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Hey, it's Wednesday -- that means there are just five days left until the 2012 Boston Marathon. Here's the Elite Field, which features just two Americans, both on the men's side. Many of the American runners are opting to skip the 116th running, "some because they qualified for the Olympic Marathon at January's Trials, and others because they're hoping to qualify in another event at the Olympic Track Trials in late June."
The two entrants -- and the only two John Hancock-sponsored American elites -- in the Boston Marathon are Nick Arciniaga (8th at the Trials in 2:11:56) and Jason Hartmann (32nd at the Trials in 2:16:44).
Joan Benoit Samuelson to Run Boston | News
Joan Benoit, the Boston Marathon winner in 1979 and 1983, will be running it agan Monday morning (last year, at age 53, she finished in 2:51), and Meb Keflezighi will be the grand marshal for this year's race.
Video: Runner going the distance for Down syndrome awareness | Boston Marathon blog
Meanwhile, in OTHER marathon new, registration for the Philadelphia Marathon (Nov. 16-18) -- and the half marathon and 8K -- is now OPEN.
Edinburgh GP Andrew Murray wins North Pole marathon | BBC News
"Dr Andrew Murray faced temperatures of minus 27C, running over snow and ice, to win the Arctic challenge with a time of four hours, 17 minutes." NO THANKS! (But congratulations to Murray!)
Vibram to Open Flagship On April 14 | SportsOneSource.com
The grand opening of Vibram's first store will take place Saturday, April 14 with a ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony at 12 p.m. The store at 292 Newbury Street in Boston, MA. "For the first time we will provide our customers with a hands-on brand experience that educates them on the world of Vibram, our partners and our products," said Tony Post, president and CEO of Vibram, USA.
Caffeine Helps Muscles in Morning Workouts | News
"Caffeine Ingestion Reverses the Circadian Rhythm Effects on Neuromuscular Performance in Highly Resistance-Trained Men." Or, said another way: "A small Spanish study has found that caffeine may improve the ability of muscles to perform in the morning." /reaches for another cup of coffee