As the last of the snow (hopefully!) melts, spring is right around the corner and the racing season is about to take off.  Here at Elite Race Management we are gearing up for several races that will not only give you an opportunity to test your fitness, but will also support some local organizations that do great work in Harford County and beyond.  Registration is open for all of the events listed below.

The Survivor Run – April 3, 2011 – Bel Air, MD

According to the Stroke Network, “over 750,000 people in the United States experience a stroke every year; one every 45 seconds.”  Founded and lead by Phil Anderson, the 4^th annual Survivor Run strives to raise awareness and funds for The Stroke Network ; an organization that provides support and resources to the public regarding stroke.  The race returns to the Ma & Pa trail, with a free post-race breakfast at MaGerks Pub and Grill.

Set the Pace with RAACE 5k – April 10, 2011 – Bel Air, MD

Founded in 2004, the RAACE Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the epidemic of child sexual abuse by raising public awareness.  1 in 3 girls, and 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused before the age of 18.  While the numbers are staggering, the RAACE Foundation and TeamRAACE provide opportunities to educate adults and children on this hidden epidemic so that no child has to suffer.  The 5k race, kids run, and stroller stride at Cedar Lane Park will kick off an afternoon of fun activities for the whole family.

The Fallston Duathlon – May 1, 2011 – Fallston, MD

In its third year of existence, the Fallston Duathlon has raised over $4,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  The LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services.  With an extended bike course and team relay option, the 2011 Fallston Duathlon promises to challenge both beginners and seasoned veterans alike.

LASOS Running of the Bulls – May 14, 2011 – Bel Air, MD

LASOS (Linking All So Others Succeed) is a nonprofit organization based in Harford County, MD that assists non English speaking residents with the resources they need during the integration period.  By providing translation and adult literacy services, bilingual youth mentoring, and English as a second language classes, residents will be empowered to contribute and communicate more effectively in their families, work places, and communities.  The Running of the Bulls will feature a 5k and kids run around the Bel Air High School campus.

Please consider joining ERM at a race this spring and help support these organizations as they work to make our county, our state, and our world a safer and healthier place!

Due to the overwhelming number of requests for an update on my training from our tens (of thousands?) of readers, I’ve decided to indulge you with the latest.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, I’ve gotten back into the running mix and signed up for my first half marathon on March 26^th. I convinced Shawn to do it with me, along with his brother, Alex, and my friends, Eric, Zack, and Buck, in hopes that a little friendly competition would make us all train a little harder.  I started training on December 18^th, and thanks to my awesome running log, I’ve tracked my progress so far and can look back and evaluate how things are going.  Here’s where I’m at:


31 runs logged out of 46 days = roughly 1 day off for every 2 days on…not impressive!


148 miles logged


Quickest run = 6.4 miles in 44:14 (6:55 pace)


Slowest run = 3 miles in 25:00 (8:20 pace)


Ignoring the numbers and going on how I feel during (and after) my runs, I’m definitely getting back into the swing of things after a month and a half.  The first few days are an interesting combination of excitement to be back and soreness in just about every leg muscle.  Then you get a few weeks in, and while the soreness has left, the motivation to get out and run is tested with a little help from Mother Nature.  With only 49 days till the race, I still have an opportunity to build up my mileage and put myself in a better position to reach my race goal.  My main focus will be to steadily increase my mileage over the next 5 weeks while minimizing missed days.  I’d love to hit 50 miles a week before race time, and missing more than one day a week makes that pretty tough without hefty long runs.  Any time I’m tempted to skip a day, I’ll just picture Shawn’s Neanderthal-like stride pulling away from me and I’ll be sure to lace them up and hit the road.