The famous Woodrow Wilson Bridge has been one of Washington’s landmarks since the early ‘60s.  In 2008 the old bridge was replaced with a new bridge—one that offers a wide running path!

The scenic route starts at Mount Vernon and includes breathtaking views of the White House, U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument and Old Town Alexandria.  In order to get to the finish line at National Harbor, where the famous Awakening statute awaits you, you will need to master the half-mile uphill challenge appropriately dubbed, “The Rude Awakening.”

There will be a post-race party that includes entertainment, food and a beer truck.

USA Track & Field is touring the country to promote the sport and showcase its best and brightest events.  So look for the USATF Mobile Marketing Tour Van during race weekend as they have selected to visit this race! They will also have a selection of their USATF gear to sell at the meet.

Like to run for a charity, there are six charity partners for this race.  Details can be found on the race’s website:   http://www.wilsonbridgehalf.com/charity.html

Click on this link to register for this race:  http://www.wilsonbridgehalf.com/register.htm.  Registration closes on Saturday, September 18, 2010 @ 8:59 p.m.

It is easy to sponsor me by going to www.pmc.org and looking me up by my rider number JL0314.  All donations will be greatly appreciated, big or small.  Every little bit helps and will go a long way in the fight against cancer, so please help me fight the battle.

I broke into the biking world about 4 years ago after hearing the sad news that I desperately needed to cut back on my running.  At a young age my knees were in pretty bad shape and it was difficult for me to run 3-5 miles without discomfort.  A friend of mine was an avid cyclist and took me out to learn about biking.  Soon after, I had a road bike, helmet, shoes, shades and I was ready to put in the miles. At the time I knew little about the importance of the proper frame size and bike fit. I was fit for my bike at the time I bought my bike and never questioned the fit.  I road and road and started to see how biking could turn into a love over running.

Almost 4 years later, I’ve been noticing discomfort in my hip, one knee and shoulders. I attributed it to my body changing over the years and that maybe I just needed to stretch more and build up my neck and shoulder strength.  After talking with some of my bike guru friends, they suggested that I go see a professional and get fit again for my bike.

This past Wednesday I met with Joshua Simonds. To my surprise (or maybe I shouldn’t be surprised) my entire riding position was changed. Josh raised my seat 4.5”, lowered my bars, moved my seat back and told me to grip closer to my body when using my aerobars.  WOW – no wonder I was experiencing discomfort! I road with Josh for a little that night and all of the changes felt surprisingly natural. Tonight will be the real test as I am venturing out for a 30 mile ride and will really feel the difference.

I’ve always wondered how the pro’s can ride and ride for 100+ miles or how people ride 50+ miles a day for a month in a tour across America or Europe. Yes, there is given talent and much training and preparation involved but a good bike fit also lends itself to being able to endure that mileage. I would suggest anyone that enjoys biking and whether it your sport or fun recreation, to be properly fit. Biking is a life-long, gentle on the joints sport, so be kind to your body and take the time to be fit. I can assure you, it is well worth the time and money!

Happy biking!

Have a great run and day!

Members of Team 4MIL

Twelve days and 3,000 miles later, the Race Across America Teams are coming to an end in Annapolis, MD.  DSI colleagues went to greet Team 4MIL as they were waiting by the finish to cheer in the number 2 team across the finish line.  Team ViaSat rolled in just before 9am this morning taking the number 2 spot. Way to go!! All proceeds from the race benefit The Wounded Warrior Project. Click here to see VIASAT cross the finish http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaxtxzxsVow

            As we left Jonas Green State Park we started our first climb to the summit of the Naval Academy Bridge led by an escort of the Annapolis Police and the Department of Defense Police. Once we reached the top of the bridge we came to a stop and were given the chance to soak in the view of the Severn River and the United States Naval Academy.  While we sat on top of the bridge the local law enforcement was working their magic with traffic control and I was expecting the locals to be irritated that they were inconvenienced by the cyclists taking in the view.  To my surprise people yelled and honked their horns.  The passers by yelled thank you for your service and honked their horns with gratitude.  Quite a bit of time passed buy while we were on the bridge and I started to wonder why we were waiting so long and that is when I realized that one of wounded warriors had gotten a flat tire as soon as we started.  That is when you realize how important it is that no soldier is left behind.  Once the missing soldier made it to the top of the bridge we resumed our ride.

            During the entire ride we received a warm reaction from the residents of Annapolis.  However, the most memorable experience for me is when we made that right turn next to Hallogan Hall and entered the prestigious grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy.  As we rode through the grounds of the Academy we were welcomed by hundreds of mid shipmen, soldiers and officers lining the streets clapping and cheering us on like champions that just one the big game.

            I will never forget this experience and would like to extend my gratitude to the Wounded Warrior Project and Dynasplint Systems for making it possible for me to participate.

 Thank You
Brian Catterton

To help the Schaum family and others affected by this deadly disease, join Patty and Brittany on the Maryland Kidney Foundation Kidney Walk.  Click to learn more about the National Kidney Foundation or to join the Annual Kidney Walk.

Sales Consultant, Bill Staines is strapping on his running shoes for the first annual Burke Center Rockstar Run. The 8k run will take place on April 18^th through the trails of the Burke Center Parkway. This year approximately 1,000 area runners will gather together to raise funds for The Celebrate Cherie Scholarship Fund. This annual scholarship is given to a deserving area student that is attending a graduate level Physical Therapy program.

We wish you speed and a great race day, Bill! If anyone is in the local area of Burke, VA please come out and cheer everyone on!

It was time to be creative. A few friends of mine were also snowed in and all working from home that lived down the street. We decided that just because we couldn’t get out, didn’t mean we had to have our bodies turn to mush, so we scanned the On Demand selection of workouts.

We met up twice during our lunch breaks for a 45 minute HARD workout brought to us by the extremely tough and kind of mean, Jillian Michaels. At first I was really hesitant that we would just be jumping around and would leave happy, but not really feeling worked.  Twenty minutes into the routine, we were all dripping with sweat and talking back to Jillian, pleading that we would only have one more set of the exercises.  The best part was we only needed our own bodies to complete each move!

The four of us left feeling strong, tired and motivated to press on with our afternoons.  The next morning I woke up and just moving in bed was a bit uncomfortable – Jillian wasn’t joking when she said she would make our bodies burn!!

So, the next time you find yourself stuck inside or maybe you are just too busy to get to the gym, turn on the Exercise Channel and prepare to be surprised by how good the workouts really are and you may even have some fun too!!