LeMay qualifies for Olympic Trials, the fight at Fukuoka, USATF convention, steroidal toothpaste, acupuncture.
Joe LeMay watched the 1996 Atlanta Olympic 10,000m from his living room in Connecticut, because he lacked an Olympic qualifier. Sunday in Sacramento, LeMay won the California International Marathon in 2:13:55, becoming only the second U.S. athlete to reach the Olympic "A" qualifier for the marathon. (The first was David Morris, who ran 2:09:32 in Chicago.) LeMay wasn't the only one improving his selection chances; the women's winner, Nicky Carroll, underlined her position as Australia's best medal hope in the marathon, running 2:29:21 for a course record.
- LeMay's 2:13 leads American sweep at Cal. International < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/1999/December/991207.html >
Making a slightly larger splash on the world stage was the duel at the Fukuoka Marathon in Japan. Fukuoka, an invitation-only men's marathon which once was called "the unofficial world championships," was won by relative unknown Gezenge Abera of Ethiopia in 2:07:54, one second ahead of equally unheralded Mohamed Ouaadi of France.
- 2:07 battle at Fukuoka
< http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/1999/December/991206.html >Also this weekend, USATF held their annual convention in Los Angeles. RW correspondent Jim Ferstle was there.
- USATF convention off to strong start < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/1999/December/991202.html >
- More honors announced at convention < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/1999/December/991203.html >
- USATF strengthens masters competition rules < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/1999/December/991207.html#head2 >
- Convention ends on positive note < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/1999/December/991206.html#head3 >
Finally, a bizarre twist in the tale of Dieter Baumann, whose positive drug test we reported two weeks ago. Turns out German authorities found banned steroids in Baumann's toothpaste! "All the workers from the lab who brushed their teeth with it then tested positive," said a German official.
- Toothpaste tests positive! < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/1999/December/991203.html#shorts >
As you exercise, your muscles use up stored carbohydrates and become thirsty for a replenishing supply of sugar from the blood. It is the role of your liver to supply this sugar, but it, too, is running out of carbohydrates. This drying up of body carbohydrates brings on a feeling of light-headedness and weakness. Drinking a sports drink or eating a carbohydrate food will give your muscles and brains this crucial supply of carbohydrates to delay inevitable fatigue. -- from Liz Applegate’s Power Foods, page 66. You can buy this book at: http://rodalepress7.cam-colo.bbnplanet.com:8080/Unity/UrlView/7/10/40/2/4141 .
Acupuncture reduces pain: When researchers at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey measured the brain activity and pain sensitivity of 12 people before, during and after acupuncture treatments, they found that acupuncture decreased the brain's "pain messages" in more than half of the subjects.
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Listen up ladies! In the market for a marathon? Then you need to start training. Visit our Women's Forum and chat with others about marathon training and the secret behind that 10 percent rule. The forums link can be found at < http://proxicom.rodalestore.com:8080/servlet/AppServer?t=login/login_rw >.========= Interview =========
Elaine Van Blunk finished eighth at the 1996 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and qualified for the 2000 Trials at last month's Philadelphia Marathon. In 1994 she stepped up to the marathon, finishing fifth at Houston and third at Chicago, setting her personal best of 2:32:25. Runner’s World spoke with Van Blunk: < http://www.runnersworld.com/dailynew/archives/1999/December/991208.html#chat >.
Saturday, Citrus Sports Half-Marathon, Orlando, Florida. Run in conjunction with 5-K race. Within 20 minutes of all area attractions.
Saturday, Jingle Bell 5-K, Cincinnati, Ohio. Part of Ohio's Triple Crown series.
Saturday, WZYP Rocket City Marathon, Huntsville, Ala. Fast certified course, last good chance in 1999 for Olympic Trials and Boston marathon qualifying hopefuls. Web site: < http://www.huntsvilletrackclub.org >.
Sunday, Cancun Intenational Marathon, Mexico. Certified fast course on Mexico's historic Caribbean coast.
Sunday, Honolulu Marathon, Honolulu, Hawaii. One of the five biggest marathons in the world, with entrants expected to top 27,000.
Always assume motorists don’t see you as you’re about to cross their path -- especially if you’re approaching from their right as they’re making a right-hand turn. Proceed with caution, and make eye contact with drivers whenever you can. -- Bob Wischnia, RW deputy editor
It is the illusion that we can go no faster that holds us back. -- Kenny Moore, two-time Olympic marathoner and writer