Weekend Pacesetter (Jan. 29-31, 2010)

The NF Endurance Cheer Zone at the Twin Cities Marathon will be back in 2010.

TAKE 2
We picked an easy number for you to remember since we’re changing things up a little this year.  In years past, registration has been in mid April, but this year the 2010 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon registration will open on Feb. 2, 2010.  Mark your calendars, set an alarm, send yourself an e-mail or start thinking about it on your long run this weekend, but don’t forget 2.2.2010. Registration opens whether or not the ground hog sees his shadow. In 2009, this course had the sixth most qualifiers for the Boston Marathon. The 2010 field limit is 11,200, a number that typically is reached within a month.  Runners from all over the country enter this race. Twin Cities was recently ranked in the top 20 marathons among readers of Runner’s World magazine. Registration is online ONLY and available on a first come, first served basis. To register, visit mtcmarathon.org on Feb. 2nd.  We promise another raucous cheer section at mile 24.5. For more information, please contact Murray McCartan at (Enable Javascript to see the email address).

FALL
…for Chicago! Did you know that registration opens for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on MONDAY, Feb. 1, 2010? So, this weekend call your running buddies and plan to make the 10.10.10 your next training goal. If we get 25 runners to choose “Children’s Tumor Foundation” when they register with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, we can become an “associated level charity.” Translation? More exposure for NF. We have two fabulous team captains this year in Andy and Shelby Silvernail. This event will sell out too. Tell your friends and family to RUNFOR a reason in Chicago.

BLINK
Want to go for an evening run? In addition to donning your bright NF neon, check out these iBlink ear buds which blink LED lights as you listen to your favorite tunes.

SAY THANKS
Make your thank you last a bit longer by expressing your gratitude with a magnet. Kerri Gastineau did just that for donors who contributed to Team Andrew.  She made a magnet that included her picture and information about the team. Kerri used Vistaprint, but other places such as Kinkos offer custom magnet services too.

PLAN
Veronica and Rob Meza will have a training meeting for the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon (and half marathon this year too) and to rally members for “Team Destanie” this Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010. If you are up for the challenge, please contact Veronica at (Enable Javascript to see the email address). The meeting will be at their home (1342 Santa Cruz/Chula Vista, CA) at 2:00 p.m.

In other news…
- ONE MONTH and 1 day until NF Endurance takes off for the Antarctica Marathon. Check it out here. Runner profiles to come soon!

- Help us reach 100 runners at the ING Georgia Marathon in March. We are oh, so close to rockin’ the peach state with 100 runners in neon! http://bit.ly/cebUIG