Call me superstitious, but I still have the 2004 Keeper edition of North Coast Sports magazine, which marks my first year in competing in multisport. My initial races and personal notes are a constant reminder of the progression that has been made over the past three years.

From sprint duathlons to half-iron distances and half-marathons, I have experienced the highs and lows of long training days, sore muscles, intense workouts, off days (training days you'd like to forget), mistakes (great learning curve), disappointments, PRs and, perhaps the most endearing, the camaraderie and friends that I have made throughout the community.

Combined, these experiences have made me a stronger person mentally, emotionally and physically. Holding onto the Keeper is just my way of holding onto some of the most significant physical accomplishments I have made thus far.

When I began my multisport journey three years ago, I never thought I would be on the other side of the lines, writing for Ohio Sports & Fitness Magazine. While I have contributed to the publication for two years, I never had the opportunity to offer suggestions and ideas that would enhance, promote or further support the multisport, adventure, running community. As the new editor, I plan on making such contributions.

One of the first additions to the 2007 Keeper will be the new races we've added to our listings. HFP Promotions, Fat Rabbit Racing and the Subway Series are the beginning of our quest to bring you the most up-to-date information to enhance your race season.

In the coming months, you will see new editorial columns written by local specialists to help you take your sport or sports to a new level. To be at the top of your game, you need a solid foundation. Educational, fact-filled articles will be the new foundation to Ohio Sports & Fitness Magazine. As we expand and grow, we welcome your thoughts. Please feel free to contact me at srhea@tntpublications.

In the meantime, please use the Keeper as your planning and strategizing foundation into a successful 2007 race season.

In good health,

Stacy Rhea

The Road Runner Akron Marathon is proud to announce the addition of Anne Bitong as Marketing Director and Amy Freeman as Operations Director. Both women have worked on the event since its inaugural year and bring a proven leadership skills, as well a passion for the event and city.

As Marketing Director , Anne Bitong will manage relationships with sponsors, developing marketing strategies and coordinating public relations, while Amy Freeman focuses on runner services, runner registration, committee support, volunteers and general operations related to the event.

For more information regarding the 2007 Road Runner Akron Marathon, please visit www.akronmarathon.org.

Tuesday, February 20, Northeast Ohio's IHOP restaurants will host the Third Annual Northeast Ohio National Pancake Day Relays to benefit Harvest for Hunger. This fun event will take place on the winding steps at the Galleria. Adorned in aprons and chefs hats team members will navigate a short, winding course on the floor of the Galleria - all awhile flipping pancakes on a griddle. To enter the National Pancake Day Relays teams must donate a minimum of $500 or 50 non-perishable food items to the Harvest for Hunger. For additional information Call Jim 216-373-8374, or email jbrazytis@liggett.com.