The Roadrunner - March 2019

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

March 2019 • Vol. 39, No. 2

Training starts March 23

THE ROADRUNNER

A publication of the Memphis Runners Track Club March 2019 Vol. 39, No. 2

In This Issue From the Editor’s Desk

1

Message from the President (by John Payne)

3

Nutrition on the Run (by Ashley Holloway)

4

Cover story: Starting them young (by Dayna Lytle)

6

Triumphant return (by Rob Rayder)

8

Ahoy! Get ready to run the Navy way (by Amanda Moreno)

13

Break’s over - Let’s run! (by Becky Heineke)

16

50 states: Got ’em covered (by Scott Dawson)

19

Scott McNeil - a runner with a different view (by Brent Manley) 22 New Year’s Day means running in Germantown

26

Motherhood and running (by Brandy Sciara)

28

What runners need to know (by Joel Lyons)

30

Sandra Shook Haney Sperry obituary

37

Marathon Results (compiled by Millie Jackson)

38

Group runs

40

Race Calendar

42

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On the cover MRTC Kids! is back training starts March 23

2

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14

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24

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25

Nationwide 29 Blair Parker Design

31

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32

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Fast and Furriest 5K

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

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

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MRTC Board of Directors 2018-2019 OFFICERS President/ Special Projects/Results John Payne 901-494-8266 johncharlespayne@comcast.net

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

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

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

Treasurer Lorrie Williams brianbwilliamsmrtc@gmail.com

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

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

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

From the Editor’s Desk Brent Manley Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts

— Winston Churchill

Anticipation

One of the best aspects of running, especially in Memphis, is the anticipation of what lies ahead in the New Year. Thanks to the stewardship of the MRTC board, many races are on the schedule for 2019, all the way to the end of the year. If you are so inclined, you could compete in some race in the Memphis area just about every weekend. Any time MRTC is involved with a race, you can count on a professional effort by the club and a good experience for yourself.

Probably the best known and most popular event put on by the club is the annual E.J. Goldsmith Jr. Memorial Road Race Series, which runs from July through mid-November. It is arguably the best deal in running just about anywhere in the U.S. I don’t participate in the series as much as I once did, but I still look forward to it with hopes that I might run better in my next chance than recent history would suggest. It’s worth the effort to try.

For me, the top attraction is the annual Women Run/Walk Memphis program. I’m pretty sure that this year will mark my 10th as a coach in the beginner group. I consider the hours I have spent with the new runners the best use of my time since I started driving out to Shelby Farms Park every Monday from early July to the first part of September.

One of the things I love about the time I spend with the new runners is the chance to give confidence to a woman trying to make a change in her life but troubled by doubts about whether she can cover the distance of the “graduation” 5K after eight weeks of training.

The icing on the cake for me is attending the graduation 5K with my camera and notebook and spending time with the 5K finishers, including some I predicted would shine in the 5K despite the conditions (usually hot and humid).

1

Over the years, I have talked to hundreds of women who surprised themselves with some good finish times in the 5K. Others have expressed simple joy at doing something they once considered impossible.

It is not unusual for me to hear from a new runner that “when I started, I couldn’t run a block – and I just ran a 5K!” One year, I met an attractive young woman who joined the program to improve her fitness and to become a runner. She had some work to do, but she was determined. As I ran with her now and then during the practices, I learned that her goal for the 5K was to complete it that September without walking even one step.

On “graduation” day, I saw her just before the start and wished her luck. In those days, runners started on Goodlett and ran north to Southern, taking a right toward Perkins for another right, followed by yet another onto Park before a third right back to Goodlett, where the finish line was located.

Back then, the race was timed using the card system and I was at the end of the finish chute handing out cards. At one point I looked up and saw my determined friend just a few feet away. She spotted me and, smiling as brightly as anyone I’ve ever seen, shouted, “I did it!” I knew she meant that she had run the 5K without walking.

I was so proud of her that it was hard to conceal my emotional reaction. I have never forgotten that event and I think of it on especially hot WRWM training days. I’m not well-schooled as a running coach – there are many beginner coaches with more experience and skill than I have – but I do know the value of encouragement. If we can convince the beginners that their goals are not impossible, we will have given them a gift – running – that can last for a long time.

I’m not a very good runner, but I consider that taking up the sport is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I try to pass that feeling along whenever I can.

2

A Message from the President

By John Payne a program like this doesn’t run without dedicated volunteers, and as it grows we need more and more coaches. If you would like to be a coach, head over to memphisrunners.com and find the MRTC Kids! section, where you will find coach registration. Just sign up to be one of our great MRTC Kids! coaches. Huge thanks to Dayna for all her hard work. We are looking forward to another excellent spring session.

In new exciting news, we have moved to a new membership registration platform. We have moved our membership to RunSignUp. If your membership isn’t up for renewal right now, there isn’t anything you need to do currently. We have moved all the memberships over with your current information. When your membership is up for renewal, you will receive an email with instructions on how to claim your membership in the new platform as well as make sure your information is correct. The new platform will allow our administrative secretary, April Flanigan, to manage membership more effectively and efficiently, as well as allow members to log in to their own accounts to find things like their membership numbers, expiration dates, and manage their family accounts. The minor inconvenience of this change will give us a system that is better for everyone.

By the time you read this, we will have had a Holiday Party. I hope you were able to make it to the event. It is always a fun time with awards, dinner and dancing (some of it good and some of it bad). I hope everyone is having a good winter and looking forward to the spring. As always, in addition to these events there are a lot of other races and there are running groups almost every day of the week. You can find all of these races and running groups at our website (memphisrunners.com) as well as in the last few pages of this magazine. Feel free to email me with any concerns/suggestions you might have at johncharlespayne@gmail.com. Hope to see you all out at an upcoming race, running or volunteering or maybe even both.

I hope that when you are reading this, the weather will have warmed up at least a little, but that’s not likely. As I write this, it looks like lows in the 20s for a week or more, and that doesn’t sound like fun to me. As you all know, I don’t like cold weather, but I know most runners do so I am sure there were a lot of people who enjoyed our Winter Off- Road Series 5K with a nice, sunny but very cold day.

The WORS is two races in and so far it has been great. Kevin Raney has done an excellent job in his last year as race director with our third-largest series ever.

He came up with a new course for the 5K, which got changed at the last minute due to the Wolf River rising.

I hope everyone enjoyed the new venue even with the last-minute course change. We have the 8K and 10K left in the series at the same locations as last year.

New this year, if you haven’t heard, is that the awards ceremony and after party will be the week following the 10K at Crosstown Brewery at 5 p.m. We will have a band playing and announcements of all the series awards, so come out and enjoy a late Sunday afternoon with your friends.

Also, considering that Kevin was RD for the last time this year, be sure to thank him for all his hard work and tell Steve Spakes thanks for taking over the series in 2020. It’s a lot of work to be the RD of a series like this and we really appreciate all the long hours Kevin put in.

Spring will be here before we know it, and with spring comes MRTC Kids! Dayna Lytle has done a fine job with the program this year and I know the spring session will be another success. Last spring was our biggest ever and we are looking to grow that even more. The spring session starts March 23 in the open field south of the Showcase Arena at the Agricenter and also meets March 30, April 6, April 13. The graduation is at Rhodes College on Sunday, April 28, two weeks after the last training session. So if you want your kids to find out more about the sport we all love, sign them up for the MRTC Kids! program. As you can imagine, 3

Ashley Holloway

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

Too Much of a Good Thing?

Paleo, keto, low carb, clean eating, gluten free, organic, and now the pegan diet? If you haven’t heard of the pegan diet yet, you will. It is a cross between the paleo and a vegan diet.

It seems that a new diet, a new fad, a new way of eating comes along almost every day. It’s a huge money-making and money-taking business. But can trying to eat too healthy be a problem?

Having a healthy, well-balanced diet is important, but like any behavior, too much of a good thing may actually have negative and unintended consequences.

Being too preoccupied with healthy eating can lead to a form of dysfunctional eating called orthorexia nervosa.

In simple terms, it is a fixation on right or healthy eating. People with orthorexia may use the words “pure” or “correct” to describe their food choices.

This type of dysfunctional eating is on the rise, with exercisers being at greater risk with outcomes that can be detrimental.

People with orthorexia start out with a desire to improve their nutrition and performance. They are overly attentive to food and how it affects their bodies. Over time, however, it evolves into a good vs. bad food approach to eating. Orthorexia nervosa does share some characteristics seen with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anorexia nervosa, and/or addiction.

Working to make more nutritious choices is not a bad thing. Healthy eating is an important goal for

runners. The problem is when healthy eating intentions lead to elimination of too many foods or food groups and results in nutrient deficiencies, compromised immune function, decreased athletic performance and poor health.

One important distinction between healthy eating and orthorexia is its impact on one’s social life. It’s the person who begins to isolate himself to avoid situations where food is present and/or when having to make food choices is problematic. It is when time spent thinking about food, planning meals, finding acceptable foods and scrutinizing food labels increases. People with this type of dysfunctional eating judge their eating habits harshly and have tremendous guilt and shame related to their food choices, and their self-esteem declines.

When food choices frequently dictate a person’s feelings or mood, it is time for them to seek help.

It is important to note that following a vegetarian or vegan diet or choosing to eliminate foods because of allergy or sensitivity does not mean someone has orthorexia.

Runners are able to fuel adequately within a wide range of eating styles.

All eating styles should meet a body’s requirements for all essential nutrients. Any unbalanced eating style, regardless of beliefs, can have consequences.

Orthorexia is a concern because of its impact on day-to-day quality of life and overall nutritional status.

Runners with orthorexia may lose the joy that running or other sport participation once offered and may 4

experience variable training outcomes, hindered athletic performance and less focus on performance goals.

necessary for good exercise performance and overall health.

• If you fear losing control over your diet and/ or changing your food beliefs, this is a good indication that you should seek out both support and professional health.

Could you be at risk for orthorexia nervosa? Ask yourself the following questions. Answering yes to several of these may be an indication of a problem or a risk of developing an eating-related problem.

• Do you avoid eating with family, friends, or in social situations?

• Do you refuse to eat certain foods because they are not pure or clean?

• Do you reject foods you once loved to eat?

• Do you feel anxious about food you did not prepare yourself?

• Do you try to think of ways a food could be considered unhealthy?

• Do you feel guilty if you stray from your particular diet?

• Do you wish you could just eat and not worry about it?

• Do you feel in control when you stick to your eating plan?

• Can eating one “wrong” food ruin your day?

• Do you exercise more or restrict your food intake when you feel you’ve had a “bad” food day or made a “wrong” food choice?

• Do you take pride in eating healthier than other people?

• Do you judge people on the food they eat?

• Do you dream about eating “bad” or “disallowed” foods?

• Do you think about food all of the time, so much so that it distracts you or divides your attention?

What if I no longer know what it means to eat healthy?

• Work with a Registered Dietitian to develop a well-designed eating plan. A Registered Dietitian can help you truly sort fact from fiction and can help dispel many “bad” food-related myths.

• View eating as fuel for your performance and your day.

• Apply the time-tested strategies of sports nutrition: Consume a balanced diet throughout the day; apply fueling strategies before, during and after exercise – and hydrate!

• Rest, recover, repeat.

If you are worried about someone, talk with him or her and share your concerns. Stick to the facts, give examples, and suggest talking to a therapist and/ or Registered Dietitian with experience in eating disorders. While individuals with orthorexia may know a great deal about nutrition and food, they are often making food choices based on incorrect or misleading information. Working with experienced professionals will help them sort out fact from fiction.

If a person is afraid to make an appointment, offer to accompany him or her to the first meeting. This will help your friend keep the appointment and show that you care. Runners and other athletes often feel a great deal of pressure to perform well. Approval from coaches, trainers, family members and fellow runners carries a lot of power.

Sometimes, athletes looking for an untapped performance boost will turn to nutrition. However, performance is a recipe of many different variables.

Nutrition is just one. Food preoccupations force athletes to choose food over their sport. Orthorexia is more about the individual’s feelings of self-esteem and other underlying conditions than it is about food and nutrition.

What if you answered yes to many of these questions?

• Good job for being honest! Acknowledging that food preoccupation is getting in the way is the first step.

• You can do this. It is going to take a little time.

But just like any other dysfunctional eating pattern, it’s not going to fix itself or simply disappear.

• Emotional issues are the underpinning of this disorder. Addressing those will make you a happier, more successful and healthier person.

• Start small. Pick one or two foods you previously enjoyed and begin to incorporate them back into your diet.

• When the self-judgment starts, take a deep breath and tell yourself that a diet full of variety is

If you are considering trying out the latest nutrition tips, diet or plan, please do speak to a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist who can help separate fact from fiction and can help guide you in making the best nutrition choices for your unique self.

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GET READY, GET SET ...

What: MRTC Kids!

When: 3/23/2019 11:00 am Where: Showplace Arena at the Agricenter, Memphis, TN

LET’S GO!!!

By Head Coach Dayna Lytle The MRTC Kids! Run program focuses on children in the community and teaches them a sport we all love – running! Training is based on the children’s ages and abilities. In the training program, the kids learn to maintain proper form when running and how to complete their assigned distances.

MRTC Kids! Run centers on four (4) core values: NAPS 1) Nutrition

2) Activity

3) Perseverance

4) Self-esteem Some of the many coaches in the MRTC Kids! program.

MRTC Kids! Run uses RRCA’s Kids Run the Nation Program Guide. Children are taught Training culminates in their own KIDS-only race. that proper nutrition and hydration are important in They will get to participate in their race, receive medals daily actions. In addition, our coaches give instruction for a job well done, and eat a great meal by the famous on how to run safely, the importance of a warm up and MRTC cookers. cool down, stretching, running etiquette, and how to The one-hour training programs are held on have fun while you exercise.

Saturdays in the Spring at the field south of the 6

Running is fun! Just ask MRTC Kids!

Agricenter on Germantown Road.

Registration for the races begins at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2019 (Races will start at 2:30 p.m.) at Rhodes College, 2000 North Parkway, Memphis, TN. The kids will be grouped into appropriate ages and skill levels. We will have skilled coaches for each group.

DISTANCES BY AGE 4 & Under 100 yard dash 5-6 year-olds ¼ mile 7-8 year-olds ½ mile 9-10 year-olds 1 mile 11-13 year-olds 2 miles

TRAINING SESSIONS 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the open field south of the Showplace Arena at the Agricenter • Saturday, March 23, 2019 • Saturday, March 30, 2019 • Saturday, April 6, 2019 • Saturday, April 13, 2019

ENTRY FEE • $25 per child – includes the four training sessions and the Race Day

THE RACES Please note that the final race is delayed by one week due to Easter.

• 2:30 p.m. at the Rhodes College track • Sunday, April 28, 2019 • Includes refreshments, award, finisher’s gift

PLEASE NOTE Awards and finisher’s gifts must be picked up race day. Training goodies must be picked up on the day distributed.

In case of inclement weather, we will not have make-up sessions.

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Running out of the Valley

By Robert “the Lone Runner” Rayder

If I want to change the reflection of poor performances at the end of October and early November in 2017, he reached a breaking point.

I see in the mirror each morn, Suddenly, my son’s love for running seemed to You mean that it’s just my election vanish. He went from running seven days a week to not To vote for a chance to be reborn? running at all. My wife and I found it nearly impossible You put one foot in front of the other to communicate with him. He would mostly just sit in And soon you’ll be walking ‘cross the floor. his room and not talk to anyone. He seemed distant.

You put one foot in front of the other Instead of making jokes or playfully teasing me as he And soon you’ll be walking out the door! usually did, he would only begrudgingly answer when I – From 1970 animated version asked him a question. of Santa Claus is Coming to Town The weeks of inactivity turned into months. Chris

ran a couple of local road races when he was in town, Life is often filled with long patches of struggle. but he felt they were poor performances. He seemed This was a lesson my son, resigned to being a spectator Chris, learned the hard way. rather than a participant.

Chris is a talented runner When I invited him to run who started competing in with me, he would usually races at a young age. His decline, saying he didn’t feel victories and defeats sustained well. Occasionally, I would him as he grew up. He set get him out on a run, but he running records and found his would focus exclusively on happiness and purpose while how “bad” he was running. logging miles great and small.

He often would just tuck He grew up as a runner. in behind me and jog at my pace (a virtual walk for After a successful running him) saying he couldn’t run campaign in the summer of anymore.

2017, he was eager to enter college (UT Knoxville) and Then, out of nowhere, a continue to train hard and ray of light appeared. At the run fast. Unfortunately, he end of July, I asked Chris if had difficulty adapting to the he wanted to run a 5K time college environment. trial. He said he was not sure and would think about it. I Chris valued his alone time The medal earned by Chris Rayder for finishing first expected the usual rejection and had difficulties being with in the RRCA State Championship 10-Miler. and went to work. When I so many people around the got home, to my surprise, Chris asked if we could go to clock. He was homesick and missed his family. He had Johnson Park for a 5K time trial. I had almost forgotten classes early in the morning and late at night. He had a about my earlier invitation. Of course, I jumped at hard time getting adequate nutrition with the cafeteria the offer. I took out one of my GPS satellite watches food. He suffered from illness and injury. In spite of and strapped it on him. We were going to see just how this, he still managed to keep recording fast times and much speed and endurance had survived over the long competing against some of Memphis’ best runners. The months of inactivity. I was afraid he was going to be toll, however, seemed to mount on him, and after string 8

disappointed with his performance and lose his enthusiasm. Still, this was his first sign of running life my son had shown in months. I was going to support it 100%. We had to risk failure if he was ever going to get out of his running funk.

We ran several loops around a lake at the park. Chris glided along with his relaxed, lanky gait and soon lapped me – twice. It was good to see him look like his old self. He stopped when his watch read 3.11 miles, exactly 5K. He literally beat me by a mile.

When I caught up to him, he seemed excited. I asked him his time. I thought he had run around 19 minutes and considered that a fantastic performance in the circumstances. When Chris told me he had run 16:51, I looked at the watch in disbelief. Chris occasionally surprised me with impressive results, but this was the first time I was truly shocked. How was that possible?

Chris started searching for races where he could compete against Chris Rayder, center, won the Smoky Mountain 5K in Townsend TN. fast runners. He looked through the participant lists of races near his school and found a name he recognized as a competitive some of the best local runners. Chris ran the previous runner. He signed up for the race and redoubled his year, before his running slide began, and won it easily. training. My wife, Christina, and I happened to be in He knew that this year’s race would be a different story. town that weekend and we decided to run the race with There were some great runners out there. The field was Chris. He seemed out of sorts. This was his first race deep and the talent abundant. They would push Chris to against stiff competition in a long time and he was his limits. He would need to run a perfect race to take understandably nervous. As the race started, Chris went home the fabled winner’s trophy again. out hard to keep up with the leader. It was a strain, I went to the race and found that it was miserably especially considering the steep hills on the course. At hot. Sweat poured off every part of me as waves of heat about the half way mark, Chris broke. No longer able shimmered in the thick, humid air. Chris, however, was to hold the pace, Chris fell back dramatically. Runners not fazed by the conditions. He was focused on getting started flying by him like he was standing still. He out fast and hanging on to the leaders. Unfortunately, still was able to pull in a sub-20-minute effort, but he he didn’t pay any attention to the fact that his shoes finished well back in the pack. weren’t adequately secured on his feet. Shortly after Chris was very disappointed. He had given himself the start of the race, one of his shoes flew off. There a real test of his running abilities and he felt he failed was nothing to do but stop and retrieve the shoe. The miserably. He cracked under the pressure, physically result was a sixth-place finish for Chris. It was another and psychologically. I was afraid it would spell the end disappointment, but Chris took the fiasco in stride and of his running revival. But that didn’t happen. Instead, refocused on yet another race. after a day or so, Chris started to analyze what went Up next was the Breakaway Bardog 5K. Chris wrong. He started hill training and targeted another glanced over the start list and felt if he had a good day race to test his mettle. He chose the Elvis Presley 5K in he would be able to compete with the best runners in Memphis. the race. His training was starting to improve and he began to feel better on daily runs.

The iconic Elvis Presley race historically attracts 9

The top four elite runners in the Sugar Run 5K with a half mile to go. Chris Rayder is second.

At the start of the race, Chris went out fast in the hopes of dropping any competition. To his surprise, he had a “shadow” – a runner waiting for the opportune moment to strike. At two miles, the mystery runner made a move that Chris could not respond to. Chris still finished with a sub-17-minute time on a difficult course and placed second overall.

He was not at all disappointed. He finally had a breakthrough performance.

Up next was a series of back-to-back-to-back races.

The Great Smoky Mountains 5K was Friday night, the half marathon was Saturday morning and a 15K on Sunday morning. The races all ran through Townsend, a small touristy village situated on the edge of East Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

The community serves as an annual proving ground for Team Run 365. Memphis-area runners Scott and Jana Stader, organizers of Team Run 365, gather a talented collection of fast running-club members to compete for the coveted half marathon team award. In 2017, Chris and I ran for Team 365 and we were able to eke out a victory for the Saturday morning half marathon and took second place during the 5K the night before. Just for fun, we all ran another 15K race on Sunday hosted 10

by the Knoxville Track Club. It’s a really great way to spend a weekend on the run (especially because the people of Run 365 try to run every day anyway).

Chris was unsure whether he was up for the challenge of running so many races while not in top fitness. After talking with Scott at the Bardog 5K, Chris decided he would help Run 365 try to win team titles in the 5K and half marathon but would not run the Townsend 15K. This year, I was working that weekend, so Chris was the sole member of our family to help support the team. He blazed through the 5K, taking an easy victory. The half marathon, however, was another matter.

The year before, a former NCAA runner took the course by storm, crushing the course record and finishing several minutes ahead of Chris, who had to settle for second. The same guy made an encore appearance in 2018, and in a case of déjà vu, the results were nearly identical. Chris was happy to be at about the same fitness level as the previous year and he took the silver-medal performance as a good omen.

At the end of the race, Team Run 365 waited in anticipation at the awards ceremony to see if they had won the team competition. When they heard the

second-place team called, they wondered if they had managed to pull off the win or had been denied a spot on the podium. Finally, after what seemed like ages, they heard Run 365 announced as the first-place team.

Everyone was ecstatic. Chris had always enjoyed the team competitions and was happy to help his team.

Chris decided he would try his hand the next day at the Townsend 15K. He was tired from the half marathon the day before but still managed a respectable fourth-place finish. Chris was starting to regain his endurance.

Chris next turned his attention to the MRTC’s road race series 10K and threw his hat into the competitive field. He missed the first two race distances, so he knew he wouldn’t be eligible for an overall series victory, but that didn’t matter very much. He wanted to test his mettle against the competition to be found there. He wanted to race with the best the city had to offer. His training picked up speed.

As it turned out, most of the competitive runners ran the first 10K in the series and took a pass on the second race that Chris was running. It meant Chris would be running against the “ghosts” of runners from the first race. This is much more difficult for him than competing against the actual runner in person. It’s harder to judge where you should be at a particular point in a race on the basis of a watch – not to mention that there are few things more motivating than having an actual person to chase down or to be pushing you from behind.

Still, Chris was able to put together a race that beat all the previous times for this year, and he was beaming with pride that his training had carried him so far. He ran a second faster than his close competitor and friend did in the first 10K. He decided he needed to train for the 10-mile races, which were up next in the series.

On days when he was in Memphis, Chris started to make nearly daily treks to Shelby Forest. His single-minded goal was to master the cruel hills and switchbacks that have earned this 10-mile race the nickname of “the Beast.” He ran up and down the unforgiving roads and trails with determination. Soon he knew every twist and turn and made ready for his official beastly dance.

That first race over the Beast was a hot and humid one. Insects swirled around, preying on the runners.

Once again, the elite competition was a no-show, but Chris ran a solid race anyway, setting the bar high for the next race. He knew the elites would have to come if they wanted to take the series trophy home.

In the meantime, Chris was coming back to Memphis on weekends to race during prime running season. One weekend, Chris ran races on Friday night, Saturday morning and Sunday morning. He won them all. Usually at least one of the races had a solid competitor, as was the case when he ran the Eye Opener 5K against the guy who had taken the winner’s trophy at the Elvis Presley race several weeks before. He teased Chris good-naturedly at the start line about making sure his shoes were adequately tied this time.

They were.

The race was fierce. Both competitors took the race out hard. Chris made his move before mile 1 and never looked back. He ran filled with the need to vindicate himself after his embarrassing loss at Elvis Presley. As a result, Chris ran his best race of the year, and set the benchmark for the MRTC’s 2018 5K performances with his sub-16 finish – and he won the race.

On another weekend, Chris raced against last year’s St. Jude Memphis Marathon runner-up.

The young man brought his wife and child out to watch the race, for which he festively dressed up as the superhero “the Flash.” Chris was ready for him.

I think the Flash was taken by surprise. He didn’t start out too hard but was forced to pick up the pace as Chris started to pull away. Given a cushion, Chris did not squander his lead and finished well ahead of Flash.

Things were looking up.

Eventually, the second 10-miler weekend came around and nearly perfect conditions greeted the runners. The elite runners showed up too, knowing this was a day that could yield some great times. It was also the RRCA’s Tennessee State Championship 10-mile race. People came from across the state to compete. It would turn into an epic contest.

Chris took the lead from the start, leveraging his natural strength as he cruised the sustained downhill for the first mile. Usually he struggled more on the uphills, but his weeks of training on this course paid big dividends and he sustained his aggressive pace. He had built up a bit of a cushion as he sprinted up the famous switchbacks and turned toward the finish.

His finish time – 54:24.86 – shocked him. He conquered the Beast, running a time no one, including

He wanted to test his mettle against the competition...

11

Chris, could have anticipated. He was now the 2018 Tennessee RRCA State Champion for 10 miles, the course record holder for the Beast, the MRTC record holder for 10 miles and the fastest 19-year-old from Tennessee to ever run an official 10-mile race. It was a good day, and this was the point I think Chris finally left the proverbial valley behind. There was no more looking back. The future was too bright.

He would face off with the Flash (now out of costume and ready to race) again at the Firefighters’ 5K. The Flash took the strategy of going out hard to break Chris, leveraging his Marathon fitness. Chris, however, is a long-distance runner too, and was able to hold on through the fierce first mile until he could mount his own counter surge that sustained him through the rest of the race and lead to victory.

That same weekend, Chris easily won the Susan B Komen 5K Race for the Cure, running as a tribute to his mother, a breast cancer survivor. It was an emotional victory filled with a deeper symbolism of overcoming adversity and was a celebration of life after cancer. His mother looked on with pride as her son collected his award, even as she held her own pink rose given to all the survivors who completed the race.

The next day was the prestigious Overton Park 5Mile Classic, one of the oldest continuously run races in the city. There were lots of reasons to be excited about this race, mainly the presence of Bill Rogers, NYC and Boston Marathon champion, 800-meter Olympic Gold Medalist Dave Wottle and Olympic Marathon Gold Medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson. Chris loves running history and was thrilled to have an opportunity to meet these running legends in person. He was also excited to have an opportunity to run against an old high school running mate.

His friend was a talented high school distance runner who pushed Chris in his junior year to dizzying heights. They thrived on the competition and benefited from it. A foot injury kept Chris from hanging with his rival, but now the foot was fine and he was ready to compete again.

So, Chris ran the race hard from the start, and opened up a little cushion as the entered the 4-mile mark. Unfortunately, Chris took a wrong turn into a dead end at one point and was forced to turn around.

By the time he re-entered the correct course, his friend had completely closed the gap and the race would come down to a sprint finish. Chris would not be denied, however. He surged forward and was able to take the race by the thinnest of margins.

The next target race was the Sugar Run, for which Chris would need to be at his very best. The Sugar Run 5K has been around for several years, but this year they added a new twist. There would be two 5Ks. The regular race would be at 10 a.m., but at 9 a.m. there was a contest just for the very fastest runners, and most of the city’s best runners were planning to run. There was no way Chris was going to miss it. When he found out that Flash was not entered, Chris contacted race officials to make sure his rival received an entry.

On the morning of the race, temperatures were below freezing, but the weather was clear. Usually the cold doesn’t bother Chris much, but this was the very first really cold run Chris had done all season, and he was clearly uncomfortable from the start. Still, he was there to run, and there was no way he was going to back out now. It was show time.

The start line was a virtual who’s who of Memphis running. There were a few outof-towners there as well. Chris recognized one of them as a former Division I runner from Colorado. This was a hotly contested race.

Chris took it out hard and he joined the lead pack at the front of the race. There was the Flash, the Colorado runner, and the current MRTC road race series champion all bunched together with Chris at the front.

The race just happened to end at the same park, even running around the same lake, where Chris had started his current running journey months before during his time trial. As the lead pack cleared the trees headed for the lake, Chris pushed to the front, and for a brief moment I thought he would take the race. It was not meant to be and Chris finished third despite recording a time of 15:48. There was no win for him but no reason to hang his head.

After all, the last time Chris ran around that lake, he was wondering if he could ever run again. This time around, Chris was competing against some of the best runners around and still found a spot for himself on the podium. It was a long journey back to that same old spot.

After both runs, Chris exited the park a stronger person than when he entered it.

The start was a virtual who's who of Memphis running.

12

The First Race of Its Kind The Navy Ten Nautical Miler does the #10-yearchallenge

By Amanda Moreno Naval Support Activity Mid-South Public Affairs Office On a summer morning in June 2010, Naval Support Activity Mid-South started a journey that was 10 nautical miles long but now has stretched a decade.

Still reeling from the installation flooding that occurred earlier in 2010, service members, families and the local community came together in a sea of blue and gold traveled a new race course through the City of Millington and the installation for the inaugural Navy Ten Nautical Miler.

This year, on Sunday, June 2, the Navy Ten Nautical Miler celebrates 10 years, with substantial growth and national recognition.

At the inaugural race, the new race crew welcomed 361 runners. As the years have gone by, the race has increased outreach efforts and seen attendance exceed 1,500. The race has also started to see runners traveling from across the nation and overseas locations to participate.

All of this growth is exciting to Race Director Stephanie Blakey.

“Whether it’s the number of participants or the new course elements we add, this race keeps getting better.

It’s truly a testament to the dedication of the military and civilian personnel here at the installation along with the amazing support of our local communities. This is a race that so many people are proud to be a part of and it’s truly inspiring to see the energy every year.”

As the first sanctioned race measured in nautical miles, the course can prove challenging for runners used to pacing land miles. The distance of 10 nautical miles holds special meaning for sailors. It represents the distance from a ship to the horizon line when out to sea; a distance our military covered when they stormed Normandy in June of 1945 (D-Day). The distance is equivalent to 11.5 land miles, making the race longer than a 10K and shorter than a half marathon.

In 2018, the race made some major changes to the course because of construction along the old route.

The new route still includes a run through the Navy base and was well received by runners. The new route also allowed for some new elements to be added to the course, including a bagpipe and drum band and some

Photo by Greg Plunk 13

14

military equipment displays.

“I was really excited to run the new course last year, and it didn’t disappoint,” said Brittany Greenberg, the first female finisher in each of the last three years.

“The new course has woodsy trail feel and easy elevation. There was a lot more shade, which I appreciated!”

While veterans of the NTNM were excited to run the new course, first-time runners in 2018 also finished the race impressed by the course support and activities throughout the weekend.

“The race was better than I expected when I registered,” said Brook Daniel, Navy spouse. “I was super impressed by all the bells and whistles before and after the race that got you pumped up about the run.”

One thing that hasn’t changed is the nationally recognized anchor finisher medal. For 2019, runners can expect a slight deviation from previous years. A special spinner design will be featured to recognize the anniversary year. (continued on page 25)

Photo by Greg Plunk

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15

How I spent my unplanned 3-year-long run break

By Becky Heineke It wasn’t until a fellow runner joked that I’d been sick I’ve been running now for more than 13 years. so long that maybe I had mono that I went back to the Marathons, half marathons, one-milers, 5Ks … I’ve run doctor and asked for a mono test. just about every distance the city of Memphis offers.

And I’ll be damned if I didn’t have mono.

On the morning of Sept. 8, 2018, the run I If the sprained ankle had been an inconvenience, completed wasn’t a race, but it was an accomplishment the mono was, in a way, life-changing. I never stopped just the same: 8.1 miles, which I ran by myself, as a running completely but, on doctor’s orders, I did switch training run. There are entire eras of my life in which to mostly walking. I also stopped drinking and started 8.1 miles would barely warrant a mention, but that cooking myself healthy meals. particular Saturday was a Additionally, I started taking milestone: It had been a long yoga classes and transitioned time since I’d run that far. my meditation practice, which That night, I flipped through I’d always treated as a bit of my journals. I had to go back a novelty, into an important nearly three years before I part of my daily routine. It found a record of me running was a long, slow slog. Month more than seven miles in one after month, I took it one day go: Nov. 7, 2015. at a time until at last I started I didn’t need to read the to recover. As I did, my new entry for the following day – habits came with me: yoga, Nov. 8, 2015 – to remember meditation, drinking less, eating what happened. I was walking better…and not running nearly down the stairs without turning as much. on the light and misjudged the ~~~ number of steps. The resulting One January afternoon in sprained ankle temporarily put 2017, thinking perhaps I was a stop to all running. (It’s never finally “well,” I decided to go a good sign when your doctor on a three-mile run. By then it excitedly calls in a group of had been well over a year since medical students because “you I’d run without injury or illness don’t see bruising like that hanging over me, and I was unless the injury is severe!”).

All smiles down mountain number one. wondering if it was time to up Even after a boot and my mileage again. physical therapy, it was six months before I could run The run felt good, in large part because I felt good, consistently with no pain, and close to a year before I in a way I hadn’t in quite some time. Three miles had could look at both ankles and honestly say they looked been the extent of my endurance for a long while, but as the same size. the run drew to a close, I started to believe again that I ~~~ was capable of going farther.

As summer began in 2016, with my ankle finally Triumphant, I rounded the last corner to come home, healing up, I decided to celebrate my renewed health a corner I’d rounded a thousand times before, and then by signing up for the St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon. … I tripped on the sidewalk and fell down. Hard.

But before I even made it to my first training run, I I lost skin on both knees, hands and elbows, but got sick. It wasn’t a “normal” kind of sick because more important, I lost my confidence. That fall shook no matter what I did I couldn’t shake it, though after me in a way that even the mono and the sprained ankle seeing three different doctors, I didn’t have a diagnosis.

16

hadn’t. I painfully limped the final quarter mile home, and as I did, I started to cry – a harsh contrast with how strong I’d felt just moments before.

Over the next few days, I consciously took some time to think about my running life, and about how long I’d been out of the game. And about how I was okay, despite that break. Because of the yoga and the walking (not to mention the short runs), I was still in shape. Because of the meditation, I was still getting peace of mind.

Though I did train for and run a 10K late that spring (which took me up to seven miles, but no farther), I otherwise purposefully kept running in a diminished position in my life throughout 2017. Two or three miles, two or three times a week. No races, no long runs …

I simply let it all go, and stopped trying so hard to get back to what I’d been doing before. ~~~ More than a year went by. By the spring of 2018, running was so far from my priority list that when I saw Deena Kastor had written a book, I bought it not because of her status as a runner, but because I’d read reviews that it was a good book about life in general.

Let Your Mind Run was an excellent read that lived up to that promise. I couldn’t help but be moved by how Deena wrote about running itself. Her words, while inspiring, felt strangely foreign to me, as if she were describing an activity I wasn’t familiar with.

Curious, I dug back through some things that I had written about running years before: old Closing in on the finish. blog entries, journal entries, even some articles I wrote for this magazine six or seven years ago. To my bewilderment, the things I’d written sounded like the things she’d written – a lot like them.

I’d written about strength and accomplishment, of pushing through pain, of finding pieces within I hadn’t known existed – all through running.

The words felt as foreign coming from me as they had from her. It was like there was a whole part of me that had faded into the background so far I’d forgotten about it.

Deena’s book stayed with me, and I became an evangelist for it, recommending it to runners and nonrunners alike. Despite it all, I still wasn’t motivated to 17

run more.

Two or three miles, two or three times a week. That was all I needed. ~~~ More months passed, then, last summer, I was on a (short) run with a friend who mentioned she’d done a half marathon in Hot Springs the year before. It was up and down a mountain, though this year the course had changed and it was up and down two mountains, which sounded like a terrible idea to me. By that point, it had been four years since I’d run a half, and with all that had happened in between I genuinely didn’t think I’d ever run another one.

Out of curiosity, I went to the website anyway after I got home.

I don’t know what I was expecting when I pulled up the site, but I do know I wasn’t prepared for what I saw: smiling back from my screen was none other than the familiar face of Deena Kastor, listed as the guest and official race starter. And that’s not even the crazy part. The crazy part is, as if Deena herself had personally asked me to, I signed up for the race. Thirteen-pointone miles, up and down two mountains.

As abruptly and unforeseen as it had begun, my period of downtime came to an end. ~~~ I only had four months to get ready. It wasn’t enough time, but it was just enough time. It forced me to focus, but also to not put too much pressure on myself.

My training, which started with some 5Ks in August and graduated into a series of long runs, including the 8.1-miler mentioned earlier, wasn’t without missteps.

I’m a slow runner, but even at my speed it was surprisingly difficult to relearn how to pace myself over longer distances. I also overdid it toward the end and had to take a week off to rest a twinge-y hamstring.

A lot of it came flooding back easily. The glorious deep sleep of a truly worn-out body. The masochistic fun of Paul Sax’s Tuesday night track workout. The slightly-woozy euphoria after finishing strong in a long run. Three weeks before race day, I was in Overton Park (Continued on page 21)

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We challenged ourselves – and we’re glad we did.

By Scott Dawson

Have you missed us? As lifetime members of MRTC, we were active participants in Memphis-area running events until about six years ago. No, we didn’t stop running. Far from it! Instead, we completed an epic quest of running a half marathon in every state! On June 9 last year, we completed our 50th half marathon (51 including DC) in West Yellowstone MT. The journey was challenging and hectic but also affirming and enjoyable, so we decided to share our experiences in hopes of motivating you to embark on a similar adventure.

First, a little background. We didn’t start running until we were in our 40s. Kay began running first as part of recovery from ACL surgery and would have been content running 3-5 miles around the neighborhood. I started a few years later when my normal form of exercise, basketball, became impractical and somewhat dangerous. Weekend runs became routine and 5Ks and 10Ks started populating the schedule. Then a Liberty Bowl 10-miler appeared on the schedule followed by many St. Jude half marathons and, of course, the annual MRTC road race series.

In January 2012, while we were planning for an Arkansas State football bowl trip to Mobile AL, a charity half marathon caught our eye. It was flat, fun and festive, and after a few good local brews, it was decided: Let’s do one of these in every state!

Here are some things we learned along the way: When you run a half marathon every month, the Scott and Kay Dawson. training takes care of itself.

Some states have short racing seasons, October is winter in North Dakota. Planning is imperative. many micro breweries in every state?

Memphis is centrally located, so we drove to 11 of AirBnB really worked for us. You feel more like the states. On the other hand, the lack of direct flights a local and have more amenities desirable for runners. can make quick weekend trips difficult. Three nights Unfortunately, we didn’t figure this one out until race 36! ended up being the right amount of time to explore a Southwest Airlines was a life saver with their new town. Because of work schedules, we used a few companion pass. We flew two for the price of one many summer vacations to knock out two on back-to-back times. Their easy, refundable cancellation policy was a weekends. These longer excursions were quite a bit of godsend when planning over six months in advance. fun, as you could appreciate the local scenery and local We ran in small races (41 finishers) and large races breweries, a bit more. We paired Washington/Oregon, (30,000+). Our favorites were in the 1-2000 range— Wisconsin/Michigan, Wyoming/Montana and Alaska/ plenty of support without the hassle of massive crowds.

Colorado.

Sometimes, the race picks you. Unless you are an Speaking of breweries, who knew there were so extraordinarily gifted planner, you reach a point where 19

you say, “We are free the first week in September. What state that I have not been to has a race?” The answer to that question for us was a trail race in Cleveland OH, which turned out to be one of our favorites!

Sometimes, life gets in the way. There were weddings, graduations, funerals, grandbabies, breast cancer and Grizzlies playoff runs. Adjust and don’t sweat it!

It is a great way to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Most races finished in a 12-month span? Fourteen, from October 2013 to September 2014: Indiana, Pennsylvania, Florida, South Carolina, Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Louisiana, California, Iowa, Connecticut, Washington, Oregon and Ohio. Whew!

RunningintheUSA.com was our go-to website to plan races. The Dawsons with a fellow runner in Pocatello ID. It is easy to navigate and if you are crazy enough to do two in a weekend, this is the site but there is something special about ending a race in for you. You can even do seven states in seven days – Tracktown USA and hearing your name announced no thanks! entering Haywood Field (Eugene OR). Seriously, we ran many “A” rated races – too many to list.

A Runners World Alaskan cruise is an ideal way to have a nice summer vacation, meet more than 200 crazy The second most-asked question was “How many runners from all over the world and scratch Alaska off have you done?’ You can’t get to 50 without doing 1. the list.

When we told people in Missouri we were doing one in Staying healthy is key. Listen to your body and every state and were on number 4, it was true! don’t push yourself if injured – another race will always We combined our races with state capital tours, be there. family history research, college campus visits, and When you hit 60, you start collecting all sorts of national park excursions. age group awards. It is fun and somewhat amusing to Streamline the car rental process. We found the finally win medals for placing. Of course, in some races Costco portal was economical, efficient and easy to use. we finished first and last in our age group.

Sign up for rental-car membership programs to avoid Trail runs are difficult, particularly in the rain in the counter/lines at all costs. This program also allowed Kennebunkport ME. That race should have included a us to pick up cars after the car rental office was closed road map, a compass and climbing ropes! because of a late flight. Always use a credit card that We truly live in a great country. We both found a provides accident insurance – this really was handy new fondness for New England. More times than not, in Nebraska, where another driver backed into us in a across different parts of the country, we left saying “this parking lot. would be a great place to live.”

Want a PR? Try some of the flat and fast races: Runners are just great people to meet and be around.

Hartford CT, Albany NY and Kiawah Island, SC. Want The most common question we got was “What was a killer post-race party? Try the Zydeco in Lafayette your favorite race?” We both struggle with this question, LA or any race in Madison WI. Most beautiful? Grand 20

Tetons in Jackson Hole WY, but the scenery was gorgeous in many other races, including Juneau AK, Maui HI, Williamsburg VA and Princeton NJ. What was our favorite brew pub? So many good ones, but Surly in Minneapolis gets our first place award. How can you be voted a “best national brewery” and a James Beard award winner ... WOW! Eat the local food: We had salmon heads in Oregon, gumbo in Louisiana, crab cakes in Maryland, seafood chowder in New England and Reuben sandwiches in Omaha. Yelp was our go-to app for finding interesting, off-the-grid places.

Try to wear a Memphis shirt at all of your outof-town races. We always plugged our own St. Jude Marathon and Half Marathon to fellow 50-staters. The date, course, mission and support make our own half marathon an A+ event.

Final thought: Remember, it is the journey, not the destination, so be open to the possibilities. Every goal, as we said, started with the number 1. We look forward to becoming more active in the Memphis running community again. Hey, we already struck gold and bronze in that “tough” 60-64 age group at The Dawsons in Fargo ND. the Bar Dog 5K!

... My unplanned run break

By Becky Heineke

(Continued from page 17)

my stamina on the road translated into mental stamina at work, and how instead of “eating up too much time,” my long runs were an excuse to be creative in organizing my schedule. I even became grateful for my prolonged mono convalescence in a way I hadn’t before, because through that I’d learned to be more discerning about what I put in my body and to be more patient, both of which helped me stay on track. And that feeling of crossing the finish line after a lot of hard work … I’d forgotten what that felt like.

When 2018 began, I would never have predicted that I’d end the year by running two half marathons in three weeks. For that exact reason, I hesitate to predict my next step. I may rest again for a while. Or another race may come begging. Or, you know, maybe my life will change all over again over something as insignificant as a missed step on the staircase or seeing someone’s photo on the internet.

But somehow that, in its essence, is what running is and always has been, for me: a guide into the unknown.

And I know now it’s also something it’s okay for me to leave and come back to, because sometimes you need a break from something to appreciate it with fresh eyes.

meeting and running with (well, “with”) Bill Rodgers and Joan Benoit Samuelson, in town for the Overton Park 5-Mile Classic, and I couldn’t help but pause to think what I would have missed if I hadn’t decided to jump back in exactly when I did.

When all was said and done, I successfully made it to the finish line of the Summit 2 Summit Half Marathon in Hot Springs, which was about as difficult as you might expect for having a couple of mountains thrown in. The St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon, which I ran two weeks later as a bonus (because why not?), wasn’t a lot easier considering the weather on race day. Neither was a PR for me – not even close – but for a rushed comeback done on a whim, I could have done a lot worse. Mostly I was amazed that I could still do this.

And yes, at the finish line of the first race, I met Deena Kastor, who was gracious and supportive and reminded me anew of the power we all have within us to push ourselves past our known limits.

In my short time training, the sorts of things that Deena wrote about – the sorts of things that I once wrote about – started to feel familiar again. I saw how 21

For Scott McNeil, running is ‘about goals’

By Brent Manley As a kid growing up in Albion ME, Scott McNeil was really into cycling, so much so that he was doing long-distance rides as a fifth grader.

Running came into his life during his sophomore year in high school. There was no cycling team, so running was his only outlet at the school. As a member of his school’s cross-country team, McNeil made all-state in his senior year and ran for Lyndon State College, now the Lyndon campus of Northern Vermont University.

McNeil majored in meteorology, which came naturally considering that as a youngster his goal in life was to be a snow plow driver, certainly a weatherrelated job.

McNeil, now 48, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology in 1992 went to work for the National Weather Service in Valdez AK. He had spent the summers of 1990 and 1991 working for the NWS in Alaska.

In 1994, McNeil moved to the Memphis area – he now lives in Scott McNeil Germantown – to go to work at the NWS office on Walnut Grove near the Agricenter. He says he did not expect to stay in Memphis, but by 1998 his outlook had changed. “I like Memphis a lot,” he says.

“I’m here for the long haul.”

In the years since he and his family moved to the area, McNeil has distinguished himself as a runner, finishing 14 marathons – six for St. Jude, five in Boston, two Chicago and one New York – plus winning the annual MRTC road race series twice – in 2011 and 2014 – with a second-place finish in 2012. In the 2018 St. Jude Memphis Marathon, McNeil finished in 2:47:34, best among Memphis-area finishers.

Running wasn’t McNeil’s focus when he arrived in Memphis. Cycling was still his way of competing. He raced a lot and did well. “I could climb,” McNeil says.

“If you had a race with the finish line at the top of a hill, that was my deal.”

When the early 2000s rolled around, McNeil was looking for another outlet for his competitive instincts.

Running was his choice. “It was never about health 22

and fitness,” he says. “It was about goals.” In August 2005, having just returned from the Tour de France cycle race – he was a spectator – McNeil decided to run the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. He followed a training regimen from one of running guru Jeff Galloway’s books and began racing at various distances to prepare for his first marathon. He debuted with an impressive 3:08 – and was disappointed. “I was shooting for a sub-3,” he says.

McNeil says he learned that the marathon “is a lot different. It became a puzzle for me.” For a decade after running his first marathon, McNeil ran all distances and developed an outlook about the sport that is the basis for how he trains and competes.

“I’m not really worried about what the world is doing,” he says. “I tried to measure up to the good local runners.

Now it’s about what I think I can do.

I would rather run a half marathon in 1:15 and finish third than run 1:20 and win. It’s great to win, but if no one is running it’s not a big deal.”

Along the way to his status as one of the area’s top runners, McNeil has faced some challenges, mostly with injuries. The problems started in 2016 and carried over to 2017. Forced to take time off from running, NcNeil returned to cycling. In early 2018, he did some running but an issue with an Achilles tendon forced another break. Time off helped and by May of last year he was running again.

Local runners Joel Lyons and Mark Temme, both physical therapists, helped McNeil with his injuries, as did podiatrist Darrell Croft, another top Memphis-area runner.

Temme was impressed with McNeil’s determination.

“Scott was able to accomplish his recovery due to his dedication to his strengthening program,” Temme said.

Later work on an anti-gravity treadmill made a big difference. Said Temme, “It really was a great effort and evidence of Scott’s hard work to then follow up after this injury and win the Master’s Division in the St. Jude Marathon in 2018.”

McNeil, says Lyons, “was really one of my best patients. He’s done a great job of analyzing his situation.”

McNeil’s work schedule includes some midnight shifts, so he does most of his training alone. When he is seen by other runners, he makes an impression. Lyons says he has seen McNeil on the treadmill and on the Germantown Greenway. No matter the venue, says Lyons, McNeil, “is flying. It always seems like he’s sprinting.”

Says McNeil, “I don’t run hard every day, but to run a seven-minute mile is not a big effort. As I get older I hesitate to run fast more than twice a week.” McNeil says his training pace “is all metered by how I feel.”

McNeil recalls a period from the end of 2011 and 2014 when he was running extremely well. “I was passing guys. When you feel it at the end of a marathon, you say, ‘How do I get back to that?’ ” He does add, however, that “you’ve always got to be careful when you feel like Superman because that’s when you get injured.”

Leading up to the 2018 St. Jude Marathon, McNeil signed up for the Cooper-Young 4-Miler, his first race in two years. It turned out to be good practice for the marathon. At mile 2, Olaf Schulz, another top area runner, caught up with McNeil, who thought to himself, “If I let him by, he will drop me.” McNeil sped up and beat Schulz by nine seconds. “It was enjoyable,” he says.

There was another challenge on marathon day – warmer-than-expected temperatures. Despite that and a brief loss of focus on North Parkway because he missed taking a gel, McNeil fought off a challenge from another runner to finish in fifth place.

A strong supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, McNeil says, “There’s no better marathon out there that I’ve done. I’ve got a real connection.”

The connection McNeil has to his sport is reflected in this word from the gifted runner: “I want people to be the best they can be, and if that means beating me, I don’t have a problem with that.”

Scott McNeil completes the 2018 St. Jude Memphis Marathon in December. He was the top Memphis-area finisher.

Scott McNeil’s St. Jude moments Three of Scott McNeil’s best marathon times were achieved in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon: Year Finish time 2011 2:39:16 2014 2:38:16 2015 2:40:16 23

Pace per mile 6:04.7 6:02:4 6:07.0

24

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

Navy Race

(continued from page 15) Approximately 1,500 online registration spots are available with an additional 100 available for inperson registration on the day of the Expo. No race day registration will be conducted.

The race is held in Millington, approximately 20 miles north of Memphis.

For more information about the race or to register, visit www.thenavy10nm.com. You can also follow the race on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Navy10nm.

The race will also feature the children’s Mini Miler on Saturday, June 1, for kids ages 5-12.

What you need to know:

Important Dates June 1: Expo & Packet Pick-up June 2: Race Day! May 1: Registration fee increase May 30: Registration closes 25

The big turnout for the 21st annual New Year’s Day Run Fun and Tailgate Party.

A celebratory run is born Photos by Charles Hurst

choose to dedicate the 2019 New Year’s Day run to the memory of Harry, one of Shelby County’s great contributors to runners and the co-founder of this annual New Year’s Day Fun Run. This will be the 21st year of the event. Walkers are welcome and urged to participate.

We park and gather behind the West Clinic Building on Wolf River Blvd., a short distance east of Perkins Restaurant on the corner of Wolf River and Germantown Road. The Germantown Greenway starts adjacent to this building, crosses Wolf River and can then go east or west. The west section is older and the east is only a couple of years old.

While early years had the west only, we ran all of it for about 6 miles out and back. Distance is now up to individual choice. Rob Hunter and Lane Purser have generously brought the MRTC van with tables and set them up for our tailgate party. Participants are asked to bring dishes to share and we always have several who bring black-eyed peas with pork, a traditional Southern dish that is supposed to give you good luck through the New Year. Harry was always a black-eyed pea contributor, so we can use a replacement.

In mid-December, as is his custom, Gerald Holbrook sent an email to about 100 different people – all of them Memphis-area runners. It was an invitation to a long-standing run – not a race – in Germantown.

The following is what Holbrook wrote to the invitees.

It is time, runners, for my annual reminder and invitation, and I always give a little history of the events of New Year’s Day. Through 1998, there was an annual 4-mile race – the Resolution Run – on this day. It was not continued in 1999, so Harry Scott and I decided there must be a running event for the first day of a new year. We invited our closest running friends to run about 6 miles in Germantown and have a restaurant breakfast after. That day, we had 14 runners and we ate at Perkins. Year two was named the Y2K 9K by Harry and we had 39 runners, too many for a restaurant gathering.

In subsequent years, the gathering has been near 100, and an awesome tailgate party has followed the run. If you have received your December 2018 Roadrunner, you are probably aware of the passing of Harry Scott. I will not try to recount the many contributions Harry made to the local running community. You can get this from the article. I do 26

Starting time is 9 a.m., a concession to me and other college football fans who want to see all the New Year’s Day bowl games. I know many of you will have running friends not in my address book.

Please forward this to them – the more the merrier.

I have a granddaughter who lived in Puerto Rico for 13 years until Hurricane Maria hit a little over a year ago. She and her four siblings and their mother, my daughter, moved back to the U S. Three went to California where their father lives, and my daughter and two came here. She is coming from California and will be there for the run. She has been selected for the Puerto Rico Olympic team for 2020. She runs for her college cross-country team in California. So, you front-of-thepack runners, please take her under your wing.

At age 87, with a heart condition and a pacemaker, I can no longer run. Age happens, but if you check the MRTC race records for age 80, you will see Gerald from one mile through half marathon. So, as you approach this age, keep on going as long as you can. Please break my records.

Hungry runners chow down and socialize.

Last and most important: This parking lot must be left exactly as we find it. No trash left anywhere.

Otherwise we will not have access in future years. (continued on page 36)

Runners enjoy the first day of 2019.

27

Motherhood: tough, Motherhood and running: tougher

By Brandy Sciara My running career began after I had my first child. At five feet tall, I weighed 200 pounds. In the fall of 2012, I had an unexpected C-section to give birth to a healthy baby girl. Her health was all that mattered, no matter what my OCD plans had in mind.

After my first pregnancy, I was positive that this baby bump would just magically disappear and the skinny belly I had in my twenties would be flat again. Wrong! Not only did this first-time mommy have no stomach muscles but boobs that were heavy as bricks. All I remember was “take them back!” I had the mommy blues. After recovery, it was time for change.

My sister-in-law is a passionate runner who truly inspires me. She has four kids, rock-star body, and still makes time to run. I can totally do this hobby. It will be easy. Wrong again!

I will never forget my first run. Wrong bra, aching feet, sticky clothes and no hydration.

That’s when I joined Breakaway’s running girls team, “Schweddy Belles.” These ladies were looking to run, gain friendships, have fun and be healthy. It was a miracle. I found the medicine to my mommy blues. As the months passed, I went from running 5Ks to half marathons and lost 50 pounds!

In the early spring of 2014, my husband and I were discussing having our second baby. I became pregnant but was determined to keep running in my life. Selfish, right? Well that’s how it felt. Mom leaves dad and baby to go run. Boo Hoo. Corn dogs, french fries for dinner and a messy house will be just fine. I remember very clearly running the Germantown Half Marathon six weeks pregnant (yes, those early weeks of morning sickness are no joke) and telling Donnie Baldock to not let me fall. I was pregnant. His eyes were wide but he said, “We can do this, Momma.” He ran with me through the entire race. By the way: Never text and run. You might trip on a speed bump. Thanks Donnie for catching my fall.

198 pounds. Curse you, Mother Nature! I had another unplanned C-section but a healthy baby boy. After recovery, I had to start my running career over again.

How in the world would I make time to run? How would I make time to run and not feel guilty leaving the husband with two kiddos? Also, paying for races now is completely out of the question. Should I buy that ticket to compete in my first Little Rock Marathon of 2015? Hmmm … Little Rock or use that money to put my daughter in gymnastics. I swear, being a mommy is tough with tough decisions! Heck, she can tumble in the living room. A marathon for this momma is a once-in-a-life-time experience. It took four months to train. Before each training, I had to pump and eat extra

I had my baby in the fall of 2014 and weighed

28

protein so I wouldn’t crash. Including enough energy to come home and cook, clean, and feed baby. Whew! Did I say being a mom was tough?

Runners said it

I received that huge Little Rock Marathon finisher medal with tears. This mom sacrificed sleep, Martha Stewart meals, clean house, laundry, yard work and quality time with the family. In the spring of 2016, I completed my first triathlon, followed by unexpected hernia surgery, which I am just now getting to start over not once, or twice, but a third time to run.

To the moms out there who make time to run, I praise you. From the first American Triathlon 2016 Olympic winner, Gwen Jorgensen, “Nothing is a sacrifice, everything is an investment.” My 3-yearold daughter told me the other day she wanted to be a runner just like me. And I don’t even think I am a good runner. That’s when it hit me. I was so focused on the negativity and feeling guilty all the time to go run that I had no idea I was inspiring my daughter to the healthy world of running. It was truly an investment all along. Moms, keep running, and if you see a mom running, whether she is alone or pushing that jogging stroller, she is truly a winner. That mom is probably exhausted, thinking about what is for dinner, hoping the kids get their homework done alone, and just trying to find peace with herself. Moms, we are tough. Be a tough mother runner!

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.

#

A good run is like a cup of coffee . . . I’m much nicer after I’ve had one.

That awkward moment when you’re wearing Nikes and you can’t do it.

You know you’re a runner when you “accidentally” run on your rest day.

“If you start to feel good during an ultra, don’t worry. You’ll get over it.”

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29

By Joel Lyons, PT, OCS Sprains

the severity.

Rest is one of the most important parts of this protocol and also one that is most frequently carried out incorrectly. Rest in this case should be defined as not being up on it any more than necessary, not moving it excessively (flexing it up and down or inward and outward), and even limiting walking.

Of course, many athletes, especially runners, hate this part the most. We want to get back out there so as to not lose our fitness and to stay mentally and emotionally stable.

The big problem with insufficient rest is that we don’t allow the ligament to heal fully. There are advanced rehab programs that get the injured athlete back to action faster and faster. We can get the swelling down quicker, we can maintain the range of motion, and we can limit the strength losses. The problem is that even with all those great treatments, the actual ligament still may not be back to normal.

On the microscopic level, there are still building blocks to the ligament’s infrastructure that are not back to where they need to be, so there is an increased risk of re-injuring the ligament or, worse yet, falling and injuring some other body part. The bottom line is that we would be better served in the long run if we did not try to return to running after a moderateseverity ankle sprain any earlier than four weeks. A severe ankle sprain could have you off running for six to eight weeks.

Now I am all for an active rest. This means keeping other body parts moving so as not to lose more fitness. Biking is one of the better cross-training exercises because we don’t end up dorsiflexing and plantarflexing (moving the ankle up and down) that much. And with a brace on while biking you can really limit that motion. Swimming is not too bad, but it would be best to use a pool buoy between the knees to

A sprain refers to tears of ligaments as opposed to a strain, which typically refers to tears of muscles or tendons. Of course, there are varying degrees of sprains and strains and the tears may be on the micro or macro level. The most common sprain is in the ankle. Many know the basics on treating a sprain, but mistakes are often made which lead to chronic problems.

RICE

Many know that this acronym stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. This is still advocated by many for immediate treatment of sprains. It can often be used for strains, too, although at times elevation may be hard to do.

The purpose of ice is to create vasoconstriction (blood vessel constriction) in order to reduce the excessive swelling that often occurs with the sprain.

This could be cold applied in a variety of methods: cold packs, cold water or just cold towels. The general suggestion is to continue this for 24 to 48 hours, but it could be continued longer if heat remains at the site of injury.

Compression can be provided by Ace wraps, compression socks or braces. Compression should be used with caution: too much can create a tourniquet effect. A good way to monitor the progression is to take the compression off regularly (every two to three hours) and let the area “rest.” There should be no numbness or tingling present with the administering of compression.

Elevation is not done high enough in many cases.

The best position is having the ankle higher than the heart. This is easily done by lying on your back and elevating the ankle with pillows. The next best position is sitting with your leg elevated at least to the level of your waist. When resting try not to let the foot just be on the floor. The swelling is pulled down by gravity and has a hard time dissipating in this position. Elevation could be helpful for a week to two weeks depending on 30

week no matter how minor the sprain. Again, the risk of not doing so is chronic instability and pain. Neck collars get a bad wrap (ha ha) with the faulty thinking that one might become dependent on them. This is rarely the case, especially if one seeks the advice of a PT or other healthcare professional to wean off the brace in a timely manner.

I am an advocate of lumbar support belts following back strains for the same reason. After an acute injury to the low back, wearing a lumbar stabilization belt can help with pain relief and proper healing of the ligaments and other structures. This does not give one the freedom from working on strengthening abdominal and back muscles at the proper point in recovery. These belts can be picked up at sporting good stores or pharmacies. Try them on in the store to get a proper fit: not too tight, not too loose.

So, be careful out there, and if you do sprain a body part, don’t rush back too quickly. You want to be running for a long time, so bear in mind that chronic instabilities can shorten that period of healthy living.

avoid moving the foot up and down.

A visit to your physical therapist can also help.

We can use electric stimulation, ultrasound and other modalities to aid in the healing. We also can help you with proper progressing to get you back asap. I am definitely all for getting back quickly but not at the risk of further problems down the road. The improperly healed ligament leads to instability in the ankle, which makes the next sprain easier to occur and even potentially more severe.

This applies to other areas of the body, too. A common problem area is the neck after a whiplash injury. For example, in the case of a motor vehicle accident when you might be hit from behind, the neck ligaments along with other structures can get severely sprained and strained. Everyone who suffers this kind of injury should wear a cervical collar for at least a

... A visit to your physical therapist can also help.

Renew your MRTC membership at www.memphisrunners.com

31

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Cash prize money for fastest finishers and King/Queen of the Hill!

HALF MARATHON JUST $65, 5K ONLY $30 REGISTER NOW AT

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www.memphisinmay.org 32

Sandra Shook Haney Sperry 1939 - 2019

Sandra Shook Haney Sperry, widow of the late Bob Haney, whose contributions to MRTC and running are memorialized with a monument in Overton Park, died in midJanuary. She was 79. The following is excerpted from an obituary published in the Commercial Appeal on Jan. 17.

declared permanent residency in her home. She was president of the Memphis Humane Society and founded and implemented their rescue and adoption division.

After 30 years of marriage to Bob, Sandra faced life as a widow when Bob passed away. Sandra’s parents, Raymond and Elizabeth Shook instilled in her an envied work ethic, an entrepreneurial spirit and, most of all, integrity which enabled her to succeed in the face of adversity.

Heaven welcomed a very special lady on Jan. 15, 2019 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Sandra was born on July 6, 1939. She was interred at Memorial Park Cemetery following funeral services at Memorial Park Funeral Home.

One evening she received a call from a lifelong friend of Bob and Sandra, Richard Sperry, who had also lost his wife. It was a perfect match and they enjoyed over 20 loving years in marriage. The union also resulted in the addition of 16 wonderful members on Richard’s side of the family.

Sandra graduated from East High School and the University of Mississippi, where she was an education major and a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. After graduation she taught school and soon married her first husband, Robert “Bob” Haney. Sandra is survived by her three loving children, Rip Haney (Nicki), Pat Haney (Stacey) and Betsy Haney Heros. Also, three stepdaughters: Allison Cox (Barry), Ginger Booker (Ben), and Lindy Kent (Mike). She also leaves 14 wonderful grandchildren.

Sandra and Richard were devoted members, ushers and supporters of Hope Church and they had a wide circle of fun-loving friends to pursue their zest for life.

Sandra had a keen sense of fashion and helped others with her skill as an interior decorator. Her service as a board member of Wings Cancer Foundation was highly valued and many cancer patients benefited from her service.

She pursued successful careers as a teacher, a Realtor, and co-founder of Garbo’s Vintage Clothing Store.

Sandra Shook Haney Sperry was on a mission to make a difference in this world. She will be remembered for her many acts of kindness, compassion, and sacrifice which enriched, empowered, and encouraged others. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Sandra never met a four-legged furry animal she didn’t like and many stray dogs on the expressway

Roadrunner deadlines for 2019 April - March 5 May - April 2 June - May 7

July-August - June 4 September - Aug. 6 October - Sept. 10

November - Oct. 8 December - Nov. 12 January-February 2020 - Dec. 17

If you have questions about advertising or article contributions, write to the editor: brentmanley@yahoo.com 33

MARATHON RESULTS

Rocket City Marathon Hunstville, AL December 8, 2018 Adam Higham Collierville, TN Greta Bailey Oxford, MS Daniel Chelsoi Memphis, TN, USA Julianne Purdy Germantown, TN Leah Drinnon Jackson, MS Carol Dox Oxford, MS

Matt Williams Michael Ripley Clare Latham

FOR MEMPHIS-AREA RUNNERS Compiled by Millie Jackson

BMW Berlin Marathon Berlin September 16, 2018 Millie Katzen Memphis, TN

6:40:28

Bank of America Chicago Marathon Chicago, IL October 7, 2018 Jennifer Scallions Coldwater, MS 4:15:34 Lori Sullivan Olive Branch, MS 5:48:17

Terry Dietzler

Rock Into December Long Beach, CA December 1, 2018 Memphis, TN

4:28:06

Death Valley Trail Marathon Death Valley, CA December 1, 2018 Michael Symonanis Memphis, TN

5:51:38

Palm Beaches Marathon Festival West Palm Beach, FL December 2, 2018 Laura Rogers Memphis, TN

5:35:46

Kiawah Island Marathon Kiawah Island, SC December 8, 2018 Felio Perez Memphis, TN Deborah Kirinovic Hernando, MS

3:32:05 4:57:19

Rehoboth Seashore Marathon Rehoboth, DE December 8, 2018 Scott Stader Collierville, TN

5:32:45 34

Dallas Marathon Dallas, TX USA December 9, 2018 Jonesboro, AR Millington, TN Cordova, TN

2:29:15 4:44:11 5:00:31 5:23:03 5:23:06 5:32:10

2:57:12 3:11:36 6:02:54

Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon Biloxi, MS December 9, 2018 Patrick Rice Germantown, TN Kristin Hutchinson Germantown, TN Matthew Evans Memphis, TN Dennis Prewitt Memphis, TN Lindsay Ferry Memphis, TN Tim Andrassy Memphis, TN Greg Brunson Memphis, TN

3:56:39 4:01:10 4:06:25 4:14:08 4:54:51 5:23:47 6:11:33

3 Bridges Marathon Little Rock, AR December 15, 2018 Jordan Norton Memphis, TN Cesilie Garles Germantown, TN William Pegg Memphis, TN Marylee Sturgeon Hernando, MS Steve Sturgeon Hernando, MS

3:09:03 3:49:51 3:58:15 4:49:09 6:54:11

Run for the Ranch Marathon Springfield, MO December 29, 2018 April Adair Cordova, TN

5:02:14

Herb Parsons Trail Marathon Collierville, TN January 6, 2019 Karl Studtmann Jackson, TN Zack Box Arlington, TN Bill Jordan Germantown, TN Trace McIntyre Germantown, TN Conor Hayden Memphis, TN Jonathan Walker Bartlett, TN Thomas Fowler Somerville, TN John Fowler Somerville, TN John Phillips Germantown, TN Ashley Barthol Memphis, TN Mark Ogletree Collierville, TN Russell Barnes Oxford, MS Sudarshan Banjagar Memphis, TN George Hernandez Germantown, TN Amy Lahey Somerville, TN

4:07:04 4:25:43 4:26:00 4:28:58 4:36:24 5:29:53 5:30:30 5:30:31 5:31:22 5:32:57 5:36:16 5:36:58 5:59:37 6:00:50 6:01:09

Tobey Wallace Anna Jackson Katrin Hartwig Sarah Harris Robert Rayder Allen Couch Lisa Barker Wilson Horrell

Bartlett, TN Memphis, TN Arlington, TN Bartlett, TN Collierville, TN Hernando, MS Bartlett, TN Byhalia, MS

Disney World Marathon Orlando, FL January 3, 2019 Brandon Wilmoth Germantown, TN Cole Peck Jonesboro, AR Jonathan Watts Collierville, TN Sarah Harris Bartlett, TN Mary Watts Collierville, TN Adam Stewart Oxford, MS David Hobbs Paragould, AR Greg Starling Paragould, AR Luke Presley Jackson, TN Sean Juroviesky Memphis, TN Kim Sanders Memphis, TN Michael Herndon Memphis, TN Julie Landrum Nesbit, MS Mary Elliotte Nesbit, MS Dawn Stambaugh Olive Branch, MS Cynthia Frazier Charleston, TN

Kristi Allmon Brady Allmon Morgan Sloan Kelly Stone Brian Swanson Vanessa Rankin Dennis Prewitt Lesley Hobbs Terry Greer Georgia Simpson Deanna Heuiser Crystal Verell Jessica Willis Cassie Walker Savannah Crittenden James Crittenden Amanda Horrell Melisa Burgess Stacy Lewis Mary Whittington Stacy Cail Erwin Amar Vivian Prewitt Tara Todd Angela Brunson Bonnie Sauls Felicia Peay Linnea Hall

6:09:01 6:09:01 6:39:41 6:39:42 7:08:53 7:32:20 7:42:26 7:42:26

3:32:36 3:38:43 3:46:31 3:51:21 3:55:34 4:05:28 4:15:39 4:15:39 4:16:50 4:32:59 4:34:07 4:38:46 4:43:53 5:20:56 5:20:58 5:21:51

Paragould, AR Paragould, AR Jackson, TN Cordova, TN Memphis, TN Antioch, TN Cordova, TN Paragould, AR Olive Branch, MS Oxford, MS Jackson, TN Jackson, TN Atoka, TN Jackson, TN Olive Branch, MS Olive Branch, MS Byhalia, MS Collierville, TN Memphis, TN Oxford, MS Olive Branch, MS Antioch, TN Cordova, TN Cordova, TN Collierville, TN Arlington, TN Memphis, TN Southaven, MS

5:22:16 5:22:17 5:23:27 5:28:47 5:38:02 5:39:40 5:41:55 5:42:03 5:43:47 5:49:54 5:54:17 6:10:28 6:22:59 6:22:59 6:25:21 6:25:21 6:26:25 6:26:55 6:32:10 6:34:01 6:41:04 6:46:07 6:49:22 6:54:47 7:00:20 7:00:21 7:15:47 7:15:52

WOLFMAN

DUATHLON and TRAIL RUN

April 7, 2019 at Shelby Farms Park, Memphis, TN – 9:00a.m.

Gate 11 off Raleigh Lagrange Rd. Look for the Shelby County Arch over the entrance New fo

31st Annual Duathlon

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3 Mile Trail Run

3 Mile Trail Run

1 Mile Trail Run

Run 3 Miles of the Tour de Wolf Trails

6 Mile Mountain Bike Team Options: Male, Female, Mixed or Parent-Child

Identical to the first leg of the Duathlon

Register @ www.racesonline.com/events/wolfman-duathlon 35

A celebratory run is born (continued from page 27)

does not fly and no one takes up the publicity, it will probably die. All good things do come to an end, and I am there – Gerald.

Charles Hurst provided the following postscript to Holbrook’s second email: Thanks, Gerald. The annual New Year’s Day Fun Run and Tailgate Party is a fun event, and if MRTC decides it is not something they want to do, I will commit to making sure this tradition continues.

From Sharon Chandler: I shall be there to run and bring some New Year’s good luck black-eyed peas!

Will be reminiscing about our old friend Harry Scott also as he will be greatly missed!

Two weeks after his invitation email, Holbrook wrote again about the New Year’s Day run – to Charles Hurst, Rob Hunter, Lane Purser and Brent Manley: You four know the history of this event and how Harry and I started it. Realizing I will eventually join Harry, and recognizing the decline in my lower body strength and my stability – I am barely able to walk without something to brace myself with a hand – this will definitely be my last time to promote it and I may not even feel good enough to brave the cold. I will be there Tuesday because my granddaughter, an awesome runner, will be running and has run with our TuesdayThursday Greenway group and no one, male or female, can keep up with her.

Now, three of the four of you are on the MRTC Board. Why not make it an official event of the club?

Make it a fun run – no cost, no timing or awards, and just join in with the run and eating after. If this idea

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

36

37

BENEFITING

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No Scentsy in your Christmas stocking?

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it.

Anne Forbus

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Nicki Spillman

nickiscents.com nickispillman@gmail.com 901-503-9816

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

Sunday morning

Monday afternoon

Tuesday morning

Run: Germantown

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

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

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

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

Thoroughbreds

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

Big fun group with all paces.

Run: Cool Runnings Time: 7 a.m.

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

Association Runners Group

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

Run: Southaven Striders Time: 6 p.m.

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

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

Monday afternoon

Run: Salty Dogs of

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

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

Time: 7 p.m.

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

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

Bardog Tavern

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

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

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

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

40 REL-TN-P91348 RoadRunners.indd 1

6/9/09 2:06:05 PM

Wednesday morning

Run: Fleet Feet Time: 6 p.m.

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

(Tchulahoma ent., east side of park) No fees.

Distance: 3-5 miles (9- 12-minute miles) Contact: Kyle McCoy, 901-299-8630 or Contact: Feb at 901-761-0078 or lovetorun@fleetfeetmemphis.com kalmac220@gmail.com

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

Place: Wolf River Store 1223 Germantown Pkwy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beautiful and safe course!

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

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

901-722-8797 for more info.

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

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

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

Call 901-761-0078 or email lovetorun@fleetfeetmemphis.com for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Race Calendar Date & Time: Race name: Location: Contact:

Date & Time: Saturday, April 6, 9 a.m.

Race name: Grizzlies 5K Location: FedEx Forum, 191 Beale St. Contact: www.racesonline.com

Saturday, Feb. 16, 9 a.m.

Brad Baker Race for Sight 5K Shelby Farms Park See ad on page 37.

Date & Time: Saturday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m.

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

Date & Time: Saturday, April 13, 8:15 a.m.

Race name: Youth Villages 10-Miler and 5K Location: Ridgeway Loop Contact: www.racesonline.com

Date & Time: Sunday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m.

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

Date & Time: Saturday, April 27, 8 a.m.

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

Date & Time: Race name: Location:

Contact:

Date & Time: Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m.

Race name: Spring Mile and MRTC Kids! races Location: Rhodes College track Contact: www.memphisrunners.com

Saturday, March 2, 8 a.m.

Margie Dowell 5K Bellevue Middle School 575 S. Bellevue Blvd.

See ad on page 18.

Date & Time: Friday, May 3, 6 p.m.

Race name: Mug Mile Location: Germantown High School track Contact: www.racesonline.com

Date & Time: Sunday, March 10, 7:30 a.m.

Race name: Germantown Half Marathon Location: Germantown Athletic Club

1801 Exeter Road Contact: www.racesonline.com Date & Time: Race name: Location: Contact: Date & Time: Race name: Location:

Contact:

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

Race name: Courage 5K Location: Levitt Shell, 1928 Poplar Contact: www.racesonline.com

Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m.

Fast & Furriest 5K Humane Society, 935 Farm Road See ad on page 38.

Date & Time: Friday, May 10, 6:30 p.m.

Race name: Running of the Rams 5K Location: Oak Elementary School

3573 Oak Road, Bartlett Contact: www.racesonline.com

Saturday, March 23, 2 p.m.

Education That Works 5K Memphis Catholic Middle and High School 71 N. McLean Blvd.

See ad on page 24.

Date & Time: Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m.

Race name: Junior League of Memphis 5K Location: Wiseacre Brewery, 2783 Broad Ave. Contact: www.racesonline.com

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

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

4488 Poplar Ave. Contact: www.racesonline.com

Renew your MRTC membership at www.memphisrunners.com 42

Gravel Runs 25 or 12 miles | 8 am | March 3, 2019 and Gravel Bike Races 55 25 or 12 miles | 9am | March 2, 2019 Custom long sleeve tee, chili, vegan chili, vegan vegetable soup, Flat Hat beer, fruit and cookies Run scenic dirt/gravel roads in St. Francis National Forest and MS River State Park Awards: great gear from sponsoring bike and run store partners

Challenge – DOUBLE HEADER:

Bike gravel race Saturday March 2: 55 miles • 25 miles • 12 miles and Run Sunday March 3: 25 miles • 12 miles Register at: runsignup.com

37th Annual Memphis in May Triathlon MAY 18 & 19, 2019 CELEBRATING MEMPHIS, TN 200TH BIRTHDAY MAY 18 MIM SPRINT TRI 1/3 SWIM | 12 MILE BIKE | 3 MILE RUN MAY 19 MIM OLYMPIC TRI .93 MILE SWIM | 24.9 MILE BIKE | 6.2 MILE RUN REGISTER AT: runsignup.com

CUSTOM TEE & FINISHERS MEDALS, AWARDS AND POST RACE SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY TENT $5,000 CASH AMATEUR CHALLENGE TOP 15 FEMALE & 15 MALE IN BOTH RACES

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

HE’S BACK!

Non-Profit Org U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

MEMPHIS, TN Permit No. 960

Chris Rayder is competing and winning again in high-level competition. The story of his return starts on page 8.