President Coutu Bids You Adieu

Posted by: Preztc

May has been a month of merriment! Actually the hard work had to be put in before the revelry around the Maypole. Just ask Leah Thorvilson and all our members who participated in the Fargo Marathon Saturday May 15 ^{about the pain and glory. Leah has tried and worked hard the past couple of years to qualify for the Olympic Trials and she succeeded at Fargo. Anyone who knows Leah can attest that she cares about everyone else’s goals and accomplishments as well as her own and is so much fun to be around, but this quote from www. Arkansas360sports.com 05/25/2010 states just how serious this woman is:}

We all are so proud of her and appreciate her contribution to our club and team. I am proud of all our members and their accomplishments. There are many members who have had notable things in their lives this month. Paul Ward is mentioning some and so is Jenny Weatter, but let me make mention of long time member and contributor to the running community and this club, as well as an amazing athlete. David Williams was honored by the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association as a co-recipient of the Henry Woods Lifetime Achievement Award. (The Little Rock Roadrunners club receives valuable gratis advice from Mr. Williams) David put a lot of work in the beginning of my term writing the By Laws we now have in place. Thank you, David.

Members who attended our May meeting benefitted from knowledgeable and gratis advice from Mike DuPriest. Mike gave an interesting and fact-filled talk with some opinion thrown in (although he tried to refrain from offering opinion) on shin splints. Mike speaks through his medical background as a chiropractor here in town as well as an athlete; he runs 100 milers, bikes or runs to work daily. Thank you, Mike.

May began as predicted with the hot, wet, humid conditions to make everyone’s efforts at Toad Suck and Rexfest more challenging. Toad Suck was a little drier this year as thankfully we did not receive the deluge of rain as predicted. The following weekend Go! Running sponsored the MacArthur Park 5K, a Friday evening fundraiser for the downtown military museum. This was so much fun because when we were through slogging through the steamy and breezy downtown streets we were rewarded with pizza, beer, live music, and a medal awarding ceremony by 42 NCAA championships coach John McDonnell. As well as “rubbing elbows” with a bunch great people-Bill Hoffman, Steve Preston, Michael Harmon, Steve Yanoviak and Eileen Turan, Rob Wistrand, Chuck Spohn, Bill/ Carole Torrey, new member and winner of the female division Tracey Johanning, the S-skis’ entourage, Erin/Gary Taylor (sponsors), Ashley and Jon Honeywell, and many more - if I did not mention you, I’m sorry but I was glad to see you all there enjoying the lawn party!

Running and family joys continued with the Dino Dash held Saturday, May 22. Adult and child athletes abounded in the Rivermarket along with happy vendors and cheerleaders. Member Patrick Mathieu, aka Skippy Peanut Butter Potentate, created more happiness in the crowd by giving away jars of the good stuff. It was a pleasure to witness the excitement of the children and family runners like the Spohns, Barrons, Olneys, Taylors (Go Running), Wistrands, Hildebrands, and Dellimores (The Dino Dash featured family) come across the finish as part of a fabulous finish line crew-Polly and John Russell, Paul Ward, B. Torrey, Harold Hays, Craig Lair, Bryan Jones, Eileen Turan forgive me, I know I left many out. Second time Race Director Jeff Maher did a nice job handling the record registrants. As a part of the finish line team I got to stand in the onset of finishers and tell the “men” where to go. This job in the past was Karen Call’s and those are tough running shoes to fill! Again I had to leave the visiting of many fine folks and enjoying cheering of the tots to go sell those running shoes at Gary Smith’s Easy Runner :).

This was a bittersweet column for me to write as it is my last President’s message. The June 17th LRRC monthly meeting will be elections where members will formally vote in the new slate of officers and Brian S-ski will be your next president-Good Luck Brian and officers up for election (Leah, Steve P and Jenny)! I will still be on “board” to help accomplish some things to continue the growth and development of our wonderful club. Members please keep doing what you’re doing and enjoy your running. As I wrote in June of 2009 it was/is an honor to serve the club and it certainly has been a wonderful year and I have loved every minute of it.

Happy Fathers Day!

Tina

February Featured Founders, March Offers Inspiration

Posted by: Preztc

Since last newsletter something happened that had never been done before-The Saints won the XLIV Super Bowl, this was a good game where the “underdog” won. Also at February 18th’s LRRC’s “presidential” meeting we almost got 30 years’ worth of past presidents together at one time. All but a few came to share the running lore with a large crowd of old and new members. For those who could not make it, we missed you! I wish this meeting and some moments in life were like a football game where we could make an approx. 1 ½ hour event into typical three. If we could stop the “clock” every so often or take time outs we could have listened to more stories and heard more advice and history on how good clubs are made. The LRRC started in 1977 with eight members and today there are over 200.
Lou (Ole Gristle) and Charley (Harley) Peyton were part of the founding group and they graciously sat on a panel along with Bob Hilts, Paul (Galloomphing Gourmand)and Bill(Ole Runner)Hoffman. They answered questions and told stories of beginnings of the LRRC. Bob Hilts offered the comment of how things have changed with all the gadgets and technology to improve running, where in the “old” days they relied on running groups and training partners to improve. They also shared that there were a lot of splinter groups at the beginning and yet I find that is the case now. They focused on creating and organizing races and training groups, like primarily focusing on marathons and certain time goals, particularly for example the White Rock Marathon. T-shirts and photos were brought out as evidence; Lou and Charley had t-shirts from the first LR marathon and women’s run and 3:20 training group. Bill Hoffman had some neat photos of the existing Sunday morning run and the first Arkansas Running Hall of fame inductees. Paul Johnson and Bob Hilts recounted humourous events. There was fierce competition its seems, but also camaraderie and encouragement were evident. I hope we can foster this and when the next generation takes over the club we tell the same kind of lore. Three past presidents received a much deserved award for the years of repeat service and they continue to promote and encourage and support this club. Tom Barron, Steve Hollowell, and Bill Harrell received the coveted plaques. While the president’s were recognized as they are due, this was also member appreciation dinner for we could not have the best club without the best people bringing it all together for volunteering, cheering, racing etc. Thank you all members and presidents.
Running offers many opportunities for people to try something they have never done before, and having a network from joining LRRC will help. You will find many training groups and people available to assist you in a first time 5K up to a marathon, as such as the LR marathon training group (Tom and Hobbit offer an encouraging environment to lead people into new territory.) Running offers things that will change your life for the better. As the Little Rock Marathon event is next weekend,-good luck participants and all those supporting the race!
I hope you will attend this month’s meeting for motivation and a reminder about the important things and not letting excuses get in the way of having and living a full life by listening to Randy Oates recount his progress since last year’s meeting.
Another positive force out there is the splash we are making with our new hoodies with the LRRC logo. While in Texarkana for the Run the Line half marathon, most of us wore them, showing team and club pride. I had someone ask me how many we had attend this event. So there was good publicity for the best club in the state!

Happy New Year!

Posted by: Preztc

Happy New Year! Hope all members enjoyed the 2009 holiday season and the beginning of 2010 as much as I did. If you have made resolutions I hope that you have kept them and continue to do so., If not, as my sister says, every minute starts another 24 hours. Keep trekking especially for those who have made the commitment to spring marathons and the Grand Prix racing season. For all runners for whatever reason, the bottom line is running makes you better. So here’s to a better you and a “best” year of running.

Looking back at December, the weather not rainy like October but cold (and won’t go away) did not keep the club from experiencing opportunities to fellowship together. The Christmas Party held on the 19^th at the Capitol Hill Building was very nice indeed-hats off to past President/current Treasurer Steve Hollowell for securing this location; it was well attended with lots of food, wine, laughs, and most important, good company! Thank you all for attending.

From that evening plans were made to celebrate the longest night of year (Winter Solstice) on the following Monday. Glen Mays hosted a run from his home on Kavanaugh to the Capitol grounds where we gathered to view the Nativity and saw some box with writing on it. From there the fast guys continued their evening jaunt to the River Market before returning back. The rest of us trooped back to the Mays’s warm kitchen, replenished and rehydrated with leftover libations and goodies from Saturday’s gig. Once Glen arrived back with Brian Scieskwosi. and Steve Preston, we pounced on the fresh baked gingerbread men cookies Glen had baked. This was a great run and hope this tradition continues. Thanks Glen!

Christmas Day gave us clear and bright skies with very cold temperatures. A few of us got out and showed spirit. Laura Naill and I ran later that morning, Joel Perez, Becky Humes, Joel’s brother and sister-in-law, and their wonder dog joined us for a very nice (?) hilly and chilly six plus miles through the Heights where we caught a glimpse of Santa (a fast and thin one who oddly enough resembled David Williams).

Paul Ward continued his traditional New Year’s Resolution run on the first day of 2010 that was well attended despite below freezing temperatures (again). It was so good to see all the members from both sides of the river come out to run. New member Mark Hagelmeier, who has also joined our Grand Prix team, was there with lots of energy and enthusiasm. He is a positive influence in the running community as he encourages and appreciates other runners and their accomplishments. One of his training partners was there, Joe Cordi. Joe is another positive person who encourages and makes an impact. As Joe and I were running back we reflected on how fortunate we are to be here in Little Rock running and appreciative of our running community and friends. Joe frequently guides Dave Wilkinson, a visually impaired athlete on races and training runs. He has influenced his lovely wife Sandy to quit smoking and take up running-she was out there in the cold that Friday as well. We needed these warm fuzzy moments as Kirk Riley, Mark, Robert Holmes, and Joe tried to stay behind David Williams and Bill Torrey pushing up the hills on the course, and assumed Kirk turned off early due to having to prepare for the even colder Winter Series run the following day. It was great to see Sarah Olney and Mary Wells out there as well as Rosemary Rogers-(Ginea was there too). Thanks to all runners who came out, especially the only one who didn’t run: Paul!

 Returning to a warm house and hot coffee after this cold but “heartening” run, I started cleaning up Christmas decorations and found this fortune cookie saying under my tree: You will soon be surrounded by good friends and laughter. The back had the Chinese spelling and pronunciation for FRIEND. Reflecting back over the past year and especially the past six months as your club president, I can say that this indeed is true. Many events that I have been blessed to experience and enjoy have originated with running. ….here’s to more of that in this new year. As my dad and another good friend passed on to me in holiday greetings, I pass on to you:, “All the Best for 2010″.

*To assist you in reminding you to have the “best” year, please attend our club meetings held on the third Thursday of every month.

 January 21-”Best” times on the books- Randy Taylor will speak about long distance records and perhaps life as a Razorback runner.

February 18th-”Best” Running club leaders- honoring LRRCs past President’s. It has been the tradition in the past few years to honor the past president as the incoming president takes office in the summer, so at this meeting I would like to give all those previous president’s an opportunity to be appreciated during President’s week

March 18th-”Best” recovery/inspiration-Randy Oates returns to give us an update on his healing and life since his devastating “accident”.

Twin Cities Marathon- Justin’s perspective

Posted by: Radke

Just getting ready for the Twin Cities Marathon was a challenge I have never faced.  At the end of the Dam Nite Run I tweaked my hamstring on the final hairpin turn.  I would rest it for a few days, ease back into it, try to push it, re-injure, and repeat. After 4 weeks of this I ran out of time and had to suffer through in order to get ready for the Tupelo Marathon.

I cut out hills, tempo runs, and speed workouts. Main goal was to survive and get through TCM.  I was so far behind in training for TCM, I figured I needed more miles.  So, the week of Tupelo I emailed the race director and asked if I could upgrade and run the Full instead of the Half.  I ran the marathon fighting the hamstring the whole way… somehow finished and won. I gave it pretty much all I had… 2:43.

After Tupelo, I took a week of light running before trying make a last push for TCM.  I increased the miles and tried to increase the intensity, but really struggled. When I pushed, the hamstring screamed back at me, but I was out of time so I hit it with ice and ibupropren.  As a PR seemed out of reach, I decided to go for 2:39… try to help Leah Thorvilson get the A standard for the Olympic Marathon Trials…wasnt even sure the hamstring would hold up for 26.2 in the cold.

I planned to run the 20k at the Arkansas Marathon as a time trail kinda thing, but got lost on the way to the race and didn’t make it on time. In hindsight, this probably was a good thing because the impending fight with Josh Holt would most likely have gone to the bitter end thus stressing the hamstring. I ended up running an uninspired 10 mile tempo at a pace much slower than I wanted. I was totally dejected.

The week before TCM, I met up with Holt planning to hit a 10 mile tempo. I decided to run 8 just to be safe and save some for TCM. During the run, the hamstring would not loosen up, so i decided to cut it back to 6 miles. During the run, I decided to let it rip for 2 miles.   Holt and I cruised miles 4 and 5 in the 5:30 range. Confidence was starting to build.

During the week of TCM, I cut the miles way back with hopes that the hamstring would heal enough to survive an attempt at 2:39.   I have only broken 2:40 once… at the LR Marathon 6 years ago.  Throughout the week, I became restless and easily agitated, due to the lack of ‘runner high’. I just wanted to run to get rid of all the extra energy.  The Thursday before TCM, I met Leah, Imari, Jason, and Glen for what turned into a spirited 6 miles at 6 min pace. I didn’t struggle, but it wasn’t easy either.  It did feel good to run.
So….. now that the prep is over… fast forward to race day.

For some reason I knew I would do good even though I had no reason to feel that way. My training was minimal, I was nursing an injury, and didnt sleep well the night before because I shared a hotel room with a snoring Imari.

Race day was cool.. low 40s. Perfect weather… no humidity.  I gave Leah a hug at the start then we warmed up separately. I say a prayer wishing everyone good health.  Everyone goes to the line, and I get behind Leah…somewhat to protect her from the people behind and somewhat to protect me from her.

The gun fires and off we go. I say to myself… 6:01 minutes per mile = 2:39.  Hold the pace. Dont burn yourself out at the beginning.  I stay behind Leah for half a mile or so.  It is impossible to run 6:01.. my legs wanted to run.   I see the women’s leaders and think.. how about I go say Hi.  So I do.  I figure Leah will pass me somewhere down the road.  First mile goes by at 5:40 something. I figure, I will stay here for a bit, let the legs loosen up before settling into pace.

Miles keep flying by… 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,…. then we come up on 10. The crowd support is amazing. People line the steets all along the course.  It is a huge event… bands, drums, costumes, people everywhere, beautiful course….water stations everywhere…. TCM does it right.  I am cruising and figure…. if I can hold this until mile 20, I will get 2:39 for sure.
It occurs to me, my hamstring doesnt hurt. How can this be? I keep going… half way point… 1:15:30 something. I am gaining 10-15 seconds on 2:39 every mile.

I think… uh… this is gonna backfire and Brian Ski is gonna be relentless with his taunting.  It becomes more difficult to log the miles. I keep thinking… get to 20.. hold until 20.  Around 18 or so, I am running stride for stride with the women’s leader. I am on her right side going into a right turn.  I dont know what she was thinking, she tried to cut the corner but I was there. She leans in, ducks her shoulder, and throws an elbow into my side.  I shrug her off, hold my line, and dont jump the curb… dont want to tweak the hammie.   She says.. ’sorry’.   I say ‘no problem’.  I note… she is a strong vetren runner… steady.. probably running close to her best.

We get to 20 and I decide that I have had enough… time to salvage…drop it back to 6:00 and cruise it in to the finish.  Then this little girl passes me. I mean she is tiny.   I think.. eh… she will probably beat me, but I am gonna make her earn it.  I pick up the pace.  We run together for a bit clipping along at 5:40s.  She is fast, but doesnt have much strength on the hills.   She is young and hungry.. started slow and picked up the pace.  6:00 is looking much better than 5:40s… so I let her go and drop it back to 6:00.  She hunts down the leader and eventually wins.  I expect Leah to pass me at any time.

Just trying to hang on...

Somewhere around 22 I hit the wall.. mentally… all I have to do is finish it up and I will get a PR.  I pray… let me finish this… give me strength.  Finally I pass mile 25… I know I am going to make it and get a PR.  Just after mile 26 another woman passes me… I have nothing for her.. dont say hi.. just let her go.  A couple of hundred meters go by, then another lady passes me. I let her go, then speed up and say to her… “that is 3rd place right there… go get it!”
She hears me and picks up the pace. She charges forward and closes the gap. I think.. she is gonna get it! I cruise it in, watching.  From my point of view it was too close to call.  I hope she gets it, but find out later that she does not.
I hold the pace and as I approach the line I see the clock.. just over 2:35.
I stop, kneel, say a quick prayer of thanks, then finish it up and cross the line at 2:35:36… a PR.

Completely unexpected. I was blessed.  Then it hits me.. Leah didnt pass me. I come back to the finishers chute… watching the clock tick. I look down the last stretch… Leah isnt coming.  2:36… 37.. 38… 39… my heart breaks… I failed… Leah needed me and I wasnt there… went for the PR instead.   40… 41…42…43..44. I cant take it anymore and leave.

So.. the challenge was not the hamstring…although I got a PR, I lost sight of the ultimate goal… Team LT. For this I have much regret. Next time Leah.. we will get PR’s and A-standard.