STARTING LINES [ News, Views, Races, Places, Gear & More ]

Denniss (here in Colorado) averaged 28.5 miles a day while running across the U.S.

Forest Gump chose to focus on what he’d 35,000 miles. Guinness World Records accomplished already, rather than what has since tightened its guidelines, but the Globetrotting lie ahead. record for the “fastest” “It’s just like any long training run,” on foot remains unclaimed. Like Gump he explains, as he shuffles forward at To earn it, Denniss must run 18,000 a slow, steady pace aimed to keep his miles continuously, starting and stopping Aussie runner trying to be joints intact on his unfathomably long at the same place, passing through two the fastest to circumnavigate journey. “It’s only after you get half way opposite points on Earth, and complet- the globe on foot that you can even start thinking about ing a total of 24,900 miles (the distance By Lisa Marshall how far you have to go.” around the ) including travel With little fanfare, the 51-year-old across oceans via public transporta- long a treacherously tight Australian entrepreneur set out Jan. 1, tion. If he succeeds, he will have run the shoulder in a steep, wind- 2012 from the Opera House in equivalent of roughly 700 in ing canyon outside Rocky with two goals in mind: claim- 700 days. A Mountain National Park, Tom ing the Guinness Book of World Record In as of mid-December, Denniss hopped over a broken bottle, title for “fastest circumnavigation of Denniss has been averaging about 31 weaved around an orange construction the globe on foot” and raising as much miles per day, spending nights in cheap cone, dodged a speeding truck, and took money as possible for his favorite charity, hotels and dining on TV dinners and red one step closer to becoming the fastest Oxfam International. wine as he refines the next day’s route and person to officially run around the world. The title of “first circumnavigation on downloads the day’s stats to his blog at After 123 days and 3,674 miles on foot” is officially held by British runner www.tomsnextstep.com. He covered 7,504 his feet, he still had roughly a year and Robert Garside, who started and finished miles through parts of 23 states over 263 a half and 14,500 miles to go. But just in , , taking a total of 2,062 days while running from to like any wise ultrarunner, this real-life days between 1997 and 2003 to cover Boston between Feb. 12 and Oct. 31. Photo by Walt Hester Photo by Mark Doolittle Walt

10 Competitor January 2013 STARTING LINES [ Profile ]

“Obeying a third party’s rules takes along in a vehicle as support crew/pho- “It’s just like any long away the subjective nature of the defini- tographer. “He’s healthy and our kids are training run. It’s only tion,” says Denniss, who aims to finish older now [24 and 22]. Why not?” his circumnavigation later this year. “No If all goes according to plan, he’ll cross after you get half way one can accuse me of making up my own 20 countries and six , plodding that you can even rules.” through the sweltering jungles of South- start thinking about With a Ph.D in mathematics and east , the 13,000-foot passes of oceanography, the father-of-two made and Argentina, the endless summer days how far you have yet his fortune founding a start-up that of the Circle in Finland, and ending to go.” — Tom Denniss converts ocean waves into electricity. with a final stretch across the Nullarbor He formerly played professional rugby, Desert in Australia. broke state records for sprinting in high Clad in shorts and well-worn Nike Free him through his journey, Denniss is going school, and has run 15 marathons (with shoes, he ran through a rogue two-foot it mostly alone. a PR of 2:49). Four years ago, he got the snowstorm in Prescott, Ariz., had a near- “I think about all sorts of things, ultrarunning bug when he placed ninth miss with a rattlesnake in Nebraska, and everything from quantum physics to old overall in the 58K Run to the Sun in Maui. was drenched in a torrential downpour childhood memories,” he said. “A lot of But even after a solo 1,000K run from while passing Mount Rushmore. When the normal, mundane things you think Melbourne to Sydney, he hungered for he traversed the picturesque Monu- about day-to-day start to fade away when more. ment Valley in the Utah dessert, he even you do something like this, and you soak “It didn’t surprise me. He’s always try- donned a Forest Gump-esque wig and in the sights and smells and sounds ing to do something bigger and better,” beard in honor of his mythical hero. But and think about things you haven’t for says his wife Carmel, who agreed to tag unlike Forest, who had crowds clinging to decades.” Rogue Record-Breakers unning a fast in costume hockey gear (including a stick) in October (4:08:43, has become all the rage. Take Cana- at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon). “I started dian Paul Statchuk, for example. The with 18 pounds of extra gear and with the rain, I 27-year-old software salesman doubled was probably carrying about 25 pounds by the time Adam R his fun in 2012, setting a new world record for run- I finished,” says Statchuk, who raised money for Campell ning a marathon in full football gear (3:45:30 at the the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada. Here are Mississauga Marathon) in May, as well as a new a few more of the many amazing (and amusing) world mark for going the distance while wearing ice marathon records set in 2012.

Runner (age) RecoRD Race Remark He’s a lawyer by trade, but also a Adam Campbell (33) Wearing a business suit – 2:35:53 Victoria Marathon professional ultrarunner.

What’s amazing is that his PR wearing Keith Lavasseur (34) Wearing flip-flop sandals – 2:46:58 Baltimore Marathon shoes is only 8 minutes faster.

Herron (27th at the U.S. Olympic Trials) Camille Herron (30) Dressed as Spiderman – 2:48:51 Route 66 Marathon definitely got her kicks on Route 66.

Kevin Day (46) Dressed as a nun – 3:17:58 Marathon He also qualified for Boston, but probably not due to divine intervention. Pop star Katy “I wanna see your peacock” Susannah Gill (27) Dressed as a peacock – 3:18:09 Perry would be proud.

Was she chasing her groom or running Naomi Garrick (43) Wearing a wedding dress – 3:41:40 London Marathon away from the chapel? Photo by Victoria Marathon

12 Competitor January 2013 STARTING LINES [ VIEWS ]

Top Shop Fleet Feet Syracuse Named Best Running Store in U.S.

d and Ellen Griffin know a thing or two about the business of run- ning. In fact, as the owners and Eoperators of Fleet Feet Sports Syracuse for more than a decade, they know just as much or more about many of their customers’ training logs, recent race results and favorite running shoes, too. The Griffin’s leadership and the shop’s reputation for providing exemplary cus- tomer service, taking pride in developing employees and being deeply involved in the local community—through races, running clubs, schools and non-profits— contributed to Fleet Feet Syracuse being 3Owners: Ed Griffin, a former cable TV and presentations. Other unique features named the 2012 Running Store of the Year executive and his wife, Ellen, a former include an inlaid section of track for test- on Dec. 5 at a running industry banquet in financial executive, opened the fran- ing shoes (made from the same material Austin, Texas. chised running store 12 years ago and as the one at the London Olympics) and “When we celebrated together with have since developed a reputation as one a prominent space to honor local high the staff back in Syracuse, it was like we of the most sophisticated operators in school runners of the year. won the Stanley Cup, except they couldn’t the country. Fleet Feet Syracuse, which drink out of it,” Ed Griffin says. “So they has grown to about 30 part-time and 3Programs: The store offers a variety had their picture taken with just about full-time employees, has been named of training programs on a year-round everybody together. We’re really proud of one of the 50 Best Running Stores in basis, but it’s the 10-week begin-to-run it. It’s a huge honor.” America every year since the inception of programs that have been most remark- Every year, Competitor magazine and the awards in 2006. “It’s the people that able, typically attracting between 250 the trade publication Running Insight make this business,” Ed Griffin says. “If and 350 runners for the spring, summer identify the 50 Best Running Stores your employees are happy, your custom- and fall sessions. In addition to a bevy of in America. It starts with consumers ers are happy. And if your customers are training groups from 5K to the marathon, nominating their favorite stores at www. happy, your business is going to grow.” the shop has also had success with its competitor.com. Then those stores are beginner triathlon program and its winter put through a rigorous evaluation process, 3Features: The well-lit, 10,000-square maintenance program, which includes which includes mystery shopping to as- foot store has a 1,500-square foot com- indoor cycling, indoor swimming and sess customer service, credit ratings from munity room where it coordinates race outdoor running. In the fall, the shop vendors and assessments about local packet pick-ups, indoor cycling for up organizes weekly “Dusk Runs” on the dirt programs and community commitment. to 30 people and regular in-store clinics path along the Erie Canal.

Previous Winners 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Boulder Running 9th Street Active, Bob Roncker’s Naperville Playmakers, Shu’s Idaho Company, Durham, NC Running Spot, Running Okemos, MI Running Boulder, CO Cincinnati, OH Company, Company, Naperville, IL Boise, ID

3For a complete list of the 50 Best Running Stores in America for 2012, go to www.competitor.com/50best

14 Competitor January 2013 competitor.com PB STARTING LINES [ RACES ]

Fernando Cabada Kim Conley DSNowuane Solomonshoe Runners to 3From 2006 through 2008, 3Who can forget Conley’s 3Solomon,Racin g28, P wentrime into rlast Fernando Cabada won two epic final lap flurry in the summer’s 800m final at U.S. U.S. road racing titles and 5,000m final at last summer’s Olympic Trials as an under- Watch in bagged a 2:12:27 debut mara- Olympic Trials in Eugene, dog to make the Olympic thon. After a promising start Ore.? Conley passed five team. He left with a third- to his pro career, he spent women over the final 400 place finish, a new personal 2013 most of the next three years meters to place third in the best of 1:44.65, and a ticket 6 American runners battling injuries before win- race, 0.21 seconds under the to London. In the Olympic to keep an eye on ning another U.S. 25K title in Olympic A-standard of 15:20 final, Solomon shattered his this year 2011 and placing seventh at — good enough to land her own personal best, along with By Mario Fraioli the U.S. Olympic Marathon on the Olympic team. At the everyone’s expectations in Trials last January, where Games, Conley failed to ad- what was the fastest race in he lowered his personal best vance to the final, but finished history, with a fourth-place, to 2:11:53. Now healthy and her prelim in 15:14.48, a new 1:42.82 finish that made him training in Boulder, Colo., personal best. After a break- the second-fastest American the 30-year-old Cabada has through year in 2012, the ever behind his coach, the his sights set on making the 26-year-old Californian will legendary Johnny Gray. Olympic team in 2016. have a hard time sneaking up on people in 2013. Neely Spence Sage Canaday 3Spence comes from good 3The 26-year-old Canaday Molly Pritz genes, but she’s got some burst onto the mountain and 3The 24-year-old Pritz was serious skills and work ethic For another runner ultra running scenes last not a star runner in college. of her own, too. The daughter to watch in 2013, year, turning heads with a In fact, she didn’t even run for of Steve Spence, the bronze read the profile of dominating win at the Mount her college team. But since medalist in the 1991 world Amy Hastings on Washington Road Race, graduating from Bucknell in championships marathon, Page 40. where he clocked 58:27—the 2010, Pritz has blossomed Neely followed up a record- fastest American time in on the roads. In her mara- setting Division II collegiate history. He went on to win the thon debut in career at Shippensburg with a White River 50 in course- in 2011, Pritz finished as top solid professional debut sea- record time and placed American, running 2:31:52. son for the Hansons-Brooks second at the Ultra Race of Last year, she lowered her squad in 2012. The 22-year- Champions 100K and top-10 half-marathon personal best old Spence was runner-up at at two world championship to 1:10:45 and won a national last year’s U.S. 5K cham- events. With his competitive championship at the Gate pionships in Providence, credentials (Canaday is a River Run 25K. The Boulder- and placed third at the 10K 2:16:52 marathoner) and off- based Pritz might have what championships in Boston. As road adeptness, he is poised it takes to be America’s next much as any young runner to become one of the most best female marathoner. in America, Spence seems feared ultra-distance and destined for greatness. uphill racers in the world.

Rock the Nation If you want to go on the road as a rock ’n’ roll groupie, you need a backstage pass. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series has expanded to 28 events in in 2013, and you can run them all (or pick and choose several) if you get a Rock ‘n’ Roll Tour- Pass Unlimited for a one-time fee of $399. (TourPass holders must register for a race within 30 days of an event.) For more information, go to www.runrocknroll.competitor.com/tourpass.

16 Competitor January 2013 STARTING LINES [ GEAR ]

New Year Gear Five innovative running accessories for 2013 [A] Ultimate Direction SJ Ultra Vest • One of three new uber- lightweight and intuitively A functional trail running packs from Ultimate Direction, this 7.5- oz. Scott Jurek signature model has 47 cubic inches of smartly placed storage compartments and securely stashes two 20-oz. water bottles. $125; www.ultimatedirection.com

[B] Salomon Sense Hydro S-Lab • Handheld Hydration Set Carrying water or an endurance drink of choice during a race D can be cumbersome. Salomon’s innovative new device allows hassle-free access to hydration via a PVC-free and BPA-free 8 oz. soft flask while allowing a runner’s hands to remain relaxed. $40; www.salomon.com

[C] X-1 Audio Momentum In-Ear Ultra-Light Headphones • Featherweight, sweatproof and rinsable, these running-specific iPhone-compatible headphones E offer up superior sound quality and a secure fit, plus reflective accents for safety, several color options and in-line mic and volume control. $50; www.x-1.com

[D] New Balance Minimus Hi Rez • On first glance, you’ll wonder if this is the latest and greatest in the barely-there minimalist road running shoe category or a technologically-enhanced work of art? It’s definitely both of those, not to mention super light (4.3 oz., men’s size 9.0), extremely flexible and sporting a zero-drop profile just 8mm off the ground. (Due in stores by April.) $120; www.newbalance.com

[E] Roll Recovery R8 • This brilliantly innovative (and X-1 Audio: easy-to-use) contraption loosens tight and fatigue muscles and Secure, stable helps flush the post-exertion C and great B toxins that build up after hard sound. efforts. Unlike a foam roller or self-massaging stick, the R8 has the self-massage force built into its design, thus eliminating the need for strenuous efforts of self- inflicted pain. $99; www.rollrecovery.com

18 Competitor January 2013 competitor.com PB