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

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SCOOP

SHAMROCK FEVER IS CATCHING ON . . .

Not only is Deena going to be here, but Khalid is coming back!
www.chicagoaa.com/news/shamrock05khalid.html

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DEADLINE COMING UP FOR THE CHICAGO BIKE SHOW POSTER CONTEST!

Give the kids something fun to do this weekend! Have them enter the Chicago Bike Show Poster Contest, "Cycle Chicago: Get Fit, Bike It." Entries need to be postmarked by Monday, February 28.
For more details check out www.chicagobikeshow.com and click on link to Poster Contest.

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BIRKIE

Well, it's here. The biggest and most prestigious cross-country ski race in North America---The Birkie! Chicago Athlete wants to wish everyone racing all the very best. We'd like to send a special shout out to Bob Richards, our Editor at Large, who will be competing in his 25th Birkie!

Subaru Team members Babikov and Larson Prepare to Battle for Victory:
www.chicagoaa.com/news/birkie05preview_3.html

Preprace report from race organizers:
www.chicagoaa.com/news/birkie05preview_2.html

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RUNNING RESEARCH

BKE Associates, a consulting firm, is looking for runners and walkers to participate in an online survey to help them study the non-physical elements associated with running and walking. To participate, go to www.bke- associates.com and select the "Survey" button. If you have any questions, contact Bea at bea@bke-associates.com or call 410-353-4722.

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FOLLOW COLLEGIATE SWIMMING?

Here's some info on top finishers at college conference championships:
www.runnertriathletenews.com/ news/bestofustri2005.html

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GIRLS IN THE GAME TO CELEBRATE 10 YEARS

Girls in the Game, is hosting a gala event on March 2 from 6-9 p.m., at the Hilton Chicago and honoring 10 women who have helped . . . get girls in the game.
www.chicagoaa.com/ news/girlsinthegameFeb05gala.html

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Best Buddies Organization Seeking Runner/Rider Recruiter-Special Events Coordinator. For more information, email: maryjanemannella@bestbuddies.org

CHICAGO FIT 2005

Looking for three Head Coaches and an Organizer for their training program which starts in early April and continues through to the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in October. For information, email: Christina at chmintner@hotmail.com For more information about USA Fit - Marathon and Half Marathon Training Programs, check out www.usafit.com

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NATIONAL NEWS

U.S.A Track & Field Indoor Championships are this weekend:
www.american- trackandfield.com/news/usaindoor05preview.html

TV ALERT:

Sunday, February 27, 3-5 p.m. on ESPN for coverage of the USA Indoor Track & Field Championships. Be sure to check your local listings first.

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THE WEEKEND AHEAD

Here's a few events happening this weekend: ABD Indoor Time Trial Series, CMSC Alpine Racing, Office Max Hustle Up the Hancock, Sherman Health Indoor TRY-athlon & Walk-a-thon, Sportsplex Indoor Duathlon, Subaru American Birkebeiner, Wisconsin State Senior Championships
For more information and these and other events, check out:
www.chicagoaa.com/calendar/smu.html

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Wishing you the best in your training and racing!