Mizuno Athlete, Amanda Stevens, Places 18th At The World Ironman Championships

by Ron Wayne on October 15, 2012

First Woman Out of the Water Again

October 13, Kona, HI - Over 1,800 triathletes answered the starter's gun at the World Ironman Championships.   For the second year in a row, Mizuno Athlete, Amanda Stevens, placed 18th Woman in

the Pro Division and for the second year in a row Amanda was the first woman out of the water.   Amanda was the 9th USA finisher and her splits were 55:09 for the 2.4 mile swim, 5:27.07 for the 112 mile bike and her Wave Precision's carried her to a 3:24.50 marathon. NBC will telecast the Ironman on Saturday, October 27.   

Waving To The Crowd, Amanda is First Woman Out on The Bike Course

Amanda Wears the Wave Precision

"Chicked"

by Serena Burla on October 19, 2012

About a year and a half ago I was at a runner friend’s wedding reception grouped at the “runners and triathletes” table when I was introduced to a new term: chicked.  The conversation went something like this:

Guy: You were saying you run on the trail off Old State Road by the kids train station; when do you run there?

Me: Oh, usually Thursday mornings and on Tuesday afternoons.

Guy: Ok. Good. Now I know what times to avoid running there.

Me: Why? I love seeing people I know on the trails.

Guy: Well, I don’t want to get CHICKED.

Me: Chicked? What is chicked?

Guy: It’s when a guy gets passed by a girl when running. I have never been chicked and I want it to stay that way.  So I have to avoid running that trail when you might be out on a run. 

Me: Are you for real?

Guy: Yeah, I mean some men choose to turn around before the possibility of being chicked can occur if they see it coming. 

Me: Grin and laugh wickedly with pride thinking about the power of a female runner.

Until a few weeks ago I had forgotten about this term. I try to be polite or encouraging to others on the trails and quite honestly am inspired by other runner of all ages and abilities. There is something so powerful about seeing other runners out on the trails at the break of day bettering themselves.     But, running is running and I am a competitor, and a few weeks ago something strange happened that made me think back to this term.  I was passed by a guy.  It was my second run for the day and I was running along in my own little world listening to my body when BAM. Low and behold footsteps grew nearer at a quicker pace and passed me.  I think my initial response was a deer in the headlights look and a dropped jaw. Then there was a split second of bitterness and me giving his back the evil eye.  Naturally there was a fleeting moment of instinct and wanting to chase him down, but I was on a recovery run and I had to be mature and smart about my training.  After a few minutes I laughed at myself thinking back to that wedding reception conversation- “Chicked” I muttered under my breath, obviously humbled. This quickly led me to wonder, is there was a term for a girl getting passed by a guy. What would it be coined? Duded? Guy’d? Man’d? One of my guy friends had the guts to reply “normal” which led me to rethink our friendship.  I couldn’t find an answer to my question.

Not less than a week later I was on a group run with my training partners when another situation occurred.  We found ourselves running behind this guy during our second loop around a local lake trail and he was holding the gap. He wasn’t extending it, we weren’t closing it.  After about 5 minutes my teammate Yihunlish said what I’d been thinking. She pointed to the guy indicating the gap he’d maintained and exclaimed, “What is happening?” We burst out laughing.  This gap was as noteworthy as the reverse chicked days prior.  We picked it up a notch, but rather than flying by when we caught him we complimented him and encouraged him to join our pack and pick up the pace.  If he fell a step off we were shouting, “Come on. Get back up here. Finish the loop with us. You can do it. Stay right here with us.”  If he was going to throw off our idea of normalcy out on the trails we were going to make sure we challenged him too.  I am pretty sure he’d never been happier to see the parking lot when we parted, him to stop, us heading out for another loop.

Last weekend on a two hour fifteen minute run I was way out on the trail plugging away seeing fewer and fewer people. After a mile lapse of people I was rejuvenated to see a group of guys running up ahead.  As I offered my verbal warning of “On your left” to pass, I heard a quiet groan and then a plea of male pride, “Please don’t tell us you started under the Rosslyn Key Bridge too.” “Yes I did” I replied with an extra bit of cheer.  Then the group let out a loud defeated “Awe” in unison and I knew I had stamped them with my chicked print.  We exchanged pleasantries united in distance and the extra mile and I continued on, thinking, “It is far more fun to do the chicking, but I guess in running, the sexes are equally motivated by one another”.   I am so proud and thankful that I have the opportunity to be a female runner and that the guys on the trails have to have a term for us cruising by them on foot in running shoes rather than high heels.

In the meantime watch out guys or the old Hall and Oates song Maneater is going to get stuck in your head….

I know what she can do

She's deadly man, she could really rip your world apart

Mind over matter

Ooh, the beauty is there but a beast is in the heart

  (Oh-oh, here she comes)  Watch out boy she'll chew you up

  (Oh-oh, here she comes)  She's a maneater

  (Oh-oh, here she comes)  Watch out boy she'll chew you up

Golfwrx.com Members Praise Mizuno's 2-Day Custom Turnaround

by Iver Maple on October 17, 2012

A member of the Golfwrx.com community posted a comment in which he shared his story of how he ordered his set of new custom fit MP-59 irons and MP-T4 wedges on a Friday and they were in on the following Wednesday.  Shortly after, he bought a new set of MP-69s to mix in with his MP-59s. He explains that he ordered this second set on a Monday and they were in on that Thursday.

His question to other Golfwrx members: "Is it normal for Mizuno to be that fast?"  

Here are just a few of the responses:

"Got custom fit for my left handed MP-59's and ordered on a Friday...had them the following Thursday - best iron purchase ever for me..i was pleased with how quickly Mizuno got them to me."

"Yuuuuuup. Super fast.  I'll never touch another iron."

"I was surprised, My MP 64's only took five days after I ordered them , That says alot about  thecustomer service at Mizuno !!   Fantastic !!"

"I ordered JPX 800 Pros with PX steel and some basic loft/lie adjustments and custom grips. Ordered Monday and picked them up at the store on Friday - and the sales guy said they came in the evening before! I was pretty astonished. Same thing happened when my dad ordered his."

View post on Golfwrx.com

Through our unmatched Custom Department, we can build and ship your custom set of irons in just two-business days. In other words, if you get fit on a weekend, you will have your new irons by the following weekend. That's the fastest in the industry!  Visit any one of our 1,500 Performance Fitting System locations to receive the best custom fitting experience available.

Mary Davies takes wins at Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

by Barbara Mitchell on October 16, 2012

Thousands of runners took to the streets for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Sunday, making for thousands of stories.

Mary Davies, a New Zealander who lives in Ottawa, was the surprise winner of the women’s race with a big personal best time of 2:28:56. As a Mizuno Brand ambassador we were thrilled with her win! She trains with the Ottawa Athletic Club Racing Team, while being coached by New Zealand-based Ian Babe. In the June 30 edition of iRun: The Running Show, Davies told Mark Sutcliffe that she wanted to use the race to try to qualify to represent New Zealand at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow, and at the time said she needed to run under 2:32 to be in the running.  She accomplished this on Sunday! 

Mary set a course record at the 5 km Emilie’s Run in Ottawa in June and finished second at a half-marathon in Edmonton.  Davies hopes to run for New Zealand at next year’s world championship in Russia. She also has the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on her mind. Her husband was born in Brazil. Davies hopes to run for New Zealand at next year’s world championship in Russia. She also has the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on her mind. Her husband was born in Brazil. Davies hopes to run for New Zealand at next year’s world championship in Russia. She also has the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on her mind. Her husband was born in Brazil.  

Davies hopes to run for New Zealand at next year’s world championship in Russia. She also has the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on her mind. Her husband was born in Brazil. 

Renee Metivier Baillie Shocks The World (But Not Herself) at Chicago Marathon

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on October 15, 2012

Two nights before the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Renee Metivier Baillie and Austin Baillie, met some friends for dinner. The couple had just flown into Chicago that evening from their home in Bend, Oregon and Renee was absolutely bubbling with excitement that she was ready to nail what would be her first marathon.

Over a huge slab of beef, Metivier Baillie spoke openly of her goal on Sunday: She wanted to break Kara Goucher's American record of 2:25:23 for the fastest debut marathon.

A lofty goal for any elite runner, but possibly even more so for Metivier Baillie who had only run a handful of road races in the past two years. Toss in the fact that she had only decided to run Chicago in late August and Metivier Baillie's goal seemed especially bold. (To clarify, her name is pronounced Meh-tee-vee-ay Bailey.)

But, as Muhammad Ali once so prophetically said: It ain't bragging if you can do it.

To be sure, Metivier Baillie fell short of breaking Goucher's American record, but her time of 2:27:17 is still the fifth fastest first-time debut marathon by an American and was good enough for eighth place and top American in one of the most prestigious races in the world.

“I knew I was in really good marathon shape,” said Metivier Baillie, the newest member of Mizuno's racing team. “I tried not to be too overzealous before the race, but I also didn't want to sell myself short.”

No chance of that because if there is one attribute Metivier Baillie isn't lacking in it's confidence. But after a deeply disappointing Olympic Trials where she didn't qualify for the 5000-meter finals, Renee and Austin—her coach, training partner and masseur—decided to reboot. Instead of slogging her way back on the track, they decided to make a full commitment to the roads. Once the decision was made, Metivier Baillie quickly set road PRs of 10-K (32:31) and 20-K (1:07:08).

Two days before winning the national 20-K title in New Haven, Metivier Baillie did the unthinkable: She entered the Chicago Marathon. “I was terrified of the marathon,” said  Metivier Baillie who has short dyed platinum blonde hair and a huge tattoo on her right hip. “The marathon was just way too long for me and I was so intimidated by it. I had only run one half marathon {in 2010} and it was a bad experience. Eventually, I knew I'd run a marathon but I had heard so many horror stories about it.

“I can promise you my decision to run Chicago was not part of a long-term plan. But my foot couldn't handle the turns on the track since my foot surgery {on her right Achilles} and I just didn't want to go back to the track. I was healthy and decided to just focus on building strength, rather than speed. I started doing longer runs and found myself wanting to run longer and longer. I was really enjoying myself and starting to feel like my old self again. So I decided to run the New Haven 20-K and at the same time, decided to run Chicago.”

Certainly, training for Chicago necessitated a quick transition in her training. With only five solid weeks to go before Chicago, Austin jump started her track-oriented training from about 70 miles a week to 90 with one week topping out at 100. (Metivier Baillie takes every Monday off from running; instead, she aqua jogs.)

With Chicago just down the road, she couldn't afford a leisurely mileage buildup. Austin planned her progression carefully with ascending weekly mileage and ever increasing long runs, culminating with two key workouts. Three weeks before Chicago, the couple entered a local 10-K in Bend. Before the race, they did an easy 3-mile warmup and then ran 8-miles at her marathon goal pace. With just five minutes rest before the start of the 10-K, Metivier Baillie jumped right in and ran 32:48 (just 17 seconds slower than her PR). She ran right through the finish and added on another four miles for a 22-mile total—much of it at race pace.

Then, the following weekend, just two weeks before Chicago, Austin and Renee used the Rogue Half Marathon in Medford, Oregon as another marathon simulation run. The couple warmed up with five miles and then ran 1:12:58 together, adding on another three miles to give her 21 for the day.

“I still had a healthy apprehension about Chicago,” said Metivier Baillie who will be 31 on Christmas Day, “but I began to see that I could handle the distance. I believe in myself and this is something I have fought my entire career. Throughout my life, I have had people say that I'm not built right or talented enough or whatever. My husband has never doubted me, but I wanted to prove that some people—who were always talking me down—were wrong.”

As Chicago approached, Austin and Renee set an ambitious time goal of 2:25. But, says Renee, “I was told by a few people to lower my expectations. They told me I was shooting too high. Nobody but Austin knew what I was capable of running and to be honest, I really thought I'd run faster than 2:25.”

She nearly did.

On a cold, calm, overcast morning in Chicago, Metivier Baillie settled in comfortably in the middle of a pack of regional-class men and went through halfway in exactly the time she and Austin had planned: 1:13. Running relaxed and under control, everything was working according to plan except she kept missing her water bottles at the aid tables. Inexperienced at drinking on the run, her pack didn't slow down for water and she whiffed several times as she tried to pick up her bottles without losing stride

About 15 miles, her pack started to pick up the pace a bit (down to 5:28 per mile) and doubts began to creep in. “I was a little nervous I was going too hard,” she said. “It didn't feel too fast at that point, but I knew we still had a long way to go.”

Rolling along with her pack through 18 miles, Metivier Baillie didn't back off but began to get a little ahead of herself. “I began to see a 2:25 at the finish and got a little too excited when I should have been more patient. I still felt good though.”

But it was too early to start thinking about the finish and projecting a time because, as any seasoned marathoner knows, it isn't over 'til it's over. Metivier Baillie found out about that maxim at 22 miles when her calf muscles began to cramp, her stride shortened and she struggled up Michigan Avenue.

Her final 5-K split was 18:09 and Metivier Baillie lost, by her own admission, at least a minute. But by hanging in and finishing in 2:27:17—tying Amy Hastings for the fourth fastest time of the year by an American--Metivier Baillie immediately thrust herself into the conversation of the top echelon of US marathoners.

“Do I see myself as a marathoner now? Sure, I am a marathoner now,” says Metivier Baillie who took a two-week vacation in Kauai right after Chicago. “My whole focus has shifted away from the track. I really enjoyed Chicago and what excites me the most is I can see where I have room to improve. I made mistakes in Chicago and if I had trained for even a few more weeks, I could have run the final 10-K much better. So I know I can be better, much better next time.

“The minute I finished Chicago, Austin and I already began thinking about my next marathon in the spring. I'm not sure which one it will be {it might be London, Rotterdam or Boston} but I'm very excited about my future. Right now, I just want to keep the momentum going.”

Chicago Reflections

by Patrick Rizzo on October 11, 2012

Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.

Marathon training: Doing the same thing over and over EXPERIENCING different results!

Good or bad results, I find it absolutely valuable to hit the reset button after a focus race. In my current case, that was the Chicago Marathon, where I ran a 2:15:44 for 21^st place.

Outwardly, that might seem like an great marathon. After all, I've only run faster once...and that was also this year (my personal best came at the US Olympic Trials in January in Houston). To me, it was a missed goal. I was training to run in the 2:12 range or possibly faster if weather was on my side, which it was! There are only a few times in a runner's career when the prep work goes well and the weather comes in to help polish the finish.

Chicago was the day where the prep work and weather were on my side. The enemy? My legs? That seems unlikely and I really have no finite reason why all the training and a carefully planned taper don't always get to showcase themselves on race day. This was just one of “those days.”

Years of running have taught me that there are some times when training takes a huge jump forward but racing doesn't follow. I've trained for the 2:12 marathon; that's undeniable. I put in the marathon-specific work at that pace; I got in the volume; I strung together the weeks, healthy, leading into the marathon. I've just taken that leap before I'm ready for it to translate into my racing.

What do I have to do to get to parity where racing and training are equal? It just takes some time. There is no way to expedite time so there may even be another frustration or two along the way. I solemnly feel that my racing WILL find a happy medium with my training. This scenario has happened time and again. I'll be back, but for now I'm regrouping and focusing on getting back to my basics. Good luck to everyone with fall marathons still to come. Stay healthy and most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Washington Husky Softball Take on National Pro Fastpitch

by Corporate on October 11, 2012

Come see Washington Husky Softball take on NATIONAL PRO FASTPITCH (NPF) this Saturday on the Husky Softball Field! Mizuno Ambassador Jenn Salling will be playing and will participate in a autograph session. We will be there with the Mizuno tech van!

2013 Mizuno Pro-Am at Pebble Beach

by Iver Maple on October 11, 2012

Come join us at the 2013 Mizuno Pro-Am at Pebble Beach. Four incredible days of golf at Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay. Check out the details, we'd love to see you there!

Contact information at the end of the video.

USA Volleyball Opens New Headquarters

by Brynn Murphy on October 11, 2012

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 5, 2012) – USA Volleyball, the National Governing Body for volleyball and beach volleyball in the United States, held an open house celebration of its new headquarters building located at 4065 Sinton Road in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Oct. 5.

USA Volleyball Chief Executive Officer Doug Beal led a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony that included five of the past six USAV chief executive officers. Al Monaco (1973-1988), Cliff McPeak (1989-1990), Kerry Klostermann (1997-2002), Becky Howard (2002-2004) and Beal (2005 to present) held the ceremonial scissors for the ribbon cutting with current USAV Board of Directors Chairman Adam Rymer, while Kerry Klostermann, USAV CEO from 1997 to 2002 and current USAV secretary general, was present at the ceremony.

The Open House attracted USA Volleyball staff and board members, regional volleyball leaders from across the country, United States Olympic Committee leaders, other Colorado Springs-based National Governing Body executives, City of Colorado Springs representatives and community business leaders.

USA Volleyball, which has been located in Colorado Springs since 1978 and has expanded to a local staff of approximately 50 individuals with an approximate operating budget of $20 million, completed the building purchase on Dec. 9, 2011, and moved into the two-story facility on March 20, 2012. Since then, USA Volleyball has partnered with three other National Governing Bodies – USA Archery, USA Fencing and USA Table Tennis – in offering office space on the first floor of the building.

“USA Volleyball has been an active member within the Colorado Springs community for the last 35 years, and the purchase of this building continues our long-term commitment to the City of Colorado Springs and the Olympic presence in this town,” Beal said. “This building also represents a wonderful statement about the overall growth of our sport, our organization and our abilities to service our members and wide-ranging constituent populations.”

“The sport of volleyball is thriving in the United States, and under Doug Beal’s leadership, USA Volleyball has done something every business hopes to do; they outgrew their space,” USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said when USA Volleyball announced the property purchase last December. “This move is good for USA Volleyball and will no doubt ensure Doug and his team will continue to succeed.”

At the recent 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, USA Volleyball came away with the gold medal in women’s beach volleyball and silver medals in women’s beach volleyball, women’s indoor volleyball and women’s sitting volleyball. USA Volleyball has earned at least one Olympic medal since the 1984 Olympic Games and is the only country to earn at least one gold medal in beach volleyball since the inaugural event at the 1996 Olympic Games.

Read the Full Story

Chicago Marathon Media Day

by Ron Wayne on October 6, 2012

The Chicago Marathon is one of the 5 Major Marathons in the world and Mizuno Racing Team Athletes, Renee Metivier Baillie, Patrick Rizzo and Craig Leon were  3 of the 10 athletes that were featured at the Chicago Marathon Media day attended by over 100 sports writers and NBC, the network that is covering the race.  To kick off media day, Renee Metivier Baillie was one of 3 women runners who were featured on stage.  This was followed one on one round table interviews with Renee, Patrick and Craig.  In addition, NBC did a human interest segment with Renee that will be shown during the live TV coverage of the race.

Renee On Stage To Kick Off Media Day  

 Renee One On One Interview 

Renee With Larry Eder From The Runners Network    

Flotrack Interviews Renee 

Renee Being Interviewed By NBC

Craig Leon Interview By Flotrack 

Patrick   Rizzo Interviewed By Local Chicago Media

Media Day Smiles - Austin Baillie, Renee Baillie Patrick Rizzo and Craig Leon

Renee Metivire Baillie Debuts In 2:27.17 And Is Top American Finisher At The Chicago Marathon

by Ron Wayne on October 9, 2012

October 7, Chicago, IL   Running  2:27.17 in her debut marathon, newest Mizuno Racing Team member, Renee Metivier Baillie realized many great achievements.  Wearing the Wave Ronin, Renee finished in 8th place overall and was the top American finisher.  She ran  the 3rd fastest debut marathon ever by an American Woman. Through 30K (18.6 miles) she was on pace to run the fastest debut marathon by an American ahead of Shalane Flanagan's, in 2:25.38.  Renee is already looking forward to her next marathon!

Newest Mizuno Star, Renee Baillie, Being Escorted From The Chicago Marathon Finish Line

Mizuno Ambassadors Wichita State Volleyball Upsets #14 Oklahoma in 4 Sets

by Brynn Murphy on October 4, 2012

Courtesy:Wichita State

Release:10/03/2012

NORMAN, Okla. - Sam Sanders tied her career-high with 17 kills to lead the Shockers to a 3-1 win at Oklahoma.  Wichita State won by scores of 25-21, 25-21, 22-25 and 25-14.

Emily Adney added 11 kills and 10 digs, while Chelsey Feekin had eight kills, 42 assists and nine digs and Jackie Church had 25 digs.

OU took an early 8-5 lead in the first set, but the Shockers finally tied it at 13 on a kill by Elizabeth Field.  The first Shocker lead came at 15-14 on a kill by Ashley Andrade and the two teams traded points until the Shocks took a 20-17 lead on a service ace by Ashlyn Driskill.  A kill by Driskill gave the Shocks the 25-21 win.

The second set went back-and-forth until back-to-back kills by Driskill put WSU in front 13-10.  WSU increased the lead to 17-10 on a kill by Sam Sanders and the Shockers held on to win the set 25-21 on a kill by Andrade.

A kill by Adney gave WSU an 8-3 lead in the third set, but the Sooners responded with a 5-0 run to tie it at eight.  The teams traded points until OU grabbed a 17-14 lead after back-to-back kills. The Shockers used a 3-0 run to tie it at 19, but the Sooners won the set 25-22.

The Shockers took control of the fourth set with an 8-0 run to go up 13-4.  OU used a 4-0 run to pull within 19-12, but the Shockers scored the final four points to win 25-14.

The Shockers are next in action on Fri., Oct. 5 when they host Illinois State at 7 p.m. inside Charles Koch Arena.

Read the full article on goshockers.com

Chipper Jones' Surprise Retirement Gift from Mizuno

by Corporate on October 2, 2012

After his career-long affiliation to Mizuno and its products, Chipper Jones was honored by Mizuno with a gift unlike any other he has received during the variety of festivities associated with his retirement, after 19 seasons as a member of the Atlanta Braves. The one-of-a-kind, all electric, Stealth 4x4 UTV adorned with Jones' custom retirement logo was presented to Jones by Bob Puccini, President, Mizuno USA following batting practice at Turner Field.  The unique gift was associated with arguably the only pastime that rivals Jones’ love for baseball, and one that he will be heavily engaged in after his retirement - hunting.  

In an era when many athletes are swayed from one manufacturer to another based largely on compensation. Jones has focused on quality and performance, remaining loyal to Mizuno and unwilling to sacrifice the superior design and performance of its products. Thank you for being a long time ambassador Chipper!

The Planet Wave: When Do You Run?

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on September 30, 2012

I tend to have a very myopic view of the world. At least my little corner of it. And in my world, I divide people up into two categories: Morning and evening runners. You’re either one or the other.

One isn’t necessarily better than the other; we’re just different species of the same running animal. But when we run, tends to shape our running persona. It doesn’t change how we run or what we can accomplish, but there are subtle distinctions between the two subspecies.

Me? I’m a morning runner. Always have been, always will be. I grew up as a swimmer and even as a kid, early-morning workouts became as habitual as brushing my teeth. I got up; I swam. It was pitch black when I arrived at the pool and the water was always cold, but by the time the workout was finished, my muscles were so oxygenated that, after inhaling a huge breakfast, staying awake in school was a breeze. Just when the other kids were fading, I was still pumped.

When I transitioned from staring at a black line in the pool to running, I was already hard-wired to run first thing in the morning before anyone else was stirring. It just seemed so natural and quickly discovered this was my favorite time of the day. The air smelled and tasted so much fresher, cleaner and cooler and the only traffic I had to worry about were the paperboys on their morning rounds.

My early morning runs became as ingrained in me as breathing. And even at an early age there was simply no better way to start a day. That feeling lasted until college, skipped a few years and resumed soon after my children were born. I had a choice: Either run before they got up or forget about it.

I rarely forgot about it. By necessity, I had to run even earlier and soon found the earlier, the better. No alarm clock was necessary; my body’s rhythms told me when.

These days I have been known to get up as early as 4 a.m. to get a short run in before a long plane flight. Not to keep a streak going, but to keep my sanity going. Occasionally, I will miss a morning run and if I do, my entire equilibrium is thrown out of whack. Even if I get a chance to run later in the day, it never feels quite right and I struggle with even a few miles.

I make no bones about it: I’m a morning person. Starting before dawn affords me the glorious sight of the first streaking of the morning sky. Usually just when I finish, the sun is just starting to rise. It’s easily the most beautiful time of the day and I bask in it.

Obviously, not every runner is as nuts about morning runs as I am. For some, a morning run is an impossibility, due either to logistics, responsibilities or body rhythms. Others, consider a post work/school run a necessity and undoubtedly are just as passionate about that time of day as I am about the predawn. For them, the sunset is as special as the sunrise is for me.

Then, there are those who can’t even think about a run until even later. A long-time friend of mine—we’ll call him The Ghost--was a world-class runner in the ‘80s. Only problem was he couldn’t get moving until late, late afternoon, just when everyone else was finishing. He’d mope his way around for an hour and then, after Letterman, The Ghost would do his second, serious workout all by his lonesome.

Once we were at an international road race together in Indonesia and first place was worth $75,000. Only problem was the race started exceptionally early at 6 a.m. to avoid the heat. Not good for The Ghost who ordinarily would be halfway through his third dream at that time of morning.

But with so much money on the line, The Ghost came up with a stunning  solution: He would stay up all night--and then race.

I’ll be darned if it didn’t work as he took home the big paycheck and then picked up the tab at the poolside party before going to bed about noon. (BTW: The Ghost held the 10,000 road record for many years so he somehow made his bizarre training regimen/lifestyle work for him.)

Most of us aren’t quite as wacky as he was in our devotion to running, but to the rest of the world we probably are. I certainly am.

When it comes right down to it, whether you are a morning or evening runner (or that subspecies, known as lunchtime runners), doesn’t really matter. What truly matters is the simple act of movement, not the time of day.

Which type of runner are you: Morning or evening?

Returning To Racing

by Antonio Vega on October 2, 2012

I must admit: It feels great to finally be back training full time. This is what I do and what I love. The road bike that I bought to get me through my injuries when I couldn’t do much more than cross-train has been retired--hopefully for good. 

I’ve taken my training slowly and gradually but my workouts of late have been much better then I ever anticipated. In fact, my training has been going so well that I have decided to race the Twin Cities 10-Miler (October 7).  Originally, I had planned on just training through the fall with possible races sometime in the winter.  

But the TC 10-Miler is literally just around the corner and it’s a great opportunity to race in my backyard and get my racing mentality back. I feel good about it.

A couple of weeks ago I was at a high school cross-country meet and at the end of the meet, there was an “Old Timers Race”. Now I don’t necessarily feel old enough to be in a Old Timers, but it was a race nonetheless and I wasn’t even the youngest guy in it.

It was only a 2-miler, but it felt like a step back in time. As my old high school coaches happened to be at the meet, I was able to pick out their distinctive voices as I passed the one-mile mark. At one point, I remember thinking all this race needed was my dad running next to me with a camera yelling “Go-go-go,” and I would be right back in high school. 

Aside from those flashbacks, I was happy with the way I raced considering it was nothing more then a cross-country time trial. The best part though was it lit a mental spark in me to get back into racing mode.

With me, all I really need is to put on my racing flats and uniform and I’m ready to run hard again and push myself. It felt great to do so again.   

We’ll see what happens at the TC 10-Miler. My workouts with my teammates have been going well and I feel ready to have a great day at the TC 10 mile on my home turf.

Nebraska Huskers Softball Renew with Mizuno

by Corporate on October 2, 2012

We are thrilled to announce the Nebraska Huskers Softball team has renewed their contract with Mizuno for multiple years. They utilize our bats, bags, protective, helmets and custom fielders gloves. Glad to have you part of the Mizuno Family!

University of Washington Huskies Softball Renew with Mizuno

by Corporate on September 20, 2012

Mizuno is pleased to announce our partnership with University of Washington Huskies Softball program will continue. The Mizuno Ambassadors won the 2009 National Championship lead by there incredible head coach, Heather Tarr.

"I am pleased to announce that we our continuing our partnership with Mizuno. The University Of Washington Huskies softball program will continue to use Mizuno bats, protective gear, fielders gloves and bags. They helped bring us to the 2009 National Championship and we believe they will help bring us there again. The service and products provided by Mizuno are the standard of the industry. We are proud to be associated with Mizuno again for this multiple year contract". - Heather Tarr, Head Coach University of Washington - Softball

Run Momma Run Running Retreat: McKenzie Mtn. Track & Trail

by Corporate on September 25, 2012

RunMommaRun.com is currently taking registrations for their up coming Women's "Track & Trail" Running Retreat! A little track and a little trail, it's set in the gorgeous McKenzie River area of Oregon. It's a 2-day, 1 night cabin stay with fab food, wine tasting, Cathie Twomey Bellamy coaching on the track, ultra-runner guided trail run in the woods. All levels, total fun, brilliant runs! Oct 20-21, 2012. So who needs a getaway!? For more info and to register click here.

Meet Mizuno Master Craftsman Ko Kishimoto

by Corporate on September 24, 2012

Mizuno celebrates 100 years of glove craftsmanship. Meet one of Mizuno's Master Craftmans Ko Kishimoto on his visits to 2012 MLB spring training camps while works on Chicago Cub Adrian Cardenas' and San Francisco Giants Matt Cain's game gloves.

Mother-Runner-Strange Dinosaur

by Serena Burla on September 24, 2012

I am a mother runner.  Most days when I walk through my back door lugging my backpack, sweaty clothes, and typically two 16 pound bags of ice, in addition to my post workout body, I am greeted withthe most welcoming sound, a shrieking, “MOMMY.” It gives me a burst of energy similar to someone cheering foryou loudly by name in a big race.  After a quick analysis on his part of how sweaty I am or perhaps whether or not I will fall over, my son Boyd and I usually share a snuggle hug and start talking about the morning as I fill the tub for an ice bath and grab something to eat.  A week ago our morning chit chat was halted by Boyd wrinkling his nose and exclaiming, “Mom, you smell like a strange dinosaur.” High humidity coupled with a 70minute medium paced run on that particular day had made for a stinky me.  As a busy runner mom I had to stop and question whether or not I’d managed to swipe on some deodorant in the past 12 hours-yes, perhaps just not enough.  As I switched from tough runner to mom mode I searched for details about this strange dinosaur and its scent that we supposedly share.  I came to learn that a strange dinosaur smells like rotten candy.  When I asked Boyd to draw me a picture of it so I could have a visual he drew this...

It took my breath away, as it was one of the few pieces of art he has created thus far that’s had clear features.  This creation now proudly resides on the refrigerator as just one more reminder of how lucky I am to be a mother among my run-eat-sleep repeat schedule as a professional runner.  Yes, there are times during heavy training that I am not always on my “A” mommy game.  If you have ever bribed your child in order to get them to nap even though you are the one that needs it, you are not alone. Also, if you have a high energy child like mine who can run circles around you especially when your legs are throbbing after a long run here is a tip, find a great playground that is fenced and assign yourself a role that makes you be home base.  I have been the dispatcher and Boyd the firefighter this week.  In both running and motherhood I am committed to enjoying the journey while working/playing incredibly hard and loving what I do, even if I smell like a strange dinosaur in the process.

~Serena

Life in the Fast Lane

by Clara Grandt on September 24, 2012

Recently I’ve been diagnosed with my first injury since 2005.  I started having pain in the bottom of my foot and after it didn’t go away, I got an MRI which revealed a partial tear in my plantar fascia.  I’ve been fortunate to have had such a long stretch of time without an injury, but it’s still a hard thing to swallow when it does happen.  However, I knew the best thing was to accept that athletes don’t go through careers without injuries, and take it as a blessing in disguise and do everything I could to use this time to heal and come back better. 

So here I am actually staying quite busy working on things I may have been too tired for or just had gotten so into a routine that I didn’t allow time to make changes that could help me.  I’ve always worked hard when it came time to work because I love how hard work pays off and I love feeling the mind over matter phenomenon.  I like to push myself daily, but I’ve also neglected some of the things that would help that hard work to pay off.  Things like nutrition, stretching, running log data organizing, and near and far goal setting have been some of those things getting more attention. 

When I first realized I needed to heal and take time off from running, I let my body fully rest for a couple weeks while doing all the treatments I could think of.  Just recently, however, I have started to do a bit of cross training on top of this to make the transition back into running a little easier. 

 I have been able to satisfy that hunger for working and moving my body without the pounding, and that’s thanks to this wonderful machine called a Fast Lane.  I’ve started to get into the pool at the therapy and fitness center where I work to swim against the current that this machine creates.  It’s a lot like a treadmill for swimming, and includes a remote control to go faster or slower.  Naturally, I’ve gotten competitive with it and have been slightly increasing my speed over distance.  So, although swimming isn’t my first love, it is helping me exercise that same competitiveness and same desire to be better than I have been.  Therefore, during my time apart from running, I will be working on becoming better than I was the day before and living life in the Fast Lane.

~Clara

Mizuno Shoe Guy Answers Your Footwear Questions — September, 2012

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on September 24, 2012

Do you have a shoe-related question? Or a running shoe question, specific to Mizuno for the Mizuno Shoe Guy? If you have a question you’d like him to answer, send it to Shoeguy@Mizunousa.com. He'll pick five questions a month to answer and if he picks your question, we'll send you a beautiful Mizuno tech T-shirt.

Inspire Fan

Q: Hi Shoe Guy.I absolutely love my Wave Inspire 5. I will never run in any other shoe, but they are worn out and I need a new pair. Unfortunately, I can’t find them anywhere. What is the closest model you currently have to the Inspire 5? Pia Ahn, New York City

A: You’re right: The Wave Inspire 5 was a great shoe and I’m glad you did so well in it. But we haven’t made the Inspire 5 for nearly five years. Fortunately, the Wave Inspire 8 and the soon-to-be 9 are even better versions. What about them are better? The 8 (and 9 when it is released in November) are lighter, have better flexibility and fit than the 5 ever did. The support is approximately the same and so is the cushioning, but the ride and overall comfort of the 8 are improved. I doubt you’ll find the Inspire 5 anymore, but I’m pretty certain you will like the Inspire 8 (or 9) just as much—if not more.

Rider for Marathon Training

Q: I am training for my fourth marathon which I will run in Philadelphia in November. I’m 57 years old and running 40-50 miles a week and have been using the Asics Cumulus, but want to switch. My son ran in college and swears by your shoes. I am looking for a good, lightweight, cushioned Mizuno. Can you help with a good suggestion for me? Karen O’Connor, Poughkeepsie, New York

A: You bet I can. I think we have exactly the shoe you’re looking for: The Mizuno Wave Rider 15. It’s lighter than the Cumulus, has better cushioning and, in my opinion, a smoother ride. One of the great aspects to the Rider is its fit. It practically wraps around your foot with such a comfortable upper, you tend to forget you even have a shoe on. Good luck in Philly. It’s a terrific race.

Mizuno Control Shoe

Q: All my running friends say Mizuno shoes are the best. I have never worn a pair, but need a good support shoe to correct for my overpronation. Which Mizuno would you suggest? Diane Vanasse, Mountain View, California

A: I like what your running friends have to say about Mizuno!I couldn’t agreemore.Mizuno has three exceptional support shoes: the Wave Inspire, Wave Alchemy and Wave Nirvana. Of the three, the Inspire is the lightest but it’s only moderately supportive. The Alchemy and Nirvana are both extremely supportive shoes (more supportive than the Inspire) and recommended for severe overpronators. The differences between the Alchemy and Nirvana are the Nirvana has better full-length support, a more cushioned rearfoot and, in my opinion, the upper is more stream-lined and comfortable. I would suggest you try all three on and go with the one that fits and feels the best. My guess is it will be the Wave Nirvana.

Love Struck

Q: I emailed you a few months ago about getting another pair of Wave Creations and since I’ve been running in them, I am love struck. Not a day goes by that I don’t rave about them to another runner. Right now, I’m looking to add another pair of Mizuno trail shoes for my runs on state park trails in the middle of North Carolina. If possible, I’d also like to use this shoe for cross-training in the gym so it can’t be too heavy. Do you have a versatile trail shoe for me? Molly McKinley, Raleigh, North Carolina

A: I’m so glad the Wave Creation has worked out so well for you and appreciate all the comments you can send along to your fellow runners. That always helps. As for a good trail shoe, I would definitely suggest the Mizuno Wave Ascend. It has the comfort, cushioning and feel of a road shoe, yet has added outsole traction which grips the trail well. Although the Ascend isn’t designed specifically for cross training, it’s so comfortable and light that I often wear it to my gym for my bi-weekly strength training. Plus, the Ascend simply looks nice.

Returning Runner

Q: I am finally returning to running after being injured. Last year, I wore the Brooks Adrenaline ended up with a tear in my posterior tibial tendon. Even though I liked the Adrenaline, they wore out quickly and I feel like I need better support. I wear orthotics and heard they fit well in Mizunos. True? I don’t overpronate too badly so which shoe would you recommend for me? Ann White, Novi, Michigan

A: Yes, that’s true. Although orthotics tend to differ a great deal, they generally fit well in Mizuno shoes (once the insole has been removed) due to the snug heel counter. I’ve worn orthotics most of my adult running life and have never experienced any heel slippage in Mizuno shoes. Which shoe would work best for you? My best bet is the Wave Inspire. It’s similar to the Adrenaline in terms of support, but it’s lighter and more flexible. But, in my opinion, the Inspire has a better, smoother ride than the Adrenaline.

Stacy Lewis Does It Again!

by Iver Maple on September 24, 2012

Stacy Lewis carded carded a final-round 69 to edge defending champion Lexi Thompson by two shots and complete the “Alabama Slam” with victories this season at the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic and now this victory at the Navistar LPGA Classic in Prattville, Alabama. The win is significant for Lewis, who plays Mizuno JPX-800 Pro Irons and a JPX-800 driver, because it is her third victory of the year and she now has a 56 point lead in the Rolex Player of the Year race. If she does take home Player of the Year she will become the first American since Beth Daniel in 1994 to claim the honor.

“Winning never gets easier,” Lewis said. “I think it might have looked easy out there but it was hard.  Every shot was stressful, and I know on this golf course with one swing you can make a double pretty easy.

Lewis, who birdied four of her first five holes on Saturday, played the same stretch in even par on Sunday including a bogey at the par-3 second hole. She recovered with four birdies on the day to shoot 3-under-par 69, enough to hold off a final-round charge from Thompson, who began the day five shots back after leading the first 36 holes.

Lewis added, “I was definitely a lot more comfortable coming down the stretch knowing that I could hit the shots and knowing how to handle my nerves and knowing that I'm going to hit a drive probably 300 yards on the last hole, and just knowing how your body reacts to the pressure I think helps you a lot.”

With the win, Lewis regains the No. 2 spot on the Rolex Rankings from Na Yeon Choi and adds $195,000 to her already career-best season money total. She is currently second on the LPGA Official Money List to Inbee Park with $1,598,596.

Keep It Up Stacy!

Mizuno MLB Ambassadors Introduce the Mizuno Pro Limited Edition Glove

by Corporate on September 19, 2012

Mizuno Ambassador Jiyai Shin Wins her Second British Open Title

by Iver Maple on September 19, 2012

Mizuno’s smooth swinging Jiyai Shin cruised to her second Women's British Open title in five years at Hoylake.  Shin completed a great return to form using her JPX-800 Forged irons, MP driver and fairway woods and the MP-T11 wedges.

Playing 36 holes on the last day, Shin made light of the testing conditions as the only player to break par – by a full nine shots.  The win was Mizuno’s 2nd women’s major of recent seasons, following Stacy Lewis’s victory at the Kraft Nabisco Championship in 2011.

Shin began five clear after a stunning second-round 64 – the lowest score of the week by four – and won first prize with battling rounds of 71 and 73 in rounds 3 and 4. That gave the 24-year-old a nine-under total of 279.

After the biggest win since the event became a major in 2001, Shin said: "It was a long, long, very tough day and I just focused on each single shot. I thought my skill was not good for links, but finally I have great tempo in my swing and I think this course was made for me."

The Myths about Running Shoes: Separating Fact from Fiction

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on September 17, 2012

Buying a new pair of running shoes should be the simplest task in running. But it isn’t. There are so many options and with so much talk these days about gait analysis, minimalism, support and reduced weight, finding the perfect pair of shoes for you can be a bit dicey.

Also getting in the way of finding the best shoe for you are the inordinate number of myths about running shoes. Some of these had basis in fact 20-30 years ago, but today they are just that—myths—that somehow endure.

Separating shoe fact from fiction is always a challenge because there is so much misinformation that do nothing but confuse the runner who is simply looking for a good pair of running shoes.

Here are a few of the most common myths:

There is a best shoe for every runner.

Myth Buster:There isn’t. Perhaps, for you there is a best shoe and best brand which is reliable and you can always turn to (hopefully, it’s Mizuno), but there simply is no one running shoe which is the absolute, hands-down best and works for every runner. The reason there isn’t a single best is we all have different biomechanical and training needs, we’re made in different sizes and shapes and have a variety of foot shapes and types. The greatest running shoe on the planet won’t work for everyone and the worst running shoe will work for some runners. Don’t worry about what someone else says or recommends; get the best shoe for you.

All running shoes are basically the same.

Myth Buster: Not true. Certainly, different running shoe brands use different technologies but the most important difference among running shoes is the simplest: Fit. Different shoes and different brands fit differently. That’s why a shoe (or brand) your running partner swears by might not work for you because it may not fit you as well as your friend. Fit is absolutely the most critical factor in finding a great running shoe for you. The fit characteristics every runner should seek in every pair of shoes is a snug heel without any slippage, enough space for the ball of the foot and wiggle room for the toes. Comfort and fit are the two greatest factors in reducing risk of injury. Never compromise on fit.

The key to great running is finding the right shoe.

Myth Buster: Yes, I work for a running shoe company which makes great shoes but the key to great running isn’t the shoes. Shoes are a useful tool that we all need, but the key to great running is health and consistency. Another words, great running is being able to run on a daily basis. Shoes certainly help, but the best running shoe is one you never even notice.

I’ve heard the wet test (i.e., placing a wet foot on a dry surface) is the best way to determine my foot type and the type of shoe I should wear.

Myth Buster: You heard wrong. A tracing of your foot and/or the wet test is not an accurate predictor of your foot function. Only severe overpronators (with a full, flat arch) or extreme underpronators (with a high arch) have definitive foot shapes. For just about everyone else, the wet test is pretty useless. There’s no evidence or study that suggests your foot shape accurately indicates which type of shoe you should wear. In fact, three recent studies conducted by the military showed that assigning shoes or types of shoes based on the wet test (or footprint shape) had almost no influence on injury risk.

How about shoe wear? My shoes wear out first on the outside of the outsole which I know means I’m a supinator, right?

Myth Buster: Wrong. If you are a true supinator, the actual supination happens well after you land, not when you land. Wear on outside of the heel is the most common wear pattern for 75-80 percent of the running population. The simple explanation why most runners wear out their shoes here is because almost all runners land on their heels and strike the outside of the heel first. That’s precisely the spot on the outsole where the wear is most pronounced. But that’s all it means.

I know I need to buy a good shoe, but a $50 shoe is just as good as shoes costing $100 or more.

Myth Buster: No, they aren’t. Different models have different materials, technologies and fit differently. Running shoes are very different from each other. Yes, you can buy a $50 athletic shoe at a department store but chances are it is not specific designed for running. Even if it is, the sweet spot in running shoes (between $100-$125) offer the best shoes in terms of cushioning, support, fit and durability.

But I’m just a beginner. I don’t need all the fancy bells and whistles on the expensive shoes, do I?

Myth Buster: I don’t know about bells and whistles, but a beginning runner usually needs to buy the best shoe possible. Unfortunately, that is rarely the least expensive. A beginner usually needs the best cushioning and support that he/she can find. It’s far more important for a beginner to spend a little more and get the best shoe, as opposed to someone who’s been running several years and already knows what works best.

Cushioning is the most important factor for me. I’m a big runner and need as much cushioning as I can get. When I try a new pair on, I like that soft, cushy feel I get walking around in the store.

Myth Buster: Almost all conventional running shoes have adequate cushioning, but some shoes (and brands) have a softer level of cushioning than others. That doesn’t mean a shoe has more cushioning or even a greater amount of cushioning. It simply means it’s a softer grade of cushioning material (foam) which may feel great in the store. But walking around in a store is not a good way to test a shoe. Researchers have long ago concluded that a running shoe with softer cushioning (rather than firmer) increases impact forces. There’s no evidence that a softer cushioned shoe is better for you than a shoe with greater firmness. In addition, running shoes that are too soft bottom out on road surface, don’t support the foot well (the foot sinks into the midsole) and the cushioning wears out quicker.

It takes me two or three weeks to break in a new pair of shoes. It’s frustrating that it takes so long.

Myth Buster: I imagine it would be, but the reality is today’s modern running shoes are good to go right out of the box. The idea of taking a few weeks to break in a new pair of shoes is a carry over from the 1970s and 80s when many running shoes had a board in the rearfoot, were very stiff and necessitated several short break-in runs. It’s simply not necessary today. The only exception is before an important race (especially a marathon) a few shakedown runs are important.

I’m a woman who is tired of buying women’s shoes. It bothers me that women’s running shoes are technically inferior to men’s and just more colorful versions designed to pander to women.

Myth Buster: That simply is not true. It used to be true when women made up a fraction of the running population and women’s running shoes were a little narrower, but today’s women (who make up more than half of all runners) demand just as good a shoe as men. Women are more sensitive to fit than men and absolutely won’t settle for a running shoe that doesn’t fit properly. Mizuno uses different lasts and also uses different upper materials and cushioning for its women’s-specific shoes, resulting in great fit and comfort.

I like to rotate between two pair of the same model shoe. That way I can extend the life of the shoe.

Myth Buster: There’s certainly nothing wrong with using two different pair of training shoes, but it won’t extend the life of a shoe. Shoes have a limited life span of a certain number of miles (which differs for everyone) and rotating between two pairs won’t help the shoes last longer. Shoes don’t need a day or two of rest like you and I do. Generally, a running shoe’s midsole (the cushioning element) needs just a couple of hours of “rest” to rebound from the day’s run, rather than 24 or 48 hours to recover. Doing so, won’t hurt the shoe but it won’t extend its durability either.

Minimalist running shoes are the best way to improve running form.

Myth Buster: There isn’t anything magical about minimalist or zero drop shoes. Yes, minimal running shoes—i.e., shoes with minimal cushioning and lowered (or zero) heel heights—might help you change your stride, but it is usually more of a result of making a conscious decision to change your running form and foot strike while running in this type of shoe. While it is true that because of the low heel heights and overall lightness of minimal shoes, runners do tend to strike the ground lighter and closer to the midfoot or forefoot with each stride. But, there is still an adaptation period as the typical runner has to biomechanically retrain. The shoe won’t do that; the runner must. Even so, many runners in minimalist shoes, continue to heel strike, just as some runners in conventional training shoes, use a mid or forefoot strike.

Jennie Finch’s People.com Blog: Adding Pink to the Mix

by Jennie Finch on September 13, 2012

I think I’m officially showing – Courtesy Jennie Finch

This pregnancy is flying by! I’ve been keeping busy with my boys, and still traveling quite a bit for work, so that will pretty much make time fly. It’s all a blessing.

Ace is now a first grader. It’s official that summer has come and gone. We are back into bedtimes, packing lunches,and homework — along with counting down the days until the weekend constantly!

Having two boys this go around, I’ve noticed that this pregnancy has been a little harder on me physically. I have to remind myself why I am so tired at times — being a working mom just like so many out there, you have to just keep pressing onward. My doctor described it as “survival mode for the first trimester” and I often still feel this way even though I’m into the second trimester.

I can’t tell you how much I respect all the single parents out there doing it all solo. I am so blessed to have Casey and the teamwork it takes to make it all go. When I do get a minute to think about our precious little girl inside of me I am reminded of what a true miracle it is. Incredible.

Yes, I said girl! We are so excited about our little darling inside of me. We are so beyond grateful for our boys, but it will be fun to add some pink in the mix. People always said, “Don’t you want a girl?” My reply has always been my boys are more than I could’ve imagined, and I am thankful for whatever we get!

I’ve been getting a lot of, “Now you have your softball player!” Yes, I get to share my pink Mizuno equipment with her — it is a fierce pink. Having two older brothers myself, I know just how special it is to have them. It’s so fun to think that she will have two older brothers to teach her, look out for her, toughen her up, to hang with and to love her.

I am so grateful she will get that same experience I had being the baby girl. I blame and credit my brothers for my competitive fire within me. Growing up, I lost at everything! My brothers are quite a bit older — 10 years and 5 years — so it was a challenge but I have some of the most amazing memories with my big brothers.

Read the full post on People.com

Renewed Purpose

by Antonio Vega on September 12, 2012

About a month ago, I moved back to the Twin Cities from Des Moines to rejoin Team USA Minnesota. It’s great to be back and training in my hometown again. For the first time in many months, I can report that my training has been going well. I’m in surprisingly good shape and have a renewed sense of purpose with my running. My enthusiasm for training has returned and I find myself looking forward to every practice to see how hard I can push myself and what new goals I can accomplish. It’s a great feeling to have again.

The other big change in my life is I have taken a head cross-country coaching position at one of the local high schools. This is a new frontier for me as it is my first coaching opportunity and dealing with runners of every level and the responsibility that goes along with it is new to me.

Last week we had our first home meet of the season. One aspect of coaching which I never considered before was just how difficult and how much is involved in putting together a little cross-country meet.  The major challenge for me was constructing a 2-mile course in a park that was no bigger then a 1 ½ miles around. It took me several hours of walking around the park with a meter wheel and a can of spray paint to measure and complete the course. It might not have been the most scenic looking or the fastest cross-country course in the city, but it was done in time for my runners and the other team to compete. And doing so, definitely gave me a new level of appreciation for anyone that has ever organized a race.

What with my new coaching responsibilities and my improved level of training, my life has suddenly become busy again. I’ve felt so good that I’ve been training with Andrew Carlson who is getting ready to run the New York City Marathon.  Andrew and I were teammates at the University of Minnesota and running together has given us time to rehash the old days of college running.

Even though my fitness is returning, I don’t have any racing plans on the horizon. Right now, I am just looking to get back into racing shape. That will come soon enough and when I do, I can start thinking about racing again. I know patience is important, but I still look forward to the day when I can toe the line again.

I can’t wait for that day.

Antonio

Karch Kiraly Named U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team Head Coach

by US Women's National Team on September 11, 2012

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2012) – Karch Kiraly, a legendary volleyball player in the indoor and beach disciplines who turned to coaching as an assistant for the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team that earned the silver medal at the recent 2012 Olympic Games, has been named the program’s head coach for the next Olympic Games quadrennial culminating at the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Games, as announced by USA Volleyball Chief Executive Officer Doug Beal on Tuesday.

“I have revered representing the USA and wearing the Red, White and Blue ever since my first experience with the Junior National Team at 16 years old,” Kiraly said. “It is a tremendous honor to be asked to lead such a powerful volleyball program, and I am thrilled to be able to carry forward the effort expended by this hard-working and talented group of athletes – an effort led by my mentor and friend, previous (U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team) Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon, and his staff.”

“It is hard for me to define how excited I am that Karch has agreed to become our next U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team coach,” Beal said. “I have often heard him compared to Michael Jordan as a dominant performer and personality. It is extremely rare that someone who was so talented and successful on the court can successfully make the transition to that same level in the coaching world. Karch is unique and USA Volleyball is fortunate and lucky to have him to continue the leadership of our National Team program.”

Kiraly, 51, joined the coaching staff in 2009 under the direction of McCutcheon, who has assumed the head women’s volleyball coach position at the University of Minnesota.

“I could not be happier with USA Volleyball's decision to select Karch as the head coach of the USA Women's National Volleyball Team,” McCutcheon said of his successor. “He's a great man and a wonderful volleyball coach - this is a fantastic hire.”

Read the Full Story

Mizuno Racing Team Member Patrick Rizzo Joins the Cast of Mizuno Running Bloggers

by Patrick Rizzo on September 6, 2012

Some of you have probably noticed that I haven't written a blog in a while...okay, a LONG while! Well after much hassling from friends and family, I am back at the keyboard! What do I have to lose? I've already joined Twitter this month after saying I would never do that! (By the way, if you aren't already, follow me using @runPRizzo)

So much has happened since the last time I blogged. I've gotten a few new PRs to my name, I've worn my first USA jersey in the Pan-Am games, and I've joined up with a new training group, Hudson Training Systems. The past year has been quite a journey for me. But with this being the 15th anniversary of my running, I would rather use this blog to give some background on how I got into this wonderful sport.

I've heard so many stories about other athletes who say they've always dreamed of being the athlete they now are. My journey isn't nearly that romantic. My passion for running came more out of the biggest tragedy of my personal life and became one of the greatest saving graces I've found FOR my life since.

I first started running in junior high...if you'd call it running. I wouldn't now. It was more of a disciplinary thing for me. I was only running cross-country because it would keep me from jumping any more weight classes than I needed to each wrestling season. I began wrestling when I was in second grade at a whopping 35 pounds and fell in LOVE! It was Olympic wrestling that held my dreams. I wanted to be the next Dan Gable, John Smith, or Tom Brands.

Then on May 5, 1999, I woke up with really clogged ears. For the next two years, I couldn't hear much of anything, a couple pitches here and there, but no real sound. From the time I was 15 until I was 17, I was totally deaf, an allergic reaction to metal poisoning from my braces.

I was crushed. I was just coming off of a 21-1 wrestling season and now I couldn't stand straight up without feeling like the room was tilting. My equilibrium was destroyed, bringing my wrestling future with it. 

The next year, I discovered a new channel for my anger...RUNNING! My coach convinced me (rather forcefully) to try winter running, a foreign concept to me at the time. Running in the off-season before this was more like punishment than training. And to do so in the winter in the Midwest? No thanks!

I looked up to my high school coach though and trusted his direction for me to do winter running. We had the best group of really committed jackasses that could be assembled. We were all committed enough to go out in the Illinois winter, facing homicidal drivers, brutal elements, terrible footing, and sacrificing precious N64 time. Jackasses because we would have daily snowball fights, puddle wars, ice slide competitions, or other horsing around that more serious guys probably wouldn't risk doing.

That track season, I ran almost a minute best over 2 miles and ran 9:44 indoors. Then came the second phase of metal allergy, joint swellings. I woke up one morning and my hip was so swollen I couldn't walk. I couldn't even get pants on! We went to the doctor for x-rays and blood work. My inflammation levels resembled rheumatoid arthritis. Worse yet, now I couldn't even run. 

Four days later, it was like nothing ever happened. I was back to running, was back to pain free, no swelling, no problems! This went on for the remainder of my two years with braces as well. It would be college before I trained a full month without issues of inflammation in my hip, knuckles, or shoulders at seemingly random intervals. I'd been tested for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, lymes disease, and treated with chemotherapy to try to recover and remiss whatever was attacking my body. Nothing helped.

During those tough years, I went on to develop a great support system through the runners on my team. They gave me a healthy amount of crap, (hey, I couldn't hear it anyway) but I have a thick enough skin to roll with it. I didn't need to be able to hear anything to be good at running. And balance...well I really don't have any abrupt changes in direction when running. The only thing that got a bit frustrating for my coach and I was when we did fartleks on the whistle interval. Even 13 years later, I STILL can't hear a whistle.

My senior year of high school, finally my braces came off and as part of the process, I got my hearing back, though only in my right ear. The first couple years, I was really self-conscious about my new “disability.” I wouldn't tell people that I couldn't hear; and I WOULDN'T wear my hearing aid (full disclosure that I still hate wearing it and rarely do). 

Waking up deaf was probably the most mentally and emotionally difficult thing I have ever had to endure in my life. In the process though, I was drawn to this magnificent sport of running. Through running, I have now run on 4 continents; I have met countless people who have lent me their hearts, souls, and inspirations. Only through my athletic success have I become comfortable in my body, as it is each day, not as I wish it was or as it once was. I don't think of myself as “disabled” in any way (except missing pitches, such as fire alarms and whistles). I think of myself as having endured the worst life has thrown at me.

Running? That's a simple task that brings abundant joy to my life each day I get to experience it. It may not have been my first passion in sport, but it is what has brought so much passion into my life. In the last 15 years, I have gotten to meet Olympic wrestlers, runners, and coaches. Each has a unique story about how they got started in their sport. I may not be an Olympian, but this is how running became my passion for the greater part of the past 15 years. I owe a lot of thanks to my former sponsors for getting me started on a professional career and Mizuno for their continued support for the years since. Without that support, who knows where I'd be, but I wouldn't have the most positive influence on my life and character without you guys. Here's to another 15, 30, and lifetime of running!

By the way, thank you to Jim Ryun for being my inspiration as a fellow “deaf runner.” That is the kind of positive influence I can only aspire to be for even just one person in the course of my lifetime.