final sprint to finish in 27:34.72, to 27:35.65. In doing so, Webb became the 8th-fastest American of all-time over the distance, and Ritzenhein --who set a personal best time-- became the 9th-fastest surpassing Bruce Bickford and Bob Kennedy.

"I thought I could run with these guys," said Webb who was clearly pleased that he had won the race. "It's hard to know what would happen; it's such a long way."

Gabe Jennings and Michael Aish took the field through 1000m in 2:44.7 and 2000m in 5:28.1. Both Webb and Ritzenhein followed the pace, as did Matt Gonzales who would later fade. Jennings stepped off the track after 2400m, and Aish continued to set a strong pace. The New Zealander took the contenders through 3000m in 8:15.8 and took them to 4000m in 11:02.0 before retiring.

At that point, Webb and Ritzenhein began to share the lead as they had agreed before the race.

"We decided to switch every 800m," Ritzenhein explained after the race.

It was Webb who was on the front through 5-K in 13:48.1, but Ritz who led at 6-K in 16:34.9. The small but appreciative crowd at Stanford University was getting worked up with every lap as stadium announcer Scott Davis continued to call out the splits which showed they were well under 27:45 pace.

Just slightly behind the leading pair, Anthony Famiglietti was also making an excellent 10,000m debut. He was running alone about nine seconds back at half-way, but in the second half the Olympic steeplechaser began to eat into their lead.

The laps ticked by, Webb leading Ritzenhein, Ritzenhein leading Webb. Passing 8000m in 22:09.9 they were still on target, and Famiglietti had now closed the gap to only six seconds. Both athletes were beginning to fight both mental and physical fatigue.

"About 6-K, I was saying, 'Man, 10 more laps!'" Webb recalled thinking.

"I didn't know if I had it in me with a couple of laps to go," Ritzehein said.

It was Ritzenhein who took the bell and observers punched their stopwatches to see who would be fastest over the last lap. The pair rounded the final turn together, and Webb put the hammer down in the home straight. Ritzenhein relented, but Webb continued to sprint right through the finish line. His last lap was completed in just under 61 seconds.

"It's really cool," Webb said of his debut at the distance before heading off for his cool down run. His coach, Scott Raczko, told reporters that despite his athlete's success here tonight at the 25-lap distance, he was sticking to the mile this summer.

"This was always in the plan to run a 10-K," he said. "I don't know who the rumor got out there, but he's not planning to move up (to the 5000m)."

Ritzenhein was pleased that he had put his 2007 World Championships qualifying time in the bank (27:49.00) and when he races the 10,000m at Hengelo on May 28, he's free to try for an even faster time.

"I can take some risks," Ritzenhein said after explaining that he had dedicated tonight's race to a friend, Matthew Weber, who had died last Thursday of wounds he had suffered in a roadside attack while serving in Iraq last November. "He finally went on Thursday. I was thinking 'Matt, Matt, Matt' the whole way."

Famiglietti put in the fastest final lap, clocking 59.3 seconds to finish a solid third in 27:37.74. The New Yorker was elated.

Buffalo Chips Weekly Workout Update

Tuesday, 2 May, 5:30 p.m. from 251 Commerce Circle…
Groups: A-D…6(400), 4(600), 4(1000)
E-F….6(400), 4(600), 2(1000)
G-H…6(400), 2(600), 1000
SS & FW….steady, of course
Remember to hydrate well before workout on these NOW warm days. Drink electrolyte fluids if possible from 3 p.m. to workout time. Try to consume 16-32 ounces of “sports drink” before workout and then REHYDRATE after workout with at least this volume of electrolyte balanced fluid.

Thursday, 4 May, 5:30 p.m. from Univ. Park on Univ. Ave.
Enjoy the wind-down from work with 4-7 miles along the parkway. Build your base and keep your running consistency going.

Saturday, 6 May, 8 a.m. from Univ. Park on Univ. Ave.
Options: Steady state base building run of 90 minutes or about 5-9 miles OR….speed/form session of TEMPO RUN of 4-5 miles after a warm-up of 3 miles or so…

Sunday, 7 May 8 a.m., NEW ADDITION to our Sunday Staging Venues: Bella Bru at Arden Way and Fair Oaks Blvd.
Coffee before ( 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.) and relaxed eating after your workout. Course options offer us the parkway section from mile mark 13.5 (at William Pond Park) UPRIVER to Sunrise (23.5) for a full 20 miler or any turnaround desired. From Bella Bru to the 13.5 mile mark on the parkway is about a half-mile, so add that to any mileage total on the parkway proper.

General Training Observation: We have had NO TIME to adapt to these warmer temperatures, so be patient with your body as your savor your daily workouts at 80+ degrees Fahrenheit. Wear lighter colored clothes, wear a hat or visor…and remember your sunscreen. Carry a water bottle when you are running your individual/solo runs.

Run Safe and Run SMART…

Buffalo Chips - Upcoming Races from Chips Website

May 6, 2006 - The Elk Grove Fun Runs 5K (Elk Grove)
May 7, 2006 - Fair Oaks Fiesta Sun Run 5M/2M (Fair Oaks)
May 13, 2006 - Race for the Cure 5K (Sacramento)
May 14, 2006 - Reno 5K/10K (Reno)
May 20, 2006 - 23rd Annual Run with Nature 10K/5K (Folsom)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn Rotary Community Day 10K/5K/Kids (Auburn)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn International Triathlon (Auburn)
May 21, 2006 - 15th Annual San Carlos Rotary Run 5K/10K (San Carlos)
May 29, 2006 - No Excuses 5K (Sacramento)
May 29, 2006 - Marin Memorial Day 10K (Marin)
June 24-25, 2006 - 33rd Annual Western States 100M (Squaw Valley to Auburn)
June 24, 2006 - Shriners 8K (Sacramento)
August 12, 2006 - Susan B Anthony Women's 5K (Sacramento)

Buffalo Chips Weekly News Update

London Marathon.....Deann Kastor Storms to 2:19

American Deena Kastor maintained the impact of the Southern California training center shown by Meb Keflezighi last week at Boston with a new AMERICAN RECORD for women at 2:19:35. she is the first American woman to "break 2:20" and only the 8th woman ever to enter this hallowed territory.

the women's field was paced by two men, one was selectd by Deena. apparently he was not quite as strong as she, but managed to finish about a minute BACK of her. his effort, however, was rewarded with a PR and a "B" qualifier for our next OLY Trials.

Pre-race "hype" for Haile G. was not fulfilled as he was barely "top 10" finisher (2:09) and another naturalized American Khalid Khannouchi was 4th overall at 2:07:04. There were SEVEN men under 2:08 and on the women's side FIVE females ran faster than 2:22!

Zippy's 5K PA-USATF Grand Prix Event in S.F. on Sunday (23 April)

(From Linda Hall...)

It was a perfect day for a run in Golden Gate Park, cloudy and in the 50s with a slight mist. We had only a very small group of Chips there, however. Barbara Miller was first in her 5 year age group and was first overall for the 10 year PAUSATF age group. The only other Chips women I saw were Chris Wellins and Linda Hall. So we had a senior women's team but not enough for a supersenior women. The only Chips man I saw was Doug Braasch. I may have missed some.

The next PAUSATF race will be in the Marin 10K on Monday May 29. I hope we get a better turn out there. Our teams have been almost non-existent at most of the races this year and we are missing out on prize money for the club.

Buffalo Chips Weekly Workout Update

Tuesday, 25 April, 5:30 p.m. from 251 Commerce Circle…
Groups: A-D…3(1), 2(800), 3(600)
E-F …2(1), 2(800), 3(600)
G-H…1, 2(800), 3(600)
SS and FW….steady, of course

Thursday, 27 April, 5:30 p.m. from Univ. Park on Univ. Ave.
Base building run of 4-7 miles along parkway.

Saturday, 29 April, 8 a.m. from Univ. Park on Univ. Ave.
Options: Base building run of 5-8 miles along parkway. OR…
Warm-up of 2-3 miles then a temp run of 3-5 miles.

Sunday, 30 April 8 a.m., from Fish Hatchery off of Highway 50…
Distand options from 6 miles to 18+ miles, OR...
Big Sur Marathon....Carmel area

Buffalo Chips Upcomming Races - from Chips Website

April 29, 2006 - Latrobe Country Run
May 6, 2006 - The Elk Grove Fun Runs 5K (Elk Grove)
May 7, 2006 - Fair Oaks Fiesta Sun Run 5M/2M (Fair Oaks)
May 13, 2006 - Race for the Cure 5K (Sacramento)
May 14, 2006 - Reno 5K/10K (Reno)
May 20, 2006 - 23rd Annual Run with Nature 10K/5K (Folsom)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn Rotary Community Day 10K/5K/Kids (Auburn)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn International Triathlon (Auburn)
May 21, 2006 - 15th Annual San Carlos Rotary Run 5K/10K (San Carlos)
May 29, 2006 - No Excuses 5K (Sacramento)
May 29, 2006 - Marin Memorial Day 10K (Marin)
June 24-25, 2006 - 33rd Annual Western States 100M (Squaw Valley to Auburn)
June 24, 2006 - Shriners 8K (Sacramento)

Free to good home - "Chips"

Free to good home - "Chips", a female Boxer/Lab mix seeks new home. Housebroken, spayed, and still a puppy (1.5 years old). All shots, micro chipped, a great disposition and knows how to play fetch. Loves children and other pets. Mostly an indoor dog. Contact:
Kathleen.Finnigan@asm.ca.gov

Buffalo Chips News - See Last Weeks News

No new News this week. Last weeks workout covered this week too. The Upcoming Races are the same as last week as well.

Buffalo Chips Weekly News Update

Locally, Zoo Zoom Great Success in Good Weather

Quick highlights from this year’s Zoo Zoom 5/10k notes that Holly Harman, Florence Fong, Mark Barrett, John Nichols, Roger Fong and Paul Camerer all mastered the 5k distance on Sunday, and…

John Nichols repeated the challenge to also score in the 10k on the same morning along with other Chip finishers including Heather Bracken, Rosemary Fajan and a Chip-in-spirit Jim Mirabell.

Congratulations to all who helped support this wonderful community program.

Coming in middle May: Race For the Cure 5K

Let’s see a big club presence at this MOST important national event at it’s Sacramento site. The benefits from these entry fees support breast cancer programs largely in the Sacramento area. Many of us have direct family experiences with this all too common affliction.

Race Results World Wide

Rotterdam Marathon…something like 10 men were under 2:11 with the winning time a 2:06, currently the fastest time in the world this year. On the women’s side the times were not as impressive.

Paris Marathon…another fast course with a 2:08 to win and 11 men under 2:11.

Coming THIS NEXT MONDAY, April 17, BOSTON MARATHON….

A very strong field will fly out of Hopkinton next Monday, with Meb Kefleghzi one of the real favorites to WIN. Keep your VCRs and TIVO units programmed as the race should be televised apparently live (9 a.m. West coast time).

Buffalo Chips Weekly Workout Update

Tuesday, 11 April, 5:30 p.m. from 251 Commerce Circle…
Groups: A-F…2(1), 4(800)
G-H…2(1), 2(800)
SS and FW….steady, of course

Thursday, 13 April, 5:30 p.m. from Univ. Park on Univ. Ave.
5-8 miles along parkway. Suggested 4 x 5 minute fartlek pickups in middle

Saturday, 15 April, 8 a.m. from Univ. Park on Univ. Ave.
Options: 7-9 mile base building steady state run OR…
TEMPO of 3-5 miles after a 2 mile warmup

Sunday, 16 April 8 a.m., from Rescue…10-18 miles over rolling hills, all pavement.

COMING: 23 April Zippy 5k in S.F.-part of regional Grand Prix series. Participation GREATLY ENCOURAGED.

Tuesday, 18 April 5:30 p.m. from 251 Commerce Circle…
Groups: A-D 6(800), 4(400)
E-H 4(800), 4(400)
SS and FW….steady, of course

Thursday, 20 April, 5:30 p.m. from Univ. Park on Univ. Ave.
5-8 miles along parkway. Suggested 4 x 5 minute fartlek pickups in middle

Saturday, 22 April, 8 a.m. from Univ. Park on Univ. Ave.
Options: 7-9 mile base building steady state run OR…
TEMPO of 3-5 miles after a 2 mile warmup

Sunday, 23 April, 8 a.m. from Panera, 901 Howe Ave.
75 minutes out on the bike trail, return slightly faster with emphasis on holding leg turnover and form.

OR ZIPPY’S 5K, part of the PAUSA-TF Grand Prix series.

Buffalo Chips - Upcoming Races from Chips Website

April 22, 2006 - Run Against Pain 5K/10K Championship (Sacramento)
April 23, 2006 - New Balance Excelsior Zippy 5K (San Francisco)
April 29, 2006 - Latrobe Country Run
May 6, 2006 - The Elk Grove Fun Runs 5K (Elk Grove)
May 7, 2006 - Fair Oaks Fiesta Sun Run 5M/2M (Fair Oaks)
May 13, 2006 - Race for the Cure 5K (Sacramento)
May 14, 2006 - Reno 5K/10K (Reno)
May 20, 2006 - 23rd Annual Run with Nature 10K/5K (Folsom)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn Rotary Community Day 10K/5K/Kids (Auburn)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn International Triathlon (Auburn)
May 21, 2006 - 15th Annual San Carlos Rotary Run 5K/10K (San Carlos)
May 29, 2006 - No Excuses 5K (Sacramento)
May 29, 2006 - Marin Memorial Day 10K (Marin)
June 24-25, 2006 - 33rd Annual Western States 100M (Squaw Valley to Auburn)
June 24, 2006 - Shriners 8K (Sacramento)

Buffalo Chips Weekly News Update

Evening Light is Back!

The great news of the season is that we are now on daylight savings time, and thus our Tuesday and Thursday evening workouts will be in full light! It is still most advisable to wear bright and highly visible apparel, and always be alert for vehicles.

Boston Marathon is soon!

Coming in about two weeks in the 2006 pilgrimage to Beantown for the oldest marathon in the world. Boston could be a fast race this year, as some of the top runners for both men and women previously scheduled for London have withdrawn, and Boston’s elites are pretty much intact. The Chips will field a solid group of entrants led by Mark Lantz and Jenny Hitchings.

American River 50 Miler, Invaded by the North !....

Top finishers this year for the AR50 were from the North and farther north. The first male was Uli Stiedl (5:58) from Seattle and Judy Udchachon (7:37) from Alaska was first woman.

TOP CHIPS were Erik Skaden (6:24) in third overall and Rena Schumann (7:39) in at second woman overall and winner of the master’s women’s division.

Others gleaned from the long results list: Mark Lantz (6:48), John Nichols (7:21), John Blue (club high dunger, 7:48), Amy Grafius (8:13), Carol Parise (debut, 8:32), Ernie Takahashi (60-69 FIRST, 8:44), Bill Finkbeiner, Dana Gard, Grant Carboni, Steven Harrold, Christine Flaherty (50-59 women FIRST, 9:22), Dee Dee Grafius, Jerry Bloom, Linda McFadden, Sharon Lindique, Helen Hull, Bill Odom, James Yee (flew to SoCal the next day for a tri), Jean Suyenaga, Ron Peck, Gloria Takagishi (finished EVERY AR50 to date), Becky Johnson, Luis Alvarez, Barbara Elia, Lucinda Fisher.

NOTE: I probably missed several others, but this was just a visual search for the week’s highlights. CONGRATULATIONS to all finishers, and a big THANKS to all our aid station volunteers.

Buffalo Chips Weekly Workout Update

Tuesday, April 4, 5:30 p.m. from 251 Commerce Circle
Groups:
A-D….2, 2(1), 2(800)
E-F… 2, 1, 2(800)
G-H….2, 2(800)
SS & FW…steady

Thursday, April 6, 5:30 p.m. University Park on University Ave. near the Howe Ave. overpass:
5-8 miles along parkway

Saturday, April 8, 8:00 a.m. University Park on University Ave. near the Howe Ave. overpass:
Steady state base building
OR
Tempo run of 4-5 miles

Sunday, April 9, 8:00 a.m. Fish Hatchery/Hazel
Rolling hills of 6-14 miles

Buffalo Chips - Upcoming Races from Chips Website

April 9, 2006 - Zoo Zoom 5K/10K (Sacramento)
April 22, 2006 - Run Against Pain 5K/10K Championship (Sacramento)
April 23, 2006 - New Balance Excelsior Zippy 5K (San Francisco)
April 29, 2006 - Latrobe Country Run
May 6, 2006 - The Elk Grove Fun Runs 5K (Elk Grove)
May 7, 2006 - Fair Oaks Fiesta Sun Run 5M/2M (Fair Oaks)
May 13, 2006 - Race for the Cure 5K (Sacramento)
May 14, 2006 - Reno 5K/10K (Reno)
May 20, 2006 - 23rd Annual Run with Nature 10K/5K (Folsom)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn Rotary Community Day 10K/5K/Kids (Auburn)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn International Triathlon (Auburn)
May 21, 2006 - 15th Annual San Carlos Rotary Run 5K/10K (San Carlos)
May 29, 2006 - No Excuses 5K (Sacramento)
May 29, 2006 - Marin Memorial Day 10K (Marin)
June 24-25, 2006 - 33rd Annual Western States 100M (Squaw Valley to Auburn)
June 24, 2006 - Shriners 8K (Sacramento)

Boston Marathon Team Competition

Last Chance. If you are running in the 110th Boston Marathon and would like to represent the Buffalo Chips in the Team Competition, please e-mail Rena Schumann at rschum01@juno.com by COB Tuesday, April 4.

There are two divisions per gender: OPEN (18 & Over) and MASTERS (40 & Over), so please also specify your division. Participants in the Team Competition must be current Buffalo Chip members and live in the same geographic region in which the club is registered. Each division may have up to 15 participants but at least 3, and the top 3 finishers in each division will score for the team.

There is no cost associated with joining the team competition.

Buffalo Chips Weekly News Update

There are no Weekly Workout News for
March 27, 2006

Our regular editor & coach is basking in the sun in Maui!!

Buffalo Chips Weekly Workout Update

Reflective apparel still required at both Tuesday and Thursday evening workouts. Check with Parrott or Iwahashi if you arrive at Tuesday and have forgotten your safety gear.

Tuesday, March 28, 5:30 p.m. from 251 Commerce Circle
Groups:
A-D….3(1), 4(800)
E-F… 2(1), 4(800)
G-H….2(1), 4(400)
SS & FW…steady, of course

Thursday, March 30, 5:30 p.m. from University Park on University Ave. near the Howe Ave. overpass:
4-7 miles along parkway and city streets as it gets darker.

Saturday, April 1, 8:00 a.m. American River 50 Miler
CSUS to Auburn Overlook - CLUB AID STATION at Sunrise!! Contact George Parrott - gparrott@csus.edu to volunteer PLEASE!!

Sunday, April 2, 8:00 a.m. from Panera Bread Company, 901 Howe Ave.
Anything from shaking out the stiffness from the AR event to 20 miles or so on the parkway.

Buffalo Chips Upcomming Races - from Chips Website

April 1, 2006 - American River 50M (Sacramento to Auburn)
April 9, 2006 - Zoo Zoom 5K/10K (Sacramento)
April 22, 2006 - Run Against Pain 5K/10K Championship (Sacramento)
April 23, 2006 - New Balance Excelsior Zippy 5K (San Francisco)
April 29, 2006 - Latrobe Country Run
May 6, 2006 - The Elk Grove Fun Runs 5K (Elk Grove)
May 7, 2006 - Fair Oaks Fiesta Sun Run 5M/2M (Fair Oaks)
May 13, 2006 - Race for the Cure 5K (Sacramento)
May 14, 2006 - Reno 5K/10K (Reno)
May 20, 2006 - 23rd Annual Run with Nature 10K/5K (Folsom)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn Rotary Community Day 10K/5K/Kids (Auburn)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn International Triathlon (Auburn)
May 21, 2006 - 15th Annual San Carlos Rotary Run 5K/10K (San Carlos)
May 29, 2006 - No Excuses 5K (Sacramento)
May 29, 2006 - Marin Memorial Day 10K (Marin)
June 24-25, 2006 - 33rd Annual Western States 100M (Squaw Valley to Auburn)
June 24, 2006 - Shriners 8K (Sacramento)

Running Times calls Barbara Miller a rock star of the running world

Original article by: Vicky Boyd, written for the ShadowChase Running Club newsletter. Reposted here with permission of Vicky Boyd

Shirley Matson and ShadowChase’s own Barbara Miller were featured in the April issue of Running Times magazines because of their seemingly never-ending running abilities.

Miller was named the magazine’s top 65-69-yearold women’s runner for 2005 while Matson was second in the 60-64-year-old women’s category.

Miller was honored for her performances last year in the Susan B. Anthony 5K, Shriners 8K Run, Marin Memorial Day 10K, Emerald Nuts Across the Bay 12K, John Frank Memorial 10- mile, and Houston Marathon.

In the full-length feature, titled "rocking oldies," the magazine profiled the two masters runners.

The magazine says if runners were rockstars, then Matson and Miller would be Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones

While the two runners may share the rockers’ boundless energy, they never have shared the musicians’ sometimes wild and unhealthy lifestyles.

In the article, Matson probably summed up best what keeps the two seemingly ageless runners going: "Running is my best friend."

Buffalo Chips Weekly News Update

Emerald Nuts Across the Bay 12 km

Brought to you by Linda Hall...

(Sunday, 19 March) We had an absolutely perfect day for Emerald Across the Bay 12 k which starts in Fort Baker, runs across the Golden Gate Bridge and ends near Fisherman's wharf. It was sunny and cool with just a hint of a breeze. The course has been modified slightly. They have eliminated a loop on the streets (which was always very hot) and replaced it with a loop and long stretch on the crushed gravel path along the water. Of course the hill up to the bridge was challenging as always, but the hill at the end didn't seem bad (guess those chips workouts at Rescue helped).

It was difficult to find the chips there because there were so many people running and also the three wave start. The folks I saw were:

Barbara Miller (age group first)
Rhonda Holden
Chris Wellins
Heather Bracken
Maggie Ward
Lindsay Pears-Dickson
Linda Hall

For the men, I saw:
Doug Braasch
Joel Contreras

Note: There have been scheduling changes in the PAUSATF grand prix road race calendar. The next race will be Zippy's 5 k on April 23. The HP 10 k in Cupertino is no longer on the schedule and I believe the date will be changed to some time in May. The next PAUSATF grand Prix series will be the Marin 10 on Memorial Day (Monday, May 29) . Please try to make it to both of these. We have been short on our teams this year.

National: LA Marathon….Sunday 19 March

New California State Marathon RECORDS for both MEN and WOMEN!

We think of the California International Marathon course as “fast,” but our new state 26.2 mile open records both come from the LA Marathon as of yesterday. The men’s time was a 2:08 and the women’s 2:25. Using a handicap start, the elite women got 16 minutes and some seconds lead, and while the open men closed in the last 2 miles the fast finishing top women produced a 5:17 last mile to hold the lead and break the tape first winning an extra $100,000 ! The men’s winner was not too poorly treated as he got a course record bonus which brought his payday up to over $60,000.

So the message, in part, is that fast times come just from a “neutral course” but also from TOP talent racing for big $$. The money at LA is bringing out the wolves and they know how to run !

Footnote: When prize money arrived at the Honolulu Marathon, the course record times there quickly dropped by 3-4 minutes for men and about 10+ minutes for women ! Money has a way of changing the character of who is on the starting line and it certainly motivates for who crosses the finish line in the top group.

Local CHIP NEWS....

The spinning of the Earth and the passage of the seasons continue and we are now officially in Spring, but this past month has seen the transition into “middle age” of two of our Chip female “racers.”

Departing the open group, Meg Svoboda and most recently, Carol Parise, are both now FORTY (40) years old ! Carol has been around the club workouts since she was about 21 years old and her biggest challenge in those early days was simply finishing 10 miles. Carol is now in the final prep stages for the American River 50 miler in early April. Happy Birthday to Meg and Carol and to all other Bison enjoying either a new orbit of the sun or one of those “age group” transitions as well.

COMING: April 1- AMERICAN RIVER 50 MILER

Chips Aid Station at Sunrise Bridge on Parkway ….please contact George Parrott to volunteer. We need 12-16 volunteers as the runners come through here in decent sized groups. This is at about the 15.3 mile point and thus our “service time” is from about 6:45 a.m. to 9-9:15 a.m. We were packed up and cleaned out last year by 10 a.m.

Contact: gparrott@csus.edu to volunteer. Don’t be shy!!!!

Buffalo Chips Weekly Workout Update

Reflective apparel still required at both Tuesday and Thursday evening workouts. Check with Parrott or Iwahashi if you arrive at Tuesday and have forgotten your safety gear.

Tuesday, March 21, 5:30 p.m. from 251 Commerce Circle
Groups:
A-F….2(1.25), 4(800)
G-H….2(1.25), 2(800)
SS & FW…steady, of course

Thursday, March 23, 5:30 p.m. from University Park on University Ave. near the Howe Ave. overpass:
4-6 miles along parkway and city streets as it gets darker.

Saturday, March 25, 8:00 a.m. Ofrom University Park on University Ave. near the Howe Ave. overpass:
Choices:
Steady state base building run of 5-7 miles on parkway
OR…
2-3 mile warmup then 3-4 mile TEMPO RUN on parkway, then 2-3 m. cooldown

Sunday, March 26, 8:00 a.m. from Rescue
Great TRAINING RUN for BOSTON. 6-16+ miles of big rolling pavement hills.

Buffalo Chips Upcomming Races - from Chips Website

March 26, 2006 - Rocklin Run for the Gold 5K/12K (Rocklin)
March 26, 2006 - Nutrition Fuels Fitness 5K/10K (Elk Grove)
April 1, 2006 - American River 50M (Sacramento to Auburn)
April 9, 2006 - Zoo Zoom 5K/10K (Sacramento)
April 22, 2006 - Run Against Pain 5K/10K Championship (Sacramento)
April 23, 2006 - New Balance Excelsior Zippy 5K (San Francisco)
April 29, 2006 - Latrobe Country Run
May 6, 2006 - The Elk Grove Fun Runs 5K (Elk Grove)
May 7, 2006 - Fair Oaks Fiesta Sun Run 5M/2M (Fair Oaks)
May 13, 2006 - Race for the Cure 5K (Sacramento)
May 14, 2006 - Reno 5K/10K (Reno)
May 20, 2006 - 23rd Annual Run with Nature 10K/5K (Folsom)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn Rotary Community Day 10K/5K/Kids (Auburn)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn International Triathlon (Auburn)
May 21, 2006 - 15th Annual San Carlos Rotary Run 5K/10K (San Carlos)
May 29, 2006 - No Excuses 5K (Sacramento)
May 29, 2006 - Marin Memorial Day 10K (Marin)
June 24-25, 2006 - 33rd Annual Western States 100M (Squaw Valley to Auburn)
June 24, 2006 - Shriners 8K (Sacramento)

Buffalo Chips Weekly News Update

A Memorable Birthday Has Passed….
Carol Parise is now 40 years OLD !

An almost unbelievable stage of human development has now been met and passed. Our own Carol Parise has reached…middle age! Carol has been running with the Chips since she was 20 years of age, and now….Amazing!

And Congratulations on aging so imperceptibly and most gracefully; it is not fair!

Saturday 11 March…Way To Cool….

Brought to you by Cheri Alvarez...

Under threatening skies, 31 degree start time temperature (but NO snow), over 400 participants have braved the very muddy trails and fast running and cold/high running creeks to meet this annual trail challenge. Considering the conditions, the results were just amazing...

2005's AR50 winner, Phil Kochik of Seattle WA, continues to love the trails here in California by winning the Way to Cool 50K with a time of 3:37:56.

Top Chip performances of the day clearly were earned by Erik Skaden with a fantastic time of 3:54:21, Mark Murray at 4:21:46, John Nichols eeeking out Tim Twietmeyer with a time of 4:43:17, our own High Dunger John Blue came in blazing with a time of 4:48:07, Bruce Aldrich looking great coming in at 4:51:52. Other notable Chips seen coming in all covered in mud (and in quite cold weather) are Ernie Takahashi (placing 2nd in his age division), Therese Iknoian, Bill Finkbeiner, Denis Zilaff, Dennis Scott, James Yee, Luis Alvarez, Becky Johnson, Barbara Elia, and apologies for others that I missed.

Watching everyone come in to the finish, is just an awesome feat...anyone ever wanting to see this should come up next year. This year's weather was an anomaly...2004 and 2005 had temperatures in the 80's (yes, that is 80 degrees in March) and 2006 drastically changed that!!

Sunday 12 March, Shamrock'n Half-Marathon, West Sacramento…

Not only did the threatening skies break loose, the half-marathoners had to run in rain/wind/COLD weather!! The weather held out for Cool, but not for the Shamrock'n Half-Marathon & 5K. With a total of 1648 Half-marathon finishers, and 697 5K finishers...these brave soles braved all for a good time!!

More in next weeks news on the results.

Sunday 12 March, USATF Paul Spangler 8K

Brought to you by Linda Hall...

Although we had some very heavy rain on the drive down to Palo Alto, by the time that the USATF Paul Spangler 8 k began, we had beautiful, sunny cool weather.....perfect for racing through this slightly hilly but beautiful campus/town setting.

We had an enthusiastic group of chips including:
Doug Braasch
Gary Lotspeich
Joel Contreras

Barbara Miller (first in age group)
Nova Poff (age group second)
Linda Hall
Lindsay Pears Dickson (who had an 8k PR)

So we were able to score a women's super senior team, but were short on the men's side. We found a wonderful breakfast place just off campus for yummy pancakes, crepes, granola, or French toast with fresh fruit and then loaded up with Jelly Belly Sports Beans at the Factory in Fairfield on the way home......

We are all hoping to have more teams for the upcoming Emerald Across the Bay 12 k in San Francisco next Sunday (another PAUSATF grand prix series race). A group of us will be carpooling to the race so let Linda know if you want to join us and she will try to hook you up with a carpool group.

Shopping Discovery of the Month….
Tuesday Morning Outlet Stores BELL HEARTRATE MONITOR!

The Tuesday Morning stores have a small supply of Bell branded basic heartrate monitors with chest strap pickup and replaceable batteries in both the watch and chest unit. The “clearance price” is ONLY $9.99, yes LESS THAN TEN BUCKS for a basic function HR monitor ! By the way, this unit even comes with a bike mount ! Wow!

Buffalo Chips Weekly Workout Update

Reflective apparel still required at both Tuesday and Thursday evening workouts. Check with Parrott or Iwahashi if you arrive at Tuesday and have forgotten your safety gear.

Tuesday, March 14, 5:30 p.m. from 251 Commerce Circle
Groups:
A-D….3(1,1200,800)
E-F…..2(1,1200,800)
G-H….2(1), 2(800)
SS & FW…steady, of course

Thursday, March 16, 5:30 p.m. from University Park on University Ave. near the Howe Ave. overpass:
4-7 miles along parkway and city streets as it gets darker.

Saturday, March 18, 8:00 a.m. Ofrom University Park on University Ave. near the Howe Ave. overpass:
Choices:
Basebuilding 5-8 miles along parkway at steady state pace
OR
Warmup of 2-3 miles then tempo of 3-4 miles, then cool-down

Sunday, March 19, 8:00 a.m. from Fish Hatchery off Hazel and Hiway 50
Endurance building options of 6-18 miles around Lake Natomas.

Buffalo Chips Upcomming Races - From Chips Website

March 18, 2006 - Rucky Chucky Roundabout 50K/50K Relay (Foresthill)
March 19, 2006 - Emerald Across the Bay 12K (San Francisco)
March 26, 2006 - Rocklin Run for the Gold 5K/12K (Rocklin)
March 26, 2006 - Nutrition Fuels Fitness 5K/10K (Elk Grove)
April 1, 2006 - American River 50M (Sacramento to Auburn)
April 9, 2006 - Zoo Zoom 5K/10K (Sacramento)
April 22, 2006 - Run Against Pain 5K/10K Championship (Sacramento)
April 23, 2006 - New Balance Excelsior Zippy 5K (San Francisco)
April 29, 2006 - Latrobe Country Run
May 6, 2006 - The Elk Grove Fun Runs 5K (Elk Grove)
May 7, 2006 - Fair Oaks Fiesta Sun Run 5M/2M (Fair Oaks)
May 13, 2006 - Race for the Cure 5K (Sacramento)
May 14, 2006 - Reno 5K/10K (Reno)
May 20, 2006 - 23rd Annual Run with Nature 10K/5K (Folsom)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn Rotary Community Day 10K/5K/Kids (Auburn)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn International Triathlon (Auburn)
May 21, 2006 - 15th Annual San Carlos Rotary Run 5K/10K (San Carlos)
May 29, 2006 - No Excuses 5K (Sacramento)
May 29, 2006 - Marin Memorial Day 10K (Marin)
June 24-25, 2006 - 33rd Annual Western States 100M (Squaw Valley to Auburn)
June 24, 2006 - Shriners 8K (Sacramento)

Buffalo Chips Weekly News Update

Chips Perform Well at Redding 10 Miler

Led by Barbara Miller's FIRST PLACE division award and Linda Hall's second, the Herd showed some solid performances in the older age divisions as this annual PA-USATF Grand Prix event on Saturday. The men's group was led by Doug Braasch at around 76 minutes with support from Dennis Scott, Joel Contreras, and Gary Lotspeich. Mike Schwartz, Shanna Fanning and Lindsay Pears-Dickson were also there for additional possible team construction. Several of the youth chips were also there under the attention of Coach George Paddeck.

Mark Lantz & Rena Schumann
AWESOME at Napa Marathon

Under very challenging conditions of rain, cold and headwinds of 25-30 mph, the participants at this year's Napa Marathon were definitely "tested" and the finishers clearly earned their medal.

Top Chip performances of the day clearly were earned by Mark Lantz at 2:51 with a near PR under terrible conditions. This writer would credit such a finish to more like a 2:46 clocking on a faster and more nurturing course like CIM. Rena Schumann went out hard with a 3:16 finish, and stayed solid whole way with a strong finish to also close at only 3 minutes off her 2005 CIM time. Jim Fischer was second in the 65-69 division with a solid 4:03 and Chris Iwahashi won the 50-54 division with a 3:43 shivering finish. ski Pisarski, a Chips Lifetime member and Silver State based 60 year old turned a commendable 3:56.

I am sure there were other Chips at both the Redding and Napa events, but my apologies for any and all I have missed.

Buffalo Chips Weekly Workout Update

Reflective apparel still required at both Tuesday and Thursday evening workouts. Check with Parrott or Iwahashi if you arrive at Tuesday and have forgotten your safety gear.

Tuesday, March 7, 5:30 p.m. from 251 Commerce Circle
Groups:
A-D…4(400), 2(800), 3(1)
E-F….4(400), 2(800), 2(1)
G-H…4(400), 2(800), 1
SS & FW…steady, of course

Thursday, March 9, 5:30 p.m. from University Park on University Ave. near the Howe Ave. overpass:
4-7 miles along parkway and city streets as it gets darker.

Saturday, March 11, 8:00 a.m. Ofrom University Park on University Ave. near the Howe Ave. overpass:
Options: A warmup of 2-3 miles and then a 3-4 mile tempo run and final Cool-down
OR
A steady state base building run of 5-7 miles along parkway.

Sunday, March 12, 9:00 a.m. from Panera Bread Company at 901 Howe Ave.
Out and back strength building run of 2.5 hours total time with a pattern of comfortable pace in the out direction and faster effort back.

Buffalo Chips Upcomming Races - From Chips Website

March 11, 2006 - Way to Cool 50K (Cool)
March 12, 2006 - 50+ Paul Spangler 8K - all age div (Palo Alto)
March 12, 2006 - ShamRock'n Half Marathon/5K (West Sacramento)
March 18, 2006 - Rucky Chucky Roundabout 50K/50K Relay (Foresthill)
March 19, 2006 - Emerald Across the Bay 12K (San Francisco)
March 26, 2006 - Rocklin Run for the Gold 5K/12K (Rocklin)
March 26, 2006 - Nutrition Fuels Fitness 5K/10K (Elk Grove)
April 1, 2006 - American River 50M (Sacramento to Auburn)
April 9, 2006 - Zoo Zoom 5K/10K (Sacramento)
April 22, 2006 - Run Against Pain 5K/10K Championship (Sacramento)
April 23, 2006 - New Balance Excelsior Zippy 5K (San Francisco)
April 29, 2006 - Latrobe Country Run
May 6, 2006 - The Elk Grove Fun Runs 5K (Elk Grove)
May 7, 2006 - Fair Oaks Fiesta Sun Run 5M/2M (Fair Oaks)
May 13, 2006 - Race for the Cure 5K (Sacramento)
May 14, 2006 - Reno 5K/10K (Reno)
May 20, 2006 - 23rd Annual Run with Nature 10K/5K (Folsom)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn Rotary Community Day 10K/5K/Kids (Auburn)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn International Triathlon (Auburn)
May 21, 2006 - 15th Annual San Carlos Rotary Run 5K/10K (San Carlos)
May 29, 2006 - No Excuses 5K (Sacramento)
May 29, 2006 - Marin Memorial Day 10K (Marin)
June 24-25, 2006 - 33rd Annual Western States 100M (Squaw Valley to Auburn)
June 24, 2006 - Shriners 8K (Sacramento)

Sorry, I Spaced This Week

Sorry, Some how I spaced on posting the updates for this last week. I don't even have a good excuse, I wasn't even out of town or on vacation.

It's probably too late now but here they are anyway.

Buffalo Chips Enquirer Newsletter Submissions

The editors of the Buffalo Chips Enquirer Newsletter have not received any stories or photos to date, but would love to receive some so the Spring issue would not be blank. The editors are also looking for advertisers for the newsletter.

Deadline for submissions is March 15.

Please e-mail Susanne Cook at stamcook@yahoo.com or Sara Heintz at rosiedane@hotmail.com.

Boston Marathon Team Competition

If you are running in the 110th Boston Marathon and would like to represent the Buffalo Chips in the Team Competition, please e-mail Rena Schumann at rschum01@juno.com by COB Tuesday, April 4.

There are two divisions per gender: OPEN (18 & Over) and MASTERS (40 & Over), so please also specify your age. Participants in the Team Competition must be current Buffalo Chip members and live in the same geographic region in which the club is registered. Each division may have up to 15 participants but at least 3, and the top 3 finishers in each division will score for the team.

There is no cost associated with joining the team competition.

Buffalo Chips Weekly News Update

The Biggest Weekend of Racing in the Whole Year?

Wow, we have so many choices for this coming weekend in terms of running and racing…and training of course.

The John Frank 10 Miler (Redding)

The PA-USATF Grand Prix event draws a solid crowd of dedicated runners to one of the most attractive courses of this distance around. Perhaps not quite a PR course, the Redding route is reasonably fast with a gradual up climb from the start to about the 3 mile point and then challenging rolls from 4 miles to the turnaround at about 5 miles, and then you retrace your path back to the finish line with three river crossings (all on bridges!), and beautiful views along the upper Sacramento River.

This is also a chance to see the world respected walking bridge across the Sacramento River at the Turtle Bay Park area, which is only about two miles downriver from the race staging location.

Enjoy and run strong!

Also…Chico Bidwell Classic Races (Chico)

I am a great fan of the Chico races and the setting there in Bidwell Park, but the Chico event has lost numbers for years as it has been staged against recently the Redding John Frank 10 Miler and for many earlier years and now also…the Napa Marathon.

Chico used to be a full marathon, and it was a great “time trial venue” as the course is 6 mile loops all shaded and wind protected (mostly) in Bidwell Park. It is perhaps the fastest core loop around and wonderful for PR searching. Many of our CHIP WOMEN are past winners of the FULL MARATHON at the Bidwell race. Now the marathon is no more, but the local community supports the event as well or better than ever with wonderful awards and random prizes to entrants and finishers.

Race Chico…if not this year than put it on YOUR CALENDAR!

And last yet certainly not least….the NAPA MARATHON…

Billed the “best little marathon in the West,” Napa is a point to point event with generally neutral or tailwind weather (though there have been stormy headwinds too). On most years, this IS one of the most beautiful racing settings around with hot air balloons rising with the morning sun and the vineyards beginning to leaf out for the start of growing season. This course is probably about 2-3 minutes SLOWER than CIM at the 3 hour racer level, and progressively harder for runners less fit. There is a easily recognized hill (feels like a mountain) at 20 miles, but the last 6 miles are basically flat.

Such a weekend of local racing choices…

And then there is always CLUB TRAINING…..

Running Times notes Barbara Miller and Myra Rhodes as top age group runners for 2005. Congratulations to Barbara and Myra !

Buffalo Chips Weekly Workout Update

Reflective apparel still required at both Tuesday and Thursday evening workouts. Check with Parrott or Iwahashi if you arrive at Tuesday and have forgotten your safety gear.

Tuesday, February 28, 5:30 p.m. from 251 Commerce Circle
Groups:
A-D…2(2), (2(800)
E-F…2(2)
G-H….2, 800, 600
SS & FW…..steady, of course

Thursday, March 2, 5:30 p.m. from University Park on University Ave. near the Howe Ave. overpass:
4-6 miles along city streets. MUST wear reflective apparel.

Saturday, March 4, 8:00 a.m. Ofrom University Park on University Ave. near the Howe Ave. overpass:
Options: TEMPO RUN of 3-5 miles or base building run of 5-8 miles on parkway OR
Chico Bidwell Classic Event OR…
Redding John Frank 10 Miler

Sunday, March 5, 8:00 a.m. from from Fish Hatchery off Hazel and Hiway 50
8-16 miles around Lake …..OR
NAPA MARATHON

Buffalo Chips Upcommig Races - From Chips Website

March 4, 2006 - Norcal John Frank Memorial 10M/3M (Redding)
March 4, 2006 - Bidwell Classic 30th Annual Half-Marathon/Relay/5K (Chico)
March 11, 2006 - Way to Cool 50K (Cool)
March 12, 2006 - ShamRock'n Half Marathon/5K (West Sacramento)
March 18, 2006 - Rucky Chucky Roundabout 50K/50K Relay (Foresthill)
March 26, 2006 - Rocklin Run for the Gold 5K/12K (Rocklin)
March 26, 2006 - Nutrition Fuels Fitness 5K/10K (Elk Grove)
April 1, 2006 - American River 50M (Sacramento to Auburn)
April 9, 2006 - Zoo Zoom 5K/10K (Sacramento)
April 22, 2006 - Run Against Pain 5K/10K Championship (Sacramento)
April 29, 2006 - Latrobe Country Run
May 6, 2006 - The Elk Grove Fun Runs 5K (Elk Grove)
May 7, 2006 - Fair Oaks Fiesta Sun Run 5M/2M (Fair Oaks)
May 13, 2006 - Race for the Cure 5K (Sacramento)
May 14, 2006 - Reno 5K/10K (Reno)
May 20, 2006 - 23rd Annual Run with Nature 10K/5K (Folsom)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn Rotary Community Day 10K/5K/Kids (Auburn)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn International Triathlon (Auburn)
May 21, 2006 - 15th Annual San Carlos Rotary Run 5K/10K (San Carlos)
May 29, 2006 - No Excuses 5K (Sacramento)
June 24-25, 2006 - 33rd Annual Western States 100M (Squaw Valley to Auburn)

Why Should I go to Tuesday Night Workouts?

Meet the Herd

The Buffalo Chips Tuesday night workout is by far the most fun, social, well-attended and important workout. While a good Saturday and Sunday morning run might have more than a dozen runners, the Tuesday night workout can have as many as 60 Chips in attendance! There is no better way, short of serving on the Board, of meeting your fellow Chips. There are runners of all ages and abilities, so you’ll be sure to have someone to run with. If you can only make one, make it Tuesday night! Running pretty much continuously for the past 20 years, it is easily the “Crown Jewel” of the Chips training empire.

Buffalo Science

Tuesday’s interval workouts are intended to help improve your VO2max, which is a measure of your body’s ability to consume oxygen. Why is this important? This is important because the volume of oxygen consumption is an indication of how efficient your cardiovascular system is at delivering oxygen to your muscles and how much of that oxygen your muscles can then use to perform work. In the simplest words, if you improve your VO2 max, you can run faster.

Each week, a team of highly trained Buffalo Scientists (i.e., George) puts together a workout for the group. A recent week’s looked something like this:

A-D...2(1,800,600,400)
E-F...2(1, 800, 400)
G-H...2(1), 2(600)SS & FW…steady, of course

What, you may ask, does that mean? Let’s start with the numbers because that is the easiest. The numbers: 2(1, 800, 600, 400) would mean you’ll run a one-mile interval, followed by an 800 meter interval, then a 600 meter interval and then a 400 meter interval. The “2” outside the brackets means you will then repeat this sequence. Between each interval, you will jog a short recovery distance.

The letters A through H represent runners at different levels of training volume. Based on the findings of the most cutting edge Buffalo Science, to get the most out of your speedwork, and to prevent injury, you should run no more than 10 to 15-percent of your total running volume as speedwork. In other words, if you are running 25 miles a week, you shouldn’t be doing more than around 2.5-miles of intervals on Tuesday night. On the other hand, if you’re running 60 miles a week, you can probably handle up to 6-miles of intervals.

If you are a newer runner, and still building the strength and mileage you need to begin running intervals, there is always a group doing easier, steady-state running.

Finally, the interval workouts are not a race. You should approach the workout with a specific pace in mind and stick to it. The pace you run your intervals in should be approximately the same as your most recent 5K pace. You might run the shorter intervals slightly faster than the longer ones, but only if you must. If a given pace seems too easy, then run a little faster next week. What you absolutely don’t want to do is run the first intervals so fast you can’t complete the workout!

Another thing to avoid is running the first intervals fast and then slowing down for the rest. This is harmful in three ways. First, it wastes your time because it is less effective. Second, it is demoralizing and takes a lot of the fun out of the workout. And finally, if you slow down toward the end of your workouts, you are learning to slow down towards the end of a race—something you definitely don’t want to do! The workout should be hard, but it shouldn’t be so hard you don’t want to come back next time!

Your teammates are there to encourage you and to help you with your pacing and make the workouts more enjoyable. They are not there to compare yourself against. You can do that when it matters: on race day.

To keep this a reasonable length, I tried not to go too far into great, geeky detail. There are some excellent books out there on the subject. You should also do yourself a favor and read George Parrott’s training essays on the Chip’s website (see Coach’s Corner) and talk to him about your running goals. I’d also be happy to answer any questions you might have about this article. You can usually catch me at the Tuesday night workouts. You can also email me at buffaloblue@sbcglobal.net. Happy running!

Buffalo Chips Weekly News Update

Mary Coordt RRCA Open Woman “Runner of the Year”

Congratulations are in order for our own Mary Coordt who was named this past week at the RRCA National level their “open female runner of the year.” Wow ! This is a great honor, and Mary represents THE BEST in every dimension of what we hope to see in our running family: hard work; a race record of excellence, and a regular willingness to work FOR running and runners in a number of volunteer activities.

Well earned Mary. You ARE a superb role model for all of us.

On the “World Scene”

Dubai Marathon, this past Saturday in the Dubai Marathon the hired pace-setter got bored with the fact that the recruited elites who were supposed to contest the race were not even staying close to him, so …he took off, dropped the field and WON THE RACE ! Good for him!

In the women’s field, 3 of the top 5 women were mis-directed by a course marshal, but even though they then lost several minutes in running perhaps an extra 4-5km, the race directors awarded them matching prize money to the actual 3,4, and 5 place finishing women.

A wonderful and ethical solution to what could have been a very messy situation there.

From the USATF website…

Hall surprises Ritzenhein; Tollefson, Uhl win USA Cross Country Championships presented by Gleukos

Contact: Jim Estes, LDR Programs Manager, USA Track & Field, 317-713-4661

NEW YORK - Ryan Hall (Woodside Calif.), surprised defending champion Dathan Ritzenhein (Boulder, Colo.), in the open men's 12 km, while Carrie Tollefson (Minneapolis, Minn.), took the open women's 4 km and Kiel Uhl (Ames, Iowa), captured the Junior men's 8 km to win U.S. titles at the 2006 USA Cross Country Championships presented by Gleukos held at Van Cortlandt Park on Sunday.

The championships served as the selection event for the U.S. team that will compete at the 2006 IAAF World Cross Country Championships. The top six finishers in the Open and Junior races are eligible to compete for the U.S. team on April 1-2 in Fukuoka, Japan. The USA Championships and World Cross Country Team Trials follow the same format as the upcoming World Championships, with six races over a two-day span.

Under clear skies with temperatures in the low 20s during Sunday's competition, the began with the Junior men's 8 km that saw a large group pass the first loop with Michael Eaton (Bowling Green, Ky.), and Landon Peacock (Morely, Mich.) in front and Uhl and Jordan McDougal (Peru, N.Y.) staying close.

As the pack advanced through the next two laps, several lead changes saw McDougal, Scott Macpherson (Fayetteville, Ark.) and University of Arkansas teammate Chris Barnicle (Fayetteville, Ark.) each take a turn in the lead. Uhl maintained contact until he began to edge away over the final lap to win the title in 23:50, seven seconds up on Macpherson. Barnicle finished another six seconds back for third, while Andrew Bumbalough (Brentwood, Tenn.), made a charge to take fourth. McDougal and Eaton held on to finish fifth and sixth respectively, to finalize the U.S. squad.

"I saw a little bit of a gap, and I knew I should make a move then," said Uhl. "I have a decent kick, but I knew there were some guys back there who were faster than me, so I knew that I would have to go with about 3k left. My first goal was to get myself on the team, then go for broke."

In the open women's race, 2005 runner-up Lauren Fleshman (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.), Tollefson and Sara Hall (Woodside, Calif.), worked together to generate a ten meter lead over a chase pack headed by Saturday's open women's 8 km champion Blake Russell (Marina, Calif.), As the leaders began the second lap, Tollefson extended a small lead that she would carry to the finish to win her first USA Cross Country title, running 12:32, five seconds up on Fleshman. Russell, Amy Mortimer (West Roxbury, Mass.), Sarah Schwald (Madison, Wis.), and Sara Hall completed the top-six to make the U.S. team.

"It didn't seem early to break away, because Lauren Fleshman and Sara Hall were up there," said Tollefson. "I thought, relax, and cover the move, get through the hills, and hammer. It was a good race. We have a handful of great runners who are going to Japan."

In the open men's race, Hall and Jorge Torres (Boulder, Colo.), who were third and fourth in Saturday's 4 km, pressed the pace along with Ritzenhein and Max King (Bend, Ore.) to take a small lead on the rest of the field that included Jason Hartmann (Boulder, Colo.) and Pat Gildea (Knoxville, Tenn.). At the start of the fourth lap, Hall stepped into the lead and began to open a gap of 30 meters on Torres while King passed Ritzenhein to move in to third. As the final two laps progressed, Hall easily extended his lead to win comfortably in 34:38, 27 seconds ahead of Torres. King held on to finish seven seconds ahead of Ritzenhein in 35:20 while Hartmann and Matt Gabrielson (Apple Valley, Minn.) rounded out the U.S. squad for Fukuoka.

"It was probably the most fun race of my life," said Hall. "It's my first 12k. I thought that I would make a move and see who would go, and maybe if I get a gap, then keep going. I'm not the best in the mud and slop, so I was happy that the ground froze last night. I am really excited to be going to worlds with my wife Sara." Sara Hall finished 6th in the women's open 4k.

The USA Cross Country Championships presented by Gleukos will be televised February 20 (late evening February 19) at 12:00 a.m. EST on ESPN 2.

For more information on the USA Cross Country Championships presented by Gleukos, including complete results, visit www.usatf.org.

Buffalo Chips Weekly Workout Udpate

Reflective apparel still required at both Tuesday and Thursday club evening sessions. IF you arrive and find that you have forgotten your reflective safety apparel, check with Parrott or Iwahashi, as they always have items to LOAN.

Also: Parrott has ONE more of the reflective safety vests with LED lights front and back. These are ideal for both runners and bike commuters who need the absolute MOST VISIBLE security for their morning and evening exposure to those dangerous cars.
(Cost: $15)

Tuesday, February 14, 5:30 p.m. from 251 Commerce Circle
Groups:
A-D...2(1,800,600,400)
E-F...2(1, 800, 400)
G-H...2(1), 2(600)
SS & FW…steady, of course

Thursday, February 16, 5:30 p.m. from University Park on University Ave. near the Howe Ave. overpass:
4-6 miles along city streets. MUST wear reflective apparel.

Saturday, February 18, 8:00 a.m. Ofrom University Park on University Ave. near the Howe Ave. overpass:
Options: Either a steady state base building run of 4-8 miles on parkway OR
TEMPO run of 4-5 miles after a 2-3 mile warmup with a 1-2 mile
Cooldown.

Sunday, February 19, 8:00 a.m. from Rescue staging area
For 6-18 miles of rolling hills

Buffalo Chips Upcommig Races - From Chips Website

March 4, 2006 - Norcal John Frank Memorial 10M/3M (Redding)
March 4, 2006 - Bidwell Classic 30th Annual Half-Marathon/Relay/5K (Chico)
March 11, 2006 - Way to Cool 50K (Cool)
March 12, 2006 - ShamRock'n Half Marathon/5K (West Sacramento)
March 18, 2006 - Rucky Chucky Roundabout 50K/50K Relay (Foresthill)
March 26, 2006 - Rocklin Run for the Gold 5K/12K (Rocklin)
March 26, 2006 - Nutrition Fuels Fitness 5K/10K (Elk Grove)
April 1, 2006 - American River 50M (Sacramento to Auburn)
April 9, 2006 - Zoo Zoom 5K/10K (Sacramento)
April 22, 2006 - Run Against Pain 5K/10K Championship (Sacramento)
April 29, 2006 - Latrobe Country Run
May 6, 2006 - The Elk Grove Fun Runs 5K (Elk Grove)
May 7, 2006 - Fair Oaks Fiesta Sun Run 5M/2M (Fair Oaks)
May 13, 2006 - Race for the Cure 5K (Sacramento)
May 14, 2006 - Reno 5K/10K (Reno)
May 20, 2006 - 23rd Annual Run with Nature 10K/5K (Folsom)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn Rotary Community Day 10K/5K/Kids (Auburn)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn International Triathlon (Auburn)
May 21, 2006 - 15th Annual San Carlos Rotary Run 5K/10K (San Carlos)
May 29, 2006 - No Excuses 5K (Sacramento)
June 24-25, 2006 - 33rd Annual Western States 100M (Squaw Valley to Auburn)

Runners Needed for Realy Team

A group of chips have been doing a relay race (called The Relay) from Calistoga to Santa Cruise for the last 8-10 years. This year they changed the date of the race and we find ourselves short 5 runners. I need to fill out the team in the next two weeks if we are to make it.

I would appreciate it if you could send out an email request for members to join the team. I’m including you both because I’m not sure if this is allowed or not and don’t want to break any rules.

I’m including the info you’ll need, if you do put out the email. If you do not maybe you could add something to the web site.

Thank you much,
Shalako Wengronowitz
944-4648

Web site http://www.therelay.com
The web tells all about the logistic of the race and the legs people will be running.

Race date April 8th and 9th

Cost will be about $200 for everything, including race entry, van rental, and gas.

We are a fun team of mostly masters runner and a mixture of men and woman. We’ll take anyone that won’t yell at us for being to slow.

Buffalo Chips Weekly News Update

Report on 2005 PA-USATF Awards Banquet

(Linda Hall reports….)

The LDR (long distance racing) Awards banquet for the Pacific Association USATF was hosted by the Impala Racing Team and held at the Chieftain (an Irish Pub) in San Francisco. Lindsay Pears Dickson and I were the only Chips there. It is too bad that more folks did not make it. It is a funky bar with great beer on tap and really tasty food. the banquet consisted of lots of hearty appetizer type food including: plenty of fresh fruit and salad, caramelized onions and blue cheese on toast, spicy mashed potato balls, smoked salmon on rye, roast beef with horseradish sauce on bread, grilled chicken on skewers with a wonderful peanut dipping sauce, and a couple of other really yummy things that I didn't identify. There was a neat film clip running from some of the cross country races from this year. Chips were the recipients of a number of awards which were picture frames with the award imprinted on them....very nice. The winning chips were:

Road Racing Individuals
Super Senior woman short Barbara Miller
Super Senior woman long Barbara Miller
Veteran woman long Myra Rhodes

Ultra Running Individuals
Super senior woman Barbara Elia
Super senior man Dana Gard

Road Racing Teams
Super Senior women Buffalo Chips ("first for the second year in a row"....as announced at the banquet!!)

Note that the Impalas, who provide a lot of support for their all women's teams, won all the other categories (open, master, and senior). According to one of the Impala women, they were really focused and the chips were the only ones who stopped them from winning all the categories!!!

Ultra Running Teams
Women Buffalo Chips
Mixed Buffalo Chips

On the National level: Barbara Miller was the winner of the 2005 USATF LDR award in the female 65-69 division. Congratulations to her!

Congratulations and thanks to everyone who participated in the USATF LDR grand prix series. Let's try to get even more Chips participating in 2006. Remember to renew your USATF membership on line or we cannot score you on the teams. As always, it doesn't matter how fast you are. You really help our teams just by showing up and finishing a race!

The 2006 Grand Prix road racing series starts on March 4 with the 10 miler in Redding. Please let me know if you want to carpool to any of these races. If you are running, please let me know so that I can help arrange for teams for scoring. My email is linhall@ucdavis.edu

March 4 Nor Cal 10 miles Redding
March12 Fifty Plus 8 k at Stanford.....open to all USATF age groups
March 19 Emerald Nuts Across the Bay 12 k (across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco)

A Wonderful Weekend for Outside Play…11/12 February 2006

I always savor weekends during our winter when the weather turns like it did these past several days. It was just beautiful outside everywhere in this general area. As I like to say, “this is what we pay our California taxes for.” Hopefully YOU got in some fun time outside?

Weekly Dining Out Options: After every club workout at least a few of the Bison find a dining experience option to reward themselves for that wonderful dedication to exercise and fitness.

Where will we eat after THIS week’s workouts? You have to be there to be a part of the decision making process.

Buffalo Chips Weekly Workout Update

You MUST still be wearing reflective upper body apparel at any club evening workout. While it is daylight when we start, it is quite dark by the latter stage of the workout session and one of our dark-attired participants had a nearly bruising vehicular confrontation at this past Tuesday night. PLEASE, if you forget your reflective protection, CHECK WITH PARROT OR IWAHASHI, we always have extra security items to LOAN.

Tuesday, February 14, 5:30 p.m. from 251 Commerce Circle
Groups:
A-D...2(1.5), 2(1)
E-F...2(1.5), 2(800)
G-H...1.5, 1.0
SS & FW…steady, of course

Thursday, February 16, 5:30 p.m. from University Park on University Ave. near the Howe Ave. overpass:
Steady state run of 3-6 miles along streets, wear reflective apparel PLEASE!!!

Saturday, February 18, 8:00 a.m. from University Park on University Ave. near the Howe Ave. overpass:
Options….Warmup then a tempo run of 3-5 miles on parkway OR…
Steady state base building run of 5-8 miles on parkway

Sunday, February 19, 8:00 a.m. from Panera Bread Co. at 901 Howe Ave.
For out and back on parkway of 2.5 hours with comfortable out and strong back. Shorter workout options, e.g. 45 minutes out and stronger back are always an option.

Upcomming Races - From Chips Website

March 4, 2006 - Norcal John Frank Memorial 10M/3M (Redding)
March 4, 2006 - Bidwell Classic 30th Annual Half-Marathon/Relay/5K (Chico)
March 11, 2006 - Way to Cool 50K (Cool)
March 12, 2006 - ShamRock'n Half Marathon/5K (West Sacramento)
March 18, 2006 - Rucky Chucky Roundabout 50K/50K Relay (Foresthill)
March 26, 2006 - Rocklin Run for the Gold 5K/12K (Rocklin)
March 26, 2006 - Nutrition Fuels Fitness 5K/10K (Elk Grove)
April 1, 2006 - American River 50M (Sacramento to Auburn)
April 9, 2006 - Zoo Zoom 5K/10K (Sacramento)
April 22, 2006 - Run Against Pain 5K/10K Championship (Sacramento)
April 29, 2006 - Latrobe Country Run
May 6, 2006 - The Elk Grove Fun Runs 5K (Elk Grove)
May 7, 2006 - Fair Oaks Fiesta Sun Run 5M/2M (Fair Oaks)
May 13, 2006 - Race for the Cure 5K (Sacramento)
May 14, 2006 - Reno 5K/10K (Reno)
May 20, 2006 - 23rd Annual Run with Nature 10K/5K (Folsom)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn Rotary Community Day 10K/5K/Kids (Auburn)
May 20, 2006 - Auburn International Triathlon (Auburn)
May 21, 2006 - 15th Annual San Carlos Rotary Run 5K/10K (San Carlos)
May 29, 2006 - No Excuses 5K (Sacramento)
June 24-25, 2006 - 33rd Annual Western States 100M (Squaw Valley to Auburn)

ASC Snowshoe Challenge SUN/19FEB - Update #2 (13FEB)

ASC Snowshoe Challenge / National Snowshoe Championship Qualifier, February 19, 2006. Auburn Ski Club, Donner Summit, CA. This is the only CA Qualifier Race for the USSSA Nationals being held at Bolton Valley, VT from March 24-26, 2006. Included are both 5k and 10k Qualifiers and a 5k Family Team Fun Race. For more information about Snowshoe Racing and this year's ASC Snowshoe Challenge go to the USSSA (www.snowshoeracing.com), Auburn Ski Club (www.auburnskiclub.org) and/or contact John Stauffer (415-385-0065 / johnjstauffer@cs.com).

Pre-Registration Closes in 3 Days:
Pre-Registration closes in 3 days. Mailed or Faxed Registration Forms must be received no later than 15FEB. Pre-Registration benefits include Entry Fee Discount and Reserved Atlas Demo Snowshoes (Supplies Limited). Also, Pre-Registered Entrant Raffle for one of two pair of Snowshoes generously donated by Atlas Snowshoe. Don't miss out - Pre-Register now!

Auburn Ski Club Membership:
The many benefits of belonging to the Auburn Ski Club can be found at the ASC website (www.auburnskiclub.org). For snowshoers interested in previewing the race course / training / racing / preparing for the USSSA National Championship, the immediate benefits are substantial.

Race Sponsors Donate Snowshoes, Food, Refreshments, T-Shirts, and More:
In addition to Atlas Snowshoe, Balboa Café, Silver Sage Sports Performance &Family Medicine, and Peter Fain, ASC is pleased to announce that GU Sports has donated electrolyte/fluid replacement products GU Gel &GU2O Drink, Facchino Photography has donated Event Promotional Photos, and both Paco's Bike and Ski and Alpenglow Sports have donated Raffle Prizes.

Event Photographer:
In addition to donating Event Promotional Photos to the ASC, Keith Facchino will be photographing racers during the event. Individual's Race Photos will be available from Facchino Photography at a nominal fee.

Preview the ASC Snowshoe Challenge Course:
Initial Course Layout has been completed and Race Participants can Preview and Train on the Course from 8:30AM-4:30PM from WED/08FEB thru SUN/12FEB and from WED/15FEB thru THU/16FEB, and after 2:00PM on SAT/18FEB. Race Course Trail Maps that include all Single-Track sections are located at the reception desk. The Day Use Fee for Non-ASC Race Participants to use the Club Facilities on these days is $5-/day. Already, racers have been previewing and favorably commenting on the course: "I ran the course today. It's awesome. I had a lot of fun. So I registered for the race …" and "When I got home, I registered online with the USSSA …".

Holiday Weekend for the Entire Family:
The 3 (or 4) day weekend is ideal to introduce the entire family to the sport of snowshoeing. Across the highway from Boreal and ASC is the Castle Peak Area. This is one of the most easily accessed backcountry areas in the northern Sierra's and a favorite for snowshoers and back country skiers. Whether for training on FRI and AM/SAT or for a family trek & picnic, you can make the ASC Snowshoe Challenge part of a great winter weekend.

Appreciation of the ASC Staff &Volunteers:
Please don't forget to voice your appreciation to ASC Staff and Volunteers for hosting the ASC Snowshoe Challenge. This is an example of people helping people in its purest sense. Snowshoe Racing has not been a part of ASC's Winter Program and yet they willingly have shoehorned this snowshoe event at the last minute into their already congested schedule. Whether the perfectly maintained trails, the pleasant voice on the phone, the snowshoe race course maps on the wall, or the encouraging words from the person handing you a cup of water during the race, all of this has come about for one reason only, the folks at ASC are the very best!

Spring Buffalo Chips Newsletter

Susanne Tam Cook and Sara Heintz are looking for photos and stories for the Next Buffalo Chips Newsletter. So, send in your stories and photos by March 15th if you want them included in the Spring Issue.