2014 runners of the year

MID-MARCH/MID-MAY 2014

RUNOHIO

2013 RUNOHIO Runners of the Year by Matt McGowan The following runners were chosen by the staff of RUNOHIO and its’ readers as the top runners in Ohio in 2013.

RUNOHIO along with the runners of Ohio and the Midwest congratulate the following individuals for earning this honor.

on lowering my 5K and 10K PRs by using HARD repeats with more rest. More specifically, a 3xmile repeat workout at 10-15 seconds faster than goal 5K pace with 4-5 minutes jogging rest really helps me feel fast.”

TOP FEMALE Jessica Odorcic TOP MALE MASTER Jason Newport TOP FEMALE MASTER Cate Fenster TOP MALE GRAND MASTER Donald Leck TOP FEMALE GRAND MASTER Michelle Rupe TOP MALE SENIOR Terry McCluskey TOP FEMALE SENIOR Barb Board MEN OPEN JASON ORDWAY

Other top male runners: Jake Edwards, Matt Folk, Leo Kormanik, Chris Lemon, Josh Ordway, Joseph Purpura, Keegan Rathkamp, Ridge Robinson, Ryan Spellman and Aiman Sullivan Jason Ordway, 26, is from Holgate and now lives in Oakwood. He is a graduate assistant working on his Master’s degree in Exercise Science at the University of Dayton and works at the Up and Running store.

TOP 2013 PERFORMANCES Harrigan’s 5K – 14:17 Rite Aid Cleveland 10K....... 30:42 US Half Marathon Championships . ............1:05:02 Jesse Owens 5K...................14:41 Lou Cox’s Memorial 5K .......14:21 Columbus 10K ...................30:08 Hyde Park Blast 5K . ........... 14:43 Peace Race 10K..................31:03 Columbus Half Marathon – 1:06:07 Miamisburg 5 mile Turkey Trot....................... 27:50

When and how did you first start running? “I first started running when I was 15 years old and going into my junior year of high school. My stepdad encouraged me to try running because he was very athletic and thought that I might be a good runner. I had never done any sports up until this point. I started off that summer running a few road races here and there, until finally I ran a race where one of the girls on my high school cross country team saw me and told the coach about me. The coach contacted me and I ended up going out for cross country that fall.”

Why do you run? “I run for a lot of reasons, although the major ones are because I honestly enjoy it and because it’s something I have had a talent for since a young age. I am no where near as talented as the best runners in the game, but I consider durability a talent and I do seem to possess that. Few activities give you a greater sense of self-worth than running in my opinion.”

TOP MALE Jason Ordway

Jason Ordway

When and how did you first start running? ““I first started racing, without really even training, when I was about 8 years old in Junior Olympics.

My three older siblings, Joshua, Jennifer (Bigham), and Jessica (Schuette) all ran before me and they helped me catch the running bug from an early age. My father, Doug, got us all involved after we watched him running all the time while we grew up. My mother, Teri, was more of a sprinter in high school and encouraged our active lifestyles as our number one fan.”

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I train by trying to do a lot of mileage, usually 100-120 miles a week, I’ve been lucky enough not to have a major injury and haven’t been forced to take much downtime. I usually err on the side of caution with my training. If something hurts, I back off a bit, and I try to always run really easy on my easy days. I could probably be a bit faster if I took more risks, but I prefer to make steady gains rather than risk something that could result in a serious injury. My favorite workouts are those where I am close to max speed with full recovery. I’ve been trying to focus

What were your favorite races last year and why? “The RUNOHIO Grand Prix is a great series of races. It definitely gives more meaning to the races you are participating in. I had a goal of winning the series to compound on my 2013 season and I’m glad I was able to accomplish it. It’s fun to look at the results of races you did not compete in, see another point leader who gained some ground on you, and then search for another race to get back on top of the leader board. There are so many great races in the series, it’d be hard to complete them all, so you have to show up and perform well at the ones you can compete it. Lou Cox and the Youngstown Peace Race10K were my two favorites this past year.

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

“Listen to your body and stay healthy! Consistent training is better than broken training.

You can’t get faster if you’re sitting out with injury for 3-6 months. You can get back to the fitness you were at, but it takes awhile to improve upon it if your cycle is broken.”

What are your running goals this year? “The main goals are to stay healthy and run more miles. My sub-set goals this year are to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Trials in the marathon. I would like to

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Jessica Odorcic run under 2:15:00 for the full marathon and under 1:04:00 in the half marathon. I would also really like to PR in the 10K by running close to 29:00. If I can get a chance to run a track 5K I would like to run under 14:10.

That’s all assuming I can find the time to get back to training like I need to be successful.”

WOMEN OPEN JESSICA ODORCIC Other top female runners: PJ Ball, Paige Biglin, Nicole Camp, Christina Johnson, Maura Lemon, Christina Murphy, Rebecca Nussbaum, Becki Spellman, Kara Storage and Tara Storage Jessica Odorcic, 32, lives in Madison where she is a stay at home mom and caterer.

TOP 2013 PERFORMANCES St Malachi 5 Mile...................... 27:06 Rite Aid Cleveland 10K ............. 34:18 Jesse Owens 5K........................ 16:32 Flag Day 5K............................... 16:14 Debbie Green 5K ...................... 16:34 Johnnycake Jog 5 Mile ............26:42 North Coast Challenge ............. 27:07 Akron Half Marathon .............. 1:14:22 Peace Race 10K .......................33:34

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I am coached by Glenn Andrews and I am a part of Cleveland Elite Development. A typical week of training for me consists of long runs, a track workout, and tempo runs. Right now, I am coming back from a back injury so I throw in the occasional elliptical session once per week in place of a long run.

My favorite workouts would have to be 400s at the track and also my tempo runs. I feel like I get a great workout after a good 8 - 10 mile tempo run.”

What do you like about running and racing? “I love running because it give me a chance to clear my head. Of course it helps me stay in great shape and allows me to eat pretty much whatever I want.

Especially desserts! Racing is great because it’s when I get to see all of my hard work and dedication to the sport pay off.

I love being competitive and the feeling of victory is like nothing else.”

What were your favorite races last year and why? “My favorite race last year was definitely the Akron Half Marathon because my time was not only a PR but I also qualified for the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials in Los Angeles. In addition, I also enjoyed the Youngstown Peace Race where I ran my 10k road PR of 33:35.”

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RUNOHIO

MID-MARCH/MID-MAY 2014

2013 RUNOHIO Runners of the Year, cont. impact. I listened to Coach Hazen share with coaches, athletes and team members that a student athlete’s training plan should be about adapting the body to handle additional training stress. Guiding a younger runner through the transition of additional volume and intensity successfully is critical to long term sustained success. Coach would share that the human body will be at its peak performance between ages 26 and 30 if you are consistent in training while having limited injuries.”

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

“My advice for runners wanting to improve their running would be to make sure they are doing a track workout every week and a tempo run.

I did not do tempo runs on a regular basis until about a year ago and I believe that they have drastically improved my performance.”

What are your running goals this year? “My number one running goal is to stay healthy.

Next, I would like to run my 5k PR in outdoor track and also try to run the Olympic A Standard in the full marathon.”

What are your running goals for 2014? “My goals for 2014 include breaking 4:40 for a mile, 16:15 for 5km and try to stay up with my 16 year old son in a race this summer.”

TOP MALE MASTERS JASON NEWPORT Other top male masters: Curt Bachus, Mark Croghan, Steven Fenster, Fred Keiser, Paul Krupa, T.J., Lentz, Robert Moore Mike Ryan and Scott Snow Jason Newport, 43, lives in Eaton where he works in the banking field.

TOP 2013 PERFORMANCES Beer Bottle Open 4 Mile ........... 22:19 Cincinnati Heart Mini-Marathon 15K.................54:55 Lou Cox’s Memorial 5km ......... 16:28 Columbus Running Company Mile . ....................................... 4:53 Dayton River Corridor Classic ................................1:19:24 Minster Octoberfest Classic 10K..........................................35:24 Miamisburg 5 mile Turkey Trot .27:50.

Rattrace 5km ............................ 17:15.

When did you start running?

“Back in 1982, I started running after watching my sister’s junior high track meet. I went to a small high school in Lewisburg and didn’t know what cross country was until my freshman year of high school.

I was thankful for coach Jack Hazen at Malone University to take me on as a walk-on in 1989. I had no idea how to train, rarely ran over 15 miles a week and had great group of friends at Malone. I was a team member on four straight championship teams at the All-Ohio Collegiate meet placing 22nd, 17th and 8th. Our team had the

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

“I think it is important to get in at least a couple of high intensity runs (e.g., intervals, strides, or fartleks) a week. I believe listening to your body can help keep you stay injury free and motivated. For example, save your hard runs for days when your legs feel springy, and don’t be afraid to take a couple of days off if you develop an ache or pain. I also incorporate core strength training because it seems to reduce problems I’ve had with my back and hips. Studies show it may also increase running efficiency.”

Jason Newport opportunity to travel to meets across the country from Seattle, San Francisco, Dallas, New York, Boston, Philadelphia and across the Midwest.

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I do speedwork twice a week consisting of 12 x 400’s and 4 x 1600’s with one Anaerobic Threshold run bi-weekly of 6 to 10 miles. My favorite workout is running while my wife bikes.

She is my daily support team.”

What were your favorite races last year and why? “ Last year my favorite race was Turkey Trot in Miamisburg. It was about 20 degrees but 10,000 runners signed up to brave the weather.”

What do you like about running and racing? “I enjoy running with my kids and friends.”

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

“If you are currently in junior high or high school, follow your coach’s guidance. Their years of experience developing athletes are critical to your progression/development. If out of school, finding a mentor or training group can make a huge

TOP FEMALE MASTER CATE FENSTER Other top female masters: Rosalie (Cocita) Franek, Cheryl Fenton, Teresa Ferguson, Mary Jenkins, Michelle Kitze, Jill Peters, Krista Seibert and Tanya Thatcher Cate Fenster, 42, lived in Ashland and recently moved to Colorado

TOP 2013 PERFORMANCES Beer Bottle Open 4 mile ........... 23:31 Miles for Madison 5km . ........... 18:20 Jeep Davis 5km ........................18:09 Rite-Aid Cleveland 10K ............ 37:43 Columbus 10K .......................... 37:07 Jackson Night Glow 5km ..... 18:33.7 Ashland Balloon Fest 5km ....... 17:46 Canton July 4th 5 miles .........30:11.3 Pro Football Hall of Fame 5 miles . ...............................29:44.4 Durango Double Half Marathon ............................ 1:25:09 When and how did you first start running? “I started running in high school. At the time I was a competitive gymnast, but after landing on my head, I thought that track and field might be a safer way to expend some energy. I formed lasting friendships with my running friends and they encouraged me to try cross county. My dad was also a runner and my first longer distance runs were with him.”

Cate Fenster

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I run about 50-60 miles a week and include a couple of long runs (11 plus miles) and a couple of higher intensity runs (strides and/or 5-10 minute intervals). My favorite work outs are with my husband, Steve Fenster. He is faster than me at intervals and I tend to push myself harder.”

What do you like about running and racing? “ For me running is a great escape and allows me to be fully present in the moment. It is also a great way to explore and enjoy the scenery and experience the weather. Racing provides an opportunity to test your limits and to meet other like-minded people.”

What were your favorite races last year and why? “My favorite race of 2013 was the Beer Bottle Open. ...flat and fast, cool weather, and great awards (beer steins). I also ran a pretty decent time considering it was in March and I had been doing mostly longer runs and not very much formal speed work.”

What are your running goals this year? “There are not many competitive road races in the area where I currently live (in Southwest CO). I am planning to do the Canyonlands halfmarathon (in March in Moab, Utah) and the Steamworks half-marathon (in June in Durango, CO). I may also try a trail ultra-run (50K or longer).”

MEN GRAND MASTERS DON LECK Other top male grand masters: John Agnew, Dan Bird, Lon Bussell, Frank Duchossis, Doug Ordway, Joe Patrick, Chris Rupe, Scott Snyder, George Sellers and Mark Tensing Don Leck, 55 lives in Maumee where he is a Hearing Officer for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

TOP 2013 PERFORMANCES USATF National Master Indoor Championship 1 mile ................5:03 Arnold 5km ................................17:22 Beer Bottle Open 4 mile ........... 22:24 Jeep Davis 5km ......................... 17:19 Lou Cox 5km ............................ 17:01 Hyde Park 4 mile ......................22:55 Ohio Michigan 5 mile .............. 28:50 Pemberville 5 mile ................... 29:14 Johnnycake 5 mile ................... 29:10 When and how did you first start running? “I ran crosscountry and track at E.L. Bowsher High School. My family had just moved to South Toledo and I didn’t know anybody. I joined the team after hearing

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2013 RUNOHIO Runners of the Year, cont.

Don Leck the coach speak at freshmen orientation; I figured it would be a way to meet others. It worked. I did not run much after high school. At age 37 I learned I had high cholesterol and so thought running would reduce it. I was wrong, but I must have caught the “running bug” as I have been running since.”

How do you train and what is your favorite workout?

“Base miles in winter then progress into workouts. I began workouts early in 2013 in order to compete at the USATF Master Indoor Championships.

Once in training for a particular race a typical week’s workouts would likely consist of one long run, one tempo run or fartlek, a hard workout, and maybe an easy workout. Recovery is important, so if I need it, my 7 day week turns into a 10 day week.

The length of race dictates my workout schedule. I like to key in on 3 to 4 races per year from 5k to 10k. My favorite workouts are fartlek, 400m/800m track repeats, and one mile to 1.6 mile repeats.”

What do you like about running and racing? “Health benefits for sure. And the social part – I met some great friends through running – who from which our social running

club called “Pillow Talk” was formed. I race for the competiveness of the sport; against others and age.”

What were your favorite races last year and why? “1) The Beer Bottle Open is and has been my favorite – an early season test on a flat and fast but sometimes windy four turn course – Staged out of the high school – Beer mugs go deep into age groups. 2) Lou Cox was the stage for tying my lifetime PR in the 5k – The competition there was great. 3) USATF National Master Indoor Championships 1 mile – Can’t ignore three months of training, expenses, and travel to Washington DC – All for a one mile race – I was boxed in for 5 and a half laps, broke out, running quarter splits of 77, 78, 78 and 70 for a 5:03 and bronze medal.”

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “First, decide if you love the sport. Second, find things that motivate i.e. finding a good group, mixing it up, and rewarding your-self (have I mentioned beer). Third, learn the sport. What worked for me was utilizing a coach. At age 50 I learned more in 3 months from my coach than the previous 13 years of running. I hit 5 lifetime PRs since becoming a grand master.”

What are your running goals for 2014? “Recovery from an August 2013 hamstring tear is the focus of my attention.

Taking a cautious approach to rebuilding without reinjuring with hope to regain 2013 level of fitness by Lou Cox in May – but keeping an open mind to back off if need be – since there remain great Grand Prix races in the fall.”

FEMALE GRAND MASTER MICHELLE RUPE Other top female grand masters: Rita Barnes, Debra Bird, Diane Furey, Sherry Hyden, Mary Jenkins and Joan Matthew.

Michelle Rupe, 54, lives in Cortland where she is a Sub-

good workout. Very efficient.

Even though I am slower; I still like to race. When you race you go faster than you do training no matter what your age. I like the feeling of being able to push myself no matter what level I am at.”

What were your favorite races last year and why? “My favorite race last year was Peace Race. I really enjoy the event.”

Michelle Rupe stitute Teacher, race and camp director and track coach Warren Harding High School

TOP 2013 PERFORMANCES Naples Half Marathon . .......... 1:33:50 Quinlan’s 5km ..........................20:33 Kinsman 5km ...........................20:23 Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon .3:31:09 Pizza Splash 5km ..................... 21:09 Panerathon 10km ..................... 41:38 Peace Race 10km . ...................42:33 Novelis 5km . ............................20:24 How did you first start running? “I threw the discus in high school. When I went to college they didn’t have discus during indoor track season so I started running sprints. When I came back from winter break my freshman year at OSU I went out for 7 mile run and the rest is history.”

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “Being older I am happy just to be able to run. Sometimes things are going great and I can run relatively a good amount at a good pace. Sometimes I have to back down or I might get hurt. I like doing pick ups on the road depending on what I am training for. I never go on a track, even when I was younger.

What do you like about running and racing? “I like the idea that you can go out your door with a good pair of shoes and run. You don’t have to go to a gym or meet anyone. It is one of the quickest way to get in a

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

“Keep running in the right perspective and don’t idolize it. Appreciate what you can do at any given time. You may never know when you might look back and say I wish I was that fast again. You may be doing great at the present. Enjoy it now and you will improve at the level you can achieve.”

What are your running goals this year? “I ran the Naples Half Marathon and won my age group. I am training for the Boston Marathon and want to get in the best possible shape without hurting myself. Relatively hope to do the best I can at Boston. Other than that will run some local road races.”

TOP MEN SENIOR TERRY MCCLUSKEY Other top male seniors: Tom Eckel, Warren Elzy, Doad Edwards, Daniel Horvath, Bob Kuebler, Ron Legg, Tom Niehaus, Vince Russo and Christopher Thieke Terry McCluskey, 65, lives in Vienna where he recently retired as a medical technologist at St Joseph Health Center.

TOP 2013 PERFORMANCES USATF 15K National Championships . ..................... 59:19 Boston Marathon ....................3:11:09 USATF 1500 meters Outdoor Track ................................... 5:18:49 USATF 10, 000 meters Outdoor Track .................................39:05:01 Parkersburg Half Marathon ....1:27:38 USATF Masters Champ./Liberty Mile . ......................................5:26:6 Westlake NorthCoast Challenge 5 mile . ................................... 30:50 Twin Cites Marathon . ...........3:09:47

Terry McCluskey 15K USATF Masters Championship .......................1:00:3 12K USATF Masters Championship ..........................6:58 How did you first start running? “I ran the half-mile and mile in High School and then nothing for 15 years ! I started jogging again at the age of 33 to get healthy, get in shape and look better ! I have been running and racing now for 32 years.

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I train year round 6-7 days a week. I change up day with easy days and hard days; short runs of 5-6 miles and longer runs of 9, 12, 15 or longer. My favorite is the long run at 7am in Mill Creek Park, Youngstown” What do you like about running and racing? “I love running and racing . After 30 years running is a part of me, not just something that I do. Running still makes me feel like a young boy running free and carefree in the fresh air of a grass field on a timeless summer day. I will never give up this feeling, or the feeling of racing until my heart is pounding and my lungs are bursting and tears of chasing my dreams are rolling down my cheeks.”

What were your favorite races last year and why? “2013

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RUNOHIO

MID-MARCH/MID-MAY 2014

2013 RUNOHIO Runners of the Year, cont.

What are your running goals this year? “My goals this year is too continue racing the USATF Masters Championship events both road and track, indoor and outdoor and hope to improve my national ranking, age-grading and perhaps run down some age group American Records. But most

RUN GRANVILLE BRYN DU Summer Cross Country 3km Thursday

July 10 & 24 7:15 p.m.

Contact: Matt McGowan P.O. Box 238 Granville, OH 43023 Email: runohio@ee.net

Other top Female Seniors: Marie Burleson, Patti Habenicht, Vicki Hughes, Cassandra McGuire, Jeannie Rice, Jean Schmidt and Nancy Smith.

Barb Board, 62, lives in Pepper Pike and is Speech-Language Pathologist.

TOP 2013 PERFORMANCES USATF Masters Indoor Championships 800 meters...................................2:41 (Age-Group AR) 3000 meters.......................... 11:58.8 Mile......................................... 6:06.6 National Senior Games 800 meters...............................2:44.3 1500 meters ............................5:44.9 Race for the Place 5km ........... 20:48 Johnny Cake Jog 5 Mile . ........35:46 USA Masters 1 Mile Road Championship ......................... 6:05 Youngstown Peace Race 10km .......................................45:07 How did you first start running? “I began running at 40 yrs. of age with a small, experienced group of runners who began running in the late ‘70’s. They were very inspiring and encouraging - telling me I had ‘fresh legs’ and a lot of potential.

I joined an organized running club in 1998 - Southeast Running Club (SERC) - and my running improved tremendously. Then, in 2006 (age 56), I began training with Glenn Andrews, a SERC member and stand-out sprinter at Kent State U. Track intervals and tempo runs became an important part of my weekly training and I learned how to ‘race’ vs. ‘run.’

Although it was a ‘love-hate’ relationship with the track at first (more ‘hate,’ of course), to this day my favorite workouts are on the track. I consider myself very fortunate to be part of Cleveland Elite Development, a post-collegiate training group that Glenn Andrews organized two years ago. The average age of the runners is 30 years old - they keep me feeling young and competitive!”

Barb Board How do you train and what is your favorite workout?

“I’ve been coached by Glenn Andrews since 2006. He felt I had the potential to perform at a higher level, and told me to come to the ‘track’ for interval workouts. From that first workout I began the gradual transition from ‘runner’ to ‘racer.’ At this time, I also began working with a personal trainer a few times a month, focusing on strengthening my core, upper body, etc.

My training is in the build-up to a marathon (twice yearly) my weekly mileage has progressed over the last couple of years to 65-68 miles. Tuesdays are interval workouts and Thursdays are Tempo Runs.

Saturdays and Sundays are at least 12 mile runs, with either day going longer. I am now training. My favorite workout is when I leave the track knowing I gave it my ‘all’ and I ran well.”

What do you like about running and racing? “Running makes me feel great, even when I have to drag myself out the front door, I know how good I’ll feel when I’m done. I love the camaraderie of running with my friends on the weekend. Racing lets me challenge myself and reap the rewards of the hard training I’ve done.

On the ‘road,’ I especially like the 10 milers through marathon

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

“The best advice for runners who want to improve their running is to include interval and tempo workouts into your weekly plan. And join a running club/group and try to get in some miles with those who are running at a faster pace.”

What are your running goals this year? “My running goals this year are to stay healthy, and age slower than my competitors!”

CLEVELAND 10 MILER APRIL 26 Contact: Hermes

1624 St. Clair Ave. Cleveland, Ohio

44114

(216) 623-9933

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WOMEN SENIOR BARB BROAD

distance. On the ‘track,’ I enjoy indoor and outdoor Master’s competitions in the middledistance races.”

What were your favorite races last year and why? “My favorite races last year were at the USATF Master ’s Indoor Championships. It was my first experience at an indoor competition and it was most memorable! It was somewhat of an ‘intimate’ venue, but I was surrounded by many of the most talented track athletes (ages 35-95) in the country. I competed in the 800m, the mile, and 300m. and placed 1st in my age group in all three events, winning the AR in the 800m. I really enjoyed the USA Masters Mile Road Championship, in Pittsburgh (6:05), and the Race for the Place, where I finally met my goal of breaking 21 minutes (20:48).

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Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

“My advice to runners who want to set the bar higher is to choose quality training over quantity. Speed workouts on a track or treadmill. Find a group of runners of equal or slightly better ability to run these intervals with you. Better yet, find a coach who can direct your workouts and hopefully be present during some of these group sessions.”

of all, I want to have a few pints with all my competitors afterwards.”

O N

was a fantastic year, because I ran distances , venues and places I had never experienced or not run since high school , and I loved it . Fortunately I was able to still include my two favorite all time races, Parkersburg Half Marathon and Westlake Northcoast 5 Miler Challenge. Race Directors, Chip Allman and David Camerino are second to none when creating a wonderful race experience. If you have been there you know what I mean, and if you haven’t then what are you waiting for ?!!”

WILDCAT DASH 5KM APRIL 13 Westerville Contact:

Andy Harris Columbus Running Company 320 S. State St. Westerville, Ohio 43081

(614) 523-2377