"You Can't Stand on the Track!"

Well, once again it's getting busy at Kezar on Tuesday nights, so time for a refresher on track etiquette. Luckily, we have this handy video from the "track lady" to provide some instruction.

And remember to do your best to arrive on time and watch for those who are on your left.

Cheryl in CitySports Mag

Check out our very own Cheryl Shwe in the CitySports article, "A Sense of Belonging".

Here's an excerpt:

Cheryl Kruse Shwe is on her cell phone, volubly pouring forth her love of the Impala Racing Team, while also doling out loving admonishments to her 5-year-old son, 'Alexander, Alexander honey, she doesn't like that. You need to find another way to play. Sorry, where was I?'

Shwe was in the middle of recounting the myriadalmost endless benefits of belonging....The Impala Racing Team is one of Northern California's first clubs devoted to women's competitive running. Its success has been remarkable ranging from winning its division in the Boston Marathon this year to placing dozens of teammates in the Olympic Trials.

We have NCAA champions on the team, says Shwe, but the biggest benefit is the personal aspect. Running is a big part of all our lives; but I also know that if I need to find a pre-school or a babysitter or even sell a call or get a job, I can turn to my club first.

On the Roads (& XC) Again

Liz McMillan and Caroline Annis will be wearing new Impala blue as they toe the line for the USA Cross Country Championships 8K race on February 18th. The next day, Teresa McWalters will be representing Stanford University (but always the Impalas too) in the 4K race. All of our teammates got there through a different route - Liz qualified by her strong finish in the PA Association XC Grand Prix, and Caroline qualified at the PA XC Championship race.


According to the ESPN2 schedule, there is a one hour race summary that will be televised on Sunday, February 19th, at 9 pm PST. (as always, check local listings)

That same weekend, Betsy Keever is off to race in the Austin Marathon, in an attempt to qualify for the Olympic trials.

This race should be very interesting, as they are providing pacers for some of the entrants in an attempt to help more of them qualify and they've mapped out a 'down-hill course' (which sounds cushy until you remember that a downhill pitch can be deceptively tough on the quads). But they are expecting ideal race conditions, and we know that Betsy will have lots of great local support from the sports-minded crowd in Austin (the little blue dot in a big red state). We're looking for possible television coverage of this marathon, so let us know if you find any.

Send out some good vibes to Betsy when you wake up early Sunday morning on the 19th, and then tune in to ESPN2 on Sunday evening to watch our XC runners compete. In spite of the fact that our first Grand Prix event is still 3 weeks away, aren't you just fired up about this year already?! If you didn't race the 5K or Half Marathon last Sunday, I know you're envious of all those PR's, and anxious to get going yourself. Keep working together in the workouts, watch your diet, and get plenty of rest - you're going to have your best season ever!

Everywhere you step is yours!
(I decided instead of having one tag line, I'll use a different on every message, and you can all vote for your favorite mid-year. Then, I'll have a prize drawing from all respondents for a special Impala goodie...stay tuned.)

- Nelda