I hope to see some of you this weekend at the Runners World Half and Festival in Bethlehem at Steel Stacks.    The weekend is more than just races and the huge expo for running gear. Here’s the schedule for the other half of the weekend, the seminars and talks on Saturday.  I’m entered in “just” the 10K, which no doubt will be filled with runners just passing through on their way to the coveted hat trick hat (running the 5K, 10K and half marathon).  Technically, I did complete the hat trick last year in what I’m pretty sure was the fastest time of any finisher.  However I did so by running the half and driving the pace car in the 5K and 10K.

Some of this year’s highlights that you will not want to miss are below.  Get here on Saturday for some of the best speakers in sneakers.

Noon   My track coach Budd Coates will be talking, with Chief Running Officer Bart Yasso, on “What Every Runner Should Know” .  Perhaps Bart will mention what I’d like to know: how to get paid for doing what he does.

Also at noon, two very well-informed nutrition experts who helped me in my Mulligan Mile will be part of a panel on fueling for peak performance.  It’s sold out, but a few stand by seats should open up and I hope to be in one of them.

• Joanna Golub – Runner’s World Senior Editor, Nutrition
• Pamela Nisevich Bede – Sports Nutritionist and Runner’s World Columnist

1:15  My brilliant editor Tish Hamilton is leading a panel with Olympic hero (and erstwhile kids’ game show host) Summer Sanders, who Tish assures me is as every bit as charming and smart as she is beautiful and talented.  The panel will discuss the unique challenges and joys of women’s running.

There’s also seminars on running with dogs, injury prevention, pregnancy and running and more along with two inspirational running flicks, including one on running legend Steve Prefontaine.

The evening wraps up with what promises to be the most riveting running talk you will ever hear, from Dave McGillivray, Race Director of the Boston Marathon.

By the way, if you are looking for my book signing, don’t bother.  I am still working with my agent to put the finishing touches on the book development proposal.  Maybe next year you will be able to line up for your copy.  This year, just get your pasta and be happy.