Projo Running Blog

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August 12, 2008

• 3:52 PM Fred capobianco on USATF previews Olympic men's distance and race walk events

  WHEN CAN MENS AND WOMENS RACE WALKING OLYMPIC EVENTS BE VIEWED?

  
  

  July 18, 2008

• 4:14 PM John LaRiviere on Your Turn: What's your take on inaugural Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island?

  The success of any event starts with the volunteers who come out to support the athletes and spectators alike. The volunteers for this event were fantastic and I have to say that made all the difference. THANKS!!! Along with the public safety personnel the staffing made the course very safe. The race ranks up there as one of the best I have competed in and was appropriately challenging. The bike was perfect except the last 6 miles so either the course needs a change or we invest and get the roads shored up for next year. The run was very challenging but appropriately so. Remember the other first rate Triathlons in the state (Firm-Man, Barrington and Wild Dog) and give them due coverage as they are great events too. Can't wait for next year.

  
  

  July 18, 2008

• 2:48 PM Nicole Couto on Your Turn: What's your take on inaugural Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island?

  For me, this was by far one of the most rewarding athletic experiences of my life. My husband and decided to take on this challenge to celebrate our 10 year Wedding Anniversary. Having it here in our home state was simply too much to turn down. I was so proud to be a Rhode Islander on Sunday. The volunteers, fan support, police efforts did not go unnoticed. From the little kids on the bike route to the guy on the east side spraying us with his hose....it was ALL appreciated. I heard so many comments from other athletes about how beautiful our state is. In fact, I read some of the pro's blogs this week and there were so many positive remarks about the people and beauty of our state. Eident Sports marketing for their efforts did a fantastic job as well. I don't have much to compare this event to as it was my first long-course event. But to those who had long waits on Saturday - try to check in the day before. I heard only about 300 people did and it took all of about 10 minutes. Further, if anyone has ever considered (or now is considering) participating in an event like this, I would urge you to embark on the journey. I was a non athlete with no background sport when I started. Although it seemed unattainable in the beginning each and every day there was a small amounts of progress (swimming one lap then stopping, then being able to swim two etc.). I certainly did not break any speed records, but I had the time of my life the entire day. Thanks to all who came out to support me and all of the athletes...it really did make all the difference. Happy Anniversary Honey - WE DID IT!

  
  

  July 17, 2008

• 2:33 PM Mark on Your Turn: What's your take on inaugural Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island?

  I thought the event was fantastic. I agree the Saturday registration was dissapointing, I waited over 90 minutes in line. That was my only complaint. The course was fun, though challenging, everything was very well marked, and I could not believe the police presence, I felt very safe. I cannot say enough about the volunteers, it seemed like the whole state showed up, they were enthusiastic, plentiful, and good at every task they were assigned. Having split and clean transitions was something new for me, and it wasn't bad, it was just different. They did a great job getting our wetsuit bags to the finish line, and I didn't wait at all to get that bag. If anyone knows anything about the double amputee I saw competing I would appreciate a post here. He was amazing, way to go man, you really awed me. I grew up in RI and flew in for this event, I will come back next year if they have it! - Mark

  
  

  July 16, 2008

• 6:47 PM bob lamothe on Your Turn: What's your take on inaugural Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island?

  First let me say thank you for all the volunteers out on the course, because of them I felt safe and assured of a good race. I have been competing for the past 26 years and this race ranks up there with being challenging and fair. It help that most of the course was my training route. Only two suggestions I have would have sent the run out on North Main and avoid those nasty hills, and place your water bottle exchanges on the bike on an up-hill to make it easy for volunteer hand offs. Hopefully you will give the same coverage to other tri's in RI (Barrington, Wild Dog, Firm-Man) as this one.

  
  

  July 16, 2008

• 11:59 AM Patrick Jones on Your Turn: What's your take on inaugural Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island?

  I am an avid traithlete from Chicago, and I thought the course was appropriately challenging. The point-to-point bike course was interesting and tough; the first half was flat and scenic, while the second half was hills and pain. The road covering the last five miles of the bike course was a little rough, however. The run cuorse was as hard as any race I have ever done, including the San Francisco Marathon, Escape from Alcatraz, and Ironman Coeur d'Alene. My lone criticism is that registration on Sat. was frustratingly long. Couple that with having to check your bike in on Sat. (why?), and the race killed two full days. A more efficient check in on Sat., coupled with allowing bike check in on Sun. morning, would have allowed me five hours on Sat. to do something in downtown Providence. Looking forward to doing it again next year.

  
  

  July 16, 2008

• 11:30 AM maria colella on Your Turn: What's your take on inaugural Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island?

  What a great experience for the volunteers from Cranston High School West's Cross Country Team and family members!! Thank you Ann & Bob for inviting Coach Lagesse to help out. The athletes were so appreciative.

  
  

  July 16, 2008

• 8:53 AM Mark on Your Turn: What's your take on inaugural Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island?

  It was a great first year effort and I especially want to thank all the wonderful volunteers! As far as improving the experience, the last 6 miles of the bike were awful - lots of rough pavement, very narrow shoulder and way too many turns. There has to be a better route into the city. I also believe the organizers need to boost the general community awareness about the route as I saw many a frustrated motorist stuck in traffic.

  
  

  July 15, 2008

• 4:42 PM Liliana M on More than 1,500 to compete at inaugural Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island

  I had a driver that was stuck in a small traffic line yell at me; "you guys are all f... a......" Not sure the city made what needed to be done. Aggressive driving, and also some athletes were just plain not careful. Spectators were awsome!!

  
  

  July 14, 2008

• 3:41 PM Jess on More than 1,500 to compete at inaugural Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island

  I'm really upset that the second place finisher was hit by a car. I posted that during the Providence Half Marathon I felt unsafe on some of the roadways. I would have thought that there would be even more safety precautions for the half Ironman. I'd like to see some follow up as to what is being done about aggressive drivers during RI Road races of all kinds.

  
  

  June 5, 2008

• 12:14 PM Lisa on 2007 CVS Caremark Downtown 5K raises $160,000; local grant recipients announced

  Why is this event ALWAYS the same weekend as the Walk for Autism? So many of us would participate, but the dates are always the same.

  
  

  May 18, 2008

• 8:30 PM Xavier Nogue on Your turn: How did you think the Cox Providence Rhode Races went?

  Great race. Very well organized. I enjoyed every single mile; from 1 to 26. I broke my personal record. A lot of supporters around the entire race. Thanks to the organization for a great time and for the people of Providence for their support.

  
  

  May 7, 2008

• 1:24 PM Mary Ellen on Your turn: How did you think the Cox Providence Rhode Races went?

  I ran the Half Marathon and found everything to be fantastic. Being my first half marathon I really didn't know what to expect. Sure they ran out of water on Pitman Street but hey that happens. There was plenty at the next stop. I thought the volunteers were fabulous, traffic control by all the local police departments outstanding, mile markers clear, though after mile 10 or 11 it was hard to know where I was. I do think environmentally, paper cups would be better. Also don't hand off the entire bottle of water/gatorade. So wasteful. I was handed an 8 oz bottle of water only to be thrown away on Blackstone Blvd due to no cap was attached. I do think that next year maybe the 5K could be done at a later time. My husband ran the 5K then really didn't have much to do until I finished. I thought the band was great after the race however, honestly, we didn't hang around long due to I really had to get out of my wet clothes ASAP. I will most certainly be back next year when it will bigger and better than ever. Sincere thanks for an unforgettable experience.

  
  

  May 6, 2008

• 3:32 PM Lauren on Your turn: How did you think the Cox Providence Rhode Races went?

  I ran the half and really enjoyed the race. So many spectators on the course - it was great! The volunteers were excellent! Coming into the finish area was so exhilerating - so much crowd support. One spectator said they wished there had been an announcer at the finish area so that you knew who was coming in and could cheer them on. Overall experience was excellent! Great effort for such a huge event!

  
  

  May 6, 2008

• 12:53 PM Julie on Your turn: How did you think the Cox Providence Rhode Races went?

  Great race! RI people are awesome! I flew up from FL to run - well and to see some friends and family. My family got to see me at 4 different spots along the route. This is the first really small marathon I've done and it was great. I thought I would be running alone at my pace but there were really nice runners all around. I knew people would complain about the buildings. It's really not the fault of the directors. It was nice that we could use the buildings for a bit and use real bathrooms. We were only kicked out less than a half hour before the race. That gives you some time to warm up. The hills were pretty intense for a FL girl, but isn't a marathon supposed to be challenging? Yes - I agree that hill at mile 20 was INSANE!!! Awesome job guys!!!! I hope more people run it next year and keep this going.

  
  

  May 6, 2008

• 12:00 PM Irene on Your turn: How did you think the Cox Providence Rhode Races went?

  The race was fun and the volunteers were great. However, I think the Johnson and Wales sponsors ruined the overall experience. I don't understand why the runners were treated so poorly by these "sponsors". To put it nicely, the INCREDIBLY RUDE security guards kicked everyone out of the building about 45 minutes before the race started. I don't understand why we were kicked out of the building to stand around in the cold and rainy weather. It is really unfortunate, because other than that, I'd say it was a great race.

  
  

  May 6, 2008

• 10:11 AM Matt on Your turn: How did you think the Cox Providence Rhode Races went?

  It was my first 5K and I thought it was organized very well, considering it ws the inaugural year, and the downpour that ensued. The course was well laid out (even though the map they handed out before the race differed from the actual course near the end of the 5K), but my only real complaint was the lack of mile markers along the route. I know it's only 3.1 miles, but for novice runners (like myself), it would have helped to know how far along we were and how far we still ahd to go, which may have made for better times overall. otherwise, a great day and I look forward to next year's.

  
  

  May 6, 2008

• 9:06 AM Tom - Lincoln on Your turn: How did you think the Cox Providence Rhode Races went?

  It's great to have a half marathon in your backyard. I wanted to run the marathon, but an injury screwed up my training routine. Great volunteers - thanks so much for donating your valuable time. I didn't have the water stop issues, but I was in the first 10% of the half. I'd definitely come back, but here's a few observations: Water Stops - Plastic cups are terrible. You can't crimp and carry, and you lose a lot between the movement and the drinking. Paper cups are much better and probably cheaper. Mile Markers - Mile 10 was short and mile 11 was long. Elevation - Pre-race information had a max elevation of about 150 feet, and my garmin had 426 feet. Kind of a big difference. There was a major elevation climb during mile 6 and also 9 that matched the pre-race information, but the elevations were way off. Start Line Etiquette - Consider putting up pace markers. People who are running 9:30s/10s per mile should not be right at the start line. If you put poles up that have 6 min/mi, 7 min/mi, etc signs on them every 25 or 50 feet, this lets people know where they should be at the start line. The Boston Half in October does this and it works well. Harborside Blvd is uphill and way too congested with people who should not have been in the front 20% to begin with. Given that I ran a half marathon in Buffalo last year, I dig the local nature of the race, and I'm sure it will be even better next year. The rain was not a problem, it was light and quick in the beginning of the run. Newsflash - whether it's raining or not on a run, you are getting wet. Think about it.

  
  

  May 6, 2008

• 12:37 AM Blaine Moore on Your turn: How did you think the Cox Providence Rhode Races went?

  I really enjoyed the race, and thought it went really well. There are definitely some areas where there can be improvements, but I really had very little to complain about. You can read my entire race report at: http://news.runtowin.com/2008/05/06/cox-marathon.html At nearly 6000 words, I figured that I probably shouldn't cut and paste the entire thing into here.

  
  

  May 5, 2008

• 6:09 PM Lisa on Your turn: How did you think the Cox Providence Rhode Races went?

  The event organizers were outstanding. Running in the rain can be a blessing for runners...working in the rain with a smile on ones face takes heart. Thank you Cox and Thank You Eident