Michigan Runner, January / February 2015 by Great Lakes Sports Publications, Inc.

Editor’s Notes

A Winter’s Tale By Scott Sullivan

was whacking my house with an ax when it struck me winter’s gone on too long. Damn ice dams. “The roof ’s still leaking,” my wife said. “You chopped through the ice and shingles.” Who needs a wife to remind me of my deficiencies? A trip to the nearest strip — i.e. road with shops on it — suffices. People hate these commercial eyesores so much we flock to them. Start with the running store. All I used to need for this sport were shoes, shorts, a shirt and willpower. Now there’s so much I lack: heart-rate monitors, GPS units … I run out of cash before I take my first step. Going farther down the strip strips me farther. Do I need new tires? A muffler? Oil change? Why not bundle them all in a whole new car? To compound these savings, I’ll open accounts at each bank and pay for them taking loans against my next paycheck from all the cash stores. Hungry? For what? Chinese? Pizza? Heavenly Ham (as opposed to deviled)? The drive-in church is a block from the liquor store. Instant gratitude, then repentance. Taxes? There’s Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty waving me into a pop-up accounting shop. So what if they charge? I can already taste my refund! How about a furnace, furniture, carpet or indoor pool to exploit my new roof ventilation system? Or whole new house? So it goes on the strip, where consuming consumes me. There’s no end. Funeral homes abound, but I can’t afford to die with the living I make. Even bankruptcy’s too expensive. When I asked for a raise, the boss said she’d lower my pay to nothing but I’m not worth it. Time for a new career. How about roofing? I showed up for my interview with the ax. “Let’s cut to the chase,” I said. “I’m experienced.” “As?” “A buyer. I know how to Photoshop. Picture roof sections and the shingle girl. Flashing? I’ll find a flasher at rock-bottom prices.” “As a buyer, you’re in the cellar.”

“Give me a blank check and I’ll go trolling further down the strip.” The first thing I sought was caulk for the holes I’d cut. “I need a seal,” I told the hardware man. “One that balances balls on its nose?” he said. “You’re no roofer.”

Publisher and Chief Executive Officer

Art McCafferty artmccaf@glsp.com Scott Sullivan scott@glsp.com Editor

Jennie McCafferty jennie@glsp.com Associate Publisher

“I need to wall off the leaks. Do you have a walrus with tusks I can tuck in the holes?” “You don’t need a strip mall. You need Marine World.” I watched seals honk horns, dolphins jump through hoops and then told the ticket taker I needed aquatic mammals for my roof holes. “You need a porpoise in life,” he said.

“A dolphin?” my wife asked. “Have you flipped?” “It’s the beast I could get for my ax.” “How will that fix the house?” “It’s Flipper! He can do anything! Help catch poachers in the game preserve. Save our son, Bud, from peril.”

“Say ‘e-e-e-e,’ Flipper.” “E-e-e-e.” “See, he talks. Next I’ll get Mr. Ed from that era when animals spoke, cars had fins and all things were possible. We didn’t let winter get us down. We took lemons and made Lemon Pledge. Turned limes into Lyme disease. Every opportunity was a challenge. Let’s transform our flooded basement into Nostalgia World!”

Rose Zylstra

Social Media Editor

Carter Sherline

Senior Photographer

Peter Draugalis Randy Miyazaki Gary Morgan Dane Robinson Greg Sadler Victah Sailer Photo / Video

Paul Aufdemberge Ian Forsyth Tom Henderson Scott Hubbard Desiree Linden Herb Lindsay Laurel Park Robin Sarris Hallop Rachael Steil Tracey Cohen Jason Elmore Heather Dyc Hanks Jeff Hollobaugh Dean Johnson Bill Kahn William Kalmar Dr. Edward H. Kozloff Doug Kurtis Grant Lofdahl Ron Marinucci Contributors

“We don’t have a son or game preserve. The ‘Flipper’ TV show was 50 years ago.”

Jamie Fallon Composer

Dave Foley Mike Duff

Editors Emeritus

Columnists

I drove home with Flipper.

Riley McLincha Charles D. McEwen Gary Morgan Jim Neff Bob Schwartz Bob Shaffer Ryan Squanda Nick Stanko Anthony Targan Kacey Tulley Cregg Weinmann Pamela Zinkosky Michael Zuidema

Cheryl Clark

Chief Financial Officer

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“Who pays?” “An army of sponsors: General Motors, Colonel Sanders, Major League Baseball and Cap’n Crunch. Kids can swim with the dolphins and meet the crew from the S.S. Guppy. We’ll have a wax museum on the roof: Lizzie Borden; her ax; the Borden’s cow, Elsie, and her husband, Elmer, from Elmer’s Glue. A plan to stick to!” “Spring,” my wife said, “can’t come too soon.” - MR -

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Michigan Runner © is published six times yearly for $17.00 per year by Great Lakes Sports Publications, Inc., 4007 Carpenter Rd., #366, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Third Class Postage paid at Dearborn, MI and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send Address changes to Michigan Runner,4007 Carpenter Rd., #366, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. All contents of this publication are copyrighted all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. All unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, and illustrations will not be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope, bearing sufficient postage; publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materials. The views and opinions of the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect endorsement and/or views of the Michigan Runner. Address all editorial correspondence, subscriptions, and race information to: Michigan Runner, 4007 Carpenter Rd., #366, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, (734) 5070241, FAX (734) 434-4765, info@glsp.com, www.glsp.com. Subscription rates: Continental U.S. $17.00 per year: Payable in U.S. funds. Single issue $3.00, back issues $5.00. Change of address: Send your magazine label and your new address to Michigan Runner, 4007 Carpenter Rd., #366, Ypsilanti, MI 48197.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Online: Photo Gallery

Inside January / February 2015 online issue:

http://issuu.com michiganrunner/docs/mr0115 Photography by Carter Sherline, Pete Draugalis, & Victah Sailer

In This Issue January / February 2015

Event Calendar 33 37

10 12 15 16

• • • • • • • •

Ann Arbor TC X-C Classic Big Bird Run EMU Fall Classic 5/3 Bank Turkey Trot Footlocker Midwest Regionals Kona Chocolate Run Kona Running Store Opening MetroHealth Grand Rapids Marathon • MHSAA LP X-C Finals • New York City Marathon • Wicked Halloween

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Editor’s Notes: A Winter’s Tale By Scott Sullivan Michigan Runner of the Year: Lisa Veneziano By Charles Douglas McEwen

Masters Runner of the Year: Hank Risley

By Charles Douglas McEwen

Contributor of the Year: Brian Diemer By S. Sullivan Open Runner of the Year: Jordan Desilets

By Charles Douglas McEwen

Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Honors Kozloff

By Tracey Cohen

Senior Runner of the Year: Jackie Blair

By Ron Marinucci

Senior Runner of the Year: Eric Stuber

By Ron Marinucci

Running Shorts with Scott Hubbard Beyond the Chip: Three in a Bed By Ian Forsyth Sherod Hardt: Always on a Mission

Blind Justice is Marathon, Iron Man

18 22

25 30 38

By Ryan Squanda By Ron Marinucci

Obsessed with Running By Dave Foley Michigan Runner Race Series 2015 Running with Tom Henderson

Weekly email newsletter To join: email jennie@glsp.com

January / February 2015 Events Featured Future Events

Features and Departments

Online: Michigan Running News

Vol. 36, No. 6

About the cover: At the Wicked Halloween Run in Plymouth, the last race in the Michigan Runner Race Series, Hank Risley and Eric Green each hoped to out score three time Michigan Runner of the Year, Lisa Veneziano. They each scored points, but Lisa scored more, to be named Michigan Runner of the Year for the fourth straight year. Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

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At the Races 11 19

20 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 31 32 32

Clarkston Back Roads Races By Tracey Cohen Four Michigan Athletes Qualify for Footlocker Cross Country Championships

Photos by Victah Sailer / photorun.net

3,800 Scare Up Excitement at Wicked Halloween

By Charles Douglas McEwen

Michigan State Women Win National Cross Country Title Photo by Randy Miyazaki Fisher King at State Prep Cross Country Meet By Scott Sullivan

Sault Ste. Marie Marathon By Kacey Tulley Fifth Third Turkey Trot By C. D. McEwen Sunshine, Hugs for 4,000-Plus at GR Marathon By Michael Zuidema

Big Bird Races By Ron Marinucci Run in Woods Sheds Light By Scott Sullivan Ann Arbor Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot By Tracey Cohen

Kona Chocolate Run By Charles Douglas McEwen Wild Life Marathon By Charles Douglas McEwen

Online: Fall and Winter Video

http://michiganrunner.tv http://youtube.com (search “glsp”) http://runningnetwork.com

• SMC, Steve's Run & Ron Gunn - a GLSP Documentary • Ann Arbor Turkey Trot • Big Bird Run • Dan Jilek Memorial 5K Run • Detroit Free Press Marathon • Helen DeVos Children’s Marathon • John Rogucki Memorial Kensington Challenge • Kona Chocolate Run ª Kona Wicked Halloween Run ª Lisa Veneziano Wins 4th MROY • Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Mighty Mac Bridge Run MHSAA LP Cross Country Finals MSU Women Win NCAA X-C NCAA DI X-C Championships New York City Marathon Playmakers Spartan Invitational Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo Sandhill Crane All Trail Half Marathon Sault International Marathon St. Mary Mercy Embrace Life 5K St. Patrick’s Parade Corktown Races The Brooksie Way Half Marathon Zero Cancer Challenge 5K

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Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Michigan Runner of the Year: Lisa Veneziano By Charles Douglas McEwen

hile some might view it as a hurdle, Lisa Veneziano treated her 50th year the way an ATV treats a puddle. She ran right

through it.

The Fenton resident, who turned 50 in September, continued to crank out wins, fast times and points in the Michigan Runner Race Series. As a result, she graces our cover as Runner of the Year for a record fourth-straight year. “I’m speechless,” said Veneziano, apprised of the honor. “I didn’t think there was any way I would do it again.” She amassed 178 points in the series, far ahead of male masters runners Hank Risley, 47 (150) and Eric Green, 46 (135). “Hank and I made a pact at Burns Park in May that one of us was going to beat Lisa’s point total this year,” Green said. “So one of us would be Runner of the Year and the other would win masters honors. “We ran nearly every race in the series trying to accumulate points,” he continued. “Of course Lisa did so too — and she won again.” “Eric and Hank are awesome,” said Veneziano, laughing to hear of the men”s secret pact. “They haven’t reached 50 yet, but we have longevity in common. They are both great runners.” Veneziano started the series well, finishing third woman overall and first master at the Corktown 5K on a frigid, blustery March morning, timing 19:33.

“I’m blessed to be still running strong,” she said.

Less than an hour after competing in the Crim 10 mile race, Lisa Veneziano (bib 59) runs the Crim 5K with her son Carter Owens (bib 15427). Two months later, at the Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K, she finished third among state masters women in 1:44:08. She went on to win masters titles in the Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon (1:25:16) and Volkslaufe 20K (1:21:28).

Veneziano also fared well in non-series races. At the Plymouth Family YMCA Run in June, she won three races in a single morning: the mile by two seconds in 5:43, the 5K by seven seconds in 19:07, and the 10K by 1:10 in 41:35.

Veneziano finished second state master at the Crim 10-miler in 1:03:20 and was thrilled with her effort. “I had just gotten back from a business trip to South Korea, Singapore and Australia,” she said, “coming in to Detroit Metro Airport at nine Friday night. The next morning I ran the race.

“It’s something different,” she said about running the triple. “It’s as much about strategy as being in shape. You can’t go all-out in the mile or 5K, because you have to save something for the 10K.”

“I slowed down the last three miles and felt each of the Bradley hills. But overall, I maintained.” Veneziano’s General Motors Team One claimed the Crim team competition over more than two dozen others. Next came Ford Team Mustang.

Hank Risley (bib 3782) and Eric Green (center) hope to score Michigan Runner of the Year points at the Wicked Halloween 10K in Plymouth. 8

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

She closed the year strong, finishing first master and second overall at the Mackinac Island 8-Mile in September (52:39) and again at the Wicked Halloween 10K in October (40:24).

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She was pleased and surprised to place 10th overall and first among women over age 43 at the Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon in 3:05:02. “I never dreamed I’d do a 3:05 based on my training,” she said. “My miles were low this year. But I did do a lot of cross training (biking, weight-lifting, etc.) and it paid off.” Veneziano often toes the starting line at races beside her husband, Jay Owens, but they rarely finish together. He often beats her in shorter races. In races over 10K she rarely lets him get by her. And in marathons, forget it! Occasionally their sons, Carter, 13, and Connor, 10, accompany them. “We’ve done 5Ks together,” said Veneziano. “Carter, who is in seventh grade, ran cross country for the first time. He ended up being the top dog on his middle school team. “They’re behind me now … but are quickly catching up.” - MR -

Masters Runner of the Year: Hank Risley By Charles Douglas McEwen

“I should have been able to hang with Eric,” he said. “But my legs were tapped out from all the marathons.”

Race after race, Hank Risley, 47, of Rockford scrounged up points in the Michigan Runner Race Series. Here, there, under the sofa — everywhere he could. Eventually they added up to a Masters Runner of the Year title.

This is Risley’s second Series masters title. He also won six years ago.

e just kept at it.

He churned up 140 points in the series, a whisper ahead of his Patient Endurance Racing teammate Eric Green, 46, of Pontiac, who tallied 135 points. “Eric and I went back and forth,” Risley said. “I beat him a couple of times. He beat me a couple.”

“It’s like the mouse that fell into the butter,” Risley said. “He kept churning and churning until it turned hard, then he climbed out.”

“I had some real ups and downs this year,” he said. “Challenging times in and outside of running. A few people brought me strength and focus when I needed it. “My beautiful wife Cathy, loving mother Suzanne and standup brother Matt were in my corner all year long. Fellow PER team members and Scot Ursum, my training partner, kept me focused on each race and picked me up when it didn’t go as planned. Kevin Deyo, a great source of wisdom and depth in the Michigan running community, provided strategy and support throughout the season, just as he had in 2008.” “Hank deserved it. He ran awesome this year,” Green said.

Hank Risley won the masters title at the MetroHealth Grand Rapids Marathon.

Race after race, the friends motivated each other. “Eric’s got speed,“ Risley said. “He runs 4:50 miles without breathing hard. I like the longer stuff.” At the Burns Park 10K in May, “Eric went out like he was shot from a canon,” said Risley. “I caught him at two miles on an inside lane. He breathed down my neck the rest of the way. He pushed me harder than I’ve been pushed in I don’t know how long. We beat on each other.” Austin Taylor, 25, won in 35:27. Next came Risley in 36:04 and Green in 36:27. Green picked series points finishing second master at the Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon (a race Risley didn’t run), then added more winning the Volkslaufe 20K masters title for the sixth-straight year in 1:14:52. Next came Risley in 1:15:35. Risley followed Volkslaufe with a masters win at the Cherry Festival 15K in Traverse City. He wasn’t thrilled with his 56:56 time, though. “I like the Cherry Festival, but I don’t do well in the heat up there,” he said. At the Mackinac Island 8-Mile, Risley finished second master in 47:46 behind his Rockford neighbor Kevin Sweeney, 41, who timed 46:40. “I thought I was the first master after passing

- MR sixth vertical template_sixth vertical 12/9/14 9:52 PM Pag

Rick Hawley,” Risley said. “I had no idea Kevin was in front of me.” Risley ran three marathons — all in the 2:48 to 2:51 range, last year. “I’m not that fast but I am consistent,” he said. In the two ROY Series races — the Sault International and Grand Rapids marathons — he beat Green. A mishap at Sault Ste. Marie turned the tide in Risley’s favor. Green and Kyle Kiel led through the first seven miles. “Then they went off course and ran an extra mile,” Risley said. “I was in fourth at that point, picked off the guy ahead of me and found myself leading at 20 miles. I put the heat on and kept it there.” Risley won won in 2:50:10. Kiel finished second in 2:56:49 and Green fourth in 3:07:10. Three weeks later, at the Grand Rapids Marathon, Risley topped Green for the masters title 2:49:31 to 2:53:55. “I was hit by a golf cart at mile 20 of that race,” recalled Risley, who finished and headed for the med tent. Going into the last Series race, the Wicked Halloween 10K, Green needed a “Hail Mary” to beat Risley for the masters title. He gave it his best shot, finishing second overall to Eric Stuber, 52, of East Lansing in 35:57. Risley came in fourth overall (third among masters), which gave him enough points to clinch the title. But still wished he had run better than 37:05.

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Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Contributor of the Year: Brian Diemer By Scott Sullivan

The Cutlerville native, who had won a state mile championship for Grand Rapids South Christian High School, then NCAA 2-mile indoor and steeplechase titles for the University of Michigan, had gone Hollywood (well, almost), running for the United States at the Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Check out the race yourself. There, in grainy 1984 color film on YouTube, stands Diemer, 22, having passed through two qualifying heats, on the far outside at the start line. He wears a mustache and looks slight, even among the steeplers. He runs near the rear in the early laps, works his way up, then drives through a thrilling finish to claim the bronze medal in 8:14.06. Joining him on the podium are Kenyan Julius Korir (8:11.80) and Joseph Mahmoud of France (8:13.31). Diemer ran in two more Olympics — 1988 in Seoul and 1992 in Barcelona, the latter as U.S. men’s track and field team captain — and competed worldwide for years. All of which led home, where he is Michigan Runner magazine’s 2014 Contributor of the Year. The family nursery? It’s still there. Today Diemer, his sister Ellen and brother Brent run Everett’s Land-

scape Management, founded by their father Everett, in Cutlerville. Brian still lives and runs, though not quite as fast now, where he grew up, on the streets and countryside he feels in his heart and bones. Diemer ran for Nike, but declined its urging to move to and train in Portland, Ore. Success gave him leverage. Today what he takes from the land and sport, he gives back.

Photo by Scott Sullivan

hirty years ago Aug. 10 Brian Diemer — who learned to steeplechase running and jumping electric fences at his family’s nursery — stood atop (well, almost atop) the world.

He has coached men’s cross country teams at nearby Calvin College to four NCAA RD Rob Hyde (l) and Brian Diemer start one of the kids’ Division III titles, all since races at the Brian Diemer Family of Races, June 14, 2014. 2000, giving credit to his assistants and former U-M coach Calvin athletes run next to him, tethered to colored Ron Warhurst for shaping his philosophy. balloons and carrying a giant donut. “Coaches need to believe in their athletes,” Diemer told peers at a 2008 Michigan Track Coaches Association seminar. “Athletes will do just about anything for you if you positively encourage them. “Step back, take a look at what you need to address with that kid, and do it with love and encouragement. Then try to give them a picture of what it could look like if they follow through on that,” he said. Diemer took the Calvin helm when he was 24, 29 years ago. The Knights last fall won their 28th straight Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship. He became Calvin’s women’s coach, too, eight years ago. The Knight women have won all eight MIAA titles since then. In 1990, Diemer, then 27, and sponsors started a 5K road race named for him. The Brian Diemer Family of Races marked its 25th anniversary June 14 with more than 1,300 finishers tackling its fast, flat course through Cutlerville.

Photo by Victah Sailer / Agence Shot

This year’s celebration included a pre-race pasta dinner, five bands on the course, Mobility 5K for handcycle and wheelchair athletes, junior jogs for boys and girls in many age groups and a mile run for more-ambitious kids. Then came the Cutlerville Days parade down the course finish area and daylong community-wide festival. There was also the tweaked-each-year stuff that is just plain goofy. Diemer celebrates Father’s Day eve by surprising his dad with a new way to start runners every year. This time Everett, as good a sport as you’ll find at age 82, rang hand bells.

Brian Diemer (bib #8) beat Mark Croughton (bib 538). 8:24.9 to 8:25.99, at the Mobile Outdoor Championhips, June 16, 1990, Norwalk, CA.

And let’s not forget the traditional Diemer donut challenge. Beat Brian — no easy feat, even though he is now 53 and has ceased training to compete — and he buys you a donut. In case you’re not sure where he is on the course, he has one of his

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

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Diemer and his wife, Kerri, have four children: Kelsey, Kaitlin, Mackenzie and Matthew. Kelsey, now married to youth pastor Joel Klingenberg, moved in September in California. Diemer was visiting them when we phoned to tell him about the Contributor of the Year award, to celebrate the birth of his first grandchild. Kaitlin, a successful South Christian and Calvin runner, is a recreation therapist at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids. “She is one of the main reasons we’ve ramped up our race’s Mobility 5K,” said Diemer. “She works with athletes like those. Kaitlin also qualified this fall for the Boston Marathon. Following Dad’s footsteps? “I never ran that far. Never wanted to!” Diemer said. McKenzie, a Calvin junior, is studying to work as a hospital child-life specialist while running steeplechase for the Knights’ track team. “She knows better than to train on electric fences,” her father said. Matt, 17, a South Christian senior, plays football. “Matt takes after his mother; he’s a sprinter,” said Diemer. “He disdains running 400 meters, much less anything longer. I’d like him to try it next spring for the track team, but we’ll see.” Diemer was pleased the 18:05 he ran at the last summer’s Diemer run held the number of donuts he had to buy under 50. “All the thoughts and ideas I had in ‘84 are still fresh in my mind,” he said. “My limbs and muscles don’t respond quite the same, but running is still a joy for me. “I love seeing other people get out and learn who they can be, too.” - MR -

Clarkston Back Roads Half Marathon and 10K

Clarkston Back Roads Races Boast New Courses By Tracey Cohen

“The mixture of dirt, asphalt, bridges and hills was incredible,” said half-marathon runner Bob Light of the new course and venue. Light also enjoyed the atmosphere, with fireplaces in the log cabin and live music. “At one point I was running alongside black, white and brown horses. It’s one of the best races around,” he said.

She and others also enjoyed the hot macaroni and cheese served by Clarkston’s Union Woodshop and cold ale per MIP Royal Oak. Race directors Deanna Hart and Megan Holt thanked Clarkston State Bank and other sponsors. “Without them, there would be no race,” Hart said. Ryan Rivamonte (1:19:51) and Abby Geurink (1:28:14) won the half marathon. Kevin Elliott (38:19) and Tammy Schloff (46:17) paced the 10K. Barry Moore (54:37) and Rayanne Torok (1:21:43) claimed the 10K walk. For complete results and information on next year’s race, visit http://clarkstonbackroadshalf.com.

“I love Michigan,” said 10K participant Kelly Glenn of Toledo, Ohio. “I liked the scenic aspect of - MR running in the park. It was nice that they had a walking division for my friends who joined me.” Ryan Rivamonte won the half half page horizontal template_half page horizontal marathon 12/9/14 9:45 Page 1 in PM 1:19:51.

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Photo by Tracey Cohen

CLARKSTON (11/9/14) — Close to 800 runners and walkers took part in the second annual Clarkston Back Roads Half Marathon and 10K at Independence Oaks County Park under mostly-cloudy skies with temperatures in the 40s.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Open Runner of the Year: Jordan Desilets By Charles Douglas McEwen

hen it comes to running, Jordan Desilets knows how to finish.

With a 1:51.89 PR at 800 meters, he has the leg speed to out-finish rivals at the end of any distance, all the way up to marathon. Desilets ran only three Michigan Runner Series races in 2014, but finished well and set PRs in all of them to claim Male Open Runner of the Year honors. He tallied 60 points to edge Zack Ripley (55) and Austin Taylor, Christo Landry and Nathan Martin (50 each). Desilets placed fourth overall and third among state runners at the Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon, timing 1:07:54. He finished second overall at the Volkslaufe 20K in 1:04:40 and ran away with the Cherry Festival 15K, winning in 48:54. Desilets battled last year’s Open Runner of the Year Clint Verran at Dexter-Ann Arbor.

Jordan Desilets is having fun during the Volkslaufe 20K.

“I snuck away from Jordan with about 5K to go,” said Verran of his fellow EMU graduate. “He looked lean and efficient.”

He has a growing family of his own. His wife, Jamie, a former gymnast, gave birth to their daughter, Piper, nine months ago. Their two-year-old son Chase is named after the steeplechase, the race in which Desilets made a name for himself.

Mike Morgan, like Verran a Hansons-Brooks Distance Project standout, topped Desilets at the Volkslaufe. “Mike went out way too hard for me,” Desilets remembered. “He was probably a minute in front of me for most of the race and the third-place guy was a minute behind. It turned into a solo effort. “If you’re in good shape and want to do a 20K PR, Volkslaufe is the course to do it at,” he continued. “The the (downhill) finish is stellar.” Desilets broke open the Cherry Festival 15K while climbing the McKinley Road hill known as “Mt. McKinley.” “It’s a long, hard climb between four and five miles,” he said. “Then comes a really steep descent which takes almost as much out of you as the climb.” What do Dexter-Ann Arbor, Volkslaufe and the Cherry Festival have in common? “They really showcase what Michigan has to offer,” Desilets said. “All of them have a fun, familyfriendly atmosphere.”

At Eastern Michigan University in 2004, Desilets, now 34, of Pinckney, finished his college career by breaking the four-minute mile (3:59.83), shattering the 14-minute barrier for 5K (13:52.71) and winning an NCAA Division 1 3000-meter steeplechase championship.

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He not only won an NCAA championship, he finished sixth in the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials steeple and eighth in 2008. (He has an 8:24.62 PR for the 3K distance.) Why the steeple? “It was the only way I could make the EMU team,” he recalled. “We only had two other guys who were doing it.” The event can involve falling down, getting spiked and/or having someone else land on top of you. “But I do like jumping over things,” said Desilets. “And I got pretty good at it.” His job working for RunSignUp allows him flexibility to train for the 2016 Olympic Trials. Due in part to a foot injury he endured in 2012, he has not run a steeplechase since 2011. “I’m going to try to get into steeplechase shape again with the trials coming up,” he said. “For now I’m just having fun.” His online weblog is entitled “Jordan Desilets: Time Waits for No One.” It doesn’t have to wait long for him. - MR -

Open Runner of the Year: Sarah Boyle By Ron Marinucci

arah Boyle is no stranger to running honors. At Michigan State University she was a twotime coach’s award winner and all-regional in cross country.

forth for a mile or so, then she pulled away around mile seven. I kept her in sight as we worked through the field and caught a few other girls. “When I finished, I was thrilled because my main goals were to run faster than I did in 2012 (58:56) and be the top Michigan female. When I crossed the line I knew I had crushed that time.

Boyle was a Big Ten championships scorer in indoor and outdoor track. She was the 2014 U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association’s coach of the year at Cleary College,

Boyle was the first woman overall at the Brian Diemer Family of Races 5K (16:33) and Crim 10mile (55:29), both key series races. She won eight of the 11 races she entered in 2014, placing second in two others. On the roads last year, she set personal bests in the 5K (15:55), 10K (35:00), 10-mile (at Crim) and half marathon (1:14:05). She also matched her best road mile (4:43). Boyle started running in seventh grade. Her high school in Wabasso, Minn., “was pretty small so I ran on the varsity,” she remembered. “I didn’t want to play fast-pitch softball in the spring. My only other option was track and field.” There were strong running genes at play. Her mother had been a track star at Wabasso, holding the school mile and 2-mile records. In seventh and eighth grades Boyle focused on the 400 meters. “I loved the 400,” she said. She asked her eighth-grade coach if she could try a mile, but only one, aiming to run faster than six minutes. “I ran 5:56,” she said. That was Boyle’s last mile until her family moved to Mankato, Minn. There she became a miler but not by choice. “I slowly learned to like this race,” she said. The turning point came in a meet where, as a freshman, she beat a state meet-qualifying senior. Two years later Boyle ran her first 2-mile in a triangular meet, boys and girls together. “I beat everyone!” she remembered. She ran in the Minnesota state meet each year at Mankato, in the mile, 2-mile and/or on a 4x800 relay team. She finished fifth twice and fourth in the mile her first three years. As a senior, she placed third in the 2-mile and helped the relay team to a third-place finish. Those efforts drew college recruiters. Boyle decided on Michigan State, where she starred on track 14

“I love the Crim course cheering from people watching the from their homes or on the course.” She singled out the start and finish, “both filled with a wave of cheering spectators.”

She also won Michigan Runner magazine’s Open Women’s Runner of the Year award. Boyle’s 80 points in the MR Race Series earned her a narrow victory over Dot McMahon, Erin Heenan, Kaylin Russeau and Betsy Frens.

Boyle has coached at Cleary for three years. “I started our cross country program in 2012 with two athletes,” she said. “This year we had seven and finished second at the USCAA cross country nationals in Syracuse.” Cleary runners claimed the top two places. “My goal as a coach is to help runners reach their potential as athletes and students,” said Boyle. “I want them to walk away from our team with valuable life lessons and skills they can take to their jobs when they graduate.”

Sarah Boyle competes in the Ann Arbor Dart for Art Mile. in the steeplechase and cross country. Graduation opened a new chapter in her running. “I kept running because I love to compete and set new PRs,” Boyle said. “I love the challenge and running fast. It allows me to clear my mind and enjoy God’s creation daily.” The last year, “my best thus far,” she said, came after giving to her first child, a son, Ayden, in December 2013. She remembered the Diemer with a chuckle. “If you beat Brian, you get a doughnut at the awards ceremony,” Boyle said. She did. “I found myself in the lead around 1½ miles,” she continued. “Someone was running next to me with balloons tied on his back. I learned he was running with the top female.” Boyle added she loved the atmosphere at the Diemer and seeing former University of Michigan runners she knew from her MSU days. “I went out faster at Crim than I’d planned,” Boyle said. “I wasn’t sure how fast I could run, so I just went with it.” Just past the Bradley Hills at five miles, “a girl caught up to me,” she went on. “We were back-and-

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

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Boyle usually trains alone, although occasionally she runs with her husband, Ian. From time to time she runs with her team, but not often. “For the most part,” she said, “I want them to run with each other, to grow and strengthen their relationships with their teammates.” Her biggest obstacle to training is managing time. “I can’t just go out the door when I want to,” Boyle said. “When it’s warmer, I can push Ayden in the stroller. Now it’s cold, I need more planning.” Workouts depend on “the type of race next on my schedule,” she continued. “I try to listen to my body to decide what type of workout is needed.” Many of her runs “are not quantified, because it allows me to run off feel rather than a need to hit a specific time.” Fifty or more miles a week is normal, with a long run of 13 or 14 miles. “I like track workouts (sometimes with Bob) but rarely do them,” Boyle admitted. She likes “ladder” workouts starting with one mile at 5K pace, followed by 1200 meters, 800 and 400, gradually hitting mile pace at the shorter distances, then working her way back up. “It’s tough but fun,” she said. “Set your goals high,” Boyle advises other runners. “You never know what you are capable of until you choose to chase your goals and dreams.” - MR -

Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Honors Kozloff By Tracey Cohen

urrounded by family, friends and colleagues, Ed Kozloff became the 28th recipient of the Alvin Foon Humanitarian Award at the 30th annual Michigan Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Oct. 28 in West Bloomfield.

“We all owe Ed a lot of gratitude for his encouragement and races in which we could compete.” “Ed is a kind, gentle soul, who has mastered a great deal in his life,” said Sigman. “He thrives on hard work, helping others and going the extra mile helping organizations everywhere. As a coach, father and friend, he inspires.

Photo courtesy of Ed Kozloff

The longtime Motor City Striders president joins Ernie Harwell, Mike Ilitch, Bo Schembechler, Sparky Anderson and Joe Dumars among those so honored.

awareness of running.

Established to honor the late Foon, a driving force behind the hall’s creation, the award is given for ”outstanding contributions to athletics and community well-being in Michigan.” It goes to a person “who exemplifies the spirit, enthusiasm and ideals” of the honor’s namesake.

“Ed will always be the one who greets those with winning spirits at the finish line,” Sigman said.

The Detroit High School Cross-Country Championship, November 2, 1960 was held at Palmer Park in Detroit. Ed Kozloff, the Cooley High School runner on the right, was one of the top finishers, winning AllCity Selection.

For more information about the hall, visit www.michiganjewishsports.org. For more on the Striders, go to www.motorcitystriders.com. - MR -

Originally nominated by longtime Striders photographer Melissa Sigman for the Hall’s Pillars of Excellence distinction, award committee members had a greater honor in mind. “The committee felt the Foon award was a more fitting honor for Ed because of its philanthropic component,” Hall community relations director Sari Cicurel said. Kozloff has directed more than 1,000 races resulting in contributions of more than $40 million benefitting charitable organizations. “What a great guy,” Cicurel said. “We’re grateful to showcase all the amazing work Ed does.” Kozloff ’s achievements are too many to list in a single article. “From my youngest years in the1950s, I always enjoyed running,” Kozloff remembered. Encouraged by a teacher to join the track team, he excelled and became his high school’s track and cross country teams captain. Kozloff became involved with the Michigan Road Runners Club, which later became the Motor City Striders, in 1963. He was named club secretary in 1972 and president three years later. Since then Kozloff has been steadfast in building and leading the organization. “Ed has done a lot for people who want to run,” said almost-30-year club member Ellen Nitz. “In addition to the donations made to charities, he has raised

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Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Senior Runner of the Year: Jackie Blair By Ron Marinucci

lthough she retired from teaching in the Detroit Public Schools last year, 2014 looked remarkably similar to 2007 for Jackie Blair.

more. I used to be less patient.” In summers, Blair heads to Kensington Metropark every other week or so to run hills. In late winter she starts on the hills again, often at Cranbook in Bloomfield Hills.

“I’m still running basically the same,” she said. “I still run with the Stone Steppers” (a running group coached by Mike Stone).

“I enjoy speed work,” Blair said. “During most of the year I do two speed sessions a week. With the team I do two 10- or 20-minute tempo runs one day and (either) 3x1.5 miles or five or six half-mile repeats on a second day.”

As in 2007, “I did not run that many races,” Blair continued. “Sometimes I still enjoy training more than racing.”

“My coach encouraged me to run certain series races,” she said. “He tracked my scores and saw I had a chance of winning.” Although Blair had not planned on running a marathon other than Detroit, she did the Grand Rapids Marathon instead. She was the first senior there (3:47:15, age-graded 3:06:15) “to sort of seal the deal.” With her time, she qualified for the 2016 Boston Marathon.

“Jackie likes to run fast,” Stone said. “She will pick things up and leave people behind without even realizing it.”

Photo courtesy of Jackie Blair

As she did seven years ago, Blair won MR’s Female Senior Runner of the Year award. She credited Stone for keeping her focused on the MR series.

“I like to hold a moderate to fast pace during most of my runs,” she said. “My teammates complain at times. The guys tease me about newcomers who have stopped coming because they couldn’t keep up.”

Jackie Blair

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“My first race was the Free Press Marathon,” she said. “It did not go well but I knew I could do better.” That she did. In last year’s MR series, Blair was the first senior at the Corktown 5K (23:20; 18:52) and Burns Park 10K (47:41; 38:44). At Burns she was also the masters runner-up. At the Michigan Senior Olympics Blair competed in four events: 800 and 1500 meters on the track and 5K and 10K on the roads. She won age-group gold medals at both track races, was the first 5K senior (23:04) and third overall in the 10K (48:56). “I do almost all of my long runs and speed work with the Stone Steppers,” she said. Occasionally she runs faster “by myself.”

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Blair, 59, didn’t run in high school or college. “I began in 1995,” she recalled. She’d been active in aerobics and a friend urged her to run three miles.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Blair enjoys the group’s social races out of town. After the Crim in Flint, “we had a big dance in the team area.” If there’s been any change in her training, “I’ve become more focused,” she said. “On bad (weather) days, I will now run indoors on a treadmill rather than skip training like I used to. “I’ve become more dedicated with my long runs,” she continued. “I used to stop more often at 15 miles, but now most long runs are 18 or

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“I feel very strong most of the year,” Blair said of Stone’s training program. “After marathons, I usually recover faster than my teammates.” She added weight training has helped too. One hurdle for her is travel. “I don’t like long drives, but I’ll go if a race is important,” she said. Although she’s traveled by car to run Boston twice, she didn’t make this year’s trip to Traverse City. “Many of my teammates ran the Cherry Festival, but they couldn’t get me to go,” she said. Blair does medium runs with the Stone Steppers during some mornings, but “now I’m retired I make arrangements with team members who have flexible schedules so I can sleep in. “Train consistently,” she advises. “I’ve learned how to train to get the results I want. Learn to get satisfaction from making a strong effort. You can’t always win, but you can feel good if you try your best. “We all benefit from running whether we win or not,” she continued. “I always congratulate others and try to build them up for the effort they make, regardless of where they place.” She is especially happy her running encourages her family to live a healthy lifestyle. “My husband Joe and son Brent have both participated in several marathon relays,” she said. “Running is a great sport that has added a lot to my life,” she added. “I have a set of friends, goals and activities I do related to it. My running team is like my second family. “As I continue to mature, it’s great to see I can still compete with younger women and some younger men. I like how it makes me look and feel.” - MR -

Senior Runner of the Year: Eric Stuber By Ron Marinucci

ichigan Runner magazine’s Senior Runner of the Year is Eric Stuber, 52. He won handily over runner-up Ruben Henderson, Jr., the 2013 winner.

At the Volkslaufe July 4 in Frankenmuth, Stuber ran 35:57 (age-graded 30:56), good for not only the first senior runner but also first master and, incidentally, 12th overall. “It started off on the cool side that morning,” he remembered, “but warmed up pretty well. I was with Scott Fiske over the last mile and a half and just did what I cold to hold on (to win).” At October’s Wicked Halloween in Plymouth Stuber ran even faster. His 35:09 age-graded to 30:15, not only winning the senior and masters crowns, but the overall championship. “I ran Wicked Halloween to sharpen up for the masters 5K cross country championships, the national 12K road race and cross country club nationals,” he recalled. “It was mostly a solo run. I took the lead around a kilometer into the race and just went for time.” Stuber ran a couple dozen races in 2014, ranging from one mile to a half marathon. Most were 5Ks “due to the fact that there are so many of them,” he said. “I’ve won the masters (titles) in all but three of my races this year.” Since turning 50, he has only been beaten as a grand master (senior) twice.

Typical running weeks have ranged between 25 and 35 miles the past few years. “But late this summer,” he said, “I decided I really wanted to get in shape for my USATF masters championship events in the fall.” He increased his weekly mileage to “an average of 44 miles.”

“It was a surprise,” said Stuber on hearing of his achievement. “I had looked at the (MR) series results in October and figured I might get six points as the senior winner in two races” (the Volkslaufe and Wicked Halloween 10Ks). He didn’t realize senior points are also tallied with open and masters ones.

I’m running. Sometimes I plan things in advance, but mostly I run how I feel that day, what I have time for and what else is going on in life.” He will do “a variety of runs from three to 13 miles,” but stays away from the track.

Stuber’s work for the Sparrow Health System helps his running schedule. “It allows me to see light year-round and run after work two days a week when the kids do daycare and after-school care.” Most of the time he runs alone, “unless you count my sons, either in the baby jogger or on the bike. “Last night I ran while my son biked,” he continued. “It was 22 degrees out and blowing snow. He had fun and enjoyed it.” Chances are Dad did too. Stuber has competed for the Playmakers/New Balance racing team for two years, helping it win a national team championship and grabbing individual age-group titles.

Eric Stuber won the masters title at the Capital City River Run Half Marathon. Over the past 14 years Stuber has won the Lansing-area Playmakers Running Series five times and been second the other nine times.” That includes the 2014 overall championship. “I’m competitive,” he said, “and need an outlet. I run to race.” He also cited his sons, ages two and six. “I want to be able to keep up with them,” he laughed. “My wife Brooke and I want to set a good example for them to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Although 2014 was productive, Stuber wants to run faster next year. He plans to continue to run the Playmakers series and compete in the USATF nationals when he can. “I will look more at the Michigan Runner Race Series,” he added. “It seems to be a diverse set of races, which might be good for me to see other locations.” He encourages other runners “to get out there and run how you feel. Enjoy yourself enough to keep at it, but make it hurt occasionally. Some people can run alone like I do and others need a support group to help get them out there. Do what it takes,” he said.

Stuber started running in 1975 when friends talked him into entering a junior high race sponStuber follows no specific training plan. “I just sored by the Williamston High School. He was rerun varied stuff on the roads,” he said. “Most of the luctant. “I didn’t want to run in the footsteps of my I don’t template_sixth even know what I’m going to do until 10:52 PM Page 1 sixth time horizontal horizontal 12/9/14 older brother, a star on the team, or my oldest brother, who was a leader on the team years earlier,” he remembered.

- MR -

He has not run in many people’s footsteps since then. At Lansing Community College, Stuber won the National Junior College Marathon in 1984. Although the distance is no longer run, his record was never broken in 20 years. The next year he won the NJCAA indoor championship at three miles. Since then, Stuber has established himself as top-flight road racer with personal bests of 14:21 in the 5K, 29:52 at 10K, 49:49 at 10 miles, 1:05:26 in the half marathon and 2:22:12 in the marathon. Since turning 50 his bests are 16:25 for 5K, 34:15 for 10K, 57:45 for 10 miles and 1:15:11 for the half marathon.

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Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Running Shorts with Scott Hubbard book, “Jogging,” with Dr. W.E. Harris in 1967 that laid out principles of his simple-yet-novel plan.

Photo courtesy of Scott Hubbard

A year later, Dr. Ken Cooper published the landmark book “Aerobics” that assigned points to various workouts and explained how to measure the benefits. It was a blueprint to fitness and running was one of the exercises. Two more booklets proved influential: Tom Osler’s “Conditiong of Distance Runners” in 1967 and Joe Henderson’s “Long Slow Distance, The Humane Way to Train” in 1969.

Scott Hubbard circa 1974

Trivia: What are the three oldest marathons in the United States?

Miles & Miles of Miles. Runners who have seen the movie “Forrest Gump” will recall scenes of him running on football fields, away from pursuers or across America. One day, for no particular reason, he decides to run across Greenbow County, Ala. One destination leads to another. Gump is shown at different points of his two-year journey criss-crossing the U.S. and is joined by a growing number of runners. Disciples? At any rate, his movie journey coincides with the beginning of the Running Boom in the 1970s. Movie reporter Charles Cooper asks him, “Why are you running? For world peace? The homeless? Women’s rights? The environment?” After a pause, Gump declares, “I just felt like running.” That’s how I’d sum up the 1,000 miles I ran in seven weeks during my senior year at Eastern Michigan University. It’s coincidental the timing of my effort corresponded with Forrest’s epic trip and start of the Running Boom. I didn’t see all my miles coming or a Boom on the way either — each occuring after events preceding them lined up perfectly. For good reason, many point to Frank Shorter’s win in the 1972 Munich Olympic marathon as the main catalyst to the Boom. That may have been the tipping point, but developments leading to Munich were just as important. Training theory was changing from low-mileage with repetitions (intervals) to Arthur Lydiard-guided longer runs as a build-up, followed by hills and faster reps. University of Oregon coach Bill Bowerman visited Lydiard in New Zealand. Struck by the number of people running, Bowerman returned with plans to share what he saw with folks in Eugene, Ore. He wrote a

Although road racing was big in New England before the Boom, races were few and far between in the rest of the U.S. The Road Runners Clubs of America, born in 1959, had had modest impact nationally in developing the sport, while the Long Distance Log newsletter did a fine job collecting and spreading the word. Distance Running News, founded in 1966, complemented Track & Field News as a well-rounded niche publication and changed its name to Runner’s World in 1970. With all this going on, opportunities for women were minimal and none. This changed quickly, thank goodness, with passage of Title IX of the Education Amendments in 1972 mandating all programs receiving federal dollars had to provide the same opportunities for women as they did men. This was the best thing to ever happen in sports! By the early ‘70s, the quality of running shoes was improving. Their availability typically involved road trips or mail order. Nylon was coming onto the scene in shoes and apparel, but cotton was still king. Affordable digital watches were still five years away. Settling into my sophomore year at EMU, I ran my first 100-mile week during cross country at age 18. The total was an outlier that year, but the habits it took to record those miles and confidence gained spilled over into my junior and senior seasons. I averaged about 100 miles a week from midsummer 1972 to mid-summer ‘73, with gentle hikes of five miles per week over the same period the next year. It came to an average of 14 to 15 miles a day, with some days a little less and many much more. This was all done on two workouts per day. I perfected the 2- to 3-minute shower after runs. During summer ‘73 I ran a couple times a week with my EMU teammate and cross country co-captain Gordon Minty. He was ramping up his miles preparing to represent Wales in the 1974 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand. Heading into the season my hopes were high, but as it unspooled one decent race was followed by a so-so or disappointing effort. The Hurons did win our school’s first-ever Mid-American Conference title in November, then our regional to qualify for the Division 1 NCAA Cross Country Champs in Spokane, Wash.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

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Wanting to close out my college career on a high note, I’d cleared my mind of negative thoughts by the start gun. In five seconds, thinking went haywire as I was forced to jump Gordon, who’d fallen at the start. By the time we got going, we were 40 yards behind the last runner. Gordon then flat-out hauled butt and, full of adrenaline, I followed by a yard or five. If I’d had a race plan, it was no more. I stayed with Gordon for a mile before his pace put me in oxygen debt. I backed off but kept up a good pace, passing runners until about four miles into the 6mile race. Then, basically, I ran out of gas. I held on for the next 10 minutes, frustrated, and finished 89th, third man on the team. Although unhappy I’d “hit the wall,” I was pretty happy overall considering events at the start and how the faster-than-usual pace paid off. With this finishing “high” and with thousands of miles in the bank, I looked forward to track. After the Thanksgiving break, I settled into a routine of 10 miles in the morning and 10 total in the evening. The miles weren’t by coaching edict; they were my idea. My thinking was if some was good, a little more would be better if it didn’t set me back. A couple weeks went this way before we hit final exams time and the inter-squad meet. I backed off the miles to 17 a day, retained the 10 in the mornings and recorded a 4:19 mile for the seniors in training shoes in that meet. I could feel all the miles in my legs during the race. After finals week, it was on to Christmas break, or at least a break from school. With plenty of free time, I ran a dozen miles each morning and 10 each evening. I was closely monitoring how I was holding up under the daily grind. When I headed out for one evening run and “saw” myself finishing my morning run in what felt like an out-of-body experience, I knew I’d reached a mental plateau. But I kept up the big miles. Over Christmas break, I ran 155 the first week and 156 the second, including 22 on Christmas Day. The December total was 600-plus miles. As I reached the end of December with my streak of at least 10 miles every morning intact, I gave thought to teammate Tom Hollander’s streak of 50 10-mile mornings in a row. My total of 38 straight was imperiled by track workouts and upcoming races in January. The first track session was unsurprisingly auspicious given my fitness level. This was followed by a 2mile race that seemed to come easily, although a lack of speed work was evident. I was strong, yes; fast, no. I couldn’t complain about a big 8:56 PR though! I’d reached 50 morns in a row of 10-mile runs. The next Tuesday I posted another very fast (for me) track workout and looked forward to anchoring our distance medley relay’s 1-mile leg on Friday. Gordon would have normally handled the anchor, but he was in New Zealand.

The meet was between us and the University of Michigan. I got the baton about five yards in first, then remember little except I ran a red line, near as fast as I could go but in control. I didn’t hear any splits, but from the cheering of my teammates and coaches I could tell the pace was hot.

Footlocker Midwest Regionals, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Four Michigan Athletes Qualify for Footlocker Cross Country Championships Photos by Victah Sailer / photorun.net

I figured if a skinny walk-on (non-scholarship) runner like me could forge such numbers, push the envelope that much, what more could I do? What could others take from my example? P.S. Think my total of 1,000 miles in seven weeks is a lot? You’re right — and wrong. Two days after sending in my column, Gary Corbitt told me his father Ted, at age 5, ran 1,002 miles in July 1969 and 993 miles the next month. His total makes mine appear feeble by comparison. Ted, a 1952 U.S. Olympian in the marathon, helped found the RRCA and developed the course certification program in the U.S. He was a physical therapist by trade in New York City, an accomplished ultramarathoner, gentleman and gentle soul. John Chodes wrote a book about Ted titled “Corbitt” in 1974. I still treasure my first correspondence with Ted in 1981 as a course measurer when he remarked about Ann Arbor (where I lived), “That’s where Jesse Owens set four world records.” Answer: Boston at 117 years, Yonkers (N.Y.) at 89 and Pikes Peak at 59. - MR -

Sarah Kettel of Brighton (bib 273) and the Capital Homeschool team was 9th in 17:49.

Audrey Belf of Bloomfield Hills was 4th with a time of 17:31.

I didn’t feel sad, since the goal of all those miles was a basic one: prepare me to run faster. I didn’t set out to run 10 miles on 57 morns in a row or to pile up 1,000 miles in seven weeks. It was all part of the “process,” although, admittedly, borderline extreme. That’s what makes it so much fun to think back on.

The next morning my head was stuffy and heavy, plus I was sneezing. I forced a 10-mile run, bringing my streak to 57, but knew before it was done that the streak was over.

Michigan’s anchor was Bill Bolster, reason enough for me to run for all I was worth. Gritting my teeth for the final 440 yards, I hit the tape first before getting wrapped up in the arms of our athletic trainer. I felt 18 different shades of happy and blessed relief. I’d run a 4:09 anchor, a PR by several seconds!

Jesse Hersha of Concord (bib 116) finished as runner-up in 15:09.

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Defending Footlocker Champion, Grant Fisher of Grand Blanc (bib 1), won in 15:00.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Wicked Halloween Runs, Plymouth

3,800 Scare Up Excitement at Wicked Halloween By Charles Douglas McEwen PLYMOUTH (10/26/14) — Supermen, Batmen, Ironmen and other superheroes flexed their muscles, but Eric Stuber ruled the roads at the Wicked Halloween 10K Run, presented St. Mary Mercy Livonia Hospital. Stuber, 51, of Lansing ran frighteningly fast, finishing 48 seconds ahead of another Eric who’s a masters runner. Stuber finished in 35:09; Eric Green, 46, of Pontiac was second in 35:57.

Stuber, who ran for Michigan State University during the early 1980s, has a 29:56 PR, but his effort this day was one of his fastest lately. Stephane Denoual, 36, of Ann Arbor finished third in 36:06.

Close to 3,800 runners and walkers, many wearing Halloween costumes, participated in the 10K, 5K and Monster Mile.

The 10K was the finale in the 2014 Michigan Runner Race Series. Even though Stuber Zoe and Ava Ryan have fun during the Monster Mile. and Green finished ahead of him, Hank Risley, 46, of Rockwinning the 5K in 17:01. ford clinched Masters Runner of the Year with his fourth place finish in 37:05. “I just missed my goal of dropping under 17,” said Caine. “But I pushed as hard as I could and am Green and Risley both came into this race havglad to win.” ing run the Grand Rapids Marathon Oct. 19. Risley seemed to feel the effects of that effort more. “My legs were tapped after three miles,” he said. Heather Massengill, 32, of Ypsilanti won the women’s 10K in 40:24, followed closely by Lisa Veneziano, 50, of Fenton (40:24) and Melissa Mantel, 36, of Chelsea (40:32). Veneziano recalled passing several women, but was never quite sure how many were in front of her. “One guy had a nice, long wig on,” she said. “I had to do a double-take to see if he was a guy.” Veneziano’s runner-up points clinched her overall Michigan Runner of the Year honors for the fourthstraight time. While others paid homage to Halloween, David Caine of Ypsilanti celebrated his 41st birthday by 20

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

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Next came Jason Hall, 39, of Ann Arbor (17:31) and Stuber, who followed his 10K win with a 5K 17:39. Women’s 5K winner Heather Irvine, 45, of Ypsilanti set a 19:24 PR while running with her dog. “This is Ripley,” she introduced her pet. “She’s my running partner. She helped me set a PR at the Kona Half Marathon in June as well.” Next came Royal Oak residents Alison Lucas, 26, in 20:47 and Patti Ramos, 27, in 20:53. The Kona Running Co. coordinates this event. For complete results, go to http://wickedhalloweenrun.com. - MR -

In This Issue January/ February 2015 Publisher and Chief Executive Officer

Art McCafferty artmccaf@glsp.com Scott Sullivan scott@glsp.com Editor

Jennie McCafferty jennie@glsp.com Associate Publisher

Riley McLincha Charles D. McEwen Gary Morgan Jim Neff Bob Schwartz Bob Seif Ryan Squanda Nick Stanko Anthony Targan Kacey Tulley Cregg Weinmann Pamela Zinkosky Michael Zuidema Jamie Fallon

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Editors Emeritus

Rose Zylstra

Social Media Editor

Carter Sherline

Senior Photographer

Peter Draugalis Gary Morgan Dane Robinson Greg Sadler Victah Sailer Photo / Video

Paul Aufdemberge Desiree Linden Ian Forsyth Tom Henderson Scott Hubbard Herb Lindsay Laurel Park Robin Sarris Hallop Rachael Steil Columnists

Tracey Cohen Jason Elmore Heather Dyc Hanks Jeff Hollobaugh Dean Johnson Bill Kahn William Kalmar Dr. Edward H. Kozloff Doug Kurtis Grant Lofdahl Ron Marinucci Contributors

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EMU Fall Classic Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Ann Arbor Track Club Cross Country Classic Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Headless Horseman Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Wicked Halloween Run Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios MHSAA LP Cross Country Finals

Photos by Peter Draugalis and Carter Sherline

TCS New York City Marathon Photos by Victah Sailer / photorun.net Big Bird Run Photos by Carter Sherline & Art McCafferty

Ann Arbor Turkey Trot, Dexter Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios NIRCA Cross Country Nationals Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Kona Chocolate Run Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Kona Running Store Opens Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Grand Blanc Chocolate Run Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Fifth Third Bank Turkey Trot Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Fantasy 5K, Howell Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

About the cover: Detroit marathon legend Ella Willis, 57, a former 10K and 4K champion at the Big Bird Run, paced the women’s 4K in 16:30, the 10th best overall time among 183 runners and walkers. Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios.

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Kids Marathon, Grand Rapids, Oct. 18, 2014

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Reporter Lily Zylstra interviews a fast finisher about her race.

One small finisher checks out her medal.

It’s more fun to run when you can wear a special hat.

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - July / August 2014

MetroHealth Grand Rapids Marathon, Grand Rapids, October 19, 2014

Photos by Carter Sherline and Scott Sullivan

Brendan Molony won the men’s marathon title in 2:28:23, five minutes ahead of Ryan Johns, (2:33:23).

Photo by Scott Sullivan

Lana Lazaridis, of Schaumburg, Ill., won the marathon in 2:57:32, beating Meredith Busman by seven minutes.

Half marathon winner, Emmanuel Korir, shattered the men’s 13.1-mile mark with a 1:07:58, topping the 1:09:38 of Jesse Kleinjan in 2010. 4

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

Racheal Marchand won her first half marathon in a course-record 1:19:48, surpassing Hannah Norton’s 1:20:30 in 2012.

EMU Fall Classic, Dexter, Oct. 24, 2014

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Hudson Mills MetroPark in Dexter is the setting for the women start.

Men’s start includes teams from all college divisions and unattached post collegiate runners.

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

Ann Arbor Track Club Cross Ann Arbor, Oct. 25, 2014 Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

s Country Classic

The Ann Arbor Track Club Cross Country Classic is an opportunity for homeschool athletes to compete, including several Monroe Milers. Homeschool athletes are not eligible to compete in MHSAA events.

Headless Horseman, Howell, October 25, 2014

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Megan and Erik Thompson (bib 482 & 481) of Pinckney run through a water station during the 5K.

Pamela Gensterblum of Portland ran the 10K as Wonder Woman.

Kids and grownups start the Headless Horseman Monster Mile. 8

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

Wicked Halloween Run, Plymouth, October 26, 2014

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Olympian Nicole Sifuentes poses with Gary Morgan. Sifuentes was honorary starter for the Monster Mile.

A “Huskies” Cheerleader and her mascot compete in the 5K.

Batman and Robin compete in the Monster Mile. Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

Photos by Peter Draugalis / dra

Division I girls start.

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

augalisphotography.com

ÂŠ Peter Draugalis 2014 www.draugalisphotography.com Division I Boys Start Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

More MHSAA LP Cross Country Finals, Brooklyn, November 1, 2014

Photos by Carter Sherline and Pete Draugalis

Karrigan Smith (bib 1488) of St. Johns beat Kenzie Weller of Cedar Springs by 1.5 seconds for the D2 individual title.

Benny Briseno’s effort (bib 344) led his Grand Rapids Christian team to the D2 title, while Sam Kaastra’s (bib 340) Fremont team was second.

In the closest race of the day, Holly Bullough (bib 1740) ran 17:51.3 to beat Amber Way (bib 1700) who ran 17:51.5. 12

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

Rachel DaDiamo of Birmingham Seaholm was the best runner not to have won a race. She was second in 17:29, helping her team to the D1 title.

TCS New York City Marathon, November 2, 2014

Photos by Victah Sailer / photorun.net

Stephan Shay ran the New York City Marathon to honor his brother, Ryan Shay. He finished 16th with a time of 2:19:47.

Desi Linden made an impressive debut in the New York City Marathon, finishing the fastest U.S. woman and taking fifth place, with a time of 2:28:11.

Olympian Meb Keflezighi poses with members of the New Horizon Track Club during New York City Marathon opening ceremonies. Keflezighi won the Boston Marathon in April and the NYC Marathon in 2009. He finished 4th in 2014 (2:13:18). Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

Big Bird Run, Roseville, November 9, 2014

Photo by Art McCafferty

Photos by Carter Sherline and Art McCafferty

Runners negotiate the I-696 pedestrian bridge over and back on the 10K course.

John Worthington won of the the sports few 4K’s in 13:00. 14

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

Colin Hanson won his 4K age group in 16:49.

Ann Arbor Turkey Trot, Dexter, November 8, 2014

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Melissa Mantel won the 10K in 40:14.

Nick Stanko won both the 10K and the 5K races.

First she crawls, then she races in the kids race.

Running is fun for this young racer.

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

NIRCA Cross Country Nationals, East Lansing, November 15, 2014

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Michigan State hosted the National Intercollegiate Running Club Association’s Fall Cross Country Nationals at the Forest Akers East Golf Course in East Lansing. Michigan’s Lauren Kettle leads a pack up a hill. Michigan women finished first with 29 points.

Michigan’s Tyler Partridge and Michigan State’s Colin Riley battle their way up the hill. Michigan men finished second with 174 points; Indiana dominated with 23 points. Over 1200 runners competed. 16

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

Kona Chocolate Run, Plymouth, November 16, 2014

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Jeff Bord won the 5K by nearly a minute.

Kona Chocolate Run beanies were a hit, especially welcome during the early morning chill.

Melissa Johnson-White won the 10K in 36:04.

Shawn White and Erin O’Mara of Bauman’s Running and Walking Shop in Flint were on hand to engrave medals. Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

Kona Running Store Opens, Canton, November 18, 2014

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Jill and Alan Whitehead talk about the transformation of a former paint store into a running store and runner’s gathering place.

In keeping with the Kona Running Company’s Hawaiian theme, hula dancers entertained assembled family and friends. 18

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

Grand Blanc Chocolate Run, November 22, 2014

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Larry Popyk of Grand Blanc was first to the finish in 19:08.

It’s a race to the finish by Jonathan Kocks and women’s winner Addie May of Flushing.

Fifth Third Turkey Trot, Detroit, November 27, 2014

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Danielle Miller’s combined times in the 10K and the 5K gave her the women’s win in the Drumstick Double

Mike Morgan won the 10K for the third straight year with a time of 30:38.

The Fifth Third Bank, the Turkey Trot sponsor, enters this running themed float in America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Riding the float this year is Miss Michigan, KT Maviglia, formerly Miss Washtenaw County. 20

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

Fantasy 5K, Howell, November 28, 2014

ÂŠ Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prinde Studios

ÂŠ Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Snow, holiday lights and colorful runners add to the Howell Fantasy of Lights Parade.

Allison Piper of Holt has help finishing the 5K. Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - January / February 2015

Beyond the Chip

Three in a Bed By Ian Forsyth Don’t want to be a richer man Just gonna have to be a different man Time may change me But I can’t trace time — David Bowie

couple hours lounging away from work, I knew what was ahead; or so I thought. I’m a guy who strives for security of same; get into a groove and stick. Waiting to see how my duties were to newly twist, I was wholly unprepared to hear my job was to utterly unravel. Any lingering employer/employee stiffness lifted as I surreally sat and listened to how this was a move he and his partner felt they needed to make. How the company was being sold to a large conglomerate out of Denver, how my function was to be performed out of its headquarters, how he hoped I’d take a less-appetizing role so I could stay with Running Fit and how he also knew how unappealing that might sound.

e tried, we really tried, to get our first daughter to sleep in her crib. New parents, new baby. Just let her “cry it out” was the overwhelming advice. Little did we predict how painful that process might become. Our child was overly blessed; she had lung capacity to scream at jackhammer levels forever and the tenacity to get there. What may have been five minutes felt timeless as the three of us suffered; though far from silently. I don’t know how many nights it took for her to break us, but it certainly wasn’t long before our perfect parenting aspirations expired, never to be revived.

It’s been 14 years now of having at least three in our bed almost nightly. Even if we start off in spacious surroundings, it’s unusual not to hear little steps slipping nonchalantly into our room in the darkest hours, like it’s their room (which it may as well be.) Although it’s incredibly scrunched, with figures of various sizes and proportions arranged pell-mell all around the blankets, it’s strange to me when they are missing. With likely only a few years left of extra hands and feet refusing me sleeping space, I’m not sure if I’m ready for a change.

Originating before our kids and even before our marriage, was my long-term “Running Fit relationship.” Nineteen years ago I was a relatively clueless U of M graduate, carrying a relatively useless Literature, Science and Arts degree into the running industry. Little did I know my gopher sales associate position at a local running store would expand to the point of being a legitimate voice in the workings of a growing Michigan entity. Beginning my time at Running Fit under the tutelage of a couple excellent teachers and friends, I soon progressed from attentive student to managing others and eventually to a position basically carved out to cater to my preferred strengths. As more and more good employees came and went, I remained, becoming known as a Running Fit lifer. I worked with some great people, doing something I enjoyed and excelled at, with plenty of

After a few months pursuing every sliver of an idea that slid by me, I finally found myself partnering with my long-time friend and training partner, Nick Stanko, trying doggedly to open the door to our fresh entrepreneurial concoction; Ann Arbor Running Co.

After our first daughter, the next three took even less time to join us in the big bed. Some call it bad parenting, some call it insanity; I guess I’d just call it laziness. We still don’t know how many hours and how many nights it would take to get our kids to “cry it out,” but we do know we aren’t up to whatever task that may be.

We parted ways that evening, he sadly burdened and I dumbfounded. He deeply desired that I stay, to lay some old-school foundation for this new, unknown creation. I could understand and respect his sincerity of intention, but I was pretty sure that wasn’t going to happen. It just wouldn’t be the same.

Fully aware how rough retail can be, I wasn’t sure a fledgling, grass-roots running store could sustain itself; especially in a town already supporting four others. Nick’s passion and commitment to growing and nurturing the Ann Arbor running community left no room for doubt and I gladly adjusted to his vision, along with our wives and daughters. We all strapped in, ready to roll.

First daughter and Ann Arbor Pioneer freshman, Anne Forsyth, used her lung capacity and tenacity to place 7th among DI girls at the MHSAA LP Cross Country Finals. latitude to shift and shimmy with the quickening pace of my ever-expanding family’s schedule. Sure it wasn’t perfect; what job is? But in my mind, it was pretty close. With the passing of this past Christmas season into the ice clamp of January, my boss and I sat down to my annual performance review/random mid-day escape for a few beers. Being close friends, we were pretty laid back at work, but I never enjoyed the official constructive criticism meetings, as they were indirectly advertised. Even disguised as a

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

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Detail upon detail squeezed through long hours of strategizing, bartering and restarting. Every corner rounded pressed new challenges; each one satisfied only begot another. We were full-time pre-working; all energy spent just to be able to someday work in our own store. Eventually each knot unfurled and we found ourselves rushing straight into the unknown. We were officially running store owners; rookie players, but in the game. Now the days brightly blur as they always have; click a few miles in the morning, work all day and chase my girls around all night. Unknown finances certainly stress the ship, but we float on, in hopeful search of eventual prosperity. I’m not anxious for our girls growing out of our bed, but I am looking forward to a meaningful career with a great friend. -IF - MR -

Sherod Hardt: Always on a Mission By Ryan Squanda

With two older sisters who ran cross country at Arizona State University and a mom who coached track and cross country at Queen Creek High School, it was only a matter of time before he followed in their footsteps. Hardt captured the Arizona 4A Division 1 high school cross country championship in fall 2009, then took sixth at Nike Nationals running a 15:16 5K. College recruiting for him blew up. After numerous college visits, he and his family sought the advice of Michigan State cross country coach Walt Drenth, who had recruited Hardt’s sisters during a prior coaching tenure at Arizona State. “His mom called me,” Drenth said. “I’m friends with her. She’s one of the leaders in high school track and cross country in Arizona. “She said, ‘How come you’re not recruiting Sherod?’” Drenth continued. “I said, ‘Ellie, there’s three feet of snow on the ground right now (in Michigan). You live in Queen Creek, Ariz.’ It seemed a little incongruous. “She said ‘I think he’s interested,’” Drenth went on. “So it started late. I knew who he was because of my connection to the family, but I didn’t start recruiting him until they called.” Soon after this conversation, Hardt headed to East Lansing for a visit. A week later he was a Spartan. With the college decision off his chest, Hardt went on to have a dream senior track campaign, posting personal bests of 1:54 in the 800 meters, 4:10 in the 1600 and 8:59 in the 3200. In his final prep meet, he won state titles at all three distances. Hardt performed well as an MSU freshman too, but there was a mission he had not accomplished.

The Mission Every year tens of thousands of Mormons around age 19 pack up and head out on two-year trips focused on evangelism, church service, humanitarian aid and community service. Hardt’s case was no different. In summer 2011, he put his MSU studies and running career on hold and made his way to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Oklahoma City. There, he had day-to-day conversations with others to help bring them closer to Christ, plus provided service and relief to tornado-ravaged areas in Oklahoma. “I knew he was LDS from when I recruited his sisters,” said Drenth. “I figured (the two-year mis-

herod Hardt, born into a Mormon family of athletes in Queen Creek, Ariz., always had two things in his life: church and running.

Sherod Hardt, bib no. 649, competes in the Auto Owners Spartan Invitational. sion) was part of the gig. That was just part of what they did.” “I really didn’t get to run during that time,” Hardt said. “There a three-month period when I ran for maybe 30 to 45 minutes a day. We usually had a daily structure to our schedule which gave you 30 minutes in the morning to work out, so that’s not very much time.” Despite that, Hardt wouldn’t trade his experiences for the world. Some of his favorite moments came from the friendships he built with people in Oklahoma.

back, but apparently he’s lost a fair amount of weight,” said Veitenheimer. “He made a really quick recovery. During our indoor track season, he made the (Big Ten) championship mile final. It was impressive how he came back so fast.” Hardt set personal bests in the indoor 800 (1:52) and the mile (4:06) that winter, then followed it up with a 3:55 1500 and 14:25 5000 in the outdoor season. He has been one of MSU’s top finishers in cross country this fall, claiming second for the team and 22nd overall in the Big Ten championship Nov. 2 with a season-best 8K time of 24:14.

“There were a lot of faith-building experiences that brought you closer to Christ,” he remembered. “You could see the people you were talking to and how your and their faith increased in Christ. I think those were some of my happiest times.”

Hardt brings more than his running talents to the team. According to Drenth, his intangibles set him above the rest.

Sherod’s Return

“When you go on a mission for two years and are basically deprived of a lot of things, you learn about yourself,” Drenth said. “I think you become more of a leader and learn what it takes to get through the world. We’ve been fortunate to have him.

Hardt returned to Michigan State in fall 2013 and redshirted that cross country season to get himself back in shape. “It was a lot tougher than I thought it would be,” he said of getting back into running every day, adding Coach Drenth and his teammates encouraged and motivated him during the process. Fifth-year senior teammate Drake Veitenheimer, who first met Hardt at MSU’s cross country camp prior to their freshmen year, said Hardt’s return to form didn’t take long. “He didn’t even look out of shape when he got

“He has a chance to be a cross country star and an All-American, but one of his biggest attributes is his leadership. It is helping us grow,” Drenth said. In a day and age where so many young athletes get caught up in so many different situations, there’s something to be said about the way Hardt carries himself. As the now 23-year-old, still just a sophomore, moves forward, Hardt will serve as a program leader for years to come. More missions are left to accomplish. - MR -

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Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Blind Justice is Marathon, Iron Man By Ron Marinucci

ichard Bernstein is no stranger to running races. He has finished 18 marathons and a full Ironman triathlon. Last November, he won a different type of race. He was elected to the Michigan Supreme Court. Blind since birth, Bernstein was sworn in Jan. 1 to serving an eight-year term with six fellow justices. He is the first blind jurist to serve on the state’s highest court. “Running had a lot to do with my election,” Bernstein said, adding it will influence his performance on the court. “Running sends a message,” he said. “In it, no one gets counted out. The marathon demonstrates nobody should ever be counted out. That’s what running teaches.” The 41-year-old began running “about seven or eight years ago,” he recalled, “with the Achilles Club in New York. It completely changed my life, everything about me.” It’s not as if Bernstein had never achieved anything before then. He graduated from the University of Michigan, where he was Phi Beta Kappa, then the Northwestern University School of Law with a Juris Doctorate in 1999. Joining his family’s well-known law firm, he set about establishing a disability rights division. In that capacity, he’s taken on, in court, governments and corporations, big and small. Yet, he admitted, “I always had an issue with confidence. As a blind person, I had to struggle. Nothing came easy. Everything takes more work, effort and intensity. “In secondary school,” he recounted, “I had the idea that I can never do anything athletic. It has an effect on how you view yourself. I thought I’d never be one of those types of people, those leaders.” He remembered his first experience with running, in New York. “Here’s your guide (accompanying sighted runner) and off we went.” That run was conflicted with emotions. “I’d never experienced anything like it, to run in total darkness,” Berstein said. “It was an intense experience, powerful.” That first run, “We did one mile. It was terrifying.” But running had lessons for him too. “You have to learn to trust your guide. There’s a level of trust in running. (Running) taught me how to trust.” He continued to run, “two miles, then three, five, 10, 15 to 20,” ripping off the distances. Someone suggested the New York City Marathon and he decided to “give it a chance.” After that first mile run ,“I thought I’d never be able to do a marathon or a triathlon.” Yet, here he was.

blind person,” he said. “There are lots of straightaways, not many twists and turns. It’s very manageable, not overwhelming.” He has memorized much of the course and can explain many sections of it in conversation. “The challenge of the New York marathon (for a blind runner) is 50,000 runners,” he said. In the marathons, he runs with Achilles Club guides, “four or five of them.” The same team runs the whole race with him. They rotate, using a tether. When not tethered, the others “form a diamond” as protection from the 50,000 others. “I like the tether,” Bernstein said. “It has to be long enough to be free, but short enough to feel the guide runner,” especially, he said, “on turns.” Bernstein has also run marathons in Los Angeles, Miami, Detroit (the Free Press) and Jerusalem,

“Running has allowed me to realize I could do things I never thought possible. ” twice. The Jerusalem Marathon “was a challenge,” he said. “I had a fantastic guide and it was not overly crowded. But we ran through the Old City where the street surfaces were different. We were running on stones a lot. And there were stairs!” He completed his Ironman in Cour d’Alene, Idaho. In some ways, said Bernstein, it wasn’t as challenging as his marathons. “The course isn’t as busy. There aren’t as many people. It was spread out, like I was the only one out there.” When in New York City, Bernstein likes to run in Central Park. “I’m very comfortable there on the loop. I’ve memorized all the crevices, twists and turns. My guides navigate me around people.” It was in Central Park, in 2012, where he received a devastating injury. While walking the loop, he was struck from behind by a cyclist traveling at 35 mph, well in excess of the posted speed limit for bikes. In addition to cuts and abrasions that required surgery and fractured teeth, Bernstein shattered his pelvis and left hip. He spent 10 weeks in New York’s Mt. Sinai Hospital. “I didn’t want the accident to be the end of my running,” he said of his recovery.“ I didn’t want people to say, ‘He had a great running career.’”

Bernstein has run 17 marathons since that first one, many in New York City. “It’s a great course for a

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Bernstein set about meeting the goal of running

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again. He recalled the pain, “so intense, so sharp.” There was the constant “struggle of defeating pain. I wouldn’t let pain win.” It was as if his spirit and soul “battled the mortality of my physical body,” he explained. “I had to start all over again, from nothing, after 17 marathons and an Ironman.” He learned to “celebrate the simple victories, the small things,” such as “swinging my legs off the bed and getting in and out of a chair by myself. One of my biggest goals to make it to the nurses’ station. It was very difficult. When I got there, it was a real celebration.” When Bernestein told himself, “I am able to do this,” an 18th marathon came into focus. “I was told I couldn’t do any more damage; it would just hurt,” he said. “I was determined to make a comeback, to push myself back up.” And he entered the 2013 New York City Marathon. “It was not like marathons I used to do,” Bernstein remembered. “It was horribly painful. I had to accept it was a different kind of race, not a fast one.” That was another lesson running taught him. “It’s not always about your best time, your fastest time.” Each step of the marathon was excruciating, he remembered. At mile 18, “I never felt pain to the degree, at the level, I felt there, up First Avenue.” But he didn’t give up, struggling against numbness and loss of consciousness, signals his body wanted him to quit. Marathon No. 18 was completed. Bernstein is still recovering from the accident; the pain is still there. But he continues to work out daily. “I always find time to run,” he said. “It’s so important. It becomes a part of life.” He alternates running days with swimming days, seven miles on the treadmill and 90 minutes in the pool. Although, “swimming doesn’t hurt, I prefer running because I’m a runner at heart,” he said. “Swimming is more tranquil, but running gives me a greater sense of meaning … of connectivity with spirituality.” In addition, his morning run “helps me to organize my day and thoughts.” Bernstein’s running, the good and not-so-good, has helped prepare him for a seat on the court. “If I can survive a marathon and an Ironman, I know I can work through the challenges and struggles of life,” he said. “Running has allowed me to realize I could do things I never thought possible. Running and athletics represent every facet of life.” He expects that to translate well on the bench. As with running with his guides, he’s looking forward to working with the other justices, “as a team. What excites me is working, functioning as a team for the interests of the people. Everything to me is team. The team is most meaningful.” - MR -

Obsessed with Running

NCAA DI X-C Championships, Terre Haute, Ind.

Michigan State Women Win National Cross Country Title

By Dave Foley

m I addicted to running? It’s been a part of my routine since 1975 when I began a running commute to school. Now 11 years into retirement, my teaching days are over, but the running continues.

My running habit is nowhere near that. I can and have had to go stretches without running. Some of these breaks were unavoidable; a leg cast or fever pretty well relegates someone to a sedentary lifestyle. I’ll also take time off when in the wilderness — camping trips deep into Ontario’s backcountry or sea kayaking along remote stretches of Lake Superior. When there are no roads or trails, I’m usually getting plenty of exercise moving through these places so, I’m not worried about missing days of running. Otherwise the question each day isn’t, “Will I run,” but, “When?” That’s where the obsession comes in. When it comes to running, I’m like your pet dog: If you don’t let me out at least once a day, there will be problems. If the daily schedule looks filled with obligations, I’ll just go early. Busy days often start with a run at five or six in the morning.

Dave Foley

To use “addiction” to describe my exercise regimen seems harsh. To me, when you talk about addiction you’re describing a situation where lives center around drinking, drugs or gambling. For these individuals, it’s a physiological craving that can’t be denied.

I’ve found it’s better to go early rather than later. I know scientific studies have shown our muscles are coldest in the morning and more prone to strains and other injuries than later in the day when these tissues are warmer, but it’s more stressful for me to put off my run. Until I’ve got my miles in, I obsessively think about the run I haven’t done yet, worrying something might happen — unexpected visitors dropping in, an ugly turn in the weather or some other obstacle suddenly appearing to obliterate my running time. Even if complications are unlikely, I tend to be fidgety until I take those first steps out the door. Yet my daily runs aren’t always joyfully anticipated. If the weather’s nasty or I’m stiff from a recent hard workout, there’s some dread. But I know I’ll feel worse if I give in and stay inside.

Rachele Schulist led the Michigan State Women’s cross country team to the first national title in the program’s history on the Lavern Gibson Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Indiana, November 22. Here’s how they scored the winning 85 points: 4) Rachele Schulist, Grand Rapids, 19:54, 4 points 11) Lindsay Clark, West Bloomfield, 20:16, 9 points 17) Leah O'Connor, Crosswell, 20:20, 13 points 21) Julia Otwell, Traverse City, 20:29, 16 points 61) Sara Kroll, Westland, 20:56, 43 points 69) Alexis Wiersma, Allendale, 21:01, 51 points* 119) Katie Landwehr, Tipp City, Ohio, 21:21, 90 points* * Scores for first five runners count toward team scores.

It’s dealing with injuries where my obsession with running used to get me into trouble. When I was younger, my bullheaded attempts to ignore the pain cost me dearly. Not willing to take time off to give a simple muscle or tendon strain the time it needed to heal, I would continue to run and invariably wind up with weeks rather than days of downtime. As a coach I was good at giving advice, quick to tell an ailing high school cross country athlete they should “Take a week off ” or “Stop running if it begins to hurt,” but not so good at heeding those dictates myself. Over the years I’ve gotten smarter. I will still try running with pain but if the problem fails to respond or gets worse, I’ll take time off and cross train. Though running is the elixir, I can hold off the demons by putting in time on the bike, in the canoe or on cross country skis when time off from my love is necessary. These activities will satisfy me as long as I know, at some point, I will return to running.

records and finishing high in races. Runs were timed, workout schedules rigidly followed and the focus was the weekend road race. Gradually my approach evolved. Now the races are infrequent, the finish times inconsequential. It is all about the run, that daily journey down a road or forest trail. The joy comes from the rhythm of moving feet over the ground and deep breaths coming from a body at work. Yes, I’m obsessed with running. Each day I record another four or five miles in the log. The total’s near 90,000 miles heading toward my last running goal, reaching 100,000 miles. When people how long I plan to keep at it, I reply, “I would like to run on the last day of my life. And I hope that’s a couple decades away.” - MR -

In my early days as a runner, it was all about getting faster, setting personal michiganrunner.net

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

MHSAA LP Cross Country Finals, Brooklyn

Fisher King at State Prep Cross Country Meet By Scott Sullivan

The pre-race talk about Fisher challenging Ritzenhein’s record (41 seconds faster than Jason Hartmann’s 1998 second-best) was swept away by the wind and reality. Ritz was a nearfreak prep runner and course conditions that year were perfect.

Audrey Belf

But Fisher, who has fewer miles on his legs and better burst foot speed, may have a higher ceiling. This year’s eight races — four school-enrollment divisions times boys and girls — saw seven individual champions try to defend their titles. Four, including Fisher, did so. One, Jesse Hersha of Division 4 Concord, became the 13th boy in state history to repeat three times; only the late Ryan Shay (Class D, 1993-96) won more.

Rockford Files Rockford, Hartmann’s and Ritzenhein’s alma mater, is a state power every year. The third-ranked Ram boys leapfrogged favored Waterford Mott and Northview to claim this year’s big-school title with 140 team points, followed by White Lake Lakeland 26

Maples Dial Up Times Birmingham Seaholm jumped Daylight Savings Time, which was not supposed to fall back till midnight, by dominating the D1 girls race. The Maples — led by the day’s two-fastest girls, defending champ Audrey Belf (17:19.0) and senior classmate Rachel DaDamino (17:29.4) — claimed their second team title in the last three years scoring 88 points. Traverse City Central, ranked first in the state coming in, finished second with 115.

Karrigan Smith

Three freshman girls — Macomb L’Anse Creuse North’s Karenna Duffey (third in 17:33.1), TCC’s Sielle Kearney (fifth in 17:57.7) and Ann Arbor Pioneer’s Anne Forsyth (seventh 17:58.2) — broke 18 minutes despite their slight frames in the day’s sharp winds.

Shadows No More Grand Rapids Christian’s boys, for years overshadowed by their girls, broke through in the 2014 D2 race, winning their first state title with 83 points. Fremont, with seven past state titles to its credit, finished second with 104. Algonac junior Morgan Beadlescomb outkicked defending champ Austin Sargent, a Cedar Springs senior, to capture the individual title, 15:30.7 to 15:42.1.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

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Photo by Scott Sullivan

Morgan Beadlescomb

After finishing a bridesmaid her freshman and sophomore years, Cedar Springs’ Kenzie Weiler captured a state crown last year. St. Johns senior Karrigan Smith, third last year, turned the tables this time, winning in 18:11.0. Weiler finished second for the third time in 18:13.5.

Rebera, Huskies Repeat

Holly Bullough

Photo by Scott Sullivan

Grant Fisher

GR Christian’s girls made it five titles (and three second places) in the last 12 years, repeating in D2 with 87 team points. Otsego, led by sophomore Megan Aalberts (fourth in 18:34.5), took second with 145.

Photo by Scott Sullivan

Junior Isaac Harding (fourth overall in 15:23.2) and freshman Cole Johnson (16th in 15:40.9) led Rockford, which looks loaded for 2015. Saline senior Logan Wetzel (15:19.2) finished individual runner-up after Fisher. Traverse City Central junior Anthony Berry claimed third in 15:21.1.

Mobility is no problem for high school cross country king Grant Fisher. On a cold, windswept day after Halloween, he repeated as the state’s Lower Peninsula champ in Division 1. Fisher looked geared to defend his national crown as well. The light-footed Grand Blanc senior torched the rest of the state’s best covering the Michigan International Speedway 5K course in 14:52.5, the third-fastest time there ever and best since Dathan Ritzenhein ran an unearthly 14:10.4 in 2000.

Eagle Girls Extend Reign

(146) and Mott (148). Northville (165) bagged fourth.

BROOKLYN (11/1/14) — In Arthurian legend, the Fisher King is immobilized by a wound to his legs or groin, thus he can’t honor his charge of keeping the Holy Grail.

Lansing Catholic senior Keenan Rebera reKeenan Rebera peated as D3 boys champ in 15:30.2, topping juniors Zac Benham of Mason County Central (15:44.6), Abe Visser of Grandville Calvin Christian (15:48. 3) and Bransen Stimpfel of Cass City (15:56.2). Rebera’s top-ranked Cougars could not overcome Benzie Central, which defended its last year’s title and captured its seventh in school history. The deeper Huskies tallied 87 team points, to Catholic’s 141.

Close and Closer Ithaca and Shepherd, only 17 miles apart, were even less so in the D3 girls’ final team points. Topranked Ithaca edged the defending champs, 147 to 158. Manistee (163) and Jackson Lumen Christi (164) were close behind. Traverse City St. Francis junior Holly Bullough’s older brothers, Max and Riley, have been Michigan State University football stars. She shares their doggedness, adding fluid form, as a runner. Moving up this year from D4 to D3, Bullough employed her foot speed to kick past familiar rival Amber Way, a Charlevoix senior, to win the day’s

Sault International Marathon, Sault Ste Marie, MI

closest individual race, 17:51.3 to 17:51.5.

Nationally-ranked small-school Saugatuck, the defending D4 team champ, lost its No. 1 senior runner Jake Pettinga (third overall last year) to late-season injury, but still had the depth to top co-favorite Concord.

Ava Strenge

Video frame by Art McCafferty

Hersha won his third D4 boys crown in dominating fashion. The long-legged, strongstriding Concord senior ran a 15:23.0 barely challenged. Evart junior Santana Scott finished next in 15:54.7.

By Kacey Tulley Photo by Scott Sullivan

Hersha Hammers

Sault International Marathon

Runners run the bridge then turn around at the Canadian border. Photo by Scott Sullivan

Two-time defending champ Gina Patterson, a senior from Macomb Lutheran North, led early but fell prey to the wind, ending up fifth in 18:29.6.

Too bad for the Indians no one told Beal City. The Aggies snuck up on both to prevail with 105 team points, Jesse Hersha four fewer than Saugatuck. With six of their top seven runners sophomores, look for the Indians hungry coming back next year.

B.C. Sweeps Beal City joined D2 Grand Rapids Christian making it two-for-two in the D4 girls race. The Aggies, paced by Emily Steffke (fifth in 19:15.0) and sister Hannah (sixth in 19:26.0), tallied 94 team points. Kalamazoo Hackett was second with 108. The only one of eight races without a defending individual champion was claimed by St. Philip Catholic Central sophomore Ava Strenge in 18:54.5. Next came fellow 10th-grader Alexis McConnel of Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart (18:58.1) and Hackett fresman Mary Ankenbauer (18:58.0).

Every day is a good one for running in Michigan. Seeing seniors Fisher, Belf, Hersha and Rebera repeat was fun, but our state’s underclassmen are hardly lacking We can’t wait for next year’s meet. - MR -

SAULT STE. MARIE (9/27/14) — Falling in love with Michigan’s “other” international marathon (Detroit came first) was as easy as the sunrise sparkling over the Soo Locks. As the gun started the fifth annual Sault Ste. Marie Marathon, strides were as crisp as the fall air which had just arrived in our state’s first city. It brought colors to the leaves that lined the open streets, dirt roads and sidewalks we traversed alongside the river and through neighborhoods, downtown, open country and beside the iconic Soo Locks. The huge, double-humped international bridge, which in the first four miles took runners over the river to Canada and back, gave us a constant sense of fellowship. At the Canadian side turn-around, we were greeted with a steady stream of waves, thumbs up and words of encouragement from peers running back at us. It was a unique way to connect with nearly everyone running the marathon, plus gave us a perspective of where we stood in the competition. The men’s small-town race unfolded with big-time drama and excitement. Kyle Kiel and Eric Green shared stories while eyeing each other competitively at the start, then opened a big lead during the first 10K. Unfortunately, they stayed together through a wrong turn along one of the back dirt roads. This opened the door for Hank Risley to finish first in 2:50:11. When made aware he was in the lead, Risley, 46, of Cedar Springs knew he still had his work cut out for him with Keil, Green and Detroiters Rob Slater and Don Kinsley still on the course and chasing him. Running near-even 1:25 splits helped him complete the task. Although I broke the tape nearly a half-hour ahead of the next female runner, I faced my own challenges. I was grateful to have longtime friends Jeannette

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Jerore and Dawn Zachariah (who also traveled with me to the 2014 Boston Marathon) there to join me. They were amazed by the difference in the race-chase experience between the masses lining the Boston route and Sault Ste. Marie’s open, drivable streets. My 3:27:26 didn’t meet my goal time, but it did let me call home to tell my six-year-old daughter her mama had won a marathon. It’s an accomplishment to cherish and shoes worth saving. This race may have only had 41 finishers, but their reasons for running were no less enormous than for runners at corralled races. Lucie Gingras ran for her father who had passed away. Every step taken during her nearly six hours running drew her nearer a feat her dad would be proud of — and her boyfriend waiting at the finish line with a bouquet of roses. A pregnant woman ran for her yet-unborn child. Through her journey to stay healthy during pregnancy, she hoped to pass health along to her child. The event also featured a half marathon, 6.6mile bridge run and 5K. A mother and son smiled and gave thumbs up to everyone they passed along the sunny course on the bridge run. A father ran for his family, whose kids held a handmade sign that read, “My Daddy’s faster than your Daddy.” And countless supporters, like third-place woman Kimberly Murphy’s son, took advantage of the open road to cheer and accompany their racers across the Everal Race Management finish mat. “Learning the reasons people run, then watching them finish are the race highlights,” race director Stephanie Kisner said. “The marathoners’ stories never cease to strike an emotional chord for me.” - MR -

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Fifth Third Bank Turkey Trot, Detroit

Morgan Stands Out in Crowd at Fifth Third Turkey Trot

Runners ready to start the Mashed Potato Mile include Alisia Olteanu (bib 22272) of Wixom and her mother Denisa Costescu (on Alisia’s left) and several turkey hats. DETROIT (11/27/14) — Even though the 32nd annual Detroit Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot drew more than 19,000 entrants and thousands more to watch on the sidelines, Mike Morgan almost looked lonely as he crossed the finish line in the 10K. Morgan had enjoyed the companionship of his Hansons-Brooks Distance Project teammates Robert Scribner and Ethan Shaw the last couple years. They were either beside him or right behind him in those races. This year, Morgan, 34, of Rochester led the 10K with Tony Filipek, 26, of Rochester for the first two miles, then broke the race open with a surge of speed. “The race went out really slow the first mile,” Morgan said. “I turned it on at two miles, then brought it home.” His 30:38 time was one second better than his 2012 winning time and much faster than the 32:23 he ran in a snow squall last year. “Today’s weather was fantastic for this time of year,” Morgan said of the cold-but-calm conditions.

“I’ve never done a Turkey Trot before,” said Goethals. “The first half I just tried to feel it out. I picked it up after we hit the turnaround.” Goethals finished in 34:16. Next came Miller, also of Rochester, in 34:45 and masters champ Tammy Nowik, 40, of Clarkston in 37:28. Miller ran faster than planned. “I was supposed to be in 36s today,” she said. “I went a little crazy.” After the 10K she finished third in the 5K in 17:57. Her combined times gave her the women’s win in the Drumstick Double. Another Hansons-Brooks star, 2012 Olympic marathoner Desiree Linden, 31, won the women’s 5K in 17:01. Jackie Feist, 18, of Beverly Hills (17:39) took second. Kirstie Kniaziew, 40, of Leamington, Ontario, was the women’s masters champ (19:03). “I’m just coming back from a couple weeks off after running the New York Marathon,” said Linden, who finished fifth there in 2:28:11. “I just wanted to get out and have a fun run. This was a good atmosphere for it.”

Filipek finished second in 31:03, followed by Luke Humphrey, 33, of Beverly Hills in 31:28. John Trojansek, 44, of Windsor led the men’s masters in 34:29.

Bennett Prud’homme, 25, of South Lyon won the men’s 5K with a 3-second PR time of 15:46. “I’ve gotten third here the last two years,” he said. “Today was awesome. I felt great the whole way. It’s a beautiful event.”

Megan Goethals, 22, beat her Hansons-Brooks teammate Danielle Miller, 23, to capture the women’s 10K.

Next came Damon King, 25, of Chicago in 16:03 and Noah Dawn, 16, of Monroe in 16:36. With times of 32:33 for 10K and 16:38 for

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

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By Charles Douglas McEwen

Megan Goethals, now a Hansons-Brooks runner, won her first Turkey Trot. 5K, Alex White, 30, of Washington won the Drumstick Double. More than 300 volunteers worked on the Turkey Trot, race director Doug Kurtis said. “Plus I’ve got 65 captains, 16 of whom are directors of other races, and we’re all gelling as a team,” Kurtis said. “When you fill 10 trucks with equipment that has to go to specific places, you’ve got to have things down to a science. That’s what our volunteers did today.” Festivities also included a Mashed Potato Mile. Proceeds benefited The Parade Co., Special Olympics-Michigan and Gleaners Food Bank. Complete results may be found at http://.theparade.org/turkeytrot. - MR -

MetroHealth Grand Rapids Marathon

Sunshine, Hugs for 4,000-Plus at GR Marathon By Michael Zuidema

Meanwhile, Racheal Marchand, 28, of Chesterton, Ind., won the women’s half marathon in a course-record 1:19:48, surpassing Hannah Norton’s 1:20:30 in 2012. Not bad for someone who decided to run her first-ever half marathon while visiting her brother. “My coach made a good program so my body was adjusted,” said Marchand, who ran for the University of Iowa and beat Alyssa McElheny of Grand Rapids by 21 seconds (1:20:09). “I ran 5Ks before so it was definitely a jump up, but I’ve been putting in the miles so I was ready. The course was good; it was fast. There aren’t too many hills. “I didn’t really know how to pace. I was just trying to stick with six-minute-flat miles and towards the end pick it up if I felt good.”

Half marathoners on the course will be greeted by RD Don Kern at the finish. GRAND RAPIDS (10/19/14) — For the 11th straight year, there was only once place race director Don Kern warned to plant himself for the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon: at the finish line. With temperatures struggling to reach 40 degrees despite copious sunshine, most of the 4,000-plus runners received a handshake, hug or high-five from Kern as they completed the full and half marathon courses. Kern wouldn’t have it any other way. “Once again the best marathon staff in the industry put together an amazing event,” he said. “It’s always a thrill to be there, watching runners as they cross the finish line, doing something bigger than most people ever dream of.”

Lana Lazaridis, 31, of Schaumburg, Ill., won the women’s marathon in 2:57:32, beating second-place Meredith Busman of Coopersville by almost seven minutes (3:04:21).

Lazaridis, who ran at Loyola University and now is a member of the Dick Pond Fast Track Racing Team, signed up for the event late after her family decided to take a fall trip to Michigan. “My family just wanted to go on a road trip,” she said. “Just my four kids, and I joined last minute.” For complete results and more information about next year’s races, visit http://grandrapidsmarathon.com. - MR -

He wasn’t the only one who enjoyed the day. During the inaugural GR in 2004, Brendan Molony completed the half marathon with his dad. This year, the 22-year-old former Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic standout and recent Aquinas College graduate won the men’s marathon title in 2:28:23, less than two minutes shy of David Mart’s 2013 course record of 2:26:41 and five minutes ahead of runner-up Ryan Johns of White Lake (2:33:23). “I felt good. I felt real smooth,” Molony said. “Around Mile 10, I dropped like a 5:20; I probably shouldn’t have done that, but I felt good so I made a move there.” While Molony may not have set a course record in the full marathon, both half marathon champions did. Emmanuel Korir had no problem shattering the men’s 13.1-mile mark with a 1:07:58, topping the 1:09:38 turned in by Jesse Kleinjan in 2010 and beating second-place Ryan Degroot of Grand Rapids by more than six minutes (1:14:17). The 34-year-old Kenyan transplant, who now lives in Grand Rapids and runs for the Playmakers Racing Team, had hoped to be pushed by another competitor as he prepared for the Philadelphia Marathon in late November, but his pace was too strong. “I was pacing myself,” Korir said. “The time was not bad, but it would have been nice to have someone push it; maybe we can drop time a little bit.”

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Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Big Bird Run, Roseville

Big Bird Races: 36 Years and Going Strong By Ron Marinucci ROSEVILLE (11/9/14) – Darrell McKee, 80, wore Bib No. 36 at the 36th annual Big Bird Runs. He’s the only person to complete the run every year.

“Excuse the dust,” race director Tony Lipinski said. “We’ll be back to normal next year.” He had no need to apologize. The BB still went off without a hitch. The courses remained virtually unchanged. Except for over-and-back pedestrian crossings of I-696 in the 10K, they are pancake-flat. Runners and walkers negotiate many turns through mostly-residential neighborhoods. Course marshals and police officers made sure runners didn’t lose their way or have traffic trouble them. Big Bird offers one of the sport’s few 4Ks. John Worthington, 20 (13:00) and Alex Tonn, 15 (13:35) led the pack. Joel Kozlowski, 43 (14:14) placed third overall and led the masters. Detroit marathon legend Ella Willis, 57, a former 10K and 4K champion here, paced the women’s 4K in 16:30, the 10th best overall time among 183 runners and walkers.

“This was my first Big Bird,” said Burrelle, a Saginaw Valley State University graduate. “I really liked it.” He appreciated the police car leading him through the turns, adding he knew Hansons-Brooks runners often race here.

McKee was joined by 538 others in 1-mile, 4K and 10K races. Participants were greeted by overcast skies and temperatures in the upper 30s, a breeze that picked up and a bit of disarray as the RosevilleEastpointe Recreation Center was undergoing renovations. The construction caused minor changes in registration, the start and finish.

ner-up Chris Elsey, 28, in 35:09.

“I came to find them,” Burrelle said. “My training has been good but geared toward 5K. I usually don’t race this far, but felt strong the whole way and hoped to run negative splits.” He came close to doing just that.

10K winners, Emma Wilson and JoeyBurrelle, won turkeys as prizes. The Hansons-Brooks racing team is usually well represented at Big Bird. Although none of its firstliners came this year, Colin Hanson, 11, did. The son of coach Keith Hanson won his age group in 16:49 and was 14th overall. Both the men’s and women’s mile runs were competitive. Kevin Sherwood, 52 (6:08) just failed to catch Tyler Brege, 18 (6:00) for first place. Karl Brege, 49, took third in 6:43. Women’s (girls?) winner Maria Croci, 11, was fourth overall in 7:37, edging her 6-year-old brother Nolan by eight seconds. Keller Kanat, 12 (7:58) and Patricia FisherStempowski, 45 (7:59) had a duel that brought both in under eight minutes.

Michigan Runner Race Series 2015 Kona Shamrock Run, 5K, Plymouth - March 8 - SE Bill Roney Memorial, 5K, Utica - March 21 - SE Borgesss Half Marathon, Kalamazoo - May 3 - SW

Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K, Grand Rapids - May 9 - SW Bay de Noc Home Run, 10K, Escanaba, May 23 (tentative date) - UP Brian Diemer Family of Races 5K, Cutlerville - June 13 - SW YMCA Fathers Day Run, 1 Mile, Plymouth - June 21 - SW Charlevoix Half Marathon, Charlevoix - June 27 - NW Volkslaufe 20K, Frankenmuth - July 4 - SE Cherry Festival 15K, Traverse City - July 11 - NW Crim Festival of Races, 10 Mile, Flint - August 22 - SE Oakwood Red October Run, 10K, Wayne - October 3 - SE Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon - October tbd - SW

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

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Tommy Nance, 3, placed 43rd out of the 65 finishers. Dylan Dworkin, 4, and five-yearolds Ella Choike, Michael Monroe and Jackson Trice also finished. The marquee 10K drew 291 runners. Joey Burrelle, 23, won comfortably in 32:28, far ahead of run-

Emma Wilson, 16, won the women’s title in her first 10K race, finishing in 39:11. The Romeo High School runner said she ran “conservatively, looking for negative splits,” per the advice of her coach, Bruce Seguin.” Seguin, 63, won his age group in 42:20. “I was pretty much by myself,” Wilson said. “I was chasing a few guys.” Hmm … “It’s pretty competitive here,” 20-year Big Bird veteran Chris Gianetti said. “I ran many good times and never won anything. Then one year I ran a crappy time and took third in my age group.” He recalled winning one of the races’ raffled off “Big Bird” turkeys one year. “It’s a great race,” another Big Bird veteran, Bill Kalmar, said. “I love it. It puts you in the (holiday) mood.” Bill, 71, grabbed third in his age group in 1:10:26. His 45-year-old son, also named Bill, placed fourth in his division in 43:25, but the family’s biggest and proudest smiles were for granddaughter Rachel Harris, 15, a Grosse Pointe South High School runner who won her age group in 50:38. Bill Musial (“same last name as the famous ballplayer”) has been running BB since “back in the ‘80s,” a claim at least partly corroborated by his 1982 Boston Marathon t-shirt. “It still fits,” he laughed. Musial reminisced about running Big Bird in all kinds of weather. “This year was a good one,” he said. “There was some wind, but I just hid behind two tall guys. “The race organizers do a good job every year. Did I mention,” he added, “I was the barber for the Hansons 35 years ago?” Race photos and videos are provided by Michigan Runner. Go to http://michiganrunner.tv/2014bigbird/. - MR -

Sandhill Crane Half Marathon, Vandalia

Ann Arbor Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot

Run in Woods Sheds Light

Ann Arbor Turkey Trot Brings Inspiration, Joy

By Scott Sullivan

VANDALIA (!0/11/14) — If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it is saying, “If there’s one thing I can’t stand …” There is much that we shouldn’t stand for.

By Tracey Cohen

I have so much angst I’ve grown numb to it. Ebola? Asian carp? So what? If the carp have Ebola, jump out of the toilet and bite my butt, it might claim my attention. Briefly.

“We don’t run,” noted a member of the latter group, David Ives. “But my girlfriend and I love seeing all the people downtown having a good time.” “It was a great day,” race director Ron Suffolk said, looking out at more than 2,000 trotters, many decked in costumes and ugly sweaters as they finished their 5K on dry, cool morning.

Runners on the half marathon course cruise by GLSP/Michigan Runner’s “Drone Ranger” camera (bottom left).

Gunn, the legendary coach of eight national junior college champions and 136 all-Americans at Southwestern Michigan College, created Steve’s Run: the Original 5K/10K Road and Trail Race in Dowagiac 40 years ago. He remains a champion of adventures in outdoor settings. My mission, should I decide to accept it, was to shoot YouTube videos of his Sandhill Crane All-Trail Half-Marathon, 10K and 5K runs at Dr. T.K. Lawless Park southeast of Vandalia. After years of hosting informal races there, Gunn invited runners statewide to enjoy the 800-acre refuge during peak fall colors. The course boasted three lakes, seven footbridges, woods, swamp, run between corn stalks, “Tornado Alley,” hills galore and more. Don’t forget sandhill cranes, the elongated birds that, when spooked, cry an eerie “r-r-r” and fly off with ungainly grace. I accepted knowing Capt. Carter (Michigan Runner senior photographer Carter Sherline), would join me shooting with his new drone camera. If one thing mitigates my despair, it’s a neat new tech toy you can make hover over 200 runners, shooting bird’s-eye aerials. That was, if the FAA didn’t shoot us down. The Fed, concerned about drone photographers violating people’s privacy, is trying to keep up with technology via the legal process. Picture a glacier racing light speed. Or me vs. Usain Bolt. Don’t ask, don’t tell, Capt. Carter and I decided. Race morning brought the season’s first frost to Michigan courtesy skies so clear the half-moon cast shadows. Driving east on Paradise Lake Road into the sun was blinding. Finally, Monkey Run Road appeared, then the

park, then the Captain, who hadn’t expected me to arrive here by way of Niles. I took the scenic route from Dowagiac, I explained, changing subjects quickly. Let’s find Ron. Gunn apprised us of spots on the course he thought were especially picturesque. Being oldschool, he hadn’t assessed their drone-shooting worthiness (think lack of overhead trees, for one thing). The Captain and I both shot the half-marathon start, then he headed out towards the spots suggested. Earthbound, I stuck to the races’ start-finish area. As the sun rose, the frost turned to dew that made the leaves shine like fire against cold-blue sky. It seemed like a dream; the day couldn’t have been more perfect. We humans, of course, were less so. Some runners struggled, taking pleasure from the perversity of the challenges they’d signed up for. Volunteers got mixed up directing participants through the multiple loops and switchbacks. The drone had its own mind, enjoying close-ups of the leaves more than did its captain. Having driven to a park that was Lawless via Niles, I chose not to criticize. Hannah Norton, 32, of Union City was the first to complete the half-marathon course, on which several runners had to improvise, in 1:35:28. Next came Peter Burrill, 48, of Kalamazoo in 1:38:39. Pacing the 10K were Chris Byron, 45, of Urbana, Ill., in 46:46 and Lri Cupp, 49, of Mendon in 53:55. Gavin Goode, 14, of Granger, Ind. (21:57) and Michele Carey, 57, of South Bend, Ind. (24:18) won the 5K. Ebola isn’t bogus, nor is the the threat of Asian carp crap. Have we gone blind, wandered into the wild and instead seen radiance?

Photo by Tracey Cohen

The world has been going to hell for as long as I can remember reading news stories. Including a few I’ve written. More-immediate media, such as the Internet, make man’s demise seem so imminent it was yesterday. Talking heads make pronouncements like movie trailers: “In a world … where trails are on trial, cement smothers spirits and machines replace men, one man (cue picture of Sandhill Crane race director Ron Gunn) says, ‘No!’”

ANN ARBOR (11/27/14) — You know you’ve got a good thing going when the City of Ann Arbor supports your endeavor and residents presiding over Loudspeaker No. 4 enjoy festivities starting at six on Thanksgiving morning.

The Valenstein family (chef and turkeys) poses in costume and character. The chef is John; the turkeys are Laura, Clara, Marcia, Paul and Max The untimed event started at Fifth and Liberty streets, ran down Main Street, up hills to the “Big House” (the University of Michigan football stadium), through neighborhoods and back. At the finish, participants enjoyed lively music and treats including hot chocolate and candy canes courtesy of Santa. “The atmosphere is really fun!” said John Valenstein, “chef ” of a family who ran together and won a pie for their “Fowl Play” costumes. Similar awards were given for largest group, ugliest sweater and running the entire 5K carrying two pies. To learn more about next year’s event, visit http://theturkeytrot.com. - MR -

Run with it, I say.

- MR -

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Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Kona Chocolate Run, Plymouth

Wild Life Marathon, Concord

5K+ Brave Big Chill at Hot Times, Cold Weather at Wild Life Marathon Kona Chocolate Run By Charles Douglas McEwen PLYMOUTH (11/16/14) — Jeff Bord dressed more for success than comfort at the Kona Chocolate Run on a frigid morning in downtown Pontiac. Bord, 21, of Plymouth won the 5K easily but wished that he had worn another layer of clothing. “My body froze up,” he said. “I’ve been injured a while and this is my first race back. It was tough out there.” Bord finished in 16:15. Next came Lee Shaw, 39, of Livonia (17:10) and Connor Meacham, 15, of Ann Arbor (17:47). Valerie Bathelewmy, 23, of Ann Arbor claimed the women’s 5K in 19:27, a PR by 18 seconds. “I love Michigan winters!” she said. (Technically, winter was still five weeks away, but that didn’t make things warmer.) She was followed by Kelly Valente, 35, of Dearborn (21:10) and Ellary Morano, 17, of Canton (21:17). More than 5,000 runners and walkers participated in the 5K, 10K and Cocoa Mile. After finishing, they could warm up in a heated tent with hot chocolate, Guernsey Dairy Chocolate Milk, chocolate chip cookies and chocolate fountain fondues. With the 10K starting at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K an hour later, the hardiest runners could tackle both. Women’s 10K winner Melissa Johnson-White, 33, of Auburn Hills felt the 10K was enough. The Hansons-Brooks Distance Project standout, who ran 2:54:19 in the Chicago Marathon in late October, was also content with her 36:04 time. “It’s not too bad considering this is my first race after Chicago,” she said. “I haven’t done any serious workouts since then. It was a good day to get out and see how I felt. I’m recovering better than I normally do after 32

marathons.” Johnson-White finished well ahead of runner-up Sarah Gryniewicz, 25, of Grosse Pointe (37:09) and Laura Emmer, 31, Ann Arbor (41:35). Gryniewicz, who ran about 10 seconds faster than she did here last year, tried to hang with JohnsonWhite. “I saw her at the beginning,” said Gryniewicz. “She was within reach for a little bit. But she’s amazing; she just took off. So she did her own thing and I did mine.” Tony Filipek, 26, of Rochester did his own thing too, claiming the men’s race in 32:13. He ran the first couple miles alongside Hunor Tamas Csutak, 26, of Plymouth. “We took it out nice and relaxed at about a 5:15 pace,” said Filipek, who then took sole possession of the lead. “I think my fitness was just a little better,” he said. “My body started warming up and I let loose.” Next came Csutak (33:26) and Lee Shaw (34:33). James Wang, 29, of Plymouth (6:15) and Katherine Campbell, 47, of Clarkston (8:26) were the Cocoa Mile winners. Participants received Grand Slam medals if they competed in all four Kona Series runs: the Kona Shamrock Run in March, Kona Run in June, Wicked Halloween Run in October and this event. Danielle Moceri of Fowlerville was among them. “I liked the summer one best because it was warm,” she said. For complete race results, go to www.konachocolaterun.com.

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

- MR -

As they made their way from Concord High School along the Falling Waters Trail (a rail trail that stretches 10.5 miles from Concord to Jackson), they could revel in the yellow, orange and magenta fall colors. The early-morning cold reddened cheeks and numbed fingers and toes, but it didn’t seem to slow down runners. “That was probably the coldest marathon I’ve done,” said women’s champion Sarah Kasabian-Larson, 32, of Adrian. “It was also the fastest.” Her 3:00:19 — a 15-second PR — put her well ahead Jody Werner, 38, of Dexter (3:17:11), Bethany Leach, 23, of Fennville (3:43:47) and masters champ Beth Henricksen, 58, of Ames, Iowa (3:44:05). She also beat all but two of the male finishers. “It was great out there,” Kasabian-Larson said. “I love fall. The sun was coming up as we were starting and there was fog in spots. It was so serene. I saw a swan on a lake.” Justin Gillette, 31, of Goshen, Ind., won the men’s race for a second straight year and third time in the past five years. His 2:40:23 broke the 2:41:42 course record he set when he won in 2010 and was much faster than last year’s 2:48:46. “Last year I was struggling with plantar fasciitis,” Gillette said. “This year I felt much better. I wanted to get done fast so I can hurry home for my son’s fifth birthday party.” Kevin Rook, 28, of Hickory Corners, who finished right behind Gillette last year, was a more distant second this year in 2:52:17. Brad Schmidt, 31, of Kalamazoo took third in 3:04:48. Mark Shehan, 48, of Ypsilanti paced the masters in 3:14:41. The half marathon winners took advantage of the flat, out-and-back course to set PRs.

michiganrunner.tv

By Charles Douglas McEwen

CONCORD (10/12/14) — At the start of the Wild Life Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K, the 572 runners could see patches of frost on lawns and the roofs of houses.

Sarah Kasabian-Larson “I wasn’t expecting to PR,” said Alex Salinas, 25, of Jackson, who claimed the men’s race in 1:17:59. “I took it conservatively the first half. Once I realized I had a shot at my PR, I went for it.” The Grand Valley State University graduate sliced more than 30 seconds off his previous fastest time at the distance. Second went to masters champ Brian Olsen, 53, of Jackson in 1:23:51. Jacob LeFerriere, 21, also of Jackson, claimed third in 1:23:52. Women’s winner Kayla Halsall, 30, of Downers Grove, Ill., timed 1:35:30, chopping almost three minutes off her PR. She was even more thrilled about her overall victory. “I’ve been first in my age group multiple times, but this is first time I’ve been overall female champion,” Halsall said. “I can’t wait to call my Dad and tell him.” Martha Olsen, 50, of Jackson, the top masters woman, finished runnerup in 1:37:30. Heidi Bennett, 27, of Brooklyn was third in 1:39:20. Bennett Prud’homme, 25, of Hazel Park (16:49) and Kristine Olsen, 26, of Jackson (18:31) won the men’s and women’s 5K. Event proceeds benefited the Friends of the Falling Waters Trail and local charities. For complete results, go to http://wildlifemarathon.org. - MR -

running fit template_running fit template 12/9/14 10:56 PM Page 1

Thu, 1/1/15

Thu, 1/1/15 Thu, 1/1/15

Thu, 1/1/15

January / February 2015 Event Calendar

Aloha Hang Loose Hawaiian Fantasy R/W 7 MR/W, 3.2 MR/W, 1 MR/W

Commitment Day Detroit Hair of the Dog 5K Run/Walk

Hansons Group Run - Thursdays

Dowagiac

5KR 5KR/W

South Lyon Holland Royal Oak

(574) 215-4779

rongunn3@frontier.com

(248) 616-9665

hansons-running.com

(734) 845-7559 (616) 392-2282

commitmentday.com gazellesports.com

Thu, 1/1/15 Thu, 1/1/15

John Daley Memorial One One Run Life Time Fitness Commitment Day 5K Detroit

4.4MR/W, 2.2MR/W 5KR/W

Kalamazoo Farmington

Thu, 1/1/15 Thu, 1/1/15 Thu, 1/1/15

New Year’s Eve Midnight Run - Flashmob 5K New Year’s Resolution Run NYE Resolution Run 5K

5KR 5KR/W, 1.5MR/W 5KR

Ann Arbor Lake Orion Ludington

Thu, 1/1/15 Thu, 1/1/15 Thu, 1/1/15

PR Fitness Group Run Resolution 5K Resolution Run 5K

20MR, 10MR, 3MR 5KR/W 5KR/W

Ann Arbor Lansing Traverse City

(313) 815-4513 prfitnessa2.com (989) 620-1674 runningfoundation.com tctrackclub.com/local-race-calendar/214

Thu, 1/1/15 Thu, 1/1/15 Thu, 1/1/15

Sergeant Preston, Yukon King Run Shepherd New Year Resolution 5K View of the Bay Polar 5K

6MR, 5KR/FW 5KR 5KR/W/snowshoe

N. Muskegon Shepherd Petoskey

(231) 206-5571 (231) 348-8393

sgtprestonrun.com runsignup.com ymcanm.org

Fri, 1/2/15 Sat, 1/3/15 Sat, 1/3/15

Michigan Indoor Track Series hs track & field Borgess Run Camp Training for Borgess 5K, half, marathon - 13 weeks Livonia Park Run 5KR

Ann Arbor Kalamazoo Livonia

(734) 649-2091 (269) 345-1913 (734) 642-6664

mitstrack.org borgessruncamp.com parkrun.us/livonia

Sat, 1/3/15 Sat, 1/3/15 Sat, 1/3/15

Michigan Indoor Track Series Michigan 6 Hour Relay PR Fitness Group Run

Warren Grayling Ann Arbor

(734) 649-2091 (989)348-9266 (313) 815-4513

mitstrack.org hansonhills.org prfitnessa2.com

Sat, 1/3/15 Sat, 1/3/15 Sun, 1/4/15

Reese Winter Road Race Series Yankee Springs Winter Challenge Dirty Herd Trail Run

Reese Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

(989) 529-7904 (616) 540-1987 (616) 940-9888

race-mrm.com yankeespringstrailrun.com gazellesports.com

Sun, 1/4/15 Sun, 1/4/15 Sun, 1/4/15

Life Time Fitness Indoor Triathlon Life Time Fitness Indoor Triathlon Life Time Fitness Indoor Triathlon

10minS/ 30minB/ 20minR 10minS/ 30minB/ 20minR 10minS/ 30minB/ 20minR

Bloomfield Hills (248) 282-4300 Canton (734) 394-2800 Commerce Township (248) 960-0955

indoortri.com indoortri.com indoortri.com

Sun, 1/4/15 Sun, 1/4/15 Sun, 1/4/15

Life Time Fitness Indoor Triathlon Life Time Fitness Indoor Triathlon Life Time Fitness Indoor Triathlon

10minS/ 30minB/ 20minR 10minS/ 30minB/ 20minR 10minS/ 30minB/ 20minR

Novi Shelby Twp Troy

(248) 734-0100 (586) 532-1300 (248) 267-1000

indoortri.com indoortri.com indoortri.com

Tue, 1/6/15

Hansons Group Run - Tuesdays

Downtown Detroit Run / Walk - Vivios

4-6M training runs

Detroit

‘(734) 683-5568 detroitdowntownrunners.com

Michigan Indoor Track Series

hs field: hj, sp, pv

Grosse Pointe

Grand Rapids

(734) 649-2091

(313) 882-1325

hansons-running.com

Thu, 1/8/15 Thu, 1/8/15

Hansons Beginners Walk/Run Hansons Tempo Run

training training run

Lake Orion Royal Oak

(248) 693-9900 248-616-9665

hansons-running.com hansons-running.com

Tue, 1/6/15

Thu, 1/8/15

Michigan Indoor Track Series

hs track & field 5-7K team relay XC ski 3-20MRR 10KR, 5KR/W 50MR, 50KR, 25KR, 10KR, 10K snowshoe 4MR, 2MR

track & field

michiganrunner.net

Ypsilanti

(269) 342-5996 gazellesports.com/oneonerun (586) 532-1300 commitmentday.com/detroit/ (734) 678-5045 epicraces.com (248) 693-9742 downtownlakeorion.org ludington5k@gmail.com ludington5k.com

(734) 649-2091

mitstrack.org

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

January / February 2015 Event Calendar Thu, 1/8/15 Fri, 1/9/15 Sat, 1/10/15

Rochester Running Club 5K Fun Run Michigan Indoor Track Series 1st Evangelical Covenant Church Run

5KR hs track & field 10KR, 5KR, 1.5MR

Rochester (248) 497-9340 facebook.com/RochesterRunningClub Mt. Pleasant (734) 649-2091 mitstrack.org Grand Rapids (616) 453-8600 grandrapidsrunningclub.org

Sat, 1/10/15 Sat, 1/10/15 Sat, 1/10/15

Cross Countery Winter Trail Days Lansing for Haiti 5K Livonia Park Run

XC Ski & snowshoe Cinic 5KR/W, kids run 5KR

Thompsonville Lansing Livoni

(800) 968-7686 (517) 290-0769 (734) 642-6664

crystalmountain.com lansingforhaiti.com parkrun.us/livonia

Sat, 1/10/15 Sat, 1/10/15 Sat, 1/10/15

Lumberjack 5K Michigan Indoor Track Series Montrose Frozen Blueberry 5K

5KR/W track & field 5KR/W

Manton Allendale Montrose

(231) 920-1951 (734) 649-2091 (248) 321-0148

hardracingevents.com mitstrack.org blueberryrace.org

Sat, 1/10/15 Sat, 1/10/15 Sat, 1/10/15

PR Fitness Group Run REI Frosty Freestyle Cross Country Ski Race SISU Ski Festival

6-20MR 15K, 5K X-C Ski; kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s race 42K/ 21K/ XC ski, kids XC ski

Ann Arbor Wixom Ironwood

(313) 815-4513 (248) 535-9351 (715) 254-4104

prfitnessa2.com www.nordicskiracer.com sisuskifest.com

Sat, 1/10/15 Sun, 1/11/15 Tue, 1/13/15

The Ididarun 8 Mile Challenge Dirty Herd Trail Run Downtown Detroit Run / Walk - Mercury Bar

8MR, 8M relay 4MR, 2MR 4-6M training runs

Linden Grand Rapids Detroit

(313) 806-0137 edanielskinner@yahoo.com (616) 940-9888 gazellesports.com (313) 964-5000 detroitdowntownrunners.com

Tue, 1/13/15 Thu, 1/15/15 Thu, 1/15/15

Hansons Group Run - Tuesdays Hansons Beginners Walk/Run Hansons Tempo Run

training training run

Grosse Pointe Lake Orion Royal Oak

(313) 882-1325 (248) 693-9900 248-616-9665

Thu, 1/15/15 Thu, 1/15/15 Thu, 1/15/15

Michigan Indoor Track Series Michigan Indoor Track Series Rochester Running Club 5K Fun Run

hs track & field hs track & field, 5KR

Ypsilanti Warren Rochester

Fri, 1/16/15 Fri, 1/16/15 Sat, 1/17/15

Cote Dame Marie Loppet Kids Race Michigan Indoor Track Series Auto Show Shuffle

kids XC ski races hs track & field, 5KR/W

Grayling Ann Arbor Detroit

(989) 348-9266 (734) 649-2091 (586) 850-6611

www.hansonhills.org mitstrack.org autoshowshuffle.com

Sat, 1/17/15

Bigfoot Snowshoe Race

Cote Dame Marie Loppet Freeze Your Fanny 5K Run/Walk

30K, 15K XC Ski 5KR/W, 1MR

Grayling Midland

Traverse City

(231) 932-5401

runsnow.com

Sat, 1/17/15 Sat, 1/17/15 Sat, 1/17/15

Frigid Five K Livonia Park Run Michigan Indoor Track Series

5KR/W 5KR hs track & field

Niles Livonia Saginaw

(269) 684-2000 (734) 642-6664 (734) 649-2091

www.cycleandfitness.net parkrun.us/livonia mitstrack.org

Sat, 1/17/15 Sat, 1/17/15 Sat, 1/17/15

Michigan Indoor Track Series OPC Indoor Triathlon Portland Winter Run

hs track & field 20minS/ 20minB/ 20minR 5KR/W

Sat, 1/17/15 Sat, 1/17/15 Sat, 1/17/15

PR Fitness Group Run Sno Glo Retro 5K Run Tip Up Town 5K Run/Walk

6- 20MR 5KR/W 5KR/W

Ann Arbor Rochester Houghton

(313) 815-4513 (248) 321-9813 (989) 422-2002

Sat, 1/17/15 Sat, 1/17/15 Sun, 1/18/15

Tortoise and Hare Winter Challenge Winter Wolf Run Dirty Herd Trail Run

various 2K loops 15MR, 2 person relay 4MR, 2MR

Ann Arbor Omer Grand Rapids

(734) 623-9640 (989) 529-2906 (616) 940-9888

Sun, 1/18/15 Sun, 1/18/15 Tue, 1/20/15

Friends of DetroitLions Fan 5K USA Half Marathon Championsips Downtown Detroit Run / Walk - PJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lager House

5KR 13.1MR 4-6M training runs

Detroit

(888) 246-2430

Tue, 1/20/15 Thu, 1/22/15 Thu, 1/22/15

Hansons Group Run - Tuesdays Hansons Beginners Walk/Run Hansons Tempo Run

Thu, 1/22/15 Thu, 1/22/15 Sat, 1/24/15

Sat, 1/17/15 Sat, 1/17/15

10K, 5K snowshoe

hansons-running.com hansons-running.com hansons-running.com

(734) 649-2091 mitstrack.org (734) 649-2091 mitstrack.org (248) 497-9340 facebook.com/RochesterRunningClub

(989) 348-9266 (989) 832.2267

graylingnordic.com barc-mi.com

Hillsdale (734) 649-2091 mitstrack.org Rochester Hills (248) 659-1021 facebook.com/events/391415887674312/ Portland (517) 526-2210 runningfoundation.com prfitnessa2.com eastsideracingcompany.com houghtonlakechamber.net tortoiseandhare.com witchywolfrun.com gazellesports.com

Detroit

santarun2014@yahoo.com usatf.org (313) 964-5000 detroitdowntownrunners.com

training training run

Grosse Pointe Lake Orion Royal Oak

(313) 882-1325 (248) 693-9900 248-616-9665

Michigan Indoor Track Series Rochester Running Club 5K Fun Run Frozen Foot Race

hs track & field 5KR 5 MR/W, kids run

Ann Arbor (734) 649-2091 mitstrack.org Rochester (248) 497-9340 facebook.com/RochesterRunningClub Traverse City (231) 933-9242 frozenfootrace.com

Sat, 1/24/15 Sat, 1/24/15 Sat, 1/24/15

Hiawatha Invitational Livonia Park Run Michigan Indoor Track Series

2 - 10K XC Ski 5KR hs track & field

Sat, 1/24/15

Noquemanon Ski Marathon

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Sault Ste. Marie, ON contactus@soofinnishnordic.com soofinnishnordic.com Livonia (734) 642-6664 parkrun.us/livonia Grand Rapids (734) 649-2091 mitstrack.org

50K, 24K, 12k XC Ski; 15M snowshoe

michiganrunner.tv

hansons-running.com hansons-running.com hansons-running.com

Marquette

(888) 370-RACE

noquemanon.com

January / February 2015 Event Calendar Sat, 1/24/15 Sat, 1/24/15 Sun, 1/25/15

PR Fitness Group Run Winter Switchback Race Brooksie Way’s Chill at the Mill 5K

6-20MR 5KR 5KR/W

Ann Arbor Chelsea Rochester

Sun, 1/25/15 Sun, 1/25/15

Dave’s 10 Mile Shoe Run Dirty Herd Trail Run

10 MR, 5KR 4MR, 2MR

Delta Grand Rapids

Sun, 1/25/15 Sun, 1/25/15 Sun, 1/25/15 Sun, 1/25/15 Tue, 1/27/15

Sun, 1/25/15

davesraces.com gazellesports.com

(248) 693-9900

hansons-running.com

Livonia’s Arctic Chill Indoor Triathlon Trtiathlon: 20min S/ B/ R Noquemanon Ski Race - 3 days 12K XCSki, 12K, 24KSnowB, 10KSnowshoe Polar Bear 5K 5KR/W

Livonia Marquette Haslett

(734) 466-2411 (888) 370-RACE (517) 853-4608

www.ci.livonia.mi.us noquemanon.com active.com

Tue, 1/27/15

Snowmans Half Marathon 13.1MR/W, 10KR/W, 5KR/W Downtown Detroit Run / Walk - Foran’s Grand Trunk 4-6M training runs

Hansons Group Run - Tuesdays

Shepherd Detroit

(989) 317-5889 michiganhalfseries.com (313) 961-3043 detroitdowntownrunners.com (313) 882-1325

hansons-running.com

Tue, 1/27/15 Wed, 1/28/15

Michigan Indoor Track Series Michigan Indoor Track Series

hs track & field hs t & f, distance, throws, hj

Grand Rapids Mt. Pleasant

(734) 649-2091 (734) 649-2091

mitstrack.org mitstrack.org

Thu, 1/29/15

training

(419) 704-8164 (616) 940-9888

Lake Orion

Thu, 1/29/15

Hansons Group Run

(313) 815-4513 prfitnessa2.com (734) 433-9338 facebook.com/SwitchBacksRace (248) 266-6291 thebrooksieway.com

Hansons Beginners Walk/Run

Grosse Pointe

training

Hansons Tempo Run - Thursdays

Lake Orion Royal Oak

(248) 693-9900 (248) 616-9665

hansons-running.com hansons-running.com

Thu, 1/29/15 Thu, 1/29/15

Michigan indoor Track Series Rochester Running Club 5K Fun Run

hs track & field 5KR

Ann Arbor Rochester

Sat, 1/31/15 Sat, 1/31/15 Sat, 1/31/15

Frosty 5K & Merry Mile Grass River Shiver Groundhog Gallop

5KR/W, 1MR/W 5K snowshoe 5KR/W, Kid's Run

Iron Mountain Bellaire Jackson

(906) 774-2256 (231) 533-8314 (517) 784-5444

dicsami.org grassriver.org runsignup.com

Sat, 1/31/15 Sat, 1/31/15

Livonia Park Run Michigan Indoor Track Series

5KR hs track & field

Livonia Hillsdale

(734) 642-6664 (734) 649-2091

parkrun.us/livonia mitstrack.org

(810) 824-3272 (313) 815-4513 (231) 924-6045

elitefeetrunning.com prfitnessa2.com www.fremontxc.com

Sat, 1/31/15

Moonlight 1/6 Marathon on Groundhog Eve

Sat, 1/31/15 Sat, 1/31/15 Sat, 1/31/15

PoHo Hot Cocoa 8K Run/ 5K Walk PR Fitness Group Run The Frostbite

Sat, 1/31/15 Sun, 2/1/15

USATF 100 Mile Trail Championships or 2/16/15 Dirty Herd Trail Run

100MR 4MR, 2MR

Huntsville, TX Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids

(616) 940-9888

usatf.org gazellesports.com

Sun, 2/1/15 Sun, 2/1/15 Sun, 2/1/15

Hanson Hills Classic Super 5K Super Bowl 5K

12K XC Ski 5KR/W 5KR/W

Grayling Novi Lansing

(989) 348-9266 (734) 929-9027 (517) 702-0226

hansonhills.org runsuperbowl.com runningfoundation.com

Sun, 2/1/15 Sun, 2/1/15 Tue, 2/3/15

Super Sunday 5K Tutu Fun Run to Benefit Girls on the Run Downtown Detroit Run / Walk - Vivio’s

5KR 2.2MR/W 4-6M training runs

Bangor Kalamazoo Detroit

(269) 427-7842 bangorvikings.org (269) 491-2663 girlsontherunkazoo.org (734) 673-5568 detroitdowntownrunners.com

Tue, 2/3/15

Hansons Group Run - Tuesdays Hansons Beginners Walk/Run

6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR

training

Ann Arbor

Thu, 2/5/15 Thu, 2/5/15

Michigan Indoor Track Series Rochester Running Club 5K Fun Run

hs track & field 5KR

Ypsilanti Rochester

Fri, 2/6/15 Sat, 2/7/15 Sat, 2/7/15

Rotary Winter Run Alpenfrost Frosty 5K Run/Walk Frosty Five Trail Run

5KR/W, 1MR/W 5KR/W 5MR

Grand Haven Gaylord Adrian

Sat, 2/7/15 Sat, 2/7/15 Sat, 2/7/15

Heart & Sole 5K Hot Chocolate Hustle Lake Erie Muskrat Run

5KR/W, kids run 5KR/ 1MW 5KR, 1MR

Alma Adrian Monroe

(989) 330-2430 (517) 263-2911 (734) 241-2606

runsignup.com www.adriansef.com ymcaofmonroemembers.org

Sat, 2/7/15 Sat, 2/7/15 Sat, 2/7/15

Livonia Park Run Michigan Adventure Race - Winter Edition Michigan Indoor Track Series

5KR up to 3 hr adventure hs track & field

Livonia Ada Saginaw

(734) 642-6664 (616) 460-9331 (734) 649-2091

parkrun.us/livonia miadventurerace.com mitstrack.org

Sat, 2/7/15

PR Fitness Group Run

20MR, 10MR, 3MR

Ann Arbor

(313) 815-4513

prfitnessa2.com

Sun, 2/1/15

Thu, 2/5/15

Wed, 2/4/15 Thu, 2/5/15

Groundhog Day Marathon

PR Fitness Group Run

Hansons Tempo Run

4.3 MR, snowshoe run

(734) 649-2091 mitstrack.org (248) 497-9340 facebook.com/RochesterRunningClub

Grand Rapids

10MR, 10KR, 5KR, 1MR, kids run Port Huron 20MR, 10MR, 3MR Ann Arbor 10KR, 5KR/W Fremont

26.2MR, 13.1MR

michiganrunner.net

Grosse Pointe Lake Orion Royal Oak

(616) 293-3145 groundhogmarathon.com

(313) 882-1325

(248) 693-9900

(313) 815-4513

248-616-9665

hansons-running.com

prfitnessa2.com

hansons-running.com

(734) 649-2091 mitstrack.org (248) 497-9340 facebook.com/RochesterRunningClub grandhavenrotaryevents.org/rotarywinterrun.html (989) 619-4908 gaylordalpenfrost.com (517) 266-6344 runningwithes.com

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

January / February 2015 Event Calendar Sat, 2/7/15

Reese Winter Road Race Series

10KR, 5KR/W

Reese

(989) 529-7904

race-mrm.com

Sat, 2/7/15 Sat, 2/7/15 Sat, 2/7/15

Rotary Snowmelt Shuffle 5K Run / Walk Snap Fitness Snowball Family Fun Run USATF Cross Country Championships

5KR, 1MW 5KR/W 6KR, 8KR, 12KR

Holland Ionia

(616) 610-1339 (407) 529-9910

signmeup.com/104553/ runsignup.com usatf.org

Sat, 2/7/15 Sat, 2/7/15 Sat, 2/7/15

White Pine Stampede Winter Witch's Hat Run Winterlaufe

40K, 20K, 10K XC Ski 5KR/W 8KR/W

Mancelona South Lyon Frankenmuth

(231) 587-8812 (248) 207-5135 (989) 860-3388

whitepinestampede.org slxc.com/witch www.winterlaufe.org

Sun, 2/8/15

Dirty Herd Trail Run

4MR, 2MR

Riverview Winterfest Breakfast and 4 Mile Run

triathlon clinic

Grand Rapids

Sun, 2/8/15

Epic Newbie Triathlon Clinic

4 MR, 4x1M relay

Ann Arbor

Southgate

(734) 678-5045

epicraces.com

Tue, 2/10/15

Hansons Group Run - Tuesdays

Downtown Detroit Run/Walk - Zâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Villa

6MFR, 4MW

Detroit

(313) 965-2770 detroitdowntownrunners.com

Michigan Indoor Track Series

hs field: hj, sp, pv

Grosse Pointe

Grand Rapids

(734) 649-2091

(313) 882-1325

hansons-running.com

Wed, 2/11/15

Bumper Run

6 MR

Ortonville

(248) 701-4036

don.richmond@juno.com

Thu, 2/12/15

Michigan Indoor Track Series

Hansons Beginners Walk/Run

hs t&f, sprints, jumps

training

Mt. Pleasant

Lake Orion

(248) 693-9900

hansons-running.com

Thu, 2/12/15 Thu, 2/12/15

Michigan Indoor Track Series Michigan Indoor Track Series

track & field track & field

Warren Ypsilanti

(734) 649-2091 (734) 649-2091

Thu, 2/12/15 Fri, 2/13/15 Fri, 2/13/15

Rochester Running Club 5K Fun Run Michigan Indoor Track Series Michigan Indoor Track Series

5KR hs track & field hs track & field

Rochester (248) 497-9340 facebook.com/RochesterRunningClub Grand Rapids (734) 649-2091 mitstrack.org Ann Arbor (734) 649-2091 mitstrack.org

Sat, 2/14/15 Sat, 2/14/15 Sat, 2/14/15

Bon Soo Lantern Ski Cupidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Undie Run Leelanau Outdoor Center Snowshoe Stampede

4k ski tour Sault St. Marie, Ont. contactus@soofinnishnordic.com soofinnishnordic.com 1.2MR Leonard (586) 322-8612 cupidsundierun.com/city/detroit/ 5K snowshoe, 1M snowshoe Maple City (231) 334-3808 locprograms.org

Sat, 2/14/15 Sat, 2/14/15 Sat, 2/14/15

Livonia Park Run Michigan Indoor Track Series North American VASA

5KR Livonia hs track & field Saginaw 50K ski, 27K ski, 12K ski, 6K ski Traverse City

(734) 642-6664 (734) 649-2091 (231) 938-4400

parkrun.us/livonia mitstrack.org www.vasa.org

Sat, 2/14/15 Sat, 2/14/15 Sat, 2/14/15

Paczki Run PR Fitness Group Run Tahquamenon Snowshoe Race

5KR 20MR,10MR, 3MR 10K, 5K, kids snowshoe

Hamtramck Ann Arbor Clintonville

(248) 766-6485 (313) 815-4513 (715) 480-0426

tour-de-troit.org prfitnessa2.com greatlakesendurance.com

Sat, 2/14/15 Sat, 2/14/15 Sun, 2/15/15

Tortoise and Hare Winter Challenge Tortoise and Hare Winter Challenge Dirty Herd Trail Run

various 2K loops various 2K loops 4MR, 2MR

Ann Arbor Ann Arbor Grand Rapids

(734) 623-9640 (734) 623-9640 (616) 940-9888

tortoiseandhare.com tortoiseandhare.com gazellesports.com

Sun, 2/15/15 Sun, 2/15/15 Sun, 2/15/15

Hagerty Insurance Gran Travers Cross Country Classic 16K / 6K XC Ski Heart Throb 5K 5KR/W IceCube Half Marathon 13.1MR, 10KR. 5KR

Traverse City East Lansing Mt. Pleasant

(231) 938-4400 (248) 660-7390 (989) 317-5889

nordicskiracer.com runningfoundation.com michiganhalfseries.com

Sun, 2/15/15 Tue, 2/17/15

Junior VASA Downtown Detroit Run / Walk - Ottava Via

6K ski 4-6M training runs

Traverse City Detroit

(231) 938-4400 www.vasa.org (734) 673-5568 detroitdowntownrunners.com

Hansons Beginners Walk/Run Hansons Tempo Run

training

Lake Orion Royal Oak

(248) 693-9900 248-616-9665

Tue, 2/10/15

Wed, 2/11/15

Thu, 2/12/15

Hansons Tempo Run

(616) 940-9888

(313) 550-9336

(734) 649-2091

Royal Oak

248-616-9665

mitstrack.org

hansons-running.com

mitstrack.org mitstrack.org

Hansons Group Run - Tuesdays

Thu, 2/19/15

Michigan Indoor Track Series

hs track & field

Ypsilanti

Thu, 2/19/15 Thu, 2/19/15 Fri, 2/20/15

Michigan Indoor Track Series Rochester Running Club 5K Fun Run Michigan Indoor Track Series

hs track & field 5KR hs track & field

Hillsdale Rochester Ann Arbor

(734) 649-2091 mitstrack.org (248) 497-9340 facebook.com/RochesterRunningClub (734) 649-2091 mitstrack.org

Sat, 2/21/15 Sat, 2/21/15 Sat, 2/21/15

Dragon Run Hot Fudge 5K Run & Walk Livonia Park Run

5KR/W, 1MR 5KR/W 5KR

Howell Burton Livonia

(810) 355-8459 facebook.com/DragonRunHowell (810) 513-3330 hotfudgerun.com (734) 642-6664 parkrun.us/livonia

Sat, 2/21/15 Sat, 2/21/15

Mardi Gras 5K Run/Walk Michigan Indoor Track Series

5KR/W hs track & field

Bay City Allendale

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

michiganrunner.tv

(313) 882-1325

downriverrunners.org

Tue, 2/17/15

Thu, 2/19/15 Thu, 2/19/15

Grosse Pointe

gazellesports.com

(734) 649-2091

(989) 832.2267 (734) 649-2091

hansons-running.com

hansons-running.com hansons-running.com

mitstrack.org

barc-mi.com mitstrack.org

January / February 2015 Event Calendar Sat, 2/21/15 Sat, 2/21/15 Sun, 2/22/15 Sun, 2/22/15

PR Fitness Group Run Winter Blast 5K Dirty Herd Trail Run Hansons Group Run

20MR, 10MR, 3MR 5KR/W 4MR, 2MR

Ann Arbor Wyoming Grand Rapids

(313) 815-4513 (616) 293-1862 (616) 940-9888

prfitnessa2.com winterblastrun.com gazellesports.com hansons-running.com

Sun, 2/22/15 Sat, 2/14/15

Last Chance for Boston Marathon Mable Lake Tour

26.2MR, 13.1, 10K, 5K, relay Dublin (614) 431-9134 premierraces.com XC Ski tour Sault St. Marie, Ont. contactus@soofinnishnordic.com soofinnishnordic.com

training

Lake Orion

(248) 693-9900

Sun, 2/22/15 Tue, 2/24/15

USATF Masters 8 km Championship Downtown Detroit Run / Walk - Rub Pub

8KR 4-6M training runs

Brea, CA Detroit

usatf.org (734) 673-5568 detroitdowntownrunners.com (313) 882-1325

hansons-running.com

Hansons Beginners Walk/Run Hansons Tempo Run

6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR

training

Ann Arbor

Lake Orion Royal Oak

(248) 693-9900 248-616-9665

hansons-running.com hansons-running.com

Tue, 2/24/15

Hansons Group Run - Tuesdays

Grosse Pointe

Wed, 2/25/15

Thu, 2/26/15 Thu, 2/26/15

PR Fitness Group Run

Thu, 2/26/15 Fri, 2/27/15 Fri, 2/27/15

Rochester Running Club 5K Fun Run 5KR Big Ten Indoor Championships - Men & Women - 2 days track & field meet Mid American Conference Indoor Championships track & field meet

Rochester (248) 497-9340 Geneva, OH Mt. Pleasant

Fri, 2/27/15 Sat, 2/28/15 Sat, 2/28/15

USA Indoor Track & Field Championships - 3 days track & field meet Livonia Park Run 5KR Michigan Indoor Track Series - State Championship hs track & field

Boston, MA Livonia Ypsilanti

(734) 642-6664 (734) 649-2091

Sat, 2/28/15

Walk for Warmth

Sterling Heights

(586) 469-5905

5KR/W

(313) 815-4513

prfitnessa2.com

facebook.com/RochesterRunningClub bigten.cstv.com mac-sports.com usatf.org parkrun.us/livonia mitstrack.org mccsa.macombgov.org/w4w

Featured Future Events Sun, 3/8/15 Sun, 3/15/15 Tue, 3/17/15

Kona Shamrock Run St. Patrick’s Parade Corktown Race Pot O’ Gold 4 Mile Run & Walk

10KR, 5KR/W, 1MFR 5KR/W 4 MR/W, kids run

Northville Detroit Flint

(248) 345-6168 konashamrockrun.com (248) 354-1177 corktownrace.com (810) 233-8851 potofgoldrun.com

Sat, 3/21/15 Sun, 3/29/15 Sat, 5/2/15

Bill Roney Memorial 5K Ann Arbor Marathon Novi Half Marathon

5KR, 1M kids run 26.2, 13.1, 10K, 5K, 1M 13.1, 10K, 5K, 13.1relay

Royal Oak Ann Arbor Northville

(248) 693-9900 hansons-running.com (734) 904-8945 theannarbormarathon.com novihalfmarathon.com

Sat, 5/9/15 Sat, 5/16/15 Sun, 5/17/15

Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K, 10K, 5K, teams Midland Community Center’s Dow Run/Walk 10K, 5K, 1M, kids run Great Lakes Bay Marathon and 13.1 26.2, 13.1MR/W/Wheel

Sun, 5/17/15 Sat, 5/23/15 Sun, 5/31/15

Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K Alma Highland Festival Series of Races Dexter to Ann Arbor Run

26.2 MR, 13.1 MR, 10KR Pepper Pike 10KR, 5KR/W, kids runs Alma 13.1M, 10K, 5KR, kids run Ann Arbor

Sat, 6/13/15 Sat, 6/27/15

Kona Run Charlevoix Marathon

10M, 10K, 5K, Kids Run 26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K

Grand Rapids (616) 771-1590 53riverbankrun.com Midland (989) 832-7937 dowweekendofracesraces.com Midland (989) 832-7937 dowweekendofracesraces.com

Northville South Lyon

(800) 467-3826 clevelandmarathon.com (989) 463-8979 almahighlandfestival.com (248) 396-4936 dxa2.com (248) 345-6168 konarun.com (248) 921-2720 charlevoixmarathon.com

Race Directors: Be sure your race is listed in Michigan Runner’s Annual Event Calendar, which will be published in the print and online editions of the March/April 2015 issue. Email, FAX or mail the following:

Event Date:________________________ Event Name:_______________________ Event City:________________________ Starting Time:______________________ Starting Location:___________________ Distances:________________________ Website:_________________________ Michigan Runner 4007 Carpenter Road, #366 Ypsilanti, MI 48197

michiganrunner.net

Contact Name:_____________________ Phone:__________________________ Email:___________________________ Mailing Address:___________________ City:____________________________ State/Province-Zip:__________________ jennie@glsp.com (734) 507-0251 (734) 434-4765 FAX

Michigan Runner - January / February 2015

Running with Tom Henderson

ick Magin first kicked my butt in 2001 and he’s been kicking it ever since, thanks to a story I wrote in the July 2003 issue of Runner’s World magazine on the glories of the three-race, two-day Keweenaw Trail Festival in the Upper Peninsula. The article didn’t make him a better runner. It just alerted him to a new world of trail racing, a world I share. I wrote about the trail festival and its founder, Jeff Crumbaugh, in the last issue of Michigan Runner, which elicited a response by Dick. I first met him in summer 2001, when I was writing stories on nano- and bio-technology for www.smalltimes.com and Small Times magazine, both owned by now Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder. I went to Chicago that summer to do a profile on the young University of Illinois at Chicago scientist Tejal Desai, a bioengineer who went on Boston University and is now head of the Therapeutic Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory at the University of California, San Francisco. Dick was head of the UIC bioengineering department, and as part of the trip I interviewed him, which led to an invitation to go for a run. As I said, he kicked my ass over six or seven miles, him chatting, me gasping. He read my piece in RW, made the trip to the Keweenaw to see firsthand if I had been exaggerating and since then has been running races all over northern Michigan, including the Harvest Stompede 7-miler in the Leelanau Peninsula, the Bigfoot Boogie snowshoe race Randy Step puts on in Traverse City and a slew of Jeff ’s races across the U.P. “Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed your reminiscing about the early days of trail running in the UP, and the key contributions of Jeff Crumbaugh to getting it all started,” Dick wrote. “I only knew of the UP as something to pass through on the way up to Duluth to run in Grandma’s Marathon each year. Your story caused a big splash that whetted my appetite to run the Keweenaw. “I’ve been going back most every year since 2003, even when I was hurt or out of shape. Just could not let the dates pass without being there. This past year, I ran the first two races but was too wasted to run the 25K. I did (out of guilt) run about five miles over and around Ft. Wilkins, while the real jocks were up in the hills. “I also ran the Grand Island Marathon this year. There was a very nice trail picture in Michigan Runner, but my views were mostly of the mud and the rocks and roots. Next time I run it, I have promised myself I will stop at the halfway point, on the North Beach, take a swim and quit trying to break into the top three of the 60-69 age group. “After Grand Island, in the fall, I got up to the Porcupine Mountains for Jeff ’s new race. Twice it has been held, twice I have showed up and twice I have bailed on running the full marathon course. Both 38

years, the mud necessitated Jeff curtail the course and just run the half. I don’t know about you, but after one three-hour half marathon on that course, I can’t get myself to do it again (remember the old definition about insanity being doing the same thing over and over again, while expecting a different outcome?). “The half may be more than enough for most mortals. This year while descending the half-mile to the 5-mile water stop, I was terrified for maybe the first time in a trail run. I have been that scared skiing, back when I was young and stupid, but this was a first, and even walking seemed dangerous. There was no mud there, just slippery rock everywhere.

By Tom Henderson

“As I push 70 and the clock is ticking, I am torn between running my favorites each year and striking out for new challenges. Two weeks ago I was in Atlanta for the 50th anniversary of my freshman year at Georgia Tech. While there, feeling very ancient, I ran in Piedmont Park where years past I had run so often. After visiting campus, going to a football game and hanging out at my old bar (Manuel’s Tavern), I was pretty much caught in a time lapse. My face and body show my age, but my mind still thinks of me as that young, somewhat geeky guy who liked physics and liked to run.

Tony Mifsud (l) & Kermit Ambrose

He was still coaching, he said, going on 50 years. In his 70s, though, he had hung up his own running shoes. He is head girls track and cross country coach at Dearborn Divine Child, and last February was named Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association Division 2 coach of the year. Tony has the best smile and most friends of anyone I know. He has the ability to make everyone feel special without any hint of insincerity or glad-handing. Just the nicest guy ever, with the kind of compelling story you can’t make up.

“I know one day I will have to hang up my running shoes and hold on to a walker for dear life, but it is nice to know that day was not today, as I got in a 10-miler this morning, and God willing will do the same tomorrow.”

Mifsud was one of the area’s elite runners when I first hit the roads in running shoes in 1981. A native of Malta who moved to the U.S. when he was seven, Tony tried to run for the Maltese Olympic marathon team in 1984 but was foiled by politics.

Well said, old (and getting older) friend. It is a blessing to still be out there putting one foot in front of the other. It’s funny. When I look in the mirror, I see the same face looking out at me that used to sit atop the lean body that ran 17-minute 5Ks and 36-minute 10Ks.

He’d been runner-up at the 1961 state crosscountry championships his senior year at Detroit Cody High School, but there had been anything but a straight line from his successes as a teen to his standout times as an adult.

But when I see a photo of me, a fat stranger looks at me, an old guy with chubby cheeks and a faceful of wrinkles who’s probably (no, is) happy getting around a course in under 10 minutes a mile.

As a Spring Arbor College freshman, Tony was on a national junior college championship team. Later, in 1966, he helped Eastern Michigan University win a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics cross-country title.

try to plan some workdays each week that get me out of the office for meetings or interviews at 3 p.m. No sense coming back to the office when the meeting ends at four, so, depending where I’m at, I might head to Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills or Middle Rouge Parkway in Northville or Barton Nature Reserve in Ann Arbor for a trail run with my dog. So there I was one afternoon in Cranbrook, putting on my shoes in a parking lot as a bunch of kids ran by in singlets. It was a big cross-country meet with a bunch of teams. Me and the dog kept out of everyone’s way for the most part, but their paths and ours crossed a few times and briefly we’d share a trail with kids flying by, us giving them plenty of room. As we came up an incline in the woods there was Tony Mifsud, hollering encouragement to the kids. I hadn’t seen Tony in years. He saw me, broke into a big smile, came over and we gave each other a fierce hug as we caught up, compressing 10 or 12 years into 10 or 12 minutes.

Michigan Runner - November / December 2014

michiganrunner.tv

The next year, Mifsud was rear-ended at a stoplight, temporarily paralyzed from the waist down and didn’t run for 10 years. In the early 1980s, Tony was a beast, at the head of the pack of many races I entered around the state. He ran a half-marathon PR of 1:06 at Williamston, a flat course that in November always brought killer head- and crosswinds, and set a marathon PR of 2:25 in Philadelphia. Tony was best known as a contributor, not racer. He founded the Allen Park Street Fair 8K in 1977, was a key figure behind the legendary Trenton Treadmill 8K and Riverview Winterfest 4-miler and one of the founders of the Downriver Runners, which is still going strong. Tony, I can’t tell you how great it was to see you. Seeing you hollering out at the kids and smiling gave the illusion, if briefly, some things don’t change. - MR -