FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chris Brienza
(212) 808-1358
Runner's World Online Debuts "SmartCoach" Training System
Plus Boston Marathon Podcast
NEW YORK - (April 11, 2006) - Runner's World magazine, the worldwide
authority on running information, has launched two new interactive online
features geared towards both the 20,000-plus runners taking part in the
110th BAA Boston Marathon next Monday, as well as to the millions of
runners around the world training for their next race - whenever and
wherever that may be.
BOSTON MARATHON PODCAST
The Runner's World podcast for the Boston Marathon, featuring tips and
advice for running the nation's most storied marathon, follows the success
of the first-ever Runner's World podcast geared around the ING New York
City Marathon last October and November, which garnered more than 23,000
downloads in just 12 days. The Boston-centric podcast is now available for
download at three online addresses:
www.runnersworld.com/podcast
www.runnersworld.com/events/boston06
www.apple.com/podcasting/
New podcast content will be added each day this week thru Sunday, with
downloads including:
* The importance of Boston and what it means to qualify (David Willey,
VP/Editor-In-Chief)
* Choosing the right footwear and apparel for race day, plus a survival
guide for your 3+ hours at the race's starting point in Hopkinton, i.e.
"Woodstock without the beer" (Warren Greene, Special Projects Editor)
* Nutrition before and during the race, including fluid replacement needs
(Features Editor Jane Unger Hahn)
* An audio tour of the Boston Marathon course (Dave McGillivray, Boston
Marathon Race Director)
* The history of the Boston Marathon (Marathoner and author Tom Derderian,
"The Boston Marathon: A Century of Blood, Sweat and Cheers")
* A Champion's Story (Amby Burfoot, 1968 Boston Marathon winner and RW
Executive Editor)
SMARTCOACH TRAINING SYSTEM
Burfoot also helped conceive and develop the new SmartCoach training
feature on RunnersWorld.com, which helps runners of all ages and abilities
create their own free customized training program for any race at any
distance. Runners simply enter the distance they'd like to race, the target
date for the race, how hard they'd like to train and a sample race time (or
even a practice time) and a customized program is produced instantly.
"Both SmartCoach and our Boston Marathon podcast are part of our continuing
efforts to enhance the total running experience for our audience," said
VP/Editor-In-Chief David Willey. "We'll continue to expand our podcasting
efforts going forward, as they bring our storytelling and our service
journalism a vivid dimension that's new and exciting.
"And SmartCoach is nothing short of revolutionary, in my opinion. Generic,
one-size-fits-all training plans are just a Google search away, but this is
the only way to instantly get a customized training program that is built
on your personal goals and capabilities. SmartCoach is a training tool
that's equally valuable and accessible for both new runners and veteran
road racers, which is exactly what our magazine strives to be every month."
"We're dedicated to providing the best Web experience for our online users
and runners everywhere," said Michael Silberman, VP/Editorial Director for
Rodale Interactive. "The strong user interest and positive feedback from
our first podcast convinced us that our audience is ready, and actually
hungry, for digital delivery of the information, advice and programs which
Runner's World offers in print every month. SmartCoach and the Boston
Marathon podcast are just the beginning of our planned improvements to the
RunnersWorld.com site.
Runner's World, which has been nominated for a 2006 National Magazine Award
for General Excellence, will have a significant presence at the Boston
Marathon. In addition to their booth (#344) at the Sports & Fitness Expo at
the Seaport World Trade Center, Runner's World will also host two days of
seminars (on Saturday and Sunday) featuring advice and information from
editors, past marathon champions and elite athletes.
All seminars are open to the public and will be held in the Waterfront
Ballroom at the Seaport World Trade Center. For more information, visit
www.RunnersWorld.com
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