The Roadrunner - July/August 2020

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

July-August 2020 • Vol. 40, No. 6

We isolate ourselves so that when we get back together no one is missing.

THE ROADRUNNER

In This Issue From the Editor’s Desk

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Message from the President (by Steve Spakes) Nutrition on the Run (by Ashley Ludlow) A publication of the Memphis Runners Track Club July-August 2020 Vol. 40, No. 6

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Not planning to stop (by Donna Brown)

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My new, important goal (by Elizabeth Wilson)

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The “handwarmers” (by Gabriela Horn) The road to recovery (by Rob Rayder)

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Fond memories (by Rome Delasalas)

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Race Calendar

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Group runs

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On the cover The handwarmers running group in front of the Breakaway Running store on Germantown Parkway.

The story of the handwarmers – written by Gabriela Horn (in front at far right in the photo) – starts on page 10. The text for the cover photo came from group member Danielle Booher.

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Find out about the latest race events at www.memphisrunners.com

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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.

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MRTC Board of Directors 2019-2020 OFFICERS President/ Sponsorship Director Steve Spakes stevemrtc@gmail.com Vice President Suzie Hicks-Hurt 901-496-1377 s_hickshurt@bellsouth.net Treasurer Charles Flanigan Jr. mrtc.treasurer@gmail.com DIRECTORS Past President / Special Projects/Results John Payne 901-494-8266 johncharlespayne@gmail.com

Past President/Special Projects/Legal Matters George F. Higgs 901-528-1111 ghiggs@stonehiggsdrexler.com Volunteer Director Nancy Brewton volunteeringwithnancy@ gmail.com 901-237-4758 Finish Line Director/ Equipment Lane Purser 901-483-8929 lpurser350@aol.com Timing/Results Rich Tutko 901-481-0498 rtutko@hotmail.com

Past President/ Roadrunner Editor Brent Manley 901-246-6477 brentmanley@yahoo.com

Women Run/Walk Memphis Director Allison Andrassy 901-409-6620 allison.mrtc@gmail.com

Past President/ Course Measurement Rob Hunter 901-246-1565 robhunter33@comcast.net

Director Kent Smith kent824@bellsouth.net

Past President/ New Race Coordinator Wain Rubenstein 901-278-1792 wrubenstei@aol.com

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 The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.

I had my temperature taken by a young woman wearing a mask when I walked in the door. I passed that test and asked if I should get a mask from my car. The answer was no.

On the treadmill was a sign asking me to keep an empty treadmill between me and the next treadmill user.

No problem. It was on a treadmill in a row of about 19 others with no people on them.

After completing my run, I made my way to another machine, counting the people I could see along the way.

All told, the place had about 20 people, a bit low for normal attendance. None of the people I saw wore a mask.

Finally, it was time to leave. I had avoided the cruel heat of the outdoors, but that relief came with a price. When I got into my car to head home, I thought the temperature was high enough to bake a pizza. You know what they say about best-laid plans.

Oh, well. At least I can look forward to an earlymorning run and cooler temperatures during the week.

My regular running buddy often starts at 6 a.m. Getting up early enough to make it is a pain, but at least I won’t have to deal with the awful heat. Here’s hoping we can get back to normal soon.

— Vince Lombardi

Sunday at the gym

Until today, I was doing pretty well with the stayat-home-and-be-safe routine, wearing my mask to pick up dinner at restaurants we like and staying away from crowded places. Now that it’s miserably hot outside, my running is limited to early mornings. The cool temperatures help, but the humidity leaves me looking like a wet rag.

I really wanted to get out of the house and run today, but the searing heat in my neighborhood was a serious deterrent. It wasn’t just the heat from above.

Running on the asphalt streets, which seem to store the heat from the sun, is like running on a hot plate.

I finally decided today – June 7 – that I needed to get to a place where I could run without being fried, which is why I went to my usual spot for hot-weather running. The place had changed from being open 24 hours to a different schedule. Today, it was 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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: brentmanley@yahoo.com or 901-246-6477.

This is your publication. Be an active part of it.

— Brent Manley, Editor 1

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A Message from the President

By Steve Spakes will be some time in the first quarter of 2021. His fear, as with the other experts, is that business openings will be misconstrued as an “all clear,” and he, like the others, are very nervous about a resurgence of the virus in the fall. Dr. Wilson is with the Yale University School of Medicine and has a popular online course “Understanding Medical Research: Your Facebook Friend is Wrong.”

At this writing, however, Anthony Fauci, MD, says that it is possible that 100 million doses of a vaccine could possibly be ready by the end of the year.

That would certainly be great news. Obviously, frontline personnel would be first in line but maybe the rest of us wouldn’t be far behind.

And finally, please consider participating in our virtual Road Race Series.

This is the one series that our volunteers can run because we don’t have to be at the race site at 4 to 5 a.m. – plus, you can choose a day for your run when the weather is friendly and not run Singleton Parkway when it’s 35 degrees and raining.

That’s it for this month. Please stay safe!

Help wanted. Free beer and $20,000 for seven months of your time. Devils Backbone Brewing Company is looking for an experienced hiker who is comfortable sleeping out under the stars to negotiate the 2200-mile Appalachian Trial starting at Springer Mountain and finishing at Mt. Katahdian. The company provides the gear and beer. Sounds like a job for Dale Sanders!

As I’ve mentioned, MRTC is on a very tight budget with little revenue expected through the first quarter 2021 but we were able to donate part of the proceeds of the Winter Off Road Series, $10,000, to Memphis Youth Athletics. Nick Dwyer and his team does such a fantastic job with this organization and MRTC is proud to be a part of it.

Each month I exchange communications with Scientists to learn more Covid-19 information as it pertains to running. Recently, F. Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE was kind enough to respond in detail. His view is pretty much the same as previous communications I’ve received. Mass gathering should not be allowed until there is a vaccine or cure. In his opinion, that

... nervous about a resurgence of the [Covid-19] virus in the fall.

Did you know?

• 57% of runners buy at least two pairs of running shoes each year • Four-time Boston Marathon winner Bill Rodgers’ favorite pizza topping is mayonnaise. Yep, mayo.

• In 1990, just 25% of road race finishers in the U.S. were women. Now the ladies make up more than half of road race finishers in this country.

• When we run, our hearts create enough pressure to squirt blood 30 feet.

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Ashley Ludlow

MS, RD, CSG, ACE-CHC, LDN, FAND

Nutrition is a Team Sport our nutrition plan both before and after surgery and determines if we need a carbohydrate-rich beverage or other nutrition therapies before we have surgery.

The nurse assists with our screenings, guides the nutrition protocol, and oversees our care when the surgery is over. The pharmacist reviews the medications and supplements, makes dosage recommendations, helps screen for drug allergies and interactions and will assist in providing post-discharge nutrition therapies.

Our role as the patient is to follow the advice and recommendations of the whole surgical team so that we have the best surgical outcome.

A few months back, I shared about changes taking place in hospitals and surgery centers across the nation to help make sure we heal quickly and to reduce complications after surgery.

Surgery is a major stressor to our body and our immune system. That’s why it’s vital to optimize our nutrition status before surgery. Surprisingly, one out of three surgery patients is at high risk of being malnourished. That’s a lot of people. Is it our grandmother? Is it our dad? Or is it us?

“Malnourished” doesn’t mean super skinny or emaciated. In a study of cancer patients who were malnourished, 79% of them were normal weight, overweight and/or obese. Both under and over consumption can cause malnutrition.

How do we know if we are at risk of being malnourished? Factors include being older, having difficulties with normal activities of daily living, feeling weak, tired, and weight loss, for example. The hospital or surgery center should screen for malnutrition before surgery, but not all do, so be sure and inquire if they do!

Studies show that if we are malnourished before we have surgery, we have significantly worse outcomes. This includes a three-fold increased risk of complications such as infections, longer hospital stays, an increased risk of be readmitted to the hospital, higher hospital costs and an increased risk of dying!

To ensure that we are as nourished as possible before surgery, the surgery team has a role in our nutrition. Everyone on the care team has a role to play.

Our primary care physician can refer us for surgery and answer questions about our treatment.

The surgeon and anesthesiologist can work together to determine the right timing for food intake both pre-surgery and post-surgery.

The Registered Dietitian designs and optimizes

Another role we have is to maximize our strength by following a good nutrition plan every day for one to two weeks prior to surgery so that the stressors of surgery are as minimal as possible.

Protein

It’s important to get enough protein to prevent muscle loss. Generally speaking, we should strive to include protein in every meal and snack. The 4

protein should be lean, high-quality protein (legumes, meat, eggs, dairy or fish) which, is best for building muscle and healing. The doctor or Dietitian may also recommend an oral nutrition supplement to increase your nutrition intake further.

Daily Vitamins/Minerals

help build muscle and allow for a quicker recovery after surgery. Do discuss any exercise program with the doctor.

Do discuss any exercise program with the doctor.

Following surgery, we need to consume more calories and protein to help our bodies heal.

The Registered Dietitian and/or the surgical team may recommend highcalorie, high-protein immunonutrition drinks to help with healing and to get us back to our healthy selves.

Consider taking a multivitamin before surgery to help reduce the risk of infection and the length of hospital stay.

Talk to the Dietitian or Doctor for details.

Preoperative Carbohydrate Drink

As part of our preoperative surgery plan, we may be given a high-carbohydrate clear liquid beverage to drink the night before and the morning of surgery.

This beverage helps to maintain a normal blood sugar balance after surgery to promote healing and help us feel better as soon as possible after surgery.

Get Back to Normal

Adapted from www.anhi.org

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Twenty-five to thirty minutes of low-impact exercise each day, combined with light strength training two to three days per week, and daily good nutrition in the weeks before surgery can

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It'S not easy, but we keep on going

By Donna Brown We promote fitness at work in many ways, including an annual biggest-loser competition – which we have also had to delay kicking off as one of the few rules of our competition is that each employee complete 2 5Ks during our contest. Of course, we can’t complete them now because they have all been cancelled.

It’s such a sad time for groups especially. Those of us who can and will go solo continue to find a way.

When we got word that the final hope of the road race series possibly happening – but being virtual instead ...

I’m not going to lie. It hit hard. Virtual is just nothing like running with and competing against others. We miss the running community!

I’m one of the leaders of the Memphis City Employees Credit Union run/walk team. You know, the ones everyone is used to seeing all over Memphis supporting local charities and more; the ladies in pink (and a few guys in green).

Our team was heavily training for the Great American River Run when this pandemic started and it was so hard to watch our team members who had worked so hard shut down because we had to stop running as a group.

A group of 4 of us decided that we would continue to train together, using social distancing protocol, and we have not stopped. A few of our team members have also continued “solo” and I’m super proud of them.

Four members of the Memphis City Employees Credit Union run/walk team: Leslie Lee, Arin Levy, Casandra Peterson, and Donna Brown.

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Stress relief in a stressful time

By Elizabeth Wilson As a business owner – even of an essential business, Suds Laundry – the shutdown hit me pretty hard financially and emotionally. Running was and is the only thing that has kept me sane.

After my May marathon in California was canceled, I began looking for some type of alternative to relieve my stress, which was at an all-time high. A friend in my running group mentioned the Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee (GVRAT) where runners run a virtual race across our beautiful state! We virtually start in Memphis The author with a map of the course she hopes to complete virtually within a four-month time limit. and run a little over 1000k to the farthest north-eastern corner of the state. Runners have four over the world have signed up to complete this race! months to complete the race; averaging 5 miles per The GVRAT Facebook group alone was worth the day. As of early June, over 19,000 runners from all registration fee; I’m daily inspired and amused by my fellow runners!

Prior to committing to this race, my regular daily goal was just to complete my one continuous mile in order to maintain my running streak (I hit 5000 days on May 17!), but this month alone I’ve already completed 140 miles and feel so much better about What was the original name of the the world! I had forgotten how important running was to maintain my sanity even when I have no one else Nike company, founded in 1964 by to run with right now! I’d love to encourage anyone Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman? reading this to find some type of challenging goal and online community to help push you to reach it! There Answer on page 21. is no better feeling than striving and completing a worthy goal!

Test your knowledge:

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More than just a running group

By Gabriela Horn

We call ourselves “the handwarmers.” It’s a long story that I am not sure I ever understood, but that is still our running group’s name. We run. We run all the time. See, through the years, an amazing friendship has developed among us (there’s lots to talk about on long runs) and we are no longer just a running group.

I still remember the last run we did together sometime in early March before we went on lockdown. We were at our usual post-run fueling spot, Panera, when we noticed managers constantly asking if we were done and cleaning tables like mad. Little did we know that would be the last time for a while that we would all be together.

The next few weeks were uncertain to say the least. Some still wanted to run together, others thought it was best to run alone. Our group runs as we knew them were over (at least for now). Some of us (won’t mention any names) went and totally re-did their yards; some of us cooked their way through quarantine (she was even featured on a CNN); but we all kept running.

Whether alone or in small groups (with the appropriate social distance), we kept running. I ran to the point of developing plantar fasciitis (but that’s another story).

We did face time calls and shared our joys, victories, challenges and griefs. We all had our lives turned upside down. Some of us had huge learning curves as we worked from home. Others lost jobs and

The handwarmers pause for a photo at Shelby Farms Park. others had to deal with co-workers losing jobs. Some had scary situations at their jobs. Through it all, we have kept each other encouraged and motivated. All runs we share are celebrated as if they were some sort of marathon! I don’t know about you, but I need that. Some days, it is just plain hard to put on your shoes and go for a run. I don’t know that I could do it without my friends. My friend was so right when she said one of the greatest gifts running has given us has been each other.

You see, I love these people because they are more than a running group to me. They have pulled me through countless finish lines, they have called me when they know I had a bad run just to tell me it was just a bad run, they have visited me and brought me food and supplies when I had surgery, they have stopped and waited for me when I just couldn’t go on. I completed distances I never thought possible because of them.

So, we will continue running through this. We will social distance as long as it is necessary and I know we will all be together again and we will all be better people and better runners. Let’s not miss the lessons during these difficult days. These days are hard but they are making us stronger. The caterpillar has to struggle to get out of the cocoon. It is the struggle that makes it have the strength to fly when it emerges as a butterfly. May we all emerge as beautiful butterflies with wings to fly to our next adventure, whether it is a 5K or an ultra.

The author, 45, is originally from Honduras. She moved to Memphis in 2010 and ran by herself until she found running friends through Breakaway. She now works as a Spanish teacher.

The author (in front at right in the bright green singlet) with other members of the hand warmers at the Breakaway Running store on Germantown Parkway.

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Running on the Road to Recovery

By Robert “the Lone Runner” Rayder

Success is not final.

Failure is not fatal.

It’s the courage to continue that counts.

­— Winston Churchill

I write this story during the pandemic known as COVID-19, the first such infectious crisis in the 21st century. Most of us alive today have seen nothing like it, although such events have deep roots in human history. Plagues stand as one of history’s greatest tragedies, alongside the likes of war and famine. Even though this is a new experience for us, pandemics are nothing new. They have occurred many times before, and most likely will occur again.

Still, this is a strange time. The world as we knew it has suffered, faltered, stared catastrophe square in the face, and has begun to remake itself into something new. It seems unlikely that this virus will quickly pass, and even more unlikely that the world will return to the “normal” we had known before. Times are changing, and some of those changes are likely to stay with us for the long haul, for better of for worse.

On a personal level, I have been on a similar journey, and not just the one that the SARS-CoV-2 virus has dragged us all along for. I’ve been weakened by other illnesses, appendicitis and sepsis. I have had to face my own mortality, restructure my whole world view, and rebuild myself from the ashes of disaster into something both familiar and different. All this occurred with the backdrop of COVID strolling its destructive way across the world stage. This would be no ordinary journey.

An appendectomy, the surgery performed to remove a diseased appendix, is one of the most common operations done in the United States, and the vast majority of patients recover without incident.

Needless to say, I wasn’t one of the “vast majority.”

Most people catch on early that they need help

when their appendix starts to flare up. The abdominal pain can be excruciating, and it becomes fairly obvious very quickly that something has gone awry.

Unfortunately for me, I experienced very little pain as the infection in my abdomen grew more and more serious. I was very ill, but really had no idea.

Eventually, my day of reckoning arrived, and the pain suddenly became unbearable. The long-standing inflammation from the infection resulted in significant internal scar tissue formation, a colonic abscess and an infection in the blood stream known as sepsis. I had a very complicated emergency surgery that took nearly five hours and I was lucky not to lose some of my colon in the process. I then spent four lonely days in the hospital getting IV antibiotics with no visitors allowed, not even my wife, due to COVID-19 precautions.

The days following my discharge from the hospital were among the darkest I have ever experienced. I was too weak and too sick to do much other than stay in bed. I lost a lot of weight, most of it extracted from my muscle mass. My normally well apportioned legs now looked like twigs. Things suddenly seemed very heavy and almost everything was much more difficult to lift than before. I felt like I was literally shrinking away.

After three weeks of this, I was finally able to get up and move around some. My doctor recommended walking around the neighborhood to help rebuild my strength. I, of course, asked if I could run instead. He flatly told me it was much too early for that. “We shall see,” I defiantly thought to myself.

It didn’t take me long to find out he was right. I was totally spent after slowly strolling just a few blocks.

There was no way I could run, even for a short distance.

That day was a real wake-up call for me. Even though I had just run a marathon a mere five weeks beforehand, I was now reduced to a level of fitness that

The world as we knew it has suffered ...

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was far below that I had enjoyed when I first started running more than a decade ago. I had no endurance, no strength and no speed. I had been literally thrown back to square one. I would have to start all over again if I ever planned to return to the sport. It would be a daunting task. I knew the obstacles ahead would be tremendously challenging, and I was 11 years older than when I first strapped on a pair of trainers.

Still, a part of me was intrigued by the challenge.

I had learned a lot about running, knowledge won in small degrees across countless races.

I wondered if I could coach myself back from the brink. I was far from certain about the proposition. Coaching others as a veteran is one thing. Coaching yourself anew at what essentially amounted to a freshly minted beginner is something else entirely. I can be stubborn, both as a coach and as a student. Now I had to be both, because COVID-19 wouldn’t allow me to run with others.

“Not a big deal,” I thought to myself. “I am ‘the Lone Runner’ after all.”

Still, the stakes here were pretty high. The risk of failure might spell the end of my long running career,

and that was a something I simply couldn’t bear.

“OK coach,” I silently smiled at my overly sarcastic inner voice. “Let’s get this thing started.”

Step 1 - The Right Mind Set

No race has ever been run without getting yourself to the start line first. That long journey doesn’t begin with anything you do in the physical world, but instead is an adventure that is launched in the mind.

For me, my first running buddy was a former co-worker named Gil. He was the one who introduced me to running and encouraged and guided me along my initial path through the highs and lows of the sport. He gave me the tools I needed to succeed. I once again conjured his voice during this second running revival.

“Never focus on what you can’t do,” he instructed.

“Negativity leads to uncertainty and doubt. Ultimately it leads to one developing a bad attitude toward the sport and your training will suffer and become a chore.

Instead, focus on the positives. Even if you have a bad day on your run, you’re doing something amazing that many others refuse to do. You’re building yourself

I would have to start all over again ...

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up. You’re tougher, stronger, and spending your time doing something good for you instead of wasting away and sitting idle. Your body needs periodic activity to stay healthy. Relish the thought that you are making yourself a healthier person, and I bet a happier one too.”

When I complained that running around my neighborhood was getting pretty boring, Gil had more sage advice.

“Change your running route if you can. If you have time, go to a new place that you have never been to and explore it.

If that’s not possible, then try running your route backwards or in a different order than usual. It’s amazing how different things can look from another perspective.

Maybe break your route into several different sections or smaller parts and then compare your times in each to previous performances. It’s like having a bunch of mini races right outside your front door!”

At other times, when my will to continue training seemed to lag, Gil focused on the minute-to-minute experience that can be had on a run.

“Consider your run as ‘Me Time’ where you can

clearly think through the challenges of your day or, instead, indulge yourself and think of nothing at all.

Just exist in the moment and let everything else go.

Either way, having some quality time alone without the demands of the outside world is a precious thing.

Find joy in small things. Listen to birds chirping or watch the shadows of the tree leaves flutter across the ground or enjoy the bright colors of freshly planted flowers.

There is so much to see, hear and feel whenever and wherever you choose to run. Every run is different. Challenge yourself to find something novel and new each and every time you take to the streets, even if it is along the same old running route that you always seem to take.”

... try running your route backwards ...

Step 2 - Have a Plan

Sometimes I run just to run: no plan, no expectations, and no pressure. For me, running without any purpose or goal is fun to do every so often, and can be a great way to give yourself a mental break from the grind of the world.

However, most days, my running has an overall theme. Is it a tempo run day, a long run day, an interval day, a hill repeat day, a trail running day or a recovery

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day? The exact order and frequency of each run depends on my ultimate goal and my available time.

Gil had given me a written daily running schedule preordaining a specific workout for every day. It was aimed at getting me ready to run the St. Jude Memphis Marathon in five short months. It was a stringent prescription that was, for me, impossible to follow exactly. So, I mixed the workouts up and found much greater success with the more flexible plan.

Still, I had the specific goal to run a marathon.

I had specific mileage requirements for each week that built on one another. I had specific time goals and pace goals.

In other words, I had to hold myself accountable. I had to take a GPS watch with me to ensure my cadence and mileage were on track. Left to my own devices, I usually think I’m running faster or farther than I really am. Having an objective measure of my performance is an invaluable tool while training to run.

Unfortunately, objective measurements are also heartless companions that don’t care about your feelings. When I started my second running career my pace was discouraging. The effort I was putting into

the run didn’t seem to match the times on my watch. I was slow. I mean I was really, really slow. I strained to run the number of miles my plan required. It crushed my ego and made me want to quit.

However, Gil’s voice in my head saved me once again. “If your body’s performance consistently doesn’t match your own expectations, then it’s time to re-examine your expectations and give your body time to catch up.”

I had to reluctantly accept that my body had a new “normal” for speed and endurance. It took me a few days to adjust my thinking, but eventually I wrapped my head around my new reality.

This acceptance brought with it some unexpected benefits.

For starters, I could finally see something that was invisible before. When I had my old expectations for my performances, every new run was nothing but a failure. Now, with a more realistic understanding of my current abilities, I could see what was right in front of me all along, a slow and steady improvement.

I was getting faster. I was running longer. I was still a long way off from where I used to be, but I was making progress. It made me feel good to see a trend that was moving in the positive direction and that my

... I had to hold myself accountable.

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efforts were indeed making a difference.

That’s also when I realized I was missing something else which I had always had in the past. I needed to have a goal to shoot for.

In days gone by, this was the easiest of tasks. I would sign up for a race and gear my training toward it. First was St. Jude, then Disney, then Pikes Peak and so on and so on. It is part of the reason I used to run so many races. Each new race pushed me forward and kept me running. New races prompted new demands on my training, and sometimes required me to work on specific new skill sets, like steeper hills or longer distances.

In the world of COVID, however, there would be no races. I tried to make my own goals, but they didn’t motivate me in the same way that a race always has. I needed something different.

That’s when the MRTC stepped in to save the day.

The famous road race series was going virtual this year.

At the outset, virtual racing was a revolutionary concept to most runners. The idea is that each participant runs and times their own race at a prescribed distance on the course of their own choosing. He or she then submits those times to a central database where results can be tabulated, and awards distributed.

I’ve always been lukewarm about the whole virtual process. I love the camaraderie of a large group of runners coming together in the spirit of friendly competition. I love the tension at the start line before the gun sounds and the supportive cheers of the volunteers. I love the sound of a thousand footsteps all around me and bearing witness to the sheer joy found at the finish line as each runner conquers the course. A virtual race just can’t capture those things, at least not

as completely as a live event.

But this is the age of COVID, and things have changed. Large gatherings of people are unsafe and thus impossible without risking further spread of the disease. Over 100,000 Americans died in the first 4 months after the disease was first detected in our country. Just under two million Americans were infected within that same time frame. Truth be told, it is very likely that more people were infected or died than those staggering numbers suggest, but many simply went undiagnosed.

It would be irresponsible to risk more suffering and death, even for my favorite pastime. Real-time races would need to be put on hold for now.

The virtual option would do, and it had one big advantage over other racing forums. For the first time ever, I had a shot at becoming a real life Road Warrior.

The road race series starts in the summer with two 5K races spaced two weeks apart, followed by two 5-mile races, then two 10K races, two 10-mile races, and caps off with two half marathons in the late fall.

A Road Warrior is someone who runs all 10 events. It is quite an accomplishment. The coveted pewter road warrior trophy has been bestowed upon both by my wife and my eldest daughter but has always eluded me due to my unpredictable work schedule.

With the virtual option, however, I would have a two-week window in which to complete each race.

There were no excuses left. It was time to shoot for the stars. I had my new goal race.

I needed to have a goal to shoot for.

Step 3 - Do it, and Do it Right

Now is the time for action. I need to run with my plan. I need to work on my form. I need to get stronger, faster and stay healthy. This used to be second nature to me, but now I need to start everything anew.

This is uncharted territory, but these are unusual times for us all. Failure is not an option, either for me, or for the larger running community that faces the many challenges found in an uncertain world.

Together, as Churchill once proclaimed, we will find the courage to continue.

COVID is tough. Recovering from a lifethreatening illness is tough. But I know runners are made of tougher stuff still.

And, make no mistake about it, I am a runner. If all goes well, I’ll soon be a Road Warrior as well, because I’ve got the right mind set, I’ve got a plan, and I’m going to do it and do it right.

Thanks, Gil.

2020 Roadrunner deadlines (subject to change)

Sept. issue Oct. issue Nov. issue Dec. issue Jan.-Feb. 2021

Aug. 4 Sept. 8 Oct. 6 Nov. 10 Dec. 8

If you have questions about advertising or article contributions, write to the editor: brentmanley@yahoo.com 16

Memories from races past

By Rome Delasalas 1986 Star Track V State High School Class AAA Track Championships - 4 x 100 DUAL

jacket. At the time, my lovely girlfriend wore it during the year. Unfortunately, being in another city and the unable to drive, she was could not watch the event. I stopped by her English class to retrieve the jacket. My Track Coach (Mr. Danforth) coincidently taught her class. I knocked, then entered, “Coach, I need to get something from a student.” With a nod and “Hurry up, Delasalas,” I strolled to the back. She took the jacket off and handed it to me. I gave her a warm kiss, “Wish me luck?” She replied with a smile. I was ready to go.

PRELUDE – NIGHT MOVES AGAINST THE WIND The sound track for today’s run consisted of only two Bob Seger songs, “Against the Wind” and “Night Moves”. I utilize a method to learn both the guitar and words of a song. The repetition helps me understand the beat and delve deep into the lyrics. I found this evening’s run conjured up memories of unbelievable speed and youth a short 34 years ago. These are, unfortunately, memories that high schoolers won’t achieve for themselves during a pandemic.

AND WE’D STEAL AWAY EVERY CHANCE WE COULD. LINCOLN STADIUM – Star Track 1986 A year prior, I attended as a spectator. I watched in amazement of the speed, concentration and will of all athletes. As a sophomore, I earned a varsity letter. However, to compete at a State Championship was unfathomable. On this day, not only would I be a participant, my team had the best shot in beating a defending champion.

I arrived to a hot track, great conditions for a sprinter and fast racing. The first event (100-meter dash) started at 11:45. Three of my fellow sprinting teammates qualified for the race.

Senior Bruce Harris, a bulk of a man with huge muscle mass built for football.

Junior Michael Wright, a classmate and accomplished three-sport athlete.

SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY, BUT IT WAS LONG AGO On the way to the Washington State Meet our team crushed the 4x100 records for the West Central Districts and our North Puget Sound League Championship. We lowered the John F. Kennedy school record from 43.5 from the late 70s to 42 flat. We had one thing left to prove.

My day started with great expectations and my breakfast ritual, English muffin with hot tea. The meet opened before noon in Tacoma with our preliminary heat starting at 2 p.m.

I would still need to attend morning classes and be excused by 8 a.m.

Before trekking to Tacoma, I needed to pick up my letterman 17

a flash, railed the curve to pass the stick to Norman, who easily finished first with a time of 41.9 sec.

Another school record. Though the time was not ahead of Garfield, it was close enough for great confidence heading into the evening.

The lull of the afternoon gave us time to eat and relax in a mall near the track meet. My teammates maintained a sense of calm. Three of them would compete for the individual 100-meter dash championship. We headed back to the track an hour before their race. Each of them had his ritual, but as a team we stretched together.

The JFK Relay Team from the John F. Kennedy School (Burien WA) yearbook.

LET THE COWBOYS RIDE At 7 p.m., their time came. All eight lanes occupied Sophomore Norm Golla, a slender-framed sprinter with the fastest high school boys in the state. My whose results backed up his cockiness. Three heats vantage point was close to the half mark about, halfway determined who would qualify for the evening’s final. up the bleachers. Runners in their blocks, then a pause All three of my teammates earned spots for the final. and finally the explosion. The sprinters bolted. By the A bit nervous, Coach Danforth settled us down with time the sprinters reached my point, a clear winner was comical remarks. He sensed a bit of my anxiety and evident. Unfortunately, it was none of my teammates. joked, “Delasalas you should be relaxed after making Norman was immediately behind. Bruce and Michael out with your girlfriend in the back of my classroom.” I were even to each other but behind four of the runners. replied with a red-faced grin. Coach Danforth laughed.

The winner was Jon Gary from Garfield. He was the man I would line up against in the second leg of the BREAKING ALL THE RULES THAT WOULD upcoming relay.

BEND The 4x100 Relay Final As 2 p.m. rolled around, our relay fired at 9 p.m. Michael would showcase our combined speed. and Norman were warmed However, we would need to wait until up from completing heat two. Our main rival and defending their individual 100s. titleholder, Garfield High School, Mike and I stretched. took the first heat in a blistering 41.8 At 6’3”, Mike towered seconds. Our boys looked at each other over me. However, we in semi-disbelief over their run. It was kept a stretching routine our moment next. We gathered for our to mentally prepare. We ritual moment of unity then headed to maintained a calm, but we our corners. Michael took the first leg, could feel tension in the I took the second leg straight-away, anticipation of the biggest Mike Kunst (Senior) took third corner race of our lives. leg and Norman anchored the final Mike and I met with stretch. The Garfield time did not deter Michael and Norman at us. We concentrated on getting to the the end zone nearest to final. the start line. We circled Michael bolted, making quick arm over each shoulder work on runners outside his stagger. with each right hand on Once he hit my tapped mark it was the baton raising it up like time for me to rev and roll. I took the Luke Skywalker raising baton already ahead of the outside his light saber. This would lanes. Approaching Mike Kunst’s soon be our moment. semi-grin, I knew we were very much Mike, our senior class in the lead. He took the baton, and, in The author in 1986. man, spoke the last words 18

before the race, simply, “Let’s go get this.” With that we headed to our corners.

My arm flipped back with my hand in a V-shape ready to take the baton. Michael placed the baton in the web between my thumb and index, “Perfect Pass”. It was my turn, I churned hard. I made up staggers on lane 6, 7, and 8. I was flying! My joy was short lived. First hearing thunderous steps, then the flash in the corner of my left eye, the lead Michael bestowed vanished.

The 100M State Champion bolted past me in an instant.

Upon reaching Mike, the Garfield sprinter made up the stagger and gave his team a 5-meter lead.

It was uncommon for the times, but I yelled at Mike in the loudest scream, “GO MIKE, GO!!!!” In those days, quite transitions were the norm. Yet, after our last hand-off ever (and our best), I cheered Mike, trying to will him to go faster. Mike tried to pull back the ground I lost the team, even taking a step from Garfield’s 3rd leg. But as he passed off to Norman, Garfield’s anchor already received the baton several steps ahead of us. Norman valiantly tried to keep pace; Mark Phillips would not be denied his 3rd State Title of the meet.

WATCH THE YOUNG MAN RUN As we lined up in our lanes, Our team took lane 5 (“The Rabbit” lane) for earning the 2nd fastest time of the afternoon heats. However, Garfield was awarded lane 4 (“The Hunter’s” lane) for taking the fastest time.

The Garfield sprinters comprised an All-State lineup.

Junior Jay Lofton took 1st leg, Junior Jon Gary (recently crowned 100M and 200M State Champion) on 2nd leg, Senior Clyde Duncan (3rd place State 200M) on 3rd leg, and anchored by Mark Phillips (State record holder 300M IM Hurdles and 110M High Hurdles Champion).

On paper, they were invincible. However, we met Garfield in the April Highline Relay Invitationals, shocking them by being side by side at the finish, losing by only a step. This time they knew who we were and how fast we became.

I marked off my take-off steps in anticipation of Michael’s speed and baton pass. Prior to the gun sounding, I set up my stance and I looked over my left shoulder. Lane 5 is slightly ahead of lane 4. There was Jon Gary, the fastest high school track athlete in the state in the Hunter’s lane. I knew well that I did not have the matching speed, but, if he was going to beat my leg, he was going to earn it.

I WOKE UP LAST NIGHT TO THE SOUND OF THUNDER. HOW FAR OFF, I WONDERED The Garfield relay team destroyed the state record with an electronic time of 41.34 (besting the old mark by 0.4 secs.). For our efforts, we took second place only a few steps behind, earning a school record and the 3rd fastest time in Washington State history at 41.73.

Wilson High School took a distant 3rd place, half a second from our time.

Our team gathered at the finish line. Grouped together, we shared our disappointment and headed back to the stands to a jubilant coaching staff who were all smiles. Though we didn’t know it, we pushed another team to a record to that still stands 34 years later. We dressed in our uniform warm-ups to receive our awards. We stood one step below the champions.

Our faces solemn, it was hard to be happy though much was accomplished. A championship so close.

I FELT THE LIGHTNING AND WAITED ON THE THUNDER The gun blasted; Michael was a step ahead of the Garfield Senior. Once he reached my mark, I took off.

The author in a selfie taken May 22 this year.

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AIN’T IT FUNNY HOW THE NIGHT MOVES Mike and I drove to the hotel Norman’s father set up for the race-weekend. Hanging out for a moment, we asked Mr. Golla for two of his cigarettes. Mike and I headed to the parking lot to recap the race. As we sat smoking, we did not want to cry. This was Mike’s last race, but I sensed relief that his journey was complete.

I had one more year to try again. Mike’s work was done. No more hard intervals and track workouts. He knew he gave his best and he seemed proud knowing he left with a school record. I left him with a half hug and “Rocky-Apollo Creed” hand grip. I would be in his place next year.

I drove back home to make my first call to my girlfriend. Before I could utter a word, she said she saw the results on the local sports news. She was happy but knew I was disappointed. Her comfort over the phone

helped me cope. I needed her soft supporting voice.

WISH I DIDN’T KNOW NOW WHAT I DIDN’T KNOW THEN. THOSE DRIFTER’S DAYS ARE PAST ME NOW. My run tonight (34 years later) differed from the all-out speed of a 17-year-old. My evening ended into a heavy wind during the last loop. Storm clouds descending upon me filling the evening with darkness.

My night moves became difficult against the wind drenching me in rainwater in my already sweat-soaked attire. My sound track played Seger multiple times into a poetic moment of remembrance and reality. I still cherish that 1986 moment (maybe too much). In the end, I’M OLDER NOW BUT STILL RUNNING AGAINST THE WIND.

Thanks to Sprouts for supporting the 2019 Road Race Series and the 2020 Winter Off-Road Series.

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Race Calendar (From the MRTC website)

Date and Time: Saturday, September 5, 8 a.m.

Race name: Mutt Strut 5k Location: Rainbow Lake Pavilion, Overton Park

1914 Poplar Ave., Memphis Contact: TBA

Date & Time: Sunday, July 12, 7:00 a.m.

Race name: Virtual Road Race Series 1st 5K Information: https://rrs.raceroster.com/ Date & Time: Race name: Location: Contact:

Saturday, July 18, 7:00 a.m.

Pilgrimage MRTC Mug Mile Houston High School See ad on page 6.

Date and Time: Saturday, September 12

10 Miler start time: 8 a.m.

5k start time: 8:30 a.m.

Race name: Youth Villages 5k & 10 Miler Location: Marsh Center, 1000 Ridgeway Loop Rd. Memphis Contact: https://support.youthvillages.org

Date & Time: Sunday, July 26, 7:00 a.m.

Race name: Virtual Road Race Series 2nd 5K Information: https://rrs.raceroster.com/ Date & Time: Saturday, August 8 Race name: Celebrate Munford 5K Contact: TBA

Date and Time: Sunday, September 13 Race name: Virtual Road Race Series 1st 10k Information: https://rrs.raceroster.com/

Date & Time: Sunday, August 9, 7:00 a.m.

Race name: Virtual Road Race Series 1st 5-Miler Information: https://rrs.raceroster.com/

Date and Time: Saturday, September 19 Race name: Book It 5k Contact: TBA

Date and Time: Saturday, August 15 Race name: Elvis 5k Location: Graceland, Elvis Presley Blvd.

Information: memphisrunners.com

Answer to quiz on page 9:

Blue Ribbon Sports

Date and Time: Saturday, Aug 15, 9 a.m.

Race name: Miles for Melanoma Memphis 5k Location: Shelby Farms Park

6903 Great View Dr N, Memphis, TN Information: http://join.melanoma.org

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.

Date and Time: Saturday, August 22 Race name: Ed Murphey Classic Location: Christian Brothers High School

5900 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN Information: Ed Murphey Classic Website Date and Time: Sunday, August 23 Race name: Virtual Road Race Series 2nd 5 Miler Information: https://rrs.raceroster.com/ 21

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 or Kalmac220@gmail.com Angie McCoy, 901-233-0168 or 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 morning

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: Miles Durfey 901-387-7475

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 or shannon.chisenga@blkmenrun.com

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

22 REL-TN-P91348 RoadRunners.indd 1

6/9/09 2:06:05 PM

Wednesday morning Run: Southaven Striders Time: 6 a.m.

Place: Central Park in Southaven (Tchulahoma ent., east side of park) Distance: 3-5 miles (9- 12-minute miles) Contact: Kyle McCoy, 901-299-8630 or 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

Thursday afternoon

Run: Fleet Feet Time: 6 p.m.

Fleet Feet hosts individualized speedwork sessions including track and tempo workouts for runners who want to get a little quicker.

No fees.

Contact: Feb at 901-761-0078 or lovetorun@fleetfeetmemphis.com 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: Bartlett UMC Run: Breakaway Running Time: 6 p.m.

Breakaway’s Marathon and Place: Bartlett United Methodist Church, Half Marathon Training Group 5676 Stage Road; group meets in meets each Saturday morning the gym lobby through December to help Distance: Varies prepare our friends for the Contact: Sam Thompson, St. Jude Memphis Marathon.

901-386-2724 or Check website or Facebook page sthompson@bartlettumc.org for location and time. Join us!

901-722-8797 for more info.

Run: Bartlett Run Time: 6:30 p.m.

Run: Black Men Run Memphis Place: W.J. Freeman Park, Time: 6 a.m.

2629 Bartlett Blvd.

Place: Code Enforcement, Distance: 4-6 miles Farm Road at Mullins Station Contact: Paul “Spunky” Ireland Distance: Varies h. 901-388-5009 c. 901-826-7496 Contact: Shannon Chisenga, or paulireland@att.net 215-834-4687 or shannon.chisenga@blkmenrun.com

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: FIT4MOM Run Club Time and day of week: 8-week sessions.

Location: Shelby Farms Park Distance: All distances Contact: Amy Earnest memphis@fit4mom.com or visit www.memphis.fit4mom.com 23

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: 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

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