2015 RUNOHIO Runners of the Year

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RUNOHIO

2015 RUNOHIO Runners of the Year The following runners were chosen by the staff of RUNOHIO and its’ readers as the top runners in or from Ohio for 2015. RUNOHIO along with the runners of Ohio and the Midwest congratulate the following individuals for earning this honor.

Top Female Emily Infeld Top Male Master Ken Richendollar Top Female Master Tina Husted

Top Female Grand Master Rosalie Franek Co-Top Male Senior Ron Legg Kerry Green Top Female Senior Janalee Stock TOP MALE Evan Gaynor Other top male runners: Matt Folk, Tommy Kauffmann, Leo Kormanik, Chris Lemon, Tony Migliozzi, Jason Ordway, Josh Ordway, Eric Rupe, Dustin Whitehair Evan Gaynor, 27, lives in Perrysburg and work’s at Dave’s Running Shop.

TOP 2015 PERFORMANCES Glass City Marathon............2:21:59 Mercedes Marathon.............2:21:24 Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon ...................1:06:10 Camelback 10km ................... 32:11 Lou Cox Memorial 5km.......... 14:32 Columbus 10km...................... 31:22 JohnnyCake Jog 5 Mile.......... 24:40 Oktoberfest Classic................ 30:57 Meteor Maratian 10km............ 30:54 Hamilton 30km.....................1:38:18 When and how did you first start running? “I started running my freshman year of high school, mostly on a whim. A couple of my friends were on the team, and I figured this “Cross Country” thing would

favorite races last year were the Glass City Marathon and the Johnnycake Jog. Glass City is always a favorite as a hometown event, and it’s great to run a race where much of the course is lined with people you know and many of the fellow competitors are friends and familiar faces as well.”

Top Male Evan Gaynor

Top Male Grand Master Daniel Campbell

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Evan Gaynor look good on a resume, even though I had no idea what it was. I confess, I even half thought it was where you actually run across the country, like the crazies you see on TV now and then. It sort of makes sense by the name, right?”

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I try to keep my training fairly simple. There really are no secrets in this sport. I’ve always been better as the distances get longer, and for that the key ingredients are a lot of long slow miles and some fast and long intervals. I do enjoy mixing it up and getting back to 5k training sometimes, though, and I’d say my favorite workout is a 4 x 800 meters followed by a 2 x 400. All of my best 5km races have come shortly after a solid session at this workout.”

What do you like about running and racing? “I think what I like the most about running and racing is the camaraderie and positive environment it creates. It’s a great way to meet people from all different backgrounds that you might otherwise not. Also, it’s an excellent medium for hard work to pay off, and very difficult to fake. By and large, you either put in the work and see results or you don’t, plain and simple.”

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

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “ Staying consistent is the most important thing.

Make improvements incrementally and gradually to work your body to higher fitness slowly. It’s better to have a few months of gradual progression rather than huge gains in a few weeks that end up getting you injured. Also, don’t be afraid to race. I know a lot of runners that train a lot but rarely ever race. You will never achieve your racing goals if you don’t actually attempt them!

What are your running goals for this year? “Looking ahead at 2016, I am definitely eyeing a bit faster marathon after the Olympic Trials ended up being quite hot. It wasn’t about time that day of course, although I think I was certainly ready for a personal best.”

MEN MASTERS Ken Richendollar Other top male master runners: Curt Bachus, Andrew Kessinger, Fred Kieser, T.J., Lentz, Jason Newport, Craig Nieset, Eric Putnam, Chip Wilson.

Ken Richendollar, 41, lives in Maumee where he is an air driver/package sorter at UPS

TOP 2015 PERFORMANCES

Arnold 5km.............................. 16:11 Beer Bottle Open 4 mile......... 21:20 USATF Masters T&F Championships Mile.........4:38:56 Lou Cox Memorial 5km......... 15:44 Rite Aid Cleveland 10km....... 34:12 Camelback 10km.................... 34:29 Star Spangled 5km................. 16:22 Sole to Soul 5km................... 16:11 Akron Half Marathon...........1:15:39 When and how did you first start running? “I’ve always played sports since I was little so running has always been a part of my life. It was my

by Matt McGowan lowed by a 200 at mile pace followed by a 400 jog. We will usually do 6-8 of these depending on where we are in our training cycle. It’s a good mix of endurance and speed.”

What do you like about running and racing? “Running allows me to burn off the everyday stresses in life, but it really makes me, just happy in general. I love to run. Racing fuels the competitive nature that I have. While I know that I’ll never be the fastest runner, I love to see how many people I can beat.”

Ken Richendollar freshman year of high school when the cross country coach convinced me to run instead of playing football because our football team was terrible and the cross country team was pretty good. So I ran cross and track all through high school and ran a year in college. I then took a break from running. In 2001, I found that desire to run and compete again and have been at it since.”

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “ My training was a little different this past year as my wife and I welcomed our first child into our lives in late April.

Finding the time to train while still being there to help my wife take care of our child was difficult. I put in a lot of runs while they, and much of the country, were still sleeping.”

“I have the typical training routine with a long run, tempo or progression runs, and interval workouts. I’m pretty comfortable running 50-60 miles per week but will up it when it comes to marathon training.

There is a good group of guys that I train within the Toledo area. We help push each other in harder workouts. I like doing anything on the track but one in particular is an 800/200 combo workout. You run an 800 at 5k pace, jog 200, fol-

What were your favorite races last year and why? “My favorite race last year was definitely the USATF mile. Maybe because it was something different. I hadn’t trained for or raced a mile since high school.

The majority of the training was on the track, which I love track workouts. The race itself was tough but fun and has given me that itch to do more including outdoor and road miles.”

Any advice for runners to improve their running?

“Strength training and rest days. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started getting a few more injuries. The one thing that’s helped is doing some strength work. Lunges, squats, and hip thrusts are all good ones to add. I’ve also found that taking a day off isn’t a bad thing and after a big training cycle taking a couple weeks off helps the body heal and recover for the next cycle.”

What are your running goals for this year? “My goals this year are to run a fast half marathon, hopefully under 1:14. Whether that will be in the spring or fall remains to be seen. The big goal in the summer is the USATF Masters Outdoor Track and Field Championships which are being held in Grand Rapids Mi this year. I plan to run the 5000 and the 1500.

MEN GRAND MASTERS Daniel Campbell Other top male grand master runners: John Agnew, Lon Bussell, Kevin Johnston, George Lucas, Robert Moore, Joe Patrick, Scott Snyder, Paul Stoodley and Mark Tensing

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2015 RUNOHIO Runners of the Year, cont.

Dan Campbell, 50, lives in Mt. Gilead where he is self employed as a home remodeler.

Lou Cox 5km........................... 18:40 Columbus 10km...................... 38:47 Hyde Park 4 mile..................... 24:36 Run The Mill Mile...................... 5:12 Johnnycake Jog 5 mile.......... 30:49 Columbus Running Company Mile ........................ 5:19 Jeff McGowan Memorial 5km......................... 9:13 Baltimore Festival 5km......... 18:16 Bobby Crim 10 Mile................ 64:23 Akron Half Marathon...........1:26:07 When and how did you first start running? “I watched my older brother run junior high track in 7th grade and he ran the mile as an 8th grader. The summer before I was in 7th grade, I went to our track to see how fast I could run a mile.

It hurt so much I decided I didn’t want to run that far so I ran the 880 the two years I was in jr high. Knowing I was going to run cross country when I got to high school, I entered my first road race which was the 2nd annual Columbus Citizens Journal 10km in 1979.”

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “ Right now I am doing base work for next summer. I slowed my easy pace down 20 seconds/mile so I could run more miles. I added a weekly long run of 2 hours which I have never done consistently.

One day a week I do a vertical kilometer run where I run an hour or more at 10-12% incline. I also do a short speed workout with the emphasis on leg turnover but not running really hard. I’ll cut my mileage down some when I start racing this spring.”

“My favorite workout this summer was a short hard progression run on the treadmill I call the “stress test” because I keep increasing the speed until I just can’t run any longer. If I am training for a 10k, I start at an easy pace and increase the speed .1 mph every minute. If I am training for a shorter race, after a couple miles to ensure I am warmed up, I start increasing every 30 seconds. I end up running a faster pace, but don’t run as far. When I was training for the mile races, I would increase the pace every 15 sec-

training is not the only way to improve your running.”

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “Don’t be afraid to race more often. It’s difficult to run as hard in practice as it is in a race so a race can be one of the best workouts to prepare for the next race. Just make sure you get enough recovery so you are ready to run faster at that next race.”

TOP 2015 PERFORMANCES

What are your running goals for this year? “My first goal for the year is to try and run 1,000 miles in the first 3 months and see if that translates to faster times. I have never run the steeplechase, but would like to give that a try. I would also like to do some more of the large long time races like the Bobby Crim”

Dan Campbell onds the last couple minutes.

I like the workout because it simulates how hard you need to push at the end of races but the time spent running really hard is small so the workout is easy to recover from.”

What do you like about running and racing? “I have always loved to race on the roads. It gives me the chance to travel and see different parts of the state as well as the surrounding states. I can get away for a day or two as a mini vacation. It allows me to be competitive against other runners as well as myself and is a nice diversion from the day to day work we all have to do.”

What were your favorite races last year and why? “My favorite races include the Lou Cox 5k, Columbus 10k, and Johnnycake Jog which I have raced a few times over the years because they are the most competitive. I loved the hilly challenge of the Hyde Park 4 mile and the after party.

I stayed the day and watched the criterium races in the evening. The Run the Mill and CRC mile races were also a blast because I hadn’t run the mile in over 30 years. The 90° temp at the CRC mile made it even tougher.”

CO-MEN SENIOR Ron Legg Kerry Green Other top male seniors: Warren Elzy, Doad Edwards, John Gee, Bill Long, Terry McCluskey, Ed Osborne, Chris Thieke, and Dave Wallingford Ron Legg, 70, Owner /Operator - Tree Nursery near Beach City

TOP 2015 PERFORMANCES

Union Hospital Half Marathon....................1:30:58 Pro Football HOF Half Marathon....................1:29:52 Pro Football HOF Gold Jacket 5km................... 19:26 North Canton 5 Mile............... 32:34 Johnnycake Jog 5 Mile.......... 32:05 Goodyear Burn Rubber 10km......................... 41:06 Jeep Davis 5km...................... 19:47 Beach City 5km . .................... 19:53 Akron Half Marathon...........1:29:46 Columbus Half Marathon ...1:29:47 When and how did you first start running? “My competitive running started in 1959 while in the 8th grade. I ran the 880, the longest distance allowed for junior high back then.

Then I started running again during the running boom of the 80’s, I ran a few road races 1980-1985. The third time I started was on January 1, 2000 and I am still at it.”

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I train as most training programs suggest using inter-

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Ron Legg vals, tempo runs, long runs, and easy short runs all on the road. I also run on the 10k racing trail on my farm. I plan my workouts a week in advance and will adjust them as needed. I race 5k to half marathon but my training is geared toward the longer races. At 70 recovery is very important.

Most weeks are 4 days running - 6 days working. Last year I averaged 29 miles per week running year round and racing 8 months, spring to fall, with easy running in winter.

Interval 1mi. and 2mi. workouts are my favorite.”

What do you like about running and racing? “I like the feeling of running and racing well.”

What were your favorite races last year and why? “I enjoyed every race on my list, they were all well done, a favorite would be hard to choose. they each were great in their own way.”

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running?

“Advice for improvement of your running/ racing. Are you happy with your present training? If yes, that’s great. If no or not sure, hire a coach or use one of the many training programs out there. Proper training is most important. That is all I have to say about training. However

“Let’s look at other things in your life that may be affecting your running. How about your diet, are you feeding your body what it needs to adapt to hard running and also keeping your body fat percentage low? Runners and race cars have something in common, they both are quicker and faster if their bodies are lighter. Horse power to weight ratio. A few other things about a runner’s life come to mind on this subject such as rest and sleep, stress, your attitude, relationships, activities, and the list goes on.

I suggest that you make your own list and give some thought to each item. I call this looking for free speed.

Free speed is improvement in running performance with no change in training. It works for me.

What are your running goals for this year? “I hope to get fit and run well taking one day at a time and one race at a time.

My goal is to have fun with running, that’s all.”

CO-TOP MALE SENIOR Kerry Green

Kerry Green, 61, lives in Mansfield where he is Director of Cardiopulmonary Operations at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.

TOP 2015 PERFORMANCES

Salt Lake City Marathon......1:31:03 Southern Utah Half Marathon............................1:27:37 Pittsburgh Half Marathon....1:27:16 Columbus Half Marathon....1:26:54 Columbus Turkey Trot 5 Mile..................................... 31:27 When and how did you first start running? “From my earliest memories physical activity has been a big part of my life. Playing the big three team sports all through my youth, basketball seasoned rolled into baseball season which rolled in to football season and found plenty of time for biking, swimming, skating, skiing, tennis, etc., even learned to juggle while riding a unicycle.

In January 1974, my freshman year at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), I started jogging after classes to

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2015 RUNOHIO Runners of the Year, cont.

Training and racing provide great outlets for pushing the limits and I thrive on hard efforts. For many years my goal was to set PR’s and run sub 2:30 marathons in races like Boston New York City and Columbus. Now it is fun to battle Father Time, as the challenge a certain distance in a specific time goal never gets old.”

What were your favorite races last year and why? The Utah races allowed me to visit family, try some new events and run beautiful mountain trails in places like Park City, Zion National Park and St George. The Pittsburgh and Columbus races are very competitive and I am able to catch up with friends.”

Kerry Green stay fit and ended up running with the track team. That fall I ran my first marathon (2:42) and followed it up by running the 1975 Boston Marathon.

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I run 4 – 5 days per week averaging 35 – 45 miles. Two of the days are high intensity speed workouts of some type (i.e., intervals, speed play, time trials, hill repeats, etc.).

Also include 2 days per week strength training and cross training (moderate intensity, low impact).

Favorite workout is running a very hilly 11 mile loop near the Clear Fork Reservoir. Start by running 3 miles to warm up, followed by 10 – 15 repetitions of 2 or 3 minutes hard running with a 1 minute recovery jog, then cool down with an easy 2 – 3 miles. This is the keystone workout I do year round and it provides a solid foundation for racing by linking endurance and speed.”

What do you like about running and racing? “I enjoy filling fit and energized. and have always found fun and a certain wholesome beauty from just running down a county road oe lakeside trail whether right outside my house or in a place far away.

Any advice for runners to improve their running? 1. Plan for slow, steady progress. Set a worthy goal and go for it. Embrace each challenge and give you body time to build the endurance and speed necessary for success. 2. Get to know you body. Learn key strength and flexibility exercise to run strong and avoid injuries. We are all individuals, so find the workout that give you the best results. 3. The rule change as you age. Run less miles, emphasizing quality over quantity. Find a favorite cross training activity that minimizes impact and assists recovery. 4.

Chase your dreams and count your blessing daily. Keep it Fun!!

What are your goals for this year? “Many. First, stay healthy, as beyond age 50 the battle with Father Time to run strong and healthy is a major challenge. Run races across America including: Garden of the Gods, Crater Lake, Estes Park, New Your City to name a few and run portions of classic hiking trails like Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Rocky Mountain.

Finally, I want one more shot at a 5th decade of sub 3 hours at New York City Marathon, knowing I need everything from training to ideal weather in my favor to compete that unique accomplishment.

Only four of us have ever run the Boston Marathon under 3 hours in 5 decades, but no one has ever done it at NYC. If it does not happen this year I’m

or a combination of the two).

My favorite type of workout would be a tempo followed by some track intervals, running 4 miles at 5:15 pace and following it up with a combination of 800s or 400s at a faster pace.”

Emily Infeld afraid Father Time will have shot the door on that goal.

Heck for most people it would be a lifetime achievement just to run a marathon in 5 decades.”

TOP FEMALE Emily Infeld Other top female runners: Samantha Bluske, Katie Borchers, Nicole Camp, Heidi Greenwood, Elizabeth Herndon, Ellie Hess, Christina Murphy, Kelsi Nutter, Jessica Odorcic, Sara Polatas and Becki Spellman.

Emily Infeld, 26, from University Heights and a graduate of Beaumont High School.

TOP 2015 PERFORMANCES

Peyton Jordan 10km.............. 31:38 Portland Track Festival 5km.. 15:07 USA T&F Championships 10km.......... 31:42 Zurich 3000 meters................... 8:52 IAAF World Championships 10km...................................... 31:43 When and how did you first start running? “I started running in grade school, I would run road races with my dad over the summer.”

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I train every day, normally twice sometimes 3 times a day, I run 80+ miles a week as well as do strength and core training sessions 3 times a week.

Some days are just getting in the mileage while other days are focused on specific workouts (strength/volume workouts which normally consist of long tempos, fartleks, longer repeats, etc speed sessions

What do you like about running and racing? “I fell in love with running at an early age and am extremely passionate about the sport. I love pushing myself to be the best I can be and you can always have a goal to run faster or place higher, it’s an addiction and a lifestyle which I love.”

What were your favorite races last year and why?

“Qualifying for the World Championship team was really exciting, especially as I had been injured a ton the precious 2 years and was unable to complete at the US Championship.

Winning the bronze medal at the World Championships in the 10km was the highlight. I was only the second American woman to ever medal in the 10km at the World Championships so this was a huge deal for the US and track & field!”

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “To run more! Haha” What are your running goals for this year? “It is an Olympic year so I have the qualifying time to race at the US Trials for both the 10km and the 5km (you need a time in order to qualify just to run and compete at the Olympic trials), so I would like to try to qualify for the Olympic team in these two events (you have to hit a time standard -I have already run this time for both events - as well as place top 3 at the Olympic Track & Field Trials.”

TOP WOMEN MASTERS Tina Husted Other top female master runners: Laurie Davis, Michelle Farr, Teresa Ferguson, Nancy Jeggle, Rachel Kinsman, Julie Mercado, Nadine Valco, Molly Watcke and Laura Wetz Tina Husted, 43, lives in Upper Arlington where she is a running coach, physical therapist and real estate broker.

Tina Husted TOP 2015 PERFORMANCES

Arnold Pump and Run 5km........................8:00 (3:00) Columbus Marathon............2:50:20 Emerald City Half Marathon.....................1:23:00 Night Moves 5 mile................. 30:30 UA Memorial Day 5 Mile......... 31:00 Gary Smith 5 Mile................... 31:10 Minster Oktoberfest 10km..... 37:35 When and how did you first start running? “I started running in 7th grade track and ran through my 2nd year in College at Ohio University. I was mainly an 800-1600 meter runner and won state in the 4 x 800 relay two times (Div 2) and qualified in the 1600- two times. I took off several years and did a few short stints of training for a few marathons between 1997 - 2006 but didn’t seriously start training for the marathon and ultra distances until late 2010 when I wanted to run at 50 mile race before I turned 40.”

How do you train and what is your favorite workout?

“During a normal training cycle I pretty much train every day--even it is not running, I will do at least 30-45 minutes of cardio, I will lift and do core at least once a week and will

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RUNOHIO

2015 RUNOHIO Runners of the Year, cont. fully take off every 9th or 10th day just to rest the mind. My peak mileage will be between 60-65 miles per week. Last year I tried higher mileage peaking out at 80 miles and didn’t see any major short term results, however I believe running is journey and those extra miles may very well be a base off which to build. My favorite non-running workout is the stair climber as it simulates hills. I like repeat 400’s @ 12-16x with a 200 jog. I also like 5-7 x 1 mile tempo repeats with 1-2 min of rest.”

What do you like about running and racing? “When it comes to racing I believe that each of us has a unique amount of untapped potential and it’s up to us individually to push ourselves beyond what we thought we are capable-and find out what that pinnacle may be. I like the solace and comradeship I get from running--there are times when I go out for a run alone and just pray. Other times I listen to books, the news, music, or run (and laugh!) with friends in my running group on long runs.”

What were your favorite races last year and why? “Columbus Marathon definitely stands out because I felt like I was floating the first half and really thought sub 2:45 was possible, but then my leg seized up around mile 15 and I seriously contemplated dropping out between 16-20. I was grateful to be able to push through the pain and finish-to me that was a victory in and of itself.”

“I also always love the Arnold 5K Pump and Run as it combines both strength and speed-and I had my best time on that course last year as well as a being 3-peat women’s winner from 2013-2015.”

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “Two things: 1.) Listen to your body. Pain is a mechanism of the body for a reason.

If you need to take off time then do it or seek medical advice to help get you back in top form again. I think of running as very cyclical. You can’t always stay in peak shape all the time. The body needs breaks to recover properly. 2.) Work on form and running efficiently - especially for those who

hood and a nursing career my most intense running came in my early 50s.”

TOP 2015 PERFORMANCES

Penn State Indoor Mile............. 6:22 University of Akron Indoor Mile.............................. 6:23 Kelley’s Island 5km................ 22:01 Round Up Lake Sprint Triathlon.................................. 1:18 GNC Pittsburgh Road Mile...... 6:25 Warrior Dash, 2nd Female overall Competitive wave, qualified for World Championships Mantua 9 mile Potato Stomp..................... 1:06.13 Akron Half Marathon........... 1:36.53 Cleveland Turkey Trot 5 Mile................................ 34:48.09

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I have always been rather low mileage. Even when training for a marathon, I would top out at 35-40 miles/week. I mainly run trails. I love being immersed in nature and seeing my dog’s joy when we hit the woods. I also do a lot of cross training because of triathlon racing. Last year I became a personal trainer, so strength training has also become a focus.”

When and how did you first start running? “I started running in middle school. I loved how it made me feel and I enjoyed the competition.”

Rosalie Franek race half marathons or longer-any unnecessary energy expenditure can result in loss of seconds if not minutes.”

What are your running goals for this year? “If I can stay healthy (I’ve been dealing with 2 disc problems in my back with resulting sciatica) I’d like to place in the top 3 masters in Boston as I am currently planning to race in the women’s elite start. I’d also love to 4-peat in the Arnold 5K Pump and Run in early March.

Beyond that, I am going to try the Delaware Half Ironman in August (I’ve never done anything like it and think it would be a good variation/challenge) and then I’d really like to win the masters in the NYC marathon next November.”

FEMALE GRAND MASTER Rosalie Franek Other top female grand master runenrs: Rita Barnes, Connie Gardner, Karen Grantonic, Sherry Hyden, Mary Jenkins, Cheryl Nemeth, Joan Matthews and Michelle Rupe Rosalie Franek, 52, lives in Hiram and is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Personal Trainer Owner, Right Path Massage & Fitness, LLC

How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “As a masters runner, my goal is to stay fit all year round. My primary workout is running, but I love to cross country ski when we have snow, and bike and swim in the summer when I can.”

What do you like about running and racing? “I still love the way running makes me feel. I usually have more aches and pains if I am not running regularly! I also love to race because it takes me out of my comfort zone and pushes me harder than I can push myself. I not only like to run races, but I also love to race my bike in a cyclocross race, on cross country skis and in an occasional triathlon. This year my whole family added the Warrior Dash to our list of sports.”

What were your favorite races last year and why?

“Pittsburgh GNC Masters Road Mile: flat and fast and well organized. Warrior Dash World Championships: hilly, muddy, a cross country race with obstacles.”

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “Don’t just run. Base fitness is important including functional strength and regular full body stretching, especially as we age.”

What are your running goals for this year? “I would like to train specifically for a fast 5k and 10k.”

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Janalee Stock WOMEN SENIOR Janalee Stock Other top female senior runner: Barb Broad, Marie Burleson, Patti Habenicht, Laurie Herman, Vicki Hughes, Jeannie Rice, Jean Schmidt and Nancy Smith.

TOP 2015 PERFORMANCES

Arnold 5K Pump and Run.......................22:54 (7:54) Race for A Reason 5km......... 22:18 Rite Aid 10km.......................... 47:30 Columbus 10km...................... 47:47 News and Sentinel Half Marathon.....................1:45:27 Dayton Corridor Half Marathon.....................1:42:48 The Gristmill Grinder Half Marathon Trail Race .........2:14:35 Dance with Dirt 100K relay............................. 10:18 (Team mates: Captain-Cookie O’Neal, Pat Heithaus, Chiori Shimizu, Bob Henery) When and how did you first start running? “I didn’t start running till I was about 26 years old and already had 3 children. I lived in the country and would run around a bush hogged “track” in a field below our house, while the kids played close by. If I took them to a regular track they would bring their toys to play in the sand pit! Between mother-

What do you like about running and racing? “I could wax poetic about why I love running, but in a nutshell if I can get a run in, everything else is OK. It puts me in a great head space. It was an extremely important piece of turning my life around as a young woman. Many of my dearest friends have come via the running life.”

What were your favorite races last year and why?

“Dances with Dirt 100 K relay race in Hell, Michigan is my all time favorite race. I will be forever thankful to Cookie and Ralph O’Neal for inviting me to their team years ago. This trail race is a total blast with many teams in costumes to match their team name. It is like Halloween and adventure racing rolled into one. While our team (Dirt Devil’s Dream Team) usually consists of 5 older gals, we remain very competitive, as there is a gender and age handicap. We have finished with mud up to our eyeballs, muscles burning, but in 1st place for many years amongst a very large field of handicapped graded teams (2015- 336 teams in this division). I was excited to win the RRCA national female senior championship for the half marathon at the very hilly Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon. A favorite race isn’t always about speed and placing though.

The Gristmill Grinder Trail Half Marathon in West Virginia, was awesome because of the scenery. At the Iron Furnace Trail Half Marathon Race, I got totally lost and did 4 plus extra miles. I had to have some backpackers show me on a map where I was, to

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M O V E ?

What are your running goals for this year? “I will be retiring from my nursing job in May, and hope to put in more time as a personal trainer, and thus help other people attain their running and fitness goals. I have high hopes of doing some longer trail races like the inaugural Thunderbunny 12k/25K/50K in my neck of the woods ( Strouds Run State Park). As I see myself slowing down, I am also hoping to change up my focus, from thinking all about speed, to other fulfilling aspects of running. I have joined the Athens Chapter of Team Heart and Sole, This organization is already going strong in Columbus with a mission to facilitate participation of the disabled in endurance races. I am really stoked to be starting off with that effort at the Athens Half Marathon. Overall the No 1 priority will be staying healthy, while not taking anything for granted.”

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T H E

Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “I do think entering races can be a great motivator and keep you accountable to your goal. The hunger to improve needs to be tempered with restraint, to recognize it takes years of discipline and time to become your best. You need to hit the sweet spot of stretching yourself beyond what you think is possible, while listening carefully to your body to ensure you don’t

injure yourself. Sometime that sweet spot is very narrow.

Finding it, is part of becoming a smart runner.”

O N

get turned around. I was dehydrated and very hungry for the last hour, but reset my goal to staying positive to the end.

Mission accomplished! The Cleveland Rite Aid 10km was good for me, because I was only about a minute behind Barbara Broad and while that may seem like a long time, she is a nationally top ranked runner in my age bracket at many distances..so I was stoked to be even that close to such an icon. The Arnold 5K Pump and Run remains a favorite because it reminds me to work on upper body strength, and I love all the athleticism at the expo.”

THAD DAVIS MEMORIAL 5K Saturday

JUNE 18

Amanda-Clearcreek High School 9:00 a.m.

Contact: www.thaddavis5k.com Ron Butterbaugh rvbutter@live.com

(740) 708-9075

www.whitscustard.com 138 E. Broadway • Granville, Ohio (740) 587-3620 3405 Maple Avenue Zanesville, Ohio

108 S. Main Street Marysville, Ohio

121 S. Stygler Gahanna, Ohio

6352 Scioto and Darby Creek Hilliard, Ohio

6 Broadway Lebanon, Ohio

38 Ocean Blvd.

Atlantic Beach, Florida

564 E. Broad Street Pataskala, Ohio

565 Merrimon Avenue Asheville, North Carolina

551 W. Coshocton Street Johnstown, Ohio

335 2nd Street Marietta, Ohio 45750

101 A. Maple Street Sunbury, Ohio

120 South Village Lane Unit A Davidson, NC 28036

841 N. High Street Columbus, Ohio 49 S. Court Street Athens, Ohio 31 N. Sandusky Street Delaware, Ohio 778 S. Second Street Coshocton, Ohio 1125 E. Main Street Lancaster, Ohio 7250 Hill Road Canal Winchester, Ohio 513 E. Emmit Waverly, Ohio 9405 C Kenwood Road Blue Ash, Ohio 844 S. 30 Street Heath, Ohio 500 S. Main Street Mt. Vernon, Ohio

614 Spartanburg Hwy. Hendersonville, NC 28792 46 N. State Street Westerville, Ohio 3339 N. High Street Columbus, Ohio 2057 North Bridge St. Chillicothe, Ohio 1840 Suite Hendersonville Road Asheville, NC 508-E, East Mountain St. Kernersville, NC 4020 Hughes Crossing Franklin, Tennessee 1232 Beach Blvd.

Jacksonville Beach, FL 22362 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL

TOWPATH HALF MARATHON Sunday

April 10

Cleveland • 13.1 mile 5 mile Contact: Hermes Sports & Events

(216) 623-9933