Since my last post covered the Los Angeles Marathon, I wanted to be sure Wikipedia's article on the race was up to date with its information. I quickly read the page did not cover where the course specifically began. Because the course has changed in recent years, I thought it necessary to give Wikipedia the new info about where exactly marathoners started out.
The original post:
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Los_Angeles_Marathon&oldid=201083468
My new and improved version:
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Los_Angeles_Marathon&oldid=201710638
Gadgets Galore– Los Angeles Marathon Style
For some people, running a marathon is as simple as lacing up your running shoes and hitting the pavement. But for many of us, we need some helpful gadgets and toys to help keep our minds and bodies in it to win it.
In its 23rd year, the Los Angeles Marathon is the 4th largest marathon in the country and one of the largest events in the city. And one of the best parts of the event is the pre-race Quality of Life Expo at the Los Angeles Convention center the day before. On March 1, runners and spectators were welcome to walk the red carpet of the convention center to see product demos, collect free goodies, collect their bibs at registration, get inspiration from coaches a
nd speakers, and just hang out with other runners.
The expo is a place for sponsors to show off their latest gear and runners to begin their race experience and get their adrenaline pumping.
Can you hear your heart beat?
One important piece of equipment for runners is a heart rate monitor and watch combo. These devices, like the Garmin Forerunner, can track speed, pace, heart rate and elevation for any given run. The device weighs just a few ounces on the wrist and can run from $300-350 depending on the model.
Salesman Stan Brajer says they are helpful to give a runner an accurate rundown, even on the day of the race to help with your desired pace.
But Brajer says the Forerunner's GPS feature, which allows you to drop a Google satellite picture on your run and accurately track the distance, will lead to some interesting discoveries:
Stick it to you
Many runners, myself included, find it a much more enjoyable experience to have music fuel a run. And it can be awkward to carry a pack around your waist, or holster an iPod on your side.
So to solve this problem was the iStik, a magnetic plate that could be clipped to the back of your iPod Nano, so you can wear your iPod on your sleeve.... or anywhere else on your clothes.
The salesperson assured spectators the magnet is safe for most MP3 players since they are a Flash based device.
The downside: the iStik is only made for the second generation nano, and will interfere with the video iPod's function.
The Smarter MP3
A new product from Yamaha called Body Beat, brings runners an MP3 player with ability to adjust songs to your running speed using "music syncronization technology." The device comes with software for your PC that rates a song's runnability with a score from 1-3 and then
allows your run to dictate the song choice based on your footsteps.
Body Beat also tracks distance, pace, time, calories and tracks your running routines in a log. Kind of like the love child of a heart rate monitor and an iPod.
The device is not yet available, but will be online in the next few months on Body Beat's Web site.
Marketing manager Ben Baker discusses the two different functions of Body Beat.
Sock it to me
So you would think socks are the least of your worries on race day... but think again.
So you would think socks are the least of your worries on race day... but think again.
Dominic Domingo, a manager at Santa Clarita-based Runners Lane retailer, talks about how running-specific socks like Feetures can make or break your marathon.
All about hydration
Hydrating is key to keeping energy up throughout the race. Not only do you need calories, which some people achieve through power gels, but runners need to replenish their electrolytes throughout the race.
David Reid of Enlighten Inc, tells how this breath-strip like product delivers sodium and potassium in just a few seconds.
Enlighten strips are to be taken with water and Reid says they have a rather salty taste. He recommends taking 2-3 strips before the race to pre-load on electrolytes, then take 2-3 every 30-45 minutes during a race.
Hydrating is key to keeping energy up throughout the race. Not only do you need calories, which some people achieve through power gels, but runners need to replenish their electrolytes throughout the race.
David Reid of Enlighten Inc, tells how this breath-strip like product delivers sodium and potassium in just a few seconds.
Enlighten strips are to be taken with water and Reid says they have a rather salty taste. He recommends taking 2-3 strips before the race to pre-load on electrolytes, then take 2-3 every 30-45 minutes during a race.
But ultimately, you decide if you need to add an electrolyte boost to your workout.
Tracking Upgrade
The L.A. Marathon has upgraded its tracking device that can accurately tell each runner their exact time, regardless of when they cross the start line. With over 25,000 participants, it's only fair to time runners based on their own personal start and finish. This is accomplished with a tracking device secured on each runner's shoe.
Well this year it's out with the old and in with the new... the marathon now uses a lightweight and disposable paper version of the tracking device.
Now participants don't have to turn it in at the finish of the race ... instead they just toss it. This addition, while it seems small, cuts down tremendously on volunteer staff who now won't have to gather every runner's tracker.
Runners Gallery
Well enough of the expo exhibitor teams sharing what's hot and new for the L.A. Marathon... let's hear from the runners and finishers themselves.
Here is a collection of runner's responses to what gets them through the race. From au naturale to superstitious accessories–these marathoners know what gadgets help them go the distance.
Here is a collection of runner's responses to what gets them through the race. From au naturale to superstitious accessories–these marathoners know what gadgets help them go the distance.
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