Strong Presence at Ravenswood

Team Polar showed a strong presence at the Ravenswood 5k on Sunday with five athletes participating in the event which benefitted local charities. Congratulations to all who ran, and particularly to Elisa Lee who finished fourth in her age group out of 366 runners. Here are the Team's results: John Pearman - 19:31; Elisa Lee - 20:04; Kimber Oliver - 21:41; Kimberly Goodell - 22:51; Kathleen Zubroski - 25:52

Kids' Triathlon - Time to Give Back

Bob has come up with a great idea for us to give back to our triathlon community. On Sunday, May 27, @ 7:00am Multisport Madness will be hosting its annual Kids' Triathlon at Delnor Health & Wellness (the same location as our first team meeting). Kids ranging in age from 7 to 16 will compete in varying length events depending on their age. We'd really like to have a strong Polar showing at this event. If you can attend, please let me know no later than Friday, May 11. Afterward, we're going to hold a team training ride or run and then likely grab a post-workout meal. For more information, check out the race website at http://www.juniorelitetri.com/KidsTri.htm. I hope everyone will be able to attend.

Endure It! Wetsuit Demo Night

Endure It! will be hosting a wetsuit demo night on Thursday, April 26 from 7:30 - 9:30pm. The following details are posted on the store's website: "Taking place at Naperville North High School, come try on and try out our wetsuits in their pool. We will have our Quintana Roo Rep on hand with Superfull, Ultrafull, and Ultrajohn suits and ready to answer any questions you may have about QR. Orca Apex 2, Orca Apex, and Orca Evo will also be available for your fitting enjoyment. Try them on, jump in, swim, and well, if you want to buy it, we can do that too." For more information, contact the store directly at (877) ENDURIT (363-8748).

Second Annual Polar-Aquaphor Chicago Marathon Pre-Race Dinner

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, October 6, 2007 at 4:00pm Team Polar and Team Aquaphor will hold their Second Annual Chicago Marathon Pre-Race Dinner at Italian Village. Just like last year, all team members and their guests are invited to the festivities, regardless of whether you're running the race. If you plan to attend, please email me the number of people in your group so I can update our reservation at the restaurant (tentative numbers are fine as I know this is still six months away).

Bowers Completes First Half Iron Distance of the Season

On April 1, Tony completed his first half iron distance triathlon of the season at the Lonestar Triathlon in Houston, Texas. Despite brutal 30 m.p.h. headwinds, he completed the race in 6:16. Congratulations Tony on a great result.

LEAVE YOUR iPOD AT HOME

USATF recently adopted a new rule banning the use of headphones and other music devices at all USATF-sanctioned running events. USATF, the governing body for long-distance running and track & field inthe United States, adopted the rule (#144.3b) in an effort to increase runner safety. Previously, USATF guidelines recommended the prohibition of music devices for long-distance running events, but such a measure had not been mandatory until this year. The new rule provides: "The visible possession or use by athletes of video or audio cassette recorders or players, TVs, CD or DVD players, radio transmitters or receivers, mobile phones, computers, or any similar devices in the competition area shall not be permitted." http://www.usatf.org/about/rules/2007/2007USATFRules_Article4.pdf. Race officials are expected to start enforcing this mandatory rule immediately as non-enforcement could invalidate insurance for the events. Put simply, leave your iPods at home.

Fleet Feet - North Avenue Retail Clinic

We had another successful retail clinic at Fleet Feet North Avenue. Kathleen, Eric, and I handed out no less than 10 units to athletes attending the store's Monday night fun run. Overall, there were at least 75 people in the store during our clinic, and a number of them purchased Polar monitors after speaking to us. In fact, one woman entered the store intending to purchase a Timex unit and stopped to speak with us on her way to the counter. After explaining the features of the RS200sd to her, she changed her mind and purchased the Polar unit instead. A number of other runners who came late and weren't able to test the units on Monday indicated they planned to attend the Kozy clinic for the opportunity to "test drive" the RS200sd. Finally, Eric's attendance at the clinic was a great improvement over last year's format. His expertise proved invaluable and was much appreciated not only by Kathleen and I, but the atheletes as well. Thanks Eric.

First Retail Clinic - Fleet Feet Pipers Ally

John, Kimber, Laura, and Eric had a great first retail clinic at Fleet Feet on Sunday. The clinic was held in conjunction with the store's Historic Run. While the stormy weather kept some people away, turnout was good all things considered. The Team demonstrated the product and the store sold about 6 units. Congratulations to all four of you on a great clinic.