Valley News

Wow! What an amazing weekend of great running weather we just had! I hope you guys got out there and logged some miles in those amazing temperatures, especially after that wicked summer we just endured. Can you say perfect?

Labor Pains:
I spent my Sunday at the Leiderkranz in Reading running on a relay team at the Labor Pain 12 Hour Ultra. In my two hour down time between laps I spectated and cheered the runners who ran between 50 kilometers and 70 miles in those same 12 hours. This was my very first appearance at an ultra event and let me just tell all of you who have never attended one of these events: you must join in the fun. Simply spectating at one of these trail races is a great time. The excitement on all of those faces, the endurance, the pain which people pushed through, and the accomplishment of going farther than they ever have … wow! Congratulations to everyone out there who ran and kudos to Ron Horn for putting on an outstanding race!

Labor Pain 12 Hour Ultra – September 5, 2010

Weekend Races:
The big race coming up here in the Lehigh Valley this weekend is the LVHN Marathon for VIA on Sunday, September 12th. Whether you are doing the 5k, half marathon, marathon relay or the full 26.2 miles, I wish you the best of luck and a perfectly cool day.

If you aren’t racing in this event there are some others in the area to choose from: Run with the Heroes 5k (Nazareth) and Heroes Run (Lehigh Parkway) both take place on Saturday. Of course, there is always that Doggie Dash I mentioned a few weeks ago in Nolde Forest, Reading which is a 2 mile trail race with your dog. When I ran this a few years ago I had so much fun.

There is another 5k taking place on Sunday in Kutztown in honor of 9/11 called A 5k to Remember. Beyond the Valley, you can choose from a slew of races including a couple of triathlons, a great half marathon in Harrisburg, a couple of ultras and the Sol Lipton Run Fest which is dubbed as one of the oldest foot races in eastern PA. The overall Male and Female winners will receive their choice of a Lane/Berkline Recliner or $250 Cash!

Check the race calendar for more information on this weekend’s races.

New Running Club:
Last week I mentioned a new running club that was meeting every other Wednesday evening for a fun run followed by socializing and libations at a nearby restaurant/drinking establishment. Sadly, the only person to make it was the organizer herself. Cara (the organizer) is not discouraged! The Lehigh Valley Beer Run Club will be meeting again next Wednesday, September 15th, at 7:00 pm outside of Aardvark Sports Shop in Bethlehem for a short run and then heading to Bethlehem Brew Works for some relaxation and fun. Join in the fun!

State of the Parks:
I love twitter. I found a link to this just this morning. This week’s Green Drinks at Allentown Brew Works will begin at 5:30 pm in the Silk Lounge, speakers will begin at 6:00 pm this Wednesday evening.

There is no greater resource in the city of Allentown than that of its fabled park system. Created with visionary ideas in the early part of the 20th century during the City Beautiful movement, expanded and redefined by the WPA under President Roosevelt and gradually maintained and expanded for nearly a century since; the parks of Allentown Pennsylvania are now at a crossroads.

With a new trail network, and a process of renovation park by park the city of Allentown is left with many questions regarding her parks future. Dr. David McGuire, Karen Tuerk and Andrew Kleiner, members of the Allentown EAC, will be examining the overall ecological state of these parks during a presentation and Q+A at the Allentown Brew Works on September 8th at Green Drinks.

Giveaway Contests:
There are two contests going on this week and I would encourage you to enter both. Two lucky winners will win a goody bag from Honey Stinger which includes gels, energy bars and chews. And one lucky winner will win a free race entry to the upcoming Hamilton Street Mile race. That’s three chances of winning.

Honey Stinger Contest
Hamilton Street Mile Contest