Save Your Skin 10K
July 26, 2010 by Lora
Filed under Blonde Jokes, Featured, Races
Join us for the annual Save Your Skin 10K (6.2 miles) and 2 mile awareness walk will be held in the Davis County, Utah on Saturday September 25, 2010 starting at the West Bountiful Park off Pages Lane (1600 North) just west of I-15.
Registration is available through active.com
10K Race fee: $35
2 Mile Race fee: $20
Race registration deadline: Sept. 18, 2010 - fees $10 more there after.
To learn more visit
Race Report: Willard Bay Triathlon
Race Report: Willard Bay Triathlon, Utah
June 5, 2010 – USAT sanctioned event
Sprint and Olympic Distance
By Lora Erickson blonderunner.com
I could not have been more delighted to arrive at the race venue under a clear blue sky. Race events are so enjoyable in beautiful weather and it was certainly that at the first annual Willard Bay Triathlon Sat. June 5, 2010. All the volunteers were workin’ hard finishing setting up the sprint and Olympic distance events offered as part of the Gold Medal Racing Series by On Hill Events. It was fun to see fellow members of the new club Northern Utah Triathletes there setting up their transitions and chatting with friends and listening to the upbeat music playing in the background.
After the race director reviewed the rules and updates about the route athletes headed to the water. Joe (the race director) told me that it was white caps on the other side the night before and a boat had over turned, but not this morning – the water was calm. Also the warm temperatures in Willard had significantly warmed up since the practice swim I had taken just a week earlier (frankly it was surprising to see the water soo much warmer is such a short time!).
Soon the Olympic waves were off. Jason Crompton was the first out of the water leading the men’s Olympic distance event with a great swim split several minutes before another small group of men came out of the water. There were lots of spectators cheering up on the dike and it was easy to see and follow the athletes the entire swim. The sprint distance participants where soon sent off, starting with a men’s wave followed by the women ten minutes later. The water was calm and it wasn’t overly crowed so it was a fairly smooth swim. The transition was set up to the south side of the water and was easy to access.
The bike course was fairly flat and we did have to dismount and remount our bike at an intersection twice for safety reasons. Overall it was well marked and a straight forward rectangle loop. The Olympic distance athletes looped around the bike route twice.
The run was on the gravel road on the dike overlooking the water. This out and back run made it easy to see where you were at in the race as a participant and was also great for spectators. The <!– /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:”"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –> mosquitoes were not bad at all, so it looks like the abatement team did their job as the race director made all efforts to ensure. I think the race went very smoothly and I would suggest it for anyone looking to do their first openwater event or take on the Olympic distance for the first time. I am happy to report I posted the fastest female run split of the day in the sprint distance (hey they don’t call me Blonde Runner for nothin’). It wasn’t quite enough to get me to the top three so I had to be satisfied with fourth overall female in the Sprint distance event and first female in my division. They provided some sweet prizes with 1st overall male and female in each event getting a wetsuit from Xterra and trophies for overall three deep with Road ID gift certificates and medals three deep in all age divisions. Thanks for putting on a great event On Hill Events! To learn more visit the event race site at http://www.willardbaytriathlon.com/
Overall Sprint Distance Results:
Male: Weston Woodward 1:01:53
Jesse Dunn 1:04:45
Bryson Garbett 1:07:11
Female: Karen Appleby 1:10:45
StephanieTomlin 1:11:21
Amanda Margulies 1:12:31
Overall Olympic Distance Results:
Male: Jason Crompton 2:04:14
Nathan Baldwin 2:10:30
Tyler Henley 2:15:04
Female: Mandi Janowitz 2:18:28
Amanda Dunlop 2:27:13
Toby Nishikawa 2:36:43
Link to official results: http://www.milliseconds.com/races/detail/1296
Lora Erickson is a competitive runner and triathlete with over 25 years of experience. She ran on scholarship for University of Utah and Utah State University where she was honored as an all-conference runner (top ten of all the Big West colleges). She is the owner of Blonde Runner Health LLC in Bountiful, Utah where she currently resides with her husband and four children and is a USATF certified running coaching. Lora has a true passion for health promotion and loves to see people get started in triathlons. She offers both men and a woman’s complete team training programs. She has also started a Northern Utah Triathletes group. To learn more visit www.blonderunner.com or contact her directly at lora@blonderunner.com.
Mountair Mile Children’s Race - June 26
Blonde Runner is a proud sponsor of the Mountair Mile Children’s Race. This event is a 1 and 2 mile event. Begin with your choice of bicycle or scooter and finish with a walk / run. All proceeds go to The Sharing Place; a grief support program for children, teens, and their families.
Date: Saturday June 26th, 2010
Time: Registration 8:00 am Race Time: 8:30 am
Location: 3145 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City.
Fee: $10.00
Register and pay online www.thesharingplace.org
Last year photos and KUTV News story
www.mountairacres.blogspot.com
Race Report: Canyonland Five Mile - Blonde Runner overall 1st place
Race Report: Canyonland Five Mile March 2010 – Moab, Utah
Lora Erickson aka Blonde Runner: Overall First Female
Overall First Female of 729 finishers
Link to official results: http://results.active.com/pages/searchform.jsp?rsID=90234
The weather was still a question as it had rained the day before the race. I checked temperature at 6:30 a.m. on race morning and since it was 33 degrees and clear (and the forecast showed a possible high was 56) I decided to wear shorts, my blue Team Blonde Runner race tank, arm warmers, gloves and my racing flats – no hat. It was a little cold at the start, especially after peeling our warm-ups and tossing our sweat bag into the truck and waiting another half hour for the race to start in while standing in the shade. They finally allowed us to jog down the road to the start and I found a sunny spot to hang out until the start. As I looked around and chatted with many runners at the starting line, I could not identify anyone that I might be able to pace off of and it dawned on me that I might be on my own. Finally the race was off and the lead runners spread out quickly. I ran a very comfortable first mile hitting it in 7 minutes. Considering I was in 8th or 9th place with only men in front of me and no women around me I decided to keep the pace steady instead of pushing it. I ran the hill strong but still was passed by one man, but I passed him back and another man on the other side using the downhill. The pace again was very comfortable…and no other women where around so I decided just to maintain the pace for the next mile. My original goal was to run for time, however I could see by now that was not necessary. I picked it up a bit for the forth mile and I was cheered by many spectators saying “first female – good job.” One man cheering even said “I think you got it” alluding to the fact that there where no other women around me or close. I admit it was difficult to feel really motivated to push the pace, but I decided to picked up the pace for the final mile. I finished as 1st overall female with a time of 35:13 of 729 finishers.
I was pleased to be easily run negative splits; running the second half faster than the first half. I felt really strong and knew I could have ran much faster if I needed too. I felt good about my choice of running attire as it was a very comfortable temperature for runners, but a little chilly for spectators. I was delighted to have my family there cheering for me. It was a pleasure to meet the race director and receive a trophy and I was especially excited about the green embroidered bag they gave me that claimed Canyonlands Five Mile, Women 1st overall 2010. I love usable items!
They also gave all racers a bright green shirt and hat at the packet pickup/expo the night before. Great safety color – I can wear it and be seen. Love it! After the race I cheered in several friends including Julie Thomas, a former college team mate, who finished the half as the third place women bettering her last years time by 50 seconds. It was nice to catch up with her on the cool down we ran together. Her husband and children where there too, as this is a traditional race for her. I think this may become that for my family too.
My family enjoyed the little vacation as we swam in the pool at the hotel, went out to eat and visited the rock shop (the boys especially loved this). We even brought our little sugar gliders along for the adventure. We hiked to the delicate arch lookout and enjoyed the beautiful scenery that Moab has to offer. It was a great get away for us. We had a fun time as a family.
Race Report: Lake to Lake 2010 – 50 mile team relay
Recently I ran the Lake to Lake 50 mile team relay. The team relay consisting of 5 people each running any two legs of the route from one lake to another lake in Southern Utah (Gunlock to Sand Hollow Reservoir). Two teams were put together from member’s of the South Davis Road Runners. One men’s team (South Davis Road Runners Men’s Racing Team) and one women’s team (Ladies of the Lake).
It was a little chilly at the start at Gunlock Reservoir and after a few team pictures the race was off with 95 teams competing (this was nearly triple the number of the inaugural race last year). Natalie started for us with a steady 6 mile run along a paved road through Gunlock State Park. Jim started for the men.
The route is as beautiful as I remember it from last year with red dirt, cactus, and twisted trees. I ran the next leg through the Shiviwits Indian Reservation and was pleased to have pasted 5 people in the first mile. This kept me motivated. By now it was starting to get a bit hot (at the start of my leg it was 40 degrees and warmed up 10 degrees by the end) and just when I wanted to slow down a group of road cyclists approached me from the front and as they passed me a lady yelled, “Hey there’s Lora.” I was delighted to recognize a a former college teammate that run with me at Utah State now training for triathlons. I happily waved and must admit I kinda wanted to hop on my road bike and join them (My friend lives in St. George and I must say I am a little jealous to know she gets to ride that beautiful route all of the time!) This was just the distraction I needed to refocus and motivate me. I used my Garmin to keep my pace as steady as I could enjoying the nice steady downhills and working the uphills and I was able to clock a few sub 6:30 miles over the 5 plus mile distance. All in all I was able to pass 13 people (“road kill”). I passed off to Suzanne with a high-five and the team traveled along the road cheering each of our runners on and giving support.
The route travels through trails, over wooden bridges, farmland, past cows and Llama’s, through neighborhoods and over red dirt roads with huge clumps of deep maroon lava rocks practically buried in the red soil. It is a truly amazing route, this is what I call living! The men just torn up the route at a great pace. Go team!
pictured in order: Trevor, Jake, Jeremy, and Andy.
The women’s team hit a bit of car trouble at one to the exchanges, but got a jump from some nice guys in a silver Jeep and was back on our way…we learned not to leave the car doors open and lights on without the car running as it drains the battery. By the eighth leg, it was getting pretty windy and warm. That particular leg ended with a huge uphill dirt climb, so we stopped and supported runners with water until our runner, Lisa came. After giving her support we rushed to the next exchange and she nearly beat us to it finishing strong up the hill. I ran the ninth leg called the “Dirty Climber” several hours after Jim for the men’s team cranked through it.
It is just what it sounds like “dirty climber” and is considered the hardest number “10” level leg. By this time the wind had picked up significantly and I choose to wear my sunglasses in hopes to keep some of the dirt out of my eyes. It worked for the most part. I tried to muscle through the fierce head wind up the climbs and pushed the pace to make up ground on the short downhills and somewhat flat areas. I manage to clock my fastest pace under 5 min miles on one of the downhills over the 4 and a 1/3 mile stretch which ended on a 16% incline ¾ mile hill/mountain. Ouch – but it was all good as I still managed to pass 5 people (road kill) – even with great distances between runners. I passed off to the last runner Juliann and we cheered her through the windy and cold finish running in together.
All-in-all we had a great time supporting and cheering for each other and others (go Red Rock!) .
We didn’t see much of the men after the third exchange as they were very speedy and did awesome with a 3rd overall place finish. They were so sweet to wait for us at the finish line (serious hours). I feel so lucky to be among such amazing people. The awards dinner was especially fun after to talk to all our local friends. So, if you are looking for a fun adventure with friends that love to run, you might want to check out the Lake to Lake relay. It’s a blast! Just think you may even want to join in Natalie’s victory dance. (sorry it’s sideways)
Click to learn more about the South Davis Road Runner’s Men’s Racing Team
The SDRR Men’s Team was 3rd over all! Go Team!
Race Report: Daybreak Triathlon
Lora Erickson “Blonde Runner”
Place: 1st place division, 2nd overall female, Sprint Distance
Click here to see official results
(75 yard swim, 1 mile run, 11.19 bike, 5 K run)
Triathlons are a blast - check it out!
Watch the Blonde Runner Commercial on Youtube
Rocky Mountain Running & Triathlon
January 18, 2010 by Lora
Filed under Product Reviews, Races
Recently I have been asked to write for a new magazine called Rocky Mountain Running & Triathon. You are welcome to pick up a copy of the Premier Issue (January 2010) from me if you would like to look at the great quality and content of the magazine. I will be writing the training articles for them and my “Half Marathon Training Tips” article can be found on page 19 of the premier issue. The magazine is similar to the great quality of Runners World and also includes articles on triathlon training.
I know many of the authors and can tell you that this magazine will be a great resource for you. I highly encourage you to subscribe. To order your copy delivered directly to your home click here to subscribe
Use promo code “Lora25” to save 25%. Don’t be selfish - pass the word.
Tri and reach your potential!
Triathlon is a fast growing sport in Utah and it’s easy to see why triathlons are so popular. The variety of training and challenge that triathlon provides with swimming, cycling and running makes it exciting and fun! As a certified USATF running coach since 1996, Blonde Runner has seen many long time runners embrace the new challenge of triathlons. It is important for people to learn to train properly for triathlons to avoid injury and with this fast growth of the sport, education is needed. This is why Lora Erickson aka Blonde Runner has decided to organize the new group: Northern Utah Triathletes. The group will welcome beginners, intermediate and elite/professional athletes. Each Northern Utah county area will have weekly group rides, swim, nutrition and health clinics and running lectures scheduled regularly. Many pro athletes and sponsors are already on board and are excited to be part of this new group. If you would like to get involved, please email Lora Erickson at lora@blonderunner.com. Membership applications are now available. Beginners highly encouraged to get involved. Triathlons are a blast!
New membership applications are available.
click here to print out a membership application
Memberships are effective until Dec. 31, 2010.
Submit your application now to take advantage of race and sponsor discounts. Once your application is received you will be sent an email with detailed group information and trainings in your area along with a link to subscribe to the exclusive “insider e-news” including special group discounts and offers from our sponsors.
Mail applications to: Northern Utah Triathletes, c/o Lora Erickson, 135 West 1900 South, Bountiful, Utah 84010. Make checks payable to Blonde Runner Health.
Swim Bike Run
Regular trainings and clinics scheduled weekly.
To learn more click on the Northern Utah icon on the right of your screen - under advertisements.
Need complete day-to-day coaching or training?
Join Team Blonde Runner 2010 - Triathlon Women
Northern Utah Triathletes on Facebook
Group contact and organizer:
Lora Erickson
Blonde Runner
Blonde Runner Health LLC
Bountiful, Utah
801-299-1601
Please thank our sponsors by visiting them often!
To see a list of sponsors please click on the Northern Utah Triathletes image on the right of this page. Please note: Discounts are for registered group members. To become a member, submit an application. A free subscription to the “insider e-news” is included and has details on sponsor discounts.
Run safe, get your RoadID! Save $1, use coupon code RID546483
Click on the link below.
click here to learn how to become a sponsor or partner
Need some motivation? Watch the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championships
I think it is every serious triathletes dream to compete in the Ironman World Championships in Kona. I know I would love to be there one day. If you need some serious motivation, then be sure in tune in and watch the coverage. Get inspired.
Click on the logo below to learn how you can join a local triathlon training group:
How does a mother of six win a marathon?
Julie Thomas
winner of the 2009 St. George Marathon in 2:48.
Julie was also recently featured in the December issue of Runners World magazine.
The South Davis Road Runners will be hosting and educational lecture and mingle on December 19 after a group run.
I am excited to have my good friend Julie come and talk to the group about her experience as a top level runner and Utah standout and proud mother of six children. How does she do it? Come let Julie share her love of running with you. Please RSVP on the Facebook page or by emailing lora@blonderunner.com.
Mingles are held each month on the second Saturday after the group run at Paradise Bakery in Bountiful. South Davis Road Runner members are encouraged to bring friends and clinics are free of charge. Members are eligible for attendance prizes. Applications for 2010 membership will be available. To learn more visit http://www.sdroadrunners.com
RSVP to the “how does a mother of six win a marathon?” education clinic and mingle on Facebook
