We all know how tough the winters can be especially when you live further North. Some take advantage of snow and ice and enjoy various winter sports, but others very much long for warmer temperatures and the upcoming multisport season.
If you live in the Greater Milwaukee area and aren't already committed to various winter activities, here is your chance to escape the harsh winter and get psyched for the upcoming season. The 2009 Great Lakes Multisport & Running Expo is coming up this weekend at the Wisconsin Expo Center in Milwaukee, WI. Proceeds of the Expo are for a good cause and benefit Racers Against Childhood Cancer. This foundation has the mission to use the competitive spirit of racers to help fund research in the fight against childhood cancer.
We talked with the expo director Mike O’Connor to find out more.
ST: How did the idea for the Multisport & Running Expo come up?
Mike: The Expo was conceived due to a combination of circumstances - first, the Midwest, and Wisconsin and Illinois in particular, have a healthy number of multisport and running athletes, clubs and events. On top of this, Racers Against Childhood Cancer was looking to create an event that would not only raise research funds, but also help to grow the sport in a responsible way. Bringing retailers and manufacturers together with activities, tech sessions and great keynote speakers is our way of doing that. And an Expo in the dead of Winter when people are getting antsy seemed like a great way to get athletes fired up for the upcoming season.
ST: When did you start being involved with "Racers Against Childhood Cancer?"
Mike: Racers Against Childhood Cancer was founded in September of 2007 in conjunction with Ironman Wisconsin. I began helping with various communications and marketing initiatives in May of 2008 and later took on expo director responsibilities. For me, it was a great way to combine my enjoyment of running and triathlons with the ability to help put an end to childhood cancer.
ST: Talking about triathlon, what is your background?
Mike: I'm a now 40 year old (yikes - time flies) and have been participating in running events and triathlons for the past five years. Last year I completed two 1/2 IM distance triathlons including Muskoka 70.3 in September. This year, after volunteering there for the past few years, I'm stepping it up and will participate in Ironman Wisconsin. I really never would have thought that one sprint triathlon a few years ago would lead to this... but that's how it seems to go, they are addicting.
ST: Who are some of the keynote speakers?
Mike: We have five great keynotes headlined by Frank Shorter ('72 Olympic Gold Medalist) and Robbie Ventura (of Tour de France fame).
ST: What kind of technical seminars/sessions can people expect?
Mike: There are 18 technical sessions taught by professionals that range the from Triathlon 101, for those who are new to the sport, to Heart Rate Training; Injury Prevention Exercises; and Training with Power; along with sessions specific to each of the three disciplines. Basically, we wanted to create learning opportunities for those who are interested in improving themselves.
The event promoters encourage expo attendees to bring their bike, swim suit, and running gear as there are all kinds of activities along those lines. Plus those who commute by bike to the event venue can take advantage of a bike and gear check area where they can store their bike and gear for free while at the Expo.
Some of the highlights of the 2009 Great Lakes Multisport & Running Expo:
- Five keynote speakers
- 18 Technical Sessions
- Individual run and bike time trials
- Run on the new Woodway Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill
- Video tape your swim stroke or have your stroke analyzed in the Endless Pool
- InStep 5K Race Against Childhood Cancer
- Asics Kid's Marathon Dream Event
- Professional bike fittings
- Over $15,000 in giveaways including a chance to win a spot in Ironman Wisconsin 2009
Date: Saturday January 31, 9am - 8pm and Sunday February 1, 9am-3pm
Where: Wisconsin Expo Center - Hall C at the Wisconsin State Fair Park, Milwaukee, WI
Admission: $7 advance or $10 at the door. Kids under 10 are free.
More info: multisportexpo.com
