As I write this, Heidi Underwood, our Rundown editor, and club member Pam
Duell have just completed their first Ironman competition in Lake Placid.
The contest included a field of 1,835 runners (overwhelmingly men) from all
over the world, one hundred of which earned a spot in the World Ironman Championship.
Heidi is little in stature, but mentally and physically very strong. Pam is
equally tough and a strong swimmer. Some of us fought the crowds, traffic
and torrential rain on July 27th to cheer them on. Several club members were
race volunteers. On behalf of the club, I would like to congratulate Heidi
and Pam on their amazing feat. It was a tough weather day for such an event
with over 150 posting a DNF. Heidi and Pam finished strong. I stayed long
enough to see Heidi cross the finish line with her kids, Emma and Will. They
were real troopers that day and cheered their mom on from many vantage points
throughout the day. As I drove onto Route 78 on my way out of town at 9:00
p.m. there were still many runners on the course, in the dark, in the rain,
wearing reflective necklaces with a half marathon left to run.
The Distance Run, held July 6, was perhaps one of the hottest runs in the race's long history. I was privy to some of the behind the scenes happenings. To some it may seem simple. One runs 10 miles, has a snack and takes a swim, then catches a ride on the bus back. But, I can assure you, that the logistics of this one way race are no simple deal. Race directors Candi Schermerhorn and Gen May did a terrific job as did the countless volunteers. 618 runners completed the course. Perhaps the most surprising thing that happened was that front female runner, Mollie Defrancesco, 24, of East Greenbush, discarded her running flats along the course, quite a distance from the finish, and still won with a respectable pace of 6:21. Also notable, 81 year old Vern Collins now holds the record for oldest person to compete the course.
The Summer Track Series, held at the Glens Fall Track on Tuesday evenings, has been very well attended this year. I think Heidi did a fantastic job in getting the word out, particularly to the area's youth. It is encouraging to see so many young people out there running. I hope the Cross Country Fun Runs being held at the YMCA in August (Tuesdays at 6:00) are as well attended. Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped out every week especially Dan Olden, Pat Sweeney, Karen Provencher, E. John Loucks, Dot and Dave Harrington and anyone else I may have forgotten.
It is also news worthy that our own Bill Venner, in a higher age bracket that he would care to admit, has been giving the high school and college boys a run for their money, so to speak, on the track. Recently he broke the 5:00 minute mark in the mile. His sister says it might be the short buzz cut he recently got that is giving him a streamline look and competitive edge. Perhaps Marks Schachner and Regan should be taking notes.
Don't forget that coming up on August 10th is the Cole's Woods Race followed by our Annual Club Picnic in Crandall Park. No reservations are necessary for the picnic. The club provides the drinks and the hot dogs and hamburgers. Just bring a dish to pass and a nonperishable donation for the food pantry if you can. The picnic is a fun way to meet fellow club members and their families..
Throughout the summer I have been working closely with and doing registration for Race the Train. The race benefits Dollars for Scholars in North Creek, where I teach. I hope to see many of you on the train before this challenging but shaded and beautiful 8.4 mile run. After the race is over I am taking a few days to regroup, and then I am heading for Bozeman, Montana, with my mom for a much needed break from running, racing, organizing and attending meetings. I will be spending some time with family and friends for hiking and just plain relaxing before gearing up for the fall racing season.
Enjoy the rest of the summer. It will be over all too soon.
Jill Pederson
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