Hello Fall! Tech behind race photography, elite lineup at NYC Marathon, Baptist health Brickell Run Club and more..

Welcome to September ‘24 version of 'Strides ‘n’ Miles' - a monthly newsletter by Traxamo. Fall races are here. After all the training in summer, squeeze in that long run during vacation, it’s show time. All the best to all of you whatever goals you are chasing during your fall races. Ever wondered how race organizers find the exact pic of you from race day? We cover the underlying technology behind it. Also, I had the opportunity to chat with Frankie Ruiz on Tech in 26.2 pod recently and he is also the founder of Baptist Health Brickell Run Club in Miami and we cover more about this running club in our community spotlight. Enjoy this month’s edition!

In this month’s email:

• Meme Corner 😃 

• Check out the races happening in September 🏃‍♂️ 

• In Tech Corner - automated tagging and identification of race photography

• How does meal timing impact endurance training outcomes?

• Elites competing in 2024 NYC Marathon

• Community Spotlight - The Baptist Health Brickell Run Club

MEME CORNER

PLANNING CORNER

Welcome to August 2024. Summer months are here, it’s time for some family time and building memories. Checkout this fun races from across the world to squeeze in travel + run adventures :

Find the list of upcoming marathons near you on Abbott World Marathon Majors Race Directory.

Here are some more resources to plan for your next race:

• 2024 Half Marathons Calendar - USA - https://www.halfmarathons.net/race-calendar/

• International Marathons and Distance - https://aims-worldrunning.org/calendar.html

• Upcoming Marathons in USA - https://runningintheusa.com/classic/list/map/marathon/upcoming

TECH + TRAINING CORNER

If you have participated in races, you most probably have purchased your race day pictures on the race course from the race organizers. Have you wondered how does they identify your pictures from hundreds/thousands of runners? Let’s dig in how its done.

On race day, race organizations will have partnership with photography companies or individuals. On race day, you will see them on the race course taking pics.. and a lot of pics of runners passing by. Instead of manually sorting the pics and mapping with the runners based on their Bib numbers automated tagging and identification process is used.

Advanced AI and computer vision technology has made photo tagging and identification much more efficient:

• Photos are automatically tagged based on bib numbers at upload.

• Google Vision is used to automatically tag photos, improving accuracy of runner identification.

• This automation saves hours of tedious manual labor in sorting photos

Google Vision has significantly improved photo tagging for race events in several ways:

1. Automated bib number recognition: Google Vision can automatically detect and read bib numbers in race photos, allowing for rapid tagging of runners without manual effort.

2. High accuracy: In sample tests, Google Vision achieved correct tagging rates of over 100 tags out of 119 attempts for one race, demonstrating impressive accuracy.

3. Speed: The automated tagging process happens within minutes of photos being uploaded, enabling near real-time photo delivery to runners.

4. Reduced manual labor: By automating the tagging process, Google Vision saves hours of tedious manual work in sorting and identifying photos.

5. Integration with race platforms: Google Vision is integrated into race management platforms like RunSignup, allowing seamless incorporation of tagged photos into runner results pages.

6. Improved with larger datasets: As more races use the technology, Google Vision's accuracy continues to improve through machine learning.

7. Flexibility: The system can tag various types of race photos beyond just finish line shots, including course photos and team pictures.

To maximize tagging accuracy, races are advised to use large, clear bib numbers with good contrast and positioning them for optimal camera angles. While not perfect, Google Vision has dramatically accelerated and improved the efficiency of race photo tagging compared to manual methods.

NUTRITION & DIET CORNER

How does meal timing impact endurance training outcomes?

Meal timing can have significant impacts on endurance training outcomes. Here are some key points on how nutrient timing affects endurance athletes:

_{Pre-Exercise Nutrition}

• Consuming carbohydrates 1-4 hours before exercise can help maximize glycogen stores and improve performance

• A pre-exercise meal should contain 1-4 g/kg of carbohydrates

• Adding some protein to pre-exercise meals may provide additional benefits

_{During Exercise}

• For sessions lasting over 60-90 minutes, consuming 30-60 g of carbohydrates per hour can help maintain blood glucose and delay fatigue

• Fluid intake during exercise is crucial for maintaining hydration status

_{Post-Exercise Recovery}

• Consuming carbohydrates and protein within 30 minutes post-exercise can enhance glycogen resynthesis and muscle protein synthesis

• A ratio of 3-4:1 carbohydrate to protein is recommended

• Aim for 1.0-1.2 g/kg/hour of carbohydrates in the first 4-6 hours post-exercise

_{Daily Nutrient Distribution}

• Spreading protein intake throughout the day (every 3-5 hours) may be beneficial for muscle protein synthesis and recovery

• Consuming carbohydrates consistently throughout the day helps maintain glycogen stores

_{Fasted Training}

• Some endurance athletes utilize fasted training to enhance fat oxidation, but performance may be compromised

• Should be used strategically and not before key training sessions

_{Event Nutrition}

• Proper fueling in the days leading up to an event is crucial for maximizing glycogen stores

• During long events, consistent fueling with easily digestible carbohydrates is important

By strategically timing nutrient intake around training sessions and throughout the day, endurance athletes can optimize energy availability, enhance recovery, and potentially improve performance outcomes. However, individual responses may vary, so athletes should experiment to find what works best for them.

ELITE CORNER

New York City Marathon Elite Field Announced

The New York Road Runners announced the elite field for the 2024 New York City Marathon, scheduled for November 3, 2024.Some highlights include:

• Reigning champions Hellen Obiri and Tamirat Tola will be returning to defend their titles.

• Three top American finishers from the Paris 2024 Olympics marathon will be competing: Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Dakotah Lindwurm.

• Other notable entrants include:

  • Evans Chebet (2022 NYC Marathon champion)

  • Bashir Abdi (Olympic silver medalist)

  • Sharon Lokedi (2022 NYC Marathon winner)

  • Des Linden (2018 Boston Marathon winner)

Olympic Marathoners Doubling Back

Interestingly, several elite runners who competed in the Olympic marathon in August 2024 are planning to run the New York City Marathon just 11 weeks later

This includes:

• Tamirat Tola (Olympic gold medalist)

• Hellen Obiri (Olympic bronze medalist)

• Sharon Lokedi (4th place in Olympics)

• Conner Mantz and Clayton Young (8th and 9th place in Olympics)

Competitive Field

The 2024 NYC Marathon elite field is shaping up to be highly competitive, featuring multiple Olympic medalists, past New York champions, and top American runners.The relatively short turnaround from the Olympics to New York (about 11 weeks) adds an interesting dynamic to the race, as runners balance recovery with preparation for another major marathon

This elite field announcement has generated excitement in the running community, with many looking forward to seeing how these top athletes perform on the challenging New York City course after their Olympic efforts

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

The Baptist Health Brickell Run Club is recognized as the largest weekly free run club in the Southeastern United States, attracting over 300 participants every Tuesday evening at 7 PM. The club meets at the Fortune International Headquarters located at 1300 Brickell Avenue, Miami. Runners of all skill levels are welcome, and the club fosters a community atmosphere, encouraging social interaction among members.Each session typically covers a distance of 3 to 3.5 miles, with routes that change weekly to showcase the scenic areas of Brickell and Downtown Miami. The format includes a warm-up, the run itself, a post-run stretch, and a brief core workout. Participants are also provided with free water and the opportunity to connect on social media using the hashtag #werunmiami. New runners are required to sign a waiver before joining the runs.The club not only promotes fitness but also serves as a social hub, often concluding runs at local hotspots for post-run gatherings, enhancing the community feel among participants.

The Baptist Health Brickell Run Club stands out among other running clubs for several unique features:

1. Largest Weekly Free Run Club: It is the largest weekly free run club in the Southeastern United States, consistently attracting over 300 participants every Tuesday evening, regardless of weather conditions.

2. Community Focus: The club emphasizes building a community among runners. It welcomes participants of all skill levels, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages social interaction and camaraderie. This community aspect is a significant draw for both new and seasoned runners.

3. Structured Format: Each session includes a structured format that consists of a warm-up, the run, a post-run stretch, and a core workout. This organized approach not only promotes fitness but also enhances the overall running experience.

4. Scenic Routes: The runs cover scenic routes around Brickell and Downtown Miami, with routes changing weekly. This variety keeps the experience fresh and engaging for participants.

5. Post-Run Socials: The club often concludes runs at local hotspots, promoting a social atmosphere where participants can unwind and connect after their workout. This post-run socialization is a key feature that differentiates it from other clubs, which may not prioritize community engagement as much.

6. Accessibility: The club is easily accessible, meeting at a central location in Miami, which attracts both residents and visitors. This convenience helps maintain a high turnout each week.

These elements combine to create a unique running experience that emphasizes fitness, community, and enjoyment, making the Baptist Health Brickell Run Club a notable option for runners in Miami.

WHAT’S NEW AT TRAXAMO

Check out the latest episode of Tech in 26.2 podcast:

Also, we are busy with the upcoming pod on Traxmo - Fundraising in 26.2. So if you or someone you know mastered the fundraising game, please share this google form to fill out to have the opportunity to be on the podcast. Stay tuned!

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