The Roadrunner - July/August 2018

THE ROADRUNNER A Publication of the Memphis Runners Track Club www. memphisrunners. com

July-August 2018 • Vol. 38, No. 6

Like reading about running adventures?

We’ve got your number!

Kate Horton R2R2R (Grand Canyon) Page 7

Tracy Chism My 50 in 50 Page 13

Jere Yates 7 in 7 for 70 Page 17

Group Run Schedule Monday - 6pm - Fun Run Thursday - 6pm - Speed Work Saturday - 7am - Long Run All paces welcome

4530 Poplar Ave. #102 . 901-761-0078 www.fleetfeetmemphis.com

THE ROADRUNNER

In This Issue

1 3 5 7 13

A publication of the Memphis Runners Track Club

17 19

July-August 2018

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Vol. 38, No. 6

24 27 29 31 33 34 36 38

Advertisements

On the cover Three accounts of running adventures worth reading

Celebrate Munford 5K

2

Sprouts Farmers Market

4

PR Event Management

6

Grivet Outdoors

10

West Cancer Center

11

Hope 5K

12

Nationwide

15

Elvis 5K

16

Blair Parker Design

21

Zaka Bowl

25

BioLife Plasma Services

26

Forrest Spence Five K

28

Miles for Melanoma

30

Start2Finish Event Management

32

Fleet Feet

Inside Front Cover

Overton Park Five Mile Classic

Inside Back Cover

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Ad Sizes and Rates Ad Size Price $325 One Page 1/2 Page $250

6 Months $290/mo $220/mo

One Year $250/mo $190/mo

Cover Advertising Rates: Inside front or inside back cover: $450 per insertion Back cover: $600 per insertion A one-page ad is single side of a two-sided page.

The front and back of a page is considered a two-page ad. Contact the editor for details about multiple-month insertions.

Specifications for Submitted Art Full page ad with bleed: 8.75 x 11.25” Full page live area: 7.75" x 10.1875" Full page ad, no bleed: 7.75” x 10.1875” Half page horizontal ad: 7.75” x 5.25” Half page vertical ad: 3.75” x 10.1875” • Preferred formats are PDF, JPG or TIF. • Resolution should be 300 dpi minimum, at actual size.

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Brent Manley Roadrunner Editor brentmanley@yahoo.com 901-246-6477 The Roadrunner is published monthly except January/February and July/August, which are combined issues.

You can join the MRTC or renew your membership online at www.memphisrunners.com.

Article Submission Guidelines

Submissions should be emailed to the editor as Microsoft Word or text attachments. Please include name and telephone number with submissions.

Photographs should be labeled with names, dates, locations and any other pertinent information.

For more information about guidelines for submitting articles to the Roadrunner, contact the editor.

MRTC Board of Directors 2018 OFFICERS President/ Special Projects/Results John Payne 901-494-8266 johncharlespayne@comcast.net

Volunteer Director Nancy Brewton volunteeringwithnancy@ gmail.com 901-237-4758

Vice President / Sponsorship Director Steve Spakes stevemrtc@gmail.com

Finish Line Director/ Equipment Lane Purser 901-483-8929 lpurser350@aol.com

Treasurer Lorrie Williams brianbwilliamsmrtc@gmail.com

DIRECTORS Past President/ Roadrunner Editor Brent Manley 901-383-8782 brentmanley@yahoo.com Past President/ Course Measurement Rob Hunter 901-246-1565 robhunter33@comcast.net Past President/ New Race Coordinator Wain Rubenstein 901-278-1792 wrubenstei@aol.com Past President/Special Projects/Legal Matters George F. Higgs 901-528-1111 ghiggs@stonehiggsdrexler.com

Timing/Results Rich Tutko 901-481-0498 rtutko@hotmail.com Women Run/Walk Memphis Director Allison Andrassy 901-409-6620 allison.mrtc@gmail.com Director Kent Smith kent824@bellsouth.net Director Suzie Hicks-Hurt 901-496-1377 s_hickshurt@bellsouth.net Director Nancy Brewton volunteeringwithnancy@ gmail.com 901-237-4758 Director Peter Mercredi Director Dennese Black

For information about MRTC or running in the Memphis area, contact any board member or visit www.memphisrunners.com Administrative Secretary/Scheduler April Flanigan 901-574-8908 aflanigan@memphisrunners.com Magazine Services Printing and mailing services provided by Paulsen Printing 901-363-5988

From the Editor’s Desk Brent Manley Commitment is an act, not a word.

— Jean-Paul Sartre

Good people

Before I started editing a magazine for people who play bridge (the card game) in tournaments and clubs, I spent 20 years in the newspaper business, including a few years with a newspaper some of you might remember: The Memphis Press-Scimitar, an afternoon publication.

Apart from learning how to meet very early daily deadlines, I also discovered how important people are in most endeavors.

As editor of this publication, I have focused on people. Besides being generally good folks, most runners have stories to tell.

Runners are wont to engage in activities that make nonrunners think we must be crazy. Run 26.2 miles? No way, the non-runners say. A 50K? What is that?

You can read about three running adventures in this issue. As a runner, you will appreciate the daring and determination of those involved. Your non-running friends, if they heard of these exploits, would just shake their heads. Let them. You just keep on keepin’ on.

In the 20 years that I have been a member of the MRTC board of directors, I have been fortunate to work with some extraordinary people.

I have seen people come and go from the board and grown to respect those who stick it out and give of themselves with no thought of remuneration. They do it for the love of the sport and the people who take part in it.

In recent months, the board has lost some of its stalwarts, mostly because life happens and it has become time to move on.

I’m thinking of Julie Cleary Dillon, John Bookas and, most recently, Jessica Suzore and Beverly Pickens.

They leave a legacy of commitment and service that

would be the envy of any organization.

Julie took over the MRTC Kids! program and made it into a model effort to inspire the young people of this community to learn about running and how much fun it can be.

John was always available to help with whatever the club needed, especially if it involved technology.

John is an absolute whiz at that. On a personal level, he was my go-to guy if an issue of the Roadrunner needed a front cover. If I had a nickel for every time he helped out – cheerfully, I must add – I’d be set for life.

Jessica was secretary and club photographer for a long time and of immense help to me when I needed something for the Roadrunner. She is simply a lovely person – always positive, always smiling. She is a fine runner, so I’m hoping we will see her at races from time to time. It will be easy to root for her.

Finally, there’s Beverly, who had arguably the most difficult job on the board – rounding up volunteers for all the races MRTC is involved with during the year. We talked the other day about her job as volunteer director. It’s more than just sending out an email once a week. It’s a job that requires daily attention.

At board meetings, Beverly was always well informed about topics that would come up, and she had a no-nonsense approach she was not shy about sharing with fellow board members. Watching her in action makes it easy to build up respect for what she gave so selflessly to the running community and the club.

I consider every member of the board to be a friend, so I am missing Jessica, Beverly, John and Julie on a personal level while recognizing what they gave in a professional way. I believe that MRTC is surely one of the best running clubs in the U.S. My friends Jessica, Beverly, John and Julie helped make it so.

.... non-runners think we must be crazy.

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19th

Annual

Celebrate Munford 5K Run, Roll & Stroll presented by

Memorial Hospital Tipton

Saturday, August 18, 2018 8:00 a.m.

Centennial Park »148 Reeder Ave » Munford, TN

Awards: Overall winners (male and female, masters male and female), as well as top 3 in age groups as follows: 9-11, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+.

Pre-Registration: (before 8/17/18) » $ 25 (MRTC members, kids <18, seniors >55 receive $2 discount) ONLINE: at www.racesonline.com or www.CelebrateMunford5k.com

• •

MAIL IN: check payable to “Celebrate Munford 5K”, postmarked by August 16, 2018.

Mail to DJ WATSON, 75 RUFFIN PLACE, MUNFORD, TN 38058

•

PRE-RACE PACKET PICK UP AND REGISTRATION: August 17 from 4:30 – 7:00 at the Walgreen’s on Highway 51 in Atoka.

•

Race Day: All categories $30 after 7 PM August 17, 2018.

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A Message from the MRTC

By Beverly Pickens A heartfelt thank you!

However, when you have a group of volunteers like the MRTC has, it is really not all that hard. In all my years, there was never a race or event that we were contracted to do where we came up short on our volunteers.

If you have never volunteered for one of MRTC’s races, I highly recommend that you give it a try. If you are not on the MRTC volunteer list but would like to be, please contact Nancy Brewton, new Volunteer Director, at volunteeringwithnancy@gmail.com. As I did all those years, Nancy will be sending weekly volunteer request emails.

Even if you are a runner, you might consider coming out on a day when you are not running and help out. You could do like Wayne Simpson, who is a runner but who volunteers for one event per month and has done so for at least as long as I have been involved. I think it really helps runners get a better understanding of what it takes to put on a race if they see it from the other side of the finish line.

For example, I don’t think a lot of runners realize how early some volunteers get to races and how late they sometimes have to stay. The road race series 10-Milers at Shelby Forest and the Half Marathons on Singleton Parkway require some volunteers to be there by 5 a.m., and it is often close to noon before everything is broken down and all the volunteers head for home. Speaking of the road race series, the 2018 edition is right around the corner with the first 5K coming up on July 15. Julianne Tutko, volunteer coordinator for the RRS, will soon be looking for volunteers for this year’s races, so if you are not running the series or if you are running only some of the races, please get in touch with Julianne at mrtc.rrs. volunteers@gmail.com and she will be glad to put you to work. If you know of groups that need service hours

Giving up something that you really enjoy doing has to be one of the hardest decisions to make. It was certainly hard for me to make the decision to not run for re-election to the board of MRTC. After almost 10 years on the board and with most of that time as the Volunteer Director, I decided several months ago that it was time for me to step aside and let someone else have some of the fun!

When I told my family of my decision, they just shook their heads in disbelief as they knew how much I enjoyed my work on the board and the friendships I had forged with the other board members. When my husband was first diagnosed with cancer in December 2013, it was my fellow board members who were immediately calling or showing up at the hospital to lend their help and support. These acts of kindness from them and other MRTC volunteers were deeply appreciated by me and my family and will never be forgotten.

However, I have learned that life is about changes, and the past few years have certainly brought about a lot of changes in my life. With my husband’s continuous battle with multiple myeloma, with the activities of my grandchildren becoming more time consuming and with the realization that I needed to slow down and “smell the roses,” so to speak, I just felt it was time for me to check out of Hotel California. That’s board member Rob Hunter’s way of describing service on the board.

As already noted, I was Volunteer Director for almost 10 years. With over 70 events per year, including races, expos, parties, kids programs, women’s programs and a few other odds and ends, like the RRCA National Convention (now that was a biggie!) getting volunteers lined up can sometimes be a little tedious, to say the least.

... time to ... let someone else have some of the fun!

(continued on page 4)

3

Thanks to Sprouts for supporting the 2018 Road Race Series and the 2019 Winter Off-Road Series

A Message from the MRTC (Continued from page 3)

please put them in touch with Julianne also.

I just want to once again thank my fellow board members, all the MRTC volunteers who I have had the privilege to know and work with and the entire Memphis area running community for the opportunity to serve with, run with, laugh with and even cry with

all of you. What a great decision I made over 15 years ago to get myself back in shape and to live a healthier life. If not for that decision, I would never have met so many wonderful people.

Please continue to support your MRTC board and I hope to continue to see many of you at upcoming races.

4

Ashley Holloway, MS, RD, LDN Ask the Dietician:

The better thing to do is to have the milkshake by itself as your lunch. No need to justify why you are having it as your lunch. No need to eat a “healthy” meal to justify the shake. Just enjoy the shake fully. Pay attention to the deliciousness of the shake and realize that it is a part of your meal plan, not a cheat. A healthy eating plan includes a wide variety of foods, including milkshakes and donuts. Removing the “forbidden food” stigma from these items allows you to remove these chains of control once and for all.

This topic was covered in a previous issue but is considered important enough for a reprise.

Q: I can’t stop thinking about donuts! They seem to have power over me and I crave them. How do I rid myself of this craving?

A: When you have deemed a particular food that you love the taste of as “off limits” you have actually given that food power over you. It has only made you desire it more! Think about it, if you are told to not think about a purple elephant, that it would be bad to think about a purple elephant, you can’t help thinking of a purple elephant! We all seem to want things that we are told are off limits. It is just the way our brain works.

In order to break the chains of control that donuts, or any other food, have over you, one of the best things you can do is to actually eat more of that food! Yes, you read that correctly, you should eat that particular food more often.

By adding this food to your meal plan and “allowing” it to be eaten, it lessens the “forbidden food” temptation. And to have this work even better, try eating this food in place of your meals for a few days.

If donuts are your forbidden food, have two to three donuts for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Your calorie level would be about the same as usual, so your weight should stay the same. You would be missing some nutrients but eating donuts for two or three days in a row won’t cause you to become malnourished. More than likely what would happen is that you wouldn’t feel all that good from eating so many donuts and your attraction to donuts would be lessened.

If a milkshake is what you are craving midweek, then have it. Most of us would have it in addition to our lunch. Feeling that by eating a nutritious, healthy meal beforehand somehow negates the “badness” of the milkshake. But then you are having the milkshake on top of a full stomach, which causes you to not really enjoy the milkshake as much as you would if you had the shake when you aren’t so full.

5

Q: I feel sluggish and tired, should I try a detox diet?

A: Detox diets are touted as a way to flush toxins out of your system. These diets are popular, but they are not scientifically proven.

The specifics of detox diets can vary – but usually a period of fasting is then followed by a strict diet of raw vegetables, fruit and fruit juices, and water.

Some detox diets also recommend using herbs and other supplements along with colon cleansing through enemas or colonics to further empty the intestines.

You may lose a little bit of weight from a detox diet, but it is usually temporary from a combination of being on a very low-calorie diet, losing water weight, and from having empty intestines. Plus, you’re likely to lose weight and then gain it right back when you go off any extreme diet.

There is little evidence that detox diets actually remove toxins from the body. Nor do you need to help your body “detoxify.” Your kidneys and liver are quite effective at filtering and eliminating most ingested toxins. So, there is no need to “detox!”

Some say that they feel better on a detox diet, but why they temporarily feel better may actually come from the fact that they are avoiding highly processed foods, extra sugar and fat. These benefits may come at a cost. Detox diets that severely limit protein or that require fasting can result in fatigue, muscle aches and irritability. Long-term fasting can result in vitamin and (Continued on page 31)

29th Annual Dragon Fly Triathlon

August 25, 2018 • 8:00 am start – Sardis, MS 1/2 mile swim, 18 mile bike, 4 mile run

T-shirt, Finisher’s Medal, Pottery Awards, Food by Voodoo Cafe

2018 2018 5k5k andand Fun FunRunRun

BENEFITS

supporting the lakeland education foundation

supporting the lakeland education September 29, 2018 / foundation 4pm

September 29, 2018 / 4pm Join us for a day of music, food trucks, and more!

Race and festivities will be at Lakeland Elementary School. Save the date now, but check out supportlakelandschools.org for future updates and the link to register.

Join us for a day of music, food trucks, and more!

Join us for music by Steve Schad, food trucks, and more!

supportlakelandschools.org for future updates and the link to register.

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Race and festivities will be at Lakeland Elementary School. supportlakelandschools.org 6

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R2R2R: Code for our great adventure

By Kate Horton

In early spring of 2017, at the suggestion of two-time R2R2R veteran Warren McWhirter, a group of 12 Thursday Night Fleet Feet runners started making plans to run the Rim to Rim to Rim (R2R2R) of the Grand Canyon.

If you are unfamiliar with the R2R2R, as I was, it is a double crossing of the Grand Canyon that begins high at one rim of the canyon, descends to cross the Colorado river, ascends to the opposite rim (R2R) and returns to where it The author (in pink) with the Memphis group waiting for a shuttle to the South Rim started (R2R2R), with to start on Day 1. an almost unimaginable 20,000 feet in elevation change over the course of Day Weekend R2R2R Challenge was official! the roughly 48-mile trip â&#x20AC;&#x201C; picture an upside-down With just over a year to ready for the trip, mountain. R2R2R books and websites stated facts such members of the group took a variety of approaches as:17 miles into the first day you will climb up the to preparation. Naturally, everyone continued their Empire State Building 3.46 times at an average grade usual road running; Jill added hill repeats in the heat, of 30%, you must prepare for 60-degree temperature Warren and Kristen went for weekend runs on the hills swings, high altitudes, desert heat, exhaustion, of Shelby Forest, pushing to steadily increase mileage. dehydration and changing trail conditions. The more Aside from distance running, Michael incorporated hill I read, the more I wondered, what are we getting work and stairs, and my husband, Rusty, and I did long ourselves into?! hikes while carrying our packs, continually adding The group was led by Warren and included Jill mileage to increase time on our feet.

Amos, Andrew Chumney, Rachel Harmon, Rusty The year flew by and before we knew it, we were Horton, Phillip Kenny, Christian Lemon, Kristen packing our bags to head to the Canyon! Dave and Leone, Michael Ripley, Jay Sole, Dave Sorrell, and me. Karen, his wife, made this their inaugural trip in their Accommodations at the rims are limited and sell out new camper, leaving for a leisurely cross-country almost as soon as they open for reservations. Thirteen drive a few days before the rest of the group took an months in advance of our trip, Warren scored the hardeasy direct flight to Phoenix. After landing, we ate to-come-by room reservations. The 2018 Memorial lunch and shopped for a few remaining essentials then 7

The author with her husband after completing the first day of the adventure.

sub-5-hour time!!

Rusty and I just missed Kristen and Warren as we entered Phantom Ranch. We mailed postcards to family from the canteen, where we found Jill buying ice to fill her Camelbak. This is the only location on the R2R2R crossing with a concession and Jill’s best tip would be, “If ice is available, get some at Phantom Ranch!”

Phillip brought up the rear and after a snack the four of us continued into first challenging section of the trip called “The Box.” The box is a relatively flat seven-mile section of the canyon, has close canyon walls, little protection from the extreme sun and heat and no available water.

As we hiked the box, temperatures were nearing 100 degrees, an almost 60-degree change in temperature from the rim. Because it’s easy to get focused on your feet, we would occasionally say “drink” or “look up” so that everyone would stay hydrated and not miss seeing the beauty surrounding us. After a hiccup or two, we all made it safely through the box and to Cottonwood Campground. Phillip’s mantra over these seven miles was: “We have to get out of the box!”

To Warren, the most challenging South-North segment is from Manzanita Point to Coconino Overlook. Picture miles and miles of switchbacks like those at the end of MRTC RRS 10-miler, but amplified: “The mileage to elevation ratio is crushing and you are not even close to the trailhead!!” The everchanging climate and vegetation become apparent as you ascend the North Rim, and while it is physically challenging, this part of the canyon was especially peaceful and the breaks in the switchbacks made some of the most picturesque vistas of the trip.

Rusty and I were the last to finish Day 1 and eagerly showered and put on clean clothes before

traveled three hours north to the South Rim of the canyon, where we would rest overnight and prepare for an early start the next morning.

It was hard for us to sleep with so much excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead, but the two-hour time change worked in our favor. We took the 5 a.m. shuttle from Maswik Lodge to the South Kaibab trailhead, where our challenge would begin!

After a few group photos, we stepped out onto the rim just as the sun was rising. The beauty and magnitude of the canyon was overwhelming!

Adrenaline was pumping and the mood was much like the last seconds before the start of a big race. With shouts of “see you at the North Rim” and a few highfives, we were off! Within minutes, the group was spaced out along the trail, with some people running, some hiking, and the majority setting out to run the downhills and hike the uphills.

The first seven miles are a long, steep downhill with a few stops along the way for a bathroom break or to take in the amazing vistas, before reaching the Colorado River. By the time Rusty and I reached the river, our group was widely spaced along the trail.

Christian and Andrew, our Fleet Feet Thursday night running group coach, were well on their way up to the North Rim. Andrew would be the first of our group to reach the North Rim, finishing with a very respectable 8

Gardens! We had covered half of the distance, but meeting with the group for dinner. We ate, shared our probably less than a third of the elevation!!” stories from the day and repacked to make a six-hour turnaround. At 6:30 a.m., eight of us were stepping out Long after sunset, on a cold and windy moonlit on the canyon rim for Day 2 and the final “-2R” of the night, Rusty and I reached the South Rim and were adventure! thrilled to find our R2R2R group there to greet and cheer us on as we took those last exhausted steps to Injury and fatigue took their toll on the group the rim. Hungry, cold and dirty, we made our way to (leading four to not attempt Day 2), but the quick our cabin, where we cleaned up and enjoyed (thanks to turnaround was the toughest part of the trip for Kristen and Warren) the best cold pizza I’ve had in a most. Michael said the “most challenging part was long time! probably convincing myself that I could do Day 2 on the morning of [Day 2]”. Andrew agreed, “the When Warren called our first “official” meeting quick turnaround between days one and two, limited to discuss the planning of the trip, I never anticipated refueling and sleeping time between days one and two” the magnitude of the canyon and how impactful this made the start of the second day harder than the first. experience would be. I think Jay may have said it best: Despite the lack of sleep and fresh legs, I felt, in a way, more prepared for Day 2 knowing what was behind and feeling a greater sense of what lay ahead. For the first part of the day, Rusty and I moved along at a fairly comfortable pace, reversing our path of the day before and reaching the bottom of the canyon at Phantom Ranch by mid-morning. Leaving Phantom Ranch, we crossed the Colorado River via the Silver Bridge to the desert-hot sand of the 1.5-mile River Trail on our way to the Bright Angel Trail trailhead.

A Day 2 look back at the North Rim with a view of the Colorado River as the group began Sitting in the cool ascending Bright Angel Trail, the most challenging part of the trip. of stream at the River Resthouse, it was easy “The Grand Canyon is one of the most breathtakingly to underestimate how much longer we actually had majestic sights you could ever see. Seemingly as vast to go and the challenge ahead. A park ranger at the as any ocean, there is no collection of photographs base of the canyon recommended if we were going that can capture the sheer grandeur and ever-changing to continue in the heat to dip our clothing and hats in brilliance of this magnificent creation.” water sources to stay cool – wet clothing has never The bonds that we made through this shared been as refreshing! From the river to Indian Garden is experience are ones that cannot be replaced. Dave steep and hot, a never-ending “Devils Corkscrew” of commented on the reward of running the canyon with exposed switchbacks (google Devil’s Corkscrew Grand a friend, “being able to share ooohs and aaahs and Canyon). We were exhausted when we finally reached pictures with that friend was priceless.” If you have the rest area. Rachel said “the most surprising part of an opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon, be sure to the trip was looking at the map while sitting at Indian 9

The Memphis group after completing the R2R2R adventure. make time to experience the canyon from within – and take along some friends!!

We could not have made this trip without our SAG Team: Karen Sorrell and Shannon Lemon. Besides being wonderful partners to Dave and Christian, they hauled our things 200 miles from one rim of the canyon to the other, made multiple pick-ups at the North Rim trailhead and shuttled the group back to the South Rim the next day. Thank you for being a part of this amazing experience with us.

Here are some comments about the experience from members of our group:

“Looking across the canyon knowing that you went across it. You don’t need mileage totals or elevation data to see it as an accomplishment. It speaks for itself.” — Andrew Chumney

“The most rewarding part to me is the most beautiful. The North Kaibab trail headed toward the North Rim from Roaring Springs is nothing short of majestic.” — Warren McWhirter “The most rewarding part of the trip was seeing the canyon from one end to the other. Most hikes only take you part way, then turn around and come back. This was the entire thing.” — Dave Sorrell

“The thing that helped me prepare the most was doing hard workouts, not necessarily because of the exercise itself, but because of the mental strength that it built.” — Rachel Harmon

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11

HOPE

5k 12

My 50 in 50

By Tracy Chism

2018. So this is my year… . The year I turn 50.

How did this happen? Just yesterday I was carefree, in college with my whole life ahead of me. Just yesterday I was a new mom who felt like my small children would be in my arms forever. This is a big year, and I wondered what I would do to mark it. I would be turning half a century old. Half a century of life. Half a century of successes and failures. Half a century of celebrations and disappointments. How would I mark this year?

I decided I wanted to do something that would challenge me, maybe even something that would change me.

My first thoughts were of week-long stage races or hikes. I decided that would take much longer and harder training than I would have time for. In the end I decided I would mark the year by running 50 in 50. 50 miles or 50K? Maybe I’ll get to 50 miles, but decided I needed to journey down this path one stride at a time so I selected a 50K. The one I chose was the Mississippi 50 Trail Run in Laurel. I chose it for a number of reasons. The first MS50 took place 23 years ago and commemorates the life of a Laurel runner and dentist, Carl Touchstone, who died from cancer at a young age. The website announced that the goal of the race was to have fun.

That sounded easy enough. The course was also rated 2/2 so for my first 50K, it shouldn’t be too hard... as 31 miles can go.

I registered for the 50K race in December 2017. At that point, I was committed to doing something crazy.

I would be running 31 miles on trail with rocks, roots, hills, dirt, creeks and water for hours.

Did I mention roots? Roots always have a way of grabbing my feet. It’s not a matter of IF I will trip but how many times and will I hurt myself? I have also had a lot of problems in the past with injuries developed during high-mileage training. Could I train and run this race without injury? Could I complete the race and not be last? My DNA doesn’t accept last. I had a lot of fears and doubts nagging me, but registering for the race was a commitment and I would do it if I had to walk or crawl the entire way.

I ran a marathon in early December, so I felt that I

had some good base training in.

However, various circumstances including illness, snow and travel kept me from staying on pace with training. So, right out of the gate I essentially missed four good weeks. Not a great way to start.

At this point, it was late January and the race was the first weekend in March. I didn’t have much time. I foolishly jumped in on my training plan where I should be for that week. I took it slow and would run one mile, walk .10, and so on for 18 miles. That pace pattern and back-to-back weekend long runs became my plan until the race, building up to 56 miles per week.

Race day came and I had traveled solo 4.5 hours to the race city. The morning of the race I was up early to mentally prepare. Good night’s sleep: check. Coffee: check. Foot taped: Check. Breakfast: Check. Trusted Hoka Stinsons: Check. Bag packed: Check.

I met my friends in the hotel lobby at 4:45 a.m. and we drove in the dark to the race location inside the Desoto National Forrest. However, what should have 13

been the last 15 minutes down dirt roads became 30 and we soon realized that the other racers we were following were lost! There was no GPS or cell signal.

I had no way of knowing where we were. Because the area was so remote and poorly marked, the printed map on my passenger seat was of little good. All I could do at that point was to rely on others and try to not focus on the time. Fortunately, we arrived with nine minutes to spare! I threw on my fuel belt and ran to the start line.

The race started. It was 38 degrees and the moon was still in the sky. The air was silent except for the sound of 175 pairs of feet crunching down the dark trail, breaths trying to even out and the slosh of mud here and there. Before long, the sun began to peek out from the trees and start to rise. The scene was beautiful.

Peaceful. Glorious. At that moment there was no place I’d rather be. I was at peace.

The trails twisted. The hills rolled. The creeks swallowed our shoes.

Early in the race I met him. Jerry.

I quickly learned Jerry was a veteran ultra-marathoner. He teased me for running a slight elevation (which he called a hill), for he could tell I was a rookie and should walk it with everyone else to save energy.

I didn’t forget. Those “slight elevations” eventually became mountains in my eyes.

Jerry was in his 60s, an attorney from New Orleans.

He had a kind spirit. Even though I passed him then, he would pass me later down the trail. And so it would go that we would stay fairly close to each other throughout the race, passing back and forth every few miles.

Around mile 3, I was comforted by funny signs that had been planted along the trail to let me know I was indeed still on the right path. They were thought provoking for the wandering mind, such as: “A panda can poop up to 40 times a day.” And my favorite, “Your body contains enough iron to make a 12-inch nail.”

The 50K consisted of two loops of the same 12 miles, mapped by orange markings and one loop of 7, mapped by blue markings. Following any other markings or making a wrong turn, one would risk disqualification. The aid stations were four to five miles apart, except for the last loop, which had none. There were also no “port-a-potties,” so runners drove into the brush and off the trails at random places. The dense tree

The author celebrating her finish at the Carl Touchstone MemorialTrail Run.

Those "slight elevations" eventually became mountains ...

14

line kept the sun from reaching me sufficiently and my hands became numb from the cold. My well-thoughtout gloves had been left in the car during my mad rush to the start line. My hands wouldn’t thaw until the end of my first loop.

Around mile 10, I was alone and started thinking about the beautiful scenery and the phone in my belt.

I considered slowing to take it out for some nice photos, but I was running at a nice, steady pace - one I was proud of. The thought of taking pictures was immediately replaced with “No, Tracy, you need to keep this pace and take pictures later when you walk.”

As soon as the thought passed, a root jumped in my way and I tumbled to the ground. As my body absorbed the hit, I yelled a few things that made me even more grateful that no one was around!

Luckily, the only damage was a cut in the shape of an x on my jaw, trail rash on my arm and wounded pride. I now had my first battle scar. I continued the fight. I shook it off, walked a few feet and continued on my way.

It was a beautiful day but the creeks were still holding water from the incessant rains of the last two months, including the week of the race. The water was cool and in some places would come as high as midcalf. Most areas around the creeks were so muddy and tricky to navigate that it was easier to just go straight through the middle. It only added to the adventure!

Jerry came and Jerry went.

At mile 15, I started feeling the wall. I started to wish that I had trained with the Coke that was provided at the aid stations. Rookie mistake! However, my Huma gel gave me the caffeine shot I needed to push through.

At mile 24, I finished the second loop, which in so, then Jerry pointed out that I was now indeed an ultraitself created a small victory as I told myself to run marathoner because I had surpassed the 26-mile mark. aid station to aid station and loop to loop. My friends He succeeded in making me feel like a winner already. who had finished the 20K were there to crew me and He had to know, right? He had run races exceeding 100 cheer me on. This lifted my spirits and gave me fuel miles, and many of them. and motivation to continue that last loop. The blue Then Jerry told me to go forth and finish. So I did. loop. The one I hadn’t seen. The one I heard was the I passed three more people along the way, making the toughest. The one that would take me beyond the 26.2 last loop the only loop that no one passed me for good. miles that had been my max race distance up to that I was sure that my pace increased as I proudly turned point. The one with no aid station. There would be no the corner to cross the finish line with my friends there more point to mark my race until the finish itself. I cheering me on! continued.

I did it! Why? Because I can! Because age is only I felt as though I was the only one left. There was a number. Because I have many things left to do. The no one in front of me and no one behind me. Was I in hours that I am on the trails are some of the best times last place? Had everyone already finished? No, that with me that I have. And who knows, I think I’ll do it couldn’t be. Didn’t I meet several people on the turnagain. around? Then where were they?

I could feel the dried blood caked on my jawline from my fall.

Auto Home Life Business Motorcycle How bad did it look? I’m hungry.

How soon can I eat real food? I passed the blue 26-mile mark. Yay! I had exceeded my longest race.

Around mile 27 I hit a dirt road and could see a man a long way ahead of me. I made it my goal to reach him. Eventually I did. I heard voices behind me. Where did they come from? Was I going that slowly? The voices were laughing and talking. How could they be so freaking happy when I was dying?

And how were they gaining on me so quickly from nowhere? I kept turning, but couldn’t see them. I could only hear them. Eventually ServIng Tn for 18 yeArS. they took shape and I could see they were on horseback. Thank At LOFTON WELLS INSURANCE, we have a long goodness. During this time I started history of doing what’s right. That includes a tradition to wonder why the heck I was even of personal attention, and being right here in MEMPHIS doing this, and swore I wouldn’t do to help you protect what’s most important. another.

Then I saw him. Jerry. I reached him, and like every time Pamela Lofton Wells before, I was greeted with “Hi LOFTON WELLS INSURANCE there, Tracy!” Sometimes he would 901-388-SAVE (7283) cheerfully ask, “How did you get wellsp1@nationwide.com behind me?” loftonwellsinsurance.com We ran together for a few Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. minutes and picked up another Nationwide, Nationwide is On Your Side, and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2016 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. NPR-0784AO (08/16) runner who had been in front of us.

The three of us chatted for a mile or

As a local agent, I’m here for you. #

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16

I

have always been a goal-oriented person in my professional and personal lives. Goals are also important in running.

In the summer of 2017, I was planning my running schedule for the coming months. I had already registered for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon in December 2017. I was turning 70 in January 2018, so I contemplated a running goal of seven marathons in seven months for my 70th birthday.

Could this work?

Would the travel take its toll? Would my health hold? And the big question, “Can I even complete another marathon, much The author nearing the finish line at the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon less seven”? in Fort Oglethorpe GA. I reflected back to 2012, the year I became involved with the St. Jude Memphis marathon. A good friend of our family, 3-year-old Ingram Dismuke, became a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a brain tumor. He underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, which were successful.

His family wanted to raise money for the hospital in Ingram’s honor and we (my wife, Jenny and I) became part of Team Ingram.

We participated in the 5K with the entire family.

It was my first time to participate in any organized race. I was so encouraged by the support, enthusiasm

By Jere Yates and excitement of the entire weekend that I made the decision to train for a half-marathon with my son, Brian, and his wife, Sara. I had not done any physical exercise months. I planned a training strategy and scheduled in decades, so I decided to follow Jeff Galloway’s seven marathons. I started the marathons in November, program of run-walk-run and completed the half two months prior to my birthday, because of the heat in marathon with Brian and Sara in May of 2013.

July and August.

I continued to train and the half marathon turned The Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon in Fort into my first marathon two days after my 66th Oglethorpe GA was in November. I had done this one birthday at the Mississippi Blues Marathon in Jackson in 2015 and liked the course. The weather was cold but MS. Brian ran with me and coached me through the it was a nice fall day with the trees in full color. The race. It was an exciting day to finish a marathon with race went well. It was good to have number one toward my son. I continued to train and was able to complete my goal completed. The banner at the finish of the race 15 marathons.

– “Dream the Impossible, Do the Incredible” – became Back to the summer of 2017. I was just determined a mantra for me and my goal. to think I could do the seven marathons in seven December brought me back to the St. Jude Memphis

7 in 7 for 70

17

the “Booby Trap Challenge” with a 10K and a 5K on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday. I was able to finish first in the 10K and second in the 5K for my age group with Jeff presenting the awards. I was able to visit with Jeff and see how devoted he is to our sport.

The marathon on Sunday went well for the first half, then things went south. The temperature rose to 88 degrees and I had to pull out all stops just to finish.

I had been training in the winter cold of Tennessee and was not prepared for the heat. It is said that you learn more from a hard race than an easy one, and I learned I did not want another one like this one. I needed to evaluate fluids, fuels and electrolytes to make the next marathon much better.

The four medals, three shirts and two age-group awards made the struggle easier.

From Florida, we travelled to New Orleans for the Rock and Roll Marathon in March. This race also had a 5K on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday. Both went well – such an improvement over “the Donna.” I was encouraged with five out of seven marathons completed.

The St. Louis Marathon was number six. This one also had a 5K on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday.

The weather turned cold for April with a temperature of 24 degrees on Saturday and 27 degrees on Sunday. I was fortunate to meet two other runners, Bill and Corey, running similar paces. This was the first time that I had run with others. I train alone in Lakeland because of my schedule and had run with others only sporadically during other races. It was a real blessing to have these other runners help me through number six.

The miles passed quickly and we all finished strong.

My finish was good enough for second place in my age group. I learned that cold was much better than hot for a marathon. As a side note, St. Louis for Bill was marathon number 98; for Corey, it was 45. (And I thought I was crazy).

The last marathon of the seven was the Rhode Races Providence Marathon in Rhode Island. Why Providence? I thought the weather would be cooler and it was close to Cape Cod. After the marathon, Cape Cod would be a great place for some “R and R” for Jenny

... I had to pull out all the stops just to finish.

The author, right, with Corey Hlavacek after they finished the Rhode Races Providence Marathon in RI.Yates had just finished his seventh marathon in seven months.The two met on the course of the St. Louis Marathon a month earlier when Yates completed marathon No. 6.

Marathon Weekend, where this running thing started.

Reflecting back, Ingram is now 8 and is five years cancer free. He and his family are strong supporters of the hospital. His sisters have raised more than $880,000 for St. Jude and cancer research. The marathon for me was another good one. One of the highlights of the marathon is running through the campus at St. Jude and seeing the patients cheering for the runners. These patients are the real heroes. I enjoyed the last miles realizing how blessed I was to be doing marathons at my age.

On to the Clearwater Distance Classic Marathon outside of Tampa FL two weeks after my 70th birthday in January. I was able to do well enough to finish third in my “new” age group of “70 and over.” My son, Brian, and his family live in Tampa so we had a family visit also.

February found us back in Florida at the Donna Marathon in Jacksonville. The Donna is special because of its support for breast cancer. Also, it is sponsored

by Jeff Galloway. I used Jeff’s program as my training guide, so I was excited that he participates in the races. This race had a challenge appropriately named

(continued on page 34) 18

Runners take off in the 2018 Navy 10 Nautical Miler.

Photos by Blair Ball Photography

Navy race scores another hit

By Brent Manley

Brittany Greenberg, top female finisher.

Nicholas Reel, top finisher among the male runners.

19

It’s been eight years since the first Navy 10 Nautical Miler kicked off in Millington. Each year, the unique race – the only such competition measured in nautical miles – has attracted more runners as word spread about the organization, course support and one of the best finisher medals for any race, anywhere.

Leading up to the 2018 event, organizers spread the word about changes to the course, and entries jumped to nearly 1,200. The response from participants indicates the Navy made all the right moves this year.

“The course was really good,” said Nicholas Reel, top finisher among the male runners. Reel is a supply officer for the U.S. Navy and was running for the first time.

He praised the organizers

Deborah Thompson and Rick Thompson.

Amy Roberts.

for providing great course support and traffic control.

Reel finished in 1:08:23.

Brittany Greenberg, top female runner, liked the new course because it wasn’t as hilly as usual (she was women’s winner in 2016).

“I liked it where there was just scenery,” she said. Greenberg, who works for Medtronic, hit the finish line in 1:22:38.

For many of Nichole and Daniel Voegeli. the runners, the race had special significance. Rick Thompson ran in honor of his son, James, who was in the Navy for four years, stationed at Widby Island in Washington. He died in a boating accident in the Virgin Islands after leaving the Navy. His mother, Deborah Thompson, said her son, an aviation electronics technician, “was proud of being in the Navy.” Said Rick Thompson, “I’m proud we made it. I wish (James) was here to do it with us.”

Daniel and Nichole Voegeli traveled from Jefferson City MO to run the Navy race for the third time.

Nichole said she ran 10 nautical miles – roughly 11.5 statute miles – the first time because of her father, a Navy veteran and a runner. The second time, she said, was because of her husband. Trip No. 3 to Millington, said Daniel was because “she wanted the tank top.”

Daniel works at a nuclear power plant. Nichole is a systems administrator. Even with the improvements to the course that eliminated some hills and steered runners into shady areas more often, heat and humidity were still factors in making the race challenging. “It was tough,” said Daniel.

After finishing her fourth Navy 10 Nautical Miler, Amy Roberts said, “I love the new course.” Roberts, 41, describes herself as a “Navy brat” with a husband who is in the U.S. Army. She said the extra shade made the run more pleasant, especially when a cool breeze 20

blew up for runners during the morning run.

Annetta Story and her brother, John Story, also praised the decision to make course changes. “There was more shade and it was almost flat,” said Annetta, “and it was good seeing different parts of the base. It’s nice seeing Navy people.” She also gave strong approval to the positioning of coolers full of ice along the course and the handing out of popsicles to help runners stay cool. Her brother, a member of the Mississippi National Guard, liked the race in part “because of the connection to the military” and the chance to get to see more of Millington.

Attention: Fellow Runners!

Do you have some unusual experiences as a runner, or some thoughts about our sport you would like to share? Don’t keep it to yourself – share with your fellow runners.

You can contact the editor at any time to discuss potential contributions: 901-246-6477 or brentmanley@yahoo.com. This is your publication.

Be an active part of it.

– Brent Manley, Editor

Annetta Story and John Story.

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Syracuse runner ‘gets up and moves’ in memory of her dad

By Brent Manley

Memories of Kim Blomgren’s late father.

Kim Blomgren on the course of the 2018 Navy 10 Nautical Miler.

Photo by Blair Ball Photography

As Kimberly Blomgren made her way along the course of the 2018 Navy 10 Nautical Miler on June 3, she did so with a purpose. She was running to honor her late father, John Blomgren, a Navy veteran and a runner.

“My dad was a sailor, and he focused on family. He would say ‘Get up and move – you’ll feel better.’ ” Her father died in September 2008 at age 78. She now views running as “getting up and moving for him.”

Blomgren, 48, lives in North Syracuse NY and works as a nurse.

She remembers that her father, who served during the Korean War aboard the USS John R. Pierce, was “exceptionally proud of being in the Navy.” With her father’s patriotic spirit now part of her makeup, Blomgren says she cries “at every national anthem.”

Kim Blomgren was born in California and lived for a time in Chicago. She moved to the Syracuse area 20 years ago.

“I hated running growing up,” she says, “but I started running for stress management.” In the winter of 2016, she signed up for a half marathon and ran a 10K before taking on the longer distance. “It changed my life,” she says. The half marathon was tough, she recalls, because she had to survive the weather: a blizzard with hail. “If I could survive that,” she says, “I could do anything.”

Blomgren has also run a 50K – outside Rochester NY – and completed the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati OH in May of last year.

Blomgren is working on achieving Ultimate Warrior status by completing three military races in a calendar year. She picked the 22

Remembering Midway

Millington race in part because she has a step cousin in Nashville, allowing her to visit family while pursuing her goal.

After finishing the Navy race, Blomgren reflected on the experience with a positive view. “The time I spent in Memphis – I wouldn’t trade any of it. I got to run and meet some amazing people.”

Ever mindful of why she signed up for the Navy race, Blomgren added, “My gift of having him as my father was the best gift I could have asked for in this life. He always encouraged me to keep striving.”

Since the inaugural race in 2010, the Navy 10 Nautical Miler has been scheduled each year near June 6, the anniversary of D-Day, a decisive event in World War II. Also important, especially to the Navy, is the Battle of Midway, which is always mentioned in pre-race ceremonies. The following account of the battle comes from Wikipedia.

The Battle of Midway was a decisive naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II which occurred between 4 and 7 June 1942, only six months after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor and one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea. The United States Navy under Admirals Chester Nimitz, Frank Jack Fletcher and Raymond A. Spruance, defeated an attacking fleet of the Imperial Japanese Navy near Midway Atoll, inflicting devastating damage on the Japanese fleet that proved irreparable.

Military historian John Keegan called it “the most stunning and decisive blow in the history of naval warfare.”

The Japanese operation, like the earlier attack on Pearl Harbor, sought to eliminate the United States as a strategic power in the Pacific, thereby giving Japan a free hand in establishing its Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. The Japanese hoped another demoralizing defeat would force the U.S. to capitulate in the Pacific War and thus ensure Japanese dominance in the Pacific. Luring the American aircraft carriers into a trap and occupying Midway was part of an overall “barrier” strategy to extend Japan’s defensive perimeter, in response to the Doolittle air raid on Tokyo. This operation was also considered preparatory for further attacks against Fiji, Samoa and Hawaii itself.

The plan was handicapped by faulty Japanese assumptions of the American reaction and poor initial dispositions. Most significantly, American cryptographers were able to determine the date and location of the planned attack, enabling the forewarned U.S. Navy to prepare its own ambush. There were seven aircraft carriers involved in the battle and four of Japan’s large fleet carriers – Akagi, Kaga, Sōryū and Hiryū, part of the six-carrier force that had attacked Pearl Harbor six months earlier – and a heavy cruiser were sunk, while the U.S. lost only the carrier Yorktown and a destroyer.

After Midway and the exhausting attrition of the Solomon Islands campaign, Japan’s capacity to replace its losses in materiel (particularly aircraft carriers) and men (especially well-trained pilots and maintenance crewmen) rapidly became insufficient to cope with mounting casualties, while the United States’ massive industrial and training capabilities made losses far easier to replace. The Battle of Midway, along with the Guadalcanal Campaign, is widely considered a turning point in the Pacific War.

Kim Blomgren is adept at finding marks that resemble hearts on streets where she runs. When she does, she photographs them.

MRTC bad-weather policy

MRTC contracts to provide finish-line services at local races. When there is inclement weather, the race director has the option to postpone or cancel the race and is responsible for notifying the MRTC and participants. In the event of a cancellation, rescheduling is unlikely because of the number of races already on the MRTC calendar.

For MRTC races (the Road Race Series, the Winter Cross Country Race Series and the Hill & Dale 8-miler), the policy is that the race will go on, rain or shine. The start of a race may be delayed to let bad weather pass, but scheduled races will be run.

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Yeoman’s work for the day: Run 10 Nautical Miles

By Brent Manley As she crossed the finish line in the 2018 Navy 10 Nautical Miler, her fourth time running the race, Navy Yeoman Maribel Davila had a couple of things on her mind. With a transfer to Suffolk VA looming next month, it’s possible the 2018 race was her last. But there was one other thought: “Could I figure out a way get back to Millington next year to run the race again?”

Davila, 39, will have plenty of time to dream up a way to continue running in a race that is perfect for U.S. Navy personnel.

The native of Dallas TX graduated from high school in 1996 and enlisted in the Navy in 1998. Taking advantage of an opportunity to advance her education with the Navy’s help and cooperation, she earned a Maribel Davila bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in education from Columbia College in Missouri, all while she was stationed in Fort Worth TX. After Fort Worth, she went to Norfolk VA, where, as a petty officer, she was part of the Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Command.

She arrived in Millington in September 2014, stationed at Naval Support Activity Mid South. When she transfers to Virginia, she will be leaving a position as Chief of Staff Yeoman at Navy Recruiting Command.

Davila is pleased to be promoted but acknowledges that it’s bittersweet. “I don’t want to leave my military family,” she says.

Davila credits one of her Navy co-workers, Carrie Dean, with helping her become a committed runner.

Dean, Davila says, encouraged her to enter the 2015 Navy 10 Nautical Miler, the longest distance she had ever attempted.

“I was really nervous,” Davila says. After finishing her first long race in a respectable 2:44:30, Davila later told Dean, “I want to be just like you.”

The first Navy race got Davila excited about running. In the time since she completed her first Navy race, Davila has earned two Road Warrior trophies in MRTC’s road race series and completed a St. Jude Half Marathon as a St. Jude Hero. Since 2015, she has scheduled her leave time to make it easier to run the road race series.

“That first Navy race was pivotal,” she says, “because it got me into running.” It’s a good thing, too, because Davila feels the need to emphasize fitness because of Sofia, her 4-year-old daughter.

Davila says she will miss the Memphis running community and the experiences she has had with a number of different runners she has encountered. She recalls running her first half marathon in the road race series and struggling near the end. All of a sudden, a woman caught up to her, grabbed her by the hand and said, “Girl, you got this. You can finish!” That friend in time of need was MRTC board member Suzie Hicks-Hurt. With that encouragement, Davila finished her race comfortably.

Davila has also benefited from support from Jennifer Hoffrage, another veteran runner.

Says Davila: “I will miss the camaraderie, the people and the motivation, but I might come back next year to run number five.”

... I might come back next year to run number five.

24

From the minds of runners Take a look: “Yes! Yes! I did it! I feel fabulous. I finished my first marathon. I am amazing! This is the best I have felt in my entire life! Um, bring the car to me. I can’t move from here.

Trail running: Where every stick is a snake until proven otherwise.

Running a marathon is literally just a bunch of people physically torturing themselves while they count to 26 as slowly as humanly possible.

I would like to be buried at mile 21, please. They can erect a small monument that says something like, “This person literally paid money to have this happen.”

You know you’re a runner when you scoff at paying $10 for a movie ticket but you’ll happily pay $40 for a 5K you hope will last less than 30 minutes.

I’m glad I’m competing with only myself because everyone else is kicking my butt!

Maribel Davila on the course at the 2018 Photo by Blair Ball Photography.

Navy 10 Nautical Miler.

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26

Along for the run

By Bill Butler Sweltering along the turgid Wolf wrinkling its chocolate face toward the west, and towards its Fatherwater yesterday, I almost thought I noticed sweat dripping from the green leaves along its course, some drooping and dipping towards the stream. It was one of those days I remember from my earlier training runs along the Wolf in June, many Junes, only this is still May and the humidity and heat are already oppressive. Doesn’t it seem each year spring has retreated into a day or two then summer arrives full of vengeance? Global warming? Doesn’t matter, it’s the new reality in Memphis and the Mid-South.

Training breaks down into either very early running or very late running to avoid the harsh sun and seemingly daily rains. While it’s raining we feel relief, then once the shower passes and the sun returns, fierce humidity precludes fast-paced training. Although I hear many people say that this is racing season, this is not PR season, or at least not for most of us.

In years past, the Memphis In May River Run (10K) signaled the end of racing season here unless one happened to have enrolled in the very exciting “Racing South Grand Prix,” which consisted of a bunch of races around the South, including the Mobile Azalea 10K, the Tupelo Gumtree 10K, the aforementioned Memphis In May, and the Huntsville Cotton Row Run 10K on Memorial weekend as the culminating race. Several others on the Atlantic Coast were included. Points were awarded for each race finished and your order of finish both overall and in age groups. Our local women, Mary Ann Wehrum, a former MRTC president, and Ellen Murphy placed significantly in the standings and Mary Ann won both Masters and Overall one year, if memory serves me.

Cash was paid to winners at each race and overall at the end of the series. But those were exceptional events and athletes, and it seems to me that racing wasn’t as severely hot as now.

Usually by early June most of us had taken vacation away from running, then began the slow training buildup back with those long runs, shorter track workouts and no racing. Although I am not in any way a pro on our physiology, my readings over

the years have left me the impression that fast training and racing in hot-weather months can cause and exacerbate injuries. Hydration becomes a key factor in our summer heat and humidity. I’ll bet Ashley Holloway and Joel Lyons can speak to the actuality of this. All I can do is remember the cold sweats after a long, debilitating run in summer’s heat when no water was available and we had no water bottles or hydration packs as we do today. Whatever water we had was tepid from outside fountains or sun-heated water hoses. A few times, some thoughtful soul would toss a plastic gallon milk container filled with frozen water over the roadside at the Walnut Grove Bridge – that often seemed a miracle to find.

Not to say that races weren’t scheduled after June 1 yearly, but that they were much fewer in number.

Most of us were highly competitive, sought PRs rather than trophies. We trained for seasonal racing, chose our races not to compete in more than anyone else, but to find the races that offered more competition.

Summer offered many of us the chance to rest our tired bodies and, as I mentioned, began the building process toward fall racing season, early winter marathoning. Although I don’t enjoy cold weather or colder weather, my PRs at all distances came in fall or winter racing. And winter running brought the best memories of snow runs, fast training runs along the old Wolf, hardcore tempo runs at Shelby Forest, track workouts in brisk November winds when watering eyes clouded our watchful split monitoring. But what did we know? Other than that this training was respected and expounded by various top-end running coaches – Lydiard, Cerutti, and a host of others no longer discussed.

So at the far end of my run/walk yesterday, I stopped, took a long sip of still rather cool water, turned back toward Walnut Grove Bridge and home in the wet rain forest that seems to appear immediately after any summer rain. I’m back in my forest along my old river where I’ve made so many longtime friends over the years and discovered so much about myself during those exact same times. Happy Trails.

27

August 25 8am

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Runner-friendly community

By Wain Rubenstein

The Runner Friendly Community plaque awarded to Memphis.

This past March in Washington D.C., at the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) annual convention, Memphis was named the Runner Friendly Community for 2017. Applications for this award are based on three primary criteria.

(1) Community Infrastructure, (2) Community Support, and MRTC board members Rich Tutko, Steve Spakes, George Higgs, Jessica Suzore and (3) Local Government Support.

Wain Rubenstein with the plaque awarding Runner Friendly Community status to Thanks primarily to the Memphis.The plaque was presented during Global Running Day celebrations at efforts of MRTC members Tom Loflin Yard on June 6.

Bandler and Sarah Estabrook, who spearheaded the effort to complete the lengthy supporters of the runner community there. application process, Memphis received this prestigious What does this award mean for Memphis? The award. Tom made an outstanding video to accompany designation is listed on the RRCA web site for five the application, which really impressed the selection years, and at the end of that period, application committee. can be made for another five years. We received a The video can be found at www.rrca.org or on nice plaque. Memphis will be featured as a Runner YouTube. There were also support letters for the City Friendly Community in a national press release and of Memphis, Shelby County Government, St. Jude RRCA publications.

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital, and many others.

The RRCA was founded in 1958 and is the oldest On June 6, at a Global Running Day event held at and largest distance-running organization in the Loflin Yards the award was presented to the running United States. There are over 1500 member clubs community. There were approximately 150 runners and (continued on page 35) 29

30

MARATHON RESULTS FOR MEMPHIS-AREA RUNNERS Compiled by Sherilyn Huey

4:17:34 6:46:22

Grandma’s Marathon Duluth, MN June 16, 2018 John Weinlein Memphis, TN Feb Boswell Memphis, TN Rachel Randall Cordova, TN Memphis, TN Richie Slagle Amber Cesare Memphis, TN Kalie Kitzman Memphis, TN Tyler Kitzman Memphis, TN Liz Hall Memphis, TN Germantown, TN Colleen Shallow Melissa Quinn-Bourque Germantown, TN Kirsten Ness Germantown, TN Memphis, TN Eric Flanders Cordova, TN Jackie Pennel

3:01:09 3:11:45 3:13:18 3:27:16 3:28:37 3:32:30 3:32:30 3:34:05 3:45:37 4:06:19 4:39:29 4:47:28 6:36:08

Omission

Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon Deadwood, SD June 3, 2018 Tom Bandler Collierville, TN 4:31:16 Sara Estabrook Germantown, TN 5:41:03

Judy Thomas of Germantown ran the 2018 Boston Marathon in miserable conditions but still managed a finish time of 5:20:31. Her name was not, however, included in the list of Boston Marathon finishers published in the June issue. for sure. One of my favorite breakfast meals is a toasted whole wheat English muffin spread with peanut butter topped with sliced banana. I also include a glass of milk. Bananas are the perfect snack for a runner on the go because they are sweet with a firm, creamy flesh and come prepackaged in their own yellow carrying cases.

Having a banana as a snack gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy, perfect to get you through your next run. Research has shown that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the No. 1 fruit with the world’s leading athletes. Bananas also contain potassium, a vital mineral that helps to normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates the body’s water balance. Bananas are virtually fat free and are a very good source of vitamin B6 and a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and manganese.

When you compare a banana to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron and twice the other vitamins and minerals. All of this for about 100 calories a serving. What a deal!

Nutrition on the Run (continued from page 5)

mineral deficiencies. Colon cleansing, through enemas and colonics, can cause cramping, bloating, nausea and vomiting and even dehydration can be a concern. And if a diet recommends pills, herbs, or supplements, note that these items are not backed by the FDA and can interact with different medications and can cause issues on their own.

Finally, keep in mind that fad diets are never a good long-term solution. For lasting results, your best bet is to eat a healthy diet based on fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean sources of protein.

Q: My friend told me that I shouldn’t eat bananas because they are full of sugar, are they?

A: Bananas are nutritious! They contain energy providing carbohydrates in the form of three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose – combined with fiber. Bananas are one of the most popular fruits throughout the world and are one of my favorite fruits

Leadville Trail Marathon Leadville, CO June 16, 2018 Michael Poole Memphis, TN Steven Braun Germantown, TN

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JULY - AUGUST 2018 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

www.s2fevents.com 32

Girls on the Run

By Meagan Nichols GOTR Memphis board member Marketing/Communications Committee Chair

If you have lived in another city, there is a good chance you have heard of Girls on the Run. A nonprofit based out of Charlotte NC, Girls on the Run (GOTR) inspires elementary and middle schoolaged girls across its more than 200 U.S. councils to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experiencedbased curriculum that creatively integrates running as a means to build team life skills.

Memphis is now part of that evergrowing list.

GOTR Memphis – a subsidiary of Girls on the Run International – is set to launch at Kate Bond Middle and Sharpe Elementary School for the 20182019 school year thanks to a partnership with Shelby County Schools. The Center for Excellence at Hutchison will also host the program for its students and the greater Memphis community.

Additional MidSouth schools will be announced at a later date – with planned expansion into independent, charter, parochial schools and community centers in Shelby, Tipton and Fayette counties.

GOTR serves girls in grades 3-5 and the organization’s Heart and Sole curriculum is tailored to girls in grades 6-8. Participants will meet twice a

week after school for 90 minutes and the program will culminate with a 5K. Trained volunteer “coaches” who act as mentors and motivators for the girls lead the 10-week course.

This fall, GOTR Memphis is partnering with Shelby Farms Park’s Buffalo 5K for the celebratory 5K event that will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.

Online registration for Sharpe Elementary and Kate Bond students starts this month. The cost for the entire season is $175 per student.

That fee also includes a T-shirt and the 5K entry.

Financial assistance is available and no girl will be turned away for an inability to pay the full amount. Donations to help support the girls can be made at www. gotrmemphis.org.

A GOTR Memphis launch event will be held Thursday, July 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Church Health Community Room at Crosstown Concourse.

Interested volunteers and community partners who want to learn more about the program and ways to get involved are encouraged to attend the adult-only cocktail reception.

Follow GOTRMemphis on Instagram and Twitter for updates and be sure to like us on Facebook at Girls on the Run Memphis.

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Yates

(continued from page 18)

Brandon Bagwell Megan Banaszek Ryan Bell Craig, Odalis & Ethan Blakeney Cali Boyette Cierra Bridges Marsha Davis Vicki Dillard Victor Espinosa, Martha Oropeza, Mia & Elisa Espinosa Katelynn Faulkner Jackie, Robert, Bobby, Trina, Brandon & Matthew French Magnolia Gatlin Dustin Geer Dylan Graetz & Adam Schulman Mallory Gutchall Justin Hamm & Lorgene Gilbert Lindsay Herrera Devon Jones Brenda Lawson Chelsea Lee

Crystal Lyles Kevin Lynch Amanda May Cathryn Mckee Hilary Mckenzie Brian Middleton Marissa Morgan Abhishek Nandivada John Owen Snehal, Nimika, Anay & Yana Patel Jeanne Pierzynski Rebecca Rayder Brenda Reeder Tonya Richard Adir, Rachael, Hannah & Etai Rovner Warner Russell Mario & Faye Simmons, Amir Miller Stephanie Smith Marika Steenblock Debbie Stevens Anna Walker Scott Wilson Brent, Christy, Jonathan & Callee Wiseman

Medals and awards picked up by Jere Yates at the seven marathons he ran in seven months. and me. Jenny has been a true supporter and cheerleader throughout the years. We caught a break in the weather.

It cool and overcast. To make the race better, I met Corey Hlavacek from the St. Louis marathon at mile 13 and we again enjoyed running together.

What an emotional high! To finish a marathon is exhilarating and to finish seven in seven months at age 70 is incredible for me. Travel had been enjoyable, Jenny and I had both stayed healthy and the schedule had worked out with only minor changes. I was able to experience good runs, one bad run, cold weather, hot weather, hilly terrain, flat terrain and was able to meet wonderful people along the way. I have made memories that will truly last a lifetime.

With the goal accomplished and story told, I wanted to point out that this story could have been written by anyone. You cannot finish a race until you get started. I started late in life and if I can do this, you can too, whatever age you may be. I hope my story will encourage someone to do his/her first 5K, 10K, or half marathon or perhaps a 26.2-miler. I have been asked “How do you run a marathon?” My answer: “One step at a time.” It’s an oversimplification but true nonetheless.

To run a marathon you do not have to be young or thin or fast. You have to be determined. I do not know what my next set of goals will be. We are not promised tomorrow, but I will continue to run as long as health will allow. I invite you to get started, join in, and set some goals for yourself. Who knows – maybe 8 in 8 for 80?

Help Wanted The MRTC has need for a volunteer to research and report on marathon finishers from the Memphis area for publication in the Roadrunner.

If you are interested, contact the editor (brentmanley@yahoo.com) or phone 901-246-6477.

The person who volunteers will receive instructions on the procedure for gathering the information.

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Did you know?

• Derek Ibbotson was the first man to run a mile in exactly 4 minutes.

• Paula Radcliffe holds the current world record for the fastest marathon run by a woman, at 2:15:25.

• The fastest mile ever run was 3:43.13 minutes by Moroccan Hicham el Guerrouj in 1999, a record which still stands today.

• At 100 years old, Fauja Singh was the oldest person to ever run a marathon.

• In 1972 women were first allowed to officially enter the Boston Marathon.

• The first Boston Marathon was held in 1897.

• American sprinter Bob Hayes left competitive running to become a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys.

• The annual Fifth Avenue Mile competition in New York City was first held in 1981.

• Former world-class miler Steve Scott is the founder of speed golf after playing 18 holes in 18 minutes, 29 seconds in 1979.

• American sprinter Gail Devers won the gold medal for the 100-meter dash in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

• Michael Johnson won four Olympic gold medals for sprinting.

• Over 1 billion pairs of running shoes are sold worldwide every year.

• On average, professional runners take 185-200 steps per minute.

— From Competitor.com

The annual Bud Mile (honoring Bud Joyner, one of MRTC's founders) took place June 26 on the Rhodes College track.

Seventy-eight runners gave it their all in four loops around the track.That number included 6-year-old C J Flores and 82-year-old Phil Taylor. C J ran his mile in 8:23.46.Taylor got it done in 9:56.71.

Runner Friendly community (continued from page 29)

with approximately 200,000 members. For more information on the organization and its programs, see www.rrca.org.

The Runner Friendly Community program was established in 2011. Since its establishment over 56 communities in 25 states have received this designation.

Global Running Day drew a good crowd to Loflin Yard on June 6.

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Run with a Group Do you need some help in finding a running group or are you interested in starting your own group? Contact MRTC Coordinator of Running Groups, DJ Watson: djw@virtualmvp.com.

Sunday morning

Monday afternoon

Tuesday morning

Run: Germantown

Run: Fleet Feet Coed Fun Run Time: 6 p.m.

Place: Fleet Feet, 4530 Poplar Ave. (Laurelwood Shopping Center) Distance: 3, 5 and 7 miles Contact: Eric Flanders, 901-761-0078

Run: Fitness Plus Lunch Run Time: 11:45 a.m.

Place: Fitness Plus, 2598 Corporate Ave. off Nonconnah between Millbranch and Democrat Distance: 7 miles Contact: Rick Ellis, 901-345-1036 Showers and extras available. Access to Fitness Plus facilities free to runners on group run day

Thoroughbreds

Time: 6:30 a.m. - (June thru Sept.); 7 a.m. - (Oct. thru May) Place: Panera Bread 7850 Poplar Avenue, Germantown Distance: 4, 7, 12.5 (or more) miles Contact: Charles Hurst 901-491-2096 or churst9676@gmail.com Water stops provided on the course.

Big fun group with all paces.

Run: Cool Runnings Time: 7 a.m.

Place: Shelby Farms Visitor Center, lower parking lot Distance: 10+ miles Contact: bostonbear13@gmail.com Run: iMARG: Indian Memphis

Association Runners Group

Time: 7 a.m. on weekends (mostly Sunday) Place: Johnson Park, Collierville Distance: 3.1 to 20 miles Contact: Sheshu Belde 901-413-4456 Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/indianmemphis.runnersgroup

Run: Southaven Striders Time: 6 p.m.

Place: Central Park (Tchulahoma entrance, east side of park) Distance: 3-5 mi. (9- to 12-min. miles) Contact: Kyle McCoy, 901-299-8630 Kalmac220@gmail.com Angie McCoy, 901-233-0168 anggail09@gmail.com Run: Sea Isle Park Runners Time: 5:30 p.m.

Place: McWherter Senior Center 1355 Estate Drive Distance: 1 mile-5K Contact: Sea Isle Park Runners Facebook group Notes: One mile loop around Sea Isle Park and two miles of hills in wooded neighborhood east of the park. Beautiful and safe course!

Monday afternoon

Run: Salty Dogs of

Run: FIT4MOM Run Club Time: 9:30 a.m.

Location: Visitor Center at Shelby Farms Park (6903 Great View Drive North) Distance: 5K training Contact: Amy Earnest amykearnest@gmail.com or visit www.memphis.fit4mom.com 8-wk session March 19th - May 12th

Time: 7 p.m.

Place: Bardog Tavern, 73 Monroe Ave., downtown Distance: 3-5 miles run through historic downtown Memphis and afterward enjoy food, drink and camaraderie.

Contact: Jessica Grammer, 901-734-5731 or jessgrammer@gmail.com

Bardog Tavern

Tuesday afternoon Run: Track House Workout Time: 6 p.m.

Place: U of M Old Field House Track Distance: Various workouts Contact: Paul Sax, 901-276-5758 Run: Black Men Run Memphis Time: 6 p.m.

Place: Varies. Check https:// www.facebook.com/ groups/425282507588975/ for location Distance: Usually five miles Contact: Shannon Chisenga, 215-834-4687; shannon.chisenga@blkmenrun.com

LifeGreen Checking 1.800.regions | regions.com/green © 2009 Regions Bank.

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6/9/09 2:06:05 PM

Wednesday morning

Run: Fleet Feet Time: 6 p.m.

Fleet Feet hosts individualized Run: Southaven Striders speedwork sessions including track Time: 6 a.m. and tempo workouts for runners Place: Central Park in Southaven who want to get a little quicker.

(Tchulahoma ent., east side of park) Distance: 3-5 miles (9- 12-minute miles) No fees.

Contact: Kyle McCoy, 901-299-8630 or Contact: Feb at 761-0078 or lovetorun@fleetfeetmemphis.com kalmac220@gmail.com

Wednesday afternoon Run: Breakaway Running Time: 6 p.m.

Place: Wolf River Store 1223 Germantown Pkwy.

Contact: Barry, 901-722-8797 or 901-754-8254 Run: Midtown Run Time: 6 p.m.

Place: Corner of Madison and Tucker, across from Huey’s Distance: 6 miles Run: Bartlett UMC Time: 6 p.m.

Place: Bartlett United Methodist Church, 5676 Stage Road; group meets in the gym lobby Distance: Varies Contact: Sam Thompson, 901-386-2724 or sthompson@bartlettumc.org Run: Bartlett Run Time: 6:30 p.m.

Place: W.J. Freeman Park, 2629 Bartlett Blvd.

Distance: 4-6 miles Contact: Paul “Spunky” Ireland h. 901-388-5009 c. 901-826-7496 or paulireland@att.net

Thursday afternoon Run: Breakaway Running Time: 6 p.m. Beginners group Place: Breakaway Midtown 2109 Madison Contact: Barry, 901-722-8797 or 901-754-8254

Run: Sea Isle Park Runners Time: 6 p.m.

Place: McWherter Senior Center 1355 Estate Drive Distance: 1 mile-5K Contact: Sea Isle Park Runners Facebook group Notes: One mile loop around Sea Isle Park and two miles of hills in wooded neighborhood east of the park.

Beautiful and safe course!

Saturday morning Run: Breakaway Running Breakaway’s Marathon and Half Marathon Training Group meets each Saturday morning through December to help prepare our friends for the St. Jude Marathon.

Check website or Facebook page for location and time. Join us!

722-8797 for more info.

Run: Black Men Run Memphis Time: 6 a.m.

Place: Code Enforcement, Farm Road at Mullins Station Distance: Varies Contact: Shannon Chisenga, 215-834-4687; shannon.chisenga@blkmenrun.com Run: Fleet Feet Time: 7 a.m.

Place: 4530 Poplar (Laurelwood Center) Fleet Feet hosts long runs on Saturday mornings geared toward upcoming races. Many distance options are available.

Call 761-0078 or email lovetorun@fleetfeetmemphis.com for more information.

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Note: This information is provided as a courtesy in an effort to help MRTC members enhance their running experiences. MRTC encourages members to run with groups of their choice, but the listed running groups/group runs are independent and not affiliated with, nor endorsed by, the MRTC. The club makes no representation that the information provided is accurate. Persons who wish to participate in activities with these groups should contact the individuals listed for further information and participate at their own risk.

Run: FIT4MOM Run Club Time: 8 a.m.

Location: Visitor Center at Shelby Farms Park (6903 Great View Dr. N) Distance: 5K training Contact: Amy Earnes amykearnest@gmail.com or visit www.memphis.fit4mom.com 8-wk session March 19th - May 12th Run: Run & Play Time and Place: meet the first Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. at various locations in town (see website for each month’s location) This group is geared for moms with strollers and/or toddlers.

Info: www.seemommyrun.com/tn/ Run: Mommies on the Move Time: 9 a.m.

Place: Shelby Farms Visitors Center Details: For mothers with strollers and toddlers Contact: www.seemommyrun.com/tn Run: DAC Fitness Collierville Time: 9:30 a.m.

Distance: from 5K beginner to half marathon training at various paces Contact: Heather Nichols 651-1065 or Brandy Heckmann 443-653-0385

Various Days Run: Tipton County Road Dawgs Time: Friend us on Facebook under Road Dawgs and check posting of upcoming runs, usually on Sat. a.m.

Place: Check Facebook Distance: All distances, all ages, all paces. Runs are in Tipton County and north Shelby County Contact: djroaddawg@yahoo.com

Race Calendar Date & Time: Saturday, July 14, 8 a.m.

Race name: Hope 5K Location: Hope Church, 8500 Walnut Grove Cordova See ad on page 12.

Contact:

Date & Time: Sunday, Aug. 26, 7 a.m.

Race name: E.J. Goldsmith Jr. Memorial

Road Race Series 2nd 5-Miler Freeman Park, Bartlett Location: Contact: www.memphisrunners.com

Date & Time: Sunday, July 15, 7 a.m.

Race name: E.J. Goldsmith Jr. Memorial

Road Race Series 1st 5K Location: Cancer Survivors Park

(east end of Audubon Park) Contact: www.memphisrunners.com

Date & Time: Saturday, Sept. 8, 8 a.m.

Race name: Women Run/Walk Memphis 5K

Open only to program participants

and coaches Location: Cancer Survivors Park

(east end of Audubon Park) Contact: www.memphisrunners.com

Date & Time: Saturday, July 21, 8 a.m.

Race name: Design-A-Wish 5K Location: Pink Palace Museum, 3050 Central Contact: www.racesonline.com

Date & Time: Sunday, Sept. 9, 7 a.m.

Race name: E.J. Goldsmith Jr. Memorial

Road Race Series 1st 10K Location: Shelby Farms Park, near horse stables Contact: www.memphisrunners.com

Date & Time: Sunday, July 29, 7 a.m.

Race name: E.J. Goldsmith Jr. Memorial

Road Race Series 2nd 5K Cancer Survivors Park Location:

(east end of Audubon Park) Contact: www.memphisrunners.com

Date & Time: Friday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.

Race name: Cooper-Young 4-Miler Cooper and Young, Midtown Location: Contact: www.racesonline.com

Date & Time: Saturday, Aug. 4, 8 a.m.

Race name: Miles for Melanoma 5K Location: Shelby Farms Park, Pine Lake Drive See ad on page 30.

Contact:

Date & Time: Sunday, Sept. 23, 7 a.m.

Race name: E.J. Goldsmith Jr. Memorial

Road Race Series 2nd 10K Location: Shelby Farms Park, near horse stables Contact: www.memphisrunners.com

Date & Time: Saturday, Aug. 11, 8 a.m.

Race name: Elvis Presley International 5K Location: Graceland, 3764 Elvis Presley Blvd.

Contact: See ad on page 16.

Date & Time: Saturday, Sept. 29, 9 a.m.

Race name: Judge Freeman Marr Panther Pride 5K Location: Freeman Park, Bartlett Contact: www.racesonline.com

Date & Time: Sunday, Aug. 12, 7 a.m.

Race name: E.J. Goldsmith Jr. Memorial

Road Race Series 1st 5-Miler Location: Freeman Park, Bartlett Contact: www.memphisrunners.com

Date & Time: Sunday, Oct. 7, 7 a.m.

Race name: E.J. Goldsmith Jr. Memorial

Road Race Series 1st 10-Miler Location: Meeman Shelby Forest State Park Contact: www.memphisrunners.com

Date & Time: Saturday, Aug. 18, 8 a.m.

Race name: Celebrate Munford 5K Location: Centennial Park, Munford Contact: See ad on page 2.

Date & Time: Saturday, Oct., 9 a.m.

Race name: Eye Opener 5K PJ Run Location: Houston Levee Park Contact: www.racesonline.com 38

Memphis Runners Track Club P.O. Box 17981 Memphis, TN 38187-0981

Non-Profit Org U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

MEMPHIS, TN Permit No. 960

At the Women's Run Walk/Memphis Expo on June 25, beginner-group coaches met with runners new to the program. Pictured are several coaches (in yellow singlets) with three new runners: Teresa Rando, second from left in the rear; Debra Lee, second from right in front, and Patricia Lockhart, next to Lee. This year's WRWM program has 175 women in the beginning runner group. Training started July 9. For information, visit memphisrunners.com