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

SCOOP

Victor Plata is a member of the U.S. Olympic Triathlon team and he's got a Chicago connection . . . (find out more at the end of this eNewsletter).

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OLYMPIC TRIALS INFORMATION

U.S. Track & Field Trials
www.runningnetwork.com/features/ustrackandfieldtrials04list.html

U.S. Swimming Trials
www.usaswimming.org

U.S. Cycling Team Information
www.usacycling.org

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VERTEL'S STATUS

The store is still there, but there's a new name and owner. Click here for details:
www.chicagoaa.com/news/momentumJuly04.html

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TRIVIA WINNERS!

Last week's question: The 2004 Lake Zurich Triathlon is part of what series?
And true or false, it is a point-to-point swim?
Answers: Mid-East Regional Club Series and True.
These winners who answered correctly received a complimentary entry into the race:
Myrna Hayes (Elmhurst, IL), Daniel Brown (Lombard, IL) and Bill Baker (Chesterfield, MO).

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SELLING BIB NUMBERS? Read this first . . .

www.chicagoaa.com/news/triathlonracebanditruleJulyl04.html

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SPA NIGHT

On Friday, July 30, female guests are invited to Girls Night Out to Benefit Girls on the Run (GOTR). Attendees will be treated to professional services including massages, make-overs, manicures, and eyebrow waxing and free- flowing martinis at Cherry Red, 2833 N. Sheffield, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $35 at the door. For more information, contact Betsy Armstrong 773- 296-4519 or barmstrong@gotrchicago.com.

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BIKE BUZZ

Bike Lanes Rule!
Halsted Street from Diversey to Grace has a bike lane once again. At one time, there was one but then it was removed. We're glad to see it's been reinstated.

Chicago - BikeTown USA
Bicycling Magazine, along with Shimano Components, Giant and GT Bicycles is working at transforming five American cities, one of them being ours, into BikeTown USA. They recently ran a contest and will award 5 new bikes to some lucky Chicagoland residents. They will award new bikes on Saturday, July 17, 8 a.m., at North Avenue Beach.

Bike Station Opens
The new Millennium Park Bicycle Station, which opens to the public today (July 16) will feature more than 300 secure, indoor bicycle parking spaces. Located at Columbus Drive and Randolph Street, it provides heated, secure, indoor bicycle parking as well as lockers, showers, and bicycle maintenance.

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ENVIOUS THAT THE KIDS ARE AT CAMP AND YOU AREN'T?

It's not too late to sign up for Dick Beardsley's 2004 Marathon Training Camp, Sept 7-12 at Rainbow Resort in Waubun, MN. "Campers" can expect daily seminars and runs will include hill training, tempo running, long-distance running and speed work. Staff includes Joe Henderson, Rich Benyo, Rhonda Provost, Bill Wenmark, Mike Dunlap, camp director Jan Seeley, and, of course, Dick Beardsley and special guest: Joan Benoit Samuelson. For an application and more information, check out:
www.marathonandbeyond.com/dickcamp.htm

AND, HERE'S SOMETHING ELSE FOR RUNNERS AND COACHES

Ron Gunn's Coaches Clinic: Cross Country & Distance Running. Gunn, the winningest coach in NJCAA history, is presenting a clinic at Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac. Intended for coaches and runners, beginners and experts. Contact Gunn at 269-782-1209 or 269-687- 1600, x1209 or email at rgunn@swmich.edu.

SPEAKING OF COACHES

Here's an RRCA article we came across, "Finding a Coach"
www.rrca.org/coaching/ch2.html

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JOB LEADS

JOIN THE CHICAGO ATHLETE MAGAZINE TEAM!
Entry-level advertising sales position open. In addition to managing accounts, responsibilities include attending local events. Looking for someone who's self motivated with high energy and outgoing personality. An interest in the topics covered in CA is important. This position is full time and available immediately. Salary is base plus commission. Please FAX resumes to 847-675-2903. For more information call Eliot Wineberg at 847-675-0200 x201. Please feel free to forward this to qualified individuals.

Spira Footwear seeks independent sales reps.
Fax resumes to 915- 838-8641 or email: jjesserer@spirafootwear.com, attention James Jesserer. For additional information, check out: www.spirafootwear.com

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UPCOMING EVENT

International Cycling Classic (Bensenville Criterium).
Cyclists from 20 countries are expected at the Bensenville Criterium on Sunday, July 18 It's all part of Superweek - the longest running multi-day bicycle racing series in the U.S. Racing begins at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Center & Green Streets in Bensenville. For more information, check out: www.internationalcycling.com

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EVENT NEWS

The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon has added a half- marathon to its October 24 race schedule. The half replaces the two-person relay. For more information, check out:
www.detroitfreepressmarathon.com

At last reporting, the 2005 Indy Mini already has over 4,000 entries. Known as the country's largest half-marathon, this event always closes early.
www.500festival.com

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WISH YOUR FAVORITE MARATHONER GOOD LUCK!

Deadline is August 1 - don't delay!
If you know anyone doing The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon OR if you're doing it and want to send a little "hint" to your loved ones. Here's how you can send a message of Good Luck that won't wilt like flowers or be forgotten.
www.chicagoaa.com/features/vogeltourdefranceJuly04list.html

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THIS COMING WEEKEND!

Highlights include---International Cycling Classic, Ultimate Neighborhood Ride, Chinatown 5K, the Galloping Ghost 5K, High Five K Walk/Run, Splish, Splash & Dash, Stoneman Sprint Triathlon, Muncie Endurathon, Lake Michigan Triathlon Series, Tower Triathlon, just to name a few . . . For more on these and other events be sure to check out our online searchable calendar: www.chicagoaa.com/calendar/smu.html

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IN MEMORIAM

Chicago Athlete wishes to extend it's heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Margaret Bradley who died at the Grand Canyon this past weekend. She was a talented runner from Falmouth, MA, an All-American on the University of Chicago Cross Country Team and most recently ran for the the Universal Sole/ Reebok racing team. Margaret was our June Clif Bar Athlete of the Month. We will keep updating this page with any information pertaining to memorial services.
www.chicagoaa.com/news/margaretbradley.html

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SCOOP ANSWER . . .

Victor Plata's Chicago connection is XXXRacing Coach and Chicagoland Bicycle Federation Program Director, Randy Warren. "I coached Victor when he was on the Cal Poly Wheelmen (San Luis Obispo) cycling team and then continued to work with him since then. He is a great guy and I'm so very proud of him." Warren is hoping to make it to Athens to cheer on Plata.

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CLOSER

Your editor is taking a holiday so there will be no eNewsletter next week.

Wishing you the best in your training and racing!