Anyone who knows anything about Lance Armstrong is most likely familiar with his outstanding involvement in advancing cancer research, awareness and treatment. A cancer survivor himself, Lance created the Lance Armstrong Foundation as a vehicle for cancer fundraising and research.

Most people also know that Lance is proudly from the always weird and wonderful, Austin, TX.

When Nike announced that it would bring together one million people on the same day for a charitable race, and that it would be in only four U.S. cities, Livestrong seemed a perfect fit, and Austin a perfect host city. The Livestrong Foundation is one of the three global charities Nike+ Human Race 10K participants can donate their registration fees to, and as an added bonus, the lucky folks in Austin will also have Lance running right alongside them on 8.31.2008 - or far out in front of them...

"The Lance Armstrong Foundation is proud to be selected as one of the global charities that will benefit from the Nike+ Human Race 10K and the generosity of runners around the world," said Doug Ulman, President and CEO of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. "Partnering with Nike for this one-of-a-kind international race will unite survivors and raise awareness in the global fight against cancer."

Not only is the Lance Armstrong Foundation thrilled to be a proud partner of the global event, but Lance Armstrong's personal excitement about the Nike+ Human Race 10K and Austin, Texas were evident when asked about his thoughts on the race.

"I think it's amazing. Anytime you try to put 1 million people on a road on a single day for one event, it's clearly a monumental undertaking. It's something that only Nike could do and will inspire people to get out, train for something, and participate in something. And also give back to great causes," said Armstrong.

Lance is thrilled to be playing such an active role in the Nike+ Human Race 10K, and says "This is big for me personally. I grew up in Texas and I still call Texas my home state and Austin my hometown," said Armstrong. "We have a lot of different people getting fit in Austin. In general, Texas is a big running state. If you consider the running community here, Austin, as well as in Houston and Dallas, we have a lot of consistent runners. So, for all Texans to get together and participate in the Nike+ Human Race 10K is cool, and they're participating with runners from all over the world."

And to all of you Texans out there, Lance says, "No excuses. There are 25 locations in cities around the world, and the ability to run where you are with the Nike+ system. No one has any excuse, they can either do it in person, or do it line...they should just do it. I would say to my friends, no pressure, but you have no excuse." There are training runs in Austin and training tools on NikePlus, but it's all a balance. Armstrong said, "The best exercise protocol is balance, obviously. We have things we endorse, some people like to drink cold beers, or eat vegetables, or do other things, but the key is balance."

Lance is even more excited about Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals post race performance. "Ben is one of my best buds, so it will be great to enjoy. I've notified him about the heat in Austin on 8.31.2008, but Ben's a great man. He is someone committed to exercise, committed to the outdoors, and he loves to be outside and stay fit; it's music to him. He's one of those artists who, if you were on an island, and your iPod would only play one artist for the rest of your life, I would pick him."

Register for the race today to run with Lance in his hometown.

We'll see you Saturday mornings at Starbucks, Tuesday evenings at Guero's, and Thursday evenings at SIX!

Want to do more for the Nike+ Human Race charities while adding a little friendly competition to your training? Join one of the charity challenges!

Pick from three challenges—Lance Armstrong Foundation, WWF or ninemillion.org—and then start running those miles! Whichever charity accumulates the most miles through 8.31.2008 gets the biggest portion of Nike’s $1.5 million Vote With Your Feet fund.

So, what are you waiting for? Select a challenge below and make your miles count. See you at the finish line!

Click a challenge to check it out and join!

Lance Armstrong Foundation Challenge

WWF Challenge

ninemillion.org Challenge

Everyone knows that Salt Lick BBQ is Austin’s favorite BBQ. We thought you should know why:

The Roberts family began serving delicious Salt Lick barbeque in Driftwood, Texas over 40 years ago. They always choose the freshest and finest meats and ingredients, cook them slowly with the utmost attention, and serve them up with Hill Country friendliness.

They are honored to be a part of this event and will have a booth set up at the finish line for those who wish to reward themselves for a job well done by indulging in a true taste of Texas -- Salt Lick barbeque!

Visit them at saltlickbbq.com for more information on their original location in Driftwood, TX or their new location, opening soon in Round Rock. Private venues are available at the Driftwood location or they can provide off-site catering for your special event to just about anywhere.

See you at the race!

Have you registered for the Nike+ Human Race 10K and are now looking for a place to rest your head for the big event? If so, the Radisson Hotel and Suites Austin - Town Lake is supporting the Nike+ Human Race 10K. The Radisson Hotel has a block of rooms set aside for our participants and their cheering squad. Listed below are a web address, promotional code, and phone number. Please keep visiting our website, as we will be updating the list of participating hotels, frequently.

Radisson Hotel and Suites Austin- Town Lake reservations:
Radisson
Code: nike08
Should you have questions or need further assistance, please call 1-800-333-3333 and mention that you are with the Nike+ Human Race 10K.

After releasing two EPs in Los Angeles, songwriter and astronaut Paul Waclawsky left the haze for the heat of Austin, TX where he promptly joined the Cassini spacecraft team and blasted of from Earth destined for Saturn. There he found a new line up and new inspirations in the form of Jaylinn Davidson and Jake Mitchell. Jaylinn was there researching the magnetometer's detection of the presence of ion cyclotron waves in the vicinity of Saturn's moon Enceladus (which just so happens to sound like a Moog synth when played back) and Jake was far out there floating in space collecting data on the rhythm of Saturn's rings.
Once their mission was complete, they returned to Texas with everything they collected in space (synths, samplings, and old records that were found floating around Titan), and turned it all into Music. Jaylinn's Moog bass and leads connect with Jake's explosive evolving rhythms to form a hybrid rhythm section. It's definitely psychedelic, but not in the traditional sense. Part organic. Part electronic. Part outer space. Joined again by Grammy-Nominated Producer Tim Gerron, The Boxing Lesson crafted Wild Streaks & Windy Days in 2007 and played a meteor shower of shows at home and on the moon.

www.myspace.com

All are welcome to come check out our featured bands and are encouraged to join our training runs. However, post run refreshments and raffles are only for participating runners.