Callen Areba won the women's 42km race (run in a safari park) in 3:02.09 to retain her title for the third straight time. Lucia Mwinaki of Matunda led for much of the race before being overtaken in the last kilometre by Areba. Mwinaki finished second in 3:02.55 while Amy Cunningham finished a distant third in 4:07.15.

Robert Gachuiri of Matunda also set a new mark in the men's half marathon. He won in 1:07.38 to break the old record of 1:08.57 set jointly by Stephen Kiogora and Dominic Ndirangu in 2001. Kiplimo Kimutai finished a close second in 1:08.55 while David Wachira was fourth in 1:08.43.

Meanwhile in a swing of things - Three-time world 4-km cross-country champion, Edith Masai has been included in the Kenya team for the August Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, officials said yesterday. Masai, also the world 5000m bronze medallist, was included in the team yesterday after lengthy consultations with Athletics Kenya (AK) officials led by Isaiah Kiplagat.

Masai pulled out of the 5000m race during the Olympic Trials last weekend citing fatigue. She said she was tired and needed a break. She also maintained that she was not interested in the Olympics.

Every Kenyan gold medallist in Athens will be rewarded with Sh300,000, Sports Minister, Najib Balala announced yesterday. Silver medallists will gets Sh200,000 each while bronze medallists will get Sh150,000 each. Each Kenyan reaching the finals will be given Sh50,000.

The amounts, only $3.5k for a gold, are generous for a country that is currently chopping its squad for the All African Games Championships because it can not afford the air flights….
So have pity on the Kenyan Team - it will be sending a small squad to Athens, not through choice, but economics. Quite the opposite to the USA where a full quota is sent to events like the world half marathon, let alone the Olympics. I remember a cost cutting conversation that was held at Nyayo Stadium between the coaches when I was there for the World Half’s. The head coach said, “It needs three to make the team, let’s just send two and let (sports company) pay the ticket for (athlete) as they’ll want him in the race. That way one of us can go too.” So the allotted three tickets went to two athletes and a coach. The said company did indeed pick up the slack, and actually paid for the outfits too.

On the Bridle and R2 says, “that’s Julia Stiles running by.” Doncha mean Stamps? Nope, it was indeed Ms Stiles running up the East Drive. And on the Bridle we saw King Cre & Carole and Gracie the muttdog. Mike is luckily recovered from his broken leg, and Carole is getting ready for the Run hit wonder 10k next month, after they return from a trip to Cork, Ireland.

Meanwhile, life in the short lanes, gives more options, and French Ace, Christine Arron says, “I think doubling at the Olympics is possible, but my priority remains on the 100m. The 200m would be bonus, if I'm ready for it."

Paula Radcliffe's run was definitely hindered by the wind, as well as lapped runners not getting out of the way. The pacemaker packed in at 2k. Paula lapped everybody in the race. Bekele believe it or not almost looked ordinary, as if a 7'40 for 3000metres could be described as ordinary. Still stuffed the british runners though. He definitely struggled in the wind, once his Kenyan pacemakers dropped out. Pity the race wasn't more competitive. I was at Gateshead Stadium in 1974 when Brendan Foster set the stadium record.
Marion Jones also gave a very frank and informative interview, live on BBC Tv, after her long jump.
The Pole Vault world record holder broke her own outdoor record which she had set at Gateshead last year.
Regards George Harden“ Thanks George.

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future." -John F. Kennedy Frankfurt, 25 June 1963. And that is the quote that TGV is using to escape to the West Coast. I have known Marty ‘TGV’ Levine for nearly as long as I have been in New York.

The guy is a simply one friend I would hate to lose, so as he departs for the West Coast next month I am already planning my first visit over to San Diego to go visit him. I could tell you stories about him that would make him blush, and you be shocked (that people like him really do exist), instead I’ll tell you a story from a couple of years ago that is just a typical Marty tale, nothing half as nice as he has done in other cases. Marty ends up with four Bowie tickets. Anyway the night before I am at this party from dawn to dusk with these two really nice girls. So the whole night I am talking to these girls about everything and nothing, and then the music swings to a Bowie song, so an idea jumps and I innocuously ask, “Do you like Bowie?” (thinking ahead), unfortunately the girls both spit out, “Nooooo, hate the guy!!” Okay, reverse.

So the next night, instead of inviting these two girls along, I met Marty at the concert. So Marty looks at his tickets and there are about 20-million people asking us, “Can we buy your tickets?” type of thing… but now Marty walks up to the ticket booth, where a young man and woman are standing obviously with not a shilling to their name, and hands them the tickets and walks away. They think the guy is Jesus, me too if I was religious. Now one day I‘ll tell you about the stories of his kindness that will make him blush. Thus we also end with a quote, one I think about when I think of TGV, "Goodness is easier to recognize than to define." -W.H. Auden

Not surprisingly to see that no runners make the mark!

Women 5000m: Jane Wanjiku, Isabella Ochichi 10,000m: Alice Timbilil Lucy Wangui Marathon: Catherine Ndereba, Margaret Okayo, Alice Chelangat.
Team Manager: E.K. Njeru, Assistant: Alice Adala. Coaches: Dan Muchoki, Mike Kosgei, Joseph Chesire.
NB. *The third athlete in the 10,000m will be selected based on Charles Kamathi and Nicholas Kemboi performances in the Africa championships next month in Congo Brazzaville.
Olympics 1500m champion Noah Ngeny was eliminated in the semi-final stage

Smokin, as you may remember was an outstanding runner a few years ago who now cycles. Unfortunately he fell off on Thursday, and a broken collar bone and spa’ something later has left him sling bound for a few weeks. We watched a duel between Spaghetti (very race weary) and Kabiso K, with the ambulance winning. What happened was the lead ambulance was coming down the runners shute to the finish with EVERY one waving for them to pull aside, but no, they beelined for the roped in last 400m, so some extreme measures opened the barriers on the turn into the transverse, but Nope the ambulance ignored the opening, Turned left(!) and impeded Kabiso all the way to the finishing line - dur! Good job Spaghetti was not on his shoulder. Almetesay won the women’s race easily, and RLX’s Eastern connection filled the next spots in both divisions.

We then zipped down to the East Side track to put Kebin and Kwasi through a set of 400’s, which they did very well, before zipping back uptown for Breakfast at Tal Bagels with Smokin’ J. Nice chattin’ with him - and we are having the Fatties Challenge! The Fat Tuesday’s are back as Joggers… running at the Club Team Championships we have a bet to see who is the first fattie to cross the line - breakfast to be paid for by the last Fattie, and the first fattie gets free running shoes to start training again, with earnest. With Shiney overweight yet dreaming of starting again, Smokin with broken Bones, Titanium hobbling and unable to shake a leg… it’ll be a race in slo-mo.. August 21st!

Anyway the team race was won by the New York Flyers women, & the Front Runners NY men, strange as WTC had two runners in the top three places!! There was money on the line too! Way to go for the Flyers!

1500m: 1- Ramzi Rachid (BRN) 3:31.87 Area rec. WL 2- Elkaouche Adil (MAR) 3:33.02 3- Saidi Sief Ali (ALG) 3:36.33
W800m 1- Zulia Catalayud (CUB) 1.59.48 2-Benhassi Hasna (MAR) 1.59.87 3-Ait Hammou Seltana (MAR) 1.59.87 4-Touhami Nahida (alg) 2.00.61
5000m 1-Ait Salem Souad (ALG) 15.25.12 2-Mrisho Zakia (TAN) 16.00.46 3-Moussa Hind (SUD) 16.01.25

And the big men’s race failed to even break Big Bren’s 30-yr old stadium record - Bekele Kenenisa ETH 7:41.31 2 Bitok Paul KEN 7:50.54 3 Mottram Craig AUS 7:50.64 4 Keino Martin KEN 7:52.17 5 Dinkesa Abebe ETH 7:57.73 6 Carroll Mark IRL 8:06.05

Hopefully you all checked out the Brief Chat’s on Runner’s World yesterday (and up till noon today) on the Tanzanians John Yuda and Fabiano Joseph, brought to you by the Intrepid Reporter.

Going for it on Sunday, in the North of England.

And a little bit norther… The University of St. Andrews Founded in 1413 (Scotland's oldest university) said it was making Dylan, 63, an honorary Doctor of Music in recognition of his "outstanding contribution to musical and literary culture." "Many members of my generation can't separate a sense of our own identity from his music and lyrics," said professor of English Neil Corcoran in an awe-struck address. Dylan's fusion of folk, blues, country, rock and poetry, Corcoran said, "moved everything on to a place it never expected to go and left the deepest imprint on human consciousness." "His magnificent songs will last as long as song itself does," he added. Dylan has accepted only one previous honorary degree, from Princeton in 1970 - a commencement ceremony memorable in part because of a noisy invasion of cicadas.

And back to USA
CJ Hunter, ex-husband of triple Olympic champion Marion Jones, has met with US officials probing drugs in athletics. "He is cooperating with all relevant governmental and law enforcement entities," the shot putter's lawyer Angela L DeMent told Reuters. Former worlds champion Hunter tested positive for the steroid nandrolone just before the Sydney Olympics.
That was.. Well put.

“I was in such a bad mood the day after the Watford race that I went to a hotel bar, got drunk, fell asleep and then cycled the three miles home in the dark," admitted Yelling. "Ever since the race, I've been stop-starting my watch and thinking, 'is that all 14-hundredths is?' (Classic! Meet the San Antonio fans, and Mr. Derek Fisher of the Lakers)
"I was so cheesed-off at the time that my first thought was to walk away from the sport, but it's still my life." She was persuaded by friends to have at least one more attempt to make Team GB and the Gateshead meeting offers a final lifeline. "I decided to run Gateshead while I was biking," she said. "I thought 'everyone puts obstacles in my way. I'll show them!' Everyone will be rooting her on this Sunday, and Paula will be running for the WR up ahead too, so the stadium should be alive. Who else? Bekele in the 3000m - “Komen’s record is maybe too good. I can not pressure myself for this one..” We will see.

Loroupe said the foundation has also acquired 22 acres of land in West Pokot District to build an academy that will provide learning opportunities for children displaced or orphaned by conflict and HIV/Aids in the Greater Horn of Africa region. She also thanked the British commission for facilitating the participation of a warrior from West Pokot District in the just concluded London marathon. Good for her, great move!

These are the warriors who have Olympic Qualifying times in the heat, in the hills of the thin air, of the Great Rift -

800m: Wilfred Bungei, Joseph Mutua, Japheth Kimutai, Justus Koech, Nicholas wachira, Michael Rotich, William Yiampoyi, William Chichir, Vincent Kemboi, Kennedy Kimwetich, Henry Rotich, David Lelei, Alex Kipchichir, Antony Kibara and Bernard Lagat.

1500m: Bernard Lagat, Paul Korir, Cornelius Chirchir, Robert Rono, Alex Kipchichir, Isaac Songok, William Chirchir, Benjamin Kipkurui, Laban Rotich, Noah Ngeny, Timothy Kiptanui, David Kiplak, Job Tanui, Richard Ngeemi, Paul Mwangi, Eliud Kipchoge, Mike Too.

5000m: Sammy Kipketer, Kipchoge, Abraham Chebii, James Kwalia, John Kibowen, Richard Limo, Nicholas Kemboi, Luke Kipkosgei, Moses Mosop, Shadrack Kosgei, Solomon Busiendich, Paul Bitok, Benjamin Maiyo, Pius Muli, Joseph Kosgei, Charles Kamathi, Mark Bett, David Kilel, Shadrack Korir, Francis Kiprop, Moses Kigen, Robert Kipngetich, Augustine Choge, Enock Mitei, Benjamin Limo, Hillary Chenonge, Bonface Songok and Bernard Chepkok.

3000m s/chase: Paul Kipsiele Koech, Ezekiel Kemboi, Kipkurui Misoi, Julius Nyamu, Boit Kipketer, Abraham Cherono, Michael Kibiego, david Chemweno, John Lagat, Linus Chumba, Philip Manyim Ronald Rutto, Brimin Kipruto and John Kosgei.

10,000m: Nicholas Kemboi, Ricahrd Limo, Sammy Kipketer, Moses Mosop, John Korir, Paul Kosgei, Simon Maina, Charles kamathi, Wilberforce talel, Julius Gitahi, Gilbert Okari, Julius Maina, Martin Irungu, Francis Bowen, Boaz Cheboiywo, David Kariuki, John Kanyi and Francis Kiprop.

Kevin ran a great set, running his last the fastest, and Kwasi - well he spent too much time at the lunch buffet diner, and then tried to blame it on water melon! Gary and Zack did a fine session, as did Harrier Heidi. Kate, who is kindly organizing this Saturday’s social, was steeping up too, and Peter ran incredibly well - AFTER his morning tempo run begods!

David P had his head down and produced the results, Cristina flew the Spanish flag (we presume Jose was too sad after the soccer to make it down), but Cristina had a good enough session for both of them. Carole & Juan, the newly weds were back on track, and Juan fired the lasst 400! And there was The Dutchman, “These Mizuno’s are too narrow, not like my clogs.” But coming from Amsterdam we’ll forgive him, and then who was the guy in the red shorts - haven’t a clue, but he ran well.

Well the ironic thing is that testing within the richer countries is not fail safe either… according to the rights of Ben Johnson talking about Carl Lewis’s positive tests at the US Olympic Trials in ‘88, and then Carl Lewis wondering how on earth did Ben Johnson get through his own trials? Then the fact of the matter is that random testing, is indeed that. The more you know about how random, the less you believe…

Meanwhile, Thai officials organized a soccer game between elephants and prisoners Sunday in hopes of discouraging gambling on the European Championships.
“We expect that people will support the idea that we can get fun from playing football, not gambling on football," said Nathee Chitsawang, director-general of the Thai Corrections Department. Thai authorities have cracked down on soccer gambling in prisons and elsewhere since Euro 2004 began this month in Portugal. Corrections officials have blocked viewing of the tournament in some prisons and have relocated inmates suspected of bookmaking.

However although Paula ran like a goddess it was not enough for the team, the team winners were the German men and Russian women who won SPAR European Cup 2004.

W1500m 1: Edith Masai, Prisons, 4:18.6 2: Nancy Chebet, Nairobi, 4:19.2 3: Jeruto Kiptum, Armed Forces, 4:19.3
M5000m 1: Charles Kamathi, Police, 13:45.7 2: Julius Kiptoo, North Rift, 13:46.8 3: KIprono Menjo, Nairobi, 13:48.7
10,000m 1: Kibet Yegon, South Rift, 28:22.3 2: John Korir, Armed Forces, 28:23.0 3: Patrick Ivuti, Armed, 28:24.6
3000m Steeplechase - 1 Abraham Cherono, Armed Forces, 8:24.1 (elder brother to Shaheen, younger to Cristopher Kosgei) 2: 2: Luke Kibet, Prisons, 8:25.4 3: Wesley Kiprotich, Armed Forces, 8:26.2

In the sprints - 20 year-old double European Junior sprint champion Ivet Lalova of Bulgaria has reportedly run 10.77 (no wind reading yet available) to win the women’s 100m at the European Cup, Division One, Group A match in Plovdiv, Bulgaria,

The Grandma’s Marathon - Vladimir Tsiamchyk 2:17:59 Luke Metto 2:18:38 Pavwel Andreyev - 2:18:59

Women - Fira Sultadova-Zhdanova - 2:35:07 Elzbieta Jarosz 2:37:01 Svetlana Demidenko - 2:37:16

Men’s Mile - 1 Alan Webb USA 3:50.85 2 Nick Willis New Zealand 3:53.51 3 Elkanah Angwenyi Kenya 3:54.52 4 Kevin Sullivan Canada 3:58.35 5 Paul McMullen USA 3:58.60 6 Julius Achon USA 3:58.66

W1500 - 1 Yelena Zadorzhnaya Russia 4:02.15 2 Kelly Holmes Great Britain 4:03.73 3 Malindi Elmore Canada 4:04.06 4 Marla Runyan USA 4:06.37 5 Shayne Culpepper USA 4:07.01

W800 - 1 Maria Mutola Mozambique 1:57.78 2 Nicole Teter USA 1:59.09 3 Marian Burnett Guyana 1:59.32 4 Diane Cummins Canada 1:59.99 5 Hazel Clark USA 2:01.12
M1500 - Gruber Charlie USA 3:37.23 2 Ahmed Saïd USA 3:37.49 3 Stember Michael USA 3:37.75 4 Lunn Jason USA 3:37.79

M100 - Crawford Shawn USA 9.88 2 Greene Maurice USA 9.93 3 Capel John USA 9.95... #6 Montgomery Tim USA 10.17

And the Women’s - Miller Inger USA 11.05 2 Devers Gail USA 11.05 3 Gaines Chryste USA 11.06 5 Jones Marion USA 11.12

Amazing to think Rome was built without a cellphone. Yes M.Tenaglia, and what about all the people who think they have put it on vibrate, and then the talking (have you noticed how people shout down the things?) - is that on vibrate too? "It's hard not having that lifeline," said G. J. And B. Y. “my cellphone is my life."

Urm ever thought of asking the players if they think the cellphone ban is a good idea?? Can‘t spend an afternoon away from the phone? Sad.

I was planning onmaking that race myself, yet all week I have been up at the crack of dawn, thus when the alarm sounded at 6 I thought, turned off the alarm, and thought ‘can not be bothered’ and slept instead.

The team, sort of…

Boys: 800m — Alfred Kirwa, Elija Boit; 1500m: Brimin Kipruto, Benson Esho; 3000m SC — Nathan Ayabei, Robert Kipchumba; 5000m — Augustine Choge, Henry Sugut; 10,000m: Moses Masai, Hosea Macharinyang.

5000m 1.Dickson Marwa, Mara, 14.12.762 2.Naftal Dakho, Arusha, 14.13.68 3.Msenduki Mohamed, Arusha, 14.31.13 4.Daniel Andrew, Arusha, 14.46.62 5.Getuli Bayo, Manyara, 14.46.98 6.Melkiadi Bayo, Kilimajnro, 14.48.09 7.Harun Selemani, Dodoma, 14.48.46 8.Daniel Sumuni, Manyara, 14.52.09 9.Faustin Saktay, Manyara, 15.02.13 10.Ally Senduyani, Dodoma, 15.07.24

10,000 - 1.Daniel Andrew, Arusha, 30.02.66 2.Christopher Isegwe, Singida, 30.03.88 3.Getuli Bayo, Manyara, 30.09.43 4.Zebedayo Bayo, Arusha, 30.30.96 5.Samson Ramadhani, Dar es salaam, 30.57.59 6.Mohamed Issa, Zanzibar, 31.10.27 7.Dominick Saru, Manyara, 31.28.92 8.Abiholera Bora, Dodoma, 31.37.02 9.Melkiadi Bayo, Manyara, 31.49.03 10.Martin Hilonga, Morogoro, 33.26.08

Women - 1500m 1.Pendo Japhet, Kilimanjaro, 4.26.05 2.Sara Maja, Kilimajaro, 4.28.81 3.Hawa Hussein, Arusha, 4.28.88 4.Farida Juma, Arusha, 4.32.47

5000m 1.Hawa Hussein, Arusha, 16.37.33 2.Pendo Japhet, Kilimanjaro, 16.37.59 3.Farida Juma, Arusha, 16.42.50 4.Josephine Deemay, Arusha, 16.48.18. thanks to Max.

Can question number one be the obvious - have you ever used any of the products used by your training partner Chrystie Gaines that have been called into question as late? I mean I am getting fed up of this one line - “I have not taken any illegal drugs” stance that seems to be telling us that ‘well what I have taken was not called… when I took it.. kind of narrative…. My question would be, “Have you ever taken any BALCO products?” As the Gipsy Kings (yes correct spelling) would say, Die die dee do dee dum.

Vladimir Kotov, the 46-year-old ultra-distance marvel from Cape Town, stunned his opposition with an impeccably timed attack for his third victory. Kotov, who ran the 'up' record with his five hour, 25 minute, 33 second victory in 2000, bided his time to shatter the challenges of Poland's Jaraslaw Janicki and Russian Oleg Kharitonov on the approaches to the Polly Shorts climb to open a handsome lead, and claim his third uphill victory in five hours 31 minutes 22 seconds. Former NYC winner Willie Mtolo arrived in fourth place.

So anyway Chubby has been ramblin’ on about the group runs from the store, so tomorrow I am going to check it out. I asked if I could win the raffle, “Yes, but guess what? The raffle last Tuesday was for a water bottle!” I kid you not - well he tells me that I can order the pizza too, so I am on my way! See ya down there! Jose, still sore with the ham, Cristina practicing her finishing kick! Jessica kicking in there too. David P killing Vuitton, except for the revenge of the last 400.

Adam bumping the mileage, and that’s hurting his top end speed, “And believe it or not Emily is soooooon coming back” I’ll believe it only when I see it… and see Angela I did, 7-months with the bun in the oven, and Tivo Thomas in tow - looking very sparkling with golden earrings and lipstick no less! Charming! Anne K the torpedo, only five seconds outside the ‘winning the shoes’ 400 last interval, that was won by Liverpool Lucas, back for the first time in an age and he ran tremendously well… Just edging out Kwasi, who took it too easy due to hie sore ham.

Haidee the newbie flying like a catamaran, Gary and Zack whipping along with the Queen of the Harriers, who had a trip cancelled so she could make it down (Anne G take note) . AmexChris better late than never made it down, Larry who thought he could pull a fast one on the last repeat, but got reeled in like a goldfish by the sharks. Kevin who at last got fried by a work out… and Fred, did we mention ringer Fred? First time, never ran, might be tired - well he flew round the track, only to complete 2 x 400, 2 x 800, 2 x 1200, 1 x 2k, and 1 x 400 to then go off for a martial arts workout straight after! Wow. Speaking double work outs meet Mr. Farago - did a tempo this morning…. Youch!

Meet Alec, wearing the Asics marathon singlet that nobody could stomach to buy, and going with the matching socks. Meet Randy, the best coffee on Duane St and jazz to boot - must go and visit. Meet Buffalo, who is trimming down nicely. Meet Michelle(S) Number #1 who was nice enough to host our XMAS party, and #2 who was a newbie last time, but is a regular now. Meet Chucky China, the gifter for my lucky Chinese coin I have on my wrist. Meet Kate, sweet social director of the club - lest we not forget Charlotte who headed her group’s 400 like a rocket. And that’s track… oh we did hear that the Harriers enclave is adding Kiernan O’Connor to the group of property owners out on West Egg, and Sir Alec would like us to know that “My property is not beach front, it is bay front. And that is why I have my heated swimming pool in the front gardens, overlooking the yachts and the oceans. One must regulate a certain temperature you know…”

Talking of races - Red Bank, NJ, one not to miss this weekend - The Classic of classics (and there is a nice starbucks there too), George Sheehan 5-miler. We hope to be there.

I ran again with the Monsieur the other night, it is good for me. To hang on to his easy pace is like a workout for me. I just hope I don’t run into him on a tempo run, else I’ll have to fake a leg cramp, or ‘fall’ down a pothole.

And as normal - Athletics Kenya (AK) chairman Isaiah Kiplagat has threatened to ban agents, who have turned some of Kenya’s top runners into pace setters for their rivals. Kiplagat said he was dismayed that some of the top runners were being used as pace setters in Grand Prix meetings for Ethiopians to break records. He said it was disheartening to see top runners pacing Ethiopians to set records at a time when the country was preparing for Olympics. He conceded that pace setting was slowing careers for some athletes but was quick to point out that "we will not sit back and watch agents mess up our top runners," he added. Kiplagat said he has no problem with old runners going for the trade but insisted that he will not allow the trend to continue among the current crop of runners. "Why should we be the ones to act as rabbits for Ethiopians? Does it mean that we do not want the records?" he asked. For the money, we may answer.

I really wanted pizza the other night… but my fav pizza place on the UES is closed on Sundays! Too bad, but the flip side is tonight sounds like a good night instead. Truly a food of the ages, invented in Italy no less, and as versatile as a monkey wrench.

Men’s 10,000m: 1 K Maase (Ned) 27min 51.99secs 2 K Raymaekers (Ned) 29:04.85 3 M O’Dowd (Swindon AC) 29:05.08

And elsewhere in NJ Somerset Hills YMCA - Flag Day 5K Congrats to Kevin from the Wednesday night group with a win! And to Dan, who used to be with the group, and now runs for the Manhattan TC we hear: 16:49 KEVIN HORTY NEW YORK NY M 31 #2 17:11 TOM GRIVAS RIVER EDGE NJ M 30 #3 17:28 DANIEL CAPPIELLO & 1st 19:55 JULIE CORBIN F 39

Teams; the Flyers did tremendously to finish 6th behind WTC, WS, MCNY, GNY, and WSX.

On the press truck we were dodging the foliage (thanks to John Volpe) and watching Deena glide away from the field with ease. 5:28 first mile, then it picked up to a pace around the fives thereon in - 5:07 average. Colleen was the only athlete who did not look happy with the result after the finish, and of course all women got their best ever place positions due to the first foreigner being a local athlete, Claudia from Fidel Staab’s stable. She was in tenth.
With Deena racing the Americans only next week in the US half champs she will be headed to Greece having faced non of the African foe.

One of the biggest names in the filed was Joanie, she was troubled with a sore Achilles, and I swear was running faster on Friday in a training run on the Rez than she did on Saturday.

We saw Kathrine Switzer, the founder (along with Fred) for the Mini, and Roger Robinson out and about. However generally the park was void of spectators, as I remember a couple of years ago riding the press truck and hearing “Simba Simba!” being yelled by the sidelines countless times… on Saturday twas only at the finish and the base of Cat Hill where we saw crowds of any number. Virtually zilch at the northern end of the park, all the way round to 90th ST. Nice to see John Connors, the RunDoc & natter with him (“Got a little far out running in the rockies last week, it turned out to be a longer than expected long run” - thank the heavens I missed out on that one) , and then Ana on the course.
My prediction for the results, I was only 16-seconds out, not bad… The Chubby Boss was further adrift (32:25), and the pre race hopes of others of a few under 32-minutes never looked like a remote possibility looking at the starting line up. And yes, the American masters record did fall to South African, now USA Boulderite, De Reuck.

Kate O‘Neill, placing second, had arguably the race of the day, for the elites. Though a huge mention should go to Carmen Troncoso, who at 45 ran 35:30!

ATALALECH KATEMA 21 F ETHIOPIA 34:56 won Shelter Island 10K, and ALEMTSEHAY MISGANAW 21 F ETHIOPIA 36:54 came second - it was her SECOND race of the day, as she ran a 35 in the Mini in the morning!!

ERIC CHIRCHIR 21 M KENYA 29:21 beat the two Joseph’s - Mwai & Kariuki 30:11, and 30:19 in the men.
Of course the Queen of the Harriers, who was not going to race, raced…. Whatever happened to Sir Alec of the Beach front property we are not sure….

Women - 1 Elva Dryer 32:35 2 Elana Meyer 34:49 3 Dot Mcmahan 35:56

Women - Yasuko Hashimoto 28 F Japan 20:39.23 5:10 2 Blake Russell 28 F USA 20:44.79 5:12 3 Constantina Tomescu-Dita 34 F Romania 20:57.70 5:15 4 Zivile Balciunaite 25 F Lithuania 21:18.50 5:20 5 Denisa Costescu 28 F Romania 21:27.57

W1500 - Lishchynska Iryna UKR 4:03.76 2 Cioncan Maria ROM 4:04.17 3 Legesse Meskerem ETH 4:04.88 4 Chojecka Lidia POL 4:04.92 5 Sacramento Carla POR 4:05.51 6 Fuentes-Pila Iris María ESP 4:06.16 7 Dejaeghere Veerle BEL 4:07.31 8 Fuentes-Pila Zulema ESP 4:07.33 9 Douma-Hussar Carmen CAN 4:07.41

Gail Devers back on track! Devers wins in an unofficial 12.57 seconds, beating main rival Perdita Felicien by a comfortable margin.
World champion Torri Edwards resumes her stellar form and wins in a season best time of 11.21 seconds.

M1500 - Nothing as impressive as Mr. Webb was run - Lagat Bernard KEN 3:34.08 2 Heshko Ivan UKR 3:34.11 3 Kipchirchir Alex KEN 3:34.33 4 Kiptanui Timothey KEN 3:34.65 5 East Michael GBR 3:34.85

Men’s 5000 - Kibowen John KEN 13:01.94 2 Gebremariam Gebre-egziabher ETH 13:02.28 3 Wendimu Mulugeta ETH 13:02.42 4 Birhanu Dejene ETH 13:03.19 5 Mottram Craig AUS 13:03.37 (Nat Rec) 6 Abate Abiyote ETH 13:04.84 7 Saïdi-Sief Ali ALG 13:07.37 (Drugs cheat) 8 Kiprop Boniface UGA 13:07.56 9 Songok Boniface Kiprotich KEN 13:08.10 10 Bakken Marius NOR 13:08.27

M800 - Hm, my tip for Olympic Gold, Justus is, erm, lagging right now! #1 Borzakovskiy Yuriy RUS 1:44.41 2 Bungei Wilfred KEN 1:45.04 3 Jansen Joeri BEL 1:45.18 4 Alemu Berhanu ETH 1:45.28 5 Lacasse Florent FRA 1:45.45 6 Krummenacker David USA 1:45.64 7 Saïd-Guerni Djabir ALG 1:45.94 8 Koech Justus KEN 1:45.98

I had coffee with Steph on Friday at Starbucks, and we are sad to report that she is leaving the City of New York, heading North, and I mean North… Newfoundland.

Meanwhile George Milic continues to lead our Urban rankings overall with a fine win at the Kenny Dolan, apparently the Chubby Boss was not tooo far back in that race!

06/11
Happy Birthday to Linda, who moved from West 4th to Montana, in one jump!

Joan Benoit was also there, with her gold medal from ‘84, “My mother said I’ll give up smoking when you give up running.” That had to be the quote of the day. (Her Mother receded 12-yrs ago) There was much talk about records, masters records, and American records - My prediction? Nobody under 32-minutes. The only record that will fall? My prediction, the US Masters record of Ruth Wysoki, 33:22. And talking records:

Stacy Dragila has been denied what she thought was a new pole vault record by a recently-introduced ruling. She thought she had broken the outdoor world best after jumping 4.83m in Ostrava in the Czech Republic. However, it will not be recognised because of a rule change made by the sport's ruling body in March where the indoor and outdoor marks were combined. Go figure(??) Russia's Yelena Isinbayeva holds the world record after clearing 4.86m at the World Indoor Championship in March. An odd rule if ever there was one!

Also hopping around, we ran into Krafty Krebs on Wednesday, he was on the Bridle ( as per norm), and is headed off for a vacation in Vermont, to camp on a little island in the middle of a lake - one way of ensuring you don’t get jumped in the night by a grizzly without a splash of a warning.

Women - 800 metres: 1 Anita Brägger (Switzerland) 2:02.00; 2 Tina Paulino (Moz) 2:02.24; 3 Rikke Ronholdt (Denmark) 2:03.00 1500 metres: 1 Sarah Jamieson (Australia) 4:04.82; 2 Zenebech Tola (Ethiopia) 4:07.78; 3 Jebet Langat (Ethiopia) 4:08.16

And furthermore, do your part, “In honor of the Mini, for each ASICS sports bra sold at NYRR's store (9 East 89th Street) from June 10 through June 12, NYRR will donate $5 to Circle of Friends, a national initiative dedicated to helping women live smoke-free.” What a great initiative!

The Major of the Reservoir - did you read the story in MetroSports?

Larry in his retro nike, Chubby Boss bemoaning the nike series runs - “I’m going to give free pizza & beer to get people down there!” So get done there if ya hungry! Cara running like the devil, Luis hanging in with a sore ham, Kwasi not knowing what he was doing trying to run slower, Cristina “Hey, I’m sleeping over the weekend I’m so tired!” Jose, with Antonio, “Blame him for starting me running,” and now out of the sand and into the groove. AmexChris looking more athletic with every passing week, Evelyn 200mph Hotrod on all cylinders as per norm, Eve hitting a great consistent set of runs. Becky Ballerina striding out in style, and Century chasing Dave, “I think he won the series tonight.”

Man of the night, Suneet, for bringing me a bottle of Ribena from England, and it reads on the label, “The only drink accredited by the Bristish Dental Association.” My fav!! Michelle da Flyer, “I’ve got a new job!” congrats there. Charlotte stepping up a gear and looking good at that speed. Queen of the Harriers, who we’ll now daub as the club’s capitalist after, jealously, hearing about her country house - stocked with more food than most of us have in our little manhattan apartments, I’ll let you know. Gary the power ready to take it up a notch, too many smiles on the home stretch. Kate, picking it up and doing well… and we hear that an old member Dorian D’ was at the races on Sunday, so welcome back to her to the NYRR scoop of events.

Anyway the Flyers did fantastic - lots of red faces, and pumping arms up the hill… and best of luck to all NYC runners doing the MINI this weekend!!

Anyway in the men’s 5000 - Kiprono Menjo shook off a strong challenge from Nicholas Kemboi to win the men's 5000m race. Menjo was timed at 13:57.6 while Kemboi returned 14:07.6 to finish second. Alex Kirui was third after posting 14:14.2. Kemboi was the man who gave Geb a scare last year in the 10,000 running super fast. He then wanted to move to Bahrain, then the IOC said he would not be able to compete for three years for the country, so the pot stopped boiling.
Well it looks like he is back looking for a Kenyan singlet now… BUT times have changed - The Ethiopians won’t be worried, they have other men faster than their own Geb who beat Kemboi in the last lap.

Paula Radcliffe, who will compete over 5000m at the European Cup in Bydgoszcz on 19-20 June, will be also the Captain of the Norwich Union GB Women's Team. "I am looking forward to racing at the European Cup. It is always a big thrill to run for your country and it is an honour to be Captain again. We have a strong women's team and hopefully we should do well in Poland."

Best quote from Foster in the nzherald story: "I feel like I'm running as fast as always - as long as I don't look at my watch." And, speaking of quibbling over details, but surely one of the best mile-markers-must-have-gone-to-the-pub-and-now-Staten-Island-doesn't-see m-so-bad-after-all stories, apparently the 1977 Auckland marathon course was 1.5 miles short. Foster was pissed off. (I suspect some others weren't . . . )
Justine.” Thanks.

I realized I was wearing a non-waterproof watch as I glanced down to check the time, another sign! I mean how often does that happen? It is hard to find a non-waterproof watch these days!
But I thought I would at least go and stand near the baggage and say hello to Peter (of the Birthday). There I met John, have not seen him for three years since he used to tag along with Pizza Supremo - glad to hear that he has since completed three marathons(!) I told him I was thinking of leaving and going to watch the tennis, and on hearing John replied, “Not so interesting - just two Argentineans. I guess I can say that …”
“Ah!” Says the man standing right next to us, “I am an Argentine! You think it a boring match??” Then, “Who’s playing, do you know the names?” It was that kind of morning. I continued to look for loopholes to see if I could find a plausible excuse not to run.

With Alem giving us a minute countdown to the start, 18 to go, 17 to go, 16 to go… we went over to the starting line (after seeing Peter) and bumping into Steph - remember she ran the Canadian Marathon trials last week(!) “Yeah, I raced yesterday as well.” - I told Steph that she needs medication. Steph the legend does actually go on to win the race! Unbelievable, and a true shocker - if you knew what her race calendar looked liked you‘d call her Hercules.
Down on the line it was good to see quite a lot of WTC runners who had come in for the race. I heard Kelsey Louie talking to a friend, “Did you like the size of the trophy?“ and blindly guessed that they must have run the YAI 5k yesterday in CP as that race gives the biggest gawdiest plastic trophies in the business - remember the trophy story for the CPTC Vs Harriers Tom Nohilly softball game in the year 2000? He he, that race. Anyway I went up and had a chat with Phil who drives the car in front of the runners. Nice guy.

The start - bam, everyone sets off like the black plague is hanging out on the line. Up the hill a few start to slow down. I notice that my shoe lace has come undone. No sweat I can run with that. Funnily enough I am running with the same shoelaces that R2 once had come undone, and she called them ‘girlie laces’. They are the type with silver bits in which seem not to help in the affixing properties… perhaps heat convection….

Anyway I notice my chip was inching its way down the lace to a $30 throwaway loss. What to do - only a 2.8-mile race, running like a flea with three legs, not even a chance of running within a minute of my 3.1-mile PR…. I run on, like a big spender, but alas I see the chip is about to disappear so I stop. It was too much to bear. A sign to quit the race. Instead I do a dismal job by first tying the chip to the shoe, and then tying the lace, then sprint off…. Yep that kind of race (it gets worse - wait till the day’s big, and major, disappointment of no cup cakes!).

But enough of my woes, way up front, and out of sight Connor O’D of WTC is leading the way, and ran on to win. “I saw the Chubby Boss on the NYRR homepage, and thought if that old man can do it why not me? Tell him he inspired me to win today, and when was the last time Masters won back to back races in the park?” So there you go Chubby, even when you are sitting in your Armchair scoffing on a Heineken you are an inspiration to the aged. He he.

Directly after the finish I ran for cover from the now aggressive rain drops, and yes in search of the illusive advertised cup cakes (‘As a special treat the NYRR will be giving cup cakes in celebration.. Blah blah’) that were no where to be seen… I did see Janet M whizzing by on her bicycle (See was in San Diego yesterday), and wondered if she’d eaten them all…? Fatima and Al, and all the others at the baggage reclaim were no the wiser, and we concluded the cakes were a no show - So anyway I had not brought a change of clothes, and was now super wet… So I continued running all the way to the closest store, and bought my own cake, and ate it too. What a day, what a day. Forgot to mention, we did see Krafty Krebs out there too lugging a tripod round the park, Bernie the Chairman - who is always there, as with Mary Wittenberg, and also Mike Frankfurt of the NYRR Board, and a Millrose stalwart. On that note I wonder who has been a member of the NYRR the longest? I am putting my shekels on Vince C of the Emeritus.

Good to see, yet sad that it takes the local community to make the reconsiderations… I mean having been in races favoring the national athletes I can tell you for one that it creates a secondary race - “No, I won’t go after the lead pack of Africans, I am going to sit back with my fellows, and try and out kick them.” Would Salazar be the runner he was without chasing the likes of Rono?

Sadly I think the prestige of saying “I won the Mini 2004” as opposed to “I won the mini 2003” will be vastly diluted due to the lack of the invited field of foreigners. That is what American prize money only does, yes ensure a home win, but in the long term it does not do the athletes any favors. (in my opinion).

Looking at it from the obvious side it may not quite be what Paula wants - she is looking for a quiet qualifier, not to come down from her training plans to race at 100%

And the ONLY women’s distance race was the 800 - Krevsun Yuliya UKR 2:00.83 2 Touhami Nahida ALG 2:01.29 3 Fouquet Virginie FRA 2:01.70 So let’s include a picture of Virginie in training,

ARUSHA REGION ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2nd & 3rd JUNE 2004

MEN’S RESULTS
800m
1.Damian Chopa, JKT, 1.50.19
2.Barae Hhera, Timmax, 1.52.34
3.Kurwa Lushanga, JWTZ, 1.,56.00
4.Godfrey Enock, Prisons, 1.55.17
5.Joseph Gitiay, Timmax, 1.59.50


1500m
1.Damian Chopa, JKT, 3.46.33
2.Dickson Marwa, Makongo, 3.47.33
3.Naftal Dakho, Team 100, 3.55.28
4.Barae Hhera, Timmax, 3.57.00
5.Yahaya Mohamed, Arusha, 4.04.03
6.Joseph Gitiay, Timmax, 4.08.71
7.Kulwa Lushanga, JWTZ, 4.13.57
8.Felisian Sulle, Timmax, 4.14.05

5000m
1.Dickson Marwa, Makongo, 14.05.02
2.Musanduki Mohamed, Timmax, 14.07.98
3.Daniel Sipe, JKT, 14.16.33
4.Naftal Dakho, Team 100, 14.16.54
5.Getuli Bayo, Arusha, 14.22.34
6.Ibrahim Issa, JWTZ, 14.27.94
7.Daniel Shahanga, Police, 14.39.45
8.Benedict Ako, Timmax, 14.40.95
9.Hamisi Mori, Timmax, 14.40.95
10.martin Hilonga, Arusha, 14.54.75

10,000m
1.Daniel Sipe, JKT, 29.30.14
2.Malack Ole Mangera, Arusha, 29.34.21
3.Zebedayo Bayo, Arusha, 30.29.21
4.Dominick Saru, Arusha, 30.34.17
5.Daniel Shahanga, Police, 30.36.17
6.Saidi Hida, Arusha, 31.05.02
7.Philipo Mambo, Timmax, 31.12.77
8.Martin Hilonga, Arusha, 31.37.68
9.Selestin Naali, Katesh, 31.42.60 (Brother to the famous Naali brother family.
10.Hadson Njama, Arusha, 31.53.52


Women
800m.
1.Mwanaisha Abdallah, Prisons, 2.27.08
2.Asma Rajabu, Timmax, 2.28.93
3.Leonarda Joseph, Prisons, 2.49.77

1500m
1.Farida Juma, Timmax, 4.45.21
2.Asma Rajabu, Timmax, 5.50.73

5000m
1.Hawa Hussein, Timmax, 16.41.75
2.Josephine Deemay, Timmax, 16.44.03
3.Emeliana Joseph, Timmax, 16.44.46
4.Farida Juma, Timmax, 16.46.83
5.Monica Samila, JKT, 17.15.45
6.Jackline Sakilu, Team 100, 17.25.46
7.Filomena Daniel, Team 100, 17.33.10
8.Aisha Ramadhani, Team 100, 17.34.25

10,000m
1.Hawa Hussein, Timmax, 36.03.46
2.Joesephine Deemay, 36.04.80
3.Frilomena Daniel, Team 100, 36.41.47
4.Aisha Ramadhani, Team 100, 36.53.69
5.Emeliana Joseph, Timmax, 36.55.06
6.Halima Ramadhani, Team 100, 37.16.64
7.Maria Michael, Timmax, 38.18.58

What happened to Smarty?? AP - ‘Since Affirmed won the Triple Crown in 1978, ten horses had the chance to complete the feat at the Belmont Stakes. They all lost. Smarty Jones wasn't any different Saturday, as Birdstone made a late charge to win the Belmont Stakes. Smarty Jones lost his perfect career record as well, losing his first ever race.’

Well after Papardello‘s on Columbus (after West Broadway was a no-park zone) it was Queensland, or NYC‘s version - and I found myself in a warehouse once used for servicing Mine Sweepers at College Point, on the water‘s edge. Cascarina‘s pizza house is also out there, and lay‘s claim to being the official P-House for the NY Mets, and also comes out with the dubious boast “Where every day feels like a Sunday” which reminded me of how much I used to hate Sundays for the schooling connotations. Mind you, the pizza, a Funghi thing of the big variety, was quite good. Paps was a chicken Porcene by the way, and the Italian music in there was rather different to the ’Tie a Yellow Ribbon’ heard in the latter place. However a uniting tie was the taste of the Seltzer, some things just never change.

Again, again - why not write this: Keino ran for medals because there was no money in the races in the 1960’s. Keino was given large quantities of land by the President though for his victories. Fast forward today: remember Paul Rutto? Wins the WC 800 for Kenya, and can not even afford to ensure the Mercedes he won. What does he get from the federation? De nada. Win an Olympic medal in the West and you are made with sponsorship deals, and even the country incentives bonus schemes from most Western countries. Win an Olympic medal for Kenya and you are yet another Nixon Kiprotich - a man with a medal and forgotten by the federation, “I never received anything from the KAAA (As it was called then).”

Chuck China kicked really well half way into the session. Evelyn pushing hard and Nance hanging in despite an hour and a half of exercise earlier in the day. Jonnie on his way to Alcatraz to race with the sharks.

“HENGELO, the Netherlands, May 31 (AFP) - Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele added to his growing claim to being the world's greatest long distance runner by setting a men's 5,000 metres world record of 12 minutes 37.35 seconds here on Monday.
On the track that has seen scores of long distance running world records in the last decade, Bekele took more than two seconds off the mark set six years ago by his fellow Ethiopian, and boyhood idol, Haile Gebreselasie.
"I am surprised by the time. I didn't think it was going to be possible. "It is amazing to think that I have done better than Haile," said a delighted Bekele, who was quickly dubbed 'The New Mr Hengelo' in deference to the fact that Gebreselassie, was, and will always be in the eyes of the local crowd, the original version.

At the outset, the prospects for Bekele succeeding in his widely publicised bid for his first world outdoor record, who was out to add to the indoor mark over the same distance he set in February, looked doubtful. By the time the gun went, gushing winds had started blowing and the temperature dropping.
Bekele also had to cope with some erratic pacemaking over the first two kilometres and was nearly three seconds off his schedule at the point when he took off on his own. One of the two key points in the race, although it was more of a solo procession, was when Bekele suddenly hit the accelorator just after the halfway point.

Suddenly the deficit dropped from several seconds to mere fractions. The 21 year-old world 10,000 metres champion and three-times double world cross country champion then unleashed a stunning last lap at the sound of the bell. His final lap of the track, named in tribute to the recently deceased Dutch athletics legend Fanny Blankers Koen, took a mere 57.8 seconds to etch his name more definately in the annals of athletics history.
Bekele will now try strip Gebreselassie of his 10,000 world record when he runs in the Ostrava Super Grand Prix meeting on June 8. "That is going to be my event at the Olympics. I will not run the 5,000 in Athens," said Bekele.

Gebreselassie had one last try to improve his own mark over the longer distance of 10,000 but found himself upstaged on the night not only by Bekele but another Ethiopian Sileshi Sihine.
Sihine beat Gebreselassie, sprinting away on the last lap of 25, to win in 26:39.69, the fastest time in the world for six years. Gebreselassie came home second in 26:41.58, nearly 20 seconds adrift of his world record set on the same track in 1998. Bekele and Sihine were jut two of eight athletes who clocked best outdoor performances in the world this year.

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge, the world 5,000 metres champion who beat Bekele into third at the world championships last summer, won the men's 1,500 in 3:33.20. "This isn't my specialist event so I am very happy," said Kipchoge, giving Bekele a warning that he had a few ideas about an attempt on the 5,000 world record himself.

Kenya's Isabelle Ochichi won the women's 5,000 in 14.46:42, which was also a personal best for the 24 year-old police constable who finished sixth in the 2003 World Championships.
Brimin Kipruto became the latest model off the Kenyan production line of steeplechasers when he set 8:05.52, the third fastest junior time ever. "I had been just thinking about the world junior championships, but now I have to think abut the Olympics," said the 19 year-old. Canada's Carmen Douma-Hussar, the world indoor silver medallist over the metric mile in March, added to her growing reputation by taking the women's 1,500 in a personal best 4:04.85.
Mozambique's Maria Mutola, the reigning Olympic and world 800 metres champion, won her specialist event in 1:58.49 while Bram Son gave the ecstatic Dutch crowd a home success to cheer by winning the men's 800 in 1:45.01." Thanks, and what a great race report!

Women - 2:32:15.BIKTIMIROVA, ALEVTINA CHEBOKSARY RUS #2 2:34:44 STEVENSON, NICOLE TORONTO CAN #3 2:35:44 BOUDREAU, STEPHANE MONTREAL CAN & third Canadian, so hopefully getting a ticket, from the Tri State, and often NYRR races - 2:37:33 HOWE, CAROL SUMMIT CAN… the un-fatigued one was - 2:56:16 HODGE, STEPHANIE NEW YORK CITY and of course Canada running her third marathon since mid January.

Boys - 10,000m Simon Kiptum (T/Nzoia) 30:10.6 Edwin Korir (Keiyo) 30:19.9 Daniel Selelo (Narok) 30:21.6.
Those were the best of times, but all others were rather snappy too.. The field events were less than sterling. Okay, they are human.

1. Carolina Kluft, Sweden, 6,820 points. (Heja Sverige!) 2. Kelly Sotherton, Britain, 6,406. 3. Nataliya Dobrynska, Ukraine, 6,387.

M1500 - 1 Kipchoge Eliud KEN 3:33.20 2 Songok Isaac Kiprono KEN 3:33.45 3 Lagat Bernard KEN 3:33.52 4 Webb Alan USA 3:33.70 5 Kiptanui Timothey KEN 3:33.80 6 Too Michael KEN 3:35.53 7 Liefers Gert-Jan NED 3:35.72 8 East Michael GBR 3:35.78 & W1500 - 1 Douma-Hussar Carmen CAN 4:04.85 2 Burika Gelete ETH 4:06.10 3 Lishchynska Iryna UKR 4:07.82 4 Clitheroe Helen GBR 4:08.20

W5000 - 1 Ochichi Isabella KEN 14:46.42 2 Pavey Joanne GBR 14:55.04 3 Maury Margaret FRA 14:59.12 4 Kidane Etalemahu ETH 15:04.34 5 Worku Ayelech ETH 15:04.56 6 Kuma Eyerusalem ETH 15:05.37 7 Malot Leah KEN 15:10.26

100m Ageless Merlene! Ottey Merlene SLO 11.35 2 van den Akker Joan NED 11.56 3 Huyghebaert Lien BEL 11.57

WR**5000 - 1 Bekele Kenenisa ETH 12:37.35 (WR) 2 Wendimu Mulugeta ETH 13:01.28 3 Chenonge Hillary KEN 13:08.77 4 Sugut Henry KEN 13:08.90 5 Mosop Moses KEN 13:09.68 6 Songok Boniface Kiprotich KEN 13:09.87 7 Mottram Craig AUS 13:10.47 8 Chepkok Bernard KEN 13:11.07 9 Kiprop Boniface UGA 13:11.46 10 Alemu Dagne ETH 13:12.70 11 Bitok Paul KEN 13:17.22 12 Limo Richard KEN 13:21.14 13 Es-Saadi Ridouane BEL 13:24.54 14 Sghyr Ismaïl FRA 13:25.54 15 Joseph Fabiano TAN 13:30.98

M10,000 - 1 Sihine Sileshi ETH 26:39.69 2 Gebrselassie Haile ETH 26:41.58 3 Dinkesa Abebe ETH 27:23.60 4 Busienei Wilson UGA 27:29.95 5 Kiprop Francis KEN 27:39.56 6 Kifle Yonas ERI 27:40.92 7 Limo Benjamin KEN 27:42.43

W800 - 1 Mutola Maria de Lurdes MOZ 1:58.49 2 Stals Sandra BEL 2:00.60 3 Samaria Agnes NAM 2:00.69

M800 - 1 Som Bram NED 1:45.01 2 Mutua Joseph KEN 1:45.17 3 Jansen Joeri BEL 1:45.59 4 Okken Arnoud NED 1:45.83 5 Bungei Wilfred KEN 1:45.85

Charring often occurs when fat drips onto the flames, causing a flare that burns the meat. Therefore, many strategies involve preventing this:
- Choose lean meats.
- Trim away all visible fat before cooking.
- Remove skin on poultry before grilling.
- Cover the grill with aluminum foil; poke holes through foil.
- Do the actual cooking of the meat in the kitchen (microwave or oven), and just place on the grill briefly for flavor.
If your meats do char, remove the burnt sections; don’t eat them.

“Also I have sent along a few other sights for your amusement. You may be relieved to hear that your beloved Starbucks has successfully embedded itself in Beijing as evidenced in the attached photo showing a branch surprisingly located within the sacred walls of the Forbidden City. Starbucks must have paid some serious yuan to the Chinese government to secure that coveted location.”

Anyway Chuck was back on track looking like he had not missed a stride. Another step up was David P, and Adam too. Anil putting in a couple of good finishes, Anne hanging on to Kevin well, and he missing the free shoes offer by three seconds. The Chubby Boss (sell below also), “Officially… I ran for the win…” And right on too - a win is a win! Larry setting his goals too low, but running better when he tried.
Jose pulling through a good session, Randysax grumbling‘ about the blubber (don‘t we know!), Sunit from London running extremely well, Amexlee complaining about the work hours and traveling, Michelle of the Flyers in Kurt Le Vert‘s colors - and he in gray!

Cara silky smooth as we are used to seeing. Social Kate with a smile, Shawn with a frown. Jonnie with some blazin 400’s, Eve with tenosynovitus, Mary starting the women’s social eating group - great idea, Peter F “Just call me Mr. 2:55” and Attila losing the last 400 (when the Boss had his sheckles placed) though running a great session, and Pam sprinting away from nearly all, HotRod on the outer lane burning faster than speed, Cristina now locked into fast pace.com, Marcy a newbie (welcome), Jessica back on track, and Ballerina Becky on form.
Centuryman eyeing David’s new Tigers and wondering why he doesn’t already have a pair, and Justin - who is not called Justin, and another bloke whose name is yet to be known.

Is it surprising that they are now making oversized M&M's

Seen on the Bridle Path - Brian from Westchester, who is going to be a master this year, and will race the Club Teams, and is looking f-i-t, And James S who is on his way to Bolder to run the 10k on Memorial day... "It's a tradition now, I've done it the past five years." That's a tough 10k.

On that note (one of obscurity), Cathal Lombard went from being an average runner to being world class VERY quickly. Methinks Papa Joe was the main factor, Cathal seems to thinks so too according to this interview Urban sent us from IR, CL: “I completely changed everything, literally everything I've done in terms of training, lifestyle, rest, recovery, diet, rehydration - everything was changed from the time that I met Joe Doonan in January of last year [January 2002]. I got introduced to him by a mutual acquaintance, Gerry McGrath, who's involved in athletics here in Dublin. I met up with Joe, drove to his house for a weekend up there in County Leitrim. We spent hours going through everything I did. Joe wasn't happy at all about it. He said, 'Everything I was doing was wrong.'
“He put forth a basis on which he thought I could move forward. He gave me a structure and a schedule, which he thought would fit into my lifestyle of someone who works fulltime and looks after everything himself. He felt that the training I was trying to do was not the best training for 5,000 metres or 10,0000 metres. But also, it was really draining me all the time, leaving me tired and vulnerable to illness and injury. He looked at everything I did and completely change my entire training schedule and my entire lifestyle. You have to realise that training takes a lot out of you. On the weekends now I'll sleep for a couple of hours in the afternoon. I'm more conscious about replacing proteins, carbohydrates and getting the rest and recovery. I feel now that I don't have to be training hard all the time. Now I take a step back, back off and take a rest day every two weeks or even every ten days. I need to look after myself and appreciate that the human body is a delicate piece of machinery. You can't just continue to push hard all the time and burn the candles at both ends.”

Well a few years ago I was training with EPO-Berk, Catherine ‘Princess’ McKiernan, and Papa Joe. I found the guy to be shockingly good, and when EPO Berk later said, “Joe’s helping this guy called Cathal,” it was a forewarning that the runner was going to have a breakthru as he indeed did. Gerry McGrath I last saw in Berlin when he had phased out of his running mode and was beginning a tour operator type of thing for Irish runners, but before that he would be a regular with the DSD running club from Dublin. I think he called me a ‘girl‘s blouse‘ once for refusing to go drinking after a race in Portugal - whether that is an insult or not I am not quite sure, and whether I cared… well that I am sure of, Not!

Urban also pointed out this surprising result in the men‘s 10k on Sunday Manchester - Benoit Zwierzchiewski 44th place in 33:39.…. Considering he made the trip from France to run this race, and has ran a marathon in 2:06.….

BTW: We are going out to the SL5 (Spring Lakes five), and our only goal is to run faster than the Boss did in his last race.

Women: 800m: 1. Luiza John, Tanzania, 2:05.37; 2. Jecinta Ngugi, Armed Forces, 2:06.98; 3. Hellen Juma, Armed Forces, 2:09.41; 4. Elvine Musi, Armed Forces, 2:10.60; 5. Tecla Chemutai, Armed Forces, 2;13.33.
1,500m: 1. Margaret Ngotho, Armed Forces, 4:20.4; 2. Cheruto Kiptum, Armed Forces, 4:20.6; 3. Susan Muthoni, Armed Forces, 4:21.0; 4. Josephine Gachiku, Armed Forces, 4:21.1; 5. Cecilia Nyawira, Guest, 5:10.7.
5,000m: 1. Innes Chenonge, Armed Forces, 15:47.8; 2. Sally Barsosio, Armed Forces, 16:04.5; 3. Margaret Ngotho, Armed Forces, 16:13.8; 4. Rose Cherotich, Armed Forces, 16:46.8; 5. Jellia Tinega, Armed, 17:10.1; 6. Madgaline Syombua, Guest, 17:14.0; 7. Anne Njeri, Armed Forces, 17:35.3.
10,000m: 1. Irene Kwambai, Armed Forces, 33:48.0; 2. Delilah Asiago, guest, 34:53.0; 3. Maddeline Syombua, Guest, 35:06.0; 4. Rebecca Talam, Guest, 35:19.0.

Thanks - well having been Benoit Z’s training partner I can confirm he is defo a Belgium, and you are indeed correct in guessing that his father’s side is indeed from Poland. So 33% of the team is French born, that’s not bad; much better percentage than their World XC team!

Will White keep her medals from the World Championships? Nope. Chambers, same case scenario has already lost his.

Okay break down - Moscow had the Olympics in 1980, London were supposed to host the World Athletics Champs next year, and were unable to build a stadium so….., Madrid - big enough? For me it is Paris Vs New York City. In the pro for NY they can hold any event without causing a ripple of disturbance in the city. In pro for Paris, they hold great sporting events, it is the center of the civilized world, and Baron Pierre De Coubertin was a Frenchman.

Talking of which I was coaching the Flyers last night, and as they set off on a tempo run someone left some stuff, thus I could not pedal round on my bike to check on the runners - what to do(?) so I lay down on the grass… I got so comfortable down there when the runners returned I directed the Boot Camp from the ground level… we saw Terry G out there, and Laura D amongst others… twas a nice night.

What domination, and if it was not blowing a gale the times would have been faster, a lot faster!

We read from the NYRR - Please be advised that the NYRR Downtown Dash on Tuesday, May 18, will be starting at 6:45 p.m., which is 15 minutes later than originally scheduled. We apologize for any inconvenience.

W800 - 1 Ceplak Jolanda SLO 2:01.27 2 Aït Hammou Seltana MAR 2:02.96 3 Varga Judit HUN 2:03.87
W3000 - Abeylegesse Elvan TUR 8:35.83 2 Malot Leah KEN 8:51.65 3 Ribeiro Fernanda POR 8:51.92
W3000ST - Casandra Cristina ROM 9:45.67 2 Vanden Bempt Sigrid BEL 9:52.37 3 Chaabi Bouchra MAR 9:52.99

Women - 1. Rosaria Console Italy 2:29:22 2. Lidia Simon Romania 2:30:40 (Needed sub 2:37 for her country’s Olympic qualification). 3. Sonja Oberem Germany 2:30:58 (Needed sub 2:30 for Olympic qual.)

Women - 800m 1. Charity Wandia, Armed Forces, 2:05.2 2. Luiza John, Tanzania, 2:05.4 3. Caroline Chelaget, Prisons, 2:14.8
1500m 1. Nancy Chebet, Individual, 14:19.6 2. Peninah Wanjiru, Individual, 14:21.0 3. Josephine Wanjiru, Armed Forces, 14:24.4
5000m 1. Peninah Wanjiru, Mfae, 16:03.5 2. Margaret Ngotho, Armed Forces, 16:05.0 3. Veronicah Nyaruai, Mfae, 16:05.7 4. Rose Cheriuyot, Armed Forces, 16:24.0 (Mrs. Ismael Kirui, former WR holder 5k & 10-miles), 5. Beatrice Omwanza, Telkom, 16:26.8
10,000m 1. Jane Omoro, Telkom, 34:38.8 2. Magdaline Syombua, Mashamabi, 35:28.6 3. Monica Wangare, Individual, 35:39.3

And we wonder if he will become a team member of Westechester Track Club like Pappa. I mean if he does he could grow up to look like Uncle George Milic, right?

Well I plan to be at the Mini as I am every year, tis my fav event.

Anyway Joe ends his email with this quote from Shakey Will - "Let me have men about me that are fat, Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep o'nights: Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; He thinks too much: such men are dangerous." --William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, Act 1, Scene 2

Brimin Kipruto won the men’s 1,500m after returning 3.41.0 ahead of Isaac Songok 3.41.4 and Augustine Choge, 3.42.7.
The men’s 800m was won by Mike Too of Global who clocked 1.46.7 followed by Joseph Boit in 1.46.9 and Edwin Leting 1.47.3.

The women’s 10,000m was won by Salome Chepchumba 35.01.6 ahead of Emily Rotich 35.29.0 and Eunice Orwaru, 35.55.3.
In the women’s 1,500m race, Iness Chenonge of the Armed Forces won after in a time of 4.21.5 ahead of international athlete Leah Malot who managed 4.28.6, and Everline Chelagat 4,36.6.

We, totally, agree, and in fact have received our first response back from a member of the AK... things are looking good for Joyce!

Event Scotland 5km:
1 C Mottram (Aus) 13:21 (super good time!) 2 J Kibowen (Ken) 13:29 3 S Lebid (Ukr) 13:35 4 J Kimtai (Ken) 13:45 5 C Davies (Telford) 13:50 6 W Taragon (Ken) 13:55 7 A Graffin (Belgrave) 13:57 8 M Farah (Windsor) 14:04 9 D Komen (Ken) 14:09

Women’s: David Lloyd Leisure Mile: 1 K Holmes (Ealing) 4:29 2 H Tullett (Swansea) 4:33 3 H Clitheroe (Preston) 4:35

BUPA 5km: 1 B Adere (Eth) 15:04 2 S O’Sullivan (Irl) 15:11 3 E Mondor (Can) 15:22 4 F Ribeiro (Por) 15:35

And Bannister mentioned, “I hope this acts as an inspiration to sportsmen and women everywhere to keep striving to achieve their best through personal effort alone,"
"It may seem incredible today that the world record at this classic distance could be set by an amateur athlete, in bad weather, on a university running track.”

Before I do that, a little about the Foundation. Originated by NYRR in 1998 to promote health and well-being in underserved NYC neighborhoods through participation in the sport of running, Foundation programs serve 3,000 kids a week in more than 100 schools and community centers. Our rapid growth underscores our success at linking running with achievement in school and life and the urgent need for our programs throughout the city. This year, Team for Kids will accept 250 accepted ING NYC Marathon entrants who pledge to raise $1,250 per person. In return, Team members will enjoy exclusive benefits from sign-up through race day, including twelve weeks of marathon training (a.m. and p.m. group runs), Team clothing, Team parties, fundraising awards, and great Marathon day perks, such as preferred bus departure and VIP entree to the Celebrity Baggage/Family Reunion area (only 200 yards from the finish line!). Last year Team members raised $280,000, which fueled service expansion to 1,000 more kids.

Please visit www.nyrrfoundation.org for more information about the Foundation, and contact me at 212.423.2281 or by email at csperber@nyrrc.org with your questions and comments. Your assistance in supporting kids' running is greatly appreciated. Sincerely,
— Cliff Sperber
Executive Director, New York Road Runners Foundation

Wimmin - 1 Albina Ivanova 1:12:35 2 Olga Kovpotina 1:13:08 3 Emily Samoei 1:14:02 4 Naomi Wangui 1:14:31

Wimmin - 1. Alevtina Ivanova, Russia, 1:26:38. 2. Firaya Sultanova-Zhdan, Russia, 1:27:00. 3. Victoria Klimina, Russia, 1:27:39. 4. Debbie Kilpatrk-Morris, Strongville, Ohio, 1:31:14.

IN a slightly faster 25k in Berlin - Men: 1. Paul Kosgei KEN 1:12:45 (new WR!) back to Kenya to prepare for the military championships to be held on 22nd May. “I will either run the 5,000 or 10,000. But the Olympics are not in my mind. Instead I will prepare for the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships and the run my first marathon in October or November.”
2. Luke Kibet KEN 1:12:52 3. Benson Cherono KEN 1:13:01 4. Titus Munji KEN 1:13:32 5. Joseph Riri KEN 1:13:35 6. Jason Mbote KEN 1:14:44 (Starbuck’s athlete) 7. Fred Mogaka KEN 1:15:55 8. Jacob Losian KEN 1:16:17 (Tegla‘s cousin)

Women: 1. Christine Chepkonga KEN 1:25:34 2. Restituta Joseph TAN 1:27:09 3. Irene Jerotich KEN 1:29:23
V. Good to see Paul K back in the shape that gave him Britain’s only recorded Sub 60 1/2M, and the WC gold a while back.

Sir Roger Bannister, Fifty Year Anniversary of Man’s First Sub Four minute mile.

Anyway the other night the Flyers did a workout, 25 x 200 with a brisk 200m jog and I happened to mention that I had brought the camera just to see if anyone would throw up… well nobody did but Dana (who does the NYFlyers.org site) said that she saw someone throw up after my 2 x 2-mile session a couple of weeks ago…. Huh, if only they’d told me they would have won a prize!

Jose - watching tonight, but Luis from Spain doing his part, Justin, and a guy from Millrose, and Randy Sax - forgot to ask him about the Black Apron Starbucks, Rob a newbie, Emily showing good improvement, David P stepping up a gear, Jessica back from Brooklyn with Cristina - more Spanish flag flying, and for the Brits Sir Jonnie reaching new levels and providing the grimaces to match, Charlotte buckling down to hard work, and Peter showing he’s going to step it up on the Indoor boards with style - he was putting in a great effort, and Nance too - in her grapefruit colors, Talking Colors Cara looking pretty natty too was back-on-track, Hotrod suffering from the first longie of the year - Philly, still running good, and Jim really improving nicely, Mary giving the smiles per miles and a superb effort, Angela a new newbie, and not forgetting SnapperDon too, CenturyMan showing off his new saucony’s… what a night - no rain either!

Meanwhile further news from Mombassa - The Mombasa International Marathon turned tragic when one of the runners who collapsed during the race later died at a hospital in Mombasa. The runner collapsed at Bombolulu after covering an estimated 11km in the 42km race, which was won by a Uganda's Alex Malingi. The athlete, who hails from Ribironi in Kiambu District, has been training at Nyahururu athletics training camp.

And the women’s 8KM - Lisa Blommé -78 Hässelby SK 29.30 2 Catarina Asph -77 IFK Mora 29.49 3 Helena Olofsson -78 Rånäs 4H 29.53

And over in Germany, in less tropical weather - Hanover Marathon, Kenyan Moses Masai won in a time of 2:12:38. The women's winner was Ethiopian Bira Tadelech in 2:37:32
And in Dusseldorf - Carsten Eich of Germany won today's Rhein Marathon in Dusseldorf with a time of 2:14.06. Second was Brazilian Alan Bomfim Silva (2:15.38) with Kenya's Gidion Koech third in a time of 2:17.52.
The women's winner was Dorota Ustianowska, who was the only female to finish in under three hours with a time of 2:39.45.

Women 5000 Meter - 1 Sonia O'Sullivan Melbourne TC 14:58.43 (back where she belongs) 2 Shayne Culpepper adidas 15:01.36 3 Carrie Tollefson adidas 15:04.07 4 Lauren Fleshman Nike 15:09.98 5 Georgie Clarke Melbourne TC 15:34.52

Women 10000 Meter Run Kim McDonald’ - 1 Sally Barsosio Nike 31:18.72 2 Marie Davenport New Balance 31:28.78 3 Kate O'Neill Nike Internation 31:34.37 4 Kathy Butler New Balance 31:45.63 5 Haley Yelling Breat Britain 31:50.85 6 Katie McGregor adidas 31:51.26

Men 1500 Meter - 1 Jason Lunn Nike 3:38.96 2 Jonathon Riley Nike 3:40.15 3 Michael Stember Nike 3:40.20 …. 9 Bolota Asmerom Nike 3:42.17

Men 5000 Meter - 1 Alistair Cragg Arkansas 13:16.98 2 Brendan Rogers Nike Farm Te 13:44.52 3 Chad Johnson Nike Oregon 13:45.26

Women - 4 km 1 Lisa Blommé -78 Hässelby SK 13.49 2 Christin Johansson -78 IF Kville 14.00 3 Catarina Asph -77 IFK Mora 14.03

In the men’s 4k was a name from the past - Peter Koskenkorva -67 12:29 (apart from Simon who comes from Albuquerque). Anyway the first time I met Peter face-2-face was at the Swedish National relay championships a decade ago. He was a 1500m runner, with a good 3:39 PR. We were both going to run the third leg of the 4 x 1500m. He ran for a team called Malarhjoden (He ran for a few teams), and I for Sparvagen. In those days I ran everything From the 1500m to the half, he was just doing 1500m - and Malarhjoden were a team of ‘bought’ runners. As we waited for our legs to start he walked up to me and said (remember we had never even said hello to each other before), “I am going to beat you today, I am going to kill you by at least five seconds.” ('Nice to meet you too, my name is Toby, I don't think we have met'). With a 100m to go he kicked past me… now if he had been a decent chap off he would have gone, but I thought I’m not letting that idiot go, so I kicked back and passed him. He was pretty silent after that, and I don’t think he ever spoke to me again. The morale of the story is defo in there for anyone to see. The mind is the power.

Women: 1. Tegla Loroupe KEN 2:29:40 2. Judy Kiplimo KEN 2:38:19 3. Tanya Semenova UKR 3:02:48

Well, non American prize money: 57-yr old Donald Trump's engagement to 33-yr old Slovanian model Melania Knauss.

Ndereba said her victory in Boston was just the beginning of bigger things to come. "As far as I am concerned, that was just a tune-up. The real hurdle — the Olympics Games — still lies ahead," said Ndereba.

Salzburg Amref International Marathon in Austria on Sunday - Peter Ndirangu clocked 2:19:25 to win the men’s marathon followed by Josephat Kiprono Rotich and Philip Kipkemboi, who returned 2:21:42 and 2:24:02 in second and third place respectively.
Mombasa half-marathon champion Joseph Ng’ang’a posted 1:03:50 to win the half-marathon event closely beating teammate Musa Cherotich by seven seconds as another Kenyan John Katio Maluni clocked 1:05:37 in third place.
Jane Jebiwott Rotich retained the women’s half-marathon title in 1:16:18, three minutes slower than the time she recorded when clinching the title last year. Everlyne Jepkoech Korir was second in 1:16:54, followed by Austria’s Maria Koch in third place who clocked 1:18:11.
Germany’s Eva Trost spoilt the Kenyan sweep of the titles by winning the women marathon race with a time of 2:47:02

Le foreigner hung at the front for a while too, got burnt and dropped to the chasing group, and Anil’s friend who has a name beginning with J was down chasing too, AmexChris flexing his speed, and Randysax from Duane St jazz blastin the tubes too, Michelle from the Flyers found a new friend - Madame Mileage - Welcome, we were honored, but later in tears (“Hey, I sent you an invite to Stephane’s party on Sunday“), sadly never got it.

Becky Ballerina who was in sparkly form with eyes aglazed, Jonnie back from Blighty with Anne from Arizona, HotRod, and Jim with a sore ham (“twas from lacrosse” he said crossly) groan Shawn - thx for the shoes, Alec with his “it was popular in the 80’s” muscle crop top, SnapperDon putting in the effort, David trackspotter, my two friends from the web site, and last but not least - Mary whose drive is a lesson for the others to follow in the group. Special guest Karen who refereed noting there was no foul play.

Do you know Belavin? He is the brother of Lyubov Denisova.

Schlotzsky's Deli Bun Run 5-K - Austin, TX: Men - 1. Thomas Kiplitan, 21, KEN, 13:42; 2. Nelson Kiplagat, KEN, 13:54; 3. James Koskei, 35, KEN, 13:57. Women - 1. Tatyana Petrova, 21, RUS, 15:36; 2. Dorota Gruca, 32, POL 15:39; 3. Jane Kiptoo, 21, KEN, 15:57. Jane ‘171’ of Starbucks HATC slipping under 16-mins!! Way to go!

And we read that Luke Kibet of Kenya won the rain-delayed Country Music Marathon on Saturday for his second Nashville victory.
Anuta Catuna of Romania was the women's winner in a race that was held up for 28 minutes at the start because of lightning. Kibet's time of 2 hours, 14 minutes, 11 seconds was more than a minute slower than the record he set in 2000 on a much hillier course. Officials changed the 26.2-mile course around the city in hopes of making it flatter and faster, but the rainy, warm weather slowed times. Kenya's Nephat Kinyanjui was second in 2:15:52 and Colombia's Alirio Carrasco was third in 2:16:00.

Bloody good point - How come the Americans got off with a verbal warning and Chambers got a two year ban??? We are talking exactly the same drug violation here!

Women:
1 Tiziana Alagia (Italy) 2:32:02 2 Hellen Cherono (Kenya) 2:34:21 3 Dolores Pulido (Spain) 2:36:43

Women
800m: 1. Charity Wandia, 2:07;4, 2. Glady's Kwamboka, 2:10.0, 3. Carolyne Chepkwony, 2:10.7; 4. Elfin Mose; 2:11.4; 5. Josphine Nyarunda, 2:13.5.
1500m: 1. Susan Muthoni, 4:26.3, 2. Charity Wandia, 4:28.3; 3. Simuret Sultan, 4:31.1; 4. Irene Chemtich, 4:32.6
5000m: Women, 1. Gladys Momanyi, 16:01:3, 2. Monica Otwori, 16:32.2) 3. Jane Omoro, 16:38.7; 4. Wambui Mutua, 17:06.2; 5. Jeria Chenega, 17:08.5.
10,000m: Jane Omoro, 34:47;8, 2. Lucy Karimi, 36:30.3, 3. Christine Chepkemet, 37:40.0; 4. Cecilia Waritu, 38:14.8; 5. Pauline Konga (wife of Paul Bitok), 38:27.0.

For a bonus point, tell me what discipline the ‘athlete’ in the picture used to compete at, and then we’ll throw in an extra prize… as yet undecided.

So after the race we went to a house where an Irishman who lived in Kenya for 11-years, as a Priest. Coffee n Scones, and talking, and Jeremy from Metrosports was there too, (Da Editor). (Danny Jeremy, and TGV). Then Brunch (out door large affair) was the next stop - Tony from the race invited us: TGV and I had settled down with a plate of food in tent as everyone milled around avoiding some dogs the size of bears, then when the race director announced that the aforementioned man-of-the-cloth was going to say a few spiritual words, he asked if everyone would go out and join hands in a circle…. Well not being religious I declined, and so did Marty; we were the only ones though (at this age I try to avoid being a hypocrite at such instances)… Mind you a pesky dog called Citrus did stay behind and bother us for a while too….

Then as the people came back into the tent three people came in and sat at our table. But at this point I was already looking at the watch & thinking about leaving. The guy introduced himself, and said his name, full name, which I thought was a bit odd and thus I made a point only to reply with half of my name - I mean at a running event why use surnames?
We talk a bit and he makes a comment about my shirt, “What’s it mean?” So instead of giving the full-blown, ‘well I wrote a book called Train Hard, Win Easy. The Kenyan Way’ so when somebody gave me this t-shirt that says ‘The Kenyan Way’ I.. And the ensuing story, I quickly just say, “Ah, twas a gift…” Marty (TGV) is talking to the Son about Springsteen to the kid (nice kid too). Anyway a few more blah blahs, and they get up to leave, and we leave a minute after, and TGV says - ‘Do you know who that was? I know you didn’t know…’ It was Bobby Kennedy Jr. So that was nice that Mr. Bobby joined us for Brunch…. I wondered why everyone was dragging their feet passing our table…..

Zipping back we made a stop at Bill Clinton’s street (See pic), drove up (past the S-Service) to look at his Gaff - here it is….. I thought the foreign readers might be interested to see it… mind you one can not see too much…. And then it was to Starbucks and a cake shop to make the trip complete.

Anyway the question to ask is how many times does a member of the Kennedy family come and at sit at your table for brunch? Funnier still if Marty had not been there I’d have never known it either..

In the evening it was over to NJ to see the Queen Mary pass under the Verazzano without crashing (only a 15-ft clearance), and a BBQ on an apartment roof deck. Well as the chill was in the wind the BBQ turned into an indoor affair, but the Boat passing was seen in full dimension. That ship is four city blocks long, and it brought back thoughts of what it must be like to cross the Atlantic in the company of straw hats, sports jackets, and Victorian dresses, and of course throw in An Agatha Christie mystery to boot. As Ace of Base said/sung, “It‘s a beautiful Life.” Oh, I did take a photo of the cash register inside of star bucks to see whether they had changed their policy of allowing the Plebs of the world to take snaps inside their portals.

On now for someone else who wasn’t wearing shorts…. But at least had his pants on!

Robert Cheruiyot

PACE Sports Management represents over 100 clients in track and field, road running, cross-country and marathon. The PACE headquarters are located in Teddington, London, England with further offices in Boston, USA and Nairobi, Kenya.

IS this the prelude to Kelli White keeping her medals? Release this decision, then come out with hers… and whatever is happening on the Jerome Young case of 2000?

They are looking for athletes to try out for the team. The next tryout is Sunday at Mitchel Field in Uniondale, Long Island. Please read the attached release for details. Former NY Jets Greg Murphy and Greg Buttle are the coaches, so this is an extremely legitimate operation. ALthough having played football is a plus (but not necesssary), they would love to hear from anyone who is interested at all in asking for a tryout. The games and practices are scheduled so that you can keep your day job.

Wonderin‘ where Eve was… Queen of the Harriers in the Boston recovery, Jonnie recovering from London, and David L on travels…

Well I feel I have been out of the loop, and gone from town for a 100-years. Boston was in fact a ‘working’ holiday. I run round like a fly in a hurricane, and have a ball doing it, but twas a job.

The nicest part, as always, was seeing all the people again.

So often we hear from the public what they deem as what qualifies to be a good marathon - (Fast Time), so it is nice to read what the actual runner’s themselves think!

Overall Female Winner(s) 1 Anne Kugler 35 UATH NY 22:43 2 Alemtsehay Misganaw 23 WTC NY 23:29 3 Lesley Higgins 23 NY 23:54
Anne and George zipping along, way to go! Congrats.

Well Okayo and Rutto took the wins at London this morning.. meanwhile we were hopping round Boston on the Freedom Friendship 2.5-mile run. I felt a real conman running as everyone was cheering and shouting 'good luck tomorrow; and 'have a great race tomorrow'. I have been eating so much that running in a forward motion itself is a challenge and a half. Lots of stories up on the RW site, and some that were really fun to listen to.... the big word is the weather here today - Rop is not a happy camper, "it is terrible" but the Russians (surprisingly) are rejoicing.... we saw The Rocket yesterday, of course with a Samuel Adams in his hand.

It was the breakfast of champions, and others there were Geoff Smith, Patti Dillon, Joanie, Billie R, John Kelley, Jack Fultz, Cheriuyot.. etc etc... so plenty of other people to sit with... then it was hopkington and talking to the two master stars - Joshua and Jackson - great storie from them about the '80's but too many names being mentioned to name.... Any way, now I am off to hunt a Russian whose name I can not pronounce.

WOMEN Sun Yingje (Chn)..............2:19:39 "It will be my first oversea marathon in my career. But I am not in a good form now. I don't think I can run anywhere close to my personal best,"
Margaret Okayo (Ken)..........2:20.43*hampered by a bad back, finished a disappointing fourth in the Lisbon half marathon in March. "I've had some treatment but now I'm fine,"
Svetlana Zakharova (Rus)......2:21:31*
Joyce Chepchumba (Ken)..........2:23:22* won half-marathons in Berlin on April 5 and Lisbon on March 29. "These races were the major part of my training for London," Chepchumba said. "I have run many races and this is the seventh time I've been in London and I'm looking forward to it. I'd like to win again in London."
Gete Wami (Eth)...............2:22:20 Ludmila Petrova (Rus).........2:22:33 Susan Chepkemei (Ken).........2:23:12 Irina Timofeyeva (Rus)..........2:25:29 Michaela Botezan (Rom)..........2:25:32 Constantina Tomescu-Dita (Rom)2:23:43 Adriana Fernandez (Mex).......2:24:06 Albina Ivanova (Rus)..........2:25:35

The women’s field is very aggressive, and will be a tough one to select a winner.

Kind of reminds me about the first time I ran a half marathon, and the road melted under the hot Icelandic sun (I kid you not). The tar got into the supposedly flexible torsion bar (adidas in those days) and made the shoe quite rigid. Man that race was a disaster - I remember coming to a water station, grabbing a cup, and pouring sticky ornage juice over my head.

Anyway, when I came out of the gym, having burned 300 calories for my crash diet (see below), my bicycle wheel was stuck (with tar) to the pavement!

Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know. Thank you.

Meanwhile in Kenya rumblings go on to RE- hire Mike Kosgei as the head coach(!) This man has been hired and fired so many times it is beyond ridiculous! He is one of the world’s absolute best trainers, to that so so many Kenyans attest - the actual athletes, yet not so popular with the admin. The article quoted Wwilliam Koila as ‘Former 800 metres world runner William Koila’ for being pro kosgei. Ha, Chubby William? William lives in Iten and works for Kenya Power & Electric. He owns a nice house, bought for $10,000, next to a house owned (one of many) by Ismael Kirui the two time champion of the world. Further trivia, William also bought the last remaining farm of Nixon Kiprotich. William was what the press call a ‘B’ standard Kenyan. We raced against him in Spain in what must have been a B standard meet. Every time I go to Kenya his wife makes me lots of Chapatti’s (like Indian bread except fatter). I in turn leave watches, and shoes - good deal as anyone who has seen me eat knows it is financial denunciation to have me at the dinner table.

yep Nance came down to help, as she is running Boston next week, so resting up, “I’m staying at the Ritz Carlton if you’d care to drop by for cocktails…” Posh runners we have! Anne G, who was at that moment running circles on the track, is also going… As is Tom who is back up in 7th heaven, after being down in the womanly woes last week. Jim was cracking jokes, as HotRod seemed in a world of her own.

Becky was all smiles, probably at Nance’s helpful coaching remarks, and Shawn was back from her tour of the remaining 49-states and back. David left the aforementioned Tom on his mission, and Charlotte (no bullets this week) was locked in her zone. Anne K blazed out in front and was off into no man’s land, and Anil, with his fluoro shoes chased after. Liverpool Lucas was grumbling about his back, and is off to London this weekend to be a streaker in the London Marathon, and Jim Wolfe was wanting to know how many minutes till he go off.. The track.

Alec had more words than miles, and Dan was back “I’m on a mileage plan, building bricks,” or something. Sandman Jose with a natty hat was splashing waves and back with his stride, and welcome back Jessica “man I’ve missed you guys” - wins Miss Social person of the night award. Kurt Le Vert was boasting that he picked up THREE pairs of shoes at the Store sale for a total of $40 before coming down to the track (2 pairs of Adidas for $15 each, and also a pair of Mizuno Wave Rider’s for $10!!) AmexChris came went and ran hard inbetween, and Jeff and Justin zipped through the puddles through the night too… all in all a good fun night out.

04/14
Watch your ankles, we hear from KingCre, “On the home front, picked up a dog at the shelter named Gracie- 7 month mutt with some shepard/chow/everything in her. House broken and nice disposition. Even did a few 30 minute runs with her!” That from a man with a broken leg.

Um, wake up - So the guy is so in love with himself he does not see that the real model is trying to fool him by pretending to know nothing on modeling.. I mean it is flipping obvious, but the guy really believes that the girl would prefer to split $500 with him, than get the whole caboodle for herself….. MTV really has gone down the tubes, and up the U-pipe… the next program (no, not a long run, the program was barely fifteen minutes) Was a man pretending to be blind irritating people on the street, and if they put up with his humor for twenty minutes they got $100... I mean what ever happened to social responsibility and Aretha Franklin?

Well bumping, not literally thank goodness, into Salad Girl was a blessing in disguise as I was about to drown in the midst of the chlorine and wet stuff. I was paddling with the directional navigation of a compass needle under a magnet, making the progress of an iron girder in a china shop, and generally… not breathing too well… and some people call it Aqua-jogging! Water, water everywhere….

Tecla Sang was very instrumental in helping the current crop of Women’s runners (like her namesake tegla) to make breakthrough’s in the 1990’s. Julius Sang was a good man, kind and active. He would often help the athletes, for instance when a hill run up the valley needed a driver to ferry the athletes to the bottom of the hill down early in the morning before the sun rose Julius would offer to drive. When I ran up the Kapsabet hill he laughed, “I don’t think a white man can make this hill. Is it true can he? I think I will have to scoop you up half way…”

When Tergat was asked, ‘Is it possible to prepare the difficult climatic conditions?’ He went on to say, “Unfortunately in Kenya we don’t have this kind of humidity; we have hot and dry.”

Have you been to Mombassa?? It is a trade off - throw the altitude training and get the humidity on the East Coast of Kenya, or live in the mountains over in the West. Tergat will be West of the Jordan, but East of the Rock of Gibraltar.

Later that year the ’Ma’s Army’ rewrote the record books with a series of World records, including Wang’s in the 3000 and 10,000 that stand up till this very day. Then Wang led a revolt against their controversial coach and they went their separate ways. In 1996 when, amid much national rejoicing, Wang resurfaced to claim the gold and silver medals in the 5000 and 10,000m respectively at the Olympics in Atlanta.
Well she is back again, now as a film star! About a mother trying to keep an adopted child, and at 31 yrs old she now just jogs for fun. “My doctor told what I needed was complete rest,” she said. “My doctor said it was my body crying for help, a cry of pain. After all the years of running to my extremes it could not take any more, it could not cope, it was exhaustion.” Well we must remind you she was running a minimum distance of a marathon a day!

Meanwhile R2 told me she is buying a swiss ball because all her ab exercises are too easy, she does not get the burn… wow, three simple Ab-er-dongees give me the burn!

On a personal note Roba was the first woman to beat me in a road race, the Marathon. It happened at Boston ‘98 where I should not have really run the race after suffering from extreme plantar (have you seen the camber of the Boston roads to make things worse?). Any roads, at half way I hear all these police sirens behind me, and cheering, I know it is the lead women. I hate it on TV when you see a man trying desperately to hang on to the pace of a passing woman.. So I start running to the way right of the road, nobody comes, so I look behind…. Not yet. So I run, still with all these horrible sirens (Poor Roba, she gets it the whole way). Then it comes again. This time I run to the left kerb, I mean I am trying to take the best tangents for the first five miles, then I give up the race and start taking any tangents, but now I am taking the worst ones… c’mon - pass damn you!

Talking Boston that is where we will be, and I expect a huge battle between the three hot favs in the men’s race - Rodgers Rop, whom I pick to win, Martin Lel, who I have chalked as the runner-up, and Robert Cheruiyot…. Whom I have slipping to the top five, maybe a third, maybe Laban Kipkemboi will get it right. The women’s field is urm, in London, period. What to do what to do.

If you are wondering why the Chubby Boss is going round quoting Dr. Phil and Oprah, it is because he has become addicted to daytime television. So much so that muscle soreness has now been replaced by bed sores… we are glad to report this condition was only temporary (as was his flu), and he is now back to his active self, and leaving the Oprah viewing for the rest of the 27% of the country’s sofa stars.

Meanwhile we hear from Cruiser, “Scroll down, and the third photo is Costanza from the store, right? Yes it is, in the Corporate Challenge, complete with Cho-pat knee braces!

LA Dammes -#5 Zahia Dahmani FRA 2:33:01, 6 Delilah Asiago KEN 2:37:24 #8 Nadja Wijenberg NED 2:38:39 (Dutch champion) All Albuquerque names of past… #13 Wilma van Onna NED 2:47:03... And more names in the wings at Stramilano - #10 Magdaline ‘Jamjar’ Chemjor KEN 75:54 & the super Vet #12 Gitte Karlsh¿j 45yrs young DEN 76:44!! Rocking! Also - note that 2 &3 in this race were trained by starbucks! Berliner Halfmarathon - Berlin, GER: Men - 1. Paul Kirui, KEN, 1:00:40; 2. Solomon ’Bush’ Bushendich, KEN, 1:00:42; 3. Christopher Cheboiboch, KEN, 1:01:23.

What a load of codswallop, firstly with the whole theory, and then the Ethiopian majority… laughable, and incorrect. Sang is a great guy, and the insinuations are ridiculous… then Keino continues,
"If you ask me today, I will tell you that the marathon team was named too early because it demoralises athletes. But now that they have been named, they should not run any marathon race until the Games in August," Keino said. The official response - Athletics Kenya chairman, Isaiah Kiplagat dismissed Keino’s remarks as ‘day dreaming’. Well it is April now, and perhaps if you don’t name the team the athletes will indeed be running marathons. How long does a marathoner need to prepare - a month? C’mon. Reminds me of the day I interviewed Mr. Keino in Eldoret, “How many miles were you running at this time?” “I ran very few miles, perhaps 30 a week”
disbelief, shock, “That little to win Olympic Gold??”
“Yes, I trained three times, or two times per day. Each morning we would run 10k at 6 AM to start the day…”
Ah, ha…..

And finally on Kenya - Tokyo Marathon champion Daniel Njenga and former world record holder Tecla ‘evergreen’ Loroupe are among four athletes included in the Athens Olympics marathon reserve team by Athletics Kenya yesterday.
Joyce Chepchumba and Salina Kosgei in the women's team, and Rodgers Rop and Martin Lel were already in the reserve list.

The nice news was the return of many familaira faces this week: Adam M back again, and fast too, Jim Wolfe too pulling the surprises “Took up Boxing, but not the getting hit part”, Becky Ballerina, Of course the star of Boot Camp, Jose the sandman is back finding his legs after the sahara nicely, Anne was kicking like a lion after a deer, David Aka Liverpool Lucas showed signs that he is getting ready to fire on all pistons in June, Kevin flew - period, Kurt Le Vert “Two weeks, two PR’s at the races” Hey, maybe the training does work, Patrick no words last night.

Anil speaking Spanish and running like the devil himself showing his limping leg is as long gone as the month of February, Kwasi sporting his new Ben Wallace Afro the size of Cadillac ‘57 fin, Queen of the Harriers back in town and running with wings, AmexChris who must have had a double portion of breakfast that morning, because he stepped up to another planet, Justin Le Visitor, Charlotte who can no longer be called a newbie, “I was in McCarren Park with my daughter, and we got caught in a shoot out,”

Emily welcome, Adam’s friend with eyes on November, Mary who stepped up to the plate with gears beyond gears, and brave Michelle of the diminishing rest ’It’ll pay off I promise!’ Welcome back AmexLee “Hey, I got this running jacket at half price, I wonder if it is good for runn…” ho hum, Anne Gez who is controlling her kick nicely into a well paced session, and Centuryman who had the gremlins of a yesterday’s long run in his legs.. Leaving him unable to do the usual weekly duel with David, who was not complaining….. After the workout was over, I glanced round, and all the bodies were lying flat out on the grass (ok Astroturf) breathing like Oxygen was a rare commodity..

What a shock, and so pleasing too - heroes on the track (for once!)

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer quickly agreed, although no one's quite sure why. "I can't speculate to his reasons, I never talked to him about why he decided to come to the party, but he did," Razek said. "He's iconic, a living legend." Dylan's spokesman did not return messages for comment about the campaign. It's the first time in his 40-plus years as an international star that Dylan has appeared in an ad campaign, although his "The Times They Are a Changin'" was used in a Bank of Montreal commercial in 1996.

Back then, Dylan was ripped for selling out. His association with ladies in lingerie, as opposed to some corporate entity, failed to produce much antipathy — particularly in an era where Led Zeppelin, Peter Gabriel and Sting recently licensed songs for commercials.’ Good for Bob, that’s what we say, he obviously is not doing it for the $$!

Anyway I went for a run with Mr. Milic later in Central Park, actually did me some good - that faster pace (Than I would have run) seemed to do the world of good to my gammy knee.

The legendary Nina Kuscik, Boston & New York winner, and a true pioneer of the sport that we know today. Thx to Snapper Don for the snap.

To back this up; Yesterday in Berlin - 1. Joyce Chepchumba (Kenya) 1:09:49 2. Maragaret Atudonyang (Kenya) 1:11:31 3. Mary Ptikany (Kenya) 1:11.32 4. Emily Kimuria (Kenya) 1:11:35 5. Jane Ngotho (Kenya) 1:11:46
Men - 1. Paul Kirui (Kenya) 1:00:40 2. Solomon Bushendich (Kenya) 1:00:42 3. Christopher Cheboiboch (Kenya) 1:01.23 4. Daniel Rono (Kenya) 1:00:26 5. James Kipketer (Kenya) 1:02:05

Another fast half was in Italy, Stramilano -now sponsored by Puma - (the race & Robert) 1 Robert Kipchumba (Kenya) 1:00:21 2 Martin Sulle (Tanzania) 1:00:27 3 Wilson Kiprotich (Kenya) 1:00:28 4 Enock Mitei (Kenya) 1:00:32 5 John Korir (Kenya) 1:00:47 - the site of Paul Tergat’s five wins, and before him it was Moses Tanui’s race, and before that John Ngugi.. Tough one to win!

Mind you in the South Asian Games…. Marathon:
1. Anuradha I. Cooray (SRI) - 2:16:38 2. Ajith Bandara (SRI) - 2:19.29 3. Arjun Bahadur (NEP) - 2: 21.23 4. Yam Bahadur (NEP) - 2: 28.21 (I wonder if these two are brothers, with a cooler name going to the medal-less Yam).

Passing over to Paris - Kenya & Ethiopia take top spots - KOSGEI Salina 1 02:24:32 #2 GIGI Asha 2 02:26:05 #3 RAUX Corinne 3 02:29:19 51 02:29:17
Men - TOLOSA Ambesa 1 02:08:56 #2 KIPKOECH Raymond 2 02:10:08 #3 BIWOTT Paul 3 02:10:30

“The desert sun here is fierce. I made the mistake of doing my first run, a 7-miler, without water or sunscreen, thinking I could skip it for the distance. I am quite sunburned.

“I was alone in a way you just can't be in the East. I was back in this canyon the first day, thinking with every step that it was just magical--and with every other step that if I were to trip and get badly injured (not an unreasonable concern given the terrain) it might be days before anyone found me. The second day I left a description of the route with the front desk where I was staying. I'll do that tomorrow, too, though I plan to run on a road. The trails here put the "mountain" in mountain biking. And much as I'd love to do 18 miles on sand and gravel at 5000 feet elevation on canyon switchback roads that are so steep they're scary in a car, I'm just not that gnarly.” Thanks and a safe trip home too… to Peter Supremo-dude too, who completed the Paris course on Sunday, no word on Camille, or the others…

04/02
Up yer Jocks - Sunday: Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the mid 30s. And that is the forecast for the Sunday Scots Run.

Women’s 5,7km 1. Anna Rahm Rånäs 4H 20.08,5 2. Helena Olofsson Rånäs 4H 20.16,1 3. Susanna Damm Flemingsbergs SK 20.47,8 Tis a XC race.

The women’s team has world champion & former world record holder, Boston & Chicago Marathon winner Catherine Ndereba.
New York marathon, Milan, Rock n’ Roll, & Boston courses record holder, Margaret Okayo and…..
The Nairobi Standard Chartered marathon winner, Alice Chelagat. What’s wrong with this picture?

I hope every local runner supports this race, and appreciates that the Sponsors are stepping up for NYC races, so thank them by being a player - Lochness Monsters wanted at the starting line.

‘According to representatives from USA Track & Field, it is not illegal for a woman to be paced by a man during a road race.’ the Simba’s legs ran that race, as Ingrid Kristiansen ran 2:21, as De3ena ran 2:21, as Paula ran 2:17 & 2:15.. As Tegla ran 2:20... As give me a break!

In fact we forgot to mention that Dejene Berhani of Ethiopia who won the men’s race (not paced by a woman we might add) did so under the racing colors of Team Mizuno!

She may be the face I can't forget
The trace of pleasure or regret
May be my treasure or the price I have to pay
She may be the song that summer sings
May be the chill that autumn brings
May be a hundred different things
Within a measure of a day

She may be the beauty or the beast
May be the famine or the feast
May turn each day in to a heaven or a hell
She may be the mirror of my dreams
Her smile reflected in a stream
She may not be what she would seem
Inside her shell

She would always seem so happy like a cloud
Whose eyes can be so bright and so proud
No one's allowed to see them when they cry
She may be the love that cannot hope to last
May come to me from shadows of the past
But I'll remember 'til the day I die

She may be the reason I survive
The why and where for I'm alive
The one I'll care for through the rough and ready years
Me, I'll take her laughter and her tears
And make them all my souvenirs
The way she goes that, got to be
The meaning of my life is she
She, she

Will Sun run the 10,000, or the Marathon? Her decision will be made after London… And whilst we are talking London - Joyce Chepchumba, a former two-time winner there, will run in Londinium! She will be spitting fire after the disappointment of not being included in the Kenyan team, and ousted by a girl whose major achievement was winning the Nairobi Standard Charted Marathon in a ‘local time. To understand Joyce’s frustration - Cheppy has run all her numerous marathons, bar her first, in sub 2:30 performances, she has won New York, London (2), Chicago (2), Tokyo, and even taken an Olympic medal in the 2000 Olympics…. Oh boy, to be bumped out with that resume by a runner who has not even won a marathon in a major city… oh boy.

It is really time for the IOC to start giving Olympic wild card entries to the Olympics… I think Evans Rutto, Paul Koech, Josephat Kiprono, Titus and a million others would agree… not to mention The Khannouch!

The Bond music for Die Another Day, when the old Korean general gets killed by his son, is strangely like the Gladiators soundtrack.

Speaking of Paris we wish all the NY runners all the best, especially Aron, Peter, Camille, Stuart (non running), David et all, a safe trip and a great stay in Grand Paris.... as it would happen I was talking on the treadmill to a French guy today, a case of wish I was there... bottled up.

WOMEN 1) Isabella Ochichi (KEN) 14:53 $15,000 2) Benita Johnson (AUS) 15:07 $3,500 3) Meseret Defar (ETH) 15:23 $2,000 4) Sentayehu Ejigu (ETH) 15:25 $1,000 5) Eyerusalem Kuma (ETH) 15:37 $800

Women: 1 Joyce Chepchumba KEN 01:08:11 2 Leah Malot KEN 01:09:35 3 Merima Denboba ETH 01:09:36 4 Susan Kurui KEN 01:11:10 5 Margaret Okayo KEN 01:12:19

Joyce on fire, and mad about her non-selection for the Kenyan Olympic team. “Not Margaret or Catherine….”

"I never took EPO nor growth hormone as an amateur. Never. They say that category is rotten, but I don't know. In my time, it wasn't. I have to say, and I mean it, that before I was an amateur I never took recovery products. And in the amateurs I started to help myself recover. With serum, with any glucose serum, I would inject two syringes of 20cc. That was in the amateurs. I don't hide anything. I'm not a coward…. Read.

The hot fav for this weekend’s Olympic Marathon trials. If Deena is not in the first three, then they better abolish the system - she is the cream of the crop on the global scene, forget only this continent. People talk about Paula’s absence at the world cross - we talk about Deena’s, Gold - maybe, maybe.

More Kenya, More new talent. I have ran on this track, and it is a goat field at the best - ‘Twenty-year-old Cheruto Kiptubi clocked four minutes 15.2 seconds to win the 1,500m women’s race as the chase for Sh1 million jackpot continued yesterday at the second AK/Eveready weekend meeting at Kakamega’s Bukhungu stadium. Imess Chemonges took the second position in 4:18.0 while Beatrice Omwanza finished third with a time of 4:26.2.

That is the tape that Meb just broke… by the time the third man came along we’d got the shutter speed thingy worked out - so here is he, down below, in fact he walked over the finishing line, so that probably cost him a few seconds… and on that note all Chubby‘s friends now have to buy him shoes down at the store, because Chubby also had a steamer of a race. Overall female winner - BLACKMER CHRISTINA & male KABISO KASSAHUN, and groovy name winner - MATAUAZZO KURT.

Odd - At 5km Meb was on course to run 22:32, with his 14:04 split ,but he recorded 22:16. To run 16 seconds faster for the last two miles (1.97) is incredible, especially when one considers he had to climb up the courses biggest incline after that split, Cat Hill comes at 3.9-miles into the race(!) In fact most of the elite men’s splits seemed very impressive given the 5k times.

Women's Elite Field -
CATHERINE NDEREBA (KEN) – 1:07:54 SUSAN CHEPKEMEI (KEN) - 1:05.44 MERIMA DENBOBA (ETH) - 1:15.00 (will be smashed) MARGARET OKAYO (KEN) - 1:07.23 LEAH MALOT (KEN) - 1:09.43 LYUDMILA PETROVA (RUS) - 1:09.26

“We dutchies pay a lot of tax... Anyway I informed my friend on the way who was going to win today in the men’s long race and that he had to pay attention to his technique over grass and mud. Bekele has been setting a new standard for running over this surface for 3 years now. I watched the 21 year old 2 times earlier last year. In the Hengelo, Fanny Blankers Koen games and in Paris worlds. He won both events. This was the first time however I watched him real close. My friend and I decided to watch the 3 events on the highest point of the race after the runners had to climb a slight hill.

“Since we arrived early and it’s allowed in Belgium to drink beer before 12 we drank a pretty strong one before the first race. This to spice things up just a little bit. And we did so before the 2nd and the 3rd race of the day. As we watched the race of the junior men and ladies short race my friend talked about their heights and weights. I said the average elite distance runner does not cross 65-70 kilo for a man and 50 kilo for a woman. I told him to run at least 80 miles a week for the next year and set himself on the scale afterwards. Telling this I was laughing of course since he measures 6 feet 8 and close to 100 kilo. I have seen others athletes running fast and smooth over grass but not so as Bekele does.

“Last week I wrote that he runs like a Porsche drives on the road. His legs are working, the body does not move except for the arms. He really moves over the surface the same like he runs over roads and track. He takes the bends like a motorbike, just hanging not losing speed. I think you can say he has the perfect figure for running cross country. After 2 laps he took the lead and ran to the line unthreatened.

Afterwards the race we took ourselves on a car tour through Brussels for 1 hour and visited 2 bars where my friend consumed some more of Belgium's finest and I drank coffee (yeah right !). I told him much more about the level of competition he had seen and that athletics is the biggest sport in the world if you look at the number of countries participating. He said he was impressed by the speed and ease of the people running in front. I said that’s why they run in front.

“We drove back to the capital of Holland, Amsterdam at 8pm covering the distance in 2 hours. We drank some more in a local bar chatting some more. Laying my head on the pillow that night I beat a group of some 20 Moroccan, Kenyan an Ethiopian runners with Bekele in front driving a mountain bike…” Thanks Michiel, the man on the spot as usual.

Blah blah - Kenya simply got beaten by better cross country athletes, that is all. No need for lengthy discussions. Re-hire Mike Kosgei, go back to doing the training the Brits were doing in the 1970‘s, re-invent John Ng‘ugi, and they‘ll be in business again. It is hardly surprising, and anyone following athletics could see this happening a long while back. Going back to the visa and language issues one soon sees why we do not see more Ethiopian domination on the world scene, outside the championships.

The characters at this new gym are somewhat more subdued, though not less interesting, than the counterparts at the old gym. Mind you I am headed for a crisis - during Passover there are umpteen days when one can not attend… so here‘s hoping for good weather over that period.

Et et… double world cross country champion Kenenisa Bekele may break the world 5,000m record in the Dutch town of Hengelo on May 31. Jos Hermens says that Gebrselassie would run the 10,000 at the same meeting. Twill be red hot, and one can almost guarantee a WR for the former. After the Hengelo 5,000, Bekele plans to over 10,000 metres in Ostrava on June 8 in an attempt to reach a qualifying time for the Ethiopian Olympic team. That should be 26-something….

Chairman Bernie of the NYRR, and the fantastic Kathrine Switzer.

continued....here.