Well Race the Train was a big success, raising over $7,000 for Dollars for Scholars. Club member Gary Wilson did a super job as race director, the weather cooperated, and the train slowed down a little to let about 85 runners beat it back to the station this year. I would also like to acknowledge Dan Olden, Dave and Dot Harrington, Marsha Spear, Elizabeth Morgan, Deana Endievri and Regina Ellis, all club members who lent a hand and/or expertise to make the race run smoothly. The hills did not go away and Dr. Dan Larson suggests that we run the course backwards next year and party on the train on the return ride. We'll have to give it some thought.
Right after the train race was over I packed my bags and headed to Montana. I should have checked the magazines or the web before leaving as there was a 20 mile trail run beginning with a peak called Sacagawea just outside Bozeman happening while I was there. The third place 50 year old female did it in just over eight hours. I was thinking I might have been able to beat that. Oh well! But next time you go on vacation I advise you to check out the local running calendars, there just might be a race worth entering in the vicinity.
August 10th was Cole's Woods and Club Picnic Day. I counted on the results 87 finishers in the two and six mile races. Congratulations to Heather Mitchell on her first place overall in the two miles with a 7:09 pace. She beat out Nancy Nicholson and Heidi Underwood which in my book is no small feat. (She was only one second in front of Nancy.) It must have been an exciting run. Bob Underwood had a great run in the 6 mile race beating out Alex Hyde and Nate Underwood. I love it when the coach can still beat the stars! Nice going Bob. I was also happy to see that John Pelton is back in racing form as is Sherry Lamy. Injuries have had them down, but obviously not out.
The Tony Luciano 5K had terrific weather as well with the low humidity giving us a break. There was a large turnout, especially with the high school crowd. Nicole Blood was on hand to take 1st overall in the female division. Jim Werthmuller was seen for the forth time, count them four, this month donning a race number. He placed in his age again. Watch out Chuck Nacy! Candi Schermerhorn had a terrific race as well, placing 1st in her age. She looks none the worst for wear after having laser surgery on a small tumor in her brain last month. We are all thrilled to see she has made such a remarkable recovery. The 50 -59 age group is toughening up.
As I write this, September is right around the corner. If you are like me you are ready for cooler temperatures. August had no club meeting, so the September 25th meeting will be our next. The parents of Ashley Kelly will be at the meeting to talk about their small daughter, Ashley, and her need for a liver transplant. Bill and Shirley Venner will have a race application in the Rundown that will tell about the benefit race they are planning in the fall to help the family cover the $90,000 cost. The race fee of $20/$25 may seem steep for a 5K until you consider the money this family has to raise. I hope you will come to the meeting and support the race in early November.
Speaking of the September meeting, it will again be time to vote for club
officers for the 2003 - 2004 year.
Mark Regan is stepping down as Treasurer but Kathy Gramlich is willing to
move over to that position. Chad Quirion and Todd Eicher have expressed interest
in the Secretary's and Vice President's positions respectively. I think it
would be great to have such active young runners in executive positions. So
I hope to see you at the meeting to cast your votes, get caught up on club
happenings, express your opinions and perhaps volunteer for something. Grand
Prix status depends on it.
See you at a fall half marathon, Chuck and Sally's breakfast run September
14th or perhaps at The Meeting Place on September 25th.
Jill Pederson
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