Welcome to the Chicago Athlete Express. Enjoy the read!

THE SCOOP
The Chicago Area Runners Association's 25th Birthday Celebration, Annual Awards Party & Fundraiser attracted a big turnout to the Palmer House Hilton on Saturday. For the story and photos, click on:
www.chicagoaa.com/news/caraawardsJan04.html

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WANTED: YOUR INPUT
What you think about Chicago Athlete is important to us, and we'd like to know what you like about it. What's your favorite part of the magazine? Why do you have our Web site bookmarked? What page do you go to or find most helpful? Do you get your information from the print publication or our Web site, or both? We'd love to hear from you and appreciate any and all feedback. E-mail us at: editorial@chicagoaa.com.

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THE NEWS
Big names, including Haile Gebrselassie and Gail Devers, headline the field this Saturday at the adidas Boston Indoor Games. The meet opens USATF's 2004 Golden Spike Tour. Catch it on TV Saturday from 5-6 p.m. on ESPN2. For the story, click on:
www.runningnetwork.com/news/bostonindoor04field.html

Openings remain for a Northbrook Velodrome benefit on Feb. 7 in Skokie that will feature Andy Hampsten, the only U.S. rider ever to win the Giro 'd Italia. Other big cycling names scheduled to appear include Tom Schuler, head of Team Sports; and Robbie Ventura and Kenny Labbe of US Postal. Proceeds will go toward the fund to help get the Velodrome repaved. It's at 6 p.m. at E.J. Place, 10027 N. Skokie Blvd. Tickets are $100 each. Visit:
www.northbrookvelodrome.com

Lakeshore Ski and Sports Club's next meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 7-9 p.m. at Chief O'Neill's Pub, 3472 Elston, Chicago. To learn more, call 708-786-3992 or visit:
www.lssc.org

Fleet Feet's 2004 Historic Runs continue at noon Sunday from the Lincoln Square store, 4555 N. Lincoln Ave. This week, it's "Run to Riverview." Check out:
www.fleetfeetchicago.com/info/histRun.asp

The Illinois Valley Striders will have their annual awards dinner on Feb. 7 in Peoria. Reservations are required. For more information, go to:
www.ivs.org

Ed Kerfin of The Human Race Sports in Orland Park has announced he will open a second store on March 1 at 58 W. Lincoln Way in Valparaiso, IN For more store information on the flagship store, visit:
www.humanracesports.com

Registration has begun for the June 19 Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN. Click here for details:
www.runningnetwork.com/news/grandmas04registration.html

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation Conference is March 18-20 at UIC. The CBF also is seeking nominations for its annual Pedal Power Awards to be given out on March 19 at the Bike Bash. Click here for more information:
www.chicagoaa.com/news/cbfnewsJan04.html

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WANTED: STUDY PARTICIPANTS
Runners over 65 are needed for an excercise study at Northwestern University. Research is being conducted to explore the relationship between running and balance. Participants must have no serous health problems and run at least three times a week. The study is being conducted by the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences at NU's Feinberg School of Medicine. Please contact Mark Sleeper, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, at 312-908-6785 or at m-sleeper@northwestern.edu

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THE NORDIC NOOK
Now that there is snow, should you skate or stride when cross-country skiing? If you haven't already read it, check out Lee Borowski's article from the January issue of Chicago Athlete. Click on:
www.chicagoaa.com/features/crosscountryskiJan04.html

Local conditions are good. Katherine Legge Park in Hinsdale was groomed Tuesday morning. Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton, site of this Saturday's Northern Illinois Nordic, also was groomed on Tuesday. It is expected that Camp Sagawau in Lemont, and Herrick Lake, Blackwell and Waterfall Glen in DuPage County will be groomed as well. Enjoy!

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THE WEEKEND AHEAD
Masters swimming, indoor track, cross-country skiing, indoor triathlon, indoor cycling, running and more are on the event calendar this weekend. Check out:
www.chicagoaa.com/calendar/smu.html

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THE CLOSER
Looking for a good place to donate old bikes and bike parts? Check out Working Bikes Cooperatve. For more information by clicking on:
www.workingbikes.org