Michigan Runner, November / December 2013 by Great Lakes Sports Publications, Inc.

Online: Photo Gallery

Inside November / December 2013 online issue: http://issuu.com/ michiganrunner/docs/mr1113 Photography by Carter Sherline, and Victah Sailer

In This Issue November / December 2013

Event Calendar 30

10 13 14 17 19 21 Birch Run Charity Run Dances with Dirt HealthPlus Crim Embrace Life, Livonia Leaders and Best Raise Hope & Foster Dreams Run for CHUM Zero Prostate Cancer Run Fifth Avenue Mile Berlin Marathon Run 4 Wine Wild Life Marathon Run Scream Run

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November / December 2013 Events

Features and Departments 9

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Vol. 35, No. 5

21 28 29 34

Editor’s Notes: Ageless By Scott Sullivan

Once Upon a Blue Moon By Kacey Tully

Beyond the Chip: The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of By Laurel Park Meb Keflezighi and the New York Marathon Running Shorts with Scott Hubbard

Unexpected Motivators By Dave Foley

Book Review: ‘Adventure’ Offers Inspiration, Laughs By Ron Marinucci Book Review: Anderson Makes Running Science Accessible to All By Ron Marinucci

Refraining from Explaining By Bob Schwartz Austic Teen Runs to Conquer Obesity, Wins Governor’s Award By Anthony Targan ‘Flag Man’ Completes 31-Year Mission By Ron Marinucci

Running with Tom Henderson

Online: Video • • • • • • • •

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

BOA Chicago Marathon Wild Life Marathon Running in Los Angeles Zero Prostate Cancer Run Cairn Stone Adventure Tours Spartan Invitational Park 2 Park Half Marathon HealthPlus Brooksie Way |

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

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Medals 4 Mettle Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo Kensington Challenge IAAF World Championships Labor Day 30K, Milford HealthPlus Crim 10 Mile Cadillac Festival of Races Dave McGillivray

At the Races 8

Foley, Munell Find Ways to Win Brooksie Way By C.D. McEwen

Kogo Four-Peats on New Crim Course

Run Woodstock Numbers Rise

Big Turnout Enjoys Run for Hills

Folk, Veneziano Win Third Labor Day 30K Crowns By Charles Douglas McEwen

By Charles Douglas McEwen By Tracey Cohen

By Ron Marinucci

Jurkowski, Noble Win T-Rex Triathlon Series By Charles Douglas McEwen

Kensington Challenge Celebrates 30 Years

Mt. Baldhead Challenge Course Tests, Inspires By Scott Sullivan

23 24 25 26 27 29

By Charles Douglas McEwen

Matt Matters at Park2Park ByScott Sullivan

Cheetah-like Teen Captures Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo By C.D. McEwen Runners, Triathletes Converge on Cadillac By Dave Foley

Red October Run Reaps Big Turnout Despite Storm By Charles Douglas McEwen Entrants Look, Act Dashing at Red Carpet Run By Pamela Z. Zinkowky More Than 800 Run Through Heart of Saginaw By Charles Douglas McEwen About the cover: Michigan Runner columnist, Laurel Park, has won national titles and local races as an open and masters runner. This year Laurel reached a new age group, 50-54, and is still winning races. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pictured here at the USATF Masters 10K Championship in 2012 at the Dexter Ann Arbor Run. Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios.

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Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

Editor’s Notes

Ageless © C. Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

By Scott Sullivan f I had money for all the American Association of Retired Persons letters I’ve received since turning 50, I could retire.

AARP has retired the name for which its initials stand. It’s like FFA isn’t “Future Farmers of America” any longer — it wants to be more inclusive — and SNAFU has grown past “Situation Normal: All F___ed Up” to include all government. AARP will take my money even if I’m not a retired person.

But no. I have to re-tire my car, my debts … You’re in a fix when you’re broke; a fixed income doesn’t fix it.

What would I get for $16? A free membership for my wife (who refused to turn 50 years ago). Benefits and discounts. Valuable information for living well, award-winning magazines and a tote bag.

I went to a running shoe clearance sale to escape. It worked like this: I could buy one pair for $40, two for $70, 10 for $200 … The more I spent, the more I saved. Now my closet’s full of shoes I can’t run in because I’m hurt, and my wallet’s empty. I don’t “get” money. You’d think I’d have millions with all I’ve saved. What’s left for a guy pushing 60? You guessed it: eyelashes. In a press release titled “Divine Beauty Can Be Yours,” I learned Helga Arminak has released a new lash gel serum that will give me “long, thick, luscious eyelashes” that are “insanely glamorous with vigor.” Nary a day goes by I don’t worry about my eyelashes. With Helga’s help (or was that Hedwig’s?) I can grow mine an angry inch. “It’s time for Helga,” said the press release, “to tell everyone about this new secret weapon.” Weapon!? Picture opening fire, maybe on the guy who sold me the clearance shoes, with my eyelashes. Pleading glamor insanity. Getting backlash from the NRA and Congress. A new industry for lawyers interpreting Second Amendment rights. I should have gone to law school when I was younger. For one thing, I might have money. For two, I would know dementia is no excuse for not knowing

Best of all, I would look like those models you see on money-management firm commercials, enjoying their autumn years in summer homes with manicured lawns sloping down to their seaside sailboats. People who never need eyelash serum. Still, $16 would also buy one more running shoe. I don’t want promises; I want tangibles. That’s why the tote bag clinched it. I could see myself striding past croquet players to my yacht and the next regatta, armed with Viagara and Rollexes in my AARP bag. It’s too late to live fast, die young and leave a beautiful corpse. But I like the thought of arming myself cosmetically. I will not go gentle — not as long as there’s Botox, Maalox and surgeons who will lift, staple, fold and mutilate me untiI look as natural in my late years as Michael Jackson. “I grow old,” wrote T.S. Eliot, when he was 22. “I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled … I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each. I do not think they will sing to me.” Eliot at least had the foresight to be a banker. As I measure out my life, too late, in coffee spoons, I think of quantity vs. quality. How do you price what’s priceless? Which leads to that I miss running. Wearing my ankle brace and shoe inserts, I still write about and photograph road races, school track and cross country meets, all I can. I feel kin to the runners in ways both direct and distant. These days, lenses attached to a camera body are my interpreters. Energy, colors and shapes seep in.

Are You Moving?

- MR -

Don’t miss an issue! The U.S. Postal Service does not forward third class mail. Please let us know when you are moving so there will be no interruption in your subscription. Send address changes to: Michigan Runner 4007 Carpenter Road, #366 Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

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HealthPlus Brooksie Way, Rochester

Foley, Mundell Find Ways to Win Brooksie Way By Charles Douglas McEwen

More than 6,000 runners and walkers joined the fun, which took place at Oakland University on a morning that started with cool, near-perfect racing weather and ended in a downpour. Foley, 32, of Clarkston and Mundell, 26, of Clawson were done when storms arrived. Foley, who also won here in 2010, finished in 1:12:56, well ahead of two-time defending champ Shane Logan, 35, of Clarkston (1:14:21). Steven Marcinowski, 23, of Auburn Hills took third in 1:15:46 and masters champ Eric Green, 45, of Pontiac fourth in 1:17:36. “This is my fourth time running this race,” said Foley. “I knew the hills would be tough in the second half, so I wanted to get out hard and survive them. I built as big a lead as I could tin he first six or seven miles, then held on.”

Photo by Skyler Martin/Greg Sadler Photography

The sixth-year event, which also included 10K and 5K races, continues to honor the memory of Brooks Stuart Patterson, the son of Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who died in a 2007 snowmobile accident.

Photo by Lori Jagielski/Greg Sadler Photography

ROCHESTER HILLS (9/29/13) — Leo Foley and Janet Mundell beat the rain and rest of the field to claim men’s and women’s titles at the HealthPlus Brooksie Way half marathon.

Janet Mundell of Clawson ran 1:21:55 to win her first Brooksie Way half.

Leo Foley of Clarkston won the half marathon for the second time.

Greater Prostate Cancer Challenge soon after getting married.

Foley’s wife, Leah, won the women’s half marathon here last year.“We actually got engaged a few years ago when she crossed the finish line,” Foley said.

Tim just cheered for Janet at the Brooksie and ran a bit with her.

She clocked 1:21:55, more than two minutes ahead of runner-up Jen Rock, 23, of Macomb (1:24:12). Carrisa Smith, 23, of Shelby was third in 1:25:07. Nicole Derrick, 42, of Royal Oak led the masters in 1:31:37.

Mundell ran Brooksie for the first time, but she and her husband, Tim, also have history on the Oakland campus. Last October they each won the

“The first half had a lot of downhills,” Janet Mundell said. “So I probably ran faster there. But I liked the hills. They were a good challenge.”

Nicole Monette, 28, of Royal Oak, running four months pregnant, beat all the women and all but four of the men in the 10K. “I was running for fun and trying not to push too hard,” said Monette, who timed 44:09. “That’s a slower pace than I’m used to.” (Father-to-be Patrick Monette, 30, ran the half marathon in 1:25:31.) Lindsey Birchmeier, 29, of Royal Oak was thewomen’s 10K runner-up in 47:10. Amy Vonconant, 45, of Sterling Heights was third overall and the first masters woman in 47:23.

Photo by Jennie McCafferty

Masters Richard Koenig, 46, of Oakland Township and Jeff Rizer, 41, of Franklin paced the men in 42:27 and 43:02 respectively. Joshua Shook, 36, of Owosso snagged third in 43:21. The 5K winners were Erik Bates, 21, in 16:40 and Ninoska Aliaga, 32, of Clarkston in 22:17. The Brooksie Way also included a Fifth Third Bank Kids Race and Victory Run For You Athletes with Disabilities.

Arrrrrrgggghhh!. Members of the Brooksie Way Half Marathon pacing team were pirates for the day. 8

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

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For complete results, visit http://thebrooksieway.com.

- MR -

Once Upon a Blue Moon By Kasey Tulley

hands swing to the rhythm of my steps. I bask in these moments lit and seen clearly, just by me.

drift, just barely awake at an unmentionably early hour, roll over and snuggle back into bed, excited to know I’ve got hours to sleep. Yet the Blue Moon’s beams shine directly onto my face. I wink open an eye and then there’s no turning back.

The bridge bounces under steps it must support earlier than expected. Yet the squeaks fade quickly, as if the span too senses the magic of the moment. Rabbits come along the path to greet me. Frogs ribbit and splash off lily pads that glisten beneath the moonlight. The moon too reflects on water.

I’m about to get dressed for as close-to-perfect running condition as may exist. It is just-right summer cool, with a light breeze, as I step onto the porch. I’ve geared up in a skirt with reflective stripes, white shirt and white knee-high socks to make me visible to other early risers. The moon beckons and casts shadows to dance around me, giving me a shadowy running partner, and off I go ... This is one of those “Tulley Toes” runs because I never gave myself time to think about it; I just got up to run it. No sleeping through this present. The road is quiet except for the crickets rattling, frogs chirping, soft whistles of snoring beetles and

bugs with leaves rustling in the background. The symphony of sounds is at its peak in these last moments before dawn sheds light on their rehearsal. The man in the moon and I go towards the bridge across the pond near my house. I don’t miss a step following the path of this flashlight held by my new friend who awakened me just for this. My

Everything about this morning feels right and fun. A chance to dance by the light of the moon, uninhibited, willing to follow with few questions because the right path is lit. I allow my partner to lead me home. He takes me right to my door. The sky is about to change over and, like any magical moment, I’ve breathed it into my soul. I may need to call on its after-glow later, to shed light on any darkness the day may bring. - MR -

Beyond the Chip

The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of By Laurel Park

plishment. Knowing he was no threat to actually make the Olympic team, he focused on having the best race possible. When you’ve earned that kind of opportunity, you want to make the most of it.

admit I’m a sports junkie. There are very few sports that don’t pique my interest at some level, and of course an afternoon spent on the couch watching ESPN beats an afternoon of cleaning the house any day. I love both the excitement of competition and the strategy that’s required for success.

As an athlete myself, I also tend to live vicariously through the triumphs and disappointments inherent in any sport. I know how it feels to have those abLaurel Park was solute highs, when 1st master and everything comes to3rd female in the gether and — with a bit of luck — you end up Burns Park 10K. accomplishing things that you never thought possible. I also know how it feels to have your hopes crushed, and to have months or years of hard work wiped out due to some quirk of fate or bad timing or other frustratingly random incident. Every athlete knows going in that success is hardly guaranteed, and the payoff may not justify the investment. But I think that for many athletes, the mere chance for that payoff, coupled with smaller triumphs along the way, are enough to make the pursuit worthwhile.

It didn’t work out that way. Unbeknownst to us, he had begun to develop arthritis in his lower back, a condition that would eventually end his running career. The first few miles of the race were fine, then things started to unravel. As he struggled along, a fellow competitor — who was battling physical demons of his own — glanced over and remarked, “This just isn’t the way you dream about it, is it?” Dreams. I think that’s what keeps so many competitive athletes going. The dreams don’t have to be as lofty as an Olympic berth; they can range from running a 5:00 mile to qualifying for Boston to making the travel squad of your college team. Dreams provide a goal, a purpose and something to strive for. And when those dreams come true, there’s no sweeter taste in the world. It stays with you forever. As I watched Desi Davila methodically click off the miles at last year’s Trials, I felt the familiar sense of confidence and excitement. I knew what she was feeling, and to a certain extent, what she was thinking. One mile at a time — stay focused. Stick to the plan. Years of work behind you, this is the moment. And as she finally stepped across the finish line and onto the Olympic team, I also thought that I recognized the look of exhausted, yet ecstatic, relief. It’s the stuff that dreams are made of. - MR -

I was thinking about this while watching the 2012 Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials. Having witnessed a couple trials races in person, I could envision the atmosphere, drama, excitement and tension prior to the race. I could imagine the thoughts running through the competitors’ heads, from steely, measured confidence to the thrill of just being on the starting line. In a perfect world, every participant would have the race of her life. The world isn’t perfect, though; of the 188 women who started, 34 ended up dropping out. I felt a twinge of disappointment for the runners who had worked so hard but had to leave Houston without a finisher’s medal. My husband ran in the 1996 Men’s Trials Marathon. Although a talented athlete, he was not blessed with world-class speed and endurance. He worked hard to qualify and did so by a scant 14 seconds. That, in and of itself, was a terrific accom-

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

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Desi Davila celebrates making the US Olympic team at 2012’s marathon trials.

Crim Festival of Races, Flint

Kogo Four-Peats on New Crim Course By Charles Douglas McEwen

He left in his wake fellow Kenyans Julius Koskei (second in 46:34) and Mourad Marofit (third in 46:55). Kogo credited them with helping him run the fast time, but refused to let them beat him. “The weather was especially good today,” said Kogo. “I have a strong team (his fellow Kenyans). There were about about 10 guys (in the lead pack) setting a good pace at about five miles. Then we started to push each other. “At seven miles I started to move (breaking open the race), so I could make my best time,” he said.

Tuliamuk-Bolton, 24, a recent Wichita State University graduate, was bigger and more muscular than most of her Kenyan rivals and started imposing her will midway through the race. “I took off fast at the Bradley Hills,” she said. “I think they tried to respond, but they were a little tired.”

Erin Heenan Moffett led Michigan women with 59:53. 12

Tuliamuk-Bolton had hoped to average 5:20 per mile, but wore down at the end. “At eight miles I was so tired that I kept looking back,” she said. She ended up averag-

Some finishers found the new course faster than the old one, but that might have had more to do with the perfect weather. Either way, Kogo, 28, who now lives in Chapel Hill, N.C., has rarely experienced adversity on either. The past three years he has dominated with times of 47:06 (2010), 47:15 (2011) and 46:45 (2012). This year, he blazed a 45:55 time — one of the fastest ever at Crim.

The 10-mile, part of the annual HealthPlus Crim Festival of Races, started by showing off the University of Michigan-Flint campus. It still tackled the Bradley Hills midway through the race and finished down the Saginaw Street bricks.

FLINT (8/24/13) — Julius Kogo claimed his fourth straight Crim men’s victory, while fellow Kenyan Aliphine Tuliamuk-Bolton debuted at the 10-mile distance as women’s champion on a new course for this 37-year-old classic.

Tracy Lokken was first among all masters runners.

Women’s champion: Aliphine Tuliamuk-Bolton

ing about 5:27 per mile, finishing in 54:28. Next came Jane Murage, 26 (54:46) and Susan Jerotich, 26 (55:06). Nathan Martin, 23, of Spring Arbor (49:31) and Erin Heenan Moffett, 31, of Ann Arbor (59:53) led the Michigan men and women. Tracy Lokken, 47, of Marquette (52:24) was the top masters runner and Lisa Veneziano, 48, of nearby Fenton (1:02:58) topped the state masters runners. Teenagers, tuning up for the cross country season, dominated the 8K. Graham Elliot, 19, a Linden High School graduate entering his freshman year at Lawrence Tech University, won the men’s race in 27:48, beating Kyle Schwieman, 14, of Flushing (28:08) and Sterling McPherson, 17, of Gaylord (28:28). Elliot’s Lawrence Tech coach, Eric Green, ran the 10-mile in 58:39 and was thrilled with the way his protege competed. “I told Graham that depending on who is here, you can win this. He didn’t believe me at first,” Green said. Among the women, Flushing High School junior Addie May, 17, topped her friend and sometimes-rival Amanda George, 16, a

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

Julius Kogo claimed his fourth straight Crim men’s victory. Defending champion Kogo wears Bib No. 2. because Bobby Crim wears Bib No. 1. Davison High School standout. May led from the start but George challenged her at the end. “With about a half mile to go, I looked over my shoulder and saw her,” May said. “‘Oh no, I better kick it in now!’ I thought. I felt dead at that point. She made me go faster, though.” May timed 32:12 and George 32:30. Deanna Skelcy, 46, of Rochester Hills placed third in 35:50. In the 5K, which like the 10-mile had a new course, Ed Labair, 53, of Unionville captured the men’s crown in 17:15, followed by Rondell Sharp, 47, of Fort Wayne, Ind. (17:19) and Derek Dexter, 44, of Clinton Township (18:02). Hanne Christiansen, 17, of Grand Blanc led the women in 18:55, followed by Flushing masters runner Jennifer Liveredge, 47, and Amy Paschack, 40, who tied for second in 20:45. For complete results, go to http://crim.org. - MR -

More Photos in Photo Gallery: http://issuu.com/michiganrunner/docs/mr1113 |

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Running Shorts with Scott Hubbard Trivia: What are the national marathon records for men and women in Syria?

n the May/June issue, I shared a couple of my top highlights from 32 years of Scott Hubbard race/meet announcing. It’s tough to single out a half dozen because I’ve been in the right place at the right time on many more occasions. That’s how it works — the best moments often occur when I least expect them. The four highlights that follow aren’t necessarily at the very top of my list, but neither are they nudged out by others. In all cases I thought, “How cool” to be there to witness and share with an audience what had or was happening. In no particular order, here they are:

In the 1989 Crim 10-mile, Cathy O’Brien came storming down the finishing bricks at a screaming pace, nearly unnoticed. Fact is, I wasn’t expecting her so soon and when I looked at the clock, I momentarily blanked on how fast the time was. I quickly tried to remember the women’s 10-mile world record and was sure she was close to it. She crossed the finish in 51:47. I didn’t have much time to mull over O’Brien’s effort as two of the greatest names in the sport, Anne Audain and Lisa Weidenbach, were shoulderto-shoulder in a duel. They sprinted as hard as they could and seemed to reach the line together, but Audain got the nod for second in 52:32. Lisa was given the same time. The three fast efforts had the finish area buzzing. After about the one hour mark, I was pretty sure O’Brien’s time was a new WR, and said so on the PA. Then I was busy calling names for a couple hours until ... Somebody told me the lead car in the 10-mile had missed a turn on the course. Here’s what happened: approaching the 6-mile point, the lead car was nearing a wheeler and, distracted, skipped the next turn. The lead car went to the next main intersection, turned right and rejoined the course in a few blocks. In essence, he went the wrong way around a rectangle. Since I’d measured the course, I was asked how the wrong turn would affect the WR time. I had no idea although I didn’t have a good feeling about it. Afterward, I found Cathy and told her I planned to find out what I could about the wrong turn and how it affected the course certification. She was, naturally, filled with mixed emotions. 14

I called my wife Karen at home in Ann Arbor. She had run a good 10-mile race herself that day. I asked her to call the head of course certification, Pete Riegel in Ohio, and run a hypothetical situation past him where the lead car went, inadvertantly, the wrong way around a rectangle. I asked her not to tell him the name of the race, so it wouldn’t prejudice his reply. Pete felt a remeasurement was in order if, in fact, it was done by mistake and the block was a rectangle. Then she told him the race name and the WR time on the line. Pete was happy Karen had waited to tell him the race’s name. Long story short, I watched the race video that night and saw how the lead car went differently than I’d measured on another section of course. Oh man! The next day I went around the course in the manner it was run and found it barely more than 10 miles by about 20 feet. The Crim staff was happy with this news, but they had to wait for a “validation” ride by a TAC (now USATF) official to confirm the distance. Three weeks later I accompanied Riegel as we remeasured the course. We both found it to be just over 10 miles; him by about 12 feet and me 15. Cathy had her new world record! Her time has since been surpassed but she still holds the Crim women’s 10-mile record. She also made two U.S. Olympic teams in the marathon.

I mention my wife Karen above. In 1984, already twice a Detroit Free Press Marathon winner, she was ready for a fast time there again. She had run in the inaugural ‘84 U.S. Women’s Olympic Trials Marathon in Olympia, Wash., the previous May, finishing 81st in the very deep and fast field in 2:46. It was my second year as Free Press finish line announcer, and the day began cool with a low hanging fog. I thought how special it would be to call my wife in as the winner. I had a gut feeling she was going to PR but didn’t tell her. Later she told me she had similar ideas.

and hug her. She was, understandably, quite happy. She would get outkicked over the final 100 meters and finish second a couple years later before winning for the fourth time in 1992 at age 42.

Out of the blue in October 1999 I was asked if I might be interested in conducting the awards ceremonies for the Michigan High School Athletic Association Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals at Michigan International Speedway. Well, yes I would! After getting through that first year, a return to my roots in running, it became my favorite announcing gig. In 2000, Dathan Ritzenhein of Rockford had already made a name for himself in national running circles. He was winning races by large margins, setting many records. It’s hard to spectate the races at MIS and I don’t recall seeing the end of Ritz’s Division 1 race. I also had little way to put his winning time of 14:10 over the 5K course in perspective. I didn’t know how fast others had previously gone there, but knew it was an impressive time and he won by a prodigious amount. His fame became evident at the awards ceremony, where honors are given out in reverse order of finish, from 30th to first. The crowd buzz grew as I approached announcing first place. The athletes came from my right, mounted a stage and were given their awards. After bringing up second place, the crowd started roaring. I paused with that, caught up in the moment, looked over at Ritz, then back to the crowd, who were chanting his name still louder. I looked back at Ritz, who just shrugged his shoulders, and, without saying his name, motioned him to come up for his award. I never said his name, never introduced him. The crowd went nuts with applause. He got his award, took his place in line and the noise went on for another two minutes, minimum.

I saw Karen emerge from the tunnel at around five miles, hauling butt with a lead, then I hustled down to Belle Isle and the finish in front of the casino. Course communications were nonexistent back then. I had no idea what was going on in the race and the fog made it impossible to see runners coming onto Belle Isle.

I didn’t intentionally not say his name; in the crescendo, I simply forgot to. The recognition he received that day hasn’t been rivaled since at the finals. His winning time is still 31 seconds faster than the second fastest-ever at MIS. He’s gone on to have a remarkable career in the sport.

I heard the male leader was on the island and ran over to the Canadian side to see who it was with about a mile to go. Soon Loren Bandt came in to win in 2:23. Then it was hurry up and wait for the women.

Hillsdale College Hall of Famer and Redford resident Paul Aufdemberge has an extensive, proud record in the sport. He’s been the Michigan Runner magainze Runner of the Year a few times, represented the United States in international competition on the roads and in cross country, and placed high with fast times on a consistent basis at races since his prep days in the early ‘80s. His reputation as a Mr. Nice Guy doesn’t come undeserved either. Humble on the start line

I didn’t have to wait through many more finishers before Karen came in at 2:43, a PR! And it was fun to call her home; I got breathless doing so. I waited a few minutes, then ran to the finish to greet

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Paul turned 40 at the end of 2004 and many wondered how he’d fare as a still-very-fast masters runner. He returned to his alma mater, Hillsdale, in late April 2005 to run the 10,000 meters in the Gina Relays. On his mind was the American 40-44 age group record of 30:30-plus in the event. The Gina Relays are in my top three of college meets to announce and I was poised to watch my friend not only chase the record, but see how he’d do among the “young bucks.” Some might think I’d tout his record chase at the start, to get the crowd into it, but I decided that wouldn’t be wise. Paul knew it would take a good eve for running, a steady pace and to feel good for a record shot. The first two things fell into place and I waited, watching, as he maintained record pace through every kilometer. The leaders were never that far away and he was surrounded by others going his pace past the 5K halfway point. I’m not sure I ever said Paul’s name among the top five, so he was running semi-anonymously. I watched and waited until Paul reached the 7K mark in right around 21:00, or 30:00 for 10K pace. Then I called attention to him, his plan and the 4044 age group record. The crowd responded with calls and cheers.

Run Woodstock, Pinckney

Run Woodstock Numbers Rise By Tracey Cohen PINCKNEY (9/6-8/13) — “For some reason, ultramarathons are exploding,” said Run Woodstock race director/founder Randy Step. More than 400 participants ran between 50K and 100-miles-plus at Run Woodstock in testament, with 800-plus more competing in events ranging from 5 miles up through a marathon. “It’s a wonderful trail-running festival weekend with a different mindset,” Step said. “People plan to stay and hang out, vs. running, packing up and rushing home. “As the race grows, we’ve added more entertainment” — this year with a wedding, no less, as 100-mile finisher Gary Veen and his new bride, Maria MacGreggor, professed their love and got hitched among family, friends, Woodstock runners and more. “The wedding was pretty cool,” said 100-mile veteran and pacer Sandy Stiner. “The weather (partly sunny with a mere touch of rain) and vibe were great, and I love the camaraderie on the trails.” Woodstock, the final “Premier” 100-mile race in the Midwest Grand Slam of Ultrarunning, isn’t all fun and games. Dick Canterbury of Indiana, one of

the few to finish the grueling series, afterwards claimed his prize. Leading the 94 100mile finishers was Marc Teismann in 18:42:25. Crystal Hutchings paced the women in 22:36:36.

and after, he’ll wear your legs out in between!

Gary Veen married Maria

MacGreggor among For family, friends, and complete results and Woodstock runners. more information about Run Woodstock, visit www.rftiming.com and http://runwoodstock.com. - MR -

Paul remained steady through 8K in about 24:00 and 9K in just over 27:00. On his home turf, the former Charger gathered himself for a strong finish and came in at 30:04, a new American record by more than 30 seconds. Later Paul thanked me for not saying anything about him until I did.

Other prime announcing memories are introducing Olympic 10,000-meter champ and multiple World Record-setter Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie to the crowd at the start of the 2007 Free Press Marathon. He had recently set his 24th WR, this in the marathon with a 2:04:26 in Berlin. Working with Jim Gavor on the old WFUM same-day telecast of the Crim 10-mile from 1999 to 2007 was a unique and rewarding experience. Reading the dedication for the new flagpole honoring meet namesake Al Owens’ mom, Mary Owens Prain, at the relatively-new outdoor track at Grand Valley State University a couple years ago was my pleasure. Volunteering, with many other major players in Michigan running, at the benefit race for Dolores Hensley in 2010 was as grounding and right as anything I’ve ever done. There have been others and I treasure each one!

Answer: Ahmed Saker ran 2:26:27 for the men. There is none for women. - MR -

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Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

Run for the Hills, Farmington

Big Turnout Enjoys Run for Hills

By Ron Marinucci

Runners encounter hills early in the Run for the Hills. FARMINGTON (8/17/13) — “With good weather we could hit 800 plus,” mused Ed Anderson when considering how many runners the Farmington Run for the Hills might attract. His hopes were met, with bright, sunny skies and low 60-degree temperatures greeting runners at Shiawassee Park. In fact, there were 825 entrants in the fun run, 5K walk and run, and 10K run. That number bettered last year’s record turnout by five. The fourth-year event features courses that start together before splitting about a mile into the races. They visit pleasant residential subdivisions before a quarter-mile finish back at the park. More than 120 volunteers joined local police keeping the course and activities glitch-free. The course, as its name suggests, features hills. “The uphills are not real steep, but long,” said 10K age-group winner Jim Carlton. “There are courses with tougher hills, but this is a nice one. The downhills were nice too.” “We love those extra hills,” 10K age-group winner Donna Olson added. This year’s 10K course was straightened a bit, said Anderson, but returnees Carlton and Richard Kessio said they “didn’t really notice.” I spotted a runner wearing a t-shirt that read “Amherst Cross Country” and introduced myself. Sure enough, Eric Turissini goes to my alma mater, Amherst College in Massachusetts. My fellow Lord Jeff had come up from Ohio to visit his friend Liz 16

Mutter, also an Amherst student. Turissini was “looking for a tune-up” before returning to school and found Run for the Hills online. He made good use of his tune-up, winning the 5K in 15:30, a few ticks off the course record. “It was a great course,” he said afterward, “challenging, but very fair. I ran with a bunch of 10Kers until the turnoff.” Course marshals led Turissini the rest of the way as he ran by himself, 58 seconds ahead of runner-up Alex Bauer. Eric Christiansen ran his first 5K, surrounded by his family. “I did better than I expected,” he said. “I liked the course. I expected more hills, but there were enough to be challenging.” The 5K women’s race was a barnburner. Philonese Brooks ran 17:51, nosing out masters winner Jacquelyn Radvansky by one second. Radvansky lowered the masters course record by more than six minutes. John Emley (18:56) won the masters men’s title. The 10K was dominated by three Kenyans. Last year’s winner Richard Kessio (30:54) was third this time, beaten by two friends he brought, winner Julius Kiptoo (30:29, 11 seconds off Kessio’s course record) and Geoffrey Kiprotich (30:44). “It was nice to run it,” said Kiptoo afterwards. “I liked Farmington,” especially the $1,000 which went with his victory.

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

Tara Haddad won the women’s 10K in 40:55, |

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while Mary Dorazio’s 42:43 grabbed the master’s crown. The men’s masters title might well be named for Eric Green (34:41) who won the 40-plus championship for the fourth time in as many tries, including one overall win. J.D. Pepper, out of the 50-54 age-group, ran 37:04 to shatter the men’s senior mark by almost five minutes. Another “Kenyan” was Doug Pontious. Well, his t-shirt read “Kenya.” The Wolverine Lake runner admitted he wasn’t a Kenyan, but a second-time Run for the Hills 5K runner. “I love the course,” he said. “It’s fantastic. The last mile is downhill; you can really turn it on. Plus the race helps the charities (Michigan Special Olympics) and keeps me in shape.” It was hard to miss the 17 runners in bright teal “AKEBONO” tee shirts. They were from Akebono Brake Corp. “We’re getting fit,” member Vivian Dawson said. “We’re involved in the company fitness and weight-loss challenge.” Members train and race together, “especially on Friday,” said Kyle Strong. “A trainer, Dar Fell, comes from Tri-City Fitness for circuit workouts.” Two teammates, Matt Robere and Karen Cyrowski, were medal winners, too. Many runners stayed for the awards, drawn by post-race goodies — bagels and pizza — provided by Whole Foods and Jet’s Pizza. Complete results can be found at www.farmingtonrunforthehills.com. - MR -

Unexpected Motivators By Dave Foley

s a kid I never thought about being a runner. I wanted to be a baseball player. Though I had a passion for the sport, a weak throwing arm and a lack of hand-eye coordination left me no better than a second stringer, even in Little League.

track road 4½ miles from home. Night was falling and thunder heralded an approaching storm. I was wearing a t-shirt, cut-offs and high-top Pro-Keds and it was getting cold. No one knew where I was, so I began to jog toward home. As the drops began to fall, I sped up and when the skies opened up I was in an all-out run. I felt tired but exhilarated. I had never even run three miles and was amazed I could go this far and feel so good. On Labor Day I ran the 5-miler in just over 27 minutes and won a medal.

Dave Foley My lack of athleticism doomed my efforts in basketball, ice skating and downhill skiing as well. A misadventure on a ski slope led me to running. Actually the decision wasn’t entirely mine. On Christmas Day 1963, I injured my knee in a downhill skiing accident. My doctor said I might walk with a limp if I didn’t exercise vigorously. In March I joined the Grand Rapids South High School track team. Though diligent in my training, I wasn’t inspired. As the season started I was one of several milers who weren’t fast enough to be among the top four who ran in meets.

Two years later I was running 10-milers but couldn’t progress beyond that distance. Twenty-six miles seemed daunting. I’d do a lap around Lake Mitchell, 10.3 miles, but as I approached my home, I couldn’t find the will to go past that point. I had to get lost to learn I could be a long-distance runner. That spring I was an assistant coach for Cadillac’s track team. We were competing in an invitational near Oscoda. During the lunch break I headed out for a run. Being near a good-sized body of water, which I assumed was a lake, I decided to run around it. I started

following the shoreline and soon the road began an easy turn, moving toward the opposite side of the lake. I followed it but it never seemed to reach the far shore. Determined to do a loop run instead an outand-back course, I continued to follow the road. I was now out more than five miles, but still clung to the hope that I would soon complete the loop. I picked up the pace, knowing the meet would start and I needed to be there for that. I kept going and the miles piled up. Finally I reached the track again, having been out for more than two hours and covering 17 miles. That day I learned that reservoirs created by rivers were hard to run around and, more importantly, I could run a marathon. We all like to think we control our destiny and, through self-motivation, we test our limits and reach our goals. Sometimes that doesn’t happen. Instead we get unexpected motivators like a skiing accident, taunt, stuck car or being lost, that provide the impetus needed to take us to a new level. - MR -

When a varsity miler became ineligible, there was an opening. Coach Veenkamp was musing about who should move up when Gary, a varsity miler, perhaps thinking about my awkward side-to-side arm swing, said, pointing at me, “Put him in for laughs.” Ridicule can be a powerful motivator. In my debut that week, I beat Gary and ran number one for South. Without his candid appraisal, I might never have found the determination needed to run well. Thus began a pattern which has continued throughout my life, wherein I tend to get in a rut until an outside force pushes me to a new level. My entry into road racing came with an outside assist as well. As a new teacher in Cadillac in 1974, I was eager to please my students. In the first week of school, when one asked me if I was running in the Viking Boosters’ Labor Day race the next week, I said, “Not this year, but next.” Before that moment I had never considered running in a road race. In fact, my mile of jogging every day or so could barely be considered running. But realizing that my 30 eighth-grade witnesses wouldn’t let me renege on my promise, I knew I would have to be on that race’s starting line the next Labor Day. Nine months later my running was sporadic. Two miles was as far as I ever went. I couldn’t seem to go farther. One day my car became stuck in soft sand on a remote twomichiganrunner.net

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

Labor Day 30K, Milford

T-Rex Triathlon, Brighton

Folk, Veneziano Win Third Labor Day 30K Crowns By Charles Douglas McEwen Veneziano timed 2:09:53, finishing of ahead of fellow women masters Marybeth Reader, 44, of Bloomfield (2:14:07) and Sherrie Teeple, 40, of Grand Blanc (2:14:20).

MILFORD (8/31/13) — The Labor Day 30K starts innocently enough with two miles on a flat, paved road, followed by a downhill into downtown Milford. © Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

After that comes the pain. Hill after hill — some gradual, others steep, most on dirt roads — confront runners the rest of the way.

“If you go out too fast, it will hit you hard,” warned Melissa Broyles, 35, of Milford, who finished fourth woman overall.

10K winner Brittni Hutton loves hills.

“It’s harder than a lot of marathons,” she said of the 30K course. “I ran Chicago after doing this in 2011 and that marathon was a breeze compared to this.”

In recent years Matt Folk, 37, of Perrysburg, Ohio, and Lisa Veneziano, 48, of Fenton have handled this 30K as well as anyone. (In its 13th year, this race is the Road Runners Clubs of America’s 30K regional championship and part of the Michigan Runner Race Series.)

“I didn’t want to go out too fast,” Veneziano said of her strategy. “I was trying to make sure I paced myself right to break 2:10.”

Joel Kozlowski won the 30/30 Challenge.

Jordan Desilets, 32, of Pinckney, who won this race in 2009 and 2010, captured the men’s 10K in 31:45. Though he ran one of his faster times on this course, he struggled with the weather.

“I was sweating profusely in my warm-up,” said Desilets. “It’s so muggy it’s hard to get a breath.” Next came Ovidiu Olteanu, 43, of Commerce Township (35:26) and Andrew Porinsky, 28, of Dexter (36:09). Brittni Hutton, 23, of Highland, who just graduated from Oakland University, won the women’s 10K in 37:50.

With his 2013 victory, Folk has won it three straight years. Veneziano added another women’s triumph to her wins in 2008 and 2011. (She placed runner-up last year.)

“I love hills,” Hutton said. “The more the merrier. Hills make runners great. They really show your strength.”

Folk, timing 1:45:30, won handily over runnerup Eric Green, 45, of Pontiac (1:56:25) and Ryan Johns, 34, of White Lake (1:57:42).

Andrea Caldwell, 37, of Milford placed runnerup in 46:08. Becky Taulbee, 29, of Lexington, Ky., was third (46:41).

The race enjoyed relatively cool weather, but the high humidity took its toll.

Daniel Yankus, 31, of Commerce (49:30) and Rebecca Caldwell, 40, of Milford (1:00:39) biked to repeat victories in the 30K Fat Tire competition.

“It was a good hard effort,” Folk said. “I didn’t know how the humidity would set in. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be, but it wore on you.” He looked forward to the finish line for more than one reason. “You’re always excited for the hamburgers (at Bakers of Milford) and everything afterward,” Folk said. “My stomach usually isn’t there for a big meal after a 30K. Hopefully it will be ready this year. It’s a a great event.”

Last year race director Doug Klingensmith introduced the 30/30 Challenge in which participants bike 30 miles, then run the same course. Joel Kozlowski, 42, of Macomb Township repeated as winner, timing 3:26:33. Danielle McDonagh, 37, of Plymouth won the women’s 30/30 in 3:45:32. This event had about 750 participants. For complete race results, go to http://laborday30k.com. - MR -

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

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Jurkowski, Noble Win TRex Triathlon Series By Charles Douglas McEwen

BRIGHTON (8/14/13) — Will Jurkowski enjoyed a feast of wins fit for a tyrannosauras in the T-Rex Triathlon Series presented by Running Fit. Jurkowski, 27, of Ann Arbor claimed the Triceratops Triathlon June 19 in 59:23 and Pterodactyl Triathlon July 17 in 1:00:37. For the coup de grace, he broke his own course record winning the T-Rex Triathlon Aug. 14. All three series events took place at the 4,000-acre Island Lake Recreation Area and had the same half-mile swim, 12-mile bike and 5K run course. The crisp, cool evening Aug. 14 provided for especially fast times. Jurkowski, a former University of Michigan standout, swam, biked and ran his way to a 56:49, which shattered the 57:01 mark he set at last year’s T-Rex. Fourth out of the water, Jurkowski took the lead during the first mile of the bike leg. “I wanted to hammer the bike as hard as I could,” he said. He sealed the victory running a 16:33 5K. “Running Fit puts on some of the best races I’ve ever done,” said Jurkowski. “The atmosphere is great and everything (organizationally) is so clean.” Roman Krzyzanowski, 42, of Plymouth finished runner-up in all three triathlons, timing 1:00:59 in the Triceratops, 1:03:16 in the Pterodactyl and 1:00:37 in the T-Rex. Cristina Noble, 39, of Brighton won both the women’s T-Rex triathlon and series, after finishing runner-up in the Triceratops (1:10:40) and Pterodactyl (1:11:13).

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In This Issue November / December 2013

Publisher and Chief Executive Officer

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

Jennie McCafferty jennie@glsp.com Associate Publisher

Dave Foley Mike Duff

Gary Morgan Jim Neff Bob Schwartz Bob Seif Nick Stanko Anthony Targan Kasey Tulley Cregg Weinmann Pamela Zinkosky Michael Zuidema

Crim Festival of Races, Michigan Mile, Flint

Crim Festival of Races, Flint

Composer

Run for CHUM, Dansville

Rose Zylstra

St. Mary Mercy 5K for Cancer, Livonia

Dances with Dirt, Pinckney/ Hell

Birch Run Charity Run, Birch Run

Foster Hope 5K, Ypsilanti Township

Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak

Jamie Fallon Social Media Editor

Editors Emeritus

Peter Draugalis Pamela Fender Sarah Greene Heather Dyc Hanks Lori Jagielski Skyler Martin Gary Morgan Victah Sailer Ted Swoboda Photo / Video

Carter Sherline

Senior Photographer

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

Tracey Cohen Jeff Hollobaugh Dean Johnson Bill Kahn William Kalmar Dr. Edward H. Kozloff Doug Kurtis Grant Lofdahl Ron Marinucci Riley McLincha Charles D. McEwen

Online: Photo Gallery

Cheryl Clark

Chief Financial Officer

Contributors

Great Lakes Sports Publications, Inc. 4007 Carpenter Rd, #366 Ypsilanti, MI 48197 (734)507-0241 (734)434-4765 FAX info@glsp.com

a member of

Michigan Runner ÂŠ 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.

Vol. 35, No. 5

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Fifth Avenue Mile, New York City

Berlin Marathon, Berlin, Germany

Leaders and Best, Ann Arbor

Zero Prostate Cancer Run, Rochester

Run 4 Wine, Grand Blanc

Run Scream Run, Ypsilanti

Wild Life Marathon, Concord

Photos by Victah Sailer / photorun.net Photos by Victah Sailer / photorun.net

About the cover: Dances with Dirt in Pinckney / Hell features Ultra and Relay races. Photo by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - November / December 2013

Crim Festival of Races, Michigan Mile, Flint, Friday, August 23, 2013

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Heather Kampf, 1st Professional, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, 4:47.27, leads Lauren Johnson (bib 23) and Sara Vaugh-Sifuentes (bib 26).

Julia Vanitvelt, 1st, High School Girls, 6:00.

Ben Blankenship of Stillwater, Okalahoma, 1st Professional, 4:05.59, leads Jack Bolas (bib no. 2) Nate Brannen (bib no. 4) and Craig Miller.

Kristofer Schwieman, 1st, High School Boys, 4:58.

Olympic champion, Claressa Shields, competes in the mile.

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - November / December 2013

Crim Festival of Races, Flint, August 24, 2013

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Graham Elliott of Linden, 8K, 1st, 27:48

Addie May of Flushing, 8K, 1st, 32:12

Nathan Martin of Spring Arbor, 10 Mile, 1st Michigan, 49:31

Ed Labair of Unionville, 5K, 1st, 17:15

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - November / December 2013

Hanne Christensen of Grand Blank, 5K, 1st, 18:55.

Run for CHUM, Dansville, September 2, 2013

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Ellie Thornburn, 5K, age 7, 10th overall, 24:51

Autumn Borin, 5K, 1st, 22:39

Eric Stuber, Half Marathon, 1st, 1:22:03

Louise Holman & Bill Keller compete in the Half Marathon. Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - November / December 2013

St. Mary Mercy 5K for Cancer, Livonia, September 8, 2013

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Kelly Valente, 1st, 20:51.

Keith Erichsen, 1st, 17:11

Dances with Dirt, Pinckney/Hell, September 21, 2013

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Brandon Yonke (bib 1115), 50K, 1st, 4:07:18 and Peter Newton (bib 1127), 50K, 2nd, 4:08:02. 6

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - November / December 2013

Wonder Woman Bonnie Sexton competes on a relay team.

Birch Run Charity Run, Birch Run, September 22, 2013

Photo by Victah Sailer / photorun.net

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Greg Thomas, 5K, 1st, 18:53

Jimmy Dunn, 10K, 1st, 34:57

Samantha Wiens-Wice, 10K, 1st, 43:23

Foster Hope 5K, Ypsilanti Township, September 28, 2013

ÂŠ Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Runners make their way through the fog at Rolling Hills County Park. Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - November / December 2013

ÂŠ Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak, September 15, 2013

Registration for the Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo includes admission to the Zoo.

Donna Olson, an unidentified runner, and Kenneth Rowe visit the Zoo after the race.

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - November / December 2013 © Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Fifth Avenue Mile, New York City, September 22, 2013

Photo by Victah Sailer / photorun.net

Photos by Victah Sailer / photorun.net

Nick Willis wins the Fifth Avenue Mile in 3:52.1.

Photo by Victah Sailer / photorun.net

Men start the Fifth Avenue Mile.

Nick Willis runs along Fifth Avenue on his way to the win.

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - November / December 2013

Berlin Marathon, Berlin, Germany, September 29, 2013

Photo by Victah Sailer / photorun.net

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

The Berlin Marathon course takes runners through the Brandenburg Gate.

Desi Davila made a strong comeback at the Berlin Marathon, running 2:29:15 for fifth place. She was named USATF “Athlete of the Week” for her performance.

Leaders and Best, Ann Arbor, September 29, 2013

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Scott Wagner, 10K, 1st, 37:33. 12

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - November / December 2013

Sydney Kreger and Maria Gedris finish the 5K in 21:57.

Zero Prostate Cancer Run, Rochester, October 6, 2013

Renee Cholyway, 5K, 1st female, 2nd overall, 21:34

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Garren Rosma, 5K, 1st, 21:12.

Brooke Marcoax and Tiffani Torrels finish the 5K in 30:44 and 26:04 respectively.

Run 4 Wine, Grand Blanc, October 10, 2013

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Runners enjoyed an evening four mile run or walk on The Jewel Golf Course in Grand Blanc. Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - November / December 2013

Run Scream Run, Ypsilanti, October 12, 2013

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Amy Pistone gets the spirit of Run Scream Run.

Bailey Krueger’s bright outfit stands out in the fog.

Costumes brighten the foggy morning. 14

Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - November / December 2013

Wild Life Marathon, Concord, October 13, 2013

Photos by Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Justin Gillette won the marathon in 2:48:46.

The mornings events began with the kids’ run.

Josephine Weeden, 1st, Half Marathon, 1:28:53. Michigan Runner Photo Gallery - November / December 2013

Groundhog Day • Full Marathon • Half Marathon Groundhog Eve • Moonlight 1/6 Marathon Grand Rapids Gus vs. Punxsutawney Phil We've all heard of Punxsutawney Phil, the little furry guy in Pennsylvania who comes out, sees his shadow, and declares six more weeks of winter. Then there’s Augustus T. Groundhog, better know as Grand Rapids Gus. He’s Phil’s much more interesting cousin. Unlike Phil, who it seems can only see shadows, Gus has much better eye sight and can look at a calendar on February 2 and know that spring doesn’t start for six weeks. Gus suggested that instead of lamenting over six more weeks of winter, we should EMBRACE the cold and snow and do something fun. And so, the Groundhog Day Marathon was born.

Sunday, February 2, 2014 (616) 293-3145 info@groundhogmarathon.com http://www.groundhogmarathon.com

BookReview Noble, like Jurkowski, saved her best for the last triathlon, timing 1:08:31.

Anderson Makes Running Science Accessible to All

“In the Triceratops I was 13 seconds behind the winner (Amelia Mosler),” she said. “In the Pterodactyl I was 12 seconds behind Kelly Harris. So it was nice to win today.” Noble, who also won the series in 2011, finished more than a minute ahead of her closest rival in the T-Rex tri. Karen Perzyk, 44, of West Bloomfield clocked 1:09:33, finishing second in that race and for the series. Perzyk, who has done at least a dozen of these dinosaur triathlons by her estimate, said this was her best both time-wise and place-wise. She even led at at the end of the bike leg. “She (Noble) caught me in the

Though categorized as “sprint” triathlons, sprinting doesn’t come easily on this course. bike/run transition,” said Perzyk. “Then she pulled away quickly on the run. She can do like a 20-minute 5K.” (Noble actually ran 20:03.) Though categorized as “sprint” triathlons, sprinting doesn’t come easily on this course. “It’s hilly,” said Perzyk. “It’s a kind-ofhilly bike and very-hilly run. The first mile (of the run) is uphill and very challenging. “The most wonderful thing is the last half mile is downhill,” Perzyk said. For complete results, go to http://runtrextri.com. - MR -

By Ron Marinucci “Running Science: The Ultimate Nexus of Knowledge and Performance” by Owen Anderson. 2013. 596 pp. paperback. Human Kinetics.

any Michigan runners know Owen Anderson for his columns and articles in Runner’s World magazine and his own Running Research News monthly newsletter. He writes with precision, using the latest well-documented training-specific research to help runners improve their running and racing. Anderson knows of what he writes. He has a doctorate in exercise physiology from Michigan State University and coaches Kenyan elites, among others. He hosts running camps and directs races, including the Lansing Marathon.

Such titles shouldn’t frighten anyone away, since each part is subdivided into 50 chapters, three to seven per part, offering specific information. “Hill Training,” for example, explains the impact and effectiveness of running hills in training. It delves into the differences between running “Longer Versus Shorter Hills,” different degrees of steepness and even the advantages of “Downhill Training.” In addition drills are provided, often with charts and photographs. Those runners needing even more specificity will find a sidebar, “Hill Training by Elite Kenyans.” Generally, chapters present an aspect of training, demonstrate the science behind it, then provide ways for runners to use that science to improve. Training schedules and photographs often accompany the text. Along the way, Anderson sometimes confronts traditional methods or conventional wisdom which he shows to be not optimal or even detrimental to training.

The same commitment to helping runners train comes through in the pages of Anderson’s latest effort, “Running Science.” The 550 pages of text are filled with data from scientific research. There are an additional 25 pages of documentation. Science junkies among runners will love this book. It’s filled with terms such as “vV02max” and “anaerobic glycolytic activity” that perhaps only they will recognize. And this: “At least 20 types of amino acids are needed by a runner’s body for normal functioning.” But runners less inclined to the scientific and technical aspects of the sport will also profit from “Running Science.” Anderson writes in a clear style, comprehensible to all. Much of the technical matter can be skimmed, since specific examples are used and conclusions summarize what runners can utilize. The book is divided into 11 parts, each devoted to a specific aspect of running/training. For instance, there are “Biomechanics of Running,” “Physiological Factors in Running Performance,” “Training Variables and Systems in Running” and “Psychology of Running.”

Some of the best comes when controversy is examined, for instance, “Running’s Nature-VersusNurture Debate,” the opening chapter. Runners will find useful and often surprising explanations of running shoes, their types and costs, and when they should be replaced; the physiological and psychological “experience of fatigue;” running injuries, especially their risks and prevention; training, based on science, for specific distances from 800 meters to ultras; and nutrition for improved running, racing and weight control. Runners can even use “Health Benefits of Running” to debate their skeptical friends who don’t run. An added benefit of “Running Science” is that it can be used much like Tim Noakes’ classic “Lore of Running.” Runners can read it from cover to cover. But they can also take advantage of individual parts and chapters, those of particular interest or value to them, like a reference tool. - MR -

michiganrunner.net

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

JohnRogucki Memorial Kensington Challenge, Milford

Kensington Challenge Celebrates 30 Years

By Charles Douglas McEwen

Runners start the 15K in Kensington Metropark. MILFORD (9/14/13) — Krys Brish of Milford, who recently turned 50, gave herself a late birthday gift, winning the 15K at the 30th annual John Rogucki Memorial Kensington Challenge. Masters women have done well in the past at these races, presented this year by DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital. Last year Serena Kessler, then 40, won the women’s overall. But few have looked as at home running the Kensington Metropark hills as Brish. who lives just a few miles from the park. Brish, who timed 1:06:43 this year, didn’t quite keep pace with the 1:02:01 she ran winning in 2008 or the 1:01:46 she posted winning in 2009. But she had a comfortable lead when she crossed the finish line. “I just try to run steady,” she said. “There’s no strategy at all. Just keep moving forward. You do have to be careful not to go too fast on the steep downhill at the start.” Stefanie Perri, 28, of Walled Lake raced with the leader “until about four or five miles,” Perri said. “After that, (Brish) gradually pulled away. I could see her until about seven miles, then no longer.” Jennifer Harden, 33, of Saline passed Perri on the last mile and finished second in 1:08:00. “She came out of nowhere, but it’s all good,” said Perri, 20

who set a four-minute PR at the distance, placing third in 1:08:23. With Brish winning the overall women’s race,, Renee Champagne, 44, of Milford was awarded the masters in 1:09:16. Heidi Drallos, 50, of Commerce likewise led the grand masters in 1:11:54. Donna Olson, 63, of Southgate was the senior masters champion in 1:12:03. Alexander Townsend, 24, of Farmington, who coasted to victory last year, edged his former Wayne State University teammate Kevin DeBear, 23, of Plymouth to repeat as men’s champ in 50:58. DeBear finished in 51:01. “I had a good gap on Kevin at the beginning,” Townsend said. “He reeled me in, nice and steady, throughout the whole race. Every time I looked back, he was closer. “Kevin almost got me at the finish. But I was able to hold on.” Kevin Schwab, 24, of Oklahoma City finished third in 53:20. Douglas Forsyth, 50, of Milford won the masters title in 57:01. Steve Williams, 50, of Allen Park earned grand masters honors in 1:01:10. John Tarkowski, 60, of Northville led the senior masters in 1:03:12.

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

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Mathew Newman, 27, of Ann Arbor and Jessie Jarrad, 31, of Howell were the men’s and women’s overall 5K winners in 16:29 and 22:00, respectively. Newman, who won for the second straight year, said the downhill plunge at the start makes the race tougher. “It’s deceptive because you think you’re flying, then all of the sudden you get rolling hills,” he said. The downhill start didn’t bother Jarrad. “My strategy is to run easy at the beginning, then go real fast the last mile,” she said. Eric Pear, 44, of Saline (18:01) and Janet Stiles, 59, of Linden (23:08) were the masters winners. Wally Hayes, 61, of Ann Arbor (19:39) and Rocio Becerro-Canas, 54, of Ann Arbor (26:47) claimed grand masters titles, while Lee Mamola, 61, of Novi (21:22) and Maggy Zidar, 63, of Pontiac (26:53) triumphed among senior masters. The Challenge, a proud supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project, had slightly under 600 registrants this year. “We geared for 600,” said race director Doug Goodhue. “So that’s fine.” For complete, results, go to http://aatrackclub.org. - MR -

Book Review

‘Adventure’ Offers Inspiration, Laughs By Ron Marinucci help in scheduling, inspiration and more. Still, despite his attempts to deal with it, many readers will be left with the question, Why?

“And the Adventure Continues … An Ordinary Man’s Extraordinary Quest to Set a World Record” by Don Kern. 2013. Mascot Books. 202 pp. $19.95 hardcover.

Flashbacks often take readers back to other parts of Marathon Don’s life. Michigan runners will appreciate a behind-the-scenes look at the Grand Rapids Marathon, his brainchild which is still going strong. They’ll chuckle at the escapades of Kern and friends — their impromptu running events, serving beer and pickle juice to Grand Rapids marathoners, etc.

on Kern had a decidedly unathletic youth, in part because of his asthma. There was no youth baseball or, for that matter, much

running.

But in the early 1990s, Kern was inspired to begin what he calls his Life List, what others have termed a “bucket list.” In a short time, he put together a long list, which never falls below 100 “ambitions, dreams and goals,” which to Kern are all pretty much the same. On his Life List were a number of running-related items: “run a marathon,” “complete an Ironman-distance triathlon,” “run marathons on all seven continents.” Included among his goals was “set a world record.”

“And the Adventure Continues” is quick, entertaining reading. Some will find inspiration in its pages. Although Kern’s record of running seven marathons on seven continents in the shortest time has since been topped, he remains the first person to run all seven continents twice in a single year. Many will be led to follow Kern’s advice to “get up and do something.”

The latter became his obsession and is the basis for “And the Adventure Continues.” Of course, the question arose, “What world record?”

Readers will enjoy the black-and-white photographs. - MR -

Physical limitations — “I’m not very fast. I’m not tall. I’m not short.” — would restrict his options. And he humorously admits, “I lack the potential to spend 32 years growing my fingernails, hair or other body parts.” It so happened he discovered, “Marathons are my thing.” With some research, Kern decided to try to run marathons on all seven continents in the shortest span of time. “Personal limits?” he notes. “I don’t have any.” Readers will quickly learn Kern is anything but “an ordinary man.” He’s completed hundreds of marathons, once going 109 consecutive months in which he ran at least one. He’s run marathons in all 50 states – twice — and in more than two dozen countries. He has finished an Ironman-distance triathlon. climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro (It’s on his Life List to scale the highest peaks on all the continents.) and Machu Picchu. The guy known as “Marathon Don” actually put five marathons on his List — before he had tried his first one. As he writes with self-deprecating humor (entertainingly found throughout the book), “Experienced runners would have questioned the wisdom of entering multiple marathons before I had ever completed one. Fortunately, I wasn’t an experienced runner.” In 1998 he became the 14th person to run marathons on all seven continents. But that wasn’t enough; it wasn’t the world record. Of “resting on one’s laurels,” he muses, “Laurels get pretty uncomfortable in a short time.” Thus began his quest to run seven marathons on seven different continents in the shortest amount of time.

He tells a tale that is fast-paced (much faster, Kern would admit, than his marathon pace), entertaining and often funny. There’s some drama, too, not to forget almost, almost, goalkilling setbacks. Interesting characters cross his path, often becoming friends for life. Imagine the logistical nightmares of locating seven marathons on seven continents. All had to be legitimate marathons, not just running the distance, within the span of 26 days. Toss in travel arrangements to get to the races — how many tens of thousands of miles? — and weather and airline delays. Then, a marathon had to be run, on average, every three or four days in widely disparate conditions — think the South Pole — on varied courses. Staying healthy was also a necessity. The story has many highs and infrequent lows. Kern often credits others for their

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Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

Mt. Baldhead Challenge, Saugatuck-Douglas

Mt. Baldhead Challenge Course Tests, Inspires By Scott Sullivan

Kevin Hausfeld, 23, and Sarah Drevon, 22, GVSU graduates who work at the Grandville Striders running store, saw the race flier there, had the day off and decided to try a course Hausfeld later called “awesome … one of the favorites I’ve ever run.” He led up 302 steps that climb the giant Mt. Baldhead sand dune midway through the 9.3-mile race, then maintained that edge through the wooded trails, beach and roads to win the men’s title in 1:07:27.

of Lansing. “I loved the course then — and this one (adding the secluded, 102-year-old Ox-Bow Art School campus, a Lake Michigan-fronting beach and campgrounds, all in 2010) is even better. “The people of Douglas and Saugatuck are wonderful. I won’t wait 11 years to come back,” he said. Former Saugatuck High School track state champion Christian Birky, 22, prevailed in the 5K in 17:40. “That’s one second faster than my high school freshman record,” said Birky, a recent Princeton University graduate, who conceded his post-college training “has been less rigorous. “I had a blast out there, though,” he said.

A fast and flat course? Not here. But the scenery? Running with portable cameras was a nearmust. Close behind Hausfeld were men’s masters champ Jerry Schippa, 48, in 1:07:46 and women’s winner Drevon in 1:07:59. They and Gayle Kuipers, 48 of Holland, women’s masters champion in 1:16:45, won framed limited-edition prints of famed Saugatuck artist James Brandess’ painting of the Mt. Baldhead steps, also reproduced on shirts presented to every entrant.

With current SHS team members running a meet at Fremont that morning, the door to victory fell open to younger athletes. Middle school team member Paisley Sipes, 13, won the women’s 5K in 22:09, 30 seconds faster than Alyssa Antram, 24, of Chicago and just 51 ticks ahead of pint-sized Angel Mendoza, 11, of Fennville. Claiming masters titles were James Smothers, 40, of Fennville and Connie Kitzinger, 52, of Schaumberg, Ill.

“I last ran this in 2002,” said Jeff Anderson, 51,

Photo by Ted Swoboda / gishotsforkids.org

SAUGATUCK-DOUGLAS (9/7/13) — Two recent Grand Valley State University graduates survived and thrived on the Mt. Baldhead Challenge 15K trails while a handful of 5K runners “went the extra mile.”

Mt. Baldhead Challenge winner Kevin Hausfeld leads the field coming back from Oval Beach on Lake Michigan. After the 23rd 5K finisher came a near eightminute gap. Uh-oh, thought organizers (including, for disclosure’s sake, yours truly). Seems some teens had continued beyond a course-marker sign and runners behind had followed, leaving them to find their ways back on un-volunteer-manned streets. Rotary Club sponsors, noting finishers Nos. 24 through 97 ran an estimated four miles, noted and adjusted those times and still gave out age-group medals, plus praise for “going the extra mile.”

Photo by TSarah Greene

Most took it in good humor. And why not? The day and both courses were beautiful, plus the Challenge raised funds for to help SHS Interact Club members travel to and install bio-sand filters in the Dominican Republic, where needy families often suffer from lack of clean water, something most Michigan residents take for granted. For more information and complete results, go to www.mtbaldheadchallenge.com.

Mt. Baldhead Challenge enjoys an iPhone camera moment atop the steps, as volunteers offer cheers and drinks. 22

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

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Park2Park, Holland

Matt Matters at Park2Park By Scott Sullivan

Matt Smith was too busy pushing a stroller, containing one son, back to the finish to watch his wife complete the course with another son running next to her — for the last 100 yards, at least. “How many times have you won this?” we asked him. “I don’t know ... two, maybe three,” said Smith, 39, of Holland. (Four, we learned when we looked it up.) The soon-to-be-masters runner, who finished in 1:15:16, confessed he has slowed some. But not enough for more than 1,000 behind to catch him.

Photo by Scott Sullivan

HOLLAND (9/28/13) — Matt’s what matters at the Park2Park half marathon for most male competitors — except him.

“What’s important,” said Smith, “is I still enjoy it. I’m doing more triathlons, which keep me fit without pounding my legs as much as I do just running. “Plus I love this course. It’s near home and beautiful,” he said. Smith broke late from a six-man pack that ran much of the race together. Finishing second was another Holland resident less than half his age, Harrison Clark, 19, in 1:15:38. Andrew McKeachie, 23 of Grand Rapids, and Tim Faith, 24, of Holland crossed next in 1:16:53 and 1:17:25 respectively. Natalie Hopwood, 24, of Dayton, Ohio, won the women’s title in 1:26:38. Next came Melissa

Holland State Park is the scene as runners go alongside Lake Michigan.

Martz, 22, of Grand Rapids (1:27:28) and Elizabeth Hager, 40, of Hudsonville (1:29:07). Park2Park takes its name from several parks: Park Township, southwest of Holland, where it starts and ends; Holland State and Tunnel parks, both on Lake Michigan, through which the 13.1mile route passes; and the challenge of finding car parking as the event, in its ninth year, keeps growing in popularity. The latter caused race director Sherrie Santos, name sponsor Holland Hospital and others to move Park2Park from its original home on the Harderwyk Ministries campus to the nearby Ottawa County Fairgrounds. The half-marathon course maintained its essential features: early miles heading largely west, with Lake Macatawa on their south side, then turning north to run alongside Lake Michigan before running inland back to the fairgrounds.

Nathan Fujioka, 29, of Grand Rapids, won his fourth 5K here in 16:32, topping Tim Adams, 36, of Hudsonville (17:20) and Benjamin Swierenga, 38, of Holland (18:02). Bethany Wolter, 28, of Holland (19:49) edged Laura Howell, 39, of Grandville (19:53) for the women’s title.

Photo by Scott Sullivan

In addition to easy parking, the fairgrounds provided a finish on a dirt track before a grandstand of cheering people, plus now-empty horse and pig stalls dotted with early autumn leaves.

For complete results, go to http://park2parkrace.com. - MR -

Half winner: Matt Smith

Half winner: Natalie Hopwood michiganrunner.net

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo, Huntington Woods

Cheetah-like Teen Captures Run Wild for Detroit Zoo By Charles Douglas McEwen

Swift as a cheetah, Claire Ford, 16, seized the opportunity, winning the women’s 5K in 18:48.

“But like I said, no excuses.” Sports bring creativity to athletes in explaining their performances. When American marathon recordholder Khalid Khannouchi dropped out of the World Championships years back, he said he’d developed blisters because of the slow pace (despite the fact he could control the pace), requiring him to take more steps.

“It was a PR by more than 20 seconds,” said the Cranbrook High School junior, who lives near here.

Run Wild raises Tara Haddad, 34, of Dearborn won the women’s 10K. funds for the Detroit Zoological Society and Ruth Roby Glancy Animal Health Complex. Ford is Ed La Bair, 53, of Unionville finished fifth a huge zoo supporter. “I say hi to the camels every overall in 16:56. day when I run by them,” she said. Lauren Johnson (19:25) was the women’s 5K runner-up. Next came Stefanie Perri, 28, of Walled Lake in 20:14. While Ford set a PR, men’s 5K winner Stephen Humes, 24, of Troy missed his by one second, timing 15:55. “I felt pretty relaxed,” he said. “It’s a fast course with no obstacles to slow you down. I was shooting to break 16 minutes.”

Humes, who graduated from Michigan State University last year, hasn’t run many 5Ks on the road.

Claire Ford, 16, won the women’s 5K. 24

By Bob Schwartz here’s a consistent theme when runners discuss a disappointing performance. Many own up at first by saying, “No excuses,” then, “but I’ve been fighting pneumonia the last few days … I forgot to taper … the dew point was too high … I pulled my adductor magnus or peroneus longus … they only had rigatoni at the pasta bar last night and I only run well with angel hair … it was above 64.7° F. and that’s my Achilles’ heel … the sport drink at the aid stations was lemon-lime and I’m more of a fruit punch guy …

HUNTINGTON WOODS (9/15/13) — Perfect weather and a pancake-flat course provided a golden opportunity for fast times at Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo.

Refraining from Explaining

“My goal was to break 17 minutes,” said La Bair, who won the 5K at Crim three weeks earlier in 17:15. “I didn’t win today, and I’m never happy if I don’t win. But 16:56 for my age — I can swallow that.” Men’s 10K winner Ryan Piippo, 35, of Franklin did his best to run wild for the zoo. “I don’t know how wild I get these days,” said Piippo, who finished in 36:00 while coming back from an injury. “A couple youngsters went out quickly at the start, but I gradually eased ahead of them. “I just came here to a have good time, run hard and hopefully not have the wheels fall off,” he said. Scott Moore, 29, of Rochester Hills (38:31) and Shane Beauchamp, 39, of Dearborn (38:48) took second and third.

“I was an 800-meter runner (with a PR of 1:48) in college,” he said. “So I’m not used to this long-distance stuff. I barely even ran the mile in college.”

Tara Haddad, 34, of Dearborn won the women’s 10K in 40:58, beating Katlyn Pizzo, 14, of Madison Heights (41:27), and Amanda Wolski, 32, of Dearborn (43:19).

Keith Erichsen, 15, of Farmington (16:30) and Christian Harrishfeyer, 15, of Royal Oak (16:36) finished second and third.

“I took off fast, but knew she’d be close behind me,” Haddad said of Pizzo. “I could tell that she was a good runner.”

Pizzo gained ground near the end and had Haddad worried.

For complete results, go to http://detroitzoo.org/runwild.

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

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“When he runs slow, he gets tired,” said his wife/coach Sarah. “My legs got too heavy because of the slow pace,” Khannouchi added. So the slower he goes, the more tired he gets? It must follow the faster he goes, the less tired. Hmmm. It’s like saying, “I would have done better on that test if it hadn’t been so simple.” I never had that problem. Ask me, “Is a 10K longer than a 5K?” “How many letters in ‘bonk’?” “What rhymes with ‘pace’ and feel free to use ‘race.’ What city does the Boston Marathon finish in?” More than elite runners make excuses. I’ve heard (and offered) many explanations for poor performances. There’s the prevalent “I was just using the race as a training run.” Right: you just paid a $50 entry fee, drove 90 minutes on a Saturday morning to the race, debated for hours about your pre-race snack, broke out your lucky singlet and new race shorts, and made sure you were in the first row of runners at the starting line … all for a training run in a torrential downpour? If you believe that, I’ll sell you my new training program on how to run a three-hour marathon on 17 miles per week and a diet of donuts, hot dogs, soda and fries. Runners offer an endless stream of excuses, such as, “I went out too fast,” “I went out too slow,” “My shoelaces were too tight,” “I overtrained,” “I undertrained,” “I had to go to the bathroom,” “I chafed,” “I blistered,” “I had a stomachache,” “The mile markers were off ” and so on. Why? When we get right down to it, who cares? Our co-workers and non-running friends wouldn’t know

Cadillac Festival of Races, Cadillac

a horrible performance from a heroic one, and our running friends have all had their share of bad races, so they understand a tough day on the roads.

Runners , Triathletes Converge on Cadillac

There’s a growing group of runners from whom some of us can learn. Race results aren’t important enough to them to bother with making excuses. They run for the pure enjoyment of the activity and to finish. They aren’t dialed into the creed of former marathon world record holder Steve Jones, who said, “If I am still standing at the end of the race, hit me with a board and knock me down, because that means I didn’t run hard enough.” That approach doesn’t motivate them at all. As I became older, I jumped the proverbial shark. Or, in the case of my running times getting slower, the clock jumped me. When you’re no longer physically able to match your best results from years past, you can either hang up the shoes or choose to define success in other ways. Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden said it best: “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” Oh, I still have my finishing time as a focus. But I’m satisfied if, on that day, I’ve given my max effort and Steve Jones would be proud of my energy depletion at the finish line. We can all enjoy the journey, without excuses, whichever way we choose. Hey, one runner’s torment is another runner’s thrill. Who needs excuses when accepting reality works just fine? Michigan Runner Bob Schwartz is the author of the best selling humor book “I Run, Therefore I Am — NUTS!” and the new sequel, “I Run, Therefore I Am STILL Nuts!” Check out @RunningLaughs. - MR -

By Dave Foley

Photo by Jennie McCafferty

Iillustrations by B.K. Taylor

And what do you care, since you know that any excuse is far from the truth. Oh sure, plenty of us — me included — push as hard as we can for the best time possible on that given day. But that’s just it. The bottom line is to give your max effort and if fall short of what you’d hoped, it’s simply the fact that some days you hit the wall and some days you get the pleasure of being escorted around it.

Kayaks wait for competitors to complete the run and bike legs of the adventure triathlon. CADILLAC (8/31/13) — The original Cadillac Labor Day run, the 5.4-mile Viking Booster Marathon in 1972, was a fundraiser for the high school track. In 1977 it became a 10K.

The stiff-legged transition run from bikes to kayaks took the triathletes between the crowd and band shell. The crowd cheered, band played and runners waved as they passed by.

When a run-bike-kayak triathlon was added in 2003, the Labor Day Run became the Cadillac Festival of Races. This year a stand-up paddleboard competition was included.

Dragging their boats into the water, runners and pedalers became paddlers. The first minutes were painful as they discovered that, with most of their blood pooled in lower extremities, their arms ached; however their paddling soon improved. Lake Cadillac was calm and no one tipped as the kayaks followed the buoys on the triangular 4K course. When the wind blows, as it has for several races, the kayak race becomes a real challenge.

Directors Mike Battaglia and Gus Meyjes, owners of Dynamic Physical Therapy which sponsors the races, have worked to make them a community event. With the starts and finishes in the lakeshore city park, a rock group playing in the band shell and vendors’ tents scattered about the park, a good crowd of non-competitors was on hand for the start. More than 300 entrants sprinted, or in some cases jogged, from there along the north shore of Lake Cadillac toward the turnarounds on the out-and-back run courses. Leading the pack was eventual 10K winner Hank Risley, Michigan Runner magazine’s 2008 Runner of the Year, who finished in 36:11. While timing mats welcomed the finishing runners with beeps, the triathletes completed their 5Ks and streamed past on the outside, heading for the bike transition area. The 12-mile bike course followed a slight upgrade on the paved rail-to-trail, then headed out for about four miles of flat riding along the south shore of Lake Cadillac. Then the climbs started, five over the next several miles, before the mostly-downhill race to the finish. michiganrunner.net

Brooks Lucas from Cadillac took the lead midway through the run and held it to the finish to win his third consecutive triathlon title in 1:25:02. Michael Seaman, coming off the fastest bike split of the day and a strong effort on the water, closed to within 40 seconds of Lucas. Kamie Wade, who has been the race coordinator for the bike and kayak events in past years, chose to compete this year. Being the second women to finish the run, posting the second-fastest bike split of all competitors as well as the recording the best women’s time in the kayak leg, gave her an easy win for the women and fifth place overall in the triathlon in 1:29:50. Full results are at http://RFTiming.net. - MR -

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

Red October Run, Wayne

Red October Run Reaps Big Turnout Despite Storm WAYNE (10/5/13) — Race day morning roared in like a lion at the 23rd annual Red October Run presented by Oakwood Annapolis Hospital, “We had so much thunder and lightning it was scary,” said race director Cynthia Cook. “I’ve been doing this for 23 years. I tell people, we’ve seen everything (weather-wise). But we haven’t seen such a violent storm. “Fortunately, all that happened during the dark hours while we were setting up the course. It turned out to be a great day for a run.” By the start of the 9 a.m. Junior October Mile, the storm had passed. But it probably scared away a few people. The event had 1,333 registrants, short of last year’s record 1,503. “Still, we’re really happy with that,” Cook said. The 5K and 10K ended up with warm, muggy conditions that resembled July more than Red October.

That suited Colby Lowe fine. The ex-Oklahoma State University All-American, who recently moved to Michigan, ran one of the fastest 10Ks in event history, timing 31:20. But he wanted to run faster. “High 29’s or low 30’s seemed possible,” said Lowe, 23, who has a 28:45 PR on the track. “The course had a lot puddles and it was slippery around the corners.”

By Charles Douglas McEwen

5K runner-up, Patty Ramos (bib no. 750) matches strides with eventual 5K winner, Kim Peterson (bib no. 911).

Matthew Disher, 19, of Ypsilanti took second in 37:16, followed by Kyle Cutler, 30, of Rockford in 37:45. Top masters runner Steve Menovcik, 44, of Grand Ledge placed fourth overall in 38:18.

For complete results, go to http://gaultracemanagement.com. For more information about the Red October Run, visit http://oakwood.org/redoctoberrun. - MR -

Stephanie Smith, 32, of Detroit finished fifth overall and paced the women in 38:57. “The course was flat and fast,” Smith said. “The crowd support was good. People at the turns had cowbells and that was very encouraging.” Kaitlyn Hanisko, 23, of Bay City finished second among the women in 43:34. Brittany Lowe, 23, of Auburn Hills claimed third in 43:47. Donna Olson, 63, of Southgate led the masters in 46:50.

“It was better than I expected considering the humidity,” Loveland said. “I was shooting to run a decent time and I did. And I loved cheering on the other runners as they crossed the finish line.” Keith Erichsen, 16, of Farmington took second in 17:26, and Shane Beauchamp, 39, of Dearborn third in 18:15. Masters champ Pete Bolen, 49, of Dexter was fourth overall in 18:55. Kimberly Peterson, 45, of Farmington Hills led the women in 19:13, followed by Patti Ramos, 26, of Novi in 20:07 and Lauren Johnson, 24, of Troy in 20:39. Local heroine Karen Bearse, 41, of Wayne was the top masters woman in 22:22. Rick and Shelly Huber of Montrose, 57 and 53 respectively, won the competitive walk for the third straight year in 28:06 and 34:02.

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

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Eric Loveland, 24, of Dundee ran away with the 5K in 16:17.

10K winner Colby Lowe gets out to an early lead.

Red Carpet Run, West Bloomfield

Entrants Look, Act Dashing at Red Carpet Run By Pamela A. Zinkosky ladies came in at under a seven-minute mile. Those under an eight-minute pace numbered 21. The race follows a flat course through the residential area behind the Old Orchard strip mall. The red carpet acts as the start and finish for the chip-timed run. Filled champagne flutes and a posh hors d’oeuvres table courtesy of Plum Market greeted participants at the finish. While the 5K race times made headlines, the collective attire made a statement too. Five people won honorable mention awards and $25 Running Fit gift certificates for their get-ups, while one guy and gal won the most dashing dude and most dashing chick awards, along with $50 Running Fit gift certificates.

We don’t know if he ran, but he’s dressed for the occasion.

Jennifer Minchin and Jennifer Burgess, who are new to running, said they chose the event because it sounded fun. The friends dressed in complementary princess outfits, complete with tiaras. Kevin Sherwood, a longtime runner who’s donned some interesting attire for the Detroit Turkey Trot, chose his patriotic pants and vest to represent the ‘80s bands he likes. “At least I can move in this,” he added. Despite the pre-run primping and paparazzi poses, the Red Carpet Run brings out some serious runners. Overall winner Jeff Bord was not dressed for the red carpet — he said he has to be comfortable — but did cross the finish at 15:03, a 4:51 per mile pace. “It’s a PR for me today,” he said. “I have a

10K Sunday and wanted to get in a 5K.”

Photo by Pamela Zinkosky

The event encourages participants to dress the part for the red carpet preview, which features a photographer snapping shots of glammed-up guys and gals. There you’ll see everything from tongue-in-cheek frocks like prom dresses — on gals and guys — to fun tutus, evening gowns and even tuxedos. Participants can search race results for their bib number and find those professional photographs available for purchase from Greg Sadler Photography.

Photo by Pamela Zinkosky

WEST BLOOMFIELD (8/7/13) — How often do you get to strut your stuff on the red carpet before dashing a 5K, and cross the finish to a glitzy party complete with a champagne toast? You can do it once a year at the Red Carpet Run, put on by the West Bloomfield Running Fit in the Shops at Old Orchard.

Bord’s time was a Red Carpet record. Following him were 16 other male runners with faster than a sevenminute-mile pace and 13 under an eight-minute pace.

The most dashing dude was Delaino Jones, who sported a tuxedo. The chick was Jan Massenberg, who wore a white dress with pink butterfly wings and a pink tiara. Honorable mention winners were Roy Gunther, Robin Lobsinger, Kerreen Conley, Tanya Whitaker and Vanessa Morris.

Jonathan Kurglo somehow holds up that strapless dress while running a 22:01 5K.

The overall female winner, Alexis Sinclair, clocked an 18:40, a 6:01 pace. Patti Ramos, who sported a pink tutu, came in only a minute and 29 seconds later, and six other

Race organizers say registration hit 500 this year, up 20 percent from last year. The weather helped. Despite a rainy start to the day, the sun came out for the evening run, drawing some late registrations. - MR -

Race Directors: International - Searchable Online Calendar List your event online with a user-friendly form:

http://tiny.cc/z5giu

runningnetwork.com/RNW/index.php/national-calendar then follow link in the right column: “Click here” Michigan Runner or Running Network staff will upload your listing Calendar links to 27 regional & specialty running publications: michiganrunner.net • runningnetwork.com

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Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

Autistic Teen Runs to Conquer Obesity, Wins Governor’s Award By Anthony Targan

ave you ever tried to tell a defiant teenage girl what to do? How did that work for you?

Welcome to Sophie Lash’s world. Sophie was diagnosed with autism at age 3; by the time she was 12, she had fallen into a sedentary lifestyle and weighed about 190 pounds. The vicious cycle of poor nutrition and weight gain kept Sophie from wanting to venture outdoors. And she was so stubborn, heavy and strong that she couldn’t be moved against her will. But in 2011, the immovable object met the unstoppable force. When Sophie’s mother, Mary Hellner, married Skip DeWall, Skip took on the challenge of getting Sophie moving. At first, he had to employ some tough love to overcome Sophie’s obstinacy. Skip described how an early showdown led to her starting to run.

Photo courtesy of Skip DeWall & Mary Hellner

Now imagine the teenager is autistic and nonverbal, unable to communicate except for a few guttural sounds and facial expressions.

“Sophie started to realize she was going to be forced to walk and I would not relent. So she gradually gave up the fight, diligently and begrudgingly at first, and began consistently walking. Then the walks became longer, then we moved to the trails, and running came in the form of her impatience — as she would bolt off trying to get to the car faster. “Then I started urging her to run a little on every walk. I started taking her to the track. She had no idea why she had to run or walk in a circle, finish the loop and then do it again. It drove her crazy. “I do this because I believe if I push her boundaries, and she overcomes her fear or anger, she will be more comfortable when others do the same — like teachers at school, for example. I believe my uncompromising discipline helps her in her everyday life.”

Sophie Lash does track workouts. “Sophie hated to walk or run,” he recalled. “She hated it. Once I parked across the street from Mary’s house after an errand. All I wanted Sophie to do was walk 100 yards home. She had a meltdown and I had to use physical force to get her on her feet and to the house.

From those first steps, Sophie has overcome her limits to develop into an athlete, losing close to 70 pounds in the process. Now 14, she is comfortable hiking, running the track, doing stair workouts and even racing at The Run for the Rolls in Chelsea this year and last. “Little by little, she learned to be comfortable in new environments,” Skip said. “We gave her no choice but to make the effort. “But the goals we set were small and attainable, and her confidence grew along with our expectations. We do see signs that she understands what she’s accomplished, and an occasional ear-to-ear grin that says she likes it when she hears the praise she receives from family (including her sister Hannah), friends and teachers.” The ultimate praise came in the form of the Governor’s Fitness Award for Conquering Obesity. Although she was a finalist, when Sophie was announced as the winner, Skip said, “We were floored. All of us were in tears. “Mary took Sophie to the stage and she posed for pictures. She received a spontaneous standing ovation. “Former Detroit Lion Jerome Harrison spoke of his recovery from a brain tumor and stroke that left him paralyzed from the neck down. He walked unescorted to the stage. In his tearful speech — a tribute to his family, friends and supporters — he paused and said, ‘And that girl, Sophie, she’s gonna inspire me.’ Blew us away! “Sophie had the night of her life at the ceremony. The award is a celebration of our family and how much we love each other.” For an inspirational video of Sophie’s journey, go to http://youtube.com/watch?v=TViFUcmKNu4. - MR -

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

michiganrunner.tv

‘Flag Man’ Completes 31-Year Mission By Ron Marinucci

He did so on National POW/MIA Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, as planned. More than 150 friends and family members, led by Bowen’s wife “Coach Patty,” showed up to support him. Many others – “who care about the POW/MIA issue,” said Bowen, and were alerted by local media – turned out too. “It was awesome,” the Flag Man said.

more than 30 missions in the European Theater. He’s my hero.” Then it was on to the Korean War Memorial “for a run-by and a salute. The ‘Forgotten War’ is not forgotten by me,” he said.

Photo courtesy of Mike Bowen

WASHINGTON, D.C. (9/20/13) — “I finished my mission,” said Mike “Flag Man” Bowen of Flushing after completing his 58,282nd mile – one for every U.S. solider killed, missing in action or taken prisoner during the Vietnam War – while carrying a POW/MIA flag.

Bowen next ran across the Memorial Bridge to visit Arlington National Cemetery. “Patty has a student she taught in grade school buried there,” said the Flag Man.

Mike ‘Flag Man’ Bowen completes his 58,282nd mile at the Vietname Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.

“It was very emotional at the Wall. I’m still having trouble believing it’s completed.” The mission took him 31 years.

“We parked our Harley near the Wall,” he recounted, “and I ran my last four miles.” Included were several pit stops.

Bowen was escorted from Hagerstown, Md., by 62 motorcycles, mostly driven by bikers from the Michigan Patriot Guard, of which Bowen is a member.

One was at the World War II Memorial, “to visit my dad,” Bowen said. “His ashes are there. He flew on B-17s as a ball-turret gunner, completing

Turning to the final goal, the Vietnam Memorial, Bowen “could hear people cheering. I was curious what was up. They saw me running across the hill toward them and were cheering for me! “I cried a little and high-fived my way through the lines,” he said, then repeated a theme he emphasized from the day his mission started: “The heroes are listed on the Wall. Not me.” Bowen rested for two days, then ran “eight miles already” toward his “new goal, to run a mile for each casualty from 9/11/2001 — another 3,030 miles.” - MR -

Run for Your Heart, Saginaw

More Than 800 Run Through Heart of Saginaw By Charles Douglas McEwen SAGINAW (9/7/13) — The sixth annual Run for Your Heart pumped up its numbers this year. A record 875 participants ran and walked, beating last year’s record by more than 100 entrants. The run, sponsored by the Pulse 3 Foundation and Saginaw YMCA, raises awareness of heart disease and money for the fight against it. The event took place at the Michigan Cardiovascular Institute. “Being a cardiovascular foundation, we’re trying to promote healthy living,” said race director Diane Fong, who is also CEO of Pulse 3. “We’re having it in an urban setting with all kinds of parks to show folks the beauty of Saginaw.” The half marathon, 10K and 5K started and finished on the Saginaw Riverwalk. All three courses went through Ojibway Island Park, the Celebration Square Children’s Zoo and Hoyt Park. The half marathon also traveled through the Old Town Business District and Wickes Park. Mark Jones, 27, enjoyed his tour. “I live just a couple miles down the road,” he said. “This was my first time doing this course. It was pretty interesting.”

Jones, who ran for Eastern Michigan University several years ago, won the half marathon. “I took four years off from running,” he said. “Then a bunch of friends decided to do the Bayshore Marathon and I got back into it.” Jones ran Bayshore, his first marathon, in 2:49:23 “I also did the Crim 10-miler two weeks ago in 55:30,” he said. “So my goal today was to get to the 10-mile mark in 55:31, then hold on the last 5K.” He did just that, timing 1:13:14. Runner-up Christopher Madziar, 24, of Essexville (1:18:18) and third-place finisher Jeffrey Schlenker, 38, of Saginaw (1:20:32) finished well behind him. “I just wanted to stay focused and keep hitting my splits,” Jones said. “It was nice having the motorcade in front of me, so I wasn’t completely alone.” Women’s winner Jessica Sommerfield, 29, of Kingston, who set a PR in 1:38:50, ran most of the half marathon in second place. “A gal was ahead of me for most of the course,” she said. “I caught her between 10 and 11 miles. She was a good pacer for me.”

michiganrunner.net

Alexandra Lichtor, 24, of Midland finished second in 1:39:59. Kelly Jabbusch, 35, of Dearborn took third in 1:40:30. In the 10K, Cora Pavlik, 33, of St. Louis (Michigan) was the first overall runner in 43:11. “It was great,” Pavlik said. “The course was well marked and the pace bike was right in front of me the whole way.” Tim Mozden, 43, of Caro was the first male 10K finisher in 44:30. Tyler Du Ressell, 20, of Bay City (18:04) and Samantha Ernst, 30 (21:50) claimed the men’s and women’s 5K titles. Rick Huber, 57, of Montrose finished first in the 5K walk (27:51). Lynette Heinlein, 57, of Vassar topped the women in 30:06. For complete results, go to http://runforyourheart.org. - MR -

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

July --August 20132013 EventEvent Calendar November December Calendar Sat, 11/2/13 Sat, 11/2/13 Sat, 11/2/13

Bell’s Beer Iceman Cometh Challenge Day of the Dead 5K Run/Walk Gillette Nature Association Turkey Trail Run

27MB 5KR/W, kids run 5KR, 1MFR

Kalkaska Saginaw Muskegon

(231) 922-5926 (989) 399-9925 (231) 798-3573

iceman.com cincokrunsaginaw.com gillettenature.org

Sat, 11/2/13 Sat, 11/2/13 Sat, 11/2/13

Give It Away 5K / 10K LiveWire Fallen Leaves 5K & 2 Mile Walk Livonia Turkey Trot

10KR, 5KR/W 5KR, 2MW 5KR/W

Brighton Indian River Livonia

(810) 355-8459 (231) 420-7994 (734) 466-2410

facebook.com irumc.org www.ci.livonia.mi.us

Sat, 11/2/13 Sat, 11/2/13 Sat, 11/2/13

Long John Run 4.2M Meaningful Moments 5K Michigan HS Cross Country L.P. State Finals

4MR/W 5KR/W 5KR

Kentwood Lansing Brooklyn

(517) 975-9900 (517) 332-5046

active.com runningfoundation.com www.mhsaa.com

Sat, 11/2/13 Sat, 11/2/13 Sat, 11/2/13

Muddy Watters Trail Relay Outrun Hunger PR Fitness Group Run

4MR 5KR/W, kids run 20MR, 10MR, 3MR

Rochester Hills (248) 320-5705 Commerce Township (248) 887-3700 Ann Arbor (313) 815-4513

www.jeffwatters.com outrunhunger.com prfitnessa2.com

Sat, 11/2/13 Sat, 11/2/13 Sat, 11/2/13

Run of the Dead, a Race Through Southwest Detroit 10KR, 5KR Running With the Waves 5K 5KR/W Scope It Out Detroit 5K Run/Walk 5KR

Detroit Owosso New Boston

(313) 842-0986 (810) 240-9891 (989) 430-4683

savorsouthwestdetroit.org

Sat, 11/2/13 Sat, 11/2/13 Sat, 11/2/13

SCVMP Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk St. Clair River Turkey Trot Superhero 5K

5KR/W 5KR 5KR/W

Saginaw St. Clair Ypsilanti

(989) 529-7592 (810) 329-7186 (734) 712-5640

Sat, 11/2/13 Sat, 11/2/13 Sun, 11/3/13

U of M/MSU Tailgate Challenge USA Half Marathon Trail Championships Back to the Wild 5K Run / 2 Mile Walk

5KR/W 13.1MR 5KR, 2MW, 1M Kids

Flint Moab, UT Harrison Twp.

(810) 659-6493

gaultracemanagement.com usatf.org everalracemgt.com

Sun, 11/3/13 Sun, 11/3/13 Sun, 11/3/13

D.O. Monster Dash d’Ear Lake Lansing North 10K Trail Race Dan Jilek 5K

5KR/W 10KR, 5KW 5KR/W

East Lansing Haslett Ann Arbor

(509) 991-0492 (517) 655-9698 (248) 709-8417

www.com.msu.edu/ss/ www.theear.org danjilek5k.blogspot.com

Sun, 11/3/13 Sun, 11/3/13 Sun, 11/3/13

Day of the Dead 5K Run & Kids Run Halloween Cheer 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run Mahperd 5K

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

Muskegon Quincy Shelby Twp.

(616) 240-6756 (517) 617-2944 (517) 347-0485

grandrapidsrunningclub.org

Sun, 11/3/13 Sun, 11/3/13 Sun, 11/3/13

Poured Out Fall Back 5K Rochester Area Optimist Club Bloomer Boogie Turkey Trot Cross Country Run

5KR/W, 1MFW 5MR/W, 5KR/W, 1KFR 6KR X-C

New Baltimore Rochester Hills Mt Pleasant

(586) 713-6326 (248) 651-6267 (989) 772-0323

poured-out.org bloomerboogie.com mtpleasantstriders.com

Tue, 11/5/13 Wed, 11/6/13 Thu, 11/7/13

Hansons Group Run - Tuesdays PR Fitness Group Run 501 Running Club Group Run

6MR, 3MR 6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR

Grosse Pointe Ann Arbor Ann Arbor

(248) 693-9900 (313) 815-4513 (734) 657-0214

hansons-running.com prfitnessa2.com runningfit501.com

Thu, 11/7/13 Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13

Hansons Tempo Run Central Lake Elementary PTO Turkey Trot Churchill Family 5K Fun Run

5KR/W, 1MFR 5KR/W, 1MFR

Royal Oak Central Lake Livonia

248-616-9665 (231) 675-7007 (734) 744-2650

hansons-running.com active.com chs-cap.com

Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13

Don Dansereau Memorial Fall Race Fall into Fitness 5K Race

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

Bay City Adrian

(989) 553-6656 (517) 265-8544

race-mrm.com runningwithes.com

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

michiganrunner.tv

scopeitout5k.com

elitefeetrunning.com girlsontherunsemi.org

mimahperd.org

November - December 2013 Event Calendar Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13

Hideous Holiday Sweater Run Hightail It for Heroes Lowell YMCA Turkey Trot

5KR/W, 1MR/W 10KR/Wheel, 5KR 5KR

Milford Shelby Twp. Lowell

(248) 595-8526 (248) 475-6411 (616) 897-8445

scleroderma.org/michigan essmichigan.org grymca.org

Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13

Mid-Land Half / 10K/ 5K Muskegon Turkey Trot 5K Trail Run Mustache Dache

13.1MR, 10KR, 5KR 5KR/W 5KR/W

Midland Muskegon Detroit

(989) 289-2361 (231) 894-9693

michiganhalfseries.com

Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13

NCAA Division II Midwest Region X-C Championships 8KR, 6KR NJCAA D1 X-C National Championship 8KR, 5KR Ohio/Michigan 5K 5KR

Kenosha, WI Fort Dodge, IA Walbridge, OH

(864) 587-4237 (419) 699-3364

ncaasports.com go-thunderbirds.com stjeromewalbridge.org

Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13

OTPR Turkey Trot Panther Fall Classic

5KR, 2KW 5KR/W

Oxford Comstock Park

(248) 628-1720 (616) 785-7880

www.oxparkrec.org www.cpef.us/race.html

Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13

Paradise Bound 5K PIgeon River Elk Stampede PR Fitness Group Run

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

Allendale Wolverine Ann Arbor

(616) 340-2451 (231) 525-8220 (313) 815-4513

lifestreamweb.org greenwoodfoundation.org prfitnessa2.com

Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13

Randy’s Race Ridge Rocker Road Hawg Classic

10 MR, 4MR/W, 1K Kids Duathlon: 3MR/ 19MB/ 10KR, 5KR/W

Monclova, OH Brighton Battle Creek

(419) 356-0703 toledoroadrunners.org (248) 635-5979 ridgerocker.com (269) 969-3441 greatlakeschampionchip.com

Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13

USA 50 km Trail Championships 50KR USATF Region 5 Junior Olympic XC Championships 5KR, 4KR, 3KR Veterans Honor Run 11KR, 5KR/W

Boulder City, NV Northville Burton

(313) 623-3029 (810) 743-0149

Sat, 11/9/13 Sat, 11/9/13

Woldumar Nature Center Run-a-Munk Yankee Springs Off-Road Triathlon and Duathlon

Lansing Middleville

(517) 927-8955 woldumar.org switchbackendurance.com/off-road-triathlon/

Sat, 11/9/13

Original Ann Arbor Turkey Trot

10K, 5K, Iron Turkey, 1M

Sun, 11/10/13 Big Bird Run

mustachedache.com/detroit/

Dexter

13.1MR, 10KR/W, 5KR/W Tri/Du: kayak, bike, run

10KR, 4KR, 1MR/W

Sun, 11/10/13 Clarkston State Bank Backroads Half Marathon & 10K

(734) 213-1033 a2turkeytrot.com

usatf.org michigan.usatf.org/ veteranshonorrun.com

Roseville

(586) 445-5480 roseville-mi.gov

Clarkston

clarkstonbackroadshalf.com (248) 320-9102

stayintheshade.org/highland/ rotpac.com monroehalfmarathon.com www.leaf4Kids.com

Sun, 11/10/13

Capac Athletic Boosters Turkey Trot

5KR/W

Capac

Sun, 11/10/13

Highland Rugged Man

4.8MR, 2MW

Highland

Sun, 11/10/13 Sun, 11/10/13 Sun, 11/10/13

Hogsback Trail Run - Cancelled for 2013 Monroe Half Marathon Friendship Relay and 5K The Burg Trail Run

5MR, 2MR 13.1MR/W, 5MR/W, Relay 10KR, 5KR/W, 1MFR

Elba Monroe Laingsburg

(248) 425-0610

Tue, 11/12/13 Tue, 11/12/13 Wed, 11/13/13

Hansons Group Run - Tuesdays Wayne County Lightfest 8K Fun Run/Walk PR Fitness Group Run

Grosse Pointe Westland Ann Arbor

(248) 693-9900 (734) 261-1990 (313) 815-4513

hansons-running.com

8KR/W 6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR

Thu, 11/14/13 Thu, 11/14/13 Fri, 11/15/13

501 Running Club Group Run Hansons Tempo Run NCAA Division I X-C Regionals - Great Lakes

6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR 10KR, 6KR

Ann Arbor Royal Oak Madison, WI

(734) 657-0214 248-616-9665 (419) 530-4925

runningfit501.com hansons-running.com ncaasports.com

Fri, 11/15/13 Sat, 11/16/13 Sat, 11/16/13

Yule Run, I’ll Walk 5K Blitzen the Dotte Dirty Duel

5KR/W 10KR, 5KR/W 3.7MR, 3.1MR

Grand Rapids Wyandotte Grand Rapids

(616) 233-3560 (734) 284-5560

yulerun5k.com wyandotteboatclub.com dirtyduel.com

Sat, 11/16/13 Sat, 11/16/13 Sat, 11/16/13

East Kentwood HS Turkey Trot Grand Finale 5K and Team Invitational NCAA Division III X-C Regionals - Great Lakes

5KR/W, 2.5KR/W 5KR, 5K/8K team 8KR, 6KR

Kentwood Lansing Grand Rapids

(616) 291-3903 (517) 755-8440 (440) 775-8525

runningfoundation.com ncaasports.com

Sat, 11/16/13 Sat, 11/16/13 Sun, 11/17/13

PR Fitness Group Run Schrauger Memorial 5K Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

20MR, 10MR, 3MR 5KR/W, 1MFR 5KR/W, 1/4M kids run

Ann Arbor Lake Orion Portage

(313) 815-4513 (248) 762-6825 (248) 530-5024

prfitnessa2.com lakeorioncrosscountry.com arthritis.org

Sun, 11/17/13 Tue, 11/19/13

Shelby Twp. Veterans Memorial Run Hansons Group Run - Tuesdays

(248) 693-9900

active.com hansons-running.com

Wed, 11/20/13 Thu, 11/21/13 Thu, 11/21/13

PR Fitness Group Run 501 Running Club Group Run Hansons Tempo Run

6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR 6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR

Ann Arbor Ann Arbor Royal Oak

(313) 815-4513 (734) 657-0214 248-616-9665

prfitnessa2.com runningfit501.com hansons-running.com

Fri, 11/22/13 Fri, 11/22/13 Sat, 11/23/13

Firefly Fun Run/Walk Silver Bells in the City Fun Run 100th Anniversary Grosse Ile Toll Bridge Run

5KR/W 3MR 4MR/W

Saginaw Twp. Lansing Grosse Ile

(989) 790-5280 (517) 349-3803 (734) 341-5867

saginawcounty.com/parks/ silverbellsinthecity.org

Sat, 11/23/13

Grand Blanc Chocolate 5K

5KR/W

Grand Blanc

(810) 238-5981

werunthistown.com

Sun, 11/17/13 Kona Hot Chocolate Run

10KR, 5KR/W

Plymouth

5KR/W

michiganrunner.net

roadrunnertiming.com/blog/capac-athletic-boosters-5k.html

Shelby Twp. Grosse Pointe

(517) 285-6487

prfitnessa2.com

(248) 345-6168 konahotchocolaterun.com

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

Sat, 11/23/13 Sat, 11/23/13 Sat, 11/23/13

Grand Valley Turkey Trot 5K Holiday Hoof NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships

5KR 4MR, 2MR/W 10KR, 6KR

Sat, 11/23/13 Sat, 11/23/13 Sat, 11/23/13

NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships 10KR, 6KR NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships 8KR, 6KR Pat Kellerman Memorial Turkey Trot 5KR/W

Spokane, WA Hanover, IN Bad Axe

(812) 237-4040 (920) 582-7585 (989) 269-8272

ncaasports.com ncaasports.com

Sat, 11/23/13 Sat, 11/23/13 Sun, 11/24/13

PR Fitness Group Run WMU Turkey Trot Hansons Group Run

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

Ann Arbor Kalamazoo Lake Orion

(313) 815-4513 (269) 387-3765 (248) 693-9900

prfitnessa2.com wmich.edu/rec/turkeytrot hansons-running.com

Tue, 11/26/13 Wed, 11/27/13 Wed, 11/27/13

Hansons Group Run - Tuesdays PR Fitness Group Run PR Fitness Group Run

6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR 6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR

Grosse Pointe Ann Arbor Ann Arbor

(248) 693-9900 (313) 815-4513 (313) 815-4513

hansons-running.com prfitnessa2.com prfitnessa2.com

Wed, 11/27/13 Thu, 11/28/13 Thu, 11/28/13

PR Fitness Group Run 6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR Ann Arbor 1st Source Bank/ Niles/Buchanan YMCA Thanksgiving Day Run 10KR, 5KR/W, 1MFR Niles 501 Running Club Group Run 6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR Ann Arbor

(313) 815-4513 (269) 683-1552 (734) 657-0214

prfitnessa2.com nb-ymca.org runningfit501.com

Thu, 11/28/13 Thu, 11/28/13

Dorks Brothers Turkey Trot Eastside Track Club Turkey Trot

5KR 5KR

Alpena Oregon, OH

(989) 354-7314 (419) 931-8484

thunderbaytrails.org toledoroadrunners.org

Thu, 11/28/13 Thu, 11/28/13

Galloping Gobbler 4 Miler Gaylord Turkey Trot

8MR, 4MR/W 5KR/W, 1MR/W

Fort Wayne, IN Gaylord

(260) 436-4824 (989) 350-0020

FortWayneGobbler.com gaylordturkeytrot.org

Thu, 11/28/13 Thu, 11/28/13 Thu, 11/28/13

Gazelle Sports Gobble Wobble Gobbler Gallop Trail Run Hansons Tempo Run

4.1MR/W, 1MFR/W 5KR/W, 1MR

East Grand Rapids Saginaw Royal Oak

(616) 940-9888 (989) 513-5195 248-616-9665

gazellesports.com

Thu, 11/28/13 Thu, 11/28/13 Thu, 11/28/13

Jackson YMCA Turkey Trot 10KR, 5KR/W KAR Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Prediction Run 5KR Kiwanis Turkey Trot 5KFR,1MFR

Jackson Portage Boyne City

(517) 795-497 (269) 270-5641 (231) 582-3416

Thu, 11/28/13 Thu, 11/28/13 Thu, 11/28/13

Lansing Turkeyman Trot Raisin Valley Turkey Trot Fun Run Smoke the Turkey 5K

5KR 5KR 5KR

Lansing Adrian Sylvania, OH

(517) 702-0226 runningfoundation.com (517) 423-3676 comeinunity.org/kenyadigit.html (419) 841-5597 eliteendeavors.com

Thu, 11/28/13 Thu, 11/28/13 Thu, 11/28/13

Tamarac Turkey Trot The ANTI-Turkey Trot Turkey Stampede

8KR 10MR, 10KR, 5KR/W 10KR, 5KR, 1MW

Fremont Shelby Twp. Elkhart, IN

(231) 924-1795 (586) 532-1300 (574) 293-1683

tamaracwellness.org shelbyrunclub.weebly.com stonesouppromotions.com

Thu, 11/28/13 Thu, 11/28/13 Thu, 11/28/13

Turkey Trail Trot Turkey Trot Turkey Trot for a Cause

4MR, 2.5MW 5KR 5KR/W, kids run

Shelby Twp. Grand Haven Canton

(248) 872-5215 (734) 483-5600

move-itfitnessllc.com active.com csc.canton-mi.org

Thu, 11/28/13 Fri, 11/29/13 Fri, 11/29/13

Up North Media’s Traverse City Turkey Trot for Charities 5MR, 5KR/W, kids run Fantasy 5K 5KR Turkey Trail Trot 4MR

Traverse City Howell Shelby Twp.

(231) 645-8184 (517) 546-3020 (248) 872-5215

trot.evugo.com http://howell.org move-itfitnessllc.com

Sat, 11/30/13 Sat, 11/30/13 Sat, 11/30/13

Gobbler Gallop Jessie Schenk Memorial “Turkey Chase” PR Fitness Group Run

4MR/W, 1MFR 5KR/W 20MR, 10MR, 3MR

Milford Catawba Island, OH Ann Arbor

(248) 320-8167 gobblergallop.com (419) 797-4424 jessiesturkeychase.yolasite.com (313) 815-4513 prfitnessa2.com

Sat, 11/30/13 Sat, 11/30/13 Tue, 12/3/13

PR Fitness Group Run Toy Town Elfin 1K & Toy Trot 5K Hansons Group Run - Tuesdays

20MR, 10MR, 3MR 5KR, 1KR

Ann Arbor Cadillac Grosse Pointe

(313) 815-4513 (231) 775-8697 (248) 693-9900

prfitnessa2.com toytowncadillac.com/ hansons-running.com

Wed, 12/4/13 Thu, 12/5/13 Thu, 12/5/13

PR Fitness Group Run 501 Running Club Group Run Hansons Tempo Run

6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR 6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR

Ann Arbor Ann Arbor Royal Oak

(313) 815-4513 (734) 657-0214 248-616-9665

prfitnessa2.com runningfit501.com hansons-running.com

Thu, 12/5/13 Sat, 12/7/13 Sat, 12/7/13

Run Through the Lights Belleville Jingle Bell 5K Run and 1K Kids Run ChoiceOne Bank St Nick Kick 5K/10K Run

5KR 5KR/W, kids run 10KR, 5KR/W

Kalamazoo Belleville Newaygo

(269) 342-5996 (734) 732-8857 (231) 652-3068

gazellesports.com/RTTL vbpsef.org newaygonaturally.com/

Sat, 12/7/13 Sat, 12/7/13 Sat, 12/7/13

Dashing through the Snow December Chill Adventure Race Dickens of a Run

1 Mile R/W 7 hr sprint 5KR

Fowlerville TBD Mt Pleasant

(810) 938-1315 (231) 233-4736 (989) 772-0323

fowlervillesports.com infiterrasports.com mtpleasantstriders.com

Sat, 12/7/13

Holiday Hustle

5KR, 1MR

Dexter

(734) 929-9027 runholiday5k.com

Thu, 11/28/13 Ann Arbor Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5KR/W Thu, 11/28/13 Fifth Third Bank Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Sat, 12/7/13

Farmland 5K European Style XC Challenge

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

5KR/W

Ann Arbor

10KR, 5KR/W, 1MR/W Detroit

5KR, 1MFR

Ionia Jingle Bell 5K

Allendale (616) 346-8740 grandvalleyrunningclub.webs.com Ferndale (248) 591-7034 downtownferndale.com Terre Haute, IN (812) 237-4040 ncaasports.com

michiganrunner.tv

Traverse City

Ionia

(248) 446-1315 goodboyevents.com (313) 247-4149 detroitturkeytrot.org

hansons-running.com jacksonymcaturkeytrot.com karturkeytrot.wordpress.com boynechamber.com

(231) 631-2195

xcchallengetcruns.com

(517) 702-0226

runningfoundation.com

November - December 2013 Event Calendar Sat, 12/7/13 Sat, 12/7/13 Sat, 12/7/13

Sat, 12/7/13

Jingle Bell Fun Run / Walk Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis - Northville PR Fitness Group Run

5KR, 2KW 5KRW, 1/4M kids run 20MR, 10MR, 3MR

Port Huron Northville Ann Arbor

Reese Winter Road Race Series

10KR, 5KR/W

Reese

Sat, 12/7/13

Santa Hustle 5K Chicago Scrooge Scramble

5KR/W

Lansing

Sat, 12/7/13

Snap Fitness Jingle Bell Fun Run

5KR/W

Ionia

(517) 743-1495

ionia5k.com

Sun, 12/8/13

YMCA Santa Run

Anchor Bay Jingle Bell Run

5KR, 1MFW

New Baltimore

(586) 648-2525

jinglebellrun.com

Sun, 12/8/13 Sun, 12/8/13

Candy Cane Run Christmas Present 5K or 12/15/13

6MR, 3MR, 1.5 MR 5KR/W

Grand Rapids Clarkston

(616) 240-6756 (248) 623-7296

Tue, 12/10/13 Tue, 12/10/13 Tue, 12/10/13

Ann Arbor Track Club Winter Mini Track Meet Grosse Pointe Christmas Light Run Hansons Group Run - Tuesdays

5000m, 1 MileR, 800m, 400m, 200m, 60m Ann Arbor (734) 769-9105 6MR Grosse Pointe (313) 882-1325 Grosse Pointe (248) 693-9900

aatrackclub.org/races hansons-running.com hansons-running.com

Wed, 12/11/13 Thu, 12/12/13 Thu, 12/12/13

PR Fitness Group Run 501 Running Club Group Run Hansons Tempo Run

6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR 6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR

Ann Arbor Ann Arbor Royal Oak

(313) 815-4513 (734) 657-0214 248-616-9665

prfitnessa2.com runningfit501.com hansons-running.com

Sat, 12/14/13 Sat, 12/14/13 Sat, 12/14/13

Alma Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk Dork Brothers Jingle All the Way Hot Chocolate 5K Benefiting Girls on Track

5KR/W, kids run 2MR l5KR/W

Alma Alpena Kalamazoo

(989) 463-8336 (989) 354-7314 (269) 491-2663

ci.alma.mi.us

Sat, 12/14/13 Sat, 12/14/13 Sat, 12/14/13

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis Jingle Belle Women’s 5K Paw Paw Santa Run

10KR, 5KR, 1/4M kids run 5KR/W 5KR/W, 1MW

Bloomfield Hills Lansing Paw Paw

(248) 530-5024 (517) 490-2578 (269) 624-4841

arthritis.org www.dtdl.org santarun.pawpawmi.us/

Sun, 12/8/13 Santa Hustle 5K Milwaukee

Sat, 12/14/13 Run Like The Dickens & Tiny Tim Trot

Chicago, IL

www.bluewaterymca.com arthritis.org prfitnessa2.com

Sat, 12/7/13

5KR

(810) 987-6400 (248) 530-5024 (313) 815-4513

5KR/W, 1MW

Flint

13.1MR, 5KR

Indianapolis, IN

10KR, 5KR/W, Tiny Tim Trot

(847) 829-4536 santahustle.com/chicago/ (989) 529-7904

race-mrm.com

(517) 899-5211

iloveoldtown.org

(810) 232-9622 flintymca.org grandrapidsrunningclub.org rotpac.com

(847) 829-4536 santahustle.com/milwaukee/

Holly

Sat, 12/14/13

PR Fitness Group Run

20MR, 10MR, 3MR

Ann Arbor

Sat, 12/14/13

USATF National Club X-C Championships

10KR, 6KR

TBD

Sat, 12/14/13 Sun, 12/15/13

USATF National Junior Olympic X-C Championships 5KR, 3KR San Antonio, TX Reindeer Run Tri: 15min S/ 15min B/ 15min R Monroe

(248) 328-3200

(313) 815-4513

(502) 320-2264 (843) 918-2305 (734) 241-2606

girlsontherunkazoo.org

runlikethedickens.com prfitnessa2.com

usatf.org

usatf.org ymcaofmonroe.org

Sun, 12/15/13 Santa Hustle Half Marathon & 5K Cedar Point 13.1MR, 5KR Sandusky, OH (847) 829-4536 santahustle.com/cedar-point/ Sun, 12/15/13 Santa Hustle Half Marathon & 5K Indy

13.1MR, 5KR

Sun, 12/15/13 Tue, 12/17/13

Whoville 5K Run & Walk Hansons Group Run - Tuesdays

5KR/W, kids run

Wed, 12/18/13 Thu, 12/19/13 Thu, 12/19/13

PR Fitness Group Run 501 Running Club Group Run Hansons Tempo Run

Sat, 12/21/13 Sat, 12/21/13 Sat, 12/21/13

Indianapolis, IN (847) 829-4536

santahustle.com/indianapolis/

Grand Rapids Grosse Pointe

(248) 693-9900

whoville5k.com hansons-running.com

6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR 6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR

Ann Arbor Ann Arbor Royal Oak

(313) 815-4513 (734) 657-0214 248-616-9665

prfitnessa2.com runningfit501.com hansons-running.com

B A R C Christmas 5K Long Underwear Run PR Fitness Group Run

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

Bay City Eastpointe Ann Arbor

(989) 832-2267 (586) 899-4076 (313) 815-4513

barc-mi.com longunderwearrun.com prfitnessa2.com

Sun, 12/22/13 Sun, 12/22/13 Thu, 12/26/13

Jingle Bell Run Shelby Township Jingle Bell Run 501 Running Club Group Run

5KR/W 5KR/W 6MR, 5MR, 4MR, 3MR

Traverse City Shelby Twp. Ann Arbor

231.941.8118 (586) 484-5523 (734) 657-0214

tctrackclub.com jinglebell5krun.com runningfit501.com

Thu, 12/26/13 Thu, 12/26/13 Sat, 12/28/13

Hansons Tempo Run Harold Webster Boxing Day 10 Mile Run HUFF 50K Trail Run

10MR 50 KR, 50K Relay, 10MR

Royal Oak Hamilton, ON Albion, IN

248-616-9665 (905) 971-6040 (260) 436-4824

hansons-running.com boxingdayrun.ca www.huff50k.com

Sat, 12/28/13 Sun, 12/29/13 Sun, 12/29/13

PR Fitness Group Run Hansons Group Run Rock the Clock Run

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

Ann Arbor Lake Orion Plymouth

(313) 815-4513 (248) 693-9900

prfitnessa2.com hansons-running.com rocktheclock.com

Tue, 12/31/13 Tue, 12/31/13 Tue, 12/31/13

Midland Resolution Run New Year’s Eve 5K New Year’s Resolution Run

5KR/W 5KR 8KR, 5KR/W

Midland Lansing Flint

Tue, 12/31/13 Fifth Third New Year’s Eve Family Fun Run/Walk 5KR/W, 1MR/W Detroit

michiganrunner.net

(313) 886-5560 belleislefunrun.com (989) 205-3813 (810) 659-6493

midlandresolutionrun.com runningfoundation.com www.riverbendstriders.com

Michigan Runner - November / December 2013

By Tom Henderson

ome race courses become old friends. You’re always happy to see them, though they might be gnarly, a little tough to take, rough around the edges. But they’re always worth a new memory or two, and you’re always glad to have had another encounter. The 7-mile course at the Harvest Stompede on the Leelanau Peninsula, a few miles northwest of Traverse City, is such a friend. It is beyond my vocabulary and artistic capabilities to properly describe the views on this course, from start to finish, through rows of fat grapes on vines about to be picked, through forests and across pastures and up the longest, sandiest, toughest mile-long hill you’ll find in state racing. Well, that you’ll find this side of the Mackinac Bridge, anyway. I can think of one or two tougher climbs in the Porcupine Mountains that Jeff Crumbaugh threw into this year’s inaugural running of the Porkies Marathon. Those trails are old friends too, but I wasn’t able to get to the UP to do the marathon this year, so I must wait a year to wax enthusiastically (or complain) about them. So, back to the Stompede, which was held this year Sept. 7. The 7-miler is killer tough and the 5K is even tougher, a relentless series of long, steep ups and downs. At least the 7-miler has some flat stretches where you can calm your lungs a bit and escape oxygen debt briefly. Package pick-up is at the Ciccone Vineyard, owned by Madonna’s dad, where the view from one of the highest hills around is just spectacular — the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay shining in the sun to the right, Ciccone’s rows of grapes beckon to the left, Mawby’s Vineyard and its rows of grapes beautiful in the distance to the north. Both races share the same start, a brief uphill through rows of grapes, followed by a long, steep, twisting downhill to Mawby’s. More rows of grapes there, steep ups and downs, then a long, relatively-flat stretch through pasture, more ups and downs, a long downhill to a flat trail through deep forest and then the turnaround point at the gorgeous Black Star Farms. Gorgeous followed by that steep, endless, sandy uphill that goes on for more than a mile, the reward being an incredible view of Lake Michigan. Back through the pasture and Mawby’s, then up the long, steep hills that began the race.

The week before the race had been unseasonably cold with little or no humidity. Perfect running, in other words, for an aging man and his black lab.

On a perfect day in the summer, there might be six or eight cars in the parking lot, a few bikers and a few runners almost having the trails to themselves.

Race day, though, was warm and humid. About a mile into the race, Maddie let me know it was going to be one of those days. Instead of running slightly ahead of me, eager to be going just a hair faster, she started slipping behind. The clear message? Hey, Tom, you mind if we take this one slower?

Come there on a brutal winter weekend, though, with fallen snow hurled horizontal by howling winds with chills well below zero, and the lot is packed. You’re lucky to get a spot, with skate skiers, Nordic skiers, snowshoers and hikers coming and going in every direction.

So we did, finishing in 75 minutes, about 13 minutes slower than last year. Which just meant more time out there enjoying the course. It was a pretty happy ending for an old man and his old lab, since the computer spitting out race results said we ended up hitting the exact average finish time for the 324 entrants.

It’s the mirror image of parks in the southern Lower Pensinsula, which you have to yourself on cold winter mornings and share with the throngs on hot summer days.

I met my wife, Kathleen, through running. In the 1980s, running was a good way for women to meet guys. For one thing, you knew from the start you were meeting a guy who shared a hobby and a lifestyle. For another, there were four or five men for every woman at most races; nice odds for women, not so good for men. Luckily for me, I beat the odds. Boy, has that world changed! In the Stompede 5K, 97 men finished. Women? Two hundred and twenty-eight. The overall winner, in fact, was a woman, Christine Jarchow, a 29-year-old who ran 21:42 to beat the first man, R.J. Meske, 33, by 43 seconds. A 50-year-old, Dan Puddister, was third overall and first master in 22:27. Rebecca Moll, 42, was 19th overall and first female master in 27:47. There was a similar gender story in the 7-miler, which had 114 male and 210 female finishers. Trevor Darnell, 39, somehow managed a 41:33 to lead the men, beating runner-up Hank Risley, 45, by 2:50. Jami Grant, 34, finished first for the women and 12th overall in 51:29, beating Jill Burden, 34, by 3:05. Sharon Bade, 50, was the top master in 55:38. ~~

he Vasa ski trail in Traverse City is another old, gnarly friend of a course. Or, rather, three courses: a 25K, a 10K and a 5K. Vasa — it was named for Gustav Vasa, a king in Sweden a few centuries ago — is a metaphor for me of the spirit of those in northern Michigan who lead an active lifestyle.

The finish is optional. You can jump in a hole filled with grapes, or sidestep them if you’re worried about stains on new shoes.

It’s gorgeous year round. One 3K loop in the park heads out to the left of the parking lot and mostly goes through meadow and pasture. Just before you get to the far end of the loop, you run along a narrow stream you’d swear was too small for the huge trout you often see idling in the rapids, facing into the current.

Halfway through the race, distracting myself from my pain, I was working out the math of dog years and realized Maddie and me were both 65 now, both gray but loving the crap out of racing as much as we can. Who cares if we’re going slower and breathing harder?

Take the trail that goes right out of the parking lot and you soon come to a myriad of crisscrossing trails in deep forest, up and down steep hills, with more creeks for a dog to drink out of or to reach in and splash cold water in your face on a steamy day.

Michigan Runner - September / October 2013

michiganrunner.tv

I snowshoe out there regularly in the winter, restricted to the 3K loop because dogs aren’t allowed on the groomed trails or longer trails. (The skiers there serious about their skiing and in no mood for dog prints in the groomed tracks in front of them.) I run out on the longer trails in the summer, stopping to look for morel mushrooms at the base of ash trees in May, catching swarms of deer flies on the deer fly strips on my baseball cap in the summer, stopping to pick puff-ball mushrooms in the fall. But this year was the first time I’d entered one of the Vasa races since doing the 25K a couple times in the early 1990s. The 10K was distance enough, this time, both for me and the dog. And what a day it was! Crystal-clear sky, bright sun, mostly-green leaves with enough oranges and reds to take things to 10 on the beauty scale. It was cool and with low humidity, which took it to a 10 on the racing scale, too. The first half of the race has enough flat stretches to lull you into false confidence if you don’t know what’s ahead. That happens to be three of the longest, steepest, sandiest hills you can pack into the last half of a 6.2-mile race. The dog has run enough races to know that if you’ve been going in one direction a long time, then make a sharp turn and head back the other, you’re on the way home. And, weather permitting, it’s time to pick up the pace. The weather didn’t permit at the Harvest Stompede. At Vasa it did. Maddie, who had tucked in behind me during the first half, now got out in front. Off we went, the leash taut, passing people the whole way back to the finish line. We ran behind girls from the Traverse City West High School cross-country team for a while, passed most of them on one of the killer climbs, then outkicked the last two on the gradual uphill to the finish. The dog lapped her five or six cups of water and we both lapped up macadamia nut cookies. She had her joyous look — that big, unmistakable smile pasted to her face — for the half hour we hung around the finish. Me too. It was a great day to be alive. A great day to be a runner. - MR -