Duke Medicine Becomes Tobacco Road Marathon Title Sponsor

Duke Medicine has agreed to be the title sponsor of the Tobacco Road Marathon to be conducted in Cary, North Carolina on March 21, 2010, the Tobacco Road Marathon Association (TRMA) announced today. The event is now officially named the "Duke Medicine Tobacco Road Marathon."

"We are extremely pleased to have Duke Medicine join us in making Cary's first marathon a reality," said race organizer and five-time Boston Marathon veteran Kazem Yahyapour. "This relationship is particularly meaningful to me personally as I began running to regain my health after suffering a heart attack in 2002. Exercise is essential to taking responsibility for your health."

As a result of the agreement, Duke Medicine's name and logo will appear on the TRMA Web site and figure prominently on tee-shirts, awards and signage along the course. They will also have a prominent booth at the event's exposition hall at the Embassy Suites in Cary off Harrison-Oaks Boulevard.

The Duke Medicine Tobacco Road Marathon's scenic course includes 18 miles of the American Tobacco Trail (ATT). The ATT will also account for 7 miles of a half-marathon to be run simultaneously. Runners will start from the USA Baseball/Thomas Brooks Park complex in Cary at 7 a.m. TRMA believes they will deliver an ideal performance environment with a course largely devoid of hills and an average temperature for March 21 of 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Registration is moving at a brisk pace, but there are still slots available for both events.

"One of our key goals is to give runners the best opportunity possible to qualify for the Boston Marathon," says Yahyapour, who was co-founder of the successful City of Oaks Marathon. "We believe we have put together the fastest course in North Carolina."

TRMA is a group of highly experienced marathon runners and athletic event production managers headed by Yahyapour and Cid Cardoso Jr., president and founder of Inside-Out Sports. Plans call for proceeds to go to the Wounded Warriors Project and the Triangle Rails to Trails Conservancy (TRTC). Details about the event, including on-line registration and training tips, can be obtained through TRMA's Web site at www.tobaccoroadmarathon.com. You can also become a friend of "Tobacco Road" on Facebook.

SOURCE: Tobacco Road Marathon Association (TRMA) | CARY, N.C., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire

Marathon News: Marathon proves exercise for body and spirit from first finisher to last, thousands receive stellar support

All things considered, Diane Kassab had a blast running the 2010 Chevron Houston Marathon. So much so that her time might have suffered a bit.

“It was fun. The spirit is tremendous,” said Kassab, of Houston. “I danced to every band. That was probably my mistake.”

Officially, Kassab, 56, was the last runner to cross the finish line Sunday, her time clocked at 6 hours, 1 minute and 5 seconds.

“I'm disappointed, because last year I actually made 5:45,” she lamented before letting out a laugh. “Maybe this proves this should be my last marathon.”

More like a reason to look forward to next year's. After all, there is something to be said about the institution

That is the race, which is that, aside from being the largest sporting event in Houston, it might be the most special. Much like in years past, the 38th edition of the marathon and its accompanying races was full of personal victories, inspirational stories and acts of hospitality and kindness.
Raising the bar

The event began on a good note, boasting the largest field in its history — more than 26,000 registered participants, including nearly 9,000 for the main race. Aided by superb conditions — cool temperatures and clear skies — the elite runners proceeded to make it the fastest marathon in Houston history, smashing three course records.

Teshome Gelana of Ethopia, a last-minute entry and relative unknown, won the men's marathon in a record 2:07:37.

Five other men broke the 2:10 barrier, something no man had done in Houston until Deriba Merga's 2:07:52 last year.

“I'm still trying to get my head around it,” marathon race director Brant Kotch said.

Teyba Erkesso, also of Ethiopia, became the first woman to break the course record in consecutive years, posting a 2:23:53 to best her 2009 mark of 2:24:18.

American Shalane Flanagan, an Olympic bronze medalist in the 10,000 meters in Beijing, shattered the women's half marathon record, clocking in at 1:09:41.

Marathon organizers were ecstatic.

“We are managing each year to raise the bar a little,” race managing director Steven Karpas said. “We raised the bar a lot today.”

Most of the runners and wheelchair racers hit the streets for reasons other than money or competition. For many, it was a matter of personal fitness. For others, the chance to come through on a dare or promise. Still others did it in memory of a loved one or to benefit a cause close to the heart.

Mostly, though, the marathon gave them all a reason to celebrate life.

“It's a spiritual thing almost,” Kassab said. “It really is.”

Participants flocked downtown as early as 4 a.m. to prepare for the 7 a.m. start. The 26.2-mile route took them past portions of the Fifth Ward and the Heights, down Montrose, through West University to the Galleria, across Memorial Park, east on Allen Parkway and back to downtown.
They're with the band

Folks needed not run to be part of the action. Jason Killen, Brian Warwick and Andy Klueh, who form the rock band Days Drive, serenaded the runners at the corner of Montrose and Warrick — complete with amplifiers, speakers and a three-piece drum set.

“It's the least we can do when all these folks are out here training themselves to run as far as they can,” Killen said.

The scene was quieter — though no less warm — along tree-lined University Boulevard, which looked its best adorned with American flags.

Red Powerade bottle in hand, Chris Dobson of Houston stood alongside daughters Kirsten and Ainsley while waiting for her husband and their father, Monte, to pass by. Kirsten, 13, had a pair of backup sneakers at the ready should he need them. Ainsley, 10, sported a handwritten sign that read, “You look like lightning, Daddy.”
Fruit, anyone?

Two driveways down, the Reids were offering runners orange slices and banana halves.

“A few people need bananas right about now,” Taylor Reid said.

Some estimates put the number of spectators at 200,000, among them at least 5,000 volunteers. The runners — and their families and friends — appreciated the support.

“It says a lot about Houstonians,” Chris Dobson said. “These guys need the support; it's hard to run 26.2 miles.”

Said marathoner Brett Gotcher, who finished seventh, good for the best time by an American: “The people here, the officials, the crowds, everything — I feel like it's another home. I plan on coming back.”

As Kassab made her way to the finish line, organizers scrambled to find a medal to hand her. As it turned out, they had run out — at least on the spot — as more people than anticipated had finished, with Karpas noting at least a 20 percent increase from last year's total of 5,300.

All in all, not a bad problem to have.

“Those figures blow us away,” Karpas said. “To have that growth in one year is phenomenal.”

Kassab didn't mind one bit. Just finishing — and enjoying the support throughout — made her day.

“I had a blast,” Kassab said. “Let them know that.”

Source: BERNARDO FALLAS | http://www.chron.com

Detroit Marathon Deaths: Three Deaths Not Normal

Three men collapsed and died on Sunday October 18 while running the half marathon portion of the 2009 Detroit Marathon. The three deaths occurred within 16 minutes of each other, a stunning rarity for marathon running. At ages 26, 36 and 65, all three men were reported to be in excellent health and properly trained to tackle the long distance.

Deaths during distance events are not the norm; Dr. William Roberts of the University of Minnesota says that people are more likely to be struck by lightning golfing! In fact, only 1 in 200,000 people die on average during exercise, and the fitter you are, the lesser the chance. The deaths this weekend seem to be related to freak cardiac arrest as all men had no problematic medical history and must have had some unknown and untreated heart problem. The 65 year old man reportedly collapsed around the 11 or 12 mile mark, hitting his head on the pavement and succumbing to the suffered blow. The 26 and 36 year old runners died at the hospital after collapsing, but autopsies are scheduled to uncover more detailed information.

This weekend's Detroit Marathon had ideal long distance running weather and the air quality in the city was not at any sort of elevated level. The three deaths seem more disturbing as in recent weeks other marathon-related deaths have occurred: two people died at the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Jose, CA and a Boston man died at the Baltimore Marathon.

These deaths should not deter runners from racing hard, long distances. When training for a marathon, make sure to build up your total mileage tolerance and ensure your body is ready to cover the distance. About 50 to 70 miles a week is adequate for more serious recreational runners, and including speed work and core training is a beneficial way to prepare your bones for the beating.

Proper nutrition and especially adequate hydration is essential for completing a marathon successfully. The color of your urine post-run will let you know your hydration levels: the darker the urine, the more you need to drink. You can also weigh yourself before and after you run to see how much water weight you lost. Try not to overhydrate, but make sure to replace the lost liquids with water and electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade. Pre-race, don't drink or do anything that could promote dehydration: consume excess caffeine, alcohol or soak in a hot tub. Eat plenty of calcium-rich foods during training and take a multi-vitamin and vitamin D plus calcium supplement to ensure bone health.

A great way to build up your heat tolerance is to do some of your runs-- especially faster tempo runs-- on a treadmill. Treadmills are a great way to teach your body how to handle the heat and cool down with natural sweat regulation. Most importantly, do not ignore any warning signs--heartburn, chest tightness, arm tightness-- no matter how insignificant they may seem.

Three die at the 2009 Detroit Marathon

Source: Examiner.com

New Balance News: Local Businesses Could See Boost from Marathon

Posted: Oct 15, 2009 12:07 PM Source: KPTH.com

Siouxland runners are lacing up for another big race. The Siouxland Lewis and Clark Marathon is this Saturday and organizers are hoping for a record crowd. Scheels, New Balance, and The Sports Authority have all helped draw entries for this year's event.

They hope more runners will keep the Siouxland economy running strong.

Marathon organizers are encouraging local restaurants to serve pasta to race participants the night before the event in place of the annual pasta dinner, as another way to boost local business.

If My 'Lola' Can Do It, You Can Do It, Too!

MOMMY TALK By Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan
(The Philippine Star) Updated September 29, 2009 12:00 AM

Since I started making reasons for working out and stopped making excuses on why I should not be active, I have been able to make fitness a part of my lifestyle habit. I must have had this fitness bug in my genes because even my 86-year-old grandmother has been fit all her life. She walks at least two kilometers a day for as long as I can remember. She joined the MommyMilkshake Marathon and the Enervon Memorace at the Fort and won as the oldest finisher. How’s that for a woman who’s in her late 80s? And mind you, she’s just getting started!

She is looking forward to joining more fun runs especially if it’s for a good cause because she finds the races a great way to get together with people and get her grandchildren to walk/jog with her to the finish line. We take turns accompanying her while she talks to us. It’s a great way to get her mind working and her body functioning, which allows her not to mind the distance she’s walking. My Mamang also enjoys bringing home the goody bags and sharing them with her family.

She’s had a different glow lately and has also become more concerned with her comfort while doing her exercise. Good thing she won a nice pair of New Balance running shoes because she had asked for one before the Enervon Memorace. She’s since gone shopping for running outfits as well. Wow, I just can’t get over the fact that my Mamang is living life to the fullest at this time. People say that the second half of their lives is the best half of their lives. In this case, my grandmother is already in the third half of her life and still having a blast.

After posting my grandmother’s photos on Facebook, so many people were inspired by her finishing three-kilometer races. So many people I know have made a choice to get started with their exercise regimen upon realizing that it’s never too late to take that first step to fitness. If my lola can do it, so can they!

So, if you are reading this and you haven’t yet fulfilled your New Year’s resolution to diet and exercise, I urge you to do it now. Just do it! I promise you’ll see life in a brighter perspective just like my grandmother.

Most Wanted: Running Gears For The Marathon and Beyond

You may or may not be running a 26-mile race soon, but you’re still taking your fitness seriously this fall—which means having the right gear for running in the crisp, leaf-crunching weather. There’s another reason this is a great season to step into new footwear and running apparel—running gear is hitting a stylish and high-tech stride that enhances what has historically been a primarily functional role. Frankly, we’re finding these new runner’s duds inspirational. Editors-who-run John Dugan and Liz Plosser have selected some personal favorites from this season’s offerings of running shoes and apparel—just in time for this year’s Chicago Marathon or your pre-Thanksgiving training push. One warning: Once you’re wearing running a kit this cool, you’ve got no excuses. Meet you on the trail.

SHOES

Nike Lunar Glide+ shoes, $100 (men’s and women’s) available at Niketown (669 N Michigan)
Nike’s latest, greatest sneaker eliminates the ubiquitous runner’s quandary of having to choose between stability and cushioning by providing both in one shoe. (Bonus points for the sweet design and colorways.) The snugly fit (more slipper than sneaker) and soft (but not too soft) sole makes for a cushy ride. But lest you think you’re going to plod slowly away atop pillows, the feather-light sneaks (the women’s are a mere 8.6 ounces) make you feel like you’ve got rockets on your feet. Seeee ya!

New Balance 905 shoes, $94.95 at nbwebexpress.com
This year, New Balance 1063s turned around my running game—somehow their design gives support to my oddly shaped giant boats and has put some spring in my morning jog. I quit my gym, I lost weight—those shoes are that rad. I’m thinking of stepping up to a racing shoe (maybe even racing again) and number one on my list is the “premium lightweight stability trainer,” the New Balance 905, which can be used for both training and racing debuting in January 2010. On the techy side, these are designed to hug the foot with a custom-like fit, control moisture and reflect 360º for safety. The New Balance 905 has a brighter, more aggressive look—which I’m digging—and marks a shift for New Balance away from fairly humdrum running shoe colors of the past. These babies pop.

adiStar Ride 2, $125 at shopadidas.com
The new elite running shoe from adidas has yet to hit the streets, but its talking-point attraction is a new technology allowing the shoe to flex more naturally with your movement. Active ForMotion involves “a panel of stretch material located in the upper midfoot section of the shoe reduces overall torsion stiffness, thus supporting the foot in its natural running movement.”

SHORTS

New Balance Women’s NBX Shorts, $40 at nbwebexpress.com
At first glance, they look fairly simple. But hang on because there’s a half dozen bells and whistles humbly at work in these shorts. First, the X-Static fabric is: antimicrobial (no yucky sweat germs), eliminates odor (no nose-pinching, post-run stink), regulates temperature (perfect for an Indian summer day or steamy treadmill session), eliminates static (no lame short bunching). Then, there’s the subtle storage compartment—on the front of the shorts so you never again have to man-handle your butt as you try to grab that fiver out of the pocket for a post-run cup of coffee. Finally, the sewn-in, customizable “In Case Of Emergency” tag. Yeah, you’ll probably never need it, but it’s nice to know NB is thinking of everything, isn’t it?

Nike Pacer Women’s Low Rise Running Capris, $50 available at Niketown
Yeah, it’s just a pair of black capris, but considering they’re a staple of any runner’s wardrobe come the crisp days of October, they’d better be comfy. And cute. Nike nails both of these crucial elements with the new Pacer. Dri-FIT fabric wicks sweat, flat seams minimize chafing, the low-rise waist is super flattering, mesh hems add some style, a back zip pocket stores your cash and ID, and a media-player pocket makes it a cinch to take your tunes on the road. Ladies, you will live in these suckers!

Nike Dri-Fit Tempo Track Two-in-One Men’s Running Shorts, $50 available at Niketown
Regularly jogging men, if you are still running in sweats or basketball shorts, I have news for you—there’s a better way—a much better way. If you can’t get over the fact that strangers will see your thighs and you won’t pony up for short and proper running shorts, the 7” inseam Tempo is for you. The built in boxer keeps one dry and they’re light as air, with a media pocket for your music player.

TOPS

New Balance Women’s Tissue Knit Tank, $36 at nbwebexpress.com
At first touch, you’ll think, “comfy nightshirt that I want to wear on a lazy Sunday morning while reading the paper.” While that may not be the ideal mind-set as you suit up for a run, be assured that this shirt is just right for jogging. No tight, body-hugging lycra, no weird cutouts exposing skin, no rough seams that chafe and scratch. Just a straightforward, cotton-feel that belies the intense technical fabrics in action (hydrophobic polyester yarns move moisture to keep you dry). The mellow lavender hue just adds to the experience. So you have it both ways in this tank—read your newspaper or run in it. Or both!

NBx Adapter Long Sleeve, $60 at nbwebexpress.com
Meet the clothing of the future you can wear now. The long-lasting high-tech fabric in this shirt has a layer of silver in it and is made to cool off in summer, insulate in winter—but we just think it looks like something you wear on another planet while cruising around. You could layer it for a cold-weather workout, but that would be a bit of a shame. It’s meant to be seen.

ASICS ARD Women’s Shimimel, $55 at asicsamerica.com
Each piece in the new ARD (advanced running development) collection is made with ultra-lightweight mesh, strategically designed for reflectivity, flatlock stitch and welded seam-free back mesh for breathability and comfort. While we dig the Shimmel’s built-in shelf bra and zipper for temperature management, whatever you choose from the collection, you can pound the pavement confident that you’ve got on an A+ piece of performance gear.

Brooks Women’s HVAC Seamless Long Sleeve Shirt, $98 at brooksrunning.com
Go, go gadget, uh, long-sleeve shirt! Thanks to its thermoregulating HVAC technology, this super-smart long-sleeved top detects changes in body temperature and reacts by moving heat from high- to low-heat areas, so you stay “thermally balanced” (in other words, comfortable). Bonus points for the stripey design.

RoxyAthletix Medium Impact Support Bra, $38 at roxy.com
Hopefully you’ve got a six-pack midriff you’re dying to show off, because it’d be a shame for no one but you to see how fun this print-detailed sports bra is with its fashion-forward back cut-outs.

JACKETS

Brooks Women’s Motion Vest, $60 at brooksrunning.com
We know, it’s so cute—with its ribbed neck, wide ribbed waistband and funky quilted stitching—that it’s almost a shame you’ll be sweating in it. But please embrace its cuteness and slip into this butter-soft vest on a chilly fall evening.

RoxyAthletix Women’s Halftime Hoodie, $58 at roxy.com
The good news: You’re going to feel super stylin’ as you jog along the lake path in this hoodie. The bad news: You’re going to get stopped every half-mile by an admirer who’s desperate to know where you found it. Surprise! It’s an awesome new running line from surf company Roxy.

NBx Conduction Half-Zip, $75 at nbwebexpress.com
With a Chicago fall and winter coming up, runners will need some layering options. This New Balance jacket has X-STATIC fabric (which has a layer of silver in it) with antimicrobial, odor-eliminating and thermodynamic properties. It also has a music-friendly external storage pocket and 360 degree reflectivity, so you’ll be visible when listening to Born to Run.


Source: timeoutny

New Balance English Half Marathon

The New Balance English Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 4 October 2009, and Warrington is where it all starts for this brand new ambitious event – The People’s Challenge.

As title sponsors, New Balance are working with us throughout the build up so look out for special offers on New Balance Performance range running shoes and kit – we’ll keep you up-to-date with developments in the weeks and months ahead.

As international class event organisers, we plan to deliver an event that Warrington can be proud of. We’ve called it the People’s Challenge because we want everyone involved. We want runners of all abilities – first timers (well it is the first one!), charity runners, club and elite. Take up the challenge!

Race Entries Closed

Entries for the 2009 New Balance English Half Marathon are now closed. Our elite nominated charities still have guaranteed places. If you would like to run please contact a charity of your choice listed on the Run for Charity page of the website. They would be delighted if you would run and help raise money for them.

New Balance 30% Discount Coupon Codes

All entrants to the New Balance English Half Marathon will receive via email or post a notification of their assigned Coupon Code. This code offers the runner a 30% discount and free shipping on a range of New Balance running shoes available through the NB Web Express website at www.nbwebexpress.co.uk.

Your coupon code offers 30% off selected NBx running shoes and free shipping, and is valid until the 4 October 2009. The offer is only valid with your coupon code and is good for one time use only. The offer is valid only on NBwebexpress.co.uk. The discount applies to these NBx men’s and women’s styles only: 1225, 1063, 769, 750, 850. The offer is valid on a maximum of three pairs per customer. The offer cannot be combined with other coupon codes or other offers and is not valid on previous purchases. Returns and exchanges are subject to discount reduction. Free shipping applies to shipping via UPS and DHL only.

During the checkout process on the NB Web Express website, just prior to entering payment details, the user will be prompted for any Promo Codes that they wish to apply to their purchases. Your own personal Coupon Code should be entered in the Promo Code space at this time. Your 30% discount will appear on your shopping cart total when you click the Continue button.

Johnsons Salon Discount Offer

The English Half Marathon has teamed up with Johnsons hairdressing salon to offer readers and entrants of the inaugural Half Marathon a discount on their hairdressing services at the local salons. To take advantage of this offer download the discount coupon from here.

Event Sponsor

New Balance is the title sponsor of the English Half Marathon.

New Balance has a unique approach to running, offering runners shoes in both widths and half sizes, ensuring optimum fit. All New Balance shoes are designed with a range of technologies ensuring runners find the right shoe for their foot type and performance requirements. All of this is done in the UK, where New Balance has been manufacturing since 1982. They also provide an extensive range of apparel, designed to meet specific training and running needs, for both winter and summer climates. For further information visit the website: www.newbalance.co.uk.

The Organisers

The event is organised by Big-Q Events Ltd, a joint venture between GB Event Management Ltd and Interloq Ltd. Together the companies have over 25 years experience managing a wide range of regional, national and international class events.

Official Event Timers

Interloq are Official Winning Time chip timing providers for this event.

Using the latest world class Winning Time technology, Interloq will provide timing services for the half marathon. Each entrant will wear an individual timing chip, which automatically records their finishing time. Look out for details in the race pack. Race results will be available via their website at www.winningtimeuk.com.

Official Race Photographer

Entrants will be able to purchase professional photographs of themselves via our official event photographers my-bib-number. They will have photographers positioned along the scenic stages of the run; try to give them a smile!

The company offer a unique service as you can view, purchase and take home a photograph on the day of the run. Simply enter your bib number into one of their viewing stations at the finish line to view and print your image. Race certificates will also be available, these include the race logo and your time displayed on your photograph. So remember to stop by before leaving and view your images.

Amazing Runner Passes through Illinois Valley

Saturday, September 19, 2009 By Craig Sterrett

Reza Baluchi, a former bicycle racer, mechanic and cook, gets ready to run another 80 miles in a day carrying a U.S. flag on his Liberty Run for Unicef, with help from a camera crew following his journey.

A 36-year-old adventurer stays a step ahead, actually miles and days ahead, of all the other transcontinental travelers who pass through the Illinois Valley each summer.

Reza Baluchi, a former bicycle racer, is running, wearing out shoes and pressing on despite painful foot blisters and scabbed toenails in an effort to break a 30-year-old record for running from coast to coast.

Waiting to start his day and waiting for his support team and film crew to deliver a 1,000-calorie, green, vegetable-and-vitamin-energy-drink breakfast, Baluchi visited with coffee drinkers and this reporter Friday morning before starting an 80-mile leg from the Shell station in Utica to Chicago.

“We’re amazed at him every day,” said Jasmin Doma, a photographer following the Boulder, Colo., man and shooting still images while traveling with a support team and Castleland Productions video crew on his trek.

In addition to his ability to run 80 miles in a day, amazing facts about Baluchi include his resting heart rate of 38 beats per minute. He says he has completed the most difficult parts of his trek, including mountains of the West and horribly hot pavement in Arizona and Nevada that caused blisters on the tops of his feet (his calluses protect the bottoms of his feet).

He said his 15,000-calorie diet full of pasta, beans, eggs, fruits and vegetables (“Meat makes you tired.”) helps fuel him, but that’s not all that energizes him. He said he will resume eating meat when he concludes the journey, to help restore tissues.

“Eighty-five percent is your mind,” says Baluchi, a U.S. citizen who was born in Iran.

Also compelling him to run nearly three marathons per day is his charity drive for the Unicef United States Fund. He is trying to raise $1 million this year while also working to break the record of 46 days for the journey. On Friday, he felt like he might be able to make it to New York City in 43 days, but he’d settle for 45 and a chance to meet President Barack Obama.

Since the other record has been tough to beat, he guesses if he sets his record, “Nobody can do it. I’m sometimes running all night,” he said.

He is sponsored by , and he’s doing them proud — even if he does immediately cut a hole in each new left shoe to ease pressure on his left, little toe. He runs against traffic and has discovered the crown of the highways puts extra weight on his left foot. When he cuts the hole, it eases strain on his knee.

“You run enough, you try things,” he said.

He’s getting support from several parties, including a doctor in the Non-Profit Chiropractic Organization who pays for food, fuel for a recreational vehicle and truck and more. He also benefits from occasional chiropractic adjustments and massages daily.
He said he has enjoyed meeting people and seeing the country while carrying a U.S. flag as well as toting a folded flag protected in a plastic case for delivery to New York.

He also has enjoyed some company on the trek. Friday, Davenport, Iowa chiropractic student Gabe Ellis ran along with him to experience part of the journey on U.S. 6, then north to U.S. 52 in Waltham Township and over to Chicago. And previously, a lost or stray dog that startled him, gnawed on his arm and leapt on his back later accompanied him for two days and a night before someone retrieved the retriever.

Next year he plans to start a five-year journey around the world, through 90 countries, raising funds for a charity in each nation. He said a crew for Discovery Channel will follow the journey, including his crossing of oceans in a pedal-powered watercraft he designed.