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!
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, Steveran 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.
"Party in the summer and the heat is on..." Name that artist
Saturday was certainly a scorcher. It was in the mid-70s and humid as hell as the sun rose. Unfortunately, The North FaceEndurance Challenge races were kicking off. In the 50k, Tunde participated in his first ultra and ran well given the subpar conditions, finishing in 5:44:44 for 43rd and 5th in his AG. Caroline battled through the heat, telling me that the race was way harder than it should have been. She crossed the line in 5:42:26 for 7th and 2nd in her AG. Tiffany, also running her first ultra, took 3rd in her AG in 6:02:02.
To nobody's surprise, Keith ran the longest race offered...the 50 miler. The course definitely had some good hills thrown in but he ran a solid time of 7:27:31, good for 7th overall and 2nd in his AG.
The postrace North Face gang...good day for Striders all around!
Dave ran the Run for Hope - USATF Master's 8k Championships and clocked a 29:43 for 20th. However, his team took top honors!
On Sunday, the racing conditions weren't much better, but it was one of the popular local races...the Bel Air Town Run. Chris led the way for the men, running 18:33 for 26th and 2nd in his AG despite dealing with a stomach bug. Weems and John had a friendly battle, with Weems taking it, 19:10 (39th) and 19:13 (40th), respectively for 2nd and 3rd in their AG. Mick rocked his AG, running 19:55. Dorothy had another day as well, winning her AG handily in 21:41.
Finally, though nobody treated it as a race, the Striders put on the 4.09mi Run Benefiting the Be Strong Stay Strong Fund. All proceeds went to support two local runners that were severely injured in at the Boston Marathon, Erika Brannock and her sister, Nicole Gross. Over 300 runners participated with several others donating money, raising $8,000 for the fund. Runners doing what they love for a great cause!!!
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!!!
For those who were curious, yes I dropped a Rihanna reference. Anyway, it's beginning to feel a lot like summer out there. The sun is intense, the humidity is high. I've been told that these are the days that make you a better runner come the Fall season, but it's a bitch...
Chris kicked it off on Friday morning at the NPC-50K National Police Challenge 5k at the U.S. Secret Service Training Center in Laurel. He could probably give us a race recap, but then he'd have to kill us! He clocked a 17:43 for 5th overall and 1st Master honors.
Saturday was the Musical Madness 5k, put on by Greg Schuler and Reservoir HS. Mark paced the way for the men, winning in 16:39. Dave had a good race despite not feeling great, grabbing 5th in 17:50. Phil, returning from a long layoff, showed he hasn't lost much fitness, finishing 6th in 18:19 and winning his AG. Tunde was right on his tail in 18:24. Bobby was able to hold off his girls with a 19:23, but I think his days are numbered. Mick won his AG again in 19:41.
In the ladies race, we swept it on dominating fashion. Jess took top honors in 19:01 as she continues to drop her times and return to college form. Tiffany clocked a solid 19:30 and Emily ran a 90+ second PR with a 19:41 for 3rd. Dorothy was the 1st Master and beat the rest of her AG by 5+ minutes!!!
Happy Musical Madness postrace crew
On Sunday, Suzy had an early start with the Pros at the Columbia Triathlon. She turned pro last year and has an amazing training regiment, while juggling her job as a PE teacher. The weather was far from ideal, with wet roads and a chilly breeze. She finished 9th in the Pro division in 2:14:42, which included a 21:30 swim, 21.6 mph average on the bike, and 41:24 on the tough 10k course. Awesome job Suzy!
Keith rolled down to VA to HOORAH his way through the Marine Corps Historic Half. He finished 10th in 1:21:02.
Meanwhile, in Finland, the Stenholms both participated in the Finnish National Duathlon Championships. Reports showed Sari on the podium and Pekka finished with an AG bronze. Not sure of distances or times as I can't comprehend the website. I could certainly go for some of that Finnish cold air right about now...
Last weekend was light on the racing front as the spring season winds down, but there were a few highlights...
In Maple Lawn, the Maryland Half Marathon kicked off the weekend. Reports indicated the course is slightly long, closer to 13.5 miles, and is quite hilly. Nick led the way on the men's side as he continued with his steady diet of racing, running 1:24:04 for 6th overall and 2nd in his AG. Keith wasn't far behind, finishing 8th in 1:25:09. I think he needs a break...anyone agree? Maurice showed his endurance, finishing 2nd in his AG in 1:32:51.
In the women's race, Caroline took off from the gun and never looked back, WINNING the race outright in 1:32:29. Awesome job Caroline!!!
Caroline starts her celebration just a tad early
The first annual Wine in the Woods 5k took place in Centennial Park on the Police Pace course. Madison, despite stopping twice with stomach issues, managed to snag the W in 17:44 and won two free tickets to the Wine Festival this weekend. Hopefully he actually uses them!
Finally, the Hills of Milltown 5k closed out the weekend. Dave ran with the young guns and finished 4th on an extremely tough course in 20:04.
Meanwhile in Finland, Pekka raced in the Finnish National XC championships in Helsinki. Not sure of his final time as I can't read the website but he played it off as a bad race. He is racing the Duathlon Nationals this weekend. Good luck big dawg!
As the spring racing season comes to an end, there's always a small group that continues to pour it on...
Not much action last weekend, except out in Frederick. The Frederick Half Marathon, the first race in the MD Double (Baltimore being the other), went off with a bang in chilly conditions on Sunday. I've always envisioned the course being extremely hilly and slow. However, it didn't seem to be the case (though I know there are lots of rolling hills with some good climbs towards the end).
Our newest recruit,Nick Grossi,rocked it with a top 10 finish, 1:18:03 for 8th.Mick, our ageless grandmaster, continued his remarkably consistent 2013 campaign, winning his AG with a time of 1:27:45. Tunde took on 1:40 pacing duties with Dan Miranda of Falls Road and they nailed it...1:39:56! Shout out to local superstar, Dave Berdan, who ran an incredible PR and won the race outright in 1:05:40!!!
Kelly, celebrating her birthday, started off the day with a 2nd place overall finish with a near PR of 1:24:57! Pretty amazing considering she's been battling a sore calf for the past few weeks! Happy birthday Kelly! Emily also ran a great race, crossing the finish line in 1:28:54 and grabbing her second qualifying time for the elite team!
Happy postrace crew...rumor has it Michael ran slow to accompany a cute chick??? Say whhaaa?!
Lots of races to choose from next weekend.... Saturday: Wine in the Woods 5k, MD Half Sunday: Hills of Milltown 5k, Preakness 5k
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....?
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, Kellyset 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...
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!!!
There's still several Striders on the course. I thought the men's time was quite slow as the temperature and headwind (at least in Hopkinton) seemed near ideal; I'm curious to hear race reports. AWESOME JOB EVERYONE!!!
Just another delayed post...work travel and beer kept me from my duties once again this week.
Last Sunday marked the first big time local race of the Spring season....Cherry Blossom 10 Miler
This has always been a staple race for many of us as the course is fast, the competition is world-class, and compared to other races, this one is very affordable and surprisingly not too much of a hassle to get to (once you get off the Metro).
As we stepped off the top stair of the escalator onto the Mall, the air was brisk and the sun had not yet rose about the horizon. I know I had personally under-dressed and immediately began to feel my body using tons of energy to keep my skinny frame warm. However, once the sun did come up shortly before 7am, it did warm up just enough to make most of us decide to ditch the winter hat, armwarmers, and gloves.
The gun went off a few minutes late and thousands of runners blazed down the road to the Arlington Memorial Bridge. This race is notorious for tons of people going out way too fast and paying for it the second half, despite the flat terrain. On the men's side, I knew this was my year to have to lead the team due to injuries and despite being the first Strider to cross the line (53:33), I was disappointed with my performance, as I had tightness in my knee which forced me to slow down quite a bit from Miles 6-9, it was was a small PR. However, the rest of the team picked up the slack. Carlos, in his debut comeback race, executed his pre-race plan to perfection, going out in 5:20 and holding 5:20-5:30 pace the rest of the way, finishing 36th in 54:13. Kevin, running his first non-Club Challenge 10 mile race of his career, had the race of the day, crushing his PR by 80 seconds, running 56:10. Seth had high expectations this year after crushing this course last year, and ran very well considering his lack of speedwork, finishing in 56:57 (67th). Steve ran with Kevin and Seth for a majority of the race but faded a bit in the last few miles, but ran a PR nonetheless in 57:21. Craig followed shortly behind in 58:08, then Keith who ran the course as a last minute hard workout for Boston (58:25). Maurice led the Master's team as he continues to get back into top form, finishing 2nd in his AG in 63:17. Tunde, also on the comeback trail, wasn't far behind in 64:00. Weems crossed the line in 64:25 and John in 66:51. Bobby, running the race as a 'medical runner', stopped several times to assess runners having difficulty and with his cell phone, ran 68:35. Impressive, Doc!
In the ladies race, our top 2 finishers both ran over two and a half minute plus PRs, that's right....150+ seconds!!! Kelly led the way, finishing as the second Master in the race in 62:20. I saw her at the finish line and she was smiling as usual, but I could sense she was hoping to run even faster than she did! Caroline, also running Boston in two days and in complete beast-mode with her training, rocked it once again with a 64:04. She doesn't agree with me, but I know she is capable of a sub-3:07 marathon right now. Robyn had a heck of a day herself....WINNING her AG with a 65:35 performance...A-MA-ZING!!! Vicki, also on the upswing, had another great performance after telling me days before the day she didn't think she was even in shape to race 10 miles (typical Lang), running 70:51. Finally, Dorothy finished 2nd in her AG in 72:14!
In the team competition, the Men's 'A' and 'B' teams finished 2nd and 5th, respectively, losing to Potomac River. The mixed Master's 'A' and 'B' teams took 2nd and 4th, respectively. Great job everyone!!!
Meanwhile in Annapolis, Adam opted for the low-key Cherry Pit 10 Miler put on by the Annapolis Striders. He finished 4th in 58:24, winning his AG (and hopefully a pie?).
Here's some finish line pics courtesy of Issel:
Mark
Carlos
Kevin
Steve
Tunde
Caroline
Weems
Robyn
John
Vicki
Dorothy
Post-race group shot
Steve and Carlos with their pregnant wifeys post-race
