East Coast Turkey Trottin'

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone and while I suspect all of us stuffed our bellies with delicious food and perhaps some beer and wine.  There were some good performances in various Turkey Day races up and down the East Coast:

Carlos took to the streets of Charleston, SC in a very competitive Charleston Turkey Day Run.  He was seeded #5 based on anticipated finish time.  After crossing mile 1, the leader, a near 2012 Olympic Trials Qualifier was 20 seconds ahead of the chase pack.  Carlos went through the first mile in 4:51 then took over and finished 2nd in 15:32, collecting some $$$ for his efforts.

Carlos at the postrace awards holding his true gift

 In Charm City, Dave ran conservatively at the YMCA Turkey Trot 5k on a hilly course in Druid Hill.  He took tops GM honors, finishing 4th in 19:34.  Mick hit the streets of Brooklyn, NY in at the Prospect Park Track Club Turkey Trot 5 Miler.  He won his AG easily in 32:08.  Jeremy ran a solid 28:40 for 4th at the BCRR Thanksgiving Day 5 Miler.

On Sunday, John ran the Annapolis Striders' Cold Turkey 10k and won his AG in 39:27.

NEXT UP: Run with Santa 5k this Sunday then Celtic Solstice next Saturday...

Running a marathon at the Equator, Turkey Chasin', and Zoo Zoomin'...

As the holidays quickly approach and the Fall racing season comes to an end, we are welcomed with cold weather, strong winds, and darkness during just about any run...

Contrary to the cold weather, last weekend kicked off with Conrad beasting it out at the CISM World Military Marathon Championships in the Republic of Suriname, just north of Brazil.  He was representing the USA in a loaded field of 120 men.  This place is located just 4.7 degrees latitude north of the Equator.  From reading his race report, the gun went off at 0530 and it was already 80 degrees and 100% humidity.  Several countries brought 2012 Olympic athletes.  Conrad managed to negative split a 2:48:26 in the brutal conditions, grabbing 2nd American and 29th overall.  Winning time on the men's side was 2:24 and 2:32 on the women's side.  Average age in the race was 25, almost half of C-rad....#beast  Next year's race is in The Netherlands, so conditions should be much better!

Sunday featured the Columbia Turkey Chase, hosted by Suzy's RIP IT Events.  I've seen advertisements claiming this course is fast, but in my experience running those roads, it has its hills.  Jorge ran a big PR, coming in 2nd in 37:08 with Chris right behind him in 37:24.  In the ladies' race, Kendra and Emily went 1-2, crossing the line in 41:59 and 42:15 respectively.  Here are some action shots courtesy of Mick and Jess:

Jorge showing off his finishing kick

Chris all alone in 3rd

Kendra bringing home top honors

(A finally healthy) Emily smiling with her 2nd place finish

Meanwhile, John ran through the Baltimore Zoo at the Zoo Zoom 8k.  He grabbed the top grandmaster spot, finishing in 32:42 for 8th overall.

There's tons of options for Turkey Day races tomorrow morning and don't forget about the Prediction 10k Run at Jeffers Hill if you don't feel like racing but rather would just want a training run with company.

WISHING EVERYONE OUT THERE WHO MAY ACTUALLY READ THIS THING A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Metric...Everybody's doing it....

The Fall racing season has officially kicked off with a bang and it will only get better from here...

Last Saturday featured the Striders' 37th Metric Running Festival, formerly the Metric Marathon and 5k.  The event was pushed up to September from November in hopes of better weather and to reel in those in the middle of fall marathon training.  The weather was....well...summer like with the humidity and proved to be the demise for several of us.  The 5k was eliminated and replaced with a two-person relay, each running 13.1k (or 8.14 miles).

In the full Metric, Kyle Stanton took off from the start and never relinquished the lead, running a very comfortable 1:36:29, despite taking off for 5 days before the race due to a bad ankle sprain.  Mark was 2nd, making a comeback to the racing scene after a 4-month hiatus, clocking 1:37:52.  Adam ran a great race, running with Mark and Kyle for the first 4 miles or so, running a PR on the course, finishing 3rd in 1:38:58.  Nick had a good one as well, also PR'n in 1:45:52 for 6th.  Jason was 7th in 1:48:11, as he sets his eyes on yet another Baltimore Marathon in a week and a half.  Tunde ran 1:51:20 for 12th.

In the ladies race, Kelly had a nice debut at her longest race distance ever, finishing 3rd in 2:03:07.  Robyn wasn't far behind, grabbing the top Master spot and putting in a nice kick after being told there was wine at the postrace party (total lie) in 2:04:06 for 4th.  Dorothy crushed her AG again, finishing 8th in 2:11:12.

In the relay, John and Weems won the Masters crown in 1:49:04.  Tiffany and Lisa (member of -PR- Racing Team) couldn't quite keep up with the Falls Road ladies, but ran strong in 1:54:19.  Kendra and Mick were 3rd in the open mixed division, despite the fact Mick aggravated his hamstring and had to walk for about a mile, but still managed to shuffle across the line.

Here's some finish line pics (courtesy of Mike Fleming):

Mark (2nd)

Adam (3rd)

Nick (6th)

Jason (7th)

John (1st Masters relay team)

Tiffany (2nd Open Women relay team)

Tunde (12th)

Kelly (3rd)

Robyn (4th)

Dorothy (8th)

 Meanwhile, Maurice ran the Diane Geppi-Aikens Memorial 5k, winning his AG in 18:48.

Sunday (9/22) featured a couple winners.  Jeremy made an appearance at the Savage 7k, winning in 24:39 as he continues his comeback.  In Stratford, CT, Kevin ran the Fall Frolic 30k as he tapers for the Baltimore Marathon, winning in 1:57:52.

Now to this past weekend...

Adam, a week removed from the Metric Marathon, was at it again at the Akron Marathon.  He (and I) believed he was definitely in PR (sub-2:44) shape for this one.  Not sure about the course or the weather, but he fell a bit short, running 2:51:45 for 20th.  Keith re-entered the results at the Bachman Valley Half in Westminster, running 1:25:31 for 3rd on a very tough course.  Over in Germany, Seth was able to avoid chugging down pre-race beers at the 40th BMW Berlin Marathon.  Wilson Kipsang set a new world record at 2:03:23.  Seth had a tough summer with injuries and a long bout with the flu but finished in 2:51:15, only a few seconds off his PR on this course from 2011.

Finally, there was the Race For Our Kids 10k in Baltimore which has a nice little pot of winner's $$$.  Chris led the way in 36:44 for 5th and 1st Master.  Dave grabbed top grandmaster in 37:15 and Maurice won his AG in 38:04.

This weekend features the Ragnar DC relay from Cumberland, MD to DC then Baltimore Running Festival next weekend.  Time to roll out!!!

Sssssooooo it's been a while...

Well, it's been six weeks since the last post.  I guess it's official I may be the worst blogger this planet has ever seen.  Since I have so many results to recap, I'm opting for a list in lieu of a book.  Most notably, Adam set a new team record at the lovely distance of 100 miles at the Burning River 100 in 21:05:21!  Keith also put together a hell of a weekend in July winning a 3-day stage race which included a 50k, 50 mile, and marathon. We have a decent group running the A-10 this Sunday so good luck to everyone racing!

Now for the results:

7/4/2013	6th Annual Smiles for Sophie Birthday Bash and Dash	Nick Grossi	17:05	5th	PR, 1st (M30-39)
7/14/2013	Pikesville Miles That Matter	Maurice Pointer	18:37	15th	2nd (M50-59)
7/12-14/2013	Blue Blazes Ultra (3-day stage race)	Keith Levasseur	4:07:37		50k
		Keith Levasseur	10:08:06		50 mile
		Keith Levasseur	3:43:57		27 miles; Overall event winner
7/14/2013	Utica Boilermaker 15k	Robyn Humphrey	1:04:42	45th	4th (F45-49)
7/27/2013	Crystal City Twilighter 5k	Carlos Renjifo	15:56	12th	1st (M30-34)
7/27/2013	Cricket Baltimore Road Race	Chris Chattin	17:35	5th	1st Master
7/27/2013	Burning River 100 Mile Endurance Run	Adam Wytko	21:05:21	23rd	PR, RTR
7/28/2013	Hadassah Check It Out Challenge 8k	Maurice Pointer	27:26	1st	GM PR
8/3/2013	Casey Cares Foundation 5k	Nick Grossi	17:21	7th	2nd (M30-39)
8/10/2013	Charles Street 12	Maurice Pointer	1:17:54	17th	1st (M50-59)
		Robyn Humphrey	1:22:15	3rd
8/10/2013	Tom Ausherman Memorial 5 Miler	Chris Chattin	29:12	23rd	1st (M45-49)
8/18/2013	BRRC Too Hot To Trot 10k	Weems McFadden	38:34	7th

Sparks Be Flyin'

As Independence Day happened, we're all reminded of the sacrifice Will Smith and others made all those years ago to fend off the alien invasion such that we can continue celebrate our Nation's birth and run races in the tough heat and humidity that is common this time of the year...

Let's get started with last weekend as we had the WDF.  Conditions weren't terrible, but they were far from ideal.  As I stood at the halfway point doing the course marshal thing, there was a nice lead pack that flew back.  Caroline ended up not being able to cover the move but had a good one, running 19:57 for 2nd.  Tiffany was right behind for 3rd (20:00).  Robyn was next, winning the Master division, 20:16 for 4th.  Dorothy destroyed her AG yet again, rounding out the top 10 in 21:54.  A few race shots (courtesy: Mike Fleming):

The lead pack just after the start

Caroline finishing

Tiffany's last few strides

Robyn

Dorothy

 Down in Old Ellicott City, Chris battled UMBC alums at the Ellicott City 5k.  He grabbed 3rd in 18:45 and first Master.

Yesterday was one of my favorite races of the summer, mostly for the age group award structure...the Arbutus Firecracker 10k.  Chris was back at it and won his AG in 37:37.  Jason, still on the rebound, ran 38:32 for 13th and 2nd in AG behind Chattin.  Maurice got the AG win in 39:20 and Dave wasn't far behind in 39:39.

A few brave souls ventured to Reston to run the very competitive Firecracker 5k.  Based on the names, it appears several Africans showed up.  Bobby ran a heck of a race, winning his AG in 19:40.  Mick followed suit with the AG win, finishing 73rd in 20:05.  In the ladies race, Tiffany snuck into the top 20, crossing the line in 19:49.

Finally, the Lang family took a roadtrip to ATL for the Peachtree Road Race, the largest 10k in the world!  This race doubled as the USA 10k Road Championship.  Phil ran 37:54 and Vicki was 44:09 in hot and humid southeast weather!  Ryan Hall ran pretty crappy.  My boy Matt Tegenkamp brought home the USA title!

Catching up

Well, I've been slacking the past few weeks so here it goes:

Nick clocked a 37:04 at the Lawyers Have Heart 10k in DC back on June 8th for 27th.  Sunday, June 9th was Damien's 5k.  It was a hot day so no course records were taken down.  Chris ran 17:21 for 5th and 1st Master honors.  John was 19:09, only good for 3rd in this competitive AG.  In the ladies race, Jess WON in 18:36.  Robyn, reportedly battling a slight hangover, ran 20:06 for 3rd and top Master.  Dorothy was 7th in 21:40.  Here's a few action shots courtesy of Mick:

Chris checking his watch

Jess was able to crack a smile while destroying the field

Post-wine night Robyn

Dorothy nearing the finish line

 Also that day, Maurice took top honors at the Running with the Devils 5k in 18:30.  NICE!

Saturday the 15th meant the Baltimore 10 Miler.  Jason kept his race streak alive on the brutally humid morning, running 63:08 for 15th and 2nd in his AG.  Tunde, acting as a 70:00 pacer, was near spot on in his duties, clocking 70:04.

Sunday was Father's Day and the humidity was front and center once again.  At the Bullseye Running Father's Day 10k, Steve ran a PR of 35:13 for 2nd.  Peter and Chris had a good battle for most of the race, but Peter pulled away over the last 1.5 miles, crossing the finish line in 35:57 for 4th, top Master, and winning the Father/Son team competition with his son, Joseph, while Chris ran 36:43.  Phil, with the help of the volunteers, was able to run his race.  He ran the entire race alone, and I mean alone.  He managed a solid performance of 37:53.  Mick took his AG in 41:25, despite acknowledging pre-race he was using the race as an 'easy' tempo.  Bobby wasn't far behind in 41:55.  He won the Father/Daughter competition with Katie. 

Meanwhile, down in Annapolis, Weems and John ran the Dawson's Father's Day 10k hosted by the Annapolis Striders.  Weems edged John out again, 38:33 and 39:00, respectively.

Keith ran the San Francisco Marathon and added another sub-3:00 performance to his resume, finishing 36th in 2:54:25.  Maurice ran the BRRC Lake Montebello 5k and finished 2nd in 17:37.

Yesterday, Dorothy was our sole participant in the very competitive Baltimore Women's Classic.  She won her AG and crossed the line 25th in 20:20.

Don't forget about the Women's Distance Festival this Sunday.  If you are a guy, please consider helping out.

A Weekend to Remember

As we honored our Nation's veterans, there was plenty of battles taking place on the pavement...

In Baltimore, we had a small contingent take part int he McVETs 5k/10k.  Carlos ran a solid 15:33 in the 5k, winning his AG.  Shortly thereafter, he took to the roads again for 3rd in the 10k, running 33:14.  Chris was 6th in 36:36 and top Master.  Maurice was his AG, crossing the finish line in 40:57 for 14th.

Meanwhile, in PA, Adam had a huge day at the Bob Potts Marathon.  The course runs on the York County Heritage Rail Trail.  According to the race recap, Adam led most of the race before being overtaken.  He was able to push through some rough patches, running a big PR of 2:44:12 for 2nd.  I believe this is his second qualifier for the elite team!  WAY TO GO ADAM!

Up in Burlington, VT, Mark ran as part of the elite runners in the Vermont City Marathon.  Temperatures were in the low 40s with strong, gusty winds, making it feel close to 30 degrees and a driving rain for most of the race.  He missed a PR by 45 seconds, but still ran a good time of 2:34:09 for 7th...just missing out on the $$$...

On Monday, Memorial Day, before everyone headed out for BBQ and drinks, several team members toed the start line at the Remembrance Run 5k in Columbia.  It was a humid morning and overall the times looked slower than previous years, but we still got at it.  Steve led the way for the men, finishing 4th in 16:53.  Peter made a rare racing appearance and took the Masters crown in 17:13.  Nick was right behind and clocked a PR of 17:20, good for 7th.  John was 2nd in his AG in 19:21.

John doing work

In the ladies race, Emily and Tiffany ran together and finished 3rd and 4th, respectively.  Emily just missed a PR in 19:43 and Tiffany ran 19:45.

Tiffany and Emily looking strong

 We have a lot of people running in The North Face Endurance Challenge 50k on Saturday.  Good luck to everyone!  Also, don't forget the 4.09mi Run Benefiting the Be Strong Stay Strong Fund, for a local runner who was injured at the Boston Marathon.  Please consider supporting this great cause!!!

Iron Women

Last weekend was highlighted by the Iron Girl Half Marathon in Columbia, a race sponsored by Tri Columbia.  The weather was near perfect but the course is unforgiving for sure.  The course was reportedly a bit short, but I'm not sure how much...

Suzy led the race for the first 13 miles, but had a rough patch right at the end to get edged out, running a PR of 1:21:28 for 2nd.  Tiffany also ran a big PR, clocking 1:26:25 for 7th overall and 2nd in her AG.  Our newest recruit, Emily Drew, cracked sub-90 minutes as well, in PR fashion (1:27:32).  Great job ladies!!!

Here's some action shots, courtesy of Mick and Columbia Triathlon Association:

Suzy crossing the finish line

Tiffany looking strong

Emily in stride

In related news, Keith took on an incredible two race weekend on opposite coasts.  On Saturday, he toed the line at the Promise Land 50k++, which is measured at 34 miles and is organized by ultra running legend/crazy dude David Horton.  The course is all hills and the terrain is not runnable in certain areas.  He came in 25th, with a 5:47:41.  Most of us would take off the next day.  However, Keith hopped on a plane to CA to partake in the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge at the Big Sur International Marathon.  Amazingly, he was able to crack 3 hours, running 2:59:24 for 33rd place and 7th in the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge.  I wonder if he can walk....?

PR City

Still a week behind, but I'll catch up eventually...

Last Saturday, we had a couple nice performances in some lower key races.  Adam won the Glen Mar 5k handily in 17:30.  Maurice was 30th at the Sole of the City 10k in Baltimore, grabbing the top Master honors.

Keith, a week removed from Boston, laced up the racers on Sunday for the GW Parkway 10 Miler and met his pre-race goal of under an hour, crossing the line in 59:24 for 14th overall.

Meanwhile, in Rockville, a large group of Striders woke up at the crack of down for the Pike's Peek 10k.  This race is known to be fast and always gets about a dozen or so African runners to blaze sub-29 minute times!  This year, the weather was a tad on the chilly side, but we had a slight tail/cross wind while strolling down Rockville Pike on the point-to-point course.  We had new team records on the men's and ladies side.

Madison led for the way, going out in 5:00 for the first mile and was able to hold on for a 30+ second PR from his UMBC days, running 31:21 for 27th and nabbing the team record .  Mark was right behind, clocking nearly a 40 second PR in 31:33.  Carlos, in only his second return race, crossed the line in 32:06.  Chris won his AG in 34:54; it's good to see him healthy again!  Tunde, at age 49, ran a PR, breaking 37 for the first time with a 36:57.  Weems, still on the mend, finished in 38:32.  Bobby also broke 39; 38:54 and earned himself a spot on the elite team...CONGRATS BOBBY!!!  Mick was right behind him, running 39:11 for 3rd in the competitive 60-64 AG while John was right on his heels in 39:18.

In the ladies race, Kelly set a new team record with a stellar 37:04!  That's sub-6:00 pace and she's a Master!  Way to go Kelly!!!  Jessica had a big day, running a new PR of 38:17.  Tiffany was next with a huge PR of 39:36, also qualifying for the elite team!!!  Dorothy crushed her AG, finishing in 42:17 after telling me on the ride down how tired she was.

The Party Bus crew...all smiles post Pike's Peek

 Another great weeks on the roads.  Catch us if you can...

#runforboston...it's as simple as that

Well, it's been quite a rollercoaster ride this past week.  I will start with the obvious.  The bombings at the finish line of the 117th Boston Marathon early Monday afternoon were a harsh reminder to America that we live in a world where anything goes, and people with radical anti-American views will do whatever it takes to disturb the lives of those they despise (us).  When I first saw the headline, it was from a non-credible online news source.  I thought it was a dirty hoax...until ESPN broke the story.  Then my jaw hit the floor.  The immediate thought is that you hope that all your friends and family up in Boston were safe.  The good news is that the social media world makes that 1,000 times easier then 20 years ago when we relied on the USPS and 20 pound cell phones with poor signals.  Our hearts and prayers are with the victims (4 dead, 175+ injured) and their families.  Fortunately, we woke up yesterday morning to find that Suspect #1 was shot to death during an engagement with police.  Then yesterday evening, Suspect #2 was caught alive.  For the sake of everyone involved, I hope law enforcement gets the answers they need then put him out of his misery.

The running community is unique.  Many of us get up early to go out and rack up the miles and sacrifice valuable free time to rest for a race.  Many of the toughest people I know are runners and that's because running is a sport where you can't fake your fitness.  If you don't go out and work hard, you will not get the results you are looking for.  It was overwhelming to see how the running community put on thousands of runs for Boston over the past few days.  Though I haven't spoken to him directly, I hear our own Dr. Kent, getting a post-race massage when the bombs went off, rushed over to the finish line and offered his medical assistance with the triage set up at the medical tents.  This is one of I'm sure many heroic type stories that make us the best country in the world!  I know we will move past this and become stronger because of it.  As a matter of fact, I've personally become more motivated than ever to sign up for the 118th Boston Marathon next year and run my ass off for those who no longer can.  I think that the race will be one of the largest celebrations that historic race has ever seen!  For those who have or will get a BQ prior to registration opening in September, I encourage you to join me and partake in truly one of the world's greatest races and part of American history...THINK ABOUT IT

Now, let's shift gears and get to the more positive part of the post...race results from last weekend...

Sunday morning started with a Columbia running tradition...the 35th Annual Clyde's 10k.  It was a bit chilly as the starting gun went off, but overall the weather was near perfect.  Kyle Stanton had this race in the bag within the first few steps, going out in +/- 5:05 for the first mile and never looking back, winning in 31:27.  He is going for a sub-30 at the Olympic Development 10k at the Penn Relays next weekend!  Madison took 2nd, running a controlled 32:52.  Mark, running 22 miles the day before, was 3rd in 33:32.  Kevin didn't have his best day, but ran a very respectable 34:48 for 5th.  Adam was right behind in 34:57 for 6th.  Peter won the Master's crown, running 35:44 for 9th.  This guy only runs a couple times a week!  Chris was next, finishing 11th in 36:26.  Our newest addition, the ageless one, Dave Berardi crossed the line in 37:38 (16th).  Phil had a nice race despite battling some nagging injuries (38:11).  Tunde was 27th with a 38:52 and John won his AG in 41:30.

On the ladies side, Kelly rocked it once again, running around a minute faster than last year, finishing 2nd in 38:38.  Suzy, another new addition, wasn't far behind in 3rd, clocking a 39:04.  Robyn was 8th in 40:40.  Vicki had another strong performance, running 43:21 for 11th and Dorothy crushed her AG, crossing the line in 43:44 for 14th.

Here's some pics, courtesy of Mick:

Kyle

Madison

Peter

Chris

Dave, with James and Doug tracking

Phil

Tunde

Kelly

Robyn

Dorothy and Vicki doing battle

Monday was Patriot's Day.  The weather at the start of the 117th Boston Marathon looked about as good as it gets, 47 degrees and light wind.  The gun went off and thousands of runners began their 26.2 mile journey from Hopkinton to Boston.  Conrad was in #beastmode again this year, running 2:43:07.  Keith said he struggled the last 5 miles or so, but added another sub 3-hour marathon to his resume, 2:54:21.  Kent ran the second half with a seizing calf, but this dude is a true baller and still averaged 7:00/mi pace, crossing the line in 3:03:58.

Our lone lady was Caroline who had been training his ass off the past few months for this race.  She indicated that it was painful, but she busted out a 5+ minute PR, meeting her sub-3:10 goal, running 3:09:37.  Way to go Caroline!!!

Boston crew, post-race (left to right): Donnie, Caroline, Grace, Keith

So blessed that everyone was safe and I know we will continue to run hard and achieve our goals!!!