Starting Line Newsletter - 1st Quarter 2017

SEE PAGE 11

COMING UP: BREVARD ZOO’S KOMODO KRAWL • FEBRUARY 11, 2017

AT BREVARD ZOO, MELBOURNE, FL

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 1 • JANUARY 2017

2 RUNNING ZONE The Starting Line

4 EXCALIBUR 10 MILER & RELAY QUEST BEGINS AT SUNRISE ON MARCH 19, 2017 Packet Pick Up: The week before the race starting on Tuesday, at Running Zone from 10:00am-6.30pm

5 BREVARD ZOO'S KOMODO KRAWL 3K OFFERS 2 START TIMES & SCENIC COURSE THROUGH ZOO

6 JOHN DAVIS, KAITLIN DONNER CAPTURE GHOSTLY GECKO 5K VICTORIES

11

2078 RUNNERS REGISTER, 1786 RING IN THE SEASON'S MOST FESTIVE RACE – THE JINGLE BELL 2 MILER

IN THIS ISSUE:

Why I Run – John Cacciatore............... 10

Excalibur 10 Miler & Relay Quest Begins at

Running Zone January Special.............. 10

Upcoming Events.................................. 4

2078 Runners Register, 1786 Ring in the Season's Most Festive Race – the Jingle Bell 2 Miler............................. 11

Brevard Zoo's Komodo Krawl 3K Offers

New Products at Running Zone............. 12

Sunrise on March 19, 2017.................. 4

2 Start Times & Scenic Course............ 5

Running & Your Heart.......................... 13

Gecko Club January Special.................. 5

Running Zone Foundation Race Series Registration........................... 14

John Davis, Kaitlin Donner Capture Ghostly Gecko 5K Victories................ 6 Local Runners Claim Half of the Top Spots in

2015-16 Running Zone Foundation Race Series Calendar...................... 16

45th Space Coast Marathon/

Excalibur 10 Miler & Relay Registration Form............................. 17

Half-Marathon................................... 8

Gecko Club Registration Form.............. 18

3 RUNNING ZONE The Starting Line DON & DENISE’S DEN

Corporate 5K is Much More Than Brevard's Largest Office Party

The New Year brings much promise and possibilities for all of us to pursue our fitness goals in myriad ways.

We are excited about the opportunities that abound: There’s the remaining three races in the 2016-2017 Running Zone Foundation Race Series, the return of the Excalibur 10 Miler and its sibling the Dragon Slayer 2 Miler and the FLORIDA TODAY Corporate 5K, which involves employees from Space Coast companies large and small and benefits the community as well.

We go into more detail in this issue about the next race in the Foundation Series, the Feb. 11 Komodo Krawl at the Brevard Zoo, and Excalibur, which is set for March 19 at Viera High School.

And we’d like to take a moment to update everyone about the March 9 FLORIDA TODAY Corporate 5K, which moves to a new home at Melbourne’s Wickham Park.

Open to teams of runners from Space Coast companies, the event benefits the United Way of Brevard County.

We like to refer to it as the Largest Outdoor Office Party in Brevard County but it is so much more than that.

Open to teams of runners from Space Coast companies, the event benefits the United Way of Brevard County. In 2016, a record field of 1,873 runners and walkers participated from 85 companies.

Remarkable among the runners was Viera’s Mike Acosta who won his sixth straight Overall Male CEO Championship in 21 minutes and 16 seconds.

“It's literally been a surprise every year that I've won,” said Acosta, a father of three.

“Just like with any race, you never know who is going to show up on race day. So, you just go out there and put your best into it. And a little training . . . helps out as well.

“This event is quite important. Each year we form a team of co-workers and friends to train together and get ready for this race.

“It’s a good opportunity for my co-workers to get a taste of the sport I love and see how great the running community is. Win or lose, as long as the team is improving and we are having fun it’s a win. And the event that Running Zone puts on is unbelievable.

Always a blast.”

For complete information on the FLORIDA TODAY Corporate 5K, please visit http://brevardcorporate5k.com/race-info/

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Excalibur 10 Miler & Relay Quest Begins at Sunrise on March 19, 2017

By Mark DeCotis

A total of 1,618 participants took times in the 2016 Excalibur 10-Miler so why not take advantage of the opportunity to etch your name in racing lore.

“Running Zone Foundation invites all to live a legend where brave participants charge onward for a 10-mile journey in search of glory on the quest for Excalibur,” said race director Denise Piercy.

“We invite runners and walkers alike to experience the beautiful lands of Viera, Florida. The races start off at sunrise in a field where participants will charge into foreign lands and finish through the castle where family and friends can cheer. From lovely maidens and chivalrous knights to earning a finisher’s medal and a feast fit for Kings and Queens, the entire event is LEGENDARY.”

The day offers a full menu: n The 10-Miler n The relay (grab a partner, run 5 miles each) n Dragon Slayer 2-Miler (a shorter quest starting 15 minutes after the 10-miler and relay start.

The event also offers the unique Game of Stones medal series.

Proceedings are set for March 19 at Viera High. The 10-miler and relay begin at 7:30 a.m.

Dress carefully.

“Although temperatures have aver-

Brave participants await the ruling for the Best Camelot Costume Contest.

aged 40s for the low and 70s for the high, be prepared for cool as well as warm weather,” Piercy said. “Florida weather is somewhat unpredictable in the winter months of the year.”

The course for the 10-miler is USATF certified.

For complete race information visit http:// excaliburrun.com/

1/19 Dr. Bryan Parry Discusses Plantar Fasciitis,

Thursday after the Fun Run/Walk at Running Zone 1/21 Olukai Event, Saturday, 10am-4pm

Prizes for trying on & buying Olukai sandals & shoes!

Game of Stones Series 2017 Finisher Medal

2/1

2/8

2/9

Dragon Slayer 2 Miler Finisher Medal

Brevard Zoo Fun Run/Walk at 5:30pm to prepare the animals for the Komodo Krawl on Feb. 11th Brevard Zoo Fun Run/Walk at 5:30pm to prepare the animals for the Komodo Krawl on Feb. 11th Spike Night with Saucony

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Brevard Zoo's Komodo Krawl 3K Offers 2 Start Times & Scenic Course

By Mark DeCotis

Runners and walkers looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday morning can enjoy the Brevard Zoo’s Komodo Krawl 3K on Saturday, Feb. 11.

The event, the fourth in the seven-race Running Zone Foundation Race Series, offers two choices.

Participants hoping to finish in 20 minutes or less can pick the 7 a.m. Not Krawl like. Those planning a more leisurely outing, finishing in more than 20 minutes, can pick the 7:35 a.m. More Krawl like.

The 1.8-mile course offers plenty of animal viewing opportunities and the chance to spend a fun day at the Zoo for 50 percent off the entry fee.

The event benefits the Brevard Zoo.

Last February, 1,104 participants took advantage of the opportunity and registered times.

Among participant perks are: n The opportuning to view zoo animals animals during the run/walk.

The field gets final instructions at the 2015 edition of the Running Zone Foundation Race Series event at the Brevard Zoo.

n Fun Komodo Dragon awards. n Fifty percent off zoo admission for all participants after the races. n Free Li’l Komodo kid’s run with Zippy the Gecko.

n Breakfast catered by Pizza Gallery & Grill. n Random Giveaway of one day Disney tickets and one hotel night stay for two.

For complete race information visit www.runningzone.com/series

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John Davis, Kaitlin Donner Capture Ghostly Gecko 5K Victories

By Mark DeCotis

Emerging from a menagerie of competitors costumed to varied degrees or not at all, John Davis and Kaitlin Donner claimed overall victories in Saturday’s Ghostly Gecko 5K.

Davis, 38 of Melbourne, outraced 1,237 finishers to win in 16 minutes and 33 seconds while Donner, 27, of Melbourne, finished seventh overall in 17:47 to capture the overall female laurels in downtown Eau Gallie.

The victory was the first in the 20162017 Running Zone Foundation Race Series for Davis while Donner recorded her third victory in three races in the seven-event competition.

Shane Streufert, 44, of Viera, took Male Masters honors in 17:12 for his third victory in three starts. Julie Hannah, 42, of Mel-

While 1,426 were registered, a costumed field of 1,237 participants burst out of the Ghostly Gecko 5K starting line.

Elementary had a turnout of 23 and Manatee Elementary eight. A total of 98 participants represented 19 schools.

Christopher Daniele, 18 of Punta Gorda was second to Davis in 16:43 while

“The Running Zone races serve a dual purpose, they give me the opportunity to race in my home county with a wonderful group of friends and fellow competitors and they help me build my base as I build toward next season." – KAITLIN DONNER bourne, captured the Female Masters crown in 20:05 for her second triumph in two starts.

Streufert is the defending overall series champion, Donner is the defending overall women’s champion and Hannah is defending her 2015-2016 Female Masters championship.

“So far my season hasn’t been that great but I’m building towards the Space Coast Half marathon and hope to be in pretty good form by then,” Streufert said.

The Ghostly Gecko team victory went to Team Running Zone comprised of Donner, Steve Hedgespeth, Jonathan Howse, Joe Lento and Alison Nolan. Their combined time of 1:30:12 outpaced Viera Pizza comprised of Davis, Streufert, Michael Fisher, Keith Snodgrass and Cristina Canales (1:33:36). The Has Beens of Chi Cam, Bryan Sims, Art Anderson, Michele Longstreet and Lance Haskins were third in 1:43:04. Thirty-one teams took times.

School honors went to Indian Harbour Montessori with 31 participants. Westside

Hedgespeth, 38, of West Melbourne was third in 16:56. Angela Cobb, 33, of MelWho says ghosts aren’t for real? Ghostly Gecko bourne Beach was second to Donner in makes an appearance alongside Male Masters 18.29 while Nolan, 27, of Indialantic was winner Shane Streufert and Running Zone event third in 18:41. marketing director Christa Mudd.

Davis didn’t formally costume up, choosing the standard Florida warm weather racing uniform of shorts and no shirt. Donner dressed as the Little Mermaid while her sidekick dog Roxy was costumed as Sebastian the Crab.

For Donner the triumph continued a Space Coast race winning streak that dates so far back she has lost track of its beginning.

Donner is taking a break from her professional triathlete career, choosing to concentrate on her work as a physical therapist – she has a doctorate from the University of Florida – before resuming competition in Runners start early and based on this youngster’s 2017. expression he’s ready to go.

“The Running Zone races serve a dual purpose,” Donner said.

“They give me the opportunity to

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John Davis, Kaitlin Donner Capture Ghostly Gecko 5K Victories continued from the previous page

race in my home county with a wonderful group of friends and fellow competitors and they help me build my base as I build toward next season.

“Running Zone does such a great job with the series and my two favorite races, Ghostly Gecko and Jingle Bells on the streets of my hometown of Satellite Beach where I began my career as a runner.”

To view the Ghostly Gecko 5K results, visit www.runningzone.com/category/results/

Kim Hunger brought dog Nala to Ghostly Gecko.

Ashley Berkemeier (724) and Kaitlyn Berkemeier (725) are dressed for the occasion as they pose for a pre-race photo.

Running Zone co-owner Don Piercy enjoys Ghostly Gecko atmosphere and his Roman Centurion costume.

The middle of the pack is a rush of runners and colorful costumes not to mention a wide range of ages.

Melbourne’s Alexander Quintana is decked out in bright orange at Ghostly Gecko.

This young runner is airborne across the finish line of the Ghostly Gecko kids’ run.

Kaitlin Donner and her dog Roxy cross the finish line to capture the overall female victory at Ghostly Gecko.

John Davis raises his arms in victory as he wins the Ghostly Gecko 5K.

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Local Runners Claim Half of the Top Spots in 45th Space Coast Marathon/Half-Marathon

By Mark DeCotis

Space Coast running royalty claimed four of the eight top spots in the 45th Space Coast Marathon and Half-Marathon on Nov. 27 in Cocoa Village.

Former Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy state champion David Kilgore, 25, won his second straight overall championship in the marathon. He covered the 26.2-mile distance in a course-record 2 hours, 28 minutes and 34 seconds, a new course record.

Six-time high school cross country and track state champion Brian Atkinson, 24, formerly of Melbourne Beach and Melbourne The Space Coast Marathon field begins pursuit of its dreams and ambitions.

High, was the overall half-marathon winner.

Melbourne’s Kaitlin Donner, 27, multiple-time Running Zone Foundation Race Series female champion and a professional triathlete, captured the overall female halfmarathon victory.

Viera’s Shane Streufert, 44, the defending Running Zone Race Series overall champion, captured his second straight Male Masters crown in 1:16:44. He was fourth overall.

Atkinson, now of Tampa, was a decisive

Kennedy Space Center champion, outpacing last-year’s winner John Director and former Space Davis, 39, of Viera. Atkinson covered the 13.1Shuttle astronaut Bob Cabana crosses the finish line in the mile course in 1:07:40 to 1:15:51 for Davis. half-marathon. Cabana also

Greg Reverdiau, 34, of Prescott, Arizona, delivered the keynote address The Space Coast Half-Marathon gets under way in the Cocoa was third in 1:16:22. at the pre-marathon dinner.

Village darkness.

Donner’s margin of victory was much tighter. She crossed in 1:20:57 compared with

“I felt awesome through 9-10 miles then Petersburg’s Meredith Mikell, 34, was third in the 1:21:37 effort of second-place Alison started to struggle a bit. I should have been a 3:17:16.

Nolan, 27, of Indialantic, her Team Running little more patient in the middle of the race.

The marathon Female Masters title went Zone teammate. Nolan nipped Holly Davis, I haven’t done a half in about four years so to Heidi Johansen, 42, of Aalborg, Denmark, 21, of Ovideo, by 10 seconds for second. am far from having the pacing down but I in 3:21:36.

Donner was seventh overall, Nolan couldn’t turn down such a great race in our

Kilgore, of Palm Bay, shaved nearly 10 eighth and Davis ninth. own backyard.” minutes off his 2015 winning time of 2:38:16.

Jolene Abanses, 41, of Lutz, Florida,

Kevin Brown, 35, of Boca Raton, was

“I have really just started getting into took the Female Masters victory in 1:31:41. second overall in the marathon, nearly 10 training and racing a lot more, have been feelShe was 27th overall. minutes behind the fleet-footed Kilgore in ing a lot stronger,” Kilgore said.

The victories continued a news-making 2:38:23. Adriano Bastos, 38, of Sao Paulo,

“I have finally got out of school and have year for Atkinson and Donner who in May Brazil, was third in 2:40:49. found stuff from all my coaches that have were among the 2016 class of inductees into

Timo Schmidt, 44, of Saarbruecken, Saa- worked and I am starting to put that together. the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame. rland, Germany, captured the Male Masters

“Also I have a good balance of ultra

“I wasn’t sure what was going on behind title in the marathon in 2:46:17. marathons on some tough trails and also some me since there’s only the far turn around to Karolina Viquez, 37, of San Jose, Calishorter races that I feel are rounding me into a see people but I came into the race wanting to fornia, captured the overall female title in the strong athlete overall. run my own race,” Donner said of the finish. marathon in 3:10:33.

She was 14th overall.

“I was hoping to go under 1:20, but am

Lauren Smith, 32, of Saint Petersburg,

content with a best time a bit over and am was second to Viquez in 3:16:31 while St.

thrilled that Running Zone girls went 1-2.

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Local Runners Claim Half of the Top Spots in 45th Space Coast Marathon/ Half-Marathon continued from the previous page

“I felt great today. The heat did start getting to me at the end though because I have been living out of the state most of the year.”

For Atkinson, winning in his home county was a thrill.

“It felt great,” he said. “I grew up working at Running Zone in high school, cheering on my dad as he ran Space Coast and I feel a big connection to the Melbourne running community so it was awesome to come run this race.

“The Piercys put on one of the best

events I’ve been to, as expected. My half PR is 1:04:45. My goal was to use this race to practice marathon pace for Houston Marathon in January, and I ended up averaging solidly faster and felt really great so it was a success.”

The 2016 edition of the marathon and

Former Melbourne High state champion and Duke University standout Brian Atkinson crosses the finish line to win the 2016 Space Coast Half-Marathon.

Mark Costa of Leigh Acres flashes a smile and a wave on the marathon course.

half-marathon also was a success – as were many previous editions – thanks to the past efforts of Bernie Sher and current race directors Don and Denise Piercy of Running Zone and Space Coast Runners.

Sher, a pioneering marathoner

and Ironman triathlete, took the responsibility to resurrect the thenfloundering race in 2003 by moving it to Cocoa and rallying the running and civic communities to support what has become a Space Coast signature event.

Sher passed away in November and was recognized and honored by participants who wore blue leis.

Former Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy state champion David Kilgore sets a course record as he wins the 2016 Space Coast Marathon.

Melbourne’s Kaitlin Donner, a former Satellite High and University of Florida standout and U.S. Olympic triathlon candidate, continues her Space Coast winning streak with the overall female victory in the Space Coast half-Marathon.

Michael Jacobs Jr. and Tarsha Jacobs of Orlando are all smiles after finishing the Space Coast Marathon and collecting their welldeserved medals.

Rasheda Brumfield of Warner Robins, Georgia is proud of her Space Coast Half-Marathon finish.

Former Space Shuttle astronaut Mike McCulley joyously crosses the half-marathon finish line with daughter Marla Johnson.

Terri Pignone of Indialantic celebrates her Space Coast Hakf-Marathon finish and her medal.

Viera’s Shane Streufert wins the Space Coast Half-Marathon Male Masters title.

Luis Eduardo Velez of Miramar is all determination en route to his finish in the Space Coast Marathon.

Shandra Davis of St. Petersburg closes in on her finish in the Space Coast Half-Marathon.

Karolina Viquez of San Jose, California, accepts congratulations upon winning the overall female title in the Space Coast Marathon.

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Why I Run – John Cacciatore

By Mark DeCotis

A senior at Satellite High School John Cacciatore is continuing a family tradition of excellence while carving his own niche as a standout runner.

John’s older brother Andrew, a runner at William and Mary, helped Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy win four straight Florida state cross country championships and was the individual runner-up at state in each of his last two years of high school. As a senior, Andrew also earned a silver medal in the 1,600 meters at the state championships.

And John and Andrew’s older brother Michael was a member of a state title winning track team at Holy Trinity as a senior.

John was a member of two Holy Trinity state championship cross country teams, won the Cape Coast Conference championship in the 1,600 and led Satellite to a third-place finish at November’s state cross country meet.

He has committed to run at William and Mary.

WHY I RUN: I started running because my brother, Andrew, was on the cross country and track teams, so I thought I would give it a try.

Since then, I just loved it and have continued to run.

WHEN I RUN AND WHY: I run almost

Wickham Park because of practice for school or summer training, and the trails are a nice break from the road.

WHO I RUN WITH AND WHY: I run with my teammates for almost every run because we are such a close- knit group and we have practice pretty much everyday.

WORST RUNNING EXPERIENCE: I learned the most from: My worst running experience was during my first couple years, and I had too much Gatorade to drink beforehand. In addition, it was a hot and brutal day, so afterward the race, I got sick. I definitely learned to not drink or eat too much before a run.

John Cacciatore finishes second in the 2015 Jingle Bells 2 Miler.

every morning at six or six-thirty all year because it is usually cooler, which is nice in the Florida heat.

WHERE I RUN AND WHY: A majority of my runs, if not all, are either at school or at

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11 RUNNING ZONE The Starting Line

2078 Runners Register & 1786 Ring in the Season's Most Festive Race – the Jingle Bell 2 Miler – Breaking 2000 for the first time for a Running Zone Foundation Series event!

By Mark DeCotis

Hometown harriers captured honors in the annual Jingle Bell 2-Miler at the Satellite Beach Library on Dec. 17.

Satellite High graduate and Florida Atlantic University sophomore runner Conor Fitzgerald, 19, scored the overall victory in 10 minutes and five seconds, barely nudging second-place Trevor Kattenberg, 17.

Kattenberg, a Satellite High cross country and track runner, finished in 10:08.

Melbourne Beach’s Austin Camps, 17, was third in 10:10 while his brother Garrett Camps, 19, was fourth in 10:20.

“I really didn't have a solid plan on how I was going to win this race,” Fitzgerald said.

“I wasn't sure how fast the leaders were going to take it out, so I guess I decided it would be best to sit back in the front back for the first mile or so and just move my way up throughout race. If there's one thing I've learned while running at FAU, it's that pacing is key. My coach always has me go out in the back end of the race, and just continuously pass people throughout the race.

“During the race, the first mile definitely felt harder than the second. I definitely felt the headwind during the first mile, so it felt like I was going a lot faster than I actually was. I think I came through the first mile in about 4:58-5:00, which surprised me at first when I saw it. The way back, though, definitely felt

The field for the Jingle Bell 2-Miler takes the first steps on Dec. 17.

Conor Fitzgerald wins the Jingle Bell 2-Miler in his hometown of Satellite Beach.

Satellite Beach native Kaitlin Donner takes the overall female victory in Jingle Bell 2-Miler.

My coach always has me go out in the back end of the race, and just continuously pass people throughout the race. – TREVOR KATTENBERG better. The combination of battling for first and having the wind working with you definitely helped motivate me to continue to pick up the pace as much as I could. By the last 800 I started to kick, but lost it with about 400 left and was passed around 200 meters left. I was pretty shocked that I was able to get the lead back between there and the finish because I've always been notorious for having a terrible kick at the very end of a race.

“It was definitely a great feeling winning in my hometown. In all honesty, I wasn't

expecting to win but I guess I'm in better shape than I thought I was. I've run through the neighborhoods here in Satellite countless times, so it was an amazing feeling to race through them and win. The whole race was great and I'm very thankful for Running Zone to have hosted it and can't wait to hopefully do it again next year.”

The Jingle Bell 2-Miler field was awash in Christmas colors.

12 RUNNING ZONE The Starting Line

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2078 Runners Register & 1786 Ring in the Season's Most Festive Race – the Jingle Bell 2 Miler – breaking 2000 for the first time for a Running Zone Foundation Series event! continued from the previous page

On the women’s side Satellite High graduate, Melbourne resident and professional triathlete Kaitlin Donner continued her four-year Space Coast unbeaten streak with an easy victory.

Donner, 27, of Melbourne, crossed in 10:42, good for 13th overall. Holly Davis, 21, of Viera was second in 10:58.

Melbourne’s Samantha Folio, 17, was third in 11:34

Donner’s husband Ed, 40, took the Male Masters victory finishing 11th overall in 10:36.

“I knew Ed was ahead of me the whole time and was gaining on him fast the second half but just ran out of time,” Kaitlin Donner said.

Her effort continued a productive 2016 season.

“I set a 5K PR (personal record) early

in the year then the half-marathon PR more recently so it’s hard to be upset with my running this year,” she said. “There were a lot of ups and downs with triathlon, which is my primary focus, so hoping to change a couple things for a better 2017.”

As for running in her hometown: “It’s always great to run in Satellite Beach,” she said. “This year was a little more special since Ed and I will be closing on a condo in Satellite Beach at the beginning of the year. We are both so excited.”

The Female Masters crown went to Melbourne’s Julie Hannah, 43, who finished in 12:29.

The school participation award went to Westside Elementary with 46.

Covenant Christian had 22 and Indian Harbour Montessori 20.

Set Goals Not Limits consisting of Kattenberg, Charlie Dickinson, Walker Hirsch, Luke Dickinson and Ashley Basford won the team title with a time of 54:40.

The Viera Pizza Race Team of John Davis, Ian Reesh, Holly Davis, Michael Fisher and Keith Snodgrass was second at 55:05.

Team Running Zone of Steve Hedgespeth, Kaitlin Donner, Jonathan Howse, Joe Lento and Doug Butler was third at 56:03.

Forty-five teams took times.

A total of 1,786 participants took times in the fourth and most festive race of the sevenevent Running Zone Foundation Race Series.

Next up is the Feb. 11 Brevard Zoo Komodo Krawl 3K. For complete information visit www.runningzone.com/series

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Running & Your Heart

Screening crucial for runners with heart-related issues

By Richard C. Wilson, DPM, Melbourne Podiatry Associates

At 5:30 p.m. on July 20, 1984, a motorcyclist riding on Vermont Highway 15 noticed an unconscious male runner on the side of the road. The driver stopped, waved down other motorists, and all tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate the man until the ambulance arrived.

The runner, who carried no identification, was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. An autopsy revealed the cause of death to be a massive heart attack. The runner was later identified as Jim Fixx, 52, often called the “Founder of the American Fitness Revolution.” With his bestseller “The Complete Book of Running” (1977), its sequels,

...it is prudent for every adult to discuss fitness activities with their physicians during periodic examinations. his lectures and talk show appearances, Fixx made running a national pastime. His death was not only a tragic blow to all fellow runners, but also to the sport itself, because the guru of running died while running.

This damage to the sport from the death of Fixx and others while running persists today. Critics of running, including some physicians, publicize running deaths as proof of running’s danger to the heart. Similarly, some individuals, such as those who won’t go in the ocean after seeing “Jaws,” will never begin running, fearing heart attack.

Fortunately, the medical community has extensively studied the rates of acute cardiac events in runners. We now have guidelines regarding the safety of running relative to the heart.

So just how risky is running? A study by the Massachusetts General Hospital Cardiovascular Performance Program of cardiac events in all marathons and half marathons in the USA from 2000 through 2010 reported 59 events, 42 of which were fatal. To put this low incidence into perspective, the incidence of all exercise related deaths from cardiac etiology in high school and college athletes was only one per 133,000 males and one in 769,000 females. For adults over age 30, the incidence is one per 82,000 people, but more than half of these were in people who exercised less than

once a week. Overall, it is clear that running related cardiac deaths are uncommon.

Cardiac deaths from running are categorized as either sudden cardiac death (SCD) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI). SCD is more common in people under age 30, and is associated with existing, but usually undiagnosed, congenital heart abnormalities. In SCD, the heart stops pumping due to a rhythm disturbance called ventricular fibrillation. In AMI, which usually affects middle aged and older adults, there is existing, though often undiagnosed, coronary artery disease. The cause of death is the rupture or dislodging of an existing plaque within a coronary artery.

Patients with AMI, which occurs in many other activities in addition to running, often have risk factors such as family history, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, and diabetes. Jim Fixx had an enlarged heart, strong family history, and a history of obesity and smoking prior to becoming a runner.

The American Heart Association (AHA) states: “Physicians should not overestimate the risks of exercise because the benefits of habitual physical activity substantially outweigh the risks. It appears that one of the most important defenses against exerciserelated cardiovascular events in adults is to maintain physical fitness via regular physical activity because a disproportionate number of

exercise events occur in the least physically active subjects performing unaccustomed vigorous physical activity.”

Their specific recommendations include pre-participation screening, excluding high-risk individuals from specific activities, reporting prodromal symptoms, preparing fitness personnel for cardiac events, and recommendation of prudent exercise programs.

Pre-participation cardiac screening is recommended for all high school and college age athletes prior to beginning a program and every two-four years thereafter. For healthy adults over age 30, pre-participation screening is recommended only in those with history of risk for cardiac disease, based on AHA guidelines. However, it is prudent for every adult to discuss fitness activities with their physicians during periodic examinations.

Patients with a risk of SCD or AMI should be advised of appropriate fitness activities, including avoiding some activities that may be too risky. This may include running in some cases.

Prodromal symptoms - those that precede the disease diagnosis - should always be reported. These symptoms occurred in 18 percent of SCD patients and 81 percent of AMI patients prior to death. Reporting these could lead to a diagnosis and avoidance of a cardiac event.

Also, fitness personnel should be trained in the recognition of cardiac events and protocols for the management of these should be formulated. Having emergency medical personnel at race venues is recommended.

In summary, it should be noted that the cardiac benefits of running far outweigh the risks. To quote Fixx from his book’s introduction: “I first want to introduce you to the extraordinary world of running, and second, to change your life!”

Dr. Wilson, a Melbourne native and Florida Gator, earned his doctorate degree from the Illinois College of podiatric Medicine in Chicago. After completing a surgical residence in Chicago, Dr. Wilson returned to Melbourne where he has been practicing with Melbourne Podiatry Associates for 30 years. The good doctor is passionate about his profession; running – a sport in which he has reveled for more than 45 years – and writing, particularly about all things running and foot related.

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2017: Sapphire Sword

Sunday, March 19, 2017 Viera, Florida 10 Miler & Relay: 7:30 am Start Dragon Slayer 2 Miler: 7:45 am Start

GAME OF STONES SERIES (GOSS) # Look up your # here: http://excaliburrun.com/ game-stones-series-eligibility/

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