Runner's World Extr@

for Friday, March 10, 2000

==== In this issue ====

A fast-footed Fiz, rough and rainy weather rocks L.A. marathon, Browne and Drossin grab Gate River titles, promising pain relievers for plantar fasciitis, answers for aggravating allergies and the fanciful Suzy Favor-Hamilton  

==== News ====

Spanish marathoner Martin Fiz must love Japan. On Sunday, March 5, he won the Lake Biwa International Marathon in Otsu in 2:08:14. Not only was this Fiz's fifth sub-2:09 marathon -- making him one of only four men to run that many -- all but one of those five were run in Japan. Lake Biwa also created yet another headache for the JAAF, who must choose between four excellent marathoners for three Olympic team spots. 

• Fiz wins third Lake Biwa marathon < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/2000/March/000307.html > 

Who said it's always sunny in California? Not L.A. Marathon winner Benson Mutisya Mbithi who quipped, "The course was very good, the weather was very bad." Still, Mbithi managed to win by nearly five minutes. Women's winner Jane Salumae, a former swimmer perfectly at home in the water, ran from the front to win by 1:41. We like to think her win had something to do with the subscription to Runner's World (to be airmailed to her native Estonia), which she bought at the expo before the race. 

• Tough weather slows times at L.A. Marathon < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/2000/March/000306.html  > 

Elsewhere on the roads, many of the men preparing for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials met in Jacksonville, Florida for the Gate River Run 15-K. The race was won by a non-marathoner, track star Dan Browne, while cross-country champion Deena Drossin took the women's race. 

• Browne, Drossin win U.S. 15-K championships < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/2000/March/000306.html >  

======= Training Tip ======

Frank Shorter points out that races typically take place in surges - hard efforts alternating with bouts of recovery. The winners aren't necessarily the fastest runners, says Shorter; they're the ones who can recover from the surges the fastest. - from Amby Burfoot's Complete Book of Running, page 184. You can buy this book at:  http://rodalepress7.cam-colo.bbnplanet.com:8080/Unity/UrlView/7/10/53/2/4141   

======== Health and Fitness ========

On the horizon: An experimental and promising treatment for plantar fasciitis called shock wave therapy is gaining momentum. In early clinical trials, the method reduced pain in nearly 85 percent of patients. Currently available in Canada, shock wave therapy must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration before being widely available in the United States. 

Beware of your allergy medication: If you use over-the-counter allergy medications, don't get behind the wheel of your car. A recent study from the University of Iowa found that people who took Benadryl had poorer driving performance than when they were legally drunk. The prescription medications Allegra and Claritin, however, should not impair driving performance.  

======== In our forums ========

Listen up ladies! In the market for a spring marathon? Then you need to start training. Visit our Women's Forum and chat with other strong women about marathon strategies, training with friends, speedwork and the secrets behind lacing your shoes. < http://proxicom.rodalestore.com:8080/servlet/AppServer?t=login/login_rw >.  

======== Interview ========

In the winter of 1999, Suzy Favor-Hamilton ran 1:58.92 for 800 meters, tying Mary Slaney's U.S. indoor record of 1:58.9 and also won the mile at the USATF Indoor Championships. She's grabbed three USATF outdoor 1500 titles, was an eight-time NCAA champion at the University of Wisconsin, and was a '92 and '96 Olympian in the 1500 and 800 respectively. RW spoke with Favor-Hamilton: < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/2000/March/000306.html#chat >  

====== Coming this weekend =======\

Saturday, Bayou City Classic 10-K: The Houston Area Road Runners Association sponsor this popular race. Web site: < http://www.harra.org >. 

Saturday, Brooklyn Half-Marathon: There are half-marathons in every borough of New York City and this one kicks off the year 2000 series. Web site: < http://www.nyrrc.org >. 

Saturday, Unicorn 5-K Classic. This Largo, Florida race is also the RRCA Florida 5-K state championship. Web site: < http://www.runwestflorida.com >. 

Sunday, B&A Trail Marathon: Scenic off road run in Severna Park, Maryland. Web site: < http://www.annapolisstriders.org >. 

Sunday, San Jose Mercury News 10-K. One of the San Francisco Bay Area's oldest runs through the mission city.

======= Editor's Advice =======

Remember that a speed workout isn't a competition. Your goal is to stay smooth and keep your times even, not to beat the other guy to the line. - Parker Morse , RW online associate editor  

====== Words to think about ======

====== Television Schedule  ======