Michigan Runner January / February 2011 by Great Lakes Sports Publications, Inc.

Eric Green Michigan Runner of the Year 2010

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In This Issue January / February 2011

Vol. 32, No. 6

Calendar January - April 2011

p. 39-45

Features & Departments Editor’s Notes: Future Games By Scott Sullivan Letters to the Editor Michigan Runner of the Year: Eric Green By Charles Douglas McEwen Beyond the Chip: Name By Ian Forsyth Masters Runner of the Year: Paul Aufdemberge By Daniel G. Kelsey Running Shorts with Scott Hubbard Female Masters Runner of the Year: Lisa Veneziano By Bill Khan Senior Runner of the Year : J. C. Collins By Ron Marinucci Female Runner of the Year: Jackie Rzepecki By Charles Douglas McEwen Gone Fishing with Bill Rodgers By Riley McLincha Senior Runner of the Year: Peggy Zeeb By Daniel G. Kelsey Contributor of the Year: Chuck Block By Ron Marinucci Beer-Running Link Probed by Grand Rapids Pioneers By Scott Sullivan Playmakers Named Running Specialty Store of the Year Notes on the Run: Vibrant By Daniel G. Kelsey Totally into Ski Walking By Jim Neff Book Review: ‘Again to Carthage’ By Ron Marinucci Running with Tom Henderson

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15 18 19 20 21 22 29 31 34 36 38 46

At the Races Energy Glows on Cold Holiday Hustle Night By Charles Douglas McEwen Eles Makes Like Hare at Great Turtle Run By Katie Kelly-Noble 32nd Big Bird Runs ‘Stuffed’ By Ron Marinucci Big Bird Flies Again By Bill Kalmar Detroit Turkey Trot Offers Crowd, Costumes, Fun By Charles Douglas McEwen The Parade Upstairs By Scott Sullivan Footlocker Midwest Championships Photos by Greg Sadler and Bruce Wodder Jazwinski, Zendler Romp to GR Crowns By Grant Lofdahl Grand Rapids Marathon: Hustle and Flow at Mile 17 By Daniel G. Kelsey Desilets Dominates Detroit Marathon Debut By Charles Douglas McEwen Hell Halloween Run Celebrates Hallowed Pair By Ron Marinucci Thousands Run Thru Hall on Halloween; Goal Reached By Tracey Cohen Headless Horseman Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Wildlife Marathon Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Speed Thrills at State Final XC Meet By Scott Sullivan NCAA Cross Country Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios AA Turkey Trot Thankful for Record Numbers, More By Tracey Cohen

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Cover: Left: Eric Green, Open Door Julie Run, photo by Charles Douglas McEwen; Right Top: Eric Green, Crim Festival of Races 10 Mile, photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios; Right Bottom: Leo Foley, Shane Logan and Eric Green, Brooksie Way Half Marathon, photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Editor’s Notes Future Games © C. Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

By Scott Sullivan

f hindsight is 20/20, what is foresight? If those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it, how can we know we remember clearly enough to base tomorrow on it? Case in point: I was thinking the other day about how to become an Olympic gold medal runner. “Would sleeping in an altitude tent put me on the podium?” I asked one expert. “Nope,” he said. “Training on an underwater treadmill? Cryotherapy?” “Nope.” “Is there any place I can go to become the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)?” “Nope.” Here is where learning from the past comes in. Based on my career in communications, I know that no matter what you say, people hear what they want to hear. What I forgot was those “people” include me. I assumed the expert was referring to NOP, the Nike Oregon Project, where famed coach Alberto Salazar, armed with Nike money, works to help American distance runners overcome Africans’ natural advantages (growing up at altitude, running from youth

as an everyday means of transport) with our ability to outspend them. “Yup,” I thought, “NOP is the place for me!” For those of you blinded by running science, an altitude tent is an enclosed living space which simulates high altitude by maintaining a lower oxygen concentration; the body adapts by producing more oxygen-bearing red blood cells, boosting runners’ strength and endurance. Underwater treadmills allow greater training and recovery without stressful, injury-causing pounding, while cryosaunas (metal cylinders in which nitrogen-cooled air draws blood from extremities, causing an energy boost and skin rejuvenation) are the latest high-tech and -cost toys to drop runners’ times. I called Alberto to say NOP should say “Yup” to me if it wants to prove something. Making Alan Webb, Dathan Ritzenhein and others who are already fast slightly faster means nothing compared to making a rock like me a rocket. When I couldn’t get through to Alberto, I tried Nike co-founder/chair Phil Knight, who also did not call back. With all those cylinders, tents and treadmills, they probably didn’t hear the phone ringing. I may have to put my Olympic hopes on hold until 2016, when I am 61, or even till 2020. Some Games those will be for hindsight. If failure to communicate is the cause of most things that never happen, at least we will never know what we missed. - MR -

Letters to the Editor November 28, 2010 Dolores and Harrison Hensley really appreciate everybody who participated in the Helloween Run Thru Hell. We were overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. It was the best day that Dolores has had in two years. It gave her a new lease on life. The people who helped to make this possible are Gault Race Management, Bauman’s Running and Walking Shop, Hanson’s New Balance, Playmakrs, Running Fit, Total Runner, Livingston Co. Sheriff, Runmichigan.com, Michigan Runner, race volunteers, Boy Scfouts and the running ommunity. Many thanks to all, especially Coach ChuckBlock who put it all together Dolores and Harrison 6

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Michigan Runner of the Year: Eric Green By Charles Douglas McEwen

such distances, including the aforementioned Crim, Milford and Free Press runs, first master for the third straight year in the Kensington Challenge 15K and second overall at the Brooksie Way half marathon.

lthough thrilled when he won Masters Runner of the Year in 2009, Eric Green, 43, of Pontiac always believed he could win the overall Runner of the Year award.

Green, who has run the Free Press Marathon many times, finished fifth overall this year, his best place there ever. He originally planned to run a six-minutes-per-mile pace, hoping to set a PR by breaking 2:36. He also wanted to run with Jordan Desilets, 29, a former Eastern Michigan University star who was NCAA 3,000-meter steeplechase champion in 2004.

This year, he amassed 170 points in the Michigan Runner Series and ran away with the title. “I thought last year was the highlight of my running career,” Green said. “I guess this tops that.” Amazingly, he claimed the honor without winning a Series race. He did, however, have many formidable performances.

“Eric is a staple in the Michigan running scene,” said 2009 Runner of the Year Nick Stanko. “Winning Runner of the Year honors is a testament to his consistency on the roads.”

“It amazes me to see to Eric in results at so many races across the state,” continued Stanko. “He puts a lot of miles on his running shoes and his odometer as he travels from event to event to accumulate his race points, while always sporting his famous green-and-white Front Line Racing singlet.”

The pair started the race running faster than a six-minute pace. “We were clipping along at 5:50 to 5:55,” Green said. “That’s because of Jordan. He kept saying we’ll slow down when we get back into the city, but we never cut it back.

Photo by John Brabbs / runmichigan.com

Green was second overall and first among masters in the Solstice Run 5K (16:40), Steve’s Run 10K (34:51) and Milford Labor Day 30K (1:50:04). He also finished first master at the Detroit Free Press Marathon (2:38:54), second master in the Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon (1:14:24) and third master in the Corktown 5K (16:53) and the Crim 10-Mile (55:17). He was the second state masters finisher at Crim.

“I was honored that Jordan asked me to run with him in his first marathon,” Green said.

“We went through the 13.1-mark at just over 1:16, so we were on track for a 2:32 marathon. I knew sooner or later I would have to slow down. I finally started running over six-minute pace around mile 19.” Desilets broke away after that and won the marathon. Green fell short of his PR and goal, but he was elated with his fifth-place finish.

Eric Green finishes 5th in the Detroit Free Press Marathon.

Front Line founder and president Fred Vanhala also marvels at Green’s consistency.

Green, now Front Line vice president, joined the team a decade ago.

“Eric was born and built to run,” said Vanhala. “He has never been injured (Green confirms this) and knows what to do to get himself ready at any distance.

“Fred asked me to join in 2000 and I turned him down,” he remembered. “Then I saw some other good guys doing it, and I decided give it a try.”

“He’s an incredible athlete who can compete well at distances from 400 meters to the marathon,” Vanhala went on. “I’m sure if he applied himself, he’d do well at the ultra distances.

More than 25 years ago, Green started out as a skinny sprinter at John F. Kennedy Middle School. He quickly found that he needed to try longer races if he wanted to stick with the team. He moved up to the halfmile, mile, two-mile and eventually beyond.

“Eric loves indoor track. You will never find him happier than at indoor meets running every race he can. He is proud to be affiliated with Front Line and does a great job recruiting team members, then entering them in meets.”

Though he enjoys jumping into an indoor mile here and there during winter, Green focuses mainly on longer races. He finished 2010 with a string of strong performances at

This year’s Runner of the Year, a physical education building manager at Oakland Community College and assistant coach for its men’s and women’s cross country teams, is proud of his teams as well. The men tied for fifth out of 24 teams in the National Junior College Athletic Association Half-Marathon Championships this year. “I love coaching college-age kids,” said Green, who, with his wife Julia, has three children of his own. “They spend just two years at our school, so we try to show them how to properly train during the first year. They usually show significant improvement in the second year. “But we only have a short window of time to work with them. Hopefully, we can instill training habits that will last beyond college.” And maybe they will keep at it as long as our durable Runner of the Year . - MR -

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Beyond the Chip

Name

By Ian Forsyth

by periodic workout punishment; ignoring basic preservation continues to sabotage my longevity. Revolving extended days with undone nights leave me increasingly susceptible to bodily breakdown. Inevitably, I submit.

I’m not a parent, or an uncle, or a godfather. I think children are sticky. -- Shawn Spencer-Psych

Momentary encounters on moonless mornings surely supplement memory of our initial long run link up. Yet when I lift my eyes, your image remains cloudy. Cranking by, you growl your dirtiest Dolph Lundgren, “I must break you” and…

’m the jerk who forgets your name as soon as you tell me. As much as I’d like to retain it, overriding distraction prevails. From that first introduction, any future interaction exists on a plane of head bobbing or friendly finger salutes. Certainly cordial enough for base Neanderthal communication, but we both know...

As storied husband, I would expect intimate knowledge of your Cliff Huxtable, marital ease. The calming blend of confidence and humility you bring, ushers any spousal conflict to logically loving completion. Though we’ve met, it’s more that awkward “friend of a friend” indirect dynamic, than easy conversation. My wife knows my complete devotion, but actions often betray this promise. While I intend to give as I’m given, every lapse into “me” world snuffs a hint of her selfless sparkle and my grasp of the ideal husband is rendered a touch more intangible. Now when you and your contented Cosby smile stroll by with a pleasant, “Hey, hey, hey”… I pop the brow or shoot the gun ‘cause I don’t know your name oh no, I don’t know your name. Three daughters into my fatherhood cycle, with a fourth child stealthily stalking, your just and forgiving father figure of my Howard Cunningham aspiration is yet but a neighbourhood acquaintance. Daylight delivers you work, but when dinner hits, you’d rather enthusiastically launch into your children’s offering, than plow through a meal. Our downing a couple beers at chaotic summertime gatherings has yet to drift to these quiet moments of distinct illumination. Living in a house of hugs offers uncompromising bliss, but loud impatient tantrums tend to blast through to bedlam; and the kids’ cool sometimes falters as well. I love my girls with all, but that’s not always glaringly apparent, as our incessant familial coup 8

Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

I pop the brow or shoot the gun ‘cause I don’t know your name oh no, I don’t know your name.

I pop the brow or shoot the gun ‘cause I don’t know your name oh no, I don’t know your name. Though my brain’s information pick up generally carries some fuzz, your PBs are locked as soon as they are uttered. Obsession flailing for my own PBs has delivered me this lone “Rain Man” function.

Ian Forsyth competes in the Crim 10 Mile, August, 2010. of my morning dictatorship spills to the outside. Hectically herding the girls toward their school rendezvous, I spy you leisurely exiting another effortless drop off in your Tom Bosley DeSoto and… I pop the brow or shoot the gun ‘cause I don’t know your name oh no, I don’t know your name. Well before my hood changed from boy to man, seconds and sweat have been trickling, pushing to emulate your Ivan Drago training resolve. Ever adapting to increasing rigour, uncompromising resolve shattering any doubt to sustain; you evolve onward. Unconscious consistency and unbridled intensity, latched with a key of wisdom, slides your fitness steadily flowing forward. Long betrothed to endlessly recurring cycles of threshold mileage, interrupted only

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Lunging from the line with Daniel LaRusso recklessness, you savagely launch yourself into racing oblivion. Wrenching all fear aside, paralyzing mind gnawing limits, you fight into the fray. Strangled by constricting pack adversaries, within and without, your body senses imminent shrivel. Time and space pulse into an obscure kaleidoscope of shifting anguish. Just when Johnny’s boys are calling for Ralph Macchio’s body bag, Mr. Miyagi heats his hands and your finish is realized. In a final flourish, your empty nothingness is punctuated with perseverant power. Untold success and failure on the track still leaves me wanting. When I hit a race, I want to hit it hard, but each click of my weathering odometer proves my sheltering comfort zone more difficult to pierce. Hammering through the heart of exhaustion has become increasingly daunting the more it’s been successfully attained. Seeming reversal of right, the more concise my vision of obstacles ahead, the tighter this knowledge binds. Joining you in the chute, after being distanced moments before… I pop the brow or shoot the gun ‘cause I don’t know your name oh no, I don’t know your name… but I’m tryin’ oh yes, I’m tryin’. - MR -

Holiday Hustle, Dexter

Energy Glows on Cold Holiday Hustle Night By Charles Douglas McEwen DEXTER (12/4/10) — While an evergreen tree and hundreds of holiday lights brightened Monument Park, Jason Mahakian and Laurel Park lit up Running Fit’s Holiday Hustle 5K on a frigid evening.

Dexter (7:16) and the top two girls in the race, Katie Miller, 10, of Ypsilanti and Lauren McCabe, 13, of Dexter (both in 7:19).

For complete results, go to http://www.runholiday5k.com. - MR -

Park, 47, of Ann Arbor, ran away with the women’s race, whereas Mahakian, 21, of Farmington Hills, had to tangle with Andrew Porinsky, 25, of Dexter and Brian St. Onge, 34, of Farmington Hills. Park (17:55) finished one full minute ahead of runner-up Sarah Sherwood, 22, of Plymouth (18:55). Next came Serena Kessler, 38, of Ann Arbor (19:11). “Man, it was cold!” Park said with a shiver. “But I was happy with my effort.” Mahakian (16:08.6) kicked down the home stretch to edge Porinsky (16:10.3) and St. Onge (16:11.6). “I felt pretty good for the first couple miles, then got a cramp in my side,” said Mahakian. “Having those guys with me helped me push through it.” Mahakian, Porinsky and St. Onge battled each other through the final mile. “We made the last turn,” St. Onge said, “and it was a sprint for the final 300 meters. Jason out-kicked the other guy and me. It’s exciting to be in that situation. It gets the blood flowing.’ St. Onge, who took third in this race last year, has run against Mahakian in the past. “Jason ran a great race,” he said. “It’s exciting to see everybody out here enjoying the cold weather.” The race attracted about 1,380 runners for the 5K and the Foresters Frozen Fun Mile Run. Nicholas Pariano, 7, of Ann Arbor described the one mile as “awesome.” He was pretty awesome himself, winning the boys’ race in 6:52, the fastest time for someone under age 12 in race history. Next came Ben Cabana, 10, of Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Masters Runner of the Year: Paul Aufdemberge By Daniel G. Kelsey

Aufdemberge praised race director Doug Kurtis for growing Corktown, a 5K in 2010 after years as a 4-miler, into a celebration attracting 5,000 runners. “It was a fun race this year. Total Runner, the store I’m involved with, was part of early registration and packet pick-up,” he said. “I had a pretty good battle with the second runner, then pulled away.

eet the two aspects of Paul Aufdemberge.

Sitting down to talk, we discover Aufdemberge-the-deliberative-thinker. Standing up to compete, we find Aufdemberge-the-fleet-of-foot. The latter aspect sped him to the title of Michigan Runner’s 2010 Male Masters Runner of the Year; the former slowed him down to take a balanced view of another season of honors and records, and of a runner’s place in the wider world.

Readers of these pages recognize him as a three-time overall Runner of the Year. They know the prose of his articles as formal and clean. They’ve seen Aufdemberge’s qualities as a book reviewer and tech critic. They’ve gotten glimpses of the value he places on serving as coach and teammate. What they don’t know, if they’ve never talked to him, is his tendency to pause before he speaks. His interviewer has a challenge in adjusting to his cadence. Once he opens his mouth, though, and gets going, it’s worth waiting for. “I didn’t run quite as well this year as I did last year,” said Aufdemberge, 45 at this writing. “Maybe that’s partly getting older.” He credited his 2010 successes to his coaching of athletes like Andrea Pomaranski and Marybeth Reader to notable performances in marathons. “The runners I’m working with are always thanking me, but without them I wouldn’t have been as diligent,” he said. Successes came often for Aufdemberge last year. At the Hillsdale Gina Relays April 22, on an outdoor track, he ran the 10K in 31:14 to set an American record for the 4549 age group. It was in the same event in 2005 that he set the existing American masters record at 30:04. “I’ve slowed down 70 seconds in six years,” he said. “I went out a little too fast this time and kind of ended up hurting toward the end.” 10

At the Fifth Third River Bank Run, held on a cold and damp day for the second year in a row, he was a minute slower than in 2009. “River Bank has to rank near the top of my list of races,” he said. “The conditions weren’t as bad as it looked like they were going to be.”

Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

“There are heroes all around us,” said Aufdemberge. “We all realize that no matter how fast we are, there’s always somebody out there who can beat us. So I try to keep things in perspective.”

“Overall wins are few and far between at my age,” he said.

At Crim he ran close to his slowest time in 17 tries on that course. “Conditions were very favorable for August,” he said. “I felt I was in shape to do 52:30, and got close.”

Paul Aufdemberge was first master with a 52:43 in the Crim 10Mile in Flint Aug. 28. Aufdemberge placed first in the 15K at the USA National Masters Championship in Buffalo, N.Y., with a 47:52; and in the half marathon at the USA National Masters Championship in Melbourne, Fla., with a 1:08:57. “If you’re running well, you kind of look forward to some little rewards … and some bigger rewards,” he said. Aufdemberge took points in three of the 10 races in this magazine’s Runner of the Year series. He was first overall and first master with a 15:40 in the St. Patrick’s Corktown 5K in Detroit March 14; first master with a 1:22:22 in the Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K in Grand Rapids May 8; and first master with a 52:43 in the Crim 10-Mile in Flint Aug. 28.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

So, given a pause for thought, how does Aufdemberge, husband of Jeanne and father of Emily, 13, and Jacob, 10, feel about his place in the wider world? What does he think of the closure in October of the 31-year-old Total Runner in Southfield, where he worked for seven years, and his new gig as manager of the outlet’s Southgate branch? “I’m fortunate to be continuing with Total Runner,” he said. How does he feel about his successes on his feet? “For me it’s a feeling of inner accomplishment; of knowing I’ve done my best,” he said. “When the race is over, I feel good if I know I’ve done all I can do on that day.” Each December from 2006 through 2009, Aufdemberge competed in the USATF Club Cross Country Championships with fellow masters on the Front Line Racing Team. This year he was willing to forego the benefits of team running for the sake of healing some nagging aches and pains. “I’m hoping to come back strong in early 2011,” he said. That could give the rest of us pause for thought. - MR -

Great Turtle Half Marathon, Mackinac Island

Eles Makes Like Hare at Great Turtle Run

By Katie Kelly-Noble

more.”

MACKINAC ISLAND (10/23/10) — Steve Eles had a winning streak to keep alive at the eighth annual Great Turtle Half Marathon.

Justin Noble, 25, of Pinckney was first in the 5.7-mile race in 36:02. Next came Cameron Sleeper, 14, of Grand Haven in 37:00 and Nick Lynch, 20, of Bay City in 37:13.

While many people use running as an escape, Mackinac Island served as an alluring getaway to combine with the thrill of a race.

“There was great competition through three miles,” said the Lake Superior State University cross country coach. “Then I went up the hill pretty hard and started to pull away.

Robin Arp, 32, of Byron Center led the women in 38:26, followed by masters champ Christine Vincent, 46, of Jackson in 39:21.

“I like 5Ks and marathons, so this (distance) tough for me, but nice,” Zeeb said. “My husband and I needed a break and wanted to stay on the island, so we combined our trip with the race.”

“I really had a good last four miles,” the winner continued. “I think I clicked off a 5:24, 5:15, 5:22 and 5:16.” Eles, 31, had won both times he had run here before, in 2005 and 2007. This time the Brimley resident prevailed in 1:13:36, his personal record for the course by more than 30 seconds. “I kinda knew what to expect. It’s hilly,” Eles said.

Shawn Wehrly, 42, of Royal Oak was the male masters winner in 37:27.

The island was a good choice for Yockey too.

Angela Long, 32, of Grand Rapids took first in the women’s half-marathon, running 1:31:14. Peggy Zeeb, 52, of Colon claimed second and was top masters female. “It was a lot hillier than I expected and very tough,” Zeeb said. “A lady in blue (Long) went by me like I was standing still and by mile eight I couldn’t see her any-

“I have a cabin not too far from here and they (the Adrian cross country team) don’t have a race this weekend, so I came up to the island to try the half marathon. I’ve never been on the island before; it’s absolutely beautiful,” Yockey said. - MR -

Nearly 2,000 runners and walkers boated their way to the island for a race that awarded them stunning views. “It was pretty cool, especially when you got up high and could see the whole town and the lighthouses,” said Jake Hoover, an LSSU track team member who finished third, about three minutes behind his coach. “I was with four guys for a couple miles, but I basically ran by myself the whole time, which worked out all right,” Hoover said. Jay-Michael Yockey, 23, of Adrian broke up the LSSU twosome to finish second in 1:15:26. “It was my first half marathon, so it was really good,” said Yockey, an Adrian College student assistant coach. “I went out and paced the first seven (miles) or so and then really started to race. It was a great day, perfect weather. I loved the course, the hills, the flat roads. It was awesome.” The 5.7-mile race started just before the half-marathon. Shorterrace entrants ascended a steep hill in the first quarter-mile of the course and swept over paved and cedarchipped trails before bursting out along the island’s coastline. Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Big Bird Run, Roseville By Ron Marinucci

32nd Big Bird Runs ‘Stuffed’

ROSEVILLE (11/14) – I arrived 45 minutes before the 32nd annual Big Bird Runs to find the large nearby parking area full. Race director Tony Lipinski was right: this year’s Big Bird would be stuffed!

“We’ve had worse days,” said many-time Big Birder Maggy Zidar, 60, at the starting line. “We’ve had better days, too.” She handled conditions fine, finishing second in her age group in 50:55. Kevin Sherwood has run 28 Big Birds but said that, “You have to double that.” Each year he competes in two races. This year the 48year-old was runner-up overall and first master in the mile, finishing in 5:46. Sherwood followed that with a 45:40 in the 10K.

Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Some potential race-day entrants may have been frightened off by the raw weather. With temperatures in the 40s, clouds and blustery winds, runners were faced with an extra challenge.

Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

“We expect 850-plus runners,” said Lipinski the Friday before the race. “We have 697 pre-registered already.” The total number of participants in the 1-mile, 4K and 10K races came to 922, the most in at least a decade and close to event records set in the 1990s.

Matt Fecht’s 10K winning time of 32:57 bettered his 2007 winning time by one second.

Kelsie Schwartz, 14, paced the females in 38:46 for the 10K win.

Mike Rollason, 62, won his age group in 43:04, but had hoped to run faster. “Running into the wind was rough,” he said. “I couldn’t make up for it, even when it was at our backs.”

Bird 10Ks, first ran the 1-mile with his grandson, Aidan, 12, and wore No. 32 on his race bib. He was quick to point out that one of the race founders, Russ La Barge, who had run all the Big Birds until this morning, “won’t be here. He had heart surgery last week.” Don’t count on La Barge not being here next year.

Roseville resident Michael Markie said he likes having the races run past his house — and how they show off the city’s spirit. Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Bob Fitch, 71, said he’d run 12 or 13 Big Birds; this year’s weather did not concern him. The long-time age-group ace finished in 47:03, age-graded to 34:23. Megan Kossak, 13, who came to run with her mother, Marcy, completed the 4K in 19:07. After their races, in the cozy Roseville Parks and Recreation gym, she remarked, “I liked the spirit … all the people and smiling faces.”

“We’re hoping to win a turkey,” said her mom, 51, who finished second in her age group in the 10K in 46:26.

Andrew Hanley managed to finish the 10K in 58:55 with a couple of extra feet. 12

Several dozen such “big birds” were raffled off, courtesy of the Christian Financial Credit Union. Darrell McKee, who has run all 32 Big

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

There have been few course changes through the years. The 10K is flat, with its only hills coming at the overpass across I696, out and back. The course passes through residential Roseville, with quite a few twists and turns, with the start and finish at the parks and recreation department. Joel Kozlowski, 39, and Allison Kotelniski, 13, won the men’s and women’s mile run in 5:18 and 6:53 respectively. In the 4K, Sam Watson, 24, (12:06) and Jessica Gaines, 15, (15:31) were the top finishers. Matt Fecht, 26, won the 10K in 32:57, more than a minute in front of runner-up and top master Bruce Raymer, 42, who finished 34:19. Kelsie Schwartz, 14, paced the females in 38:46, while Dori Downey, 40, paced the women masters in 40:31.

Jingle Bell Run, Bloomfield Hills

Big Bird Flies Again By Bill Kalmar

t may have been Thanksgiving time, but the Roseville Big Bird Runs know how to survive.

I’ve competed in all but a few of its 32 runnings and was cheered to see this year’s 922-entrant turnout. One can always detect first-time runners, as they often hang onto guardrails when the bridge crossing I-696 is swaying in the breeze. Tony Lipinski, race director since 1995, credits sponsors, race volunteers, the Roseville High School marching band (which performs each year) and assistant director Bobbie Wilson for the events’ success. Other ingredients include the flawless packet pick-up process, raffle prizes pre-selected while runners are on the course, the serenity and beauty of the neighborhoods on the route, well-organized parking, exact starting times, postrace refreshments and some of the bestlooking shirts given entrants in any race.

Masters Dominate Jingle Bell 10K in Bloomfield Hills

By Charles Douglas McEwen

BLOOMFIELD HILLS (11/20/10) — Though it took place before Thanksgiving, the 900 or so participants in the Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis Run/Walk showed their Christmas spirit wearing reindeer antlers, tree ornaments and other festive garb. Two masters runners, both of whom live near the races’ starting line at Covington School, led the 10K. Mark Morawski, 43, won his first road race ever, while Marybeth Reader, 41, added to her collection of women’s titles. Morawski won handily in 36:29. Justin Koo, 32, of Lanscaster, Calif., placed second in 38:07 and Caspar Vester, 17, of West Bloomfield third in 39:31. With Morawski claiming the overall title, Doug Goodhue, 68, earned the masters crown in 39:51. “I told Mark (Morawski) he would win today, but he didn’t believe me,” said Reader, who also won easily in 40:51. “Perfect weather, perfect course. I had everything going for me except for a little Achilles’ ten-

don issue. But it still was fun.” Reader was followed by Dawn Pelon, 39, of Downington, Pa. (43:07) and masters champ Karen Perzyk, 42, of West Bloomfield (43:20). In the 5K, Justin Goetz, 28, of Berkley (17:11) finished ahead of Zack Demko, 17, of Birmingham (18:13) and masters champ Michael Gutilla, 42, of Bloomfield Hills (18:34). For the women, Julia Demko, 13, a student at nearby Derby Middle School, triumphed in 19:34. Next were Audrey Bilf, 13, of Bloomfield Hills (21:27), and Carrie Oleszkowicz, 24, of Plymouth (21:30). Melissa Brandon, 43, of Rochester topped the masters in 24:26. “I’ve never won a road race before,” Demko said. “It was pretty cool.” The weather was also cool but not windy. “It was perfect for shorts and a longsleeve shirt,” Demko said. For complete results, go to http://www.gaultracemanagement.com. - MR -

If the wind is blowing in the right direction, the smell of White Castle hamburgers wafting through the morning is exhilarating. It makes you want to detour off the route for a bag of sliders. This Bird has been soaring for years and, unlike the one you made sure was not overcooked during the holiday, is “well done.” From what I see, it will remain so for years to come. - MR -

The seniors were led by Bruce Paul, 54, whose 39:58 age-graded to 34:45, and Michelle Rupe, 51, whose 42:34 age-graded to 37:06. Lipinski praised sponsors including Pettipren, Hansons Running Shops, Randazzo Market, the Christian Financial Credit Union and Pepsi, along with community groups who provided race volunteers. For complete results, visit http://www.runmichigan.com. - MR Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Running Shorts with Scott Hubbard utes before I stood up, walked around and started to wonder about my bike. It was, amazingly, in good shape, although you could tell where her bumper had struck the back quick-release lever. I had general soreness in my left leg and my rear end was achy, but I was able to mount up and complete the last 22 miles of the 27-mile ride.

Trivia: Who was the first African-American man to break four minutes in the mile?

UCH! In the latest episode of “Bad Things that Happen to Scott on a Consistently Irregular Basis,” I was struck by an 85-year-old driver while I was cycling in Holly Nov. 2.

Before doing so, I thanked all who had stopped to help and learned that the driver had a “spotless record” ... until moments ago. I thought about the accident during the rest of the day and worried she might become

I was eastbound in a bike lane and she was turning south toward a road I was passing. I sensed her car in my peripheral vision, had about one second to size up her approach and then braced for impact. When hit I had a flashing thought, “Ah great, I wonder how this experience will turn out?” Then I flew through the air, landing thankfully on grass, did a roll, whacked my helmet and came to rest looking skyward.

Of course therein was the problem, but I didn’t feel it the time to discuss her vision or reaction time. I just laid there, assessing damage.

Soon others were huddled over me, talking among themselves. One guy wondered how old I was and was answered, “Looks around 35.” Thanks guys; I took off my helmet and said, “No, 58.” A Holly police officer arrived minutes later. By then I was sitting up, quiet and alert. My lower back side was sore but I felt no pain elsewhere. I felt fairly calm but fought being angry too. I went back and forth between those feelings while answering questions, first from the officer, then an ambulance crew. I seemed to pass all the medical tests, assured them I’d be OK and signed a release that said so. Anger finally got the better of me and I urged the driver to, “Please, get away from me.” I was polite at first, but in her addled state she was slow to respond. I couldn’t process this as I might normally and suggested she leave using language I’m not proud of. I was unhappy with myself as soon as the words left my mouth and wish I could do it over. I couldn’t use trauma as an excuse. I knew she cared about me and felt horrible about her part in what happened. I hope she understood these were “heat of the moment” comments. The rush of activity lasted about 15 min14

I’ll add that I have emergency info on a sticker inside my helmet. Carrying ID on the run is a safety option also. Please don’t think bad things can’t and won’t happen to you. I was doing everything I could to be safe, yet everything went wrong. Stay vigilant, my friends!

OING TO HELL, IN THE NICEST WAY. Thanks to equal measures of inspiration and perspiration, Chuck Block put all the details together in an improbably short two-plus months to host the the Run through Hell on Halloween. Block, Lansing Community College’s cross country and track coach, got to thinking in August it had been quite a while since he’d seen Michigan’s revered ambassador of running, Dolores Hensley, at a race. Dolores two years ago suffered a stroke that severely limited her mobility.

Photo by John Brabbs / runmichigan.com

I’d guess only 30 seconds passed before a guy was standing over me calling 911, and the elderly, mortified driver was cradling my head, saying how sorry she was and, “I didn’t see you.”

never run with traffic at your back.

Chuck thought it might be a good idea to put on a race to raise funds for a wheelchairaccessible vehicle for Dolores and her husband, Harrison. He contacted Harrison, who gave the idea his OK. Since wheelchair-accessible vehicles don’t come cheap, Chuck knew he had to keep race costs down. The first vendor he approached offered to donate goods and services.

Race Director Chuck Block checks the course of the Run Thru Hell on Halloween. overwhelmed by her inattentiveness that could have caused me far worse damage. I know how lucky I am to escape with the minor aches I received. I hope time heals her wounds as it will mine, and she makes better decisions in the future. I do what I can to control my safety as a cyclist: ride on the far right, regularly wear bright clothes and a helmet always. It has saved me severe head trauma more than once.

Think of it this way; there are people who care about you and your welfare. Do them a favor and wear a helmet to save you all harm and heartbreak. The running corollary is to always be aware of your surroundings, wear reflective material in the dark, make eye contact with drivers at intersections and driveways, and

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Buoyed by this goodwill gesture, Chuck began asking other running-related businesses to consider chipping in. All, recognizing the passion and devotion Dolores has brought to running events for more than two decades, joined the effort gratis. The sport’s No.1 volunteer has made legions of friends with her work, signature hugs and kisses. Now it was time to give back and entries started coming in. Boy, did they ever! Race day dawned clear and cool with 5K and 10K courses laid out over dirt roads at Hell Creek Ranch, site of the Run Through Hell that the Hensleys directed for many years. There was some concern about parking for the 3,400 registered participants, but the event was held up only 15 minutes to squeeze everybody in. Before the start, runners gathered from all parts of Michigan and northern Ohio sang an early “happy birthday” (80th) to Dolores, who thanked them by coming out from her perch above the start line.

What other start-up race could attract so many folks on short notice? It was a one-of-akind event for a special woman. Nobody doesn’t adore Dolores!

Female Masters Runner of the Year: Lisa Veneziano

Who gave what:

Gault and Everal race management: timing/results. Hansons: food. Michigan Runner and runmichigan.com: advertising. Playmakers: equipment and half-cost of t-shirts. Running Fit: toilets. Total Runner: water. With Chuck’s permission, here’s the text of my message to him following the race: “It was an extraordinary day, well organized and fortunately, although not surprisingly, very wellattended. You deserve a gigantic smiley face from all of us in the running community for your work on this. Well done, buddy!

“As the morning went on, I felt better and warmer about my small part as emcee than I do at 90 percent of events I work. That’s because of what you did, who helped out, the thousands who showed up (3,150 finishers) and who the primary beneficiary is going to be. I don’t think you’ll ever do anything as perfect as this again.” The love for Dolores flowed on Halloween and Chuck reports, “We just ordered a new 2011 Ford F250 van. We’ll get a new wheelchair lift put in and still have money left over for insurance. “The outpouring of support was incredible. It won’t be long before we’ll be seeing our beloved Dolores and Harrison at the races again.” Answer: The University of North Carolina’s Reggie McAfee ran 3:59.3 in 1973. - MR -

By Bill Khan

“Because of that, it allows me to stay injuryfree and keep consistent. This year was an OK year. Last year was one of my best years ever. If you look at my 5K, 10K and 10-mile, I had my second-fastest times ever in those.”

he doesn’t do speed work nor log the mileage one would expect from a runner of her caliber. In spite of that — or perhaps because of that — Fenton’s Lisa Veneziano continues to defy age.

Veneziano’s speed work comes in races. She said she’ll occasionally do a tempo run on the treadmill.

As she reached her mid40s, Veneziano’s times hadn’t slipped much from those she ran 10 or 20 years earlier. The 46-year-old still competes for overall victories, which gets more difficult in the major races, but she has few peers at the masters level in any race. Veneziano was among the top three masters in four of the big races that are part of the Michigan Runner Race Series, earning 2010 Female Master Runner of the Year.

Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Bauman’s: screen printing and awards.

“I don’t beat myself up a whole lot, so I’m able to consistently keep up the running,” she said. “I don’t do speed work. I don’t head to the track at all. It’s one of those things we always say we’re going to do, and we never end up making it.”

A race that perhaps best illustrates Veneziano’s ability to She was the first American run consistently over the masters runner in the Crim 10years is the St. John miler in Flint (1:02:10), was Applefest 10K in first master in the Dexter-Ann Fenton. She won that Arbor Half Marathon race for the eighth time Lisa Veneziano, with Bobby Crim, (1:23:49), was second master on Sept. 18 with a time was the first American masters in the Milford Labor Day 30K of 37:38. Her 2009 time (2:12:52) and was third master runner in the Crim 10 Mile. of 36:39 is her best ever in the Fifth Third River Bank in that event. This year’s Run 25K (1:41:19). time is faster than her winning times in 1992, 1993 and 1995. “Those are races that I enjoy doing,” Veneziano said. “I didn’t even realize I won the series. I just Outside of the Michigan Runner series, like doing all those races. They’re ones we do every Veneziano’s other highlights were an overall victory year. I use those to get in shape for doing in the Capital City River Run half marathon marathons. It worked out well.” (1:26:08) and a 20th-place overall finish in the Marine Corps Marathon (3:04:22). At the Crim, Veneziano won $900 as the second-place master behind Russian Ramilya Burangulova, a two-time Olympic marathoner. She has won a total of $2,375 in Crim prize money, divided among six races. Cross-training is a big part of Veneziano’s regimen, as she regularly hits the stationary bike. She also did triathlons for the first time this year, placing in the top three twice. “I’m not a high-mileage person,” she said.

She ran four marathons in 2010, a bit higher than in recent years. She said that doing that many got her injured in the past, but she’s recovered well from her 26.2-mile races this year. “I’m trying to be more careful, but all of a sudden I realize it’s four again,” she said. “This is the most I’ve run since 2004 or 2005. That’s when I had to back off. It starts getting me a little nervous that I’ve done four, but I feel pretty good.” - MR Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Fifth Third Turkey Trot, Detroit

Detroit Turkey Trot Offers Crowds, Costumes, Fun

By Charles Douglas McEwen

Angela Matthews, 26, of Westland led the women from the gun to triumph in 36:04. Next came Elizabeth Hansen, 29, of Euclid, Ohio,(37:24) and Leah Scharl, 33, of Clarkston (38:01).

DETROIT (11/25/10) —Detroit’s 28th annual Turkey Trot, presented by Fifth Third Bank and The Parade Co., filled downtown streets with 17,100 registered runners and walkers.

“We added a Powerade/water station at our new, improved finish site. It also looked like our threewave system (the 5K and 10K runs started together with a fast/fit wave for swifter runners at 7:45 a.m., a fun wave at 8, then a 5K walk at 8:10) worked well.”

Alex Bowman, 22, of Detroit (16:12) and Denisa Costescu, 34, of Commerce (17:59) were the 5K men’s and women’s champs. Bowman, a 3:44 1500meter runner who recently graduated from the University of Virginia, moved to Detroit to teach at Earhart Middle School. “I did it for my students,” he said of his victory.

Cat in the Hat (Susie Johnston, Royal Oak) with pals Thing 1 (Ashley Hagaman, Decatur, FA) and Thing 2 (Jennifer Hagaman, Franklin, MI) the 10K in 30:11, edging teammate Luke Humphrey, 29, who finished in 30:24.

Kurtis dressed as leader of a marching band (though he didn’t have a band to follow him). Others dressed as turkeys, pilgrims, superheroes, cartoon characters, Santa Clauses and in other costumes. Some braved the cold, rainy weather wearing just shorts and running shoes.

They were were followed by teammates Zach Hine, 23, (30:26), Mike Morgan, 30, (30:35), and Drew Polley, 25, (30:39).

Members of the HansonsBrooks Development Project led the way in the 10K. Paul Hefferon, 24, who recently moved to Rochester Hills from Kansas, won

“I was hurting at the end. It may be a fun run, but it wasn’t easy,” the winner said.

Darryl Jessup, 19, of Milford (16:26) and Susan Sonoshy, 21, of Berkley (18:31) finished runners-up. Turkey Trot charities included The Parade Co., Special Olympics-Michigan and Gleaners Food Bank. Complete results are posted at www.gaultracemangement.com.

Photo by Judith Cutler / runmichigan.com

“We all ran in a pack until about four miles,” Hefferon said. “Then I started to test my fitness a bit.

Costume award winning centipede. They are listening to the Lions game on radio (left). 16

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

“I’m proud of the city for putting on a race and parade that we can all enjoy in a safe, fun way,” Bowman said.

Costume award winning “running” float.

- MR -

Photo by Judith Cutler / runmichigan.com

“What an amazing turnout!” he said. “We increased our packet pickup to nine locations this year. We added a running float (a category in the costume contest), doggie water stops and quadrupled the cookies and candy canes at stations along the course.

Photo by Judith Cutler / runmichigan.com

Volunteers did everything they could to accommodate those masses, race director Doug Kurtis said.

“She was gone from the start,” Hansen said of Matthews. “I had no chance of catching her, but I tied my PR so I can’t complain.”

Costume award winning female.

The Parade Upstairs By Scott Sullivan

the twinkling-light geometry and across the river to a foreign country.

t makes no sense, this Detroit and Dad thing. But here it is: cross a state and lifetime to see America’s Parade and, wouldn’t you know, it would go on 43 floors below. *** Mom grew up in Detroit. We moved far away, but she’d gather her sons each Thanksgiving around the TV to watch the famed parade through her hometown. Bands, balloons high as skyscrapers, singers, floats … a whole human spectacle rolled past Hudson’s, the largest department store in the world, towers, crowds and monuments. Screens were small, black-and-white and apt to fuzz should you not cock the rabbit ears — antennae that sat on the console — properly. Or maybe that was real snow. It was magic … and still goes on. Dad loved driving to Michigan, but not to Detroit, from where we had settled in Indiana. The big city — likely in-laws too — stressed him out. Instead, we more often visited his parents at their cottage on Crystal Lake, Montcalm County. Now and then Mom prevailed and we’d visit her mom and stepdad, Dad driving grudgingly through the miraculous distractions. “Look!” my brothers and I would exclaim from the back seat. “A giant tire!” (the eight-stories-high Uniroyal tire) ... “The Vernor’s gnome!” We went to Detroit seldom, then less often. I fell in love with newspapers at age 12 reading in the Free Press about the Detroit riots — during the same summer that the Doors’ song “Light My Fire” burst from every radio — a hundred miles away at Crystal, and, the next year, about the World Series-champion Tigers led by black and white men. *** Mom died in 2002, Dad soon after. My daughter Flannery, 10, and I came to Detroit this Thanksgiving to cover its pre-parade runs: the kids’ Mash Potato Mile, grown-ups’ Stuffing Strut 5K and Turkey Trot 10K. Runs finish on Woodward Street before the parade; I couldn’t wait to show Flannery the energy of the city ... and at last see the parade myself. I didn’t curse, unlike Dad, fighting traffic while driving in. I explained to Flannery what “Renaissance” meant when we parked underneath the Center and found our 43rd-floor hotel room. She was thrilled looking down at

My driven Dad couldn’t sleep and was plagued with insomnia all his life. My daughter and I were excited, too, with Detroit below and Thanksgiving Day tomorrow. Our “gig” was for Flannery to interview kids taking part in the Mash Potato Mile early the next morning. Of course she barely got any sleep. Then it rained, to boot. I lugged our camcorder, mic, cords, monopod, semi-water-resistant gear and half-hauled Flannery from the Ren Cen to Cobo Center, where the kids run would start and end, when she lost a shoe and got her left foot soaked. I was proud of what a trooper she was doing interviews, but it soon grew clear that we couldn’t tarry to help the Michigan Runner crew shoot video of adult runs. Flannery fell asleep at the warm, dry hotel and I got her breakfast. The parade came on the TV and rain cleared. “They’re showing that street down there,” I said, pointing through the window to Woodward. “Want to go?” “I just want to stay here with you,” she said. *** America’s 84th Thanksgiving Parade lasted long enough for Flannery to recover, get dressed and go down with me to see it being disassembled. Bands boarded dozens of buses parked near the foot of Woodward. Parts of floats were loaded onto waiting semis. We looked down one street and saw heads of characters — Snow White, dwarfs, maybe even the Vernor’s gnome — perched on asphalt, a cartoon Stonehenge. I wanted to go and go, like always, but Flannery’s smaller legs grew tired and senses sated. She was ready to go home ... and tell friends about her adventure. *** Who can tell, as a parent, if you are failing your kids? You can bewail it or give thanks for the opportunity. You can see the spectacle on the streets, on a screen or, less these days, on pages — with who knows how much authenticity as it registers in your or your child’s memory. What can match the parade upstairs - MR -

Michigan Runner TV michiganrunner.tv/2010_53turkeytrot/ Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Senior Runner of the Year: J.C. Collins By Ron Marinucci

squads include Collins, calls him “an incredible runner,” citing last December’s USATF Club Cross Country Championships in Lexington, Ky.

he surprise isn’t that J.C. Collins was Michigan Runner’s 2010 Senior Runner of the Year. It’s that he did it with only a couple years of racing under his belt.

“Against the deepest masters running competition in the country, J.C. was 12th out of 81 in the 50-54 age division,” said Vanhala. “He’d only had a dozen or so competitions in his lifetime before that race.”

“I just started racing two years ago,” Collins said. “My daughter’s high school cross country coach, Rick Brauer, talked me into it.

“I would run with Rick and the girls when I could, but it took me a couple years to become consistent. Now the running has taken on a life of its own. “A couple people told me I should be racing; I had the ability. I wish I’d known that in high school! “I knew I’d scored quite a few points in the Michigan Runner Race Series, but I didn’t know where I stood in it,” Collins added. He hadn’t run all of the series races, “so I didn’t know how it would end up.

Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

“I had run fairly regularly most of my life trying to stay in shape, but fell away from it in my early 40s,” he continued. “I started back at it when I was 50 to help train my daughter for cross country.

“A couple miles into the Crim 10-miler, Bob Horan (2008 Senior Runner of the Year and a runner-up this year) told a lad running with us that I was the top 50-year-old in the state. Then Bob proceeded to whoop me good and proper.” Collins’ rise on the state running scene has been just less than meteoric. “I witnessed my first cross country race in 2005, my daughter’s sophomore year at Cass-Benton Park in Northville,” he remembered. “She had run track as a freshman and now cross that fall. I had no idea how they even started a race like that.” He found out quickly. “I was awestruck by this thundering herd running past me. All I could hear were the footsteps of the stampede. It was so cool! I was hooked.” There were other things about cross that drew Collins to running. “There was no ‘striking the pose’ for cameras,” he said. “Coming through the finishing chute, all runners look the same. Cross the line and someone will stick a hand out and say, ‘Nice race.’ It’s refreshing.

Collins loves running for Front Line. “The team thing gives me the opportunity to compete against the best of the best,” he said. “The 2009 nationals was my first exposure to running like that. It was an eyeopener and a motivator.” “J.C. is a dedicated team runner,” said Vanhala. “He had teammates over for pasta in October the night before the Free Press Marathon relay. I can count on him helping to get the team together.” In winning 2010 Senior Runner honors, Collins, 53, had these performances:

J.C. Collins “Cross country runners are a different breed,” he went on. “It’s the last pure sport. If you lace them up for the first time and finish in the top seven for your team, you can race again the next time. “There are no politics. You get out of it what you put into it. If you slack off, you don’t race very well,” he said. Something that occurred at the Kalamazoo Klassic 10K “was the highlight of my year,” Collins said. He was the first master with a 36:49 (age-graded 32:15) clocking and second runner overall. “It was a distant second, four minutes behind,” he noted. “The winner, Jason Drudge, was sitting in a chair, taking off his timing tag and being interviewed when I crossed the finish line. He stopped his interview, made a beeline for me to shake hands and said, ‘Nice race.’ “That young man showed a boatload of class to even consider treating me like his peer. That one will stick with me forever,” Collins said. Front Line Racing Team founder/president Fred Vanhala, whose

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

• Corktown 5K, 17:40, first age-graded senior, 15:24. • Kalamazoo Klassic 10K, 36:49, second open, first master and age-graded senior, 32:15. • Solstice 5K, 17:25, second master, first agegraded senior, 15:11. • Cherry Festival 15K, 55:05, first master and age-graded senior, 48:27. • Steve’s Run 10K, 36:31, secnd master, first age-graded senior, 31:60. The Cherry Festival 15K in Traverse City was among Collins’ favorites. “I hadn’t gone beyond 10K in a race before,” he said. “Bob Horan and I talked about running it together. I didn’t know what to expect for the last 5K. “It was a beautiful course and they had quite the crowd, as the finish was run down the parade route,” he continued. “I haven’t been racing long enough to know what my favorite distance is. I guess I’m best suited for 10K. In the 5K, you really have to get out fast. With the 10K, you get to work into it. “Maybe if I ran a few more 15Ks … who knows?” Collins said he does not have a typical workout. Time, or lack of it “with work and all,” sometimes puts a crimp in his training. “There’s not much time during my

Female Runner of Year: Jackie Rzepecki By Charles Douglas McEwen

know,” said Molly Brinker, who has trained with and raced against Rzepecki. “She pushes that red line every time she races. She is really tough at all distances.”

ackie Rzepecki, 31, of Lake Orion describes her experience with the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon as sweet and bitter.

Rzepecki has run 4:28 for the 1500 meters, 4:50 for the mile, 16:35 for 5K, 35:32 for 10K, 1:15:43 for the half marathon and hopes to break her 2:46:17 marathon PR soon.

Sweet because she ran a 2:46:17 PR, 26 seconds faster than her previous-best marathon.

She plans to enter the Houston Marathon Jan. 30. (Rzepecki attended the University of Houston, so she knows the area pretty well.) And she’ll probably have at least one more crack at qualifying for the trials after that, barring injury.

“With a little over 100 meters to go, I knew it (a trials-qualifying time) wasn’t possible,” she said. “I saw the clock turn from 2:45:59 to 2:46:00. It was painful to come so close.” Rzepecki isn’t complaining, because she enjoyed the race. “I felt great,” she said. “It’s the first time I’ve felt really strong in a marathon. I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity. It was a fun race too.”

Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Bitter because it fell a mere 17 seconds short of the time she need to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Trials Marathon.

Though Rzepecki had geared her 2010 training toward qualifying for the trials, she had a pretty sweet year overall. Along with her 34th-place finish in Chicago, she did well in other mega-races such as the Disney Half Marathon (ninth woman overall, 1:25:16), Meteor 10K (eighth overall, 37:17) and Crim 10-Mile (18th overall, 1:00:48). She also took fifth in the Bayshore Half Marathon in 1:19:55. “The half marathon is my favorite distance,” Rzepecki said. She was the only woman to win two events in the Michigan Runner Race Series: the Corktown 5K in Detroit and the Labor Day 30K in Milford. “I really like Corktown,” said Rzepecki,

week,” he said. “In the past, I’ve had help along the way, especially from Rick Brauer. He has put together training programs for me and offers never-ending encouragement.” Paul Aufdemberge has also been influential. “Paul has been kind enough to freely share his wealth of running knowledge,” Collins said. “But I only occasionally join his training group, because it takes me forever to recover from his workouts. They’re brutal.

Rzepecki knows too well about injuries. She had to drop out of the 2008 Olympic Trials Marathon because of a bad knee. She had to work her back after surgery in June that year. “It took me at least a year of racing subpar before I felt like I could run PR’s again,” she said. “Jackie has fought injuries, yet has a good attitude about it,” said friend and competitor Marybeth Reader, our Female Masters Runner of the Year last year. “She just keeps plugging away.”

Jackie Rzepecki

The Labor Day 30K “definitely got me ready for the Chicago Marathon,” she added. The 30K (18.6-mile) course at Milford is hilly and traverses quite a few dirt roads.

Rzepecki, office manager for Clint Verran Sports Medicine, is listed as a coaching partner on the business’ www.runguru.com Web site. “Clint has been a great influence on me,” she said. “He’s given me great flexibility, so that I’m able to train 100 miles a week.”

“I actually thought the marathon was easier than the 30K,” she said.

Verran thinks Rzepecki is a good choice for Female Runner of the Year.

Rzepecki, who grew up in Buffalo, N.Y., ended the season with her fourth victory at a Turkey Trot 8K in that city, timing 29:05.

“She deserves it,” Verran said. “She makes it a point to run and support Michigan races. She is a very positive influence on the running community as a whole.” - MR -

who has won there two years in a row. “It’s a great way to start the racing season.”

“Jackie is one of the toughest women I

“Eventually, ample time passes to make me stupid enough to show up for more punishment,” Collins laughed.

country championship. But that’s a long way off.”

He figures he’ll have run 3,000 miles, including races, by year’s end. “About 2,900 of them have been alone,” Collins said. “I have to go when I can.”

“J.C.,” said Vanhala, “is the kind of guy who can be improving even though he’s in his 50s, as he’s such a ‘baby’ in the racing world. I know he’s looking to place even higher, even though he’s a year older.

The 2011 season “is not really on my radar screen yet … not a clue yet. If I’m still running, I’d like to do better at the club cross

“As he’s still improving and learning as a racer, he just might be able to do that,” Vanhala said. - MR -

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Gone Fishing with Bill Rodgers By Riley McLincha

One of my objectives was to introduce Bill to Michigan beer. I just happened to have a growler (1/2gallon jug) of wheat wine from a Frankenmuth brewery in my cooler.

Answer: Al Kaline, Paul McCartney and Bill Rodgers. Question: What three famous people would you like to spend a day with?

Photo courtesy of Ben Dickie

aseball, music and running have long been my major interests. They mark three different periods of my life: childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Asked today, as I approach the big 60, what interests me most, they would be my answers.

Bill’s eyes bugged out when tasting the 10-percentalcohol beer. “That’s interesting,” he said. Though he drank what I poured him, he seemed more than willing to go back to Millweisers Leo had in his cooler.

From the day I got my first kid’s glove, baseball ruled my life. My heroes changed month to month during summers, but Al Kaline has stood time’s test.

Bill Rodgers (left) admires Riley McLincha’s fish.

The same goes for Sir Paul McCartney. My interest in music was sparked by the early Beatles. I don’t think I’d be a performing musician today had it not been for them. Then, at age 26, I became a runner. No runner in the late 1970s was more famous than Bill Rodgers. I read his books, used his training logs and ran in his sportswear. He was the man. It’s been 35 years since Rodgers won his first of four Boston Marathons, but his remain the most recognized face and name in our sport. I’ve had my share Bill Rodgers encounters. In 1980, at the height of his popularity, I had a photo taken with him at the Crim. We had another taken of us 16 years later holding the photo from 1980. Twice more we held photos of ourselves from the previous photo as the shutter snapped. By the summer of 2008 I had a photo of a photo of a photo of us in the original photo. But none match my latest encounter with Bill Rodgers. When the running legend made plans to return to Flint for the 2010 Crim, race director Deb Kiertzner asked him what he would like to do during his visit. Rodgers’ schedule was busy Thursday through Sunday, but he would have some free time here Wednesday. “I’d like to go fishing,” he told Deb. 20

Why she thought to call me, I don’t know. “Riley,” Deb asked, “would you go fishing with Bill Rodgers?” I said “Yes!” without looking at my schedule, before Deb could withdraw the offer. I hadn’t been fishing in years and know very little about the art form. Here was my chance to learn about fishing from Bill Rodgers! When the big day came, I arrived at the Crim Fitness Foundation office. There waiting were Bill and two exceptional young runners, Ben Dickie and Leo Foley. The four of us were transported by van to Lake Ponemah in Fenton. Bill asked en route how much fishing the three of us had done. We gave full disclosure of our experience, which ranged from “total ignorance” to “full of it.” Bill, it turned out, was likewise ignorant. When it came to fishing, we were all in the same boat. As the pontoon pulled away from the dock, Bill suggested we eat before reeling in the big ones. So Ben piloted the craft to a dockside restaurant where pizzas-to-go were ordered. We had plenty of beverages in coolers to go with the pizza. By the time we finished eating, before had we even started fishing, my day seemed to be complete. Bill and I are about the same age, Ben and Leo much younger. But they too were enthralled to hang out with this running legend.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

It was finally time came to cast lines and try catching fish. We all laughed at our incompetence. After we tangled and cut enough line to create a softball while trying to cast, I abandoned the lures and simply put a worm on a hook.

In less than a minute I reeled in a three-inch sunfish. The rest of the crew made the switch to worms and before we knew it, all but Bill had landed mini-fish. Time flies in proportion to the amount of fun one is having, or so it seems. Way too soon it was suppertime. Ben piloted us back to the dock, from where the three Michiganders agreed we had take Bill to Fenton’s French Laundry for dinner. As on the lake, dinner conversation revolved around running. Bill’s eyes bulge and head lurches forward when he’s impressed, as he was by Leo’s and Ben’s credentials. Lacking their speed, the best I could muster was telling him how I’d run Boston dribbling three basketballs. Bill’s eyes bulged at this as well. Bill told running stories and we relished every word. When Leo and Ben spoke of current elite runners, Bill knew them all, some personally. We hated to see the day end. Too soon we shook hands and Bill was gone. The remaining three of us looked at each other, still in disbelief, and exchanged high fives. Before Boston Billy got away I brought out the photo of us taken two years earlier and we posed again. I now have a picture of us holding a picture of us holding a picture of us holding a picture of us when we first posed together in 1980. - MR -

Senior Runner of the Year: Peggy Zeeb By Daniel G. Kelsey

Libertyville, Ill., in which she finished second overall among women. She described the latter race as “mentally challenging” because the course passed the finish line twice, once at about 18 miles and once again at more than 25 miles.

eggy Zeeb knows what to expect from life as Michigan Runner’s 2010 Female Senior Runner of the Year. She’s been through the drill before.

But for Zeeb the grand prize of the year was the grand finale of the race series: the Great Turtle Half Marathon on Mackinac Island Oct. 23. She’d never done the Great Turtle before. She spoke in awe of the trails, woods and scenic vistas.

Two years ago, at age 50, she garnered the same honor. A do-over on the title and publicity will change nothing at home, she suggested. There it’s ho-hum to her loved ones, who are used to her competitiveness.

“I couldn’t even begin to say how beautiful it was,” Zeeb said. “It was by far my favorite race of the year. It was like a vacation for us … an expensive weekend getaway.”

Her award in 2008 was mentioned during a board meeting of the Colon Community School District, where she teaches. An announcement appeared on a sign outside an elementary school. She received cards. “I had a lot of congratulations from my running friends,” she said. Zeeb’s award in 2010 might well result in another round of yawning from her loved ones and praise from her community. But how she got to the title was different than the first time around, because she didn’t set her sights on it this season. “I just did my normal schedule and it happened to coincide with the race series,” she said. “The first time it was my goal, but not this time. “I actually think I could’ve been the overall runner of the year if I’d done more of the race series.” Like most serious runners, Zeeb knows her closest rivals, often having met them on the racing circuit. If she hasn’t encountered them in person, at least she knows them by name and reputation. The senior women who came in behind her in the 2010 race series — Jackie Blair, Sharon Dolan and Donna Olson — were on her radar screen. “I know Jackie. I’ve run against her before. I think I’ve lost to her once,” she said. “I don’t know if I’ve ever met Sharon or Donna.” She talked as well about women whose names did not appear in the top four from the series; those who are, or were, “so much

Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

“I know my family isn’t going to be any different,” Zeeb said. “If I set out to do something, they just expect me to do it.”

One question remains; what kept her from a senior title in 2009? She didn’t bother to explain it away. “Most of that season I was fine,” she said. But in September she suffered a freak injury; walking in high heels across a brick road in Holland, she caught a spike and twisted her knee.

Peggy Zeeb was top Master at the Kalamazoo Klassic 10K. faster” than her, such as Laurie Decker and Monica Joyce; and those who test her mettle, such as Rebecca Price and Sue Parks. It’s apparent they inspire her to intensify her training by their mere presence.

“I can run and not hurt myself. And then I fall walking across the street,” she said, laughing before getting serious again. “When I ran the Grand Rapids Marathon the next month I found out I wasn’t quite healed.” Zeeb was this year. And hopes to remain so for years to come. - MR -

“I’m actually faster than I was 10 years ago,” Zeeb said. “For some reason I haven’t slowed down. I’m sure it’ll catch up to me.” She ranked one race in the series, the Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K in Grand Rapids in May, where she posted a 1:50:33, among her highlights of the year. She took points that day as second senior. “This was the first time I’ve ever won my age division at the River Bank,” she said. “So I’m happy about that.” Other highlights included a hometown 5K in Colon in which she broke 20 minutes, and the first annual Prairie State Marathon in Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

By Ron Marinucci

Contributor of the Year: Chuck Block Although not cobbled together until late summer, the event drew more than 3,400 participants and brought together running stores, timing companies, runners and volunteers statewide.

t culminated in late October and early November. But for Chuck Block, Michigan Runner’s 2010 Contributor of the Year, it began long before.

Since becoming LCC cross coach in 2000, Block’s teams have enjoyed remarkable success. In November, the men place fifth and the women third at the Junior College Nationals. “It was a fantastic year,” he enthused.

Back then, when his own children were grown and out of the house, he found there was “a void. I wanted to share what I love — kids and running. I wanted to give kids a chance. We want to make a difference in their lives and in their training.” The MRF’s mission has three prongs. The first is awarding scholarships to young runners. “I started the foundation to give high school student-athletes a chance to continue their education and running,” Block said. “We usually give out about 12 scholarships a year.”

Photo © Dane Robison / Time Frame Photo

In June 1999 Block established the Michigan Running Foundation, a nonprofit, charitable organization whose goal is to help young runners.

In Region 12, which includes Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, LCC’s men have never lost. The women have won the regional each year since 2003 as well. “They keep coming after us, but we’re strong. We’re a powerhouse,” Block said.

That is quite a jump from the two or three in the first years. MRF targets Dolores Hensley and Chuck Block smile at low-income, needy kids, but not excluRun Thru Hell on Halloween. sively. The scholarships don’t necessarily go to all-state or all-conference runners, nor to all-A students. “We want someIt goes beyond the running and competione willing to go to college, someone willing to tion, though. “The kids get to leave their home improve,” he said. towns,” Block continued. “They see what’s out there.” That inspiration may lead to college and Block coaches Lansing Community College running after high school, he hopes. cross country teams. A number of the scholarships go to LCC and other community college The third prong concerns the fundraising runners, but, again, not exclusively. Some go to itself. In 2010, Block and MRF were involved student-athletes at four-year colleges such as in 48 running events. “I put on about eight Siena Heights. races myself,” he said. Block notes the special role played by the two-year schools. “To keep many kids running after high school, they wouldn’t get the chance without the community colleges,” he said. A second prong involves grants. MRF provides money for youth running clubs to purchase things such as shoes and uniforms, plus cover expenses for travel to local and national meets. Block singled out efforts by Steve Mitchell, coach of the Detroit area Jets Track Club; Robert Hollingsworth, coach of the Lansing/midMichigan Great Lakes Track and Field Club; and Tony Shellman, coach of the Grand Rapids area F.I.R.E. (Focus in Reaching Excellence). “A coach will call and say his kids need help,” Block said. “For example, a group of kids qualified for nationals at a local USATF meet. But they had no money and the kids couldn’t go. We sponsored them, covered all their expenses.”

He times races too, and is grateful for the help given him by John Gault, who with wife Anne runs Gault Race Management. “John been so gracious, helping with chip timing.” Event entries are asked to make checks payable to the Michigan Running Foundation. The foundation’s goal is not to spend, but invest funds raised. Block hopes to “just spend the interest, not the principal.” MRF will dip into its principal if the need dictates, he concedes. MRF is “a three-person operation, although I probably do about 90 percent of the work,” Block said. His sister, Kathy, and son, Rob, are also officers. “They help decide where the money goes. My sister helps me a lot and my son helps tremendously,” he said. One of Michigan’s 2010 highlights was the Halloween Run Thru Hell, Block’s inspired effort to raise money to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van for Dolores and Harrison Hensley. (See related stories in this issue.)

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

the

LCC’s men were national champs in 2007. “Three years before that,” Block said, “there weren’t enough teams to warrant two divisions. So Division I (junior colleges with dorms and scholarships) and Division II (junior colleges with no dorms but large enrollments) were combined. We were the only Division II program to ever win the combined crown.”

Block was named National Junior College Cross Country Coach of the Year that season and has been Region 12 Coach of the Year since he started at LCC. Block is not ready to sit back with his successes. He has further dreams. “Michigan is a hotbed of running. Recruiters come here. We have great runners here!” he said. “If we have enough money, someday I’d like to buy a plot of land for a running center — for camps, youth groups, a permanent cross country course. We don’t have one like they do in Kansas and Wisconsin. Runners could run for free!” Block was and remains a good runner himself. He has been Runner of the Year for both the Ann Arbor Track Club and Motor City Striders. “Coaching, timing, the foundation take a lot away from training,” he said. “I used to run every weekend. Now I time every weekend.” Yet he still runs most days and popped a masters 18:52 5K at the Ele’s Race in Lansing this year. “I love running … anything to do with running,” Block said. “It is not just a sport, but a way of life.”

- MR -

Photo by Bruce Wodder / photorun.net

Photo by Greg Sadler / Greg Sadler Photography

Footlocker Midwest Championships Kenosha, Wisconsin, November 27, 2010

Shannon Osika of Waterford (bib no. 2), 3rd, contributed to the Michigan Girls Midwest Regional win in the team race.

Caleb Rhynard of Shepherd, 15:12, qualifies for Nationals with a 10th place finish.

Photo by Bruce Wodder / photorun.net

Photo by Greg Sadler / Greg Sadler Photography

Gabrielle Anzalone of Grand Blanc, (bib no. 23) 2nd; eventual winner, Allison Woodward (bib no. 262); Erin Finn of West Bloomfield (bib no. 88), 4th.

Maggie Sadler, South Lyon, looks forward to competing in the girls seeded race.

Brook Handler, Rochester, 17:35, finished 8th for a trip to Footlocker Nationals.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon

Jazwinski, Zendler Romp to GR Crowns

Not just a lead over the other women in the race -- that outcome was never in doubt. Jazwinski, a mother of two who lives in Dexter, raced away from the entire field, men included, in an attempt to make history by winning the race outright. “One night my husband Bob woke up at about midnight and said, ‘We should try to qualify for the (Olympic) Trials,’” said Jazwinski, who still held a commanding lead and looked unbeatable at the halfway point. “He’s been training me and I’ve been running a lot. I absolutely got back the love of running and the addictiveness to running.” Eventually cracks appeared in her armor. By the 20-mile mark, a pack of men who had trailed her through most of the course was gaining ground. Charles Wiegand, 32, of Lagrange Park, Ill., emerged from the chase group and appeared to have things in hand after he passed a struggling Jazwinski near the 22-mile marker. But the race threw another curveball when Wiegand began to flag shortly after taking the lead. Enter Nick Zendler, 24, a first-time marathoner from Garden City. The 2008 Hope College graduate surged into the lead with less than three miles remaining and never looked back en route to the victory in 2:42:31. Anyone who had seen Zendler compete in his first Ironman five weeks earlier would not have been surprised to see his doggedness pay off. At the grueling Sandusky, Ohio, triathlon, the Flint native “ran into big-time difficulties” during the run portion and was hospitalized briefly. Deciding that he hadn’t come so far to drop out, Zendler went back to the course a few hours afterward and finished the race.

Nick Zendler of Garden City won his first marathon. “I was running with a group of about four guys from mile 10 to mile 19 or 20,” Zendler said of his Grand Rapids effort. “At mile 20 I was feeling good -- my legs hurt, but I said, ‘I have the energy’ -- so I kept pressing the pace. I saw the leaders and thought for sure there was a big spread, but they were all together. “At mile 23 I saw them and went for it. I thought, ‘If I can do it, this would be sweet,’ so I pulled into the lead and just went all-out.”

It was sweet indeed for Zendler, who poured it on over the late miles to finish 1:59 ahead of runner-up Wiegand. Wiegand’s clock time of 2:44:30 was one second behind official third-place finisher John Taylor, 38, of New Lenox, Ill., but Wiegand beat Taylor by three seconds according to the computer chips in the runners’ shoes.

Marathon winner Katie Jazwinski, with daughter Jessica, achieved her goal of qualifying for the Olympic marathon trials. before the Jan. 14, 2012, Trials in Houston, Jazwinski responded, “Right now I’m going to revel in my happiness, but … it’s my debut marathon and I can only improve from here.”

Janet Becker, 36, of Grand Rapids took women’s runner-up honors in 2:56:38, with defending-champ Hannah Norton third in 2:57:22. Fourth-place finisher Carrie Kutzli of Cedar Springs also broke the 3-hour barrier with a 2:57:39. Ann Arbor’s Melissa Sundermann led the female masters in 3:04:09, with Michael Mallon of Davenport, Iowa, taking the men’s over-40 title in 2:47:32.

“I just came today with a time in mind and didn’t care how I finished,” said Zendler. “I wanted to break 2:50 and went 2:42. “I’d like to see what I can do if I get in some specific marathon training, because I’ve been doing triathlon training till now,” he said.

The top two finishers in the accompanying half marathon were out-of-staters, as Chicago’s Jesse Kleinjan clocked an impressive 1:09:41 to edge former GR Marathon champ Ryan Greutman of South Bend, Ind. (1:10:28). Rockford’s Josh Miller, in third place, was the top Michigan finisher in 1:10:57, while Henry Hofman led the masters.

Lee Rietsma of Tampa, Fla., came in fourth overall, with Jazwinski close behind in 2:45:01. Despite falling well off her sub-2:40 early pace, she fought through late-race fatigue to demolish the women’s course record and achieved the Trials “B” standard.

In the women’s half, Davenport’s Mary Toohill, 43, gave that Iowa city a pair of masters champs and won the overall title as well in 1:24:27. Megan James of Portage was second in 1:25:45, followed by Mackenzie Adams of Belmont.

Asked if she had plans for another marathon

Michigan Runner TV http://michiganrunner.tv/2010grandrapidsmarathon/ 24

Photo by Scott Sullivan

GRAND RAPIDS (1017/10) -- Katie Jazwinski’s frontrunning exploits garnered most of the media attention at the 2010 Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, but a less-heralded runner emerged from the men’s pack to steal the show -- and win the race. Jazwinski, a Grand Rapids native and former West Catholic High School state champion who earned multiple All-American honors at the University of Michigan, was making a comeback to competitive racing at age 31. Not content to merely qualify for Olympic Trials, she elected to push the pace from the get-go and by the 7-mile mark had built a substantial lead.

Photo by Scott Sullivan

By Grant Lofdahl

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

All told, 1,606 people finished the 13.1mile race, while 1,658 completed the marathon. Both established new records for the seventh annual event. - MR -

Grand Rapids Marathon: Hustle and Flow at Mile 17 By Daniel G. Kelsey GRANDVILLE (10/17/10) — 8:49 a.m.: There’s not a soul in sight along a stretch of Indian Mounds Road.

pavement. Jazwinski coaches the two sophomores in cross-country at Dexter High School. The McKenzie family talks about how Jazwinski inspires the girls.

“She pushes us hard,” Shelby says. “But everything pays off.”

They meet a stream of runners still going out. Some of the also-rans call out encouragement to the leaders; some go with a heavy slap of shoes on pavement, others with a whisper; some commune with their surroundings, others with nothing but themselves.

Their coach has so far this day given them an example of pushing hard; she has 10 miles to go before the payoff.

A pack behind a sign for a 2:59 pace sets up a chatter as if they’re out for a Sunday color tour.

9:53 a.m.: Back in the Greg Meyer Mile, the two leading male runners, John Taylor (New Lenox, Ill.) and Charles Wiegand (La Grange Park, Ill.) come through a series of bends in the road at about 30 seconds apart. Having retraced their steps after a turnaround, they’re approaching the 19-mile mark. Two more males, Michael Boulter (Plainwell) and Matthew Jeromin (Roselle,

On toward the turnaround, past Aid Station 10, near the junction of Indian Mounds Road and 28th Street at one end of a bridge over the Grand River, a crowd of spectators forms a gauntlet. They raise a chorus in support of marathoners to put to shame the voices of geese or crows. Thousands of souls are in sight.

“She’s a really good coach,” Aimee says. Out on the Grand River, water birds sail through patches of fog and breaching fish create widening ripples. The road runs in concert with a belt of woods, but most of the trees have not gotten their color, so only a few fallen leaves lie on the pavement and fewer float down on the air. Nature’s peace would dominate the scene if not for a freeway bordering the woods on the east. This is the 17th mile of the Grand Rapids Marathon. An official sign designates the stretch the Greg Meyer Mile. A hand-lettered sign on a tree a little way further along says, “Yea Dana — Go — 26.2 miles.” In a few minutes Dana and hundreds of other runners will put an energetic stamp on nature when they come streaming along these woods.

Ill.), only a few steps apart, trail the leaders by a minute or more.

- MR -

But for now, three women from Wayland — Chris Demaagd and her daughters, Jaime and Jackie — come walking along the road, on their way to volunteer at Aid Station 9. Jaime and Jackie run for coach Sue Brewer on the Wayland Union High School cross-country team. Chris says her husband once ran the Grand Rapids Marathon. “He said he won’t do it again until he’s 50 years old,” she says. On up the road, geese commence to honking, crows to cawing and fans across the river to cheering for runners. 9:29 a.m.: Katie Jazwinski arrives at Aid Station 9 to the sound of Tone Loc belting out “Wild Thing” from a lineup of speakers. Jazwinski has the overall lead in the race regardless of gender. The extremity of her effort shows in the strain on her face and an occasional hitch in her step. A man rides a bicycle at her side, urging her on and keeping tabs on her need for fluids and nutrients. Shelby and Aimee McKenzie, 15-yearold twins from Dexter, cheer her on, standing with their family in the grass off the Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Detroit Free Press Marathon

Photo by John Brabbs / RunMichigan.com

Desilets Dominates Detroit Marathon Debut

Jordan Desilets debuts at the marathon distance with a victory. By Charles Douglas McEwen DETROIT (10/17/10) — Though he had never run a race longer than the Crim 10Mile, Jordan Desilets found another gear in the last 10 miles to win the 33rd annual Detroit Free Press Marathon. Desilets, 29, of Pinckney passed his former Eastern Michigan University teammate Boaz Cheboiywo at the 22-mile mark and continued to victory. The event had its largest field in history as some 19,749 runners, walkers, wheelers and handcyclists participated. That was up from 19,393 last year. Michigan runners dominated the men’s races with Nick Stanko, 29, of Haslett winning the half-marathon and August Pappas, 17, of Chelsea taking the 5K. Canadians triumphed in two of the women’s races, as Paula Keating, 44, of Miramichi, New Brunswick, won the marathon and Dayna Pidhoresky, 23, of Tecumseh, Ontario, captured the half. (Maddy Lafave, 18, of Livonia was the women’s 5K champ.) Desilets, an All-American steeplechaser at EMU, decided to tackle the “Freep” about six weeks before the race.

wanted to run a marathon.” He ran with Jake Flynn, 28, of Lansing and MR’s 2009 Masters Runner of the Year Eric Green, 42, of Pontiac for the first 16 miles, while Cheboiywo led. “We were clipping along real nice,” Desilets said. “I felt great. The other guys said, ‘If this is too easy for you, go.’ So I went.” Desilets moved up on Cheboiywo, 32, of Ypsilanti, quickly. “I was catching him and it looked like he was hurting,” Desilets said. “Then he just kind of called it quits.” (Cheboiywo dropped out that point.) Desilets led by himself from there. “Jordan ran awesome for a first-time marathoner,” Green said.

“I started crying when I heard the announcer say Paula was leading,” Seagris said. “I knew she would be in the mix of competitive runners, but I didn’t expect this.” Keating, who also won $1,500, timed 2:52:14, more than five minutes faster than her old PR. “I trained hoping to beat my PR,” she said. Leah Scharl, 33, of Clarkston took second in 2:58:08, followed by Stephanie Locke, 32, of Mt. Clemens (2:59:59), Nicole Falvo, 35, of Grand Blanc (3:00:29) and Marija Byrne, 24, of LaSalle, Ontario (3:04:33).

“It’s beautiful, running along the water so much,” the winner said.

Dori Downey, 40, of Grosse Pointe Park, took sixth overall, was the second master after Keating and first among Michigan women, crossing in 3:04:46.

Desilets finished in 2:28:30 and took home $1,500 for his efforts. Next came Brian Goodwin, 28, of Dearborn Heights (2:36:02), Jason Lakritz, 23, of New Windsor, N.Y. (2:36:25) and Donald McLaughlin, 34, of Rochester Hills (2:38:08).

Desilets’ 2:28:30 was the slowest winning time since the Free Press took over this race in 1978. Keating had one of the slowest women’s times. Running in the same cool, sunny weather, both half-marathon champs had the fastest times at that distance in race history.

Green, fifth overall, paced the masters in 2:38:34. Flynn took sixth in 2:42:04.

Stanko, who won the 2007 5K and marathon last year, achieved a unique hat trick.

“This was on my to-do list,” he said. “I 26

Women’s champ Keating was greeted at the finish line by her younger sister, Erin Seagris, 38, of Windsor, who had run the half marathon — her first.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

“I led pretty much from the second mile until the end,” he said of this year’s 13.1-miler. Julius Kiptoo, 33, of Toledo stayed close behind him until 10 miles. “I kept trying to break him and eventually put space between us,” the winner said.

Stanko didn’t come close to his PR of 1:04:01. But Pidhoresky, who also took home $1,000, shattered her previous best mark of 1:17:58, crossing in 1:13:15. “I knew (winning) was a possibility, but I didn’t expect to kill my old PR like that,” she said. Lanni Marchant, 26, of Okemos set a fast pace early in the half-marathon. “I went with her,” Pidhoresky said. “I didn’t know whether it was smart going out that fast. She took the lead after mile seven. “I was running scared after that,” Pidhoresky said. “I thought she (Marchant) was right behind me, but when I looked back and I didn’t see anyone, I just tried to run comfortably.” Marchant took second in 1:15:04, followed by defending champ Angela Matthews in 1:19:06. Cindy Cucuzzella, 44, of Wilmington, Del., topped the the women’s masters in 1:30:55.

Photo by John Brabbs / RunMichigan.com

Stanko, who took home $1,000, timed 1:06:16. Next came Kiptoo (1:07:16) and Josh Perrin, 24, of Hamburg (1:09:24). Paul Aufdemberge, 45, of Detroit was the top masters runner in 1:12:51.

Wonder Women finishing the half marathon are Elise Lovell (14621), Diana Strasburger (16019), Christine Kulstad (16020), and Hannah Watts (14616), all from Chicago.

“It was a great course,” said Pidhoresky, who was running the Freep for first time. “It went by fast. And the crowds were awesome.”

Line Racing had the best open mixed division time with a 2:39:18. Masters winners included The A Team for the men (2:29:06), the Marathon Moms for women (3:23:14) and Mixed Masters Flash for coed (3:18:24).

Lafave, a Schoolcraft College freshmen, set a PR in winning the women’s 5K: her 20:26 topped her previous best 20:51. “It was a tough race, but fast,” she said. “I’m surprised to win.” Men’s champ Pappas finished in 15:52.

Grant Berthiaume, 48, of Tucson, won the marathon wheelchai race in 1:59:40. Adam Rose, 16, of Shelby Township captured the handcycle category (1:34:00) for men, while Dodi Blumstein, 27, of Far Rockaway, N.Y., won the women’s race (4:06:09). For complete results, go to http://www.detroitmarathon.com. - MR -

Photo by John Brabbs / RunMichigan.com

Playmakers Racing won the open male marathon relay division in 2:17:19, while Running Redskins paced the women in 3:20:22. Front

Paula Keating, of Miramichi, New Brunswick, won the marathon.

Nicole Falvo, of Grand Blanc, finished the marathon in 5th place.

Nick Stanko, who won the 2007 5K and marathon last year, achieved a unique hat trick with the 2010 half marathon win.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Run Thru Hell on Halloween, Pinckney/Hell

Hell Halloween Run Celebrates Hallowed Pair By Ron Marinucci

two years as she has recuperated from a debilitating stroke. With Harrison caring for her, they have been unable to get to races.

HELL (10/31/10) -They came dressed as Spiderman, Batman and the Joker, as nuns and astronauts, witches, devils … There were bumble bees, lots of bumble bees with their wings flapping.

Chuck Block of the Michigan Running Foundation and friends discussed ways to help them, looked at this year’s race calendar and saw nothing slated for Halloween.

Was that swimmer Michael Phelps, complete with Olympic gold medals and Speedo, on this cold morning? There was Scoobie Doo, accompanied by Daphne or Velma (I can’t keep them straight). I think I found Waldo, too.

I was disappointed to have a gorilla zoom by me just past the halfway turn-around. I was running with Chris Burley of Howell, who took some of the edge off by exclaiming, “He must really be roasting in there!”

Photo by John Brabbs / runmichigan.com

Several runners yelled “Hello!” to me during the race. I greeted them back, seldom knowing who they were because of their clever costumes.

Their one-time Halloween Run Thru Hell drew 3,400 entrants, support from running interests statewide and raised enough money to buy the Hensleys a new, full-size wheelchairaccessible van (see related stories). “The main thing,” Block said, “is to get them to go to races again.”

They came for the Run Thru Hell, held this year on Halloween, and for its prized t-shirt. 3,400 runners and walkers came to the Run Thru Hell on Halloween for Dolores and Harrison Hensley. They came from near “I and far -- Cheboygan, called Beaverton, Mackinac running community for more than three Harrison beforehand,” Block said. “I was Island, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois … even decades. They came to volunteer in one, two, worried (he might say no), but I told him we Florida. three -- sometimes even more -- races practireally wanted to see them at races. Harrison cally every weekend and were longtime direcsaid, ‘Go ahead, whatever you want do do.’” But mostly the 3,400 runners and walktors of August’s infamous Run Thru Hell. ers came for Dolores and Harrison Hensley. Both Dolores, in 1994, and Harrison, in “I can’t believe so many people cared!” “They are a gift to the running community,” 2008, have been recognized as Michigan said Dolores afterward. Running Fit stores owner Randy Step said. Runner magazine’s Contributors of the Year. This year’s race was a tribute, to pay them “How many runners did you cheer for and back. Runners have missed Dolores’s post-race hug during all the years?” Block asked her. greetings and hugs, sweat and all, for the last The Hensleys have been involved in the With the costumes and smiles of all those people, and knowing the purpose of the race, Michigan Runner TV the atmosphere was festive. This was a haphttp://michiganrunner.tv/2010runthruhell/ pening not to miss. - MR 28

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Beer-Running Link Probed by Grand Rapids Pioneers

Thousands Run Thru Hell on Halloween, Goal Reached

More than 3,000 men, women, children and even some hounds came together on a crisp, partlysunny morning in support of two people missed by the running community for two years.

“It has been many years too long,” she pronounced, “but I remember all of you!”

Photo by Tracey Cohen

HELL (10/31/10) — “A sea of humanity,” is how 10K finisher Bill Fuchs of Kimball Township described the scene as he cleared the top of hill No. 1 at the first and only Run Thru Hell on Halloween 10K and 5K Run/Walk.

start of the race in honor of Dolores’s 80th birthday. She countered with sentiments of her own.

Joe Burns, representing Medals 4 Mettle, presents Dolores Hensley with her heart-shaped medal.

The goal was to raise enough money to buy a wheelchair-accessible minivan so that Dolores Hensley, who suffered a stroke two years ago, could return to the races with Harrison, her husband of nearly six decades. “They never asked for anything,” race director and ringleader Chuck Block said. “They are our Michigan running couple and we, the running community, miss seeing them at the races.” The intent was to raise enough money to buy a used vehicle. Due to the generosity and support of the running community, a brand-new, full-size van, with lift installed, will be bought. A rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” preceded the

Fast times and PRs were achieved by many, even on an incrediblyhilly, out-andback course. Andrew Porinsky of Dexter won the 10K in 34:32, while Nicole Blaesser of Rochester Hills blazed the way for the women in 37:46.

Jason Mahakian of Farmington Hills and Mercyh Ray of Jacksonville were the men’s and women’s 5K winners in 16:52 and 19:01 respectively. Keeping in spirit with the holiday, many ran in costumes embodying robots, witches, Siamese twins and more. Jed Hummel of Clarkston ran the 5K full bore in a stifling Mr. Peanut body suit contraption. The chance to Run Thru Hell on Halloween has passed, but the opportunity to once again receive hugs, kisses and smiles from Dolores on race day has resumed. For complete results, visit runningfoundation.com/Run_Thru_Hell_Hallow een.html. - MR -

Photo by Scott Sullivan

By Tracey Cohen

What’s a finish line without the beer? By Scott Sullivan

here is something hallucinatory about running your first marathon. You see things you haven’t before. At Grand Rapids this year, some swore they saw beer pouring out of a life-sized Elvis. This in fact was true. Near the finish were two stops for needed fluids: the med tent for water, electrolytes, blood and so on; and New Holland Brewing Co.’s fenced area with an Elvis tap. Finishers could rehydrate with: • Sundog, an amber ale said to emulate a Lake Michigan sunset’s glow. • The Poet, with a a rich, smooth malt character enveloped in tones of chocolate. • Full Circle, a kölsch-style beer with a light hop profile. • Ichabod Full, which combines malted barley and real pumpkin. To understand the link between beer and the GR Marathon, you must first grasp the latter’s origins. Adventurer Don Kern Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

and then-microbrewery owner Shawn Sweet drew up the event helped by beers ... er, peers after putting on trial races. One such trial, the Gatecrasher 5K, involved runners shinnying under or scaling gates to the not-yet-open Millennium Park near Grand Rapids. Here’s my account of another: ***

Frogger 5.5K: Shock and Awe GRAND RAPIDS (4/4/03) -- While U.S. troops stormed Baghdad and I trained for a race at The Hair of the Frog microbrewery, my emergency-room-nurse wife witnessed “Shock and Awe.” As she drove to work April Fool’s Day, she heard a radio station broadcasting a contest in which participants held their tongues to a nine-volt battery. “The drool’s reached her shoulder!” she remembers one commentator exclaiming. The winner of this “Shock and Awe” competition received $100 worth of beer. Among my wife’s first patients that day? You guessed it: a woman with tongue burns, joined by a worried station executive scanning the waivers she’d signed for loopholes. “You the drooler?” my wife asked. “Yup.” “You win?” “I got beer.” “The anesthetic may come in handy.” My wife recounted this after we’d dropped off our daughter, Flannery, 3, at Grandma’s en route to the Frogger 5.5K. Dangerous Dan, who was with us, seemed perturbed at the ice storm forming. “It’s scary what Flannery picks up listening,” my wife said. “I call her ‘knucklehead’ and she repeats it. But she says ‘bucklehead.’” ‘We’re all buckleheads for running tonight,” said Dangerous. “We get tickets for two beers when we’re done,” I reminded him. “... as part of our entry fee,” he answered. “The ‘Shock and Awe’ people didn’t pay anything, didn’t have to run through an ice storm and got more beer for it.” “Look,” I said. “FOX-TV is here.” FOX is always here; its studios are next to “The Frog,” which in turn shares a building with

Hubba Tubba hot tubs, where people pay by the hour to soak themselves. What effect this might have on programming, I can’t say. With roads turning nasty and local news slashed in deference to war footage, why not stay home and shoot running crazies?

WEATHERMAN (bantering with Anchor): T’ain’t a fit night for man nor beast. ANCHOR: Except for 140 running nuts taking part in the Frogger 5.5K ... (cut to film shot through picture window). Inside The Frog, owner Shawn Sweet was ecstatic. “We’ve more than doubled last year's entries!” “We had good weather last year,” I reminded him. “Runners do tend to be off-center,” Sweet confessed. Sex is always a question at this eccentric event, whose entry forms list four options: * * * *

Male Female Maybe after the race But we hardly know each other

Rules are deviant in other ways as well. Going out too fast is a good idea; after 100 yards, the course narrows into a path between brush where passing is impossible. Though the costumed crocodiles slated to lurk here were put on ice, it remained surreal: runners sprinting into a tunnel of low-hanging, crusted branches that whipped our faces and clicked like teeth against one another. Treachery served me only so far in the face of a stronger enemy. I’d meant to ease up on the path, but studs trapped behind stared bullet holes in my back. Feet winged by guilt, I resumed running fast, so that when I escaped the woods even the crocodiles, jogging, passed me. My saving grace was my glasses were too steamed by now to see. Lightning transformed buds, iced, into photo negatives. The heavens spat sleet like meteor showers ... media showers too: cameras caught me running behind the crocks. I wanted to go home and be embedded. I climbed a gravel hill, leapt a chain gate and ran onto asphalt where the footing was nonexistent. My wife turned onto a dead end and spent an extra five minutes fighting the Sno-cone frenzy. “I had the time of my life,” she said. Dangerous, facing a long drive home, did not want to stay for beer. “Makes sense,” I said, mourning.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Roads were a nightmare of cars in ditches, flashing strobes, broken limbs and branches. I punched buttons randomly: war in Baghdad on every station. We three buckleheads sloshed to Grandma’s to fetch a girl, who, with shock and awe, I’ll tell, “Someday all of this will be yours.” ***

A Be(tt)er Tomorrow In the beers ... er, years since then, my daughter has grown up in a world where war’s no less prevalent. Mom and Dad move slower and data faster: most of it still is junk, but accelerated. “Dangerous” Dan Kelsey has devolved into a regular (I use the term loosely) MR writer, while Flannery’s words to describe runners transcended “bucklehead” long ago. Once Millennium Park opened Kern went mainstream, using it legally to host the first GR Marathon on Halloween seven years ago. The park’s wooded trails remain a key section of the race course. Diehards who miss crashing gates have been mollified by: • Reality. Having 4,000 runners shinnying under or scaling gates during a daytime marathon might create bottlenecks noticed by authorities. • Jail time and/or becoming a race board member. The quest for truth behind the nexus of beer and running remains unquenchable. The board cites seminal work performed by the Hash House Harriers, but conducts studies less constrained by decorum. Research partner New Holland Brewing joined staff presenting first-Tuesday beer runs each month leading up to this year’s marathon. Aerobic and anaerobic capacities, lactate thresholds, VO2 max and more were tapped. Though results were distinct to each individual, general findings were: • Finish-line beer is a motivator. • Little ails us ale can’t solve. • Continued research is needed. Suds flowing from Elvis is just the start. In times of discord, the bond between running and beer grows stronger. Christian, Jew, Muslim ... we are one in the trial of miles, then washing away mud and blood with beer. We turn our worlds upside down and leave better lives for our children when we share the cup of our quests through the miles and years. Bottoms up! - MR -

Playmakers Named Running Specialty Store of the Year

Photo by Art McCafferty

Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Headless Horseman Howell, Oct. 23

Playmakers was named the 2010 Running Specialty Store of the Year at the 2010 Running Event trade show in Austin, Texas. Curt Munson and Brian Jones of Playmakers show the award.

Jara Breake of Ann Arbor, Kate Bellows of Waterford, Melissa Lamb of Metamora, and Marybeth Riblett of Waterford are all about having a good time at the Headless Horseman.

Victor Brown of Canton, won the half-marathon in 1:23:43.

Justin Gillette of Goshen, Indiana, won the marathon with a 2:41:42.

Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Wildlife Marathon, Concord, October 10, 2010

Laura Waldo of Ludington took first in the marathon with 3:28:06.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

MHSAA Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals, Brooklyn

Speed Thrills at State Final XC Meet By Scott Sullivan

Tait Wins State

BROOKLYN (11/6/10) — Runners were expected to treat frozen ground to a scorched-earth policy during the Lower Peninsula high school cross country finals at Michigan International Speedway. Instead, the opposite took place.

The day’s fun began on slightly-iced turf with Big Rapids Crossroads senior Kyle Tait leading wire-to-wire to claim the Division 4 boys individual title in 15:25.4. Concord junior Spencer Nousain, second last year to now-graduated teammate Kyle Stacks, was again runner-up in 15:51.7.

As the sun rose and turf thawed, times grew faster — due in part to small schools racing before noon and large schools after. But the eighth and last race of the day may have been its best ... because the fastest girl in state history wasn’t there.

D1 Boys champion Scott Albaugh leads runner-up Austin Whitlaw. example and inspiration. Anzalone too was gracious, noting running shoulder-to-shoulder with Handler from start to finish pushed both to their best times ever.

How do you explain nine girls running faster than 18 minutes? Last year’s runner-up, sophomore Avery Evenson of Hartland, ran eight seconds faster in 2010 yet placed just 11th. Shannon Osika, a Waterford Mott senior who was state champ as a freshman and a Foot Locker national finalist in 2009, ran 17:38 this year yet placed only fifth.

Photo by Scott Sullivan

Caleb Rhynard, D3 Boys Champion, 32

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Alex Standiford, D2 Boys Champion

Rhynard romped unchallenged at MIS, claiming the D3 individual crown in 15:26.9. Almont senior Dylan Creger, only 33rd here last season, placed second in 15:48.5. Top-ranked Grandville Calvin Christian, second with a young team last year and bolstered by Zac Nowicki — a sophomore transfer from Grand Rapids West Catholic, which suspended its boys team this year as result of 2009 hazing complaints — won team honors with 107 points, far ahead of runner-up Lansing Catholic’s 192.

The team race was fast as well, with Grand Haven’s top-five finishers averaging 18:44.5. The Buccaneers, ranked No. 4 going into the D1 girls finals, edged No. 3 Traverse City 135 points to 154. So much for the last final. Let’s revert to the first.

Maybe having Goethals gone took a lid off. Handler described her ex-teammate as an

Senior Caleb Rhynard of D3 Shepherd rolled into MIS viewed as the fastest boy in the state, boasting wins in the Spartan Invitational Elite race Sept. 17 and the day’s best time (15:14.7) Oct. 9 at the giant Portage Invitational. (Alex Standiford was second, Scott Albaugh third and Tait fourth in the Spartan Elite race, all worth noting.)

Photo by Scott Sullivan

How, then, do you explain this year’s D1 girls race, won by Goethals’ exRochester teammate Brook Handler in 17:00.2, followed closely by Grand Blanc senior Gabrielle Anzalone in 17:01.7, the second- and third-fastest girls times in state meet history?

Caleb, Cal Christian Kings Photo by Scott Sullivan

Megan Goethals, whose 17:10 run as a junior in 2008 broke Katie Boyles’ 17:17 mark set eight years earlier, topped that during her Foot Locker national champion senior season. The Rochester rocket ran 16:54.8 last year at state, compared to her runner-up’s 18:10.3. It seemed no girl would go-go like Goethals again for years.

North Muskegon, top-ranked all year after finishing third in the state last season, showed it deserved that ranking, bringing in its top five runners between 16:28 and 17:11. The Norse tallied 89 team points. Next came Bridgman with 121.

Kyle Tait, D4 Boys Champion

Whitelaw went with him.

Fast Frosh

H-H, Falcon Runners Rule

Thrive with Five

Like dominance? Check out D3 girls, where defending state champ and top-rated Hanover-Horton had six individuals place in the top 30. How often do cross teams, which add the places of their top five, not count the score of an all-state finisher?

How important are teams’ fifth runners? Look no further than the D2 girls race. Here, No. 2-ranked Hamilton saw its first four individuals place 2-3-9-11 in the team race for 35 points, compared to No. 1 Grand Rapids Christian’s 1-12-29-34 for 76 points. Should the Hawkeyes’ next girl cross within 40 places behind Christian’s fifth girl, they would win.

Meanwhile Allendale’s Ali Wiersma, who saw now-graduated teammate Devan John capture individual titles the last three years, made it four straight for the Falcons, coached by Michigan Runner contributor Grant Lofdahl, bagging first in 18:00.6.

Didn’t happen. Not only did the Eagles’ fifth finish 35th, their sixth crossed in 38th, whereas Hamilton’s next finished 91st. Hence GRC won the day’s closest team race 111 points to 116.

Bulldogs Bit “Stuff” happens. Ask top-ranked, defending D2 boys champion Ionia, which vied in the first final after lunchtime. The Bulldogs saw top runners Connor Montgomery and Nick Wharry finish in the medical tent as Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern romped to the team title, tallying 108 points to runner-up Mason’s 163.

Zeeland West junior Rachele Schulist outran Middleville Thornapple-Kellogg senior Allyson Winchester for the individual title, 17:29.7 to 17:42.4.

So a season that started in August heat ended in near-freezing November weather. What could be more Michigan? Teens, in their many-colored jackets, lingered for cheers and awards as the sun dropped and shadows lengthened to swallow another cross country year. - MR -

Mattawan senior Standiford bagged the individual crown in 15:19.6. Next came juniors Bryce Bradley of Chelsea in 15:27.0 and Nicholas Soter of Dearborn Divine Child, who improved from 106th last season, in 15:27.8.

D1 Girls Champion, Brook Handler, edges Gabrielle Anzalone at the finish line.

Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Detroit Catholic Central repeated as team champ with help from its top three seniors — Austin and John-Paul Zebrowski and Andre Garcia-Garrison — placing 8-9-10 individually. Dexter, D2 team runner-up last year, stepped up to D1 and placed second with 114 team points to DCC’s 103.

Second-ranked Hesperia nipped topranked Harbor Springs for the team title, 107 points to 111. All seven of the champs’ top runners return next year.

Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Both continued to press through the homestretch, where Whitelaw took a brief lead — to learn his foe still had gas left. Albaugh finished in 15:13.9, the fastest time of the day; Whitelaw grimaced home 1.6 seconds later. Kaddurah used his miler’s speed to outfinish the chase pack and place third in 15:30.9.

At least one freshman amazes at each year’s state meet; in 2010 it was Kirsten Olling. The Breckenridge ninth-grader took it out in the D4 girls race and never looked back, crossing first in 18:09.8. Next came North Muskegon senior Lindsay Neal, herself a state champion as a freshman, in 18:23.3.

Kirsten Olling, D4 Girls Champion

D1 Boys Deep Too

When Waterford Mott senior Albaugh bolted hard from the start, some viewers wondered how long he would last. Only

Rachele Schulist, D2 Girls Champion

Photo by Scott Sullivan

Monroe senior Austin Whitelaw, who won his regional in 15:05.2, the fastest time run by a Michigan boy all year; and Omar Kaddurah, a Grand Blanc senior who claimed the state 1600 meters last spring in 4:07.67; were favored slightly.

Photo by Scott Sullivan

Speed in this year’s D1 boys race ran even deeper than it did for the large-school girls. Thirty-nine individuals ran faster than 16 minutes, compared to just four last year.

Ali Wiersma, D3 Girls Champion

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Notes on the Run: By Daniel G. Kelsey

ne of two men running together down the long, weaving slope of Bronson Boulevard, among hundreds of people toiling in the Kalamazoo Klassic 5K last June, caught my eye with his footwear. So far in 2.5 miles I’d passed 1,000 runners and walkers, it seemed, without a thought of talking to any one of them, but as I came abreast of these two men, a question tripped off my tongue. “How do you like your Vibrams?” Only once before had I noticed a racer in a pair of these shoes with the digits waggling out in front. This man in the Klassic, a recent transplant to Kalamazoo from Chicago, was full of praise for the FiveFinger. Even though the breakthrough design exposed his feet to a tad too much cold in winter, he’d never go back to conventional footwear. The minimalist shoes were light and gentle on his feet, and yes, he thought he landed more toward his toes than he used to. That’s the natural gait for an animal evolved to run upright from sunup to sundown without pounding his heels to mush.

Even as we talked together, I felt at every stride a shock to my right plantar fascia. I let the two men know that because I was running injured and unregistered, I intended to peel off when the course left the street for a field at the finish. Before saying goodbye I wanted to know where the man had got his FiveFingers (an odd name for shoes with toe-sleeves.)

He’d bought them at a well-known outlet in Kalamazoo. A salesman at my favorite outfitter in Grand Rapids had told me they’d been denied a supply because the producer couldn’t keep up with demand. I coveted a pair before it was too late. Something innovative in footwear, something on the cutting edge, something borrowed from the future, might be my last chance to stay vibrant. The harvest of aches and pains that had me limping from behind in the Klassic matured from seeds planted three months earlier. During my last couple tune-ups before the Kent City Ridge Run in March I sprouted a lame spot in my left groin. It lay dormant during the race until a little climb at three miles, whereupon it sprang up anew and grew over the last six miles of hills like wild raspberries, bristling with thorns. If I favored that leg, I didn’t guess it until two days later, with my next training run, when my right heel began to hurt like the dickens. 34

Vibrant A lame groin proved biodegradable; plantar fasciitis proved as indestructible as stainless steel. For three months it had me trying my darnedest not to limp for fear of inflicting new injuries on myself. My running partner on Wednesday nights made no sense of my likening every step to a spike in my heel, maybe thinking of spiked heels, when my thought was for railroad spikes, the kind that crop out of the dirt of a trail, long ago a train line, where I run at home. Paradoxically, the faster I ran the less pain I felt, as if speed kept me off the heels of my conventional shoes. An almost pain-free outing one day might follow an exercise in torture the day before. On one occasion I tried going from Wednesday to Wednesday without running, only to hurt more than ever from first step to last with my partner. Biking instead of running gave my plantar a chance of recovery. Ice to reduce inflammation, heat to promote blood flow and a brace to prevent drooping of my foot in bed at night gave it a chance of healing. By June I sensed improvement. But not enough to race the Brian Diemer Amerikam 5K, only to run it without a bib, excusing myself to people by saying I had to make sure I had a magazine story before registering, when really in great part it was about ducking an official time. To my surprise the spike was dull that day and the clock at the finish line hadn’t quite ticked over on 22 minutes when I veered away to the sidewalk to retrieve my notebook. My encouragement was such that I decided to ease back to my former mileage. Two days later, on June 14, a date seared in my memory, I set out on a 7.5-mile jaunt, cautiously, thinking in terms of a coasting pace of 8:30 per mile. My watch read 16:02 at two miles and 23:55 at three. This isn’t bad, I thought; I’m running like my old self and not hurting one bit. At the end of the loop my pace calculated out to 7:57 a mile. My darnedest turned out darned futile, though, because in the last mile my left knee blew out like a hyper-inflated tire. Right heel; left knee. Who could doubt the one tripped up the other. If my plantar fascia was the victim of a spike, that joint of bone and cartilage and sinew midway up my leg was the victim of an ax. As I quizzed the man in the Klassic about his Vibrams, ax alternated with spike.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Over time my knee pain migrated from upper outside to lower inside. Tendonitis? Neither ice nor heat nor ibuprofen took the edge off. A few minutes of sitting in an office chair or standing at a stove and kitchen sink made my left knee puff up like a herniated inner tube. Paradoxically, an hour of walking seemed to take down the swelling. My bike stood abandoned in my garage because of my suspicion that my over-zealous peddling had contributed to my injury. Running four times one week was merely uncomfortable; running one time the next week, on a course with a steep downhill, was excruciating. It got so crippling under the ax that on days after runs I climbed up and down stairs like a nonagenarian. It got so discouraging, after I bailed out in the fifth lap of a 3200 on the track July 14, that I made up my mind to consult a physician. That’s pretty telling for a guy in the habit of ignoring aches, pains, cuts and bruises after five years without insurance. A voice in my head, speaking to thoughts of my sister’s chronic fatigue syndrome and my brother’s Raynaud’s disease, a circulatory disorder that compromises feet and hands, murmured that maybe the problem with my knee was rheumatoid, or cardiovascular, or neurological. Maybe it was progressive. Today’s pain might be tomorrow’s disability. All the more bothersome was the fact that my Wednesday running partner didn’t bat an eyelash, like she’d seen it coming, when I told her I was worried that my running days were over. If my last run was at hand, let it end at the nearest outlet for Vibrams. Before some medico confirmed my worst fears, before some doctor in a free clinic sealed my fate, let some eager salesman seal my ten toes in FiveFingers. On the threshold of retirement, let my feet know the feel of my birthright, running upright, forward on their toes rather than backward on their heels. This hankering after an innovative design, the same yen that had me driving a Prius the past six years, wouldn’t let me go. This need to taste the future nagged at me, long past my limber youth, like a joint swollen with arthritis. It was a disorder. It was progressive. - MR -

Grand Vally State University cross country fans are as tough as the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s runners. Katherine McCarthy (right) led Grand Valley State women to the Division II national championship. Grand Valley men took third.

NCAA D1 XC Finals Terre Haute, IN, Nov. 22

Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

NCAA DII Cross Country Championships Louisville, KY, Dec. 4

Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

NCAA D1 XC Great Lakes Regionals Oakland University, Rochester, Nov. 13

Landon Peacock (left) & Maverick Darling were 2nd & 3rd runners on Wisconsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3rd place team.

Oakland University hosted the NCAA DI Great Lakes Regionals on November 13. University of Michigan and Michigan State women earned automatic bids to the NCAA D1 Cross Country Championships. Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Photo Courtesy of Pete Edwards

Totally into Ski Walking

By Jim Neff

Ski walkers use poles on Sleeping Bear Bay.

“H

ey, you forgot your skis!”

I get this line directed my way about a zillion times a year. Every person who delivers the “joke” is convinced they’re the first person who has ever thought up the quip. I always chuckle to be polite, but the truth is that I ski walk with fitness poles every day and that smile on my face is because I’m enjoying my exercise like never before. I was a runner for many years (and even a co-owner of Michigan Runner magazine) so I know all about the benefits of running. Many years ago, an injury unrelated to the sport forced me to give up running. I continued to ski, golf and bike, but until a few years ago something was missing in my overall fitness program. Nothing could quite replace running. Then I discovered ski walking. Pete Edwards and I had been friends for a long time. I was the editor of Michigan Skier magazine and Pete was one of Michigan’s top ski coaches. He clued me in to a new company he had formed, SkiWalking.com, and a new product he was promoting — fitness poles. 36

We connected at a ski walking clinic Pete held and I was hooked after the first hundred feet. Upon getting a few minutes of coaching from Pete, I could already see how my approach to walking had changed in terms of posture and tempo. I could only imagine, at that point, what the cardio-vascular and strength training benefits would be. You can find all the factual information about the benefits of ski walking at http://skiwalking.com, but let me tell you what I’ve found. First of all, the stats tell you that you burn 40-percent more calories walking with fitness poles than you do walking without them. I’ve found this to be absolutely true, maybe even a low estimate. The fact is that when you use the poles, you generate a walking tempo that is just naturally faster than usual. I think this is because a properly-fitted pole forces you to stand more upright and that leads to a lengthened stride. Add in the fact that moving your arms in a rhythmical conjunction with your stride leads to a more uniform gait and you naturally have better form. I coached football for many years at Cadillac High School. We had our players practice what we called “form running” every day. Basically, we’d have them pay attention to stride, arm movement and consistency in

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

their forward path. They say you can’t teach speed, but we actually did. Players who ran with the correct form just naturally moved faster. The same is true when you walk with fitness poles. A consistent tempo in a straight line means you go faster and hence have a better workout. The second point of emphasis, that works hand-in-hand with tempo, is posture. Walking with poles of the proper length makes you stand upright with your shoulders back. Your balance is enhanced because you’re centered as you walk. I’ve attended clinics where Pete has had elderly seniors and even Parkinson’s patients “see the light” after a few minutes using poles. People who have been walking bent over canes and walkers are suddenly upright with four points of balance and the result is amazing. Seeing this makes you realize how important proper posture can be. While my tempo and posture improved dramatically with fitness poles, I wasn’t expecting a third benefit — upper body strength. Now, no one will accuse me of having a weightlifter’s body, but my overall body tone has been affected by the use of my poles. Think about it. If you walk an hour using fitness walking poles your arms/shoulders/abs get a tremendous repetitive workout. This does

not happen when you’re biking or when you walk without poles. Of course, the assumption is that there will be an obvious training correlation to cross country skiing and there is. When winter comes around, poling on an XC trail is easier.

With all of this said, it’s pretty obvious that I’m a fan of ski walking and fitness poles. In our little town of Cadillac, I’m happy to report that dozens of people have taken the hint and we now have a dedicated crew of ski walkers. It’s great fun to see groups of people walking with poles. Now, here are some suggestions if you want to experience ski walking. The number one thing you want to do is get a top-quality pole that is properly fitted. Do not (I repeat, do not) get snookered into buying some cheapo pole at a big box store. If you want to enjoy ski walking, you need poles that are properly balanced and the right length. If you walk any distance at all, good poles make a huge difference. I’ve encountered people trying to get collapsible poles to stay locked; I’ve seen people struggle with poles that are so unbalanced they actually shudder when planted; I’ve even seen a guy who stuck tennis balls on the ends of downhill ski poles in an attempt to save a few bucks. Take my advice and get good poles. I have two pairs of ski walking poles from SkiWalking.com. I have a set of the SWIX Nordic Walking VIP poles which are the best-selling poles in the U.S. I also have a set of the EXEL Urban Skier Nordic Walking poles. Both are the specific length suited to me, have specially-designed hand straps, and come with rubber tips for walking on pavement or hard surfaces. They are light, perfectly balanced, and a joy to use. Now, my wife and I walk with our poles year-round. We find fitness walking is a good option when we’re not skiing. If you do this, my advice is to augment your walking gear with a pair of ice spikes. You can find these online at places like campmor.com and at outdoors stores (look in the ice fishing department). These stretch along the bottom of your running shoes. Get the kind with tungsten spikes, not the ones with springs on the bot-

AA Turkey Trot Thankful for Record Numbers, More Photo by Sharon Suffolk / Good Boy Events

However, I was amazed at the impact using fitness poles had on my golf game. Imagine how many times you “swing” poles during a one-hour walk. For me, the upshot has been that I’m no longer tired on the back nine because I’m used to the repetition of “swinging.” I’m also convinced that the better upper body toning has increased my hitting distances by 10 to 15 yards for every club.

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, Ann Arbor

1300 runners and walkers start the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot. By Tracey Cohen ANN ARBOR (11/25/10) — Rain fell in buckets during pre-dawn hours but failed to dishearten the record-breaking field of nearly 1,300 runners and walkers who gathered at the University of Michigan’s North Campus for this city’s fifth annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot. Carol Willis, along with her five siblings and their families, return to Ann Arbor each year to celebrate the holiday with their mother. Fifteen kin from five different states including Alaska ran the 5K, hounds in tow.

Joe Gacioch and Katie Anderson described the route as “a hilly, challenging course.” Joe returned for his third year; Katie was running her first race ever. “I generally run on a treadmill,” she said. “I can really tell a difference.” Athletes, ranging from four years to 78, enjoyed a visit from Santa, high fives from a decked-out turkey and finish-line feast complete with cookies, fruit, miniClif bars, hot cocoa and more.

Co-race director Jeff Suffolk of Good Boy Events noticed, “There were more dogs and strollers this year — always a good thing.”

Senior race director Ron Suffolk was thankful for the support given by the university, volunteers and runners, many of whom donated to the annual canned-food and used-clothing drive that benefits the Salvation Army and Active Faith of South Lyon.

However, two legs proved faster than four, as Colin Vance of Indiana dominated the field to finish in 15:40, three seconds shy of setting a course record.

He confirmed rumors that next year’s sixth annual event might see the sights of downtown Ann Arbor followed by a parade.

Charging ahead for the women was hometown hero Margaret Schick, who crossed first in 20:10.

For complete results and updates on next year’s race, visit http://www.goodboyevents.com.

Whitmore Lake High School mates

tom. Take the rubber tips off your poles and you have a rock-solid combination — poles that bite into ice and snow and spikes that prevent slipping. (We just put the spikes on an older set of running shoes and leave them on all winter.) Ski walking with fitness poles has

- MR -

become a way of life for me. I never head out on a walk without them. Support a Michigan business by visiting www.skiwalking.com or calling 877-SKIWALKING (754-9255) for more information, testimonials, lessons and a selection of the finest ski walking poles. - MR -

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Book Review: ‘Again to Carthage’ By Ron Marinucci “Again to Carthage” by John L. Parker. 2007, 2010 (first paperback release). $16. 359 pp. Scribner.

“Q

uenton Cassidy had once been a runner. Now he was something else.” Indeed he had, as readers of John Parker’s classic (I don’t throw out that word as casually as many) “Once a Runner” no doubt remember. “Again to Carthage” (what a great title) resumes Cassidy’s story.

Readers follow Cassidy’s training, although perhaps not as closely as in “Once a Runner.” There are long runs, fartleks and track sessions, along with discussions and thoughts about training philosophies with Denton. And it’s all good! But there is more, much more. Runners are reminded of the elite levels of running when Denton, himself an Olympic gold medalist, reminisces, “I’ll never forget the time it took me more than 32 minutes to fin-

what it was like to be the most elite of runners, Olympic medalists. Before embarking on his improbable quest, Cassidy takes us deep-sea fishing and snorkeling. He knows what kind of fish are where, what bait to use and how to cook and, certainly, eat them. We are introduced or reintroduced to friends, family members and Andrea, who has come to evoke as much emotion in Cassidy as his running. And just before the marathon, there is a hilarious hearing, perhaps more than a little snipe at running’s governing elites, that threatens Cassidy’s goal.

The Olympic silver medal miler has graduated from law school and become a successful Palm Beach attorney. He has a cadre of close friends and seems to take advantage of all that living in south Florida has to offer. Life is good, as Cassidy readily admits. But …

But, of course, the theme is running, elite running and Cassidy’s goal of qualifying for one of the three spots on the U.S. Olympic Marathon team. He discovers what most marathoners have discovered about training, pain, euphoria and the marathon itself.

After facing the deaths of several close friends and family members, he writes an introspective letter to his love interest, Andrea. He tries to explain what that “but” is. “(It was) not that something was wrong, but that something was missing.”

The climax, naturally, is the trials race in Buffalo — from downtown, across the Peace Bridge into Canada and on to the finish, often with the familiar cooling breezes blowing off the river and lake. The conclusion may or may not be what the reader expects, but the Cassidy’s marathon is riveting.

Of course, that “something” was running. Oh, Cassidy still ran, more days than not, five and seven and 10 miles, still at paces that left mortals gasping. But to him this was casual running. Further explaining, he realizes, “… what gave him great contentment now and probably would from now on was the simple knowledge that he had once been a runner.” From this self-examination, Cassidy makes a life-changing decision. He is going to train for the Olympics again; this time the target is the marathon. He seeks out his old friend and coach, Bruce Denton, who tries to dissuade him. “… there have only been three guys in history who have ever run under four minutes in the mile and under 2:10 in the marathon. They are Rod Dixon, Ken Martin and Geoff Smith,” Denton writes to Cassidy. Is he really sure he wants this? Denton cites other drawbacks and the dubious opinions of others in the running world. Of course, Denton doesn’t try too hard and readily agrees to map out a training plan to prepare Cassidy for the Olympic Trials Marathon to be held in Buffalo, N.Y. And, Cassidy once again retreats to an almost monastic life in an isolated cabin and house to live, train and think.

Cassidy’s story in “Again to Carthage” is, like that in “Once a Runner,” compelling. Runners will find much with which to identify, along with some new things. Non-runners will also enjoy the novel, its characters, the twists, turns and story itself.

ish a 10K.” Cassidy recalls his running life as “living for years in a state of constant betterment,” which, he concludes, is akin to “a spiritual state.” Parker throws in some philosophy and not a little humor. “Is it possible,” Cassidy thinks, “that getting older is a process of losing pieces of yourself along the way, and that it just goes on until there isn’t anything left?” He also muses, “Am I old or just out of shape? And if you were never in shape, is there any difference?” His days consist of waking, running, eating, running and sleeping. “How did I do this all those years without going crazy? Or am I presuming too much?” Cassidy, Denton, and other runners recall stories of pet-eating alligators that haunt past running routes, of drinking cheap beer (“fermented bobcat urine”) after workouts, of

Michigan Runner - November / December 2010

And Parker has once again proven himself to be a masterful wordsmith. The plot is tightly woven, not straying to unconnected tangents. The characters, their lives and thoughts are interesting and, mostly in Cassidy’s case, detailed. It’s not hard to imagine being on a deep-sea fishing expedition with Cassidy or on a long run through the woods of the Blue Ridge Mountains with him. And, throughout, Parker clearly demonstrates what it’s like and what it takes to be a world-class runner like Cassidy. In the end, after the trials, Cassidy explains why he returned. “I wanted to be able to remember what it was like when I was once a runner.” “Once a Runner” remains one of my favorite novels. I read and reread it more than 20 years ago and have often thought, “I want more!” In “Again to Carthage,” Parker has finally given us more. Yet I find myself thinking again, “I want more.” - MR -

January - April 2011 Event Calendar

January Sat., January 1 Gazelle Sports’ John Daley Memorial One One Run

Kalamazoo 1:00 pm Spring Valley Park 4.4MR/W, 2.2MR/W (269) 342-5996 dschmitt@gazellesports.com gazellesports.com

Jazz Running New Year’s Resolution Run/Walk

Dexter 10:00 am Hudson Mills Metro Park 10KR, 5KW Katie & Bob Jazwinski (734) 474-0584 jazz@jazzrunning.com jazzrunning.com active.com

New Year’s Day Half Marathon

Jackson 10:00 am Falling Waters Trail 13.1MR Elody Samuelson elodysamuelson@gmail.com meetup.com/Jackson-AreaOutdoor-Meetup-Group/ calendar/15301695/

New Year’s Resolution Run Lake Orion 10:00 am Downtown Lake Orion 5KR/W, 1MFR

Suzanne Perreault (248) 693-9742 director@ downtownlakeorion.org

Reese Winter Road Race Series Reese 10:00 am Reese High School 10KR, 5KR/W (989) 529-7904 admin@barc-mi.com www.barc-mi.com

Resolution 5K

Lansing 10:00 am Corner of St. Joe Highway and Broadbent 5KR (517) 882-3550 jlandskroener@ oursaviorchurch.org runningfoundation.com/ Resolution5k.html

Sergeant Preston, Yukon King Run

Muskegon 11:11 am Muskegon State Park Winter Sports Complex 6MR, 5KR/FW Jeep Osborn (231) 206-5571 gordonosborn@yahoo.com

Sunday, January 2 Boyne Highlands Classic

Harbor Springs 10:00 am Boyne Valley Lodge, Walloon Lake 5K/ 11K classic XC ski (231) 526-3029 www.boynehighlands.com

Tuesday, January 4 Michigan Indoor Track Series

Mt. Pleasant 5:00 pm Central Michigan Univ. hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Wed., January 5 Hanson’s Coaching Services Half Marathon Training Program

Royal Oak 7:00 pm Hansons Running Shop training Luke Humphrey (248) 616-9665 luke@hansonscoachingservi cees.vpweb.com

Hanson’s Coaching Services Marathon Training Program

Royal Oak 7:00 pm Hansons Running Shop training Luke Humphrey (248) 616-9665 luke@hansonscoachingservi cees.vpweb.com

Thurs., January 6 Hanson’s Coaching Services Beginning Runner 1 Program

Royal Oak7:00 pm Hansons Running Shop training

Luke Humphrey (248) 616-9665 luke@hansonscoachingservi cees.vpweb.com

Hanson’s Coaching Services Beginning Runner 2 Program

Royal Oak7:00 pm Hansons Running Shop training Luke Humphrey (248) 616-9665 luke@hansonscoachingservi cees.vpweb.com

Friday, January 7 Michigan Indoor Track Series

Ann Arbor 6:00 pm University of Michigan hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Michigan Indoor Track Series - tentative

Warren 4:30 pm Macomb CC hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Sat., January 8 1st Evangelical Covenant Church Run

Grand Rapids 10:00 am 1933 Tremont NW 10KR, 5KR, 1.5MR

Dennis Scully (616) 453-8600 / (616) 791-9694 dscully@ mapesinsurance.com grandrapidsrunningclub.org

Cross Country Winter Trail Days

Thompsonville 1:00 pm Crystal Mountain XC Ski Cinic (800) 968-7686, x 4000 crystalmountain.com

Eastern Michigan Invitational

Ypsilanti Bowen Field House, Eastern Michigan University track & field John Goodridge (734) 487-2245 jgoodridge@emich.edu

EMU Winter Eagle HS Invitational Ypsilanti 3:00 pm Bowen Field House, Eastern Michigan University hs track & field (734) 487-2245 jgoodridge@emich.edu

Great Lakes Indoor Series Ypsilanti 5:00 pm Eastern Michigan University track & field meet Bill Walters (810) 449-5683

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

mmtrackclub@aol.com freewebs.com/ greatlakesindoorseries

IDADARUN

Linden 6:30 pm Linden Community Ed., 7201 Silver Lake Raod 8MR, 8M relay (810) 701-8625 dskinner@jackcooper.com

Michigan Cup Training Day Team Time Trials Grayling 10:00 am Hanson Hills 5K Time Trial / 3 person teams - freestyle or classic (989)348-9266 hansonhills@hotmail.com hansonhills.org

Michigan Indoor Track Series

Allendale Noon Grand Valley State University hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org

Valley Spur Ski Bash

Wetmore 10:00 am Valley Spur Ski Lodge 24K, 12K, classic and skate XC ski Arlene Swanberg (906) 387-4918 arlenepsb@jamadots.com valleyspur.org

Walt Disney World Half Marathon

Lake Buena Vista 6:30 am 13.1MR Jon Hughes disneyworldsports.disney.go.com

Sunday, January 9 Daveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10 Mile Shoe Run

Delta 2:00 pm Delta Park 10 MR Jeff Taylor (419) 704-8164 jeff.taylor@davesrunning.com imathlete.com

GRNST Langlauf

Grayling 10:00 am Hanson Hills 15K/ 5K XC Ski Freestyle Grand Rapids Nordic Ski Team (231) 882-9200 info@championhill.com championhill.com

Walt Disney WorldÂŽ Marathon

Lake Buena Vista 6:00 am 13.1MR Jon Hughes disneyworldsports.disney.go.com

Friday, January 14 Michigan Indoor Track Series

Warren 4:30 pm Macomb Community College hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Sat., January 15 Freeze Your Fanny 5K Run/Walk Bay City 10:00 am Bay County Community Center 5KR/W John Metevia (989) 832.2267 jmetevia@yahoo.com

Frosty 15K Freestyle Cross Country Ski Race

Brighton 10:30 am Huron Meadows Metropark15K X-C Ski; 5K X-C Ski (248) 535-9351 mike.muha@ nordicskiracer.com www.nordicskiracer.com

IPC Indoor Triathlon

Rochester Noon 650 Letica Drive triathlon Becky Ridky (248) 608-0295 becky_ridky@ opcseniorcenter.org www.opcseniorcenter.org/

Michigan Indoor Track Series

Allendale Noon Grand Valley State University hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Michigan Indoor Track Series Saginaw time tbd Saginaw Valley State University hs track & field

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Portland Winter Run

Portland 10:00 am Portland HS 5KR/W Maryellen Stornant (517) 526-2210 coachstornant@ hotmail.com runningfoundation.com/ Portland_Winter_Run.html Preregistration only.

SISU Ski Festival

Ironwood tbd ABR Ski Trails 42K/ 21K/ XC ski classic & skate, 10K ski tour (715) 254-4104 sisuskifest.com

Snowflake Run and Walk

Flushing 10:00 am Flushing Central Elementary School 10KR, 5K R/W, (810) 659-6493 JohnCGault2@aol.com RiverbendStriders.com

Snowmans Half Marathon

Mt. Pleasant 10:00 am Runners Performance Store 13.1MR, 10KR, 5KR Ryan Hackett (989) 289-2361 michhalfseries@yahoo.com michiganhalfseries.com

Sunday, January 16 Copper Island Classic

Houghton 1:00 pm Michigan Tech Trails 10K, 5K, 2K XC Ski classic (906) 523-4884 tervoj@cts.k12.mi.us www.keweenawtrails.com

Lansing for Haiti 5K

Lansing 2:30 pm Great Lakes Christian College 5KR Lansing for Haiti (517) 882-3550 jlandskroener@ oursaviorchurch.org runningfoundation.com

Mon., January 17 Michigan Indoor Track Series

East Lansing time tba Michigan State University hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Tues., January 18 Michigan Indoor Track Series

Mt. Pleasant 5:00 pm Central Michigan University hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Thurs., January 20 Michigan Indoor Track Series

Ann Arbor6:00 pm University of Michigan hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Friday, January 21 Cote Dame Marie Loppet Kids Race

Grayling 7:00 pm Hanson Hills Ski Trails kids XC races (989) 348-9266 hansonhills@hotmail.com www.hansonhills.org

Michigan Indoor Track Series

Warren 4:30 pm Macomb Community College hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Sat., January 22

Bigfoot Snowshoe Race

Traverse City 9:00 am Timber Ridge Campground 10K, 5K snowshoe races Jeff Gaft (231) 933-9242 runfittc@aol.com runsnow.com Cote Dame Marie Loppet

Grayling Hanson Hills Recreation Area 30K XC Ski freestyle, 15K XC Ski freestyle or classic (888) 876-2196 hansonhills@hotmail.com graylingnordic.com

Frozen Watters Trail Run

Rochester Hills 9:00 am Bloomer Park, Stone Shelter 3MR (248) 320-5705 jeff@jeffwatters.com jeffwatters.com/ frozen_watters.html

Michigan Indoor Track Series

Allendale Noon Grand Valley hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Michigan Indoor Track Series

Albion time tbd Albion College Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Nordic Flurry CrossCountry Ski Race

Kirtland, OH 9:00 am Pine Lodge Ski Center 5K classic xc ski, 10K/ 2K freestyle xc ski Ohio Nordic Ski Team (440) 256-3810 www.lakemetroparks.com/ programs/LakeMetroparks2011Events.shtml

Winter Wolf Run

Omer 6:30 pm Old Courthouse 25KR Chuck Hilyard (989) 846-6018 hilyards@m33access.com www.witchywolfrun.com

Wed, January 26 Michigan Indoor Track Series

Saline 6:30 pm Saline Middle School hs track & field mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org

Friday, January 28 Great Lakes Indoor Series

Saginaw 5:00 pm Saginaw Valley State Univ. hw track & field meet Bill Walters (810) 449-5683 mmtrackclub@aol.com freewebs.com/ greatlakesindoorseries

Junior Noque

Marquette 4:00 pm Forestville Trailhead

51K, 25K XC Ski (888) 578-6489 cfuisher@marquette.org noquemanon.com/ junior-noque/

Sunday, January 30

Sat., January 29

Houston 7:45 am 26.2 MR, 13.1 MR, 5K, kids run (713) 957.3453 marathon@ houstonmarathon.com chevronhoustonmarathon.com

Freeze Your Fanny 5K Run/Walk

Shelby Twp. 11:00 am Stoney Creek MetroPark Boat Launch 5KR/W Nancy Smith (586) 850-6611 nancy.smith@uticak12.org ueastaywell.org signmeup.com

MGH Noquemanon Ski Marathon Marquette 8:20 am Noquemanon Trail Ishpenming to Marquettte 51K, 25K XC Ski (888) 578-6489 cfuisher@marquette.org noquemanon.com

Michigan indoor Track Series

Albion 10:00 am Albion College hs track and field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Michigan Indoor Track Series

Saginaw time tbd Saginaw Valley State University hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Muskegon Family YMCA Indoor Triathlon

Muskegon 12:00 pm Muskegon Family YMCA 900 W. Western Ave. Triathlon: 15 minutes S/bike/R Don Correll (231) 578-7300 doncor49@yahoo.com muskegonymca.org

Snowshoe Race & Winter Festival

Battle Creek 10:00 am Binder Park Golf Course 5K snowshoe Rod Layne (269) 660-2568 rodiayne@properwell.com properwell.com

Chevron Houston Marathon

Meridian Township Parks and Recreation Polar Bear 5K

Okemos 10:00 am Meridian Municipal Complex 5KR/W Greg Grothous (517) 853-4616 grothous@meridian.mi.us meridian.mi.us

February Friday, February 4 Michigan Indoor Track Series

Ann Arbor 6:00 pm University of Michigan hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Sat., February 5 Dragon GAP Charity Winter Mountain Bike Race & Running Race

Lake Orion 9:00 am Lake Orion HS 5KR and/or 5KMB, 10KMB, 15KMB, 20KMB Steve Kinley (248) 672-0985 skinl19@comcast.net www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us/ lohs/intramural/index.html

Maple Syrup Stampede

St. Joseph Island, ON 10:30 am Jocelyn Township Trails 20K XC Ski-skating; 7K XC Ski-classic (705) 759-0626 contactus@ soofinnishnordic.com www.soofinnishnordic.com

Reese Winter Road Race Series Reese 10:00 am Reese High School

10KR, 5KR/W (989) 529-7904 admin@barc-mi.com www.barc-mi.com

Rotary Snowmelt Shuffle 5K Run / Walk

Holland 8:30 am Holland Civic Center, 8th & Pine 5KR, 1MW Larry Erlandson (616) 396-7100 lerlandson@ evergreencomons.org snapregistration.com/ 110066/

SnowBusters Borgess Run Camp

Kalamazoo 7:30 am Borgess Health and Fitness Center marathon, halfmarathon, 5K training Borgess Health and Fitness Center (269) 552-2348 blaineL@ LamCreative.com borgessruncamp.com

through April 28 The Frostbite

Fremont 10:00 am Fremont High School, 204 East Main 10KR, 5KR Cliff Somers csomers@fremont.net www.fremontxc.com Fremont Triple Crown

USA Cross Country Championships

San Diego 9:00 am Mission Bay Park 6KR, 8KR, 12KR USATF usatf.org/events/2011/USA XCChampionships/ World Cross Country Team Trials

White Pine Stampede

Mancelona 9:00 am Mancelona High School / Shanty Creek 10K / 20K / 50K ski classic & freestyle (231) 587-8812 wps@torchlake.com whitepinestampede.org

Winterfest Run

Alpena 9:00 am Northern Lights Arena 4 MR Jeremy Winterstein (989) 356-1878 jaw6007@gmail.com

Winterlaufe

Frankenmuth 10:00 am Fischer Hall 8KR/W Lucas Hart (989) 860-3388 or (800) fun-town info@volkslaufe.org www.winterlaufe.org

Sunday, February 6 Groundhog Gallop

Jackson 12:00 PM Parkside Fieldhouse 5KR/W, Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Run (517) 784-3950 centerforfamilyhealth.org /gallop/5krun.htm

Kahtoola Michigan Mountain Run

Clarkston 8:30 am Pine Knob Ski Area 8KR, 4KR Zac Chisholm (231) 233-4736 zac@infiterrasports.com infiterrasports.com/

Michigan Cup Sprints location tbd 12K xc ski, 6K junior xc ski Vasa Ski Club (989)348-9266 vasaskiclub.com

Super 5K

Novi 9:00 am Novi Town Center 5KR Running Fit (734) 929-9027 events@runningfit.com runsuperbowl.com Super Bowl 5K

Okemos 10:00 am 1900 Kinawa Dr. 5KR Chuck Block (517) 702-0226 cblock@lcc.edu runningfoundation.com

Thurs., Feb. 10 Howell Splash nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Dash Indoor Tri

Howell 9:00 am Howell Area Aquatic Center triathlon: 20 minS/ 20 minB/ 20 minR Michael Powers (517) 540-8355 mpowers@ howellrecreation.org howellrecreation.org/ aquatic_special_events.html

Tahquamenon Snowshoe Race

Paradise Upper Tahquamenon Falls 20K, 10K, 5K, kids snowshoe Jeff Crumbaugh (715) 460-0426 info@ greatlakesendurance.com greatlakesendurance.com active.com

Friday, February 11 Michigan Indoor Track Series

Warren 4:30 pm Macomb Community College hs track and field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Michigan Indoor Track Series

Albion time tbd Albion College hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Michigan Indoor Track Series

Saginaw time tbd Saginaw Valley State University hs track & field - distance fest Mike Jurasek (616) 895-3042 mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Midwest Telefest

Ontonagon Mt. Bohmia & Porcupine Mountain State Park XC ski clinic, races (906) 226-7112 gar@downwindsports.com www.downwindsports.com 3 day event to 2/13/11

Sat., February 12 Bon Soo Lantern Ski

Sault St. Marie 5:00 pm Lookout Trail ski tour (705) 759-0626 contactus@ soofinnishnordic.com soofinnishnordic.com

Chilly Willy Indoor Triathlon

Marquette 8:00 am Northern Michigan University - PEIF Building Rec Center

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

tri: 30minuteS/ 30minuteB/ 30minuteR Katrina Theut (906) 227-2421 ktheut@nmu.edu www.nmu.edu/recreation

Dances with Dirt - Green Swamp

Dade City, FL 50MR, 50KR, 26.2MR, 13.1MR, relay Running Fit (734) 929-9027 events@runningfit.com danceswithdirt.com Frosty Five Trail Run

Adrian 8:30 am Heritage Park, 3241 N. Adrian Hwy. 5MR Running with E’s (517) 266-6344 runningwithes@tc3net.com runningwithes.com

Great Lakes Indoor Series

Allendale 5:00 pm Grand Valley State University track & field meet Bill Walters (810) 449-5683 mmtrackclub@aol.com freewebs.com/ greatlakesindoorseries/

Michigan Indoor Track Series

Saginaw time tbd Saginaw Valley State University hs track & field Mike Jurasek (616) 895-3042 mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

North American VASA

Traverse City 8:30 am Timber Ridge Resort 50K ski, 27K ski, 12K ski, freestyle & classic, 3K and 12K tour, 1K, 3K kids Bryce Dreeszen (231) 938-4400 vasainfo@vasa.org www.vasa.org

Sweetheart Run & Team Competition

Flushing 10:00 am Flushing Central Elementary School 10KR, 5KR/W, Couple Teams (810) 238-5981 JohnCGault2@aol.com riverbendStriders.com

Winter Witch’s Hat Run South Lyon 9:00 am South Lyon High School 5KR/W, 1 MFR Scott Smith (248) 207-5135 smiths@sics.us slxc.com/witch

Sun., February 13 Hagerty Insurance Gran Travers Cross Country Classic Traverse City 9:00 am Timber Ridge Resort 12K / 6K XC Ski classic Pete LaPlaca (231) 938-4400 vanguard@gtii.com nordicskiracer.com

Heart Throb 5K

East Lansing Noon Bessey Hall, Michigan State, Corner of Farm Lane & Auditorium Road 5KR/W Jennifer Cooke (248) 660-7390 cookeje1@msu.edu msutriathlon.com

Nordica Winter Rally

Thompsonville Crystal Mountain xc ski races Andrew Call (231) 378-2000, ext. 2006 race@crystalmountain.com

Riverview Winterfest Breakfast and 4 Mile Run Riverview 10:00 am Seitz Jr. High School 4 MR, 4x1M relay Gary Olsen (734) 377-0122 golsen1@wowway.com everalracemgt.com

Valentine’s Day Sale & Fun Run

Ann Arbor 9:00 am Tortoise and Hare, Plymouth Road 11 MR (734) 623-9640 events@tortoiseandhare.com tortoiseandhare.com

Tues., February 15 Michigan Indoor Track Series

Mt. Pleasant St. 5:00 pm Central Michigan University hs track and field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Thurs., February 17 Michigan Indoor Track Series

Ann Arbor 6:00 pm University of Michigan hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Friday, February 18 Great Lakes Indoor Series

Mt. Pleasant 5:00 pm Central Michigan Univ. track & field meet Bill Walters (810) 449-5683 mmtrackclub@aol.com freewebs.com/greatlakesind oorseries

Michigan Indoor Track Series

Warren 4:30 pm Macomb Community College hs track & field Mike Jurasek mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Sat., February 19 Black Mountain Nordic 30K Classic Onaway 10:00 am Black Mountain Forest Pathway 30K XC Ski, classic, 10K XC Ski tour (888) 854-9700 pictinfo@freeway.net nordicskiracer.com

Frosty 5K

Lansing 9:00 am downtown Lansing 5K/W Chrysovalantou Giatis chrysovalantou.giatis@ gmail.xom playmakers.com

Icecube Half Marathon Mt. Pleasant 10:00 am 2316 S. Mission 13.1MR, 10KR. 5KR Ryan Hackett (989) 289-2361 shepherdboy818@ yahoo.com michiganhalfseries.com

Michigan Indoor Track Series Allendale 10:30 am Grand Valley State University hs track & field Mike Jurasek

mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

Michigan Indoor Track Series

Saginaw time tbd Saginaw Valley State Univ. hs track & field Mike Jurasek 616-895-3042 mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

NCAA Central Region Championships Nordic Skiing Houghton Michigan Tech Nordic Training Center www.ncaa.com/sports/ 2/18/11 - 2/19/11

Friday, February 25 Junior Birkie

Cable, WI 9:00 am Telemark Resort xc ski sprints (715) 634-5025 birkie@birkie.com www.birkie.com

Mid American Conference Indoor Championships - Track & Field Bowling Green, OH Bowling Green University track & field meet mac-sports.com 2/25/10 - 2/26/11

Spirit of Winter 5K Run/Walk

Sat., February 26

Winter Blast 5K

Big Ten Indoor Championships - Men

Bay City 10:00 am Bay County Community Center 5KR/W (989) 832.2267 jmetevia@yahoo.com barc-mi.com

Grandville 10:00 am Calvin Christian High School 5KR/W Laurens TenKate (616) 293-1862 tenkategrmi@sbcglobal.net xrl.us.wblast5k goracego.com

Sun., February 20 Frosty 5K Acme

9:00 am Grand Traverse Resort & Spa 5KR Cherry Capital Winter Wowfest info@winterwowfest.com winterwowfest.com

Hanson Hills Classic

Grayling 10:00 am Hanson Hills Recreation Area 12K, 6K XC Ski (989) 348-9266 hansonhills@hotmail.com hansonhills.org

Thurs., February 24 Birkie Elite Sprints

Hayward, WI 2:30 pm Main Street xc ski sprints (715) 634-5025 birkie@birkie.com www.birkie.com

American Birkebeiner

Hayward, WI 8:20 am Cable to Hayward 57K, 23 K XC Ski, 8K XC Ski Tour (715) 634-5025 birkie@birkie.com www.birkie.com

Champaign, IL University of Illinois track & field meet bigten.cstv.com 2/26/11 - 2/27/11

Big Ten Indoor Championships Women West Lafayette, IN Purdue University track & field meet bigten.cstv.com 2/26/11 - 2/27/11

Disney’s Royal Family 5K

Lake Buena Vista, FL 7:00 am Walt Disney World Epcot® Center; kids at Wide World of Sports 10 am 5KR, kids runs rundisney.com

Disney’s Princes Half Marathon Weekend: February 25-27, 2011

Michigan Indoor Track Series - State Championship Ypsilanti tba Eastern Michigan Univ. hs track & field Mike Jurasek

mjurasek@albion.k12.mi.us mitstrack.org/Schedule.asp

USA Indoor Track & Field Championships Albuquerque, NM track & field meet usatf.org/calendars/ 2/26/11 - 2/27/11

Sun., February 27

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon

Lake Buena Vista, FL 6:00 am Walt Disney World Epcot® Center 13.1MR, 5KR, kids runs rundisney.com

Disney’s Princes Half Marathon Weekend: February 25-27, 2011 Junior Muffin Race Skiathlon Classic / Freestyle

Higgins Lake 11:00 am XC Ski Headquarters 8K xc ski, classic & freestyle, kids 6-12 races nordicskiracer.com

Sun., February 27 Last Chance for Boston Marathon Dublin, OH 8:00 am Wyndam Hote 26.2MR, 13.1MR, 10KR, 5KR, relay (614) 431-9134 info@premierraces.com

March Saturday, March 5 Boyne Highlands 15K Freestyle

Harbor Springs time tbd Boyne Highlands 15K/5K freestyle XC ski Nick Baic (231) 526-3029 nordicskiracer.com

Hospice Holiday

5KRun/Walk & Kids Sprint Brooklyn 10:00 am 8500 Jefferson Rd. 5KR/W, kids run Annette Padley (517) 592-3030 krisbeyer2@yahoo.com sacredtouchbrooklyn.com

Reese Winter Road Race Series Reese 10:00 am Reese High School 10KR, 5KR/W Rick Houghtaling (989) 529-7904 admin@barc-mi.com www.barc-mi.com

Tog e’ Go Bogt e’ 5K

Ovid Noon Leonard Elementary School 5KR/W Nick Ekel Eleln@Michigan.gov playmakers.com

Wabos Wilderness Loppet

Goulais River, ON Stokely Creek Lodge 26K XC ski (866) 786-5359 info@stokelycreek.com www.stokelycreek.com

Sunday, March 6 Arnold 5K Pump and Run

Columbus, OH 9:30 am Greater Columbus Convention Center 5KR, Weight Lifting Matt McGowan (740) 587-0376 runohio@ee.net arnoldsportsfestival.com

Fight for Air Climb Detroit

Detroit 10:00 am Renaissance Center 70 or 40 floors, kids race Jessica Jimenez (248) 784-2023 jjimenez@midlandlung.org lungusa.org/donate/events/ fight-for-air-climb/

Tortoise and Hare Marathon Training Run

Ann Arbor 9:00 am Tortoise and Hare, Plymouth Road 11 mile loop repeats for 22 mile run (734) 623-9640 events@tortoiseandhare.com tortoiseandhare.com

Thurs., March 10 Gazoom 5K Training Program Holland 6:30 pm Gazelle Sports 10KR, 5KR (616) 391-2282 kklooster@ gazellesports.com gazellesports.com

Friday, March 11 Junior Bear Chase

Houghton 5:00 pm Swedetown Trails 2.1K, 1K, 1/2K XC ski kids - classic & freestyle (906) 482-1308 www.bearchase.org

NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships College Station, TX Texas A & M track and field (800) 982-4647 ncaasports.com/track-andfield/schedules 3/11/11 - 3/12/11

Saturday, March 12 Black River Public School Rat Race 5K Run/Walk

Holland 10:00 am Black River Public Schools, 491 Columbia Ave. 5KR/W, kids race John K. Donnelly (616) 928-7666 donnellyj@brpsk12.org blackriverpublicschool.org snapregistration.com

Great Bear Chase

Calumet 9:00 am EDT Swedetown Ski Trails 50K freestyle, 26K freestyle/ classic XC Ski (906) 337-4520 info@bearchase.org www.bearchase.org

Run for the Gold

Pinckney 10:00 am 5KR/W, kids run (248) 627 5108 goracego.com

Saturday, March 12 Mud-Dogs Half Marathon / 10K

Mt. Pleasant 10:00 am 2316 S. Mission 13.1MR, 10KR Ryan Hackett (989) 289-2361 shepherdboy818@ michiganhalfseries.com

Shillelagh Four Mile Flushing

Noon Early Childhood Center, 409 Chamberlain St. 4 MR/W, kids run Riverbend Striders

(810) 487-0954 JohnCGault2@aol.com riverbendstriders.com

Sunday, March 13

St. Patrick’s Parade Corktown Race

Detroit 12:00 pm 5KR/W Doug Kurtis (248) 354-1177 dkurtis@earthlink.net corktownrace.com

Shamrocks and Shenanigans

Ann Arbor 10:45 am Conor O’Neill’s, downtown Ann Arbor 5KR/W, kids’ run Running Fit Events (734) 969-9027 events@runningfit.com runshamrocks.com

Thurs., March 17 St. Patty’s Pacer 5K Holland 5:00 pm Centennial Park 5KR/W Vicki Kavanaugh (616) 392-2282 vkavanaugh@ gazellesports.com gazellesports.com

St. Patrick’s Day Pot O’ Gold Shuffle Flint 5:30 pm Kearsley St., Downtown Flint 4 MR/W, kids run Curtis Thompson (810) 233-8851 raceservices.com thecompleterunner. com

Saturday, March 19 Boyne Highlands Krazy Daze Harbor Springs 10:00 am Boyne Highlands xc, downhill ski races (800) GO-BOYNE boynehighlands.com

No Frills, All Thrills, Trail Run Brighton

10:00 am

Huron Meadows Metro Park 5 MR Don Rose (989) 634-5976 info@nofrillsallthrillsrace.com nofrillsallthrillsrace.com

St. Patrick’s Day Races Fitness Expo

Bay City 9am - 4pm Bay County Community Center Ann Gasta (989) 415-5593 stpatsinfo@gmail.com

St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Races

Bay City 2:00 pm Bay County Community Center kids runs Ann Gasta (989) 415-5593 stpatsinfo@gmail.com barc-mi.com active.com The Shamrock

Kalamazoo 9:00 am Hackett Catholic Central HS 5KR/W Brian Molony (269) 381-4600 brian@runtheshamrock.com www.runtheshamrock.com

Shamrock 5K Run, Walk, and Roll

East Lansing 11:00 am MSU Campus, Conrad Hall 5KR/W Alex Tallman (810) 569-3126 alextallman@hotmail.com runningfoundation.com/ Shamrock_5k.html

Spectrum Health Irish Jig 5k

East Grand Rapids 9 am East Grand Rapids High School 5KR Spectrum Health (616) 391-1514 leslie.speyers@spectrumhealth.org classicrace.com

St. Patrick’s Day Charity Run

Clare 9:00 am Doherty Hotel 10KR, 5KR, 1/4 M kids run

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Tom Kunse (989) 205-4133 northern@ glccomputers.com irish.claremichigan.com

Sunday, March 20 Ambulance Chase 5K Run/Walk East Lansing 1:00 pm MSU College of Law 5KR/W mcdon320@@msu.edu runningfoundation.com/ MSU_Law_5k.html

Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk Grosse Ile 7:30 am Grosse Ile HS 13.1MR, 5KR/W Emily Schaller (734) 341-5867 emily@letsrockcf.org outruncf.com/

St. Patrick’s Day Races

Bay City 12:00 pm Downtown Bay City 8KR, 5KR/W Ann Gasta (989) 415-5593 stpatsinfo@gmail.com barc-mi.com active.com

Saturday, March 26 Flushing Township 1/2 Marathon & 5k Run/Walk

Flushing 9:30 am Flushing HIgh School 13.1 MR, 5KR/W (810) 487-0954 GRaceMgt@aol.com gaultracemanagement.com

Kal-Haven Trail Run

Kalamazoo 9:00 am 10th Street, Kal-Haven Trailhead 33.6 MR , 2 or 6 person relay teams Terry Hutchins (269) 375-5316 KalHavenRun@gmail.com kalamazooarearunners.com

Kent City Ridge Run

Kent City 9:30 am Kent City High School, 351 N. Main St. 15KR, 5KR/W Jill Evers (616) 678-4210, ext. 1501 eversj@kent-city.k12.mi.us runnersedgeracetiming.com

Walker Pump & Run

Walker 9:00 am Walker Ice and Fitness Center Weight lifting / 5KR Megan Bozek (616) 735-6286 mbozek@ walkericeandfitness.com walkericeandfitness.com

Sunday, March 27 Around the Bay 30K

Hamilton, ON 9:30 am Hamilton, Ontario 30KR, 5K, 2 & 3 person relays (905) 574-8982 info@bayrace.com aroundthebayroadrace.com

Mountain Man Trail Run and Hike Lake Orion 10:00 am Bald Mountain Recreation Area 5.6MR, 2.1MW Karl Lopata (248) 320-9102 karl.stayintheshade@ gmail.com stayintheshade.org

April Saturday, April 2 Harry’s Spring Run Off

Toronto, ON 10:00 am High Park 8KR, 5KR Canada Running Series (416) 944-2765 run@canadarunningseries.com canadarunningseries.com

Martian Invasion of Races

Dearborn 7:30 am Ford Field 26.2MR, 13.1MR, 10KR, 5KR, kids run Running Fit Events (734) 929-9027 events@runningfit.com martianmarathon .com Ringing in Spring

Valparaiso, IN 9 am CDT YMCA, 55 Chicago St. 5KR/W, Kids Run Valparaiso Family YMCA, 1201 Cumbefrland Crossing (219) 462-4189 michel.jones16@comcast.net ringinginspring.com

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Run for Reading

Lansing 9:00 am Delta Township District Library, 4538 Elizabeth Road 5KR/W, kids run Cherry Hamrick (517) 490-2578 delta5k@dtldl.org www.dtdl.orgt

Trailbreaker Marathon

Waukesha, WI 8:00 am Schuetze Recreation Center, 1120 Baxter St. 26.2MR, 13.1MR, 5KR Pat Grulke (262) 524-3716 pgrulke@ci.waukesha.wi.us runthetrailbreaker.com

Sunday, April 3

Ohio River Road Runners Club Marathon and Half Marathon

Dayton, OH 8:30 am Xenia YMCA 26.2 MR,13.1 MR, relay Ohio River Road Runner Club (937) 269-1992 marathon@orrrc.org www.orrrc.org

“Run Like Mike” Rutka 5K Ann Arbor 9:00 am Gallup Park 5KR, 2MW, kids’ dash Kathleen Gina (734) 369-2492 thebigdog@ twodogsrunning.com runlikemike.org

Tortoise and Hare Marathon Training Run

Ann Arbor 9:00 am Tortoise and Hare, Plymouth Road 10-11 mile loop repeats for 20-22 mile run (734) 623-9640 events@tortoiseandhare.com tortoiseandhare.com

Sunday, April 10

Dooby Du Bikesport Duathlon

Toledo/ Berkey, OH 8:30 am Secor Metropark 2MR/ 6.5MB/ 2MR/ 6.5MB/ 2MR Jim / Joyce Donaldson (419) 829-2398

jdjp@sev.org eliteendeavors.com

MSUFCU Race for the Place 5K

East Lansing 1:00 pm Jenison Fieldhouse, MSU Campus 5KR/W April Clobes (517) 333-2254 aclobes@msufcu.org msufcu.org/p_safeplace.htm l?mnuccid=65&rd=1

Saturday, April 16 Bangor Schools Race

Bay City 9:00 am Bay County Community Center 5KR/W Tina Rogers (989) 684-8121, ext. 209 rogers@bangorschools.org barc-mi.com

Clarkston Riverdawgs Spring Training 5K Clarkston 10:00 am Clintonwood Park 5KR/W Laura Kuczmanski (248) 625-2258 lKuz22@comcast.net www.RiverdawgRun.org

Race for a Reason (R4R)

Mt. Pleasant 9:00 am Central Michigan Indoor Athletic Complex 15KR/ 20MB/ 1MR/W, 5KR (989) 775-7101, ext. 111 webmaster@ thenewgrace.org lovemp.org

Road Ends 5 Mile

Pinckney 9:00 am Silver Lake, Pinckney Recreation Area 5 MR Running Fit (734) 929-9027 events@runningfit.com trailmarathon.com Tax Trot

Flushing 10:00 am Flushing High School 15KR, 10KR, 5KR/W (810) 659-6493 johncgault2@aol.com riverbendstriders.com active.com

TGIS Spring 5K Run Gaylord 11:00 am Downtown Gaylord, Pavillion 5KR Jeff Kalember

(989) 370-0934 kalemberj@ gaylord.k12.mi.us gaylordxc.blogspot.com/

Sunday, April 17 Gazelle Sports Indoor Triathlon

Kalamazoo 7:30 am Greater Kalamazoo Family YMCA 20minS/ 20minB/ 20minR Alycia Vince (269) 352-5996 avince@gazellesports.com www.gazellesports.com

Glass City Marathon & Team Relay

Toledo, OH 8:00 am Park Inn 26.2 MR, 13.1 MR, 5 person relay, 5KR Edward O’Reilly (419) 360-3709 registration@ glasscitymarathon.org glasscitymarathon.org

Go the Extra Mile for Covenant Kids Saginaw 10:00 am 2316 S. Mission 13.1MR, 10KR. 5KR Ryan Hackett (989) 289-2361 michiganhalfseries@ yahoo.com michiganhalfseries.com

Mid-Michigan Race for the Cure®

Lansing 1:00 p.m. Lansing State Capitol 5KR/W (517) 886-4901 info@ KomenGreaterLansing.org komengreaterlansing.org

Running Fit Trail Marathon and Half Marathon

Pinckney 7:30 am Silver Lake, Pinckney Recreation Area 26.2 MR, 13.1 MR (734) 929-9027 events@runningfit.com trailmarathon.com Running the Race

Albion 1:00 pm Victory Park 5KR, 1MW Charlie Spencer cas15@albion.edu campus.albion.edu/ athletesinaction/

Scotiabank Montreal 21K & 5K

Montreal, QC 8:30 am Parc Jean-Drapeau 21KR, 5KR Canada Running Series (416) 944-2765 run@canadarunningseries.com

canadarunningseries.com

Yellow Jacket Challenge 5K

Greenville 2:00 pm Greenville HS, 111 North Hillcrest 5KR, 1MR/W, kids runs Caroline L. Cook (616) 754-3686 carcook@charter.net yellowjacketchallenge.com

Monday, April 18 B.A.A. Boston Marathon Boston, MA 26.2 MR B.A.A (508) 435-6905 www.baa.org

Wed., April 20

Run Fit 5K

Novi 6:30 pm Novi Town Center 5KR, 1MR, kids run (734) 929-9027 events@runningfit.com runfit5K.com

Sunday, April 24 Steelcase Grand Duathlon

Kentwood 10:00 am Steelcase Kentwood 5KR/ 30 KB/ 5KR Kenny Krell (231) 546-2229 info@3disciplines.com 3disciplines.com

Thursday, April 28

Hillsdale “Gina” Relays Hillsdale 3:00 pm Hillsdale College track track and field meet Bill Lundberg (517) 607-3134 bill.lundberg@ hillsdale.edu hillsdale.edu/ athletics/mens_track/ ginarelays.asp

4/28/11 - 4/30/11

Friday, April 29

Hillsdale “Gina” Relays Hillsdale 10:00 am Hillsdale College track track meet Bill Lundberg (517) 607-3171 bill.lundberg@ hillsdale.edu hillsdale.edu/ athletics/mens_track/ ginarelays.asp

4/28/11 - 4/30/11

Saturday, April 30 Calvin Spring Classic

Grand Rapids 8:30 am Calvin College Field House 5KR/W, 1KFR (616) 526-6142 5K@calvin.edu www.calvin.edu/classic/

Carrollton Lions Club Walk/Run for the Blind 5K Carrollton 8:15 am Carrolton High School, 1235 Mapleridge Road 5KR/W

Craig Douglas (989) 399-8860 cdouglas@ carrollton.k12.mi.us leaderdog.org

Hillsdale “Gina” Relays Hillsdale 10:00 am Hillsdale College track track meet Bill Lundberg (517) 607-3171 bill.lundberg@ hillsdale.edu hilldale.edu/athletics/ mens_track/ ginarelays.asp

4/28/11 - 4/30/11

Interact 5K Run/Walk

Howell 9:00 am Howell HS 5K R/W Peter Bowen (517) 230-3172 bowen.swann@sbcglobal.net www.howellrotary.org active.com

Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, MiniMarathon and Relays

Louisville, KY 7:30 am 26.2MR, 13.1MR, relays (502) 584-6383 minimarathon@kdf.org derbyfestivalmarathon.com

Let’s Move Festival of Races

Mount Clemens 9:00 am 13.1MR/ Relay, 5KR/W, 1MR/W Thomas Gray (586) 295-1532 letsmoveracedirec tor@gmail.com letsmovefestival.com

WYLD Bill 5K

Hillsdale 10:00 am Hillsdale College track 5KR/W Bill Lundberg (517) 607-3134 bill.lundberg@ hillsdale.edu hillsdale.edu/ chargers/mens/track - MR -

Saturday, April 23 Eagle by the Bay 5K Run & Walk

Essexville 9:00 am Finn Road Park 5KR/W Rich VanTol (989) 233-8729 vantoir@sisd.cc baycitykiwanis.wordpress. com

Run With The Cops Not from Them Detroit 10:00 am Belle Isle 5KR/W, 1MR/W Carol Almeranti (313) 719-6743 almerantico21@ detroitmi.gov

Striders Saturday Classic

Grandville 8:00 am Covenant Christian High School 10 MR Steve Webster (616) 261-9706 s.webster@stridersrun.com www.stridersrun.com

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Notes on the Run: Dogs

Running with Tom Henderson First of all, I don’t know why anyone would ever ride a bike on Lake Shore. Sure, the view of the lake is nice, but the traffic is heavy, the car lanes are narrow and there’s no bike lane. And there are other roads a block or two inland that will get you where you want to go without any danger of being hit.

Has any sport ever had better ambassadors than those two? For years, they’ve showed up at races around the state, Harrison setting out race flyers for dozens of upcoming races, then running the race. Dolores, not a runner herself, but a hugger and greeter of all her friends, has been an eager volunteer to do whatever needs to be done from two hours before an event to two hours after.

Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

reat news, all the people who showed up and all the money raised for Dolores and Harrison Hensley during the Run Thru Hell 5K on Halloween. More than 3,400 came out for one of the best causes the running community will ever have -raising money for a wheelchair-accessible van for the Hensleys.

Tom Henderson

The setting for this race was perfect of course, the Hensleys having put on the Run Thru Hell near Pinckney each August for years until Dolores suffered a stroke in 2008. Which reminds me: Back when I was grumpier in my Michigan Runner column than I’ve gotten in my mellow old age, Harrison -- a bit of a grump master himself --

But if I was going to ride a bike on Lake Shore, I’d be hugging the curb, praying I didn’t get clipped by some rear-view mirror or swerved into by some dork on a cell phone. I wouldn’t be riding in the middle of the lane, my brightly-colored bike jersey serving as a red cape to a bull-headed driver getting madder and madder about my putzing along at 15 mph after a long day at work.

would congratulate me on stirring stuff up and ticking people off. He loved that stuff. I remember one hot summer night after the Zanglin 8K in Trenton, Harrison bitching me out for not having written any angry columns, or angry parts of columns, for months. I was going soft, he said. Turning into a wimp. What was I? A scaredy-cat? So, in honor of you, Harrison, on a gray, rainy, depressing day, a grumpy day, indeed, this is for you: Why are so many road bikers such arses? I’ve been riding road and mountain bikes for years. Back in the 1970s, before long bike rides to work were popular, I rode my relic of a Schwinn 10-speed from my house in St. Clair Shores to the Free Press building in downtown Detroit. I’ve got more gears on my road bike now, and I’ve worn out a couple mountain bikes on the trails around my cabin up north and in the Sand Lakes Quiet Area. So this isn’t coming from a non-biker. I can’t figure out why when road bikers get together, they insist on taking up entire lanes of traffic on busy roads. Yes, I know there’s a right to be in the road. But exercising a right doesn’t make it right. I’ll be running on the grass along Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe and here come 24 to 30 bikers, riding two abreast, going 15 mph at 6 p.m., basically rush hour for eastsiders driving home from downtown, and the bikers are ambling along, a long procession of angry drivers behind them, looking for a chance to pass.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2011

Or you see a phalanx of riders flying through stop signs and even red lights. The philosophy seems to be that if the lead rider makes it through on a green or yellow, all riders in the peloton are entitled to keep going through the red. I spend a lot of time up north, and there are various long-distance bike tours all summer long that attract hundreds of bikers, of all capabilities, on all sorts of bikes, from sleek and aerodynamic to clunky and rusty. They’ll be on Elk Lake or Torch Lake roads -- narrow, two-lane roads with 45-mph or 55-mph speed limits and lots of blind turns, and coming around a turn, there’s some old codger riding no-handed about 6 mph smack dab in the middle of the lane next to his buddy. And don’t get me talking about the Iceman Cometh mountain bike races. It’s a great event, the largest one-day mountain bike event in the U.S., with thousands of bikers doing the 27-mile deep-woods trek from Kalkaska to Traverse City. The course runs past my old schoolhouse in the woods, on my favorite mountain biking trail. And what a mess that trail is the day after the race, tin-foil GU packs lining every mile of the route. Race officials say they clean up the trail, but 10 months later it’s no problem filling a pouch with foil that’s still gleaming, having survived the winter, spring and summer. You go through a water stop and, sure, I understand, you toss a paper cup aside after you’ve finished drinking. You expect the volunteers at the aid station to pick them up. But GU packs along the way? You can’t find a place on your body to put them? No pockets? Nowhere on the bike to collect them? Just toss them into the woods on that beautiful 27-mile route that attracts bikers from around the country.

~~ And what’s with running courses that end up being half-mile short or way long? I don’t expect some small race put on by nonrunners trying to raise a few bucks for a favorite charity to go through the trouble of getting a course certified. But with all the GPS technology available these days, can’t you at least make an effort to get a course to within some semblance of accuracy? We -- me, my dog Maddie and wife Kathleen -- all did the Blair School Elementary run near Traverse City in May. Great trail course, with just one tiny problem. I finished in 19:30, about four minutes quicker than usual for being this old and fat. It was more than halfmile short. Or the Turkey Trot in Traverse City on Thanksgiving Day. About 1,200 entered. The Web site said the course wasn’t certified but was 5 kilometers. It had a link to a course map. When you clicked on it, you got a nice map and a distance printed on top: 3.23 miles. Which isn’t, by the way, 5K.

the woods, how about putting a volunteer at the intersection points? The Garden Club in Traverse City had a great idea this past summer: put on a 5K and 10K on the trails and roads near the old barns south of Munson Hospital. Raise some money for a good cause, treat runners to some wonderful urban running. They even set things up so you could do the 10K first, then the 5K if you were so minded. They had a short fun run, too. Trouble was, they didn’t have volunteers at key intersections in the woods. They had tiny arrows on small poles, but on the run it was hard -- nay, impossible -- to distinguish between 10K and 5K markers. They had some arrows painted on the ground too, but the 10K was two separate loops that overlapped and you couldn’t tell which arrow was for which loop. At the finish line, runners were coming in from every direction. They had run short and they’d run long. I went astray about the 5.5-

mile mark and ended up going from second to about fifth -- a nice feeling coming to the finish line and seeing the guy I’d passed with a surge at four miles drinking water. He’d flipped a mental coin when he got to the place where I’d flipped mine, but his coin came up heads and he ran the correct route to the finish line, while I ended up touring around meadow. Truth be told, though, the volunteers were all so nice and well-meaning, I just thanked them for putting on such a nice event and suggested that next time, at the two or three really crucial intersections, they might send out volunteers next year. Harrison, I know, it’s not really a grumpy column if I finish with the words “so nice” and “so well-meaning” and “such a nice event.” But it’s the best I can do. See you and Dolores at the races. Oh, and a belated happy birthday, Dolores. She turned the big 8-0 on Nov. 10. - MR -

A big clue that a race isn’t accurate is when the starting and finish lines are identical. What are the chances that a route just happens to be 6.2 miles or 3.1 miles, and there’s no need to position the start at least some modest distance from the finish? In the case of the Turkey Trot, which started on a bike path, all organizers had to do was move the starting line west .13 mile. No biggie, right? I did a trail run in Roscommon in 2009. A very easy trail run, just a gradual short hill or two. I figured I’d finish in about 26 minutes or so. Instead, it was about 36. The race started and finished at the same spot, adjacent to a picnic area right next to the trailhead. It was a very convenient place to start and finish. But why call it a 5K? It was every bit of four miles. ~~ While I’m grumping, if you’re going to put on a run with trails that crisscross in Michigan Runner - January / February 2011