The Fall 2008 Beginning Running Level I class ran their goal race in Central Park in November.  The 4-miler was everyone's first race, and turned out to be an exciting and positive experience.  At the start of the 10 week program most of the class had never run before.  By gradually building up through positive encouragement and support everyone was able to run continuously for the four miles.

Some of the group celebrated their accomplishments with brunch afterwards.  Many members moved up to the Level II class and others still keep in touch to update one another on their running.

Back Row:  Kate Tyler, Marisol Rodriguez, Aimee DeGrazia, Regina king, Carey Karacas

Front Row:  Stacey Fell, Rita Muntiki, Ana Menezes, Chetna, Anna Baldassre, Nancy Jacoby, Coach Jene Shaw, Lara Leibman, Nicole Griffith

Over the last few months JackRabbit has been helping almost 50 athletes train and prepare for the Westchester Triathlon.  In addition to our existing program in NYC we've added a program outside the city which has been meeting regularly up at Harriman State Park.

The group meets every Saturday morning at Lake Welch where they train from 9:00am – 12noon.  The location affords the participants some unique options not easily available here in the city, with the most significant being the opportunity to swim in the open water at every practice.  In addition to their weekly group training sessions they also participate in mid-week phone coaching with program coach Mark Wilson.

Here in the city, coach Jonathan Cane has been over-seeing the Manhattan programs twice weekly workouts in Central Park.  There's always stiff competition for space in the cities oasis but we've managed to carve out a place for ourselves every Thursday & Sunday.  To prepare ourselves for the swim we recently spent some time out at Brighton Beach. 

We know everyone is well prepared and already has all the necessary gear and nutrition for the big day but just in case something is missed be sure to look for the JackRabbit tent at the Race Expo this weekend.  Congratulations on completing the program and best of luck this Sunday!

JackRabbit's Olympic Distance/NYC Triathlon training programs helped more than 100 participants cross the finish line at the 2008 Nautica New York City Triathlon.  It was a tough ten weeks but everyone seems to agree that is was well worth it.  Despite the extreme heat and the unexpected jellyfish many PR's were set, and the majority of first timers told us they were already looking for another race to register for.

To honor our accomplishments the group came together the Wednesday following the race at Heartland Brewery.   We all raised a congratulatory glass, regaled each other with our own unique, individual race day stories and promised one another we'd be out there again next time.

Some folks from our most recent Manhattan Beginning Running Level II class that finished this month participated in a New York Road Runners 5-mile event on August 18th.

The 5-mile course was a first for several members of the group.  Coach Mary was there with her camera to capture everyone's progress along the course and as you can see from the looks on their faces everyone had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the experience.

Congratulations to the guys in the photo left to right are: Mario Svirsky, Christophe Flament, Gregg Smith, Paritosh Bansal, and the women also left to right are: Melissa Bolub, Nicole Bullano, Lauren Isbell and Michelle Rabinowitz for completing JackRabbit's 10 week Beginning Running program and for completing the 5-mile Team Championships!!