The Roadrunner - March 2018

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

March 2018 • Vol. 38, No. 2

STARTS MARCH 24

Whether you are training for a 5k, a marathon, or just want a group to run with.... we’ve got a place for you!

Monday Night Fun Run - 6pm Thursday Night Speedwork - 6pm Saturday Morning Long Run - 7am All runs are FREE, all paces welcome!

For more information, email: lovetorun@fleetfeetmemphis.com www.fleetfeetmemphis.com 4530 Poplar Ave, Suite 102, Memphis, TN 38117 2130 West Poplar Ave, Collierville, TN 38017 901.761.0078

THE ROADRUNNER

A publication of the Memphis Runners Track Club March 2018 Vol. 38, No. 2

On the cover

In This Issue From the Editor’s Desk

1

Message from the President (John Payne)

3

Nutrition on the Run (by Ashley Holloway)

5

Running on Empty (Cartoon)

6

MRTC Kids! is back (by Dayna Lytle)

7

A time to celebrate (by Brent Manley)

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A story about stories (by Rachel Ragan)

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My son, the teacher (by Rome Delasalas)

12

Tough, but glad I did it (by Dulcy Stout)

14

Shop local (by Bill Butler)

18

My sporting life (by Glen Stewart)

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It’s her job! (by Brent Manley)

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So young, so good (by Brent Manley)

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Running to lose (by Tiffany Lindfield)

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Can’t stop running (by Elizabeth Wilson)

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NSAIDs: Good? Or maybe not? (by Joel Lyons)

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Marathon results (compiled by Sherilyn Huey)

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Group runs

32

Race Calendar

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MRTC Kids! is back, starting March 24.

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Start2Finish Event Management

2

In His Steps 5K

4

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17

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19

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

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

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

Past President/Special Projects/Legal Matters George F. Higgs 901-528-1111 ghiggs@stonehiggsdrexler.com

Treasurer Brian Williams brianbwilliamsmrtc@gmail.com Secretary/ Club Photographer Jessica Suzore 901-409-9570 jessuzore@comcast.net

DIRECTORS Past President/ Roadrunner Editor Brent Manley 901-383-8782 brentmanley@yahoo.com

Volunteer Director Beverly Pickens 901-277-8950 pickensbg@aol.com Finish Line Director/ Equipment Lane Purser 901-483-8929 lpurser350@aol.com Timing/Results Rich Tutko 901-481-0498 rtutko@hotmail.com

Women Run/Walk Memphis Director Allison Andrassy Past President/ 901-409-6620 Special Projects/Photographer allison.mrtc@gmail.com John Bookas 901-488-2797 Director Jbookas@aol.com Kent Smith kent824@bellsouth.net Past President/ Course Measurement Director Rob Hunter Suzie Hicks-Hurt 901-246-1565 901-496-1377 robhunter33@comcast.net s_hickshurt@bellsouth.net

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 With confidence, you have won before you have started.

— Marcus Garvey

No doubts

I’m writing this on Super Bowl Sunday and thinking about all the players and coaches for the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles as they close in on the big moment. There are eight hours before kickoff. What are they thinking? Is anyone worried about screwing up?

Not coming through in the clutch? Making the gamedeciding catch? Or failing to do so? Does this have anything to do with runners? I believe it does.

Right now I’m recalling my thoughts in the days leading up to my first marathon, which happened in 1996. I had a few years of running under my belt, and I had learned enough to know that finishing a marathon is kind of a badge of honor among serious runners.

I’m not saying that you have to run 26.2 miles to be considered “serious” in your sport. There are lots of really good, “serious” runners who could complete multiple marathons if they had the time to train and/or the inclination to run that distance.

I don’t know if I thought of myself as serious at the point I decided to run the First Tennessee Marathon 22 years ago. All I remember is that I signed up to see if I could do it.

I did all of my training — following Jeff Galloway’s plan for a first-timer marathoner — by myself, running up and down Pleasant View Road, from Sycamore View to Covington Pike, in the summer heat for my long runs.

The week of the race, I was working in San Francisco and was given a day off on Saturday so I could get back to Memphis for the marathon. That whole week, the anxiety was building. I kept thinking, “What if I can’t do it?”

I had never done anything as challenging as running 26.2 miles, and I guess it was natural to

wonder if I had it in me to finish. Thinking rationally, however, eased the tension a bit.

I had signed up for the marathon to see if I could get the job done. So what if I fell short? It wasn’t my only shot. If I didn’t get to the finish line the first time, I could come back with better, smarter training to try again.

On a rainy, cold day in December, I started my first marathon in downtown Memphis and almost immediately knew that everything was going to be all right. I knew in the first 10 minutes that I was going to finish. It wasn’t a great finishing time — I covered the distance in 4:52 — but I did it. I’ve done it 57 times since then. I guess my pre-race doubts came mostly from not being aware that my training had been adequate.

In the seven or eight years that I have been coaching the beginners in our club’s Women Run/ Walk Memphis program, I have encountered many new runners who have doubts about whether they can make it through the “graduation” 5K at the end of the training period, which is basically eight weeks of running in heat and humidity.

In the process of helping these women get fit enough for the 5K, I spend a lot of time trying to help them with their confidence, making them believe they can cover the distance — running all the way if that’s a goal — one way or the other.

At the graduation 5K, I interview many of the women to see what they think about completing what is for many a first 3.1-mile run. More than a few tell me they were boosted by the encouragement of the volunteer coaches, who helped them dismiss the doubts and approach the run or walk knowing the outcome would be good.

This is a common refrain: “I couldn’t even run from one mailbox to the next — and I just ran a 5K!” It warms my heart to hear such a statement.” I know that person won’t ever be thinking, “What if I can’t?”

I kept thinking, “What if I can’t do it?”

1

2

A Message from the President John Payne I’m back this month. Thanks to Jessica Suzore for writing the column last month. I hope you have enjoyed hearing from other board members. There will be more in the future.

Well, the weather this winter has been a little crazy.

We have had snow and ice followed shortly after by some beautiful weather. The first Winter Off-Road Series race had to be postponed because of ice, and a week later when the rescheduled race took place, it was a beautiful sunny 60-degree day at Overton Park. I hope that as spring approaches we will get consistently good running weather, not too cold and not too warm.

I enjoyed seeing many of you at the Holiday Party.

It looked like everyone We are always had fun, and there was plenty of food and beer. looking for There was some good volunteers ... dancing, as well as some bad dancing (I’m guilty of that) and even a little karaoke (guilty of that as well) as the night went late. If you left early, you missed out. We sent out a survey and got back some good suggestions.

We will be working to implement some of them for next year’s party.

We are two races into the WORS. I hope everyone is enjoying the series. The weather has been nice for the 3K and the 5K, but the 5K sure was muddy. Let’s all hope that we get that same weather for the 8K and 10K, but as anyone who has run the WORS will tell you, I wouldn’t bet on that.

One new thing for this year: We will be running a new course for the 10K. Race Director Kevin Raney has been working on finding a course that would be a good mixture of trail and cross country and he has come up with a fantastic course. Also, we will be starting the 10K with a true cross-country start, all participants in a single line starting the race with a gun start. As in years past, we will be doing awards for the series the day of the 10K, so keep a close eye on the results throughout the series and notify us of any errors.

In addition to the WORS, we also have our MRTC Kids! program starting on March 24, 2017. Dayna Lytle

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and her team of volunteer coaches will be ready to help teach your kids proper running form, good nutrition, running etiquette as well as how to have fun while they participate in the sport we all love. The training will take place at the field below the Agricenter on March 24, 31, April 7 and 14, with the graduation races happening on April 22 on the track at Rhodes College.

Please visit our website (memphisrunners.com) for further details and to register for the program.

Spring, one of my favorite times of the year, will be here soon. It like it for running because the weather starts to get warmer and the days get longer. I struggle to get out and run when it’s cold and windy, so I really look forward to spring each year.

Spring is also a good time to get to one of the running stores in town and join a group run.

Breakaway and Fleet Feet have group runs several times a week. Running with a group is an excellent way to meet fellow runners and maybe even push yourself a bit. Whether you are looking for an easy group run or a good hard track work out, there is a group for everybody. Head over to memphisrunners. com and check out our group runs page to find the right group for you.

For those who haven’t seen it yet, we have put The Roadrunner online. Go to issuu.com and search for “The Roadrunner” and you will find our December issue as well as our January-February issue. Don’t worry, for those who like the physical copy, we aren’t taking that away from you. You can, however, opt out of the physical copy. Just email April Flanigan (aflanigan@memphisrunners.com) and ask her to put you on the opt-out list. We have had some people request this so we are happy to let you know we can offer that now.

As you know, the club stays busy, timing races almost every weekend. We are always looking for volunteers to come out and help out. At memphisrunners.com, go to the Volunteer section to find out more about how you can help. I hope to see you all out at a race, group run or volunteering for one of the many running-related events in the city.

4

Ashley Holloway, MS, RD, LDN Time for a gut check

and during your run is the way to go. No food equals no issues, right? It may temporarily stop the problem, but it doesn’t solve it. By learning how to properly train your gut to accept food and liquids before and during a run can improve your running performance without the fear of needing to make unwelcome pit stops.

The good news is that our gastrointestinal systems are fairly easy to train. Think about competitive eaters.

They eat enormous amounts of food in amazingly short amounts of time. World Champion eater Joey Chesnut consumed 40 and a half slices of pizza in only 10 minutes. And another competitive eating champ consumed 72 hot dogs in that same amount of time.

These two didn’t just go out on competition day and eat these massive amounts with no training. They had to spend a lot of time to train their stomachs to handle these crazy amounts.

Thankfully, as runners we don’t need to aspire to that level of gut training, but in order to be fueled properly for optimum performance without the risk of stomach upset or issues, some training is needed.

As runners, we train for our races. We run the hills.

We run in the cold. We run in the heat. We run the long miles. We run with the new shoes weeks before the big day. All the preparation is done with the goal of having a good race day. As runners, we do a great job of training our minds, muscles and lungs. Often, however, we fail to also train our guts.

It isn’t uncommon for me to hear runners say that they don’t eat before they run because they are afraid of getting diarrhea or of throwing up if they run with food in their stomach. These same people then struggle with the last miles of their long runs because they are running on fumes.

Stomach and gastrointestinal issues are pretty common. About 30-50% of endurance athletes (including up to 90% of distance runners) have had gastrointestinal issues during and after bouts of hard exercise. Gastric issues such as bloating, gas, side stitches, nausea, stomach cramps/pain, vomiting, diarrhea and the sudden urge to run to the nearest porta-potty are all things they fear.

These issues arise during long runs because blood flow to the gut is decreased for an extended period of time and is instead diverted to places where it is needed most, like your muscles and your cardiovascular system. The decreased blood flow, combined with dehydration, elevated body temperature and high levels of stress hormones can all cause your normal intestinal function to stop suddenly.

If you are a runner with a sensitive stomach, you may think that limiting your food and beverage intake before

Try of the following tips from fellow sports dietitian, Nancy Clark, RD, CSSD, that can help you exercise with digestive peace:

• Drink enough fluids. Dehydration triggers intestinal problems. Your goal is to drink enough to prevent 2% dehydration (sweat loss of 2 pounds per 100 pounds of body weight from pre- to post-exercise). If you are a “big guy” who sweats heavily, this can be a lot of fluid. For example, a 200-pound football player could easily lose 4 pounds (a half-gallon) of sweat in an hour of exercise. He needs to train his gut to handle fluid replacement during training. He could need as much as 12 to 16 ounces every 15 minutes during a two-hour practice.

• Feeling “full” and “bloated” during exercise indicates fluids (and foods) have not emptied from the stomach. This commonly happens during really hard exercise, when reduced blood flow to the stomach delays stomach emptying. Hot 5

weather and prolonged exercise in the heat can also reduce stomach emptying. You want to dilute highly concentrated carbs (i.e., gels), so be sure to drink enough water during exercise (16 ounces of water per 100-calorie gel). This will help speed up gastric emptying.

• “Real foods,” such as banana, raisins and cereal, have been shown to be as effective as commercial sport foods. Your body processes “real food” every day and has developed a good supply of transporters to deal with the carbohydrate you commonly eat. By experimenting and learning what works best for your body, you can fuel without anxiety about undesired pit stops.

• For exercise that lasts for up to two hours, research suggests about 60 grams (240 calories) of carbs per hour can empty from the small intestine and get into the blood stream. Hence, that’s a good target. For longer, slower, events, the body can use 90g (360 calories) of carbs per hour from multiple sources, as tolerated. Again, train your gut!

• If you plan to eat peanut butter on a bagel before you compete, you want to routinely eat that before important training sessions. This helps train your gut to accommodate fat (sustained energy) as well as carbs (quick energy).

• Once carbohydrate (such as sport drink, gel, banana or Gummi Bears) empties from the stomach, it enters the small intestine and is broken down into one of three simple sugars (glucose, fructose, galactose). These sugars need “taxi cabs” to get transported out of the intestine and into the blood stream.

• Too many gels or chomps without enough transporters can lead to diarrhea. By training with your race-day carbs, you can increase the number of transporters.

• If you typically eat a low-carb Paleo or keto-type diet and then on the day of, let’s say, a marathon, you decide to fuel with carb-rich gels and sports drinks, your body won’t have the capacity to optimally transport the sugar (carbs) out of your intestines and to your muscles. You could easily end up with diarrhea.

• When planning what to eat during extended exercise, choose from a variety of carbs with a variety of sugars (i.e., sport drink, gum drops and maple-sugar candy). This helps prevent the glucose transporters from getting saturated. Too much of one kind of sport food can easily create GI problems.

The bottom line:

• Train with relatively large volumes of fluid to get your stomach used to that volume.

• Routinely eat carbohydrate-based foods before training sessions to increase your body’s ability to absorb and use the fuel.

• During training, practice your race-day fueling.

Mimic what you might eat before the actual competitive event and tweak it until you find the right balance.

• If you are concerned about diarrhea, in addition to preventing dehydration, limit your fiber intake for a few days pre-event (fewer whole grains, fruits and veggies).

• Reducing your intake of onions, garlic, broccoli, apples and sorbitol might help reduce GI issues during exercise.

• Meet with a sports dietitian to help you create a fueling plan that promotes intestinal peace and better performance.

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IT’S TIME TO RUN! obstacle courses, practice running form, and play games. The kids will be divided into the following age groups:

Are you ready to get those KIDDOS OUTSIDE! I know we are sick of those cold Winter Temperatures. We are ready to TRAIN YOUR KIDS. Kids of all ages are encouraged to join MRTC Kids! run. Kids will have fun, be challenged, find new friends and get healthy! It is the perfect time

By Dayna Lytle to fit MRTC Kids Run into your Photo by Jessica Suzore routine.

I am the MRTC Kids! race director and mom of two highly energetic boys! Along with my team of highly qualified, creative, fun and kidfriendly coaches, I am ready to train your kids of all ages and ensure your whole family has a great running experience!

Age group Training distance 4 years and under 100 yards 5-6 years ¼ mile 7-8 years ½ mile 9-10 years 1 mile 11-13 year-olds 2 miles

Once again, we will have great coaches to help the kids achieve their goals while they have fun running.

We also will be teaching the kids about the importance of hydration, fueling, stretching, warming up, and cooling down. We will have treats for the kids along with weekly surprises.

The MRTC Kids! Spring Training will conclude with races and family fun on Sunday, April 22, at Rhodes College.

Another MRTC Kids! training program is scheduled for September, with the races set for the MRTC Quarterly Meeting in October.

More information will be available later this year at memphisrunners.com

Kids, join the fun and come run …

To register your kids for this wonderful training program and race, please go to www.memphisrunners. com. You can also register at the events.

If you are interested in coaching or helping out with the MRTC Kids! training sessions, please contact me at sunflday@me.com. No qualifications are required. You just need to be energetic and love to teach kids how to run.

Volunteering for MRTC Kids! is a great way to give back to MRTC. You will always receive rewarding smiles and leaps of joy from the kids as they finish their races!

The MRTC Kids! Spring Training program starts on March 24. We can’t guarantee the weather, but we can guarantee the kids will have fun! The parents usually have a good time, too!

MRTC Kids! Spring Training is scheduled for four Saturdays – March 24 and 31 and April 7 and 14 at the field south of the Agricenter and Showplace Arena on Germantown Parkway.

During the training sessions, the kids will run 7

A celebration of runners

By Brent Manley Photos by Jessica Suzore

Another successful E.J. Goldsmith Jr. Memorial Road Race Series concluded with the second half marathon in November. Roughly two months later, runners gathered at the Holiday Inn-Memphis on Central Avenue to celebrate the 10-race series and to see who came out on top — in the competition and in the annual awards for volunteers.

A pair of 26-year-old runners took the top spots in the male and female categories. James Maglasang, who won for the third straight year, did not make it to the party, but Aubrey Zimmerling, women’s winner for the first time, did. She was second to Jenny Vee Silk in last year’s women’s competition by just two minutes.

Originally from Denver CO, Zimmerling ran track and cross country in middle school and high school. She also ran for Claremont McKenna College, a Division III school in California.

Zimmerling moved to Memphis in July 2015.

She now teaches algebra at Freedom Preparatory Academy in Whitehaven and is on track to earn a master’s degree in instruction and curriculum for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies.

This year’s women’s winner credits the Pilgrimage Track Club for a lot of her development as a competitive runner. “They keep me on my toes,” she says “especially Joel Lyons and Kevin Jenkins.” Zimmerling says the 2017 women’s field “had a lot more depth,” a factor she appreciated. “It gets kind of lonely running around with only men. Some of the women are really fast. They gave me a run for my money.”

She also notes that Silk, last year’s winner, was out with an injury.

Getting better

This photo of James Maglasang, 2017 overall male winner in the RRS, was taken at last year’s party.

Aubrey Zimmerling, top female runner in the 2017 RRS.

Stephanie Baker, co-recipient of the Frank Horton Award.

Sid Hurt, co-recipient of the Frank Horton Award.

runners, respectively.

Dean, 62, has been a runner for eight years. The Munford resident ran her first 5K at the urging of her daughter, Dara Gonzales, director of the Munford Library at the time. The Munford 5K helps raise funds for the library.

“I didn’t really train,” says, Dean, who works at the

Any runner who finishes the series can be proud of the accomplishment. Each year, two are singled out for giving the season a strong effort to do better than they did the year before. Those runners are recognized for improving the most from one series to the next.

For 2017, the top two were Carrie Dean and Steve Madden, most improved among female and male 8

Naval Recruiting Command in Millington. “I just went out and ran the 5K. I liked it and I got hooked on running.”

The 2017 series was Dean’s sixth. She has earned Road Warrior status twice.

She returned to the series in 2017 after a layoff of about two years because of plantar fasciitis. “It’s been a very hard struggle,” she says.

In 2016, Dean’s logged a final series time of 10:18:21.

Her total for 2017 was 8:51:44, an improvement of 1:26:37. Stephanie Frey was Sara Estabrook and Tom Bandler could not Jessica Suzore, MRTC secretary next with an improvement of attend the Holiday Party to receive their Jack and club photographer, 2017 1:25:05, just a minute and 32 Rockett awards for excellence as volunteers and Gerald Holbrook Spirit Award seconds behind Dean. Djana winner. running performance.

Raney was third with an improvement of one hour, three seconds.

Appreciation In the men’s category, Madden went from 8:39:45 The Holiday Party is an occasion for recognizing in 2016 to 6:15:21 in 2017, an improvement of top running performances, but it is also a time to 2:24:24. Runner-up for most improved male was celebrate the role of the many volunteers who help Robert Green, who went from 8:41:09 to 6:37:21 make MRTC one of the top running clubs in the U.S. — a difference of 2:03:48. Third best male was Jeff Three awards are specifically for volunteers — Dillon, whose 2017 series time was 1:13:42 better the Frank Horton Award, for steadfast service as a than 2016. volunteer; the Jack Rockett Award, for excellence as a volunteer and performance as a runner, and the Gerald Madden, 49, started running after “always being Holbrook Spring of MRTC Award for commitment to on the sidelines” while his wife, Chandra, ran local the club as a volunteer. races. She ran in college and encouraged their son, The 2017 winners Sabehn, to run as well. In 2015, are as follows: Horton: Madden decided to give running a Sid Hurt and Stephanie try. He ran his first RRS in 2015.

Baker, two of MRTC’s “I did all 10 races,” he says. “I best volunteers; Rockett: didn’t want to miss any of them.”

Sara Estabrook and Tom Madden teaches special Bandler, who worked education in high school and together to convince the coaches football and cross country.

Road Runners Club of Originally from Little Rock AR, he America to designate has been in Memphis for 15 years.

Memphis officially as The 2017 RRS, he says, “was a runner-friendly city. the first full series giving it my all.”

The Spirit of MRTC Now a committed runner, Madden Award went to Jessica says his goal is to be able to keep Suzore, MRTC secretary up with his wife. “Chandra usually and a fixture at clubfinishes then comes back to help administered races as the me over the last couple of miles. club photographer.

I would like to finish at the same Romadel Delasalas, third-place Male Masters time as her, but I’ve got a long way finisher, with his son, Christian – a Road Warrior for 2017 (see article on page 12). to go.”

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Steve Madden, most improved male, with MRTC president John Payne.

Some of the 255 Road Warriors from the 2017 series.

Runners become dancers.

Carrie Dean, most improved female, with MRTC president John Payne.

MRTC board members Lane Purser, Rich Tutko and Steve Spakes. Purser and Spakes are past recipients of the Gerald Holbrook Spirit of MRTC Award.

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The Roadrunner turns 39

By Rachel Ragan

Did you know that this great magazine, which story have a touch of fun/humor started out as a newsletter, has been in existence since in it? (3) Did the story hold your June, 1979? It started out as a three-page 5.5" x 8.5" interest? (4) Do you think the pamphlet. When I moved to Memphis in 1987, the story is relevant to the readers of Roadrunner was then an 8" x 10" publication with some the Roadrunner? nice stories but not that many. The front and back cover My favorite thing about being were made out of a thick paper of a pastel color. The a judge is that it inspires and inside was a thinner white paper. Nothing was in color. motivates me while reading all Once a month, the board would gather at someone’s of these stories! The cold grey house and assemble the Roadrunner. Yes, it was done days always send me a subliminal by hand. It was like an assembly line. We also had to message. They say “Stay in the house! And eat!” So it sort out the finished product by zip codes; then some is such a bonus for me to read these stories and it helps lucky person got to make the trek to the downtown get me out that front door again! post office. This was always a terrible experience. No The number one story for 2017 was Brett one was ever nice there and, many times, it took two to Baddorf’s “The truly inside story of my Antarctic three hours. marathon.” This also happened to be my favorite pick, Finally, we began delivering our Roadrunner pages too. Anyone who can, first of all, run a marathon on to a local printing company. What a relief that was! a treadmill while living at the South Pole has my They did everything for us, including taking it to the admiration. Anyone who can live at the South Pole post office! A few and have seven years later, we were months with no getting slick covers sun has more of that were in color! We my admiration! were uptown! Now all When we have the pages are slick and a cold, grey, in color! Our editor damp day here in has overseen most of Memphis and I these transformations don’t want to do and works long hours my run, I think with no pay, but he of Brett and how does it because he he coped with loves MRTC and the it (except way Roadrunner. Now, much colder) for MRTC members have all those months. the option to read the Incredible!

Roadrunner online!

The second Save the trees! place winner The Story-Writing Brett Baddorf ’s account of running a marathon on a treadmill at the was “My Boston Contest started around South Pole was judged the best in the annual story writing contest. weekend – Part 2005 in hopes of 2” by Romadel encouraging MRTC members to contribute. The judges Dalasalas ... very heartwarming, and bringing a tear or for 2017 were Elizabeth Sumner, Robert Rayder, two (or three or more).

Charlie Ragan and me.

Third Place was by Mike Pavich ... “26.2 miles — We look for the following when reading your Did I just do that?”... an excellent piece! stories: (1) Was the story well organized? (2) Was it moving; did you feel inspired and/or motivated by For more on the 2017 Story-Writing contest, see what you read?; were you touched emotionally; did the page 31.

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MRTC road race series – a family affair

By Romadel Delasalas

The Sales Pitch

I’ve been a runner since I could walk. From sprinting to distance running, I always wanted to be fast.

The author, right, with his son Christian at the start of the second RRS half I’ve been somewhat successful in this Photo by Jessica Suzore. marathon. passion, which has also afforded me a Grace sat with me and explained that Christian healthy body, mental fortitude and sense of well-being. needed his own pace and to train at her level, not mine.

On the other hand, my son Christian is from the We had, after all, achieved the important first step by video game generation. He’s got great skills on a game getting him to agree to run. console or computer keyboard. Getting him on the road With a hands-off approach, he set off at a slower was going to be a challenge. pace with his mother and our Shitzu. He was moving, I asked him if he wanted to join me and his mother sweating and getting exercise. He wasn’t going my (Grace) for the series. He balked, of course, but it speed, but he was going. wasn’t a “no.” He made a face as if to say, “Ugh.” But I made a sales pitch to him.

The road races At age 22, he was still on my insurance. Participating My goal for the series was to defend my 2016 in an active, healthy lifestyle would reduce my insurance first for 45-49 age group. That meant training harder payments for him. When he got his own insurance, because competitors were upping their own games. healthy lifestyles would reduce his own payments. I also I did well in the first 5K, but in my cool-down back got him thinking about how many healthy ladies were at down the course to find Grace, I noticed Christian the events. walking and jogging. He was suffering in the 5K and That explanation got him moving towards doing it, I wasn’t helping by being a bit negative. but what really pushed him over the edge was parental I ran very well in the first 5-miler, but when I went guilt. Basically, I told him how much suffering his back out I again saw Christian walking. I met up with mother would go through and asked him if he could Grace farther back down the course and shared my help run with her. He finally relented. displeasure. My wise wife explained that if I made this more of a torture, he would never run again. Why don’t Training I run with him rather than with her?

I typically have 70- to 100-mile training weeks and I made it a point to devote each second race to him. never miss a day of running. Christian stopped running When the second 5-miler came, I went to the race in after high school. His yearly running mileage is in the shoes without the timing chip so I wouldn’t be tempted single digits. Getting him in shape was going to be a to race. I lined up to the 5-miler with Christian. rough.

12

I

felt I could coach him through it, maybe make him run faster. Estimating his ability through his age, I thought we could go at a 9- or 10-minute pace. We rolled through the first mile in a blistering 9:30, but he started huffing even though we were going downhill. “Uh oh,” I thought, “he doesn’t have the lungs or stride for this. I need to motivate him more.” Every uphill as he was suffering, I’d give him a cringe, the same kind of cringe my father would give me when I didn’t know long-nose pliers from a plier wrench. By the fourth mile, I was being more negative again by telling him to “suck it up.” He didn’t complain, but I could see him really trying and getting frustrated.

As the first 10K rolled around in September, I ran a fair race while he walked his. I would not run the second 10K because Grace and I would be in Nashville.

That opened the door for Christian to skip the race, but as we were about to leave for Nashville the day before the 10K, Christian said that he was going to run it. I was skeptical that he would actually wake up early and do it, but as I did my morning run in Nashville, I took a break to see the RRS results and check on rivals. To my surprise, Christian was listed as a finisher. He did it on his own.

I was beaming with pride.

When we got home, I told him how proud I was for him taking the initiative. He started asking me a few questions on how to run, and he said he was out to get the Road Warrior statue by completing all 10 races. I felt even better. To answer his questions about running form, I went to my coach’s forms class. It didn’t make him run faster, but it did help him run smoother.

As the 10-miler came around, I was in a heavy battle for the age group title with a friend. We were charging hard to the finish when I saw Christian strolling along at a jog. He waved to me with a polite, “Hey, Dad” smile as my face was in full grit and angst chasing down my rival. In that moment, I started to laugh going sub-6 to the line. Here I was taking this race so seriously while Christian was on the course enjoying the beauty of the park.

The second 10-miler was a humid as the first; I was still 10 seconds down from my rival, but I kept to my promise and ran with Christian. If this took him

an hour or three, I was going to shut up and enjoy the run with my son. We took off together. I ran, jogged and walked at his pace. I’d give him advice on his stride when he needed it and we rolled to Maroon 5, a band we both like, on my smartphone. We talked about school and his graphics and art work, how much he loved it and how well school was going. I have an accounting degree and MBA; my life is about calculation and numbers and the end result. I knew we had differences, but didn’t realize we shared the same determination when it came to our passions.

The “Beast” (nickname for RRS 10-miler), was reminding me of the beauty of my son. After mile 4, we’d see James Maglasang (2017 first overcall male) bolting by at a 5-minute pace. I got a bit antsy, but we took every hill and decline comfortably. I had to take the Mile 6 hill on my own to get personal jitters out.

I slowed and we took on the switchbacks together. I asked if he had enough to finish hard for the final halfmile. He brought us in at a full sprint. I was so proud.

My final competitive race for the RRS year came with the first half marathon. I had practiced the 13.1mile course three times the week leading into the race.

I knew every bit of the course, including every little lift and decline. I devised a strategy to beat my rival, who was only 4 seconds ahead. Being light (130 lbs.), I had an advantage.

From the gun, I wanted my competitor to see me run past him, I knew he’d chase. Every little climb, I’d push the pace. I didn’t really care if I burned out, I was going for it. By the 6.5-mile turnaround, I was still fresh. I set to a new goal of catching a 4-pack of runners.

Singleton Parkway can have terrible headwinds because there is no cover in many farmland spots. However, I had 4 moving trees ahead of me. I sat on their heels to the mile 10 bridge. I had energy reserves by not battling the wind thanks to the 4-pack.

When the incline of the bridge came, I surged my light frame over the bridge. I kept hearing their footsteps but never looked back.

The last mile was going to be the toughest. I patted Hotdog Man’s “Hit it Here Booster” sign and hammered Chapel Hill (I call it that because of the chapel across the street). I was at maximum, ready to die and quit. I kept thinking, “One more step!” and get over the crest. I went over and screamed to the finish still hearing the footsteps. When I turned around,

He brought us in at a full sprint. I was so proud.

(continued on page 16)

13

Enjoying the View

By Dulcy Stout

The author with her husband, transformed into eager Henry Cotter, at the Vietnam anticipation.

Mountain Marathon.

As time always does, it passed ever so quickly. Suddenly, it was time to embark on our journey to Sapa, a small town in northwest Vietnam. We arrived in Hanoi on Sept.

21, two days prior to the race. We boarded a bus at the airport for the five-hour drive to Sapa. About half way through the drive, we began to see them — the mountains. From the vantage point of the bus, the mountains were jaw-droppingly beautiful and somewhat mysterious. Very soon, I would get to witness the natural wonder of the mountains close up!

We spent our first day and a half in Sapa walking the streets and buying souvenirs. The hotel provided a buffet dinner the night before the race that included a carving station, lots of fruit and, of course, they had the runners’ best friends: pasta and pizza. We got to meet some of the other runners who traveled from several different countries, including a fellow American who was living and working in Hong Kong. We ate and then retired to our room to get ready for our big day. The race did not start until 7:30 a.m., so we did not have to get up at an obscenely early time.

We ate breakfast and boarded the bus with other runners for the 30-minute drive to the start. The start line was lively. There was music playing and

This is Part 1 of the story of two Memphians now living in Singapore and their adventure in the Vietnam Mountain Marathon last fall. Part two — Henry Cotter’s perspective — will appear in the April issue.

December 2016. I sit looking at my computer screen. The race will fill up fast. Should I do it? My friend said, “No problem for you. It will be easy.” Okay then, 42km it is. I can’t run up the slopes of Singapore, but mountains of Vietnam? No problem! One click of “Register now” and it is done. I am running the Vietnam Mountain Marathon on Sept. 23, 2017.

It’s nine months to race day. During that time, I got to explore Singapore’s trails on training runs with Henry and our local friends who were also going to VMM. I also had plenty of time to panic and wonder what the heck I signed myself up for. It did not help that when I told others I had signed up for the 42km, some looked at me with a facial expression of dread that communicated, “I hope you survive.” Others actually voiced their doubts, telling me how hard it was going to be.

I definitely had moments of self-doubt and thought about switching to the half marathon. But I talked myself through those moments and the part of me that wanted the adventure and that wanted to prove I could do this won. The anxiety and self-doubt I was feeling 14

announcers rousing up the crowd of 500 42km racers.

We found our place comfortably near the back and, after another 30 minutes of waiting, we were off!

The race started on the road that we had driven in on. Unfortunately, some of the buses that brought us there were still on the road. After dodging buses, exhaust fumes and motorbikes for about 2km, we turned off the road onto a muddy path.

After a very short distance, we came to an abrupt stop. There was a bottleneck as runners transitioned to a jungle trail. Soon it was our time to enter the jungle and we were immediately met with a muddy, downhill, single-track trail.

So it began! I don’t know how many times I slid, fell on my butt and stopped myself with my big toe jamming into my shoe. This big toe would be my nemesis during the second half of the race.

My recollection of the sequence of the race after this is spotty. Read my husband’s article for a wonderfully descriptive account of the race. I know at one point we were making our way along a narrow path through a rice paddy. This part of the race was on flat land. but there were big drop-offs to the side of the path.

I inadvertently stepped off the trail into a huge plot of mud and — you guessed it — lost my shoe, which is probably why I remember this moment so vividly.

Henry ever so carefully steadied himself and, with much effort, was able to free my shoe. It was the first

of many times he was my hero during this 12-hour, 57-minute ordeal . . . I mean, adventure.

We did not encounter much flat land after this point; we were either going up or down. VMM has an elevation gain of 2,000m (6,561feet) and a max altitude of 1,780m (5,839 feet). We started at the max elevation and worked our way down.

On our way to the halfway point, we traveled through villages of the Red Dao and Black Hmong minorities. The villagers were going about their daily lives: clearing the rice fields and tending to water buffalo.

There were many children outside, running and playing together.

A novel sight was a large pig lying on a porch where you would expect a dog to be. For the most part, the villagers did not take much notice of us. We quietly made our way along the footpaths in the villages.

We came to the halfway point, a small town where the half marathon started. I was a little surprised that I was feeling really good at this point and that our time was on track for our ideal finish of 10 to 11 hours.

Leaving the aid station, we once again found ourselves on an uphill slope. We were on a paved path

Soon it was our time to enter the jungle.

A view of Ban Quan Valley, part of the Vietnam Mountain Marathon course.

15

and passed through a few more villages. Before long we left the paved path and headed up a mountain on a dirt trail. The toughest part of VMM was definitely during the second half. Total elevation loss was 600m (1,968 feet). My feet were really starting to hurt and it felt like I had a blister on the bottom of my right foot. I didn’t want to stop to take off my shoe and sock because I didn’t think I would get back up.

Every time my big toe touched my shoe or I kicked a rock I felt intense pain. I know I sound like I am complaining. It’s because I am — and I was complaining on the mountains, too. It had gotten dark and we were somewhere on a mountain in the north of Vietnam. I was so ready to be done.

The highlight of VMM had to be the mountain scenery. Did I mention it was breathtaking? Wow! As we kept trekking along and the hours kept going by, I had to remind myself to look up and look around. The pain from the blister on the bottom of my foot and my throbbing big toe had me trapped in my own head, ruminating in negativity. I was able to get myself out of the funk occasionally to truly experience the moment I was in and bear witness to the natural wonder of the mountains. I am, however, disappointed that I allowed myself to be overcome too often and for too long with self-pity and that I voiced this pessimism to Henry. He met my pessimism with words of encouragement and told me I was doing great and I was going to finish. I truly would not have finished without him.

Hearing the music playing at the finish and seeing the other runners gathered around was a spirit-lifting moment. I crossed the finish line with the biggest smile I could produce at the time. Some of our friends were waiting on us; some had already left for the hotel. We

were the last of our group to finish. Our friends at the finish line were starting to worry. We didn’t make the 10-11 hour finish we were shooting for, but we did finish within the 15-hour time limit. I was happy for that.

This is certainly the toughest race I have finished to date. I’ve given my experience at the VMM a lot of thought. So often what we learn from running can be applied to our life as a whole. My epiphany can be summarized by the following life lesson: When in the midst of what I think to be an incredibly difficult, painful experience (physical or emotional), remember to look up, look around and appreciate the beauty that is surrounding me.

Marathon additions and corrections

Dennis Meeks of Memphis completed the Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon in Nashville TN on Nov. 19, 2017 with a time of 4:46:19 Ben Dixon of Eads TN completed the St. Jude Memphis Marathon on Dec. 2, 2017, in a time of 3:58:21. It was his first marathon.

Mark Dunavan of Marion AR ran the St. Jude Memphis Marathon in 2016 and 2017, recording finish times of 4:48:25 and 4:45:55, respectively.

Rebekah Winter of Memphis finished the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville AL Dec. 9, 2017, with a time of 3:43:44.

If your name is omitted from any list of marathon finishers in the Roadrunner or if any information published is incorrect, please contact the editor (brentmanley@yahoo.com) or Sherilyn Huey (sherilynhuey@gmail.com).

A family affair (continued from page 13)

I was in shock. There was no runner there. No one would cross the line again until 2 minutes after my finish. I had also put 5 minutes on my rival. I took the #1 rank for my age group and would garner the thirdplace Master’s trophy.

I headed back on to the course to find Christian.

Grace had already finished her six races to be a finisher. Christian needed the final two half marathons to earn the Road Warrior statue. I found him 2 miles back, going his pace. I didn’t push him; I just held a conversation with him. It would be the same leisurely run on the second half marathon. We’d go his pace and I’d cheer him and everyone else in the +15-minute pace group.

When Chapel Hill came, we hit Hotdog Man’s sign, jogged up the hill and crossed the line together.

Christian would be a Road Warrior, a distinction even I didn’t earn.

Learning from each other

I wanted to teach Christian the joy of running and how it’s impacted me and why it’s so important to have the drive to win. However, through learning from each other’s differences, he reminded me of the joy of living.

I’m reminded that the finish line doesn’t move. It will be there waiting for you. It just depends on when you want to get there. I hope to never finish teaching my son . . . or learning from him.

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Keep it at home

By Bill Butler As I have listened, moderated, and added my two cents to various conversations videotaped as part of the MPL’s “Video History of Memphis Running,” I am struck by the continuing expressions of gratitude from sundry runners of sundry eras. Most are thankful for the sheer exuberance of running, others for the community they have joined, still others for the longlasting personal friendships gained from years, decades of running. Recently, one admitted that without running, their life would have been bleak. Bleak! Can you imagine? Still several others offered examples of how much running changed their lives, and all for the better.

All for the better! Can you imagine?

For those who have been running or did run in the last four or five decades, just give pause to the names of iconic international- and national-class elite runners who have graced our streets: Frank Shorter, Gary Fanelli, Ed Murphy, John Campbell, Dave Wottle, Bill Rodgers and many others.

This past November, about 150 runners met Rodgers at the 44th Annual Overton Park Classic 5 Miler. Rodgers won Boston four times! That’s four times! He won the New York Marathon four times.

Yes, four times! He presented the awards, posed for snapshots, signed autographs, spoke, talked, conversed with whoever paused with him. He was personable and accessible. Only 150 of you came out for Memphis’ oldest footrace. Oh yeah, I know, there were other races that same weekend, blah, blah, blah. But this was an opportunity of a lifetime. Luckily, he will be back this year, 2018, on a different weekend in October, accompanied by Joan Benoit Samuelson, also of Boston and Olympic gold medal winner in the Women’s Marathon. They will once again participate in the Classic. Make your plans now to reserve that Saturday or Sunday, whatever day the powers that be ordain as the “best” date.

Give thanks for people such as Paul Sax and Mike Cody for continuing to bring these heroes and stars of American running history to Memphis.

In my recent research, I’ve noted the enormous downtick in local retail running stores’ business. Fleet

Feet, with its two locations, and Breakaway, with its two brick-and-mortar stores, watch in silence as e-commerce takes its toll on sales. Trade magazines are quick to point out that these local businesses are closing at the rate of 24% yearly. Big Box stores, warehouse stores, huge chains and even some of the venerable names in running gear accelerate the trend.

Those in the know realize the shoes offered at Walmart or DSW are not the same running shoe you will try on at a specialty store. Those big stores do not sponsor races, clinics, group runs, parties, water stations, movie nights.

They will not “fit” you in the best shoe for your feet, gait, needs, training, racing. They will not offer you a discount on those specialty shoes.

They will not be there to answer your questions about your training, ailments or gear. Unless you begin to buy locally, loyally, these local stores will vanish as easily as the national averages. Oh, I’ve seen and noted how runners, people, will advantage themselves of clinics, parties, group runs and never look at a pair of shoes locally. Their thinking is simple — go for the best price rather than the best shoe.

I’ve had conversations with some who aver that the model shoe they’ve worn for 10 years can be found only online. That is a fallacious argument. Any shoe can be ordered from a local store, brought in or, in some cases, drop-shipped directly to your door and still ordered from the local guy who has a family, kids and grandkids, all of whom shop locally, who are involved in this city and its suburbs.

If the roughly 4,000 members of the MRTC, all of whom receive a 10% discount on shoes from the local retailers, would buy their two pairs annually (that’s based on a national average) the retailers would be able to breath more easily. Additionally, if each runner out there who comes in contact with new runners, walkers,

... shop locally.

Spread the cheer.

18

cross fit devotees, etc., would recommend whichever local retailer they do business with to the newcomers, the markets would become more stable (not to say anyone locally is unstable).

I often fear we’ve been reduced to a crowd of bling addicts who choose quantity over quality. We are often decorated for participation rather than performance.

We expect the finisher medal, plus the tee shirt, tech quality, please, a band, a party, and fail to realize that not everyone is a winner of a race. Most are merely winners of their personal race. We fail to realize that there are always those who are not happy with what they receive, not realizing that hard work results in quality performances.

I know there are many who fight personal demons of various sorts just to run and finish an event. To them,

gratitude comes in better health and new friends, a welcoming community.

So to wrap this up, shop locally. Spread the cheer.

Hang up your cell and listen to the air, the chatter or enjoy the peace. See you in a local shop soon. Express your gratitude for your ability to run and have access to the wonderful owners and staff offered by our retailers.

Show that gratitude by buying locally. Happy Trails to you . . . until we meet again.

Time to renew your MRTC membership?

You can do it at www.memphisrunners.com

Runner wisdom

I think I get addicted to the feelings associated with the end of a long run. I love feeling empty, clean, worn out and sweat-purged.

I love that good ache of the muscles that have done me proud.

— Kristin Armstrong, author of “Mile Markers.”

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19

My wife Margaret and I have been members of MRTC since the mid-1980s. We bought our first running shoes from Freeman Marr when he owned a store on Highland. We’ve run more than 320 races in various states and countries. We trained hard and were rewarded with numerous trophies. Our success is due partly to training and also genetics.

I was born into an athletic family. My mother was in dancing shows for many years in New Jersey, and my father and grandfather were professional baseball players. My mother met my father when he was playing baseball for the Jersey City Giants, the New York Giants’ minor-league team. He later played for the Giants and Philadelphia Phillies. When he was in high school at Memphis Central, he and his two brothers made the All-Memphis baseball team. They are the only three brothers to ever achieve that honor.

My sporting life

By Glen Stewart

As a youngster, I played sports year-round, starting with summer baseball, then football, then basketball.

Our neighborhood group of kids played baseball every week at the old Lausanne School location at Union and Hollywood. Other times, we would play at the Fairgrounds fields or at Tobey Park. At Tobey Park after the Saturday games ended at 10 p.m., the umpire would let us keep the lights on, and the neighborhood kids would play a couple hours, then shut off the lights when we left. When I got older I started playing in some organized leagues. In the 10th grade I was on the Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church baseball team. Our coach was John Malmo, a well-known Memphis marketing executive. Also on that team was Pete Shearon, a fast runner then and former MRTC president.

My basketball career started much like my baseball career, playing games with the neighborhood kids. My brother Gary and I would mostly play on our cousin’s

The author, at right, with his wife, Margaret.

20

driveway court. Sometimes when it was cold we would go to Idlewild Presbyterian Church and play indoors.

Or we would go to the Fairgrounds Shelby County Building and play on one of their indoor courts. I would practice shooting whenever I could. My first organized team was at East High School, where I went from kindergarten through 12th grade. There was a Saturday league for seventh- and eighth-graders. Our team won the league title and we beat an all-star team.

The following year, I tried out for East’s ninthgrade team. Our coach was Frank Horton, who years later became a coach for many local runners. Later, I played for the Grace-St. Luke’s team, also coached

by John Malmo. Two of my teammates were Pete Shearon and Dimitri Taras, owner of Jim’s Place Grille. In my later years, I decided to enter the Senior Olympics basketball free-throw contest. I hadn’t played basketball in many years, so I knew I needed to practice. I went to the YMCA twice a week for two

months and shot free-throws. I would try to make 20 in a row and do it twice. One time I made 75 in a row.

I’d shoot about 200 free-throws each time. This helped me place first in the Memphis district games in 1998, 2001, and 2014. In 1998 I won the Tennessee state championship.

After graduating from college, I started working for the Federal Aviation Administration. One of my friends recruited me to play for his slow-pitch softball team, which was coached by Pat McCarver, brother of pro baseball player Tim McCarver. I had never played slow-pitch, so it was a new experience hitting a pitch thrown with a high arc. After a few years, we formed a slow-pitch softball team at the FAA and played together for 10 years. We were very good for a closed team (all players from the same company). In a four-year span against open teams, we won the Cotton Carnival tournament three times and finished second once. Even though we practiced every week, I would go to a batting cage and hit softballs. In order to be good I believe that you have to practice often no matter what activity it is. I played shortstop and was lead-off batter on the team.

Our team also went to the National Industrial [closed] Tournament five years in a row. One year we finished 17th out of 45 of the best industrial teams in the nation. Later, I played on other teams and ended my softball career having played 31 years. In 2002, I was inducted into the Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of Fame for slow-pitch softball, thus joining my father and uncle, who had been inducted in earlier years.

In 1982, I decided to run a two-mile course with Margaret, who already had been running for a couple years. I was surprised that I could not run the two miles without stopping (I had a side stitch). The more I ran the farther I could go before stopping.

I eventually ran the entire two miles nonstop. Then I decided to run a race.

My first race was the Oak Hall 3-miler around Audubon Park. We started running more miles and more races. After running three years, I decided to run my first marathon, the 1984 First Tennessee Marathon.

I read “Galloway’s Book of Running” and followed his training program. On every other weekend I ran long runs of 20, 22, 24, 26, and 27 miles. In the marathon, I had no idea what pace to run so I just ran whatever felt good. At mile 25.2 a volunteer said that I had one mile left to run in 7 minutes to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I pushed the pace and finished in time of

... I just ran whatever felt good.

21

3:09.52 — 8 seconds under the qualifying time of 3:10.

I ran the 1985 Boston Marathon in 3:14.43 and the 1990 Boston Marathon in 3:12.24.

In 1994 Margaret, decided she wanted to run the Boston Marathon, so we trained together, and I paced her in Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth MN. She ran a time of 3:51.25 and qualified for the Boston Marathon.

One of my most memorable runs was running the 1995 Boston Marathon with her. She requalified for Boston in 3:53.08 but decided that she was finished running marathons.

In 2014, in addition to entering the Senior Olympics basketball contest, I decided to run shorterlength running events because I had mostly run 5K races or longer distances. In one morning I ran the 400m (1:33.6), 800m (3:34), and 1500m (6:44) races and won first place in all three.

I started working for FedEx in 1987. Working for FedEx provided me the opportunity to run in the World Airline Road Race. This is a 5K and a 10K race for airline employees and is run in a different city around the world each year. There are usually about 1,200 runners representing 75 airlines. Some of the cities in which Margaret and I have run these races include Brussels, Belgium; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Sydney, Australia; Cancun, Mexico; Dublin, Ireland; Lucerne, Switzerland; Budapest, Hungary; Durban, South Africa; Singapore, Orlando, Chicago, San Francisco and Dallas.

In my spare time from playing all these sports, I managed to play golf a couple times a week. My first round of golf was at the Overton Park course. Now I play at Windyke Country Club and occasionally at Galloway and Audubon courses. My handicap is 10. Some of my golfing buddies include fellow runners — Lawson Thornton, Ron McCrary, Bill Butler and Rob Hunter.

Margaret and I have run in 28 states and 14 foreign countries. On one trip, we ran a race in Portland OR on Friday; Seattle WA on Saturday, Boise ID on the next Saturday and Missoula MT on Sunday. I have set six Tennessee state records, from 1 mile to the marathon, and Margaret has set three state records. Even though I don’t run as many miles as I used to, I still train hard and run 20 - 25 miles a week and have run over 43,500 miles. Two of my favorite races are the Corinth Coca-Cola Classic 10K. and the Elvis 5K. We ran the first Elvis race in 1983 when it was a 10K. We run with the Germantown Geezers and Gazelles (G&Gs) on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The Roadrunner has printed articles about other G&Gs — Vic Thayer, Gerald Holbrook, and Peter Law. We have many friends we met while running. I hope we can continue to run for many more years.

She starts her work day in the water

bike from her father, Dennis Mathews, and plunged right in, finishing third in the 20-24 age group. “I loved it,” she says. In that race, Mathews qualified for a national triathlon competition in Milwaukee, finishing ninth in her age group.

Late in 2013, Mathews came under the guidance of Jeff Fejfar, owner of Mid-South Multisport Endurance and one of Mathews’ biggest fans.

“She has an incredible engine inside her,” Fejfar says, “but she hadn’t done much running.” In 2016, he notes, Mathews won just about every non-drafting race she entered and was the top amateur female in all but two of her races. One of her wins was in an Aquabike (short swim, long bike ride) competition in Miami FL. “It’s been great to work with her,” Fejfar says.

“She has a lot of drive and the tenacity to keep moving forward.”

Mathews acknowledges that she is young to be a professional triathlete, but she knows there is a limit to any athlete’s peak years. She hopes to continue competing as a pro at least to her late 30s.

Mathews practices one or more of the triathlon disciplines two to four times a day, and she credits Fejfar for helping her avoid serious problems. “I’ve had a few little injuries,” she says, “but Jeff did a really good job of getting me to where I am now without overdoing anything. I have really improved on the bike.”

Mathews showed her running prowess by coming in first among females in the always-tough Navy Ten Nautical Miler last June. She covered the 11.58-mile course in 1:22:06.52. That’s a pace of 7:03 minutes per mile in grueling heat and humidity.

This month, Mathews will head to Campeche, Mexico, for an Ironman 70.3 triathlon and she will be competing in national and world championships.

In 2015, she competed in a world tournament in Chicago and came in second in the 2024 age group.

Although triathlon competition is work for Mathews, she doesn’t see it quite that way. “The different sports keep it interesting,” she says, “but it is a lot of hard work.”

By Brent Manley

Running in the Ironman 70.3 Texas in Galveston last April.

Most MRTC members are no doubt aware of the diversity of the runners who make up the fifth-largest running club in the U.S. There are doctors, lawyers, business executives. You name the occupation. MRTC likely has one or more.

That said, it should be a safe bet that MRTC member Laura Mathews is all by herself as a professional triathlete. “I do some babysitting on the side,” says the 24-year-old, “but triathlon is my full-time job.”

The Memphis native graduated from St. Mary’s Episcopal School in 2012 and spent a year at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh studying forensic science before returning to Memphis. A year later, she enrolled at Rice University in Houston TX and earned a degree in ecology and evolutionary biology in May 2017.

That was four months after she received a card from USA Triathlon entitling her to race for prize money. She had qualified for the card numerous times in 2016 but chose to compete as an amateur during that year.

Mathews started swimming at age 8, and was competing by age 13. Her first triathlon was the Memphis in May event in 2013. She borrowed a road

Finishing first among females in the 2017 Navy Ten Nautical Miler.

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Just 1 7, but she’s in charge

By Brent Manley

In today’s world, you difficulties. Sophia’s 5K is a have to be a certain age to do fundraiser for Best Buddies. some activities. Registering Sophia says some people have to vote, buying alcohol or the wrong view of those with cigarettes, driving a car are developmental issues. “Some some examples. see them as different,” she says, Fortunately, there is no “but they’re not different at all.” age restriction for taking Sophia has a one-on-one buddy on the responsibilities of names Nicholas. directing a road race.

She says the idea for the If there were such a limit, name of the race — a reference the Run the R-Word Out of to a derogatory word used to Town 5K would have missed describe those who benefit from out on a top-notch RD in the Best Buddies — came from person of 17-year-old Sophia Lynsie Bailey, current president Kchouk. of the Arlington Best Buddies The race is set for March chapter.

17 at Arlington High School, Once it was decided there where Sophia is a senior and would be a race, Sophia consulted earning rave reviews for how the organizer of Rylee’s Run, and she has managed to get the she visited with Wain Rubenstein, road race organized. the MRTC board member who Race Director Sophia Kchouk “She is on top of it,” helps get new races going. says April Flanigan, MRTC’s administrative secretary.

Sophia and her team of workers have come up with Flanigan deals with race directors practically every day, enough sponsors — Serra Chevrolet is leading the so she knows a gem when she sees one. way — to cover all costs for the race. Menchie’s, her Sophia has some experience with running, thanks in father’s store, is also a sponsor. Sophia smiles when she part to her father’s involvement with a fundraiser known says, “He had no other choice.” as Rylee’s Run. Chekib Kchouk, Sophia’s father, owns Chekib Kchouk proudly says he isn’t surprised at Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt store in Germantown. The store how well things have gone with Sophia in charge. “She is one of the sponsors of the 5K Sophia has organized. sets goals,” he says, “and she’s not going to stop until Because her father sponsored the Rylee’s Run 5K, she reaches them, and she’s a good planner.” Sophia Sophia took part in 2014. “There was a lot of walking understands that getting a new race started is not a piece involved,” she recalls. of cake, but she manages her time well, working on the Sophia was born in Memphis to parents who race even during school time. “When I get to my easy emigrated from Tunisia when they were in their 20s. classes,” she says, “I knock out some race stuff.” Asked The family now lives in Germantown. Sophia runs which classes are easy, Sophia says, “Contemporary recreationally and as fitness training for volleyball issues and etymology.” and tennis.

Sophia will enroll this fall at the St. Louis College At the end of the last school year at Arlington of Pharmacy. “I really like chemistry and math,” she High, Sophia was elected vice president of the says. “It helps people.”

Arlington chapter of Best Buddies, a non-profit Meanwhile, Sophia is making strong impressions organization that provides one-on-one friendships with her race director work. “She’s getting it done,” for people with intellectual and developmental says Flanigan, “and making it look easy.”

23

Running to lose

By Tiffany Lindfield

on your height, weight, activity level, medical conditions, age, etc.

With this number handy, you can make informed decisions regarding how much you should eat in a day.

A lot of new runners who start running are doing so for the purpose of weight loss.

What better way to lose weight than hitting the pavement running, right? Unfortunately, weight loss is more complicated than just adding exercise to the equation. So what is the weight loss equation?

Energy in minus (-) Energy Out = Weight lost or gained. This is a dynamic equation, too, meaning weight fluctuates, and losing weight isn’t simply about losing weight. If only it were that easy, right? It is also about maintaining the weight, which is where things tend to get stickier than a sticky bun.

Many runners quickly discover just how easy it is to eat the calories they ran off plus a few more because running makes you so darn hungry! Often, I see runners grab a beer or a hoagie — sometimes both — after a run. Let’s play with some numbers. A three-mile run at an average pace will burn roughly 300-450 calories depending on the person’s size. The larger a person is, the more calories he or she burns burn when active. On average, a glazed donut runs about 250 calories, a can of beer between 100-150 calories, 20 ounces Gatorade about 150 calories, and an average hoagie is roughly 460 calories. See where I am headed?

Lesson 2: Patience is a virtue; be virtuous.

When we lose weight quickly — or engage in intense calorie restriction — our bodies feel threatened. As the pounds shed, the body thinks that food is scarce and starvation imminent. To ensure survival, the body throws itself into conservation mode. Unfortunately, that is when metabolism takes a dreaded nose dive. At this point, some runners who initially saw drastic losses in their weight will begin to notice that they’ve reached a stagnation point and that the slightest slip-ups in routine (missing a run, a candy bar) will inevitably lead to weight gain. Further, in order to continue making any progress, they find that they have to keep increasing their activity levels while also continuing to lower food intake, which eventually reaches an insanity point. You can exercise only so much in a day while eating so little.

As much as you’d like to just get the weight off and move on with a Little Debbie cake in peace, you can’t. I know, the injustices life yields! The point is that the best weight loss plan happens slowly. You want to set a goal of losing about one or two pounds or 1% of your body weight per week. Losing weight slowly will ensure two things: 1). Your body will not feel threatened and drop your metabolism.

2). You can feel confident that it is fat you are losing rather than muscle mass. When we lose weight rapidly, we sometimes lose muscle mass. That is not a good

So, Lesson 1: Food matters, too.

You will need to create a calorie deficit for weight loss. To actually make running a weight-loss activity, you will have to rein in the number of calories you consume, in conjunction with putting in the necessary mileage. You want your equation to look like this: Less Energy in minus (-) More Energy Out = Weight Loss.

Note that I am not recommending the intensive restriction of calories. For starters, that tactic is not sustainable for the long term because the body simply cannot function without a steady balance of nutrients.

Furthermore, calorie deprivation wreaks havoc on your resting metabolism. Speak with a nutritionist to gain an understanding of your specific caloric needs based 24

idea because the leaner the body (more muscle mass) the higher your metabolism becomes because unlike fat, muscles — even at rest — are burning calories while fat just sloshes around. You can ensure a lean body by adding strength training to your weight-loss routine, alongside cardiovascular activity.

ramp up your running pace by engaging in interval/ speed work, you can burn up 485-515 calories if you’re running a 6-minute pace for 30 minutes. Wow! When it comes to caloric burn, there is no other physical activity that beats running.

Running is a great fitness activity for anyone looking to lose weight so long as, provided that person does not have a medical condition that makes running a potentially life-threatening pursuit. This is not to suggest that other activities are not great, too. They are and, honestly, I suggest that anyone looking to create wellness in his or her life find a variety of activities they enjoy. That said, the truth is clear: running is an amazing activity for burning calories.

So, let’s sum it up. If you are running to lose weight, great! But remember: (1). Caloric burn is not the whole picture. Food intake matters, too.

(2). Also, how fast you lose weight matters, patience being a true virtue in this case. It is better to lose weight slowly, which prevents weight regain from a dropping metabolism in response to rapid weight loss.

(3). Weight loss is best achieved and maintained by selecting activities and lifestyles that are sustainable over the long haul. Forget about quick fixes, fad diets and gimmicks.

(4). Finally, the kicker (a big one). Even if you don’t lose weight but eat healthy foods and exercise, you can be just as metabolically healthy and reap the same benefits of a healthy lifestyle as the next person, whether that next person is smaller than you or not.

When we exercise and eat healthy, real physiological changes occur from the insides of the smallest cells to our outer appearance. You don’t have to be a particular size to be healthy as long as you are living a healthy lifestyle. It’s unlikely that you would lose no weight after adopting a healthy lifestyle, but it is possible. In fact, some people, for professional reasons, intentionally overeat their exercise with healthy calories (not all calories are created equal) just to stay a bigger size. The point is weight is just not the whole story.

So, grab your shoes and run, run to lose or run to have fun or for both. Whatever lies ahead on your path, you are better for knowing the wellness journey.

Lesson 3: Think Long-term.

Think of the show ‘The Biggest Loser.” One contestant put it best when she said, “We don’t have reunions because everyone is fat again.” In the show, contestants were dropping major weight, making radical, almost unbelievable transformations, but the changes were short-lived. The reason is simple: They were doing things to lose weight that were not transferable to the long term.

If you are doing something to lose weight that you cannot see yourself doing for the long haul, you are setting yourself up for failure. Simply, if you don’t plan on running 40 miles a week, every week for a very long time, don’t do it specifically to lose weight. If you cannot imagine drinking wheatgrass smoothies for the rest of your life, don’t do it to lose weight. Rather, spend time creating a healthy food plate and pick a fitness routine that fits and can fit your life for the long haul, while remaining open to making changes as your body changes.

Avoid fast-track diet plans promising speedy results or any diet that promotes activities you do not actually enjoy doing. Folks, life is just too short.

Spend it doing the things you really like doing.

Back to the race track with shoes laced. How can running help with weight loss? Well, running is a super great way to burn calories in a short amount of time. Again, let’s play with some numbers provided by the Harvard School of Public Health: Walking for 30 minutes (17 min/mi) will burn 120-150 calories.

General swimming for the same length of time will yield 180-210 calories expended. Rollerblade skating for 30 minutes will burn roughly 210-240 calories, and biking at an average pace for 30 minutes will burn 240270 calories.

Can you guess what activity trumps all these? Yes! Running trumps all of these activities, plus skiing, soccer, tennis, and football by burning 300-330 calories during a 30-minute run at a 10-minute pace. If you

... spend time creating a healthy food plate ...

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 25

Isn’t it amazing how each of us can inspire others?

My initial streak started sometime in January 2015 and ended five months later. I started again on May 17, 2015 with a renewed commitment to keep this minimal running habit.

Now 1,000 days later, I am thrilled that I decided on this small daily goal.

I was a regular runner before I began my streak. In fact, the only change in my running has been converting my rest days to slow, onemile-run days. I’ve continued to run marathons and other races during by streak (four before my streak and two during my streak). I’ve also completed the Winter Off-Road Series and MRTC’s road race series.

The mile runs the day after some races are a slow challenge, but I think they help me recover more quickly.

I’m currently training for the Jackson Marathon, at which I’m hoping/ planning to qualify for Boston. Each one of these accomplishments still amazes this girl who couldn’t run a single mile not that long ago!

The question I’m most often asked about streaking and the one I most often ask myself is: “Why?” but a better question is: “Why not?” For me, it is a way to fight the laziness that tries to convince me that taking the day off isn’t a big deal. I know, however, that doing my run is a small building block to my best self. I’m partial to the daily benefits of running, but I think that any healthy streaking goal is a fantastic commitment.

I’ve lived in Memphis during my streak, so most of my runs have occurred around my neighborhood or on the Shelby Farms Greenline. I tracked my streak by using StreakTracker and Strides apps.

My husband, Sam, and I travel quite a bit for work and for pleasure, so I’ve had to coordinate my runs around flights and through jet lag.

Along the way, I have had a few adventures, and frequent needs to improvise.

Streaking during overseas travels does present challenges, but I managed to continue my streak during recent trips to Europe, Thailand and South Africa.

Honestly, the hardest part isn’t running in these other countries. It was running in the airports during layovers to make sure I got my mile in every day! Running during traveling is difficult, but by far the most challenging

Sticking to my plan

By Elizabeth Wilson On Feb. 9 this year, I ran one mile. For experienced runners, that is just the start of a run. For beginners, that is an accomplishment. For me, it was both. It was a simple one-mile run that was the culmination of running at least a mile every day for 1,000 days.

Don’t let that achievement fool you, I’m the laziest of all runners. I must have a training plan in place and a paid-for race to get me out the door. If I could somehow maintain my sanity and my weight, I’d find something else to do or nothing to do at all. Luckily for me, I must run. If I have learned through anything through the years, it is that the discipline of running is good for my mind, body and soul.

Like many runners, I’ve discovered that the hardest part of running is simply starting. I can come up with 101 excuses on why today or right now is a bad time to run. This is where the power of commitment to a daily streak pushes you to go. Once I’m dressed and out the door, the inertia has been overcome and the joy of running takes over.

I committed to streaking after reading an article (see the link below) about a man who had been running a mile every day since 1974. I initially thought that was an insane activity, but a week later when I was doing my goal planning for the year, I added streaking to the list.

26

days during this streak were the ones when I had to work 18-plus hours. Those miles were painfully slow.

I have also been forced to adapt in some situations, like the time I ran barefoot on a treadmill because I forgot my running shoes. I have done my one-miler run on the sidewalks at Laurelwood Shopping Center during ice days, and I got my mile in one time in a hotel corridor because it was pouring rain outside and there was no treadmill. I once logged my mile in a long travel skirt with my backpack and carryon during an airport layover. Luckily, lots of people run to their gates, so I didn’t get too many questioning looks.

I remember running my first continuous mile run when I was 25. I thought I was going to die. Luckily, my dad was a runner and marathoner, and he has encouraged me and guided me through those first years of running. The running community is full of encouragers and mentors; find one in among the members of MRTC

The author in Paris for her first marathon (2009).

With her husband, Sam, at Mile 18 of the 2017 St. Jude Marathon.

or join a group online (like Streak Runners International).

There is something special about runners and how we can celebrate and support each other.

I would be happy to answer anyone’s questions about streaking or running or whatever. You can write to me at Elizabeth@SouthernHomeBuyers.pro Here’s the link to the article that got me started on my streak. https://www.wsj.com/articles/these-streakersresolve-to-run-every-day-of-the-year-1419986806 Thanks for reading my story and celebrating with me. I hope that your next 1,000 days are full of awesome runs!

In extending her running streak to 1,000 days, Elizabeth Wilson ran in a variety of settings — not just near her home in Memphis. Check out these photos from venues where she logged a mile a day — and then some.

Halfway through the 2011 Chicago Marathon.

In running gear, atop Arthur’s Seat, a hill near Edinburgh, Scotland.

27

At the finish of the Malibu Marathon (2013).

The author, left, at the start of the 2017 St. Jude Marathon with running buddy Shelley Arnsman, about to do her first marathon.

By Joel Lyons, PT, OCS To use or not to use …

Anti-inflammatories, that is. This has been a controversial issue for many years, and we runners are right in the middle of it. I’ve had many conversations with patients, runners and concerned athletes about the correct use of these meds. Let me give you some insight and say right from the beginning that you should consult your physician for the final word on this subject.

First, inflammation is a protective attempt by your body to remove harmful stimuli and to initiate the healing process. It is critical to healing injuries and recovering from normal training bouts. It can occur from a sprained ankle, an overused muscle or a disease.

Inflammation is a process by which the body’s white blood cells and substances they produce protect us from infection of foreign organisms and from damaged cells that occur within a closed injury. Symptoms of inflammation include redness, swelling, heat in the area, pain, joint stiffness and loss of function. While inflammation is the culprit behind pain and swelling, without it, the recover process would be much slower.

Inflammation is an important step in the healing process, so you might appreciate how taking antiinflammatory medications after hard workouts may inhibit training adaptations. Two major categories of anti-inflammatory meds are steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Steroids like Prednisone and Methylprednisolone (Medrol dosepak) must be prescribed by a doctor. Most NSAIDs are available over the counter. Common NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen.

NSAIDs prevent the body from manufacturing prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances produced naturally by the body that act as mediators for a variety of physiologic functions, including protecting the stomach lining and regulating blood pressure. They also mediate pain and inflammation.

NSAIDs block all prostaglandins — those that cause pain as well as those that protect the stomach 28

lining. Therefore, taking NSAIDs can sometimes cause an upset stomach or gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The risk of stomach irritation or GI bleeding increases with long-term use of NSAID. They can also cause kidney problems in some people. The risk for stomach bleeding might increase in people who are also taking blood thinners or steroids or those who consume alcohol. All the pain relievers listed have also been shown to raise blood pressure in some people.

Nonprescription pain relievers aren’t identical.

All pose some risks, especially if, as commonly happens, people take too much or use them too often.

Researchers reported in the Journal of Rheumatology in 2005 that 25% of Americans who take over-the-counter pain relievers every day exceed the recommended dosage. It’s especially easy to overdose in winter because many cough and cold remedies also include pain relievers and fever reducers.

Below you’ll find additional details. Note that generic versions exist for many of the products. If you’re in doubt about what’s best for you, consult your doctor.

Aspirin (Anacin, Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin). Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) treats headaches and minor aches and pains, reduces fever and lessens inflammation.

With a doctor’s OK, some people use low-dose aspirin to prevent blood clots that can cause heart attacks and some strokes. But aspirin can cause heartburn, stomach pain and ulcers (an enteric coating can help prevent stomach damage). Because of a link to Reye’s syndrome, it’s not always safe for kids.

Naproxen (Aleve). Like aspirin, naproxen is very effective in reducing inflammation. Naproxen might have a slight edge over aspirin and ibuprofen: It’s usually taken every 8 to 12 hours instead of 4 to 6. On the other hand, naproxen and ibuprofen can interfere with low-dose aspirin therapy.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) Dosage differs: 200 milligrams of ibuprofen is equal to 650 mg of aspirin or acetaminophen. Ibuprofen can be helpful for treating

soft-tissue injuries such as strains and sprains, and it’s gentler on the stomach than aspirin.

Acetaminophen (Anacin Aspirin-Free, Tylenol).

Because acetaminophen has almost no adverse effects on the stomach, it’s a good option for people who suffer from acid reflux or ulcers. It might be safer than other pain relievers for children and people with bleeding disorders or those on blood thinners.

But acetaminophen does little or nothing to reduce inflammation, and taking even slightly more than the maximum recommended dose for a few days can be toxic. Combining acetaminophen with moderate to large amounts of alcohol can cause liver failure.

Symptoms include jaundice and nausea.

Does taking an NSAID really improve athletic performance? Does it prevent or reduce muscle soreness? So far, the research doesn’t support the use of NSAIDs for athletes in a lot of situations. Several studies have found little actual performance benefit of taking ibuprofen and warn that it may mask pain, which can lead to increased risk of injury.

One study concluded that taking 400 mg of ibuprofen four hours before exercise reduced the perception of muscle soreness but didn’t actually prevent muscle cell injury, which is indicated by creatine kinase, a protein found inside muscle cells that is released when they are injured.

Further studies have cautioned that the use of NSAIDs during ultra distance exercise, such as an Ironman Triathlon, is associated with an increased risk of exertional hyponatremia. Researchers believe that this effect is likely due to altered renal (kidney) function. The issues related to altered kidney function in athletes are not hard to imagine. Poor fluid transport and restriction can lead to dehydration, hyponatremia and at the extreme, kidney failure.

The most convincing real-life study may have been the one conducted during the running of the 100-mile Western States trail running race. Researcher David Neiman measured the influence of ibuprofen use during the grueling race by studying runners in three groups: a control group, a group taking 600 mg of ibuprofen one day before and on race day and a group taking 1200 mg of ibuprofen one day before and on race day.

across all groups.

• Race times did not differ among the groups.

• Ratings of perceived exertion did not differ between the groups.

So you might want to think about it this way: When you run, you actually create small micro-tears in the muscles with every step you take.

The faster or harder you run, the more forcefully you contract the muscles and the more damage you incur.

These micro-tears stimulate an inflammatory response, signaling the body to deliver resources such as blood, oxygen and nutrients to begin the healing process.

By taking anti-inflammatory drugs, you prevent the inflammation process from initiating the healing process.

This is not exactly ideal for runners, especially when in the middle of a marathon training schedule.

Other studies that show NSAIDs may not do a great job of decreasing inflammation but do block pain perception. However, the use of NSAIDs to mask pain from an injury may allow you to continue training in the short-term, but will ultimately lead to a more serious and longer-lasting injury down the road.

The question then becomes, when is it appropriate for a runner to take anti-inflammatory medication?

During the initial stage of an acute injury (such as a muscle strain, sudden bout of tendonitis or an ankle sprain) NSAIDs can actually facilitate healing. Some injuries result in excessive swelling that may actually injure healthy nearby tissue. The exact reason for the difference in healing properties between “normal” inflammation and excess inflammation are not clearly understood by scientists. Some research shows that during the first two to three days of an acute injury, NSAIDs can help heal injuries.

What does this mean?

If you have a sudden, acute running injury, taking ibuprofen or Advil in the first two to three days may be advised. After the two-to-three-day window, you should let your body’s own natural healing mechanisms take over or, as mentioned before, consult your doctor.

Sources: Rahnama N, Rahmani-Nia F, Ebrahim K. The isolated and combined effects of selected physical activity and ibuprofen on delayed-onset muscle soreness.

Journal of Sports Science. 2005 Aug; 23(8): 843-50.

Wharam PC, Speedy DB, Noakes TD, Thompson JM, Reid SA, Holtzhausen LM. NSAID use increases the risk of developing hyponatremia during an Ironman triathlon. Medicine and Science Sports and Exercise.

2006 Apr; 38(4): 618-22.

The study findings: • Both groups taking ibuprofen had higher plasma levels of markers (serum C-reactive protein, plasma cytokine, and macrophage inflammatory protein) for muscle damage.

• Reported delayed onset muscle soreness was the same across all groups.

• Serum creatine kinase levels were the same 29

MARATHON RESULTS

Christopher Jeanson Mary Whittington Terry Greer Noah Adams Sidney Hurt Debbie Wong Mark Blake Kevin Griffin Murray Scott Susie Scott John Whittington Justin Berthelot Roglly Centeno Heather SavageErickson Luke Tully Suzie Hurt Karen Mullis Richard Warren David Pickler Lisa Wong Tad Carroll Ashley Roper James Crittenden Brian Foster Sarah Edmiston Rick Edmiston John Perry Linnea McCann Savannah Wright Lauren Henderson Jennifer Adams Molly Adams Scott Adams Diana Borgmier Deborah Tanis Rebecca Boyd Felicia Covet Peay Kathryn Clark Patrick Sandefer James Vuncannon Kathleen Pickler Sack Quon

FOR MEMPHIS-AREA RUNNERS Compiled by Sherilyn Huey

Texas Marathon Kingwood, TX January 1, 2018 Gwendolyn Campbell Bartlett, TN Felicia Hartsfield Olive Branch, MS

6:06:14 6:53:30

Herb Parsons Trail Marathon Collierville, TN January 7, 2018 Charlie Lambrix Memphis, TN Chris McLelland Cordova, TN Ward Collier Germantown, TN Kevin Leathers Germantown, TN Tiffani Glass Dyersburg, TN Leslie Harwell Dyer, TN Kartin Hartwig Arlington, TN Amy Lahey Somerville, TN George Hernandez Germantown, TN Jonathan Martin Memphis, TN Julianne Purdy Germantown, TN Wilson Horrel Byhalia, MS Lisa Barker Bartlett, TN Allen Couch Hernando, MS

3:40:01 4:03:44 4:10:17 5:05:54 5:39:25 5:43:21 5:47:33 5:47:36 6:00:08 6:21:35 6:21:57 7:18:16 8:04:41 8:04:41

Disney World Marathon Orlando, FL January 7, 2018 Sarah Harris Bartlett, TN Nathan Musso Memphis, TN Anthony Moore Memphis, TN Kristen Smith Arlington, TN

Olive Branch, MS Oxford, MS Olive Branch, MS Collierville, TN Cordova, TN Arlington, TN Germantown, TN Southaven, MS Collierville, TN Collierville, TN Arlington, TN Memphis, TN Memphis, TN

5:23:15 5:46:24 5:50:22 6:06:18 6:18:36 6:21:50 6:25:13 6:27:03 6:27:46 6:27:46 6:30:29 6:31:39 6:31:40

Memphis, TN Collierville, TN Cordova, TN Bartlett, TN Bartlett, TN Collierville, TN Cordova, TN Collierville, TN Bartlett, TN Nesbit, MS Southaven, MS Horn Lake, MS Horn Lake, MS Memphis, TN Southaven, MS Olive Branch, MS Memphis, TN Collierville, TN Collierville, TN Collierville, TN Arlington, TN Arlington, TN Lakeland, TN Memphis, TN Memphis, TN Cordova, TN Bartlett, TN Germantown, TN Olive Branch, MS

6:38:21 6:40:27 6:45:09 6:45:09 6:49:57 6:56:42 6:57:32 6:58:30 7:16:08 7:20:30 7:26:25 7:26:25 7:26:25 7:26:25 7:28:16 7:29:31 7:31:44 7:32:18 7:32:18 7:32:20 7:41:07 7:47:35 7:47:35 7:59:40 8:04:09 8:06:28 8:07:33 8:09:03 8:13:01

Charleston Marathon Charleston, SC January 13, 2018 Hernan Garrido Oxford, MS

3:48:11 4:15:46 5:05:21 5:14:32

4:30:50

www.memphisrunners.com 30

Maui Oceanfront Marathon Lahaina, Maui, HI January 14, 2018 Tom Bandler Collierville, TN Sara Estabrook Germantown, TN Sarah Proctor Cook Germantown, TN Michelle Guzzo Bartlett, TN Mick Seys Cordova, TN Doug Cook Germantown, TN Benny Arogyaswamy Collierville, TN

5:08:25 5:08:26 5:05:53 5:28:12 5:28:25 5:34:15 6:02:43

Houston Marathon Houston, TX January 14, 2018 Anthony Lerma Collierville, TN David Brown Memphis, TN Edd Peyton Southaven, MS

5:23:38 5:52:43 6:08:30

First Light Marathon Mobile, AL January 14, 2018 Paul Cowgill Memphis, TN Jason Morgan Memphis, TN

3:25:31 5:56:56

Clearwater Marathon Clearwater, FL January 21, 2018 Lakeland, TN

5:33:32

Jere Yates

Mississippi Blues Marathon Jackson, MS January 27, 2018 Charlie Lambrix Memphis, TN Richard Raspet Oxford, MS Jan Hayes Germantown, TN Steve O’Looney Cordova, TN Matt Huey Olive Branch, MS Eric Lynn Memphis, TN Mike Craven Germantown, TN Charles Hurst Germantown, TN Rui Wang Oxford, MS Pramod Kumar Kizhakke Purayil Germantown, TN Ginny Bozeman Germantown, TN Kim Byler Oxford, MS Debra Mohn Memphis, TN Tari Harris Memphis, TN

David Lindsey Ashley Cook

Miami Marathon Miami, FL January 28, 2018 Memphis, TN Collierville, TN

The rest of the story

By Rachel Ragan

The three stories judged the best among those published in the Roadrunner in 2017 are listed on page 11. Here at the top 10 runners-up (in no particular order): “A day for adventure: frogs, roots and a race with Dad” by Brian Williams.

“You can’t keep a good man down” by Colleen Johnson.

“My Boston weekend — part 1” by Romadel Delasalas.

“My first marathon experience” by Matt Huey.

“My journey to the unknown” by Cory Adams.

“My big adventure, thanks to Wade” by Sharon Hailey.

“Ragnar ‘virgins’ and the Bourbon Chase”

by Anne Forbus.

“Passing the torch” by Cory Adams.

“A GIRL INTERRUPTED” by Monica Pavich.

“Fighting arthritis by moving forward” by Colleen Johnson.

“WAY DOWN UNDER: A report from the bottom of the world” by Brett Baddorf.

“A goal well worth the effort” by Earle Schwarz.

2:58:37 3:48:28 4:08:29 4:08:30 4:24:17 4:40:18 4:41:14 4:44:49 4:50:33

Would you like to be a judge for this year’s stories? Just shoot me an email: (Rara.rara@ comcast.net). The more judges the better! The only qualifications are that you are an MRTC member and that you read and judge the stories!

It’s good to read them all year long as each Roadrunner issue comes out but it’s better to judge them after the last issue.

Happy reading and writing!

4:52:29 5:05:14 5:31:44 6:50:47 6:50:54

Rachel Ragan Rara.rara@comcast.net

5:10:44 7:52:51 31

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: Salty Dogs of

Bardog Tavern

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

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.

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: Roland Woodson: roland@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

Thursday afternoon

Run: Cordova Early Birds Time: 5:30 a.m.

Place: Breakaway Running store on Germantown Parkway and St. Philip Church at Davies Plantation (alternating weeks) Distance: 5 miles Details: Meets year-round if road conditions permit Contact: cordovaearlybirds@gmail.com

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

Run: Fleet Feet Time: 6 p.m.

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

Place: Central Park in Southaven No fees.

(Tchulahoma ent., east side of park) Contact: Feb at 761-0078 or lovetorun@fleetfeetmemphis.com 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

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: Fleet Feet Time: 7 a.m.

Place: 4530 Poplar (Laurelwood Center) Fleet Feet hosts long runs on Saturday Run: Bartlett UMC mornings geared toward upcoming Time: 6 p.m. races. Many distance options are Place: Bartlett United Methodist Church, available.

5676 Stage Road; group meets in Call 761-0078 or email the gym lobby lovetorun@fleetfeetmemphis.com for more information.

Distance: Varies Contact: Sam Thompson, Run: Run & Play 901-386-2724 or Time and Place: meet the first Saturday sthompson@bartlettumc.org of the month at 9 a.m. at various locations in town (see website for Run: Bartlett Run each month’s location) Time: 6:30 p.m.

This group is geared for moms with Place: W.J. Freeman Park, strollers and/or toddlers.

2629 Bartlett Blvd.

For more information: Distance: 4-6 miles http://www.seemommyrun.com/tn/ Contact: Paul “Spunky” Ireland h. 901-388-5009 c. 901-826-7496 or paulireland@att.net

33

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.

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 at 651-1065 or Brandy Heckmann at 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 Saturday mornings 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, Feb. 17, 9 a.m.

Race name: Brad Baker Race for Sight Location: Shelby Farms Park Contact: www.racesonline.com

Date & Time: Saturday, March 31, 9 a.m.

Race name: Bunny Run 5K Location: Independent Presbyterian Church

4738 Walnut Grove Road Contact: www.racesonline.com

Date & Time: Sunday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m.

Race name: Winter Off-Road Series 8+K Location: Nesbit Park (Stanky Creek) Contact: www.memphisrunners.com

Date & Time: Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m.

Race name: Grizz Fit 5K Location: FedEx Forum, 191 Beale Street Contact: www.racesonline.com

Date & Time: Saturday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m.

Race name: Frosty 5K Location: Overton Park Contact: www.racesonline.com

Date & Time: Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m.

Race name: Margie McDowell 5K Location: Bellevue Junior High School

575 S. Bellevue Contact: www.raceonline.com

Date & Time: Sunday, Feb. 25, 2 p.m.

Race name: Winter Off-Road Series 10K Location: Shelby Farms Park Contact: www.memphisrunners.com

Date & Time: Sunday, April 15, 2 p.m.

Race name: Earth Day 5K Location: Shelby Farms Park Contact: www.racesonline.com

Date & Time: Saturday, March 3, 8:30 a.m.

Race name: Love Well 5K Location: Semmes Murphey Clinic

6325 Humphreys Blvd.

Contact: See ad on page 17.

Date & Time: Saturday, April 21, 8:15 a.m.

Race name: Youth Villages 5K Location: Ridgeway Loop Contact: www.racesonline.com

Date & Time: Sunday, March 11, 7:30 a.m.

Race name: Germantown Half Marathon/

Mayor’s Cup 5K Location: Germantown Athletic Club

1801 Exeter, Germantown Contact: www.racesonline.com

Date & Time: Saturday, April 21, 8:15 a.m.

Race name: Youth Villages 10-Miler Location: Ridgeway Loop Contact: www.racesonline.com Date & Time: Sunday, April 22, 2 p.m.

Race name: Spring Mile/MRTC Kids!

Location: Rhodes College Contact: www.memphisrunner.com

Date & Time: Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m.

Race name: Run the R-Word Out of Town 5K Location: Arlington High School

5475 Airline Road, Arlington Contact: See ad on facing page.

Date & Time: Saturday, April 28, 8 a.m.

Race name: Bad Dog McCormack 5K Location: Overton Square Contact: www.racesonline.com

Date & Time: Saturday, March 24, 8 a.m.

Race name: In His Steps 5K Location: Christ United Methodist Church

4488 Poplar Contact: www.racesonline.com 34

Date & Time: Sunday, April 29, 2 p.m.

Race name: Catholic Education 5K Location: Memphis Catholic High School

61 N. McLean Contact: www.racesonline.com

35

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

Non-Profit Org U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

MEMPHIS, TN Permit No. 960