Welcome to the Chicago Athlete Express.
Great Information. Quick Read.

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EVER DONE A RACE? WE WANT YOUR OPINION

If you could give an event director (cycling, running, swimming or triathlon) one suggestion for improving their events --- what would it be? Email your suggestion to editorial@chicagoaa.com along with your name/contact information and it could be included in a future article.

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WEB SITE WORTH CHECKING OUT . . .

If you cross country ski or want to be in the cross-country ski loop:
www.skinnyski.com

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QUOTE

"Fifty three people signed up for the race . . . and 53 people finished!"
---Larry Swanson, Race Director for the new Rock Cut Trail Series, in reference to the first race of the series held during last week's snowstorm.

Overall winners for the race were Jeff Brown (St. Charles) and Kerry Sweet (Mundelein).
For complete race results click here:
www.chicagoaa.com/results/searchable.html

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WINTER SAFETY

The most important consideration for running in the snow is safety. Slow down, rather than risk falling . . . If the street has traffic, please run in a single file. Cars have just as much of a problem with traction on snow as runners do, so please stay clear of them while running in a single line on the left side of the street, against traffic.
---courtesy of Bill Pierce, North Shore Distance Running Club in Libertyville.

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CARA AWARDS BANQUET

Congratulations to the 174 Circuit Award winners and everyone who ventured out into the snowstorm to attend this past weekend's CARA Awards Banquet and Fundraiser in Niles. For an event photo gallery, check out:
www.chicagoaa.com/features/ carabanquet05photos.html

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KUDOS TO ROBERT GARY

Congrats to Evanston native Robert Gary on being named 2004 United States Cross Country Runner of the Year by Track and Field News. You can read about it here:
www.american-trackandfield.com/news/ gary04xcroy.html

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AND YOU THINK IT'S COLD HERE!

The Yukon Quest is a 1,000 mile sled dog race that starts February 13 in Whitehorse, AK. Here's some information from this past week's eNewsletter:
"Temperatures along the entire Yukon Quest Trail dove below -40 this week, the point on thermometers where measurements in C(elcius) and F(arenheit) are identical! Whitehorse, Yukon saw -46C/-50F, but it was one of the warmer spots over the past several days! Dawson City, Yukon saw the mercury plummet to -48C/ 53F and Fairbanks, AK felt the full blast of the Arctic winter with thermometers registering -50C/-60F! Cars hobbled down the streets with "flat-on-one- side" tires (rubber becomes brittle and pneumatic tires stay flat from the load on them while resting overnight), and ice fog descended on any location where open rivers brought moisture into the air. Temperatures are expected to rise over the coming days, but Alaskan and Yukon residents were reminded that they live "North of 60" with the recent cold snap. Such extreme cold temperatures are perfect for solidifying the rivers that make up much of the Yukon Quest Trail, so race organizers are pleased with the deep freeze. Now for a little milder temperatures, some more snow, and a great last few weeks of training for the mushers and their dog teams."
For more information on this event, check out:
www.yukonquest.com

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WINTER MOVIE MODE

If you don't feel like going outside and are inside plugging away miles on your trainer or treadmill. Here's some ideas for movies to watch . . .
Pro the Movie (http://www.prothemovie.com)
Five Thousand Meters (http://www.fivethousandmeters.com)
Good read on running vs. cycling films:
(www.insidetri.com/news/fea/2522.0.html)

Do you have any suggestions for other movies? Share them on our Message Board:
www.chicagoaa.com/cgi-bin/messageboard/view.pl

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USA TRIATHLON AGE GROUP RANKINGS

In order to be ranked, an athlete had to be a USA Triathlon annual member by September 30, 2004 and compete in three USA Triathlon-sanctioned triathlons or duathlons within the calendar year. Check out:
www.usatriathlon.org/Rankings/rankings.htm

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THE WEEKEND AHEAD

LAST MINUTE CLIMBING TIPS

Competing in a stair climbing event like Bop to the Top or Step up for Kids? Check out Chris Serb's article, "Smart Training for Your Best Stair Climb" from our January issue for some last minute tips:
www.chicagoaa.com/features/StairClimbJan05.html

BIKE WINTER - On Friday, January 28 at 12 noon there's a tour of the Millennium Park Bicycle Station (255 E. Randolph at Columbus). Meet in the glass atrium of Chicago's deluxe new bike facility with parking for 300 bikes, showers, lockers and more, for a guided tour. For more information on this and other Bike Winter events:
www.bikewinter.org

CHICAGO INDOOR ROWING CHAMPIONSHIP - In its 7th year, this Indoor Rowing event attracts competitors from 25 to 85 who use the Concept 2 rowing machines. The event is capped-off by a Team Challenge Relay that involves five competitors rowing for 500 meters each. Saturday, January 29 at Seward Park; 375 W Elm St. in Chicago starting at 9 a.m. For more information, check out:
www.chicagoindoorrowing.com

TV ALERT

Reebok Boston Indoor Track & Field Games are scheduled to be on ESPN on Sunday, January 30 from 5-6:30 p.m. ET (that's 4 to 5:30 CST, but always check your local listings!) For more information, check out:
www.runningnetwork.com/news/ reebokboston05list.html

The Milrose Games are coming up next week:
www.american- trackandfield.com/news/millrosegames05superweek.html

For information on Chicagoland area events, check out:
www.chicagoaa.com/calendar/smu.html

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BADGER STATE GAMES COMING THIS WEEKEND!

Just a reminder that while most events at the Badger State Games are only open to WI residents, out of state athletes are invited to participate in cross- country skiing this year. And, according to event organizers, more events might be open in coming years. For more information, call 608-226-4780 or check out:
www.sportsinwisconsin.com

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation has openings for an events marketing manager and production manager and part time office manager. For details, check out:
www.chibikefed.org/jobs.php

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ATTENTION EVENT DIRECTORS

CARA's Event Director Training program is Saturday, February 5. In addition to these topics: race management, sponsorship, marketing and public relations, you can have an individual critique of your print ad, press release, and entry form. For details, check out:
www.chicagoaa.com/news/ caraeventdirectorFeb05.html

2005 EVENT LISTINGS

If you haven't sent in your event listings for 2005, please do so ASAP. If you already sent this in, please check periodically or let us know if contact information changes.
www.chicagoaa.com/news/eventlistingform2005.html

Questions, contact Brenda Barrera at brenda@chicagoaa.com.

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Wishing you the best in your training and racing!