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Welcome to the Chicago Athlete Express. Remember, at Chicago Athlete . . . we are . . . who you are . . . Chicago Athlete.

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THE SCOOP:
The Chicago Triathlon has shut down on-line registration. The Cutoff came the night of March 31, a record by exactly a month according to race founder and executive director Jan Caille. About 400 spots remain open for mail-in entrants, he said. The International and Sprint events are set for Sunday, Aug. 24. "This is good," Caille said. "It's a good sign for the sport." For more information, go to www.caprievents.com

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THE NEWS:
We caught up with Jenny Spangler of Gurnee, who was the first local woman (fifth overall) to finish in the LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K. We got in touch with her via e-mail, and you could sense the fire is burning within Spangler, who won the 1996 Women's Marathon Olympic Trials. Said soon-to-be 40 Spangler, "We (she and husband Miki) have mainly been working on base mileage this winter and have done no speed workouts whatsosoever! Those top four women were off the starting line in such a flash that I never saw them at all - I've got to get to the track! My main goal this year is to build up mileage and speed and see what happens. I have in the back of my mind that if training goes well I might take a stab at Chicago and try for the Trials qualifier - if I can just stay healthy for a while I think that I can make my way back into 'the thick of things'. I turn 40 in July so I am hoping to be competitive in the Masters circuit soon." Sounds like a plan!

This news is worth repeating. Registration is now open for Bike the Drive. This is the amazing ride that debuted last year. Set for June 15, this ride shuts down Lake Shore Drive from Hollywood up north to 57th Street on the south end of the 15- and 30-mile routes. Start and finish are in Grant Park near Columbus and Balbo. An outdoor party and expo follow. For more information and to sign up, log onto: www.bikethedrive.org

The CARA Circuit will bring out top area runners this weekend. The 22nd annual Race That's Good for Life is this Sunday in Oak Park. The 5K with separate men's and women's races, has closed mail-in registration, but is still taking on-line sign-up. Check out: www.orik.com/race.htm For information on the Circuit: Check out: www.cararuns.org

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THE OBSERVATION:
Joan Benoit Samuelson was on top of her game on Saturday at the USATF Indoor Masters Meet in Boston. She won the women's 45-49 3,000-meter run in 10:02.55. Bill Rodgers ran the same distance in 10:03.57! He placed third in men's 55-59 competition. Making Benoit Samuelson's effort even more interesting is that she borrowed a page from the playbook of all-time greats Ingrid Kristiansen and Grete Waitz. Benoit Samuelson did most of her training this past winter on cross-country skis. Check out: www.runningnetwork.com/news/mastersindoor03.html

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THE SOCIAL CALENDAR:
The Chicago Triathlon Club's Kickoff Celebration will be at Buddy Guy's Bar/Restaurant, 754 S. Wabash on Sunday, April 13,from 6-9 p.m. For more information, check out: www.chicagotriclub.com/events/social.html

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THE PHOTO GALLERIES:
Have you seen our Photo Galleries from the Subaru Chicago Bike Show and the LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle? Get the picture? For the Bike Show, check out: www.chicagoaa.com/features/bikeshow03.html For the Shuffle, check out: www.chicagoaa.com/features/shamrock03photos.html

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THE TV BEAT:
The rescheduled broadcast of Ironman Wisconsin will be shown on ESPN2 at 3 p.m. Central Time, on Saturday, April 5.

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THE HISTORY LESSONS:
You can relive memorable sports moments at the Chicago Historical Society's new exhibit, "Chicago Sports! You Shoulda Been There." Hours 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The Historical Society is at North and Clark. Call 312-642-4600, or check out: www.chicagohistory.org

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THE MAGIC:
WALT DISNEY WORLD Marathon Weekend, Jan. 9-11, is shaping up fast. Weekend events include an Expo, 5K, Kids Races, Marathon and Half- Marathon. (Note: The Half Marathon filled to capacity in a record- breaking 12 days!) Click below to register for the Marathon and run away with your Imagination: www.disneyworldsports.com/marathonroadraces To book a travel package, call Disney Sports Travel at 407-939-7810.

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THE CLOSER:
The Competitive Foot in Oak Park and Western Springs is celebrating its 29th birthday this month. To mark the occasion, the stores will have a 20 percent off sale for 10 days, starting on April 9. Check out: www.competitivefoot.com

Do you know of a top Chicago athlete you'd like to nominate to be one of our Athletes of the Month? We'd really like to hear from you. Click here for more information: www.chicagoaa.com/features/athletemonthcriteria.html