Boston Marathon Qualification: Be Close to Elite or Forget It

The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon, dating all the way back to 1897.  It’s also arguably the most prestigious, with its requirement of qualifying times for any non-charity runner or non-overseas travel partner entrant to enter the race.

Even qualifying for the race is a major accomplishment for any runner.  Now, it’s about to become even harder or downright impossible for the non-elite runner.  The Boston Athletic Association announced major changes to the entrance process for the 2012 Boston Marathon race and qualification times for the 2013 race and beyond.  While entrance was previously first come, first serve, the B.A.A. is now allowing the fastest qualifiers to register first.  Those who beat the qualifying standard by at least 20 minutes get the first crack, followed a couple of days later by those who beat it by at least 10 minutes, and then a few days later by those who beat it by at least 5 minutes.  Finally, seven days after registration started, everyone else who has a qualifying time can attempt to register.  Considering how this year’s race sold out in about eight hours last year, good luck with trying to get  a spot during open registration.

Continue reading →

Cross-training by Snowboarding/Skiing

SnowboardingVirtually all marathon/long distance race training programs incorporate some cross-training aspect to weekly workouts.  These cross-training workout provide a change of pace and help prevent running burnout and soreness from pounding the pavement, while still providing a cardio workout.  Typical recommended crosst-raining workouts include cycling, elliptical machine, swimming and so forth.

In the winter, however, it’s often difficult to go cycling or swimming, and not everyone has access to a gym.  What about activities completely appropriate for the cold weather: skiing or snowboarding?  Turns out that they can provide a pretty good workout.  Someone from 140-155 lbs can burn about 400 calories in an hour while skiing or snowbaording.  This amount compares favorably to calroies burned in other activities such as light swimming and light cycling.

Of course, t’s not certain if the skiing/snowboarding calorie calculation factors in the necessary waiting one has to do in the ski lift lines and climbing on the ski lifts.  Given a crowded day on the slopes, you may only get a few runs in per hour. . .

Vetri Ristorante: Try Before It Goes all Prix Fixe

The big news on the Philly fine dining front today was that Vetri Ristorante, Marc Vetri’s phenomenal 36 seat restaurant, was transitioning from an a la carte menu on week days to the prix fixe tasting menu of $135.  Previously, the tasting menu was only required on weekends.  Vetri is one of the most exquisite dining experiences in the city and region, and it is easily the best Italian restaurant in the area.  The transition goes into effect as of March 15, 2011.

Open Table reports no dinner openings at Vetri within 8 weeks, but savvy diners know to call the restaurant (215-732-3478) directly.  As of 4 p.m. today, there were several openings available during week days in the next few weeks before you can kiss a la carte goodbye.