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Time By Escati       
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania it is:



September 2001


NEWS

Campaign finance reform becomes a crucial platform issue

IMPRESSIONS

Editorial: Welcome to the Pittsburgh Standard

Letters to the editor:

Two powerhouses govern the people in different ways

Bush power to the rescue

BUSINESS

Finding the right priced textbook

FEATURE

Cruising the Burgh on foot

EXPRESSIONS

Chi Alpha ministries makes an impact

The Newman Club offers Catholics hope

Moral law or religious banter: The debate over the 10 Commandments continues

SPORTS

Jaromir Jagr makes capital with the Capitals

The Great Race: For the elite and slow of feet

The pampered life of a college athlete

September online edition
SPORTS


The pampered life of a college athlete

Kate Langdon
Pittsburgh Standard

Every year in late September, the city of Pittsburgh readies itself for the annual Great Race, a 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) road race attracting participants from around the world to brave the challenge of its fast and exciting course.

Organizers of the Great Race seek to accommodate the desires of all levels of runners, not only by offering an alternative to the 10k in the form of a 5k race, but also by developing a racing course which traverses a steady downgrade, dropping 400 feet from start to finish, producing faster times for the leaders and less difficulty for beginners.

The two races typically draw approximately 7,000 runners.  Whether new to Pittsburgh or a long-time inhabitant, the Great Race welcomes all and the sense of belonging is inescapable as every individual undergoes the same experience in the process of completing the race.

Furthermore, the Great Race provides an opportunity that is unique to the sport of running, and that is the chance for beginners to compete in the same event at the same time as some of the sport’s top athletes in the world.  Is this found in football?  Only if the XFL had managed to survive.  Baseball?  Come on, the Pirates are starting to perform at a much higher level.  What about NASCAR?  I can only dream!  The point being that this rare scenario should be seized by all and relished from start to finish.

To many, the thought of running one mile, let alone the 6.2 that comprise the Great Race’s course, conjures up images of retching along the side of the road or collapsing from heat stroke.  Or possibly suffering through days of soreness that completely incapacitates the body.  However, such maladies are unnecessary if the proper training is utilized in preparation for the race.

For first time runners, a very helpful training schedule can be found at www.halhigdon.com/tenk/training.html.  However, regardless of your level of fitness, it is important to keep in mind that in a race of this size it is easy to let your adrenaline take over at the beginning of a race, which will cause much greater pain and difficulty in the latter miles.  Be sure to pace yourself throughout the race and to not get too carried away on the downhills.  With adequate training, anyone can not only complete, but also enjoy running either the 5k or 10k events for the Great Race.

This year’s event, which marks the 25th Anniversary, will be held on Sunday, September 30.  The 10k will begin at 9:30 am and the 5k at 8:30 am.  The fee for either race is $16 by September 7 and $22 thereafter.  Be aware that no registrations are accepted on the day of the race.  All other relevant information, including online registration, is available at www.rungreatrace.com.

Good luck to all who become a part of the throng of runners vying for a portion of the more than $20,000 in cash prizes.  I won’t see a penny of it, but I am going to revel in the experience nonetheless!

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Volume I: Issue I
 


Editorial Board

Jeremy Day: Editor in Chief

Kensley Lewis: Layout Editor

Matthew Bell: Copy Editor

Center for Life and Family: Publisher