The number of finishers in this year's Boston Marathon (April 18th) was second only to the historic 1996 race which permitted more entrants to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the event. How many participants do you think finished Boston this year?
a) 17,585
b) 20,352
c) 22,348
d) 25,319
e) 29,751

(click here for the answer)

You already know that this year's Boston Marathon was won by an Ethiopian Hailu Negussie in 2:11:45 and Catherine Ndereba of Kenya in 2:25:13. But, here are some 2005 Boston Marathon facts you probably didn't know:
1) The gender breakdown was 62% male, 38% female (same %age breakdown as 2005 LA Marathon).
2) It's been 18 years (1987-Dave Gordon) since an American has placed as high as Alan Culpepper's 4th place finish this year.
3) Almost 96% of those who started the race made it to the Finish Line.
4) The Men's Masters winner (Kenyan Joshua Kipkemboi, 2:19:28) was less than 8 minutes behind the winner, finishing in 15th place.
5) The Women's Masters winner (Russian Madina Biktagirovab, 2:32:41) was also less than 8 minutes behind the Women's winner, finishing in 5th place.
6) The weather was warmer than ideal for a marathon: 70° at Hopkinton (Start) and Wellesley (mid-point), and 69° at the Finish Line.

We'd like to know how you feel about running solo vs. running in a group. And how about running in the rain? Do you enjoy it? Please vote in our polls:
Polls are removed from archives
Polls are removed from archives

We learned in our polls last month that most of our readers ran or walked 3-4 times per week in 2004: 50% of our walkers, and 64% of our runners.

We also saw that in 2004, 42% of our walking respondents averaged between 10 and 50 miles per month. While most of our running respondents (57%), who can generally cover more ground in the same amount of time, averaged between 30 and 100 miles per month.

Here are the complete results for last month's polls:
Polls are removed from archives
Polls are removed from archives
Polls are removed from archives
Polls are removed from archives

Okay, you know you need to warm-up before you run. But what does that mean?

Many people think that stretching is warming up. It's not. This is not to say that stretching isn't a good idea. Stretching is a good idea for improving your flexibility, or as part of a pre-race or pre-run routine. But by itself, it is not warming up. Ideally, stretching should be done after muscles and tendons are already warmed up.

For normal training runs where you're not planning on starting out fast (like you would in a race), your warm-up can consist of simply walking and/or easy jogging until your muscles have received good blood supply and become "warm". Most experienced runners accomplish this by running their first mile or two at a gentle pace and gradually increase their tempo until they get up to their desired training speed.

Some runners will do a very light stretching routine before running, while others typically will do their stretching after they complete their training run. (Some, of course, do not stretch at all, which is not what I am recommending here).

Before a race, the warm-up is quite different, and much more important. Here you want to prepare your body to be ready to run hard right from the beginning of the race. A good pre-race warm-up consists of a warm-up run (15-30 minutes of easy running), followed by a sensible stretching routine, followed by several strides (50-100m pickups, gradually increasing pace up to race pace).

Your pre-race routine should be the same before a speed workout as it is before a race. And you do that for the same reasons. This also gives you a chance to practice your pre-race routine so that it's very normal (i.e., "routine") and unhurried on race day.

By the way, after any run is a good time to stretch. Your muscles and tendons are plenty warm and you are less likely to do any damage, provided you stretch sensibly. Stretching is not a competitive endeavor--always avoid over-stretching.

This is the beginning of a regular feature on tips for your running form.

TIP #1: Practice your form weekly, particularly in the latter part of your runs.

To improve running form, you need at least one run per week devoted to form work. This doesn't mean that you only work on form that day, but for this run, you do give a lot of thought and consideration to your form. Actually, it's very helpful to think about your run at least a few times on each or your runs. It's not hard; it just requires establishing the habit.

One of the best times to work on your form is in the latter part of a long run or hard run, when you are beginning to tire. You may have noticed a tendency to lose your form in the latter part of a race. And of course, that's when you need good form the most. That's why it's good to work on your form when you're fatigued. Then you will be able to draw on this training when you get into the late stages of a race.

Next month: Specific form tips you can use during your form-focused runs.

If there are any additions or changes you'd like to see in our newsletter, just let us know. Please send your comments to Dave.Reynolds@RunASnailsPace.com. We always appreciate your input.

Race information courtesy of RacePlace.com

Date	Event / Distance	Contact	Location	Misc
5/1/05 Sunday 7:25 am	"22nd Annual Run Through Redlands"Half Marathon, 10K, 5K with Champion chip timingCompetitive courses officially certified by USATF.Special events: 2K Run-For-Fun and Kinder Dash.	Redlands Noon Kiwanis 909-748-0637 A Run Through Redlands P.O. Box 8427 Redlands, CA 92375 rtr@redlands-events.com	Races will start at the Redlands Mall in downtown Redlands, California and finish at the beautiful Redlands Bowl.	Generally speaking, all three courses are half uphill and half down,winding through scenic tree-lined streets and past historic homes with stunning views of the San Bernardino Mountains. www.redlands-events.com/RTR.htm
5/1/05 Sunday	1st Annual Nike Cinco de Mile @ Fiesta Broadway	On Board Entertainment Liz Prassas 415-331-4139 liz@onboardent.com	Olvera Street, Los Angeles, CA	A one mile race in which 100% of entry fees support the LA community through NikeGO - a program that gets kids moving and gives them the means to do it.NikeGO.com NikeGO.com
5/7/05 Saturday 8:00 am	14th Annual SO. Cal Hillsea Footrace- A 7.57 Mi Run over hill & dale, up & down the "StairMonster" & up & down the "DipSea Switchback Trail".	The Finish Line International 714/841-5417	Central Park west, Huntington Beach, CA. Located between Goldenwest/Edwards, Ellis/Slater Streets.See Thom Bros. OC Map, Pg. 857, G3.	A staggered start depending on sex & age. Fully staked, monitored distances measured to USATF standards & USATF sanctioned.Proceeds benefit Orange County Youth Associations. Website: www.nealand.com/finishline
5/7/05 Saturday 7:00 am	4th Annual Malibu Creek Trail Challenge	Brennan Lindner 310/260-7898 info@trailrace.com	Malibu Creek State Park, Malibu, CA	Two challenging courses: 4 mile & 14 mile, featuring the beautiful and rugged scenery of the Malibu Creek State Park. Have a great day in the park, win awards, a t-shirt and raffle prizes! www.trailrace.com
5/7/05 Saturday 9:00 am	12th Annual Revlon Run/Walk for Women (men's &women's 5K)	310/393-6344 or 310/395-6779	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum/Exposition Park in Los Angeles, CA	Join the many thousands in the fight against women's cancers. Website: www.revlonrunwalk.com
5/9/05 Mon-Sat	Sonki Fitness Boot Camp - "Stronger, faster, leaner...for life!"TMMay 9 - June 11	Sonki Fitness 310-260-2518 sonki@att.net	Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, CA	5-week outdoor fitness program designed to improve total body fitness, strengthen mental toughness, and teach how to have fun working out. (No yelling or screaming) www.SonkiFitness.com
5/14/05 Saturday 8:00 am	27th Annual Pride of the Foothills Spring 5K/2K Walk/Run (2K/8am, 5K/9am)	Hotline 626/857-3099 Joanne Wilson 626/857-3348 jwilson@mail.cvhp.org	Foothill Presbyterian Hospital 250 S. Grand Ave. Glendora, CA 91741	2K Run $6.00 per person (includes t-shirt), 5K Run $15.00 per person (includes t-shirt). Register online at www.active.com
5/14/05 Saturday 7:00 am	The Palos Verdes Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K Run	W2 Promotions 310/828-4123 W2Promo@aol.com	Start and Finish at Point Fermin Park, San Pedro, CA. Along the beautiful coastline of the Palos Verdes Peninsula	Very scenic and rolling ocean view course. Finishers receive special finishers shirt & medal; awards 3 deep all age groups and live music with food & drink galore. Benefits local charities supported by the Rolling Hills Kiwanis Club. Website: www.W2promotions.com
5/14/05 Saturday 8:30 am	6th Annual Project Cuddle 5k "Race-For-A-Life", Family Walk, Youth & Kids Races	Project Cuddle 2973 Harbor Blvd. #326 Costa Mesa, CA92626 DMagnusen@aol.com	Forest Area at Mile Square Park, Fountain Valley, CA(fast, fun USATF Certified 5K)	USAT&F Certified 5K. Proceeds benefit Project Cuddle's work to stop baby abandonment. Post race celebration with food & live entertainment. Register at: www.projectcuddle.org
5/15/05 Sunday 8:00 am	"Run The Route" - Mayor's Run on Route 66 - 5K/10K, and Mayor's Mile (Kid's Run)	Mitch Assumma 909/384-5233 assumma_mi@sbcity.org	Arrowhead Credit Union Stadium, 280 S. "E" Street, south of 2nd Street between E & G Streets, City of San Bernardino.	Flat asphalt course, downtown turns.Sanctioned by USATF.Commemorative t-shirts.Division awards (11 age groups, 1st-3rd, male & female) and Finisher Awards.Safety controlled course.Fruit & water aid stations.
5/15/05 Sunday 7:00 am - 11:30 am	7th Annual Reaching for the Cure 10K Run, 5K Walk & 1K Kids Fun Walk	PCRF 949/859-6312 admin@pcrf-kids.com	Irvine Spectrum Center-Intersection of Gateway and Fortune	Benefiting Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. Awards, entertainment, lots of fun activities. Website information at: www.pcrf-kids.com
5/21/05 Saturday 9:00 am	Law Day 5 K Run & Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run	Alice Duran, Ventura Co. Bar Association Alice@vcba.com	Ventura County Gov't Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura, CA	This is a flat, fast and nice course. A lot of free food and raffle prizes. Great for the serious runner and the family. A well organized event in its 22nd year. Proceeds to charity.
5/22/05 Sunday 7:30 am	The "Home Run for ALS" 5K/10K Run Walk & Kid's Fun Run	P.O. Box 657 Loma Linda, CA92354 www.active.com	Loma Linda, CA	This event raises funds to benefit patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Register online @ www.active.com
5/22/05 Sunday 8:00 am	Sotheby's International Realty Run to Change Lives5K - 10K - 1K Kiddie Run	W2 Promotions, Inc. 310/828-4123 info@w2promotions.com	Downtown Los Angeles on Main Street at 5th. Los Angeles, CA	Proceeds Benefit: Chrysalis Foundation, Sponsored by Sotheby's International Realty. Fast & flat 5K course through downtown LA. T-Shirts, Goodies, Food, & Beverages to registered participants.Website: W2Promotions.com
5/22/05 Sunday 12:00 pm	The Adidas Track Classic	AEG Tickets 877/234-8425	Home Depot Center in Carson, CA	Over the past two years, the event has hosted the world's top track athletes, including Maurice Greene, Marion Jones and Gail Devers. Packed crowds and track superstars are expected again this year. www.aegtrackandfield.com
5/28/05 Saturday 7:30 am	Mount Wilson Trail Race / 8.6 miles	Lawren Heinz 626/355-5278 lheinz@ci.sierra-madre.ca.us	Sierra Madre, CA 91024	Historic, out & back course on pavement & Mt. Wilson Trail with elevation gain over 2100 feet. Website: www.sierramadrenews.net
5/28/05 Saturday 8:00 am	Low Tide 4 mile run/walk & kids 1/2 mile fun run.	Try-us Events 323/779-4149 runner_tyrus@yahoo.com	Belmont Pier, Long Beach, CA	Beautiful, flat, out and back run at low tide on hard packed sand. Goodie bags to all runners. Awards to top 3 in age divisions. Register on www.active.com.
5/29/05 Sunday 8:00 am	29th Annual Brentwood 5K/10K Run & Kids Fun Run	W2 Promotions 310/828-4123 W2Promo@aol.com	West Los Angeles, Ca in the community of Brentwood	A Memorial Weekend favorite with live music, a giant expo & lots of food and drink. Collect your souvenir t-shirt with the special coral tree design. Website: www.W2promotions.com
5/29/05 Sunday 10am-2pm	Saddleback Memorial Angels Baseball Kid's Races, Family Expo, Expo Trot & Diaper Dash. (part of Half Marathon weekend)	949/452-3466 or Kinane Events 760/434-7706 Lisa@kinaneevents.com	Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Hills, CA	Part of a full weekend of events in conjunction with the 2005 Saddleback Memorial Half Marathon/5K. Featuring: 2-day Family Expo, live entertainment and food court. Entry info at: www.kinaneevents.com
5/29/05 Sunday 7:30 am	Grubstakes 10K, 5K, 2K Runs	Frank Sheckler fsheckler@yucca-valley.org	California Welcome Center, 56711 29 Palms Hwy.Yucca Valley, CA 92284	Race day Reg: 6:30am. Start times: 5K/7:30am, 10K/8:15am, 2K/8:30am. Adults: $20 w/ shirt, $15 w/o; Children & Seniors: $18 w/shirt, $13 w/o. Please add $2 per registration after Feb. 9. Register online at: www.yucca-valley.org
5/30/05 Monday 7:00 am	Saddleback Memorial Half Marathon & 5K	949/452-3466 or Kinane Events 760/434-7706 Lisa@Kinaneevents.com	Start: Saddleback Memorial Medical Center; Finish: Laguna Hills Community Center, Laguna Hills, CA	Scenic, rolling pt. to pt. Half Marathon course through the Aliso & Wood Canyon Park with moderate uphill finish. Enjoy the Memorial Day of festivities.Website: www.kinaneevents.com
5/30/05 Monday 8:00 am	30th Annual Fiesta Days Run5K & 10K Run, 5K Walk & 1 Mile Family Fun Run	Rosanne Malogolowkin 818/790-0123 ext. 247 rosanne@ymcacc.org	Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada, CA 91011	Free parking available at the Descanso Gardens parking lot. Register by mail (YMCA 1930 Foothill Blvd, La Canada, CA 91011) or on www.active.com. Same day registration starts at 6:30am

Date	Event / Distance	Contact	Location	Misc
6/4/05 Saturday	Fontana Day's 50th Anniversary Run Half Marathon (Last bus leaves @ 6:20 am), 5K Run & 5k Racewalk (Last bus leaves @ 7:00 am)	Hotline# 909/428-8363 www.fontanarecreation.org plehman@fontana.org	Fontana City Hall, 8353 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335 (All runners are bussed to start lines).	World’s Fastest Half Marathon Course! Event day registration: Half 4:30-5:30am, 5k Race & 5k Racewalk 5:30-6:30am.Great goodie bags, quality t-shirt, certified course, prize money, vendors, live entertainment, finish line hospitality.Register online at www.active.com or website: www.fontanarecreation.org
6/5/05 Sunday 9:00 am	TBH 5K Run, Walk, and Roll V	Lynda Spector 818/763-9148	12326 Riverside Dr.Valley Village/North Hollywood 91607North of 101 FreewayOff of Laurel Canyon	The funnest, most friendly 5K in town.Fast flat course.Medals and food for all participants and awards for male and female winners in 6 age categories and wheelchair.
6/11/05 Sat-Sun 5:00 am	Mojave 250+ Mile Deathrace relay teams of 12 athletes run, mtn bike, road bike 21 legs. (June 11 & 12) www.mojavedeathrace.com	Ron Cooke 909/902-0825 714/719-3581	Mojave desert So CA, Vegas NV, Route 66 Mtn & Valleys Hot & Cold. Not for Meek or Mild	Adventurous & hazardous endurance team challenge. Unpredictable & Extreme weather & Terrain. www.mojavedeathrace.com
6/11/05 Saturday 8:00 am	8th Annual Ventura County Greek Festival 5K-10K- One Mile Run. Run both 5K & 10K for one Fee (one T-Shirt)Awards three deep in youth & adult categories. Free Raffle for runners and free entry to Greek Festival.	Lynn Mikelatos 805/407-4302 www.vcgreekfestival.org Run Form on Web Site lynnmikelatos@idock.com	CAMARILLO AIRPORT - 70 miles North of Downtown LA (between Malibu and Santa Barbara) no public street running - all inside Airport grounds.	Annual Ventura County Greek Festival features live Greek Bands, Folk Dance Shows & Lessons, lots of home cooked Greek pastries, gyros, lamb, souvlakia.Kids rides & activities. Bring the whole family.Festival is Fri, Sat, Sun.Run proceeds benefit FOODShare's Kid's Cafe afterschool programs www.vcgreekfestival.org
6/11/05 Saturday 8:00 am	6th Annual Downtown Anaheim 5K and Children's 1K event. Children's 1K begins at 9:00 AM	Larry Herschler 714/774-9551 candhobbes1@yahoo.com	Downtown Anaheim, Broadway and Lincoln. Start line on Anaheim Blvd.	Featuring a wonderful pre-post race expo, t-shirt & a tasty breakfast for all registered. $3 for others. Course is flat & very fast. Prizes are three deep in usual divisions. Register online at www.active.com or Website: www.downtownanaheim.com
6/12/05 Sunday 8:00 am	4th Annual Valley Crest Half Marathon	Nancy Shura 505/756-1926 valleycrestrun@yahoo.com	Marvin Braude Park (South end of Reseda Blvd. at dirt section of Mulholland Dr., Reseda, CA	Challenging half marathon on mountain fire roads offering spectacular vistas of the San Fernando Valley. Male/Female winner's package www.valleycrestrun.com
6/12/05 Sunday 8:00 am	24th Annual Los Angeles Frontrunners Pride Run - 5K/10K Run & 5K Walk	Hotline 323/460-2554 or www.lafrontrunners.com priderun2005@yahoo.com	Santa Monica Blvd. at Robertson Blvd. in West Hollywood, CA	Paved, mostly flat, loop course. TAC Certified.Call or check web for entry form.Benefiting Bike Out. Co-Sponsored by Christopher Street West and City of West Hollywood. www.lafrontrunners.com
6/12/05 Sunday	CANCELED - 17th Annual ECF Home Run/Walk	800/696-3727, 310/845-8060	Los Angeles, CA	CANCELED
6/19/05 Sunday 8:00 am	"Platinum Performance-State Street Mile":A series of one mile races; Age Group, Elite, Dog Mile, Family Fun-Father's Day Run, and Law Enforcement Mile	Megan Rheinschild 805/729-1614 mriker@co.santa-barbara.ca.us	State Street & Pedregosa street in scenic downtown Santa Barbara	Prize money 3 deep & course record bonus in elite category.Benefits the DA's office Victim Witness Assistance Program.Register online:active.com www@sbmile.com
6/19/05 Sunday 8:00 am	Father's Day 5K Run/Walk & Kid's Fun Run	The Beacon House Assn. of San Pedro 310/514-4940 Start To Finish Event Services, Inc. 310/782-7586 stfem@hotmail.com	The Beacon House Association of San Pedro1003 S. Beacon StreetSan Pedro, CA90731	5K - USATF certified,flat,fast scenic course along the Port of Los Angeles. Packet-pick-up @ Village Runner, 1811 S. Catalina Ave. Redondo Beach, Saturday, June 18, 2005 11:00am - 7:00pm.Awards to Top 3 in ea/age div. Kids receive finishers medals. Live Entertainment, goodie bags and much more!
6/20/05 Mon-Sat	Sonki Fitness Boot Camp - "Stronger, faster, leaner...for life!"TMJune 20-July 23	Sonki Fitness 310-260-2518 sonki@att.net	Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, CA	5-week outdoor fitness program designed to improve total body fitness, strengthen mental toughness, and teach how to have fun working out. (No yelling or screaming) www.SonkiFitness.com
6/23/05 Thursday 6:00 pm	Summer Solstice 5-Mile Watermelon Run/Walk & Kids Fun Run	Try-us Events 323/779-4149 runner_tyrus@yahoo.com	El Dorado Park, Long Beach, CA	Run a flat fast course around beautifl pine trees and lakes. All participants receive a watermelon at the finish. Awards to the top 3 in each age division. Register on www.active.com
6/23/05 Thurs-Sat 8:30 am	2005 USA Outdoor Track & Field ChampionshipsJune 23 through June 26, 2005	AEG Tickets 877/234-8425	Home Depot Center in Carson, CA	Witness the best US track and field athletes and don't miss Olympic Medalists like Jeremy Wariner and Allyson Felix as they compete for the National Title and the chance to go to the World Championships! www.aegtrackandfield.com
6/25/05 Saturday 7:30 am	Manhattan Beach 5K	Jeff Atkinson 310/764-8465 jeff.atkinson@adelphia.net	Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA	Flat, fast out & back on hard pack sand along water's edge at low tide. Start your summer right!Register online at active. com
6/25/05 Saturday 8:00 am	Lomita Founder's Day 5K/10K Run and Community Walk	W2 Promotions 310/828-4123 W2Promo@aol.com	Start/Finish Lomita City Hall, 24300 Narbonne Ave. Lomita, CA	Bring the whole family and enjoy the big Founder's Day celebration following the run. Proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations. Website: www.w2promo.com
6/26/05 Sunday 7:00 am	Vintner’s Classic 1/2 Marathon, 10K, 5K Walk/Run and Kids Fun Run	805/245-0049 Natalie.Hayen@pepperdine.edu	Falkner Winery in the heart of beautiful Temecula Wine Country	Breathtaking and challenging 1/2 Marathon course, Fast 10K course. Register online at www.active.com or visit website at: www.dreamrunning.com
6/26/05 Sunday 8:30 am	Race to Strike Out Stroke - 5K/10K Run/Walk and Health Fair to benefit the Stroke Association of Southern California	Judy Bauman at 310/575-1699 W2 Promotions 310/828-4123 W2Promo@aol.com	Griffith Park near the Merry-Go-Round, Loa Angeles, CA	Awards to all age groups 3-deep. Also this is a large team event with team awards bringing many runners & walkers together from corporations to help Strike Out Stroke. Giant health fair, free health screenings & over 80 exhibitors w/food & live music. Website: www.W2promotions.com

The answer is: a) 17,585 finishers.

(click here to return to the trivia question)