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May 5, 2008
7:04 pm est
INVISIBLE CHALLENGES

Check out blind runner Randall Crosby's blog update on the 'running blind' tab. Not only does his
3.1-mile race include more challenges than most of us face, his sighted partner, Gabe Gabriel, warmed up for the race by stopping
off for a dose of radiation pre-race to help kill his prostate cancer.
5:39 am est
May 4, 2008
BREVARD ROCKS FIRST
FFW SERIES RACE
 Family Fitness Weekend folks just updated their website with results of the first of their eight-race sprint series.
Each race is held in a different Florida location through mid-Oct. and yesterday's half-mile swim, 12-mile bike and
5K were held a bit south of St. Augustine. Our hometown athletes made us proud and included Garry Branch, 1:14:00; Jeff Cook,
1:15:55; Linda Cowart , left, 2nd 45-49, 1:17:52; Sue Matschner, 1st 40-44, 1:11:57, Susie O'Connell,
2nd 55-59, 1:43:00 and Wes Ott, 1st 50-54, 1:06:32. Ott also placed ninth a week ago at St. Anthony's in St. Pete.
Congrats to all!
6:33 pm est
TAKE THAT, LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA!
Team in Training is well known for helping athletes get to the marathon finish lines, but did you know they also coach triathletes?
For the second year now, local tri coach Suzanne Coullias, left, has donated scads of her
own time and resources to help TNT participants lead healthier lives and raise money for blood cancer research. This
year’s goal race was Tri-Miami in Key Biscayne and the team performed admirably at today’s Olympic and Sprint
distances..
Local team members who
completed the Olympic distance of .93-mile swim; 24.8-mile bike and 6.2-mile run included Kelly Aleman, 3rd
Master’s, 2:40:12; Rick Buck, 2:34:31; Rachelle Butler, 3:18:32; Alisha Causey, 3:23:11; Carol Connolly, 1st
50-54, 3:02:23; Suzanne Coullias, 1st 45-49, 2:42:41; Maggie Crews, 1:54:58; Dj Giovannini, 2nd 45-49,
2:55:52; Patti Hamilton, 2nd 50-54, 3:06:32; Bill Harris, 4:05:55; Lauren Helton, 2nd 20-24, 2:33:02;
Leanne Hensley, 3:13:35; Karen Hughes, 3:16:09; Lisa Mangina-Friedland, 3:39:20; Eric McKinley, 2:59:10; Ana McQueary, 3:25:12;
Amanda Muller, 2nd Athena, 3:10:03; Lynn Pucci, 3:13:10; Ashley Temple, 3:34:26. TNTers who completed the sprint
distance of a quarter-mile swim, 12.4-mile bike and 3.1-mile run included Maggie Crews, 1:54:58; Shakira Guice, 2:05:35; Mike
Melton, 2nd Clydesdale, 39 and under, 1:19:23 and Cathi Rodgers, 1:40:25.
Other locals who finished the Olympic distance included Rick
Buck, 2:34:31; Mark Dirga, 2:54:59; Tracey McKay, 2:40:59 and Lee Ann Nawrocki, 1st 20-24, 2:30:25. Deb Johansen placed third
in the 45-49 division in the sprint race with her time of 1:21:25.
Congrats to all who raced and extra props to those who donated to TNT!
 Suzanne, together with Becky Moody, will offer group training for the Oct. 5 Health First Triathlon through Beachside
Tri Camp. The 12-week camp for the Olympic distance starts on July 19 with the nine-week sprint distance camp starting on
August 9. For complete information log on to
http://www.beachsidetricamp.com/campdetails.asp
IF ONLY THEY DID…
Disney’s ‘Women Run the World 15K’ drew hundreds to its finish line this morning, bringing an end to the
Minnie Marathon Weekend, which also included yesterday’s 5K and three-day fitness expo. The event was sponsored by Lady
Foot Locker and today’s race drew more than 100 locals including: ANNE MARIE AHAMMER, 1:15:34; HEATHER ARANGO, 1:54:51;
CAROL ARNOLD, 1:36:54; CYNTHIA BAILEY, 1:42:25; KATIE BEAUSEIGNEUR, 2:25:52; ROSETTE BEHYMER, 1:28:10; BRIDGET BEITEL, 2:10:30;
STACEY BIDDIX, 1:58:29; DOROTHY BOURLIER, 1:24:50; NICOLE BOURLIER, 1:24:50; PAM BROCKMEYER, 2:11:40; JULIE BURK, 2:25:51;
GINA CACCAMO, 1:41:59; KATHY CAMICK, 1:15:08; DEBBIE CAPIZZI, 1:40:00; KIM CAPOGRECA, 2:12:35; HOLLY CARRERAS, 1:39:10; JAY
CARTER, 1:26:20; KAREN CARUSO, 1:45:44; CAROLE CHAMBERLAIN, 1:51:40; ESTHERCHINNERY, 2:02:48; CHRISTINA COCHRAN, 1:32:44;
JACLYN COLTON, 2:09:44; JENNA COLTON, 2:09:46; DAWN CONDY, 2:25:09; LAUREN COSENTINO, 2:02:47; WENDY COSENTINO, 2:02:47; MEG
COX, 2:09:06; SALLY DAVIS, 2:01:28; MARY DIER, 1:38:22; TINA DIGIACOMO, 1:41:24; EVA DYCKMAN, 2:38:05; ELIZABETH ESPINOZA,
2:03:14; STEPHANIE ESTRADA, 1:52:48; CAROLYN FAST, 1:47:00; TERRY FERRISI, 1:21:52; DRU FILIBERTO, 2:14:45; BILL FLOYD, 1:43:04;
KIMFOEGE, 1:52:51; HATICE FOELL, 1:33:38; TINA FOLAND, 1:48:54; SHARON FRANASIAK, 1:56:10; CINDY GAFFNEY, 1:39:19; CARLY GAGLIARDI,
2:24:25; JEANNE GAGLIARDI, 2:24:26; CHARIS GAINES, 1:34:03; AMANDA GILMORE, 1:38:13; THERESA GRAY, 1:45:07; TAMMY GREEN, 1:34:31;
CASEY HAHN, 2:00:43; ANNIS HALVORSON, 1:23:10; ERICA HALVORSON, 1:23:10; (Annis and daughter,
Erica, at the finish line of the April 21 Boston Marathon. Photo: Todd Halvorson) JOLEA HEARN, 1:51:08; COLLETTE HEUSINKVELD,
1:58:33; EUFEMIA HOWARD, 1:39:55;KATE HOWICK, 1:24:49; MARIA HUFF, 1:40:54; TERESA HUFF, 1:15:33. 3rd, 14-18; JOY HUNKINS,
1:45:13; LAUREN HUNKINS, 1:45:12; PAULA HURD, 1:17:47 BALEIGH HYATT, 1:18:43; BONNIE JESENSKY, 1:28:57; KEVIN JESENSKY, 1:28:56;
ASHLEY JOHNSON, 1:22:40; SARAH KARP, 1:44:49; PAT KIESSELBACH, 1:36:29; CAROL
KLAUS, 2:30:45; KELLY KLEGA, 2:17:11 SERENA LEDIG, 1:57:52; KATHLEEN LEMIRE, 1:48:15; JEANETTE LUCAS, 2:18:30; CHARLOTTE MCCLURE,
1:24:59; DEEDRA MCGUGIN, 2:04:19; CRYSTAL MCMURRAY, 1:21:39; ZAHRA MCTAMMANY, 1:48:23; DONNA MCWILLIAMS, 1:56:51;PAM MEIER,
1:10:20, 2nd, 40-44; ANGELIQUE MOLINA, 1:27:17; DEBBIE MOLINA, 1:24:05; MARY NEMES, 1:58:35; ANA NESBITT, 1:58:33; CINDY NICHOLAS,
1:53:12; FRANK NORRIS, 1:15:43, 1st 50-54; KATIE NORRIS, 1:15:35; SHIALINE PAYNE, 1:34:54; KIMBERLY PAYZANT, 1:40:37; SARAH
PAYZANT, 1:40:18; ALISON PETERS, 1:27:34; JOHN PETERS, 1:30:46; LINDSAY POTTER, 2:30:44; KAREN RAMOS, 1:46:13; ANNE RAMSEY,
2:08:18; SUSAN REED, 1:33:36; CHRISTI REID, 1:58:31;JANELLE SHEPARD, 1:31:08;SHANNON SIMMONS, 1:39:53; LEISHA SINCLAIR, 2:03:25;
LINDA SNYDER, 2:01:29; EMILY SOLOMON, 2:02:56; MARCELLA SOLOMON, 2:02:57; DONNA SOYK, 1:47:31; REBECCA SPARKS, 1:09:51; 1st,
40-44; CARLY STALLINGS, 2:02:49; MARY STALLINGS, 2:02:48; SANDRA STEVENS, 1:53:36; DONNA STRAKA, 1:28:57; LISA SULLIVAN,1:37:05;
BETH TOLEDO, 1:58:42;
TERESA VAN VALKENBURG, 2:09:54;MARYBETH WAGMAN, 1:37:12;SANDRA WALKER, 1:28:11; CAROL WATERS, 2:03:11; KIMBERLY WEIRICH, 1:36:51;
ROBIN WEISS, 2:10:30; KIMBERLY WOLFF, 2:11:10.
Congrats
to all who raced today!
3:30 pm est
May 3, 2008
BULLDOG PINEAPPLE SALSA?
Ron Abel and Dillon McGee chopped up the Melbourne Beach streets today at the Two-Mile Bulldog
Pineapple Run and Walk. The race, directed by Andy - that’s Dr. Atkinson to us -benefited the Melbourne High cross country
team and the Greg Skufca scholarship fund. The event was also part of the Mel Beach Founder’s Day celebration
and more than 200 runners and walkers crossed the finish line.
The
race was, well, a race as 17-year-old McGee out-nosed Abel by one second at the finish to take the win in 10:27. (Ken Horton photo at left) Abel’s 10:28 got him second and Steve Chin trailed
in almost a minute later for fourth overall and third male in 11:26.
The
third overall finisher was local ladies running phenom, Jessica Crate, who nailed the top women’s spot in 10:58. The
closer race on the ladies’ side was for second, with Ceal Muldoon-Walker putting two seconds on Candice McNaughton at
the line. Muldoon-Walker, 45, finished second in 12:07 and 18-year-old McNaughton’s 12:09 gave her third.
Art Anderson, 48, grabbed yet another Master’s win in 11:29 and Mercie Pliego, 42, took the female
counterpart in 13:34 – 12 days after running the Boston Marathon and re-qualifying with her finish.
Complete race results are available at http://www.runningzone.com/results.html?id=470
Also check out all of Ken Horton's race photos
at: http://www.icunphotos.com/pics/run080503/index.php
Congrats to all
who volunteered and raced today!
WE HEART RED
More than 1,600 mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and 164 men crossed the Go Red for Women 5K at Disney this morning. The
race is part of Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker, and benefits the American Heart Association's
Go Red for Women movement.
Congratulations to local finishers Margaret Anderson, 40:31; Lynn Brooks, 41:46; Michelle Brooks,
41:46; Cheryl Cervok, 52:44; Courtney Cleasby, 37:26; Kathryn Conklin, 31:37; Mary Dimoush, 28:10; Kristy Fastiggi, 35:36;
Wendy Fitzpatrick, 37:52; Elaine Flautt, 48:14; Karen Furton-Sparks, left, 31:05; Nancy
Grzesik, 39:42; Jamie Hattendorf, 45:41; Julie Herndon, 39:34; Julia Holden, 52:44; Shawna Hume, 34:15; Mei Kalman, 46:55;
Linda Kelly, 39:15; Del La France, 52:14; Michelle Lamb, 32:18; Noreen Landolfi, 40:25; Andrea Lowry, 42:12; Julian Mayers,
57:21; Ryan Mayers, 57:21; Terry Mayers, 57:20; Zach Mayers, 57:21; Anne Melton, 34:05; Alina Miller, 34:39; Susan Nolan,
30:00; Anne Norris, 32:04; Elizabeth Norris, 29:26; Janice Nussear, 52:13; Kristen Nussear, 52:14; Heather Phelabaum, 45:40;
Holly Phelabaum, 39:13; Ana Rivera, 37:24; Sandra Robinson, 51:28; Ashley Rousch, 43:34; Samantha Rousch, 43:33; Laura Savas,
48:14; Heidi Sayut, 27:42; Amy Schell, 44:44; Terry Smith, 36:10; Tracey Strickland, 47:54; Ginger Soule, 29:58; Candy
Thomas, 34:45; Jennifer Van Den Driessa, 39:06; Trisha White, 33:59; Isabelle Zoerner, 55:08.
4:37 pm est
April 28, 2008
RUNNING ON FAITH
Titusville’s Randall Crosby began running less than two years ago. While learning the ins and outs of any new sport
has its challenges, Crosby’s blindness adds an extra twist. The 46-year-old father of two, who manages a café
at KSC, shares his experiences with humor and grace plus offers some encouragement for all of us. Read his unedited account
of his longest race to date – the Space Walk of Fame 8K – by clicking on the tab “Running Blind” at
the top of the page. (Crosby, left, runs with one of his training partners, George Gabriel.)
10:00 am est
WHAT’S A TAPER?
After winning the second spot on the men’s US Olympic Triathlon team
in Tucscaloosa, AL last weekend, Matt Reed flew to St. Petersburg Florida and took his second St. Anthony’s Triathlon
victory in as many years. The 6-foot, 5-inch, 33-year-old Boulder resident whipped through the .93-mile swim, 24.8-mile bike
and 6.2-mile run in 1:46:34.
After finishing second at St.
Anthony’s last year, 27-year-old Colorado Springs pro Sarah Haskins took the top spot in the ladies’ race in 1:59:24
and was the only woman to break two hours.
Sunday’s race was the 25th
annual for St. Anthony’s which, over the years, has hosted some of triathlon’s heaviest hitters and, in the earlier
days, was a Kona qualifier. The race began in 1984 with 600 participants – huge for a Florida race at that time
– and has continued to grow. More than 3,500 crossed yesterday’s finish line.
Locals who competed included Joel Dodds, 46, Rockledge, 2:31:06; John Fitzgerald, 39, Cocoa, 3:35:01; Chris
Gaston, 56, Satellite Beach, 3:11:01; Tom Hoffman, 56, Melbourne Beach, 2:28:11; Elly Kabbord, 24, Cocoa Beach, who raced
elite amateur in 2:26:28 (That's Elly, at left, leaving T2 during the 2006 Florida Challenge Half
IM in Clermont); Cliff Leffler, 41, Cocoa, 3:04:16; Deborah Marino, 51, Indialantic, 3:41:16; Rich Marino, 57, Indialantic,
3:08:18; Mike Melton, 33, Melbourne, 2:55:35; Wes Ott, 53, Cocoa Beach, 10th age group, 2:20:50; Juan Posada, 50, Rockledge,
3:09:04; Tricia Rydson, 35, Melbourne Beach, 2:30:09; Andre Swierzbin, 53, Melbourne, 9th Clydesdale 50+, 2:50:47; Karla Torpy,
50, Melbourne, 3:53:43; Tommy Turek, 32, 2:45:44; Mark Wolfgang, 35, 2:19:45.
Complete results can be found at: http://www.altavistasports.com/results/2008results/stanthonystriathlon042708.html
26.2
FOR YOU AND YOU AND YOU
 Congratulations to Richard Raley, Melbourne, 4:41:30; Fiona Wright, Palm Bay, 5:18:57 and Wayne Wright,
Melbourne, 5:08:09 who finished the April 27 OKC Memorial Marathon in Oklahoma City, OK. Beautiful Big Sur, CA also hosted
several races on April 27 and local finishers in the Marathon included Charis Gaines, Viera, 5:24:00; Sarah Guttery, Titusville,
3:41:13 and Marty Winkel, Titusville, 4:11:37. Nancy Rowan, also of Titusville, finished the 10.6-miler in 1:51:42 and Andrea
and James Shaffer of Rockledge each crossed the line of the nine-miler in 1:31:33. At
left is Sarah Guttery also leaving T2 at the 2006 Florida Challenge Half IM in Clermont.
THAT’S A FLOCK OF FLAMINGOES
Holy Smokes! Saturday’s Melbourne Art Fest Flamingo 5K registered 1,700 walkers and runners with more
than 1,400 crossing completing the 3.1-mile course that included an out-and-back over the “Mt. Melbourne” Causeway.
For the third
time in as many years, 21-year-old Christian Minor took the race in 15:46 – one second off of last year’s finish.
Beating last year’s time by 37 seconds and moving up one spot was Melbourne’s Chris Rego, 19, who took second
in 16:19. Andrew Bautel, 25 and also from Melbourne was third in 16:28. West Melbourne’s Mike Wasson, 42, grabbed Master’s
(40+) with his fourth overall finish in 16:37.
In the ladies race, 22-year-old Jessica Crate took the top spot and fourteenth
overall with her 17:46 finish. Palm Bay’s Tracy Smith, 35, was second in 19:44 followed for third by Karen Minor, Christian
Minor’s mom, in 20:19. Sue O’Malley, 47, from Port Orange took Master’s in 20:35. At
left Robin Hernandez photo of Crate and Smith post-race.
Complete results are available at: http://www.altavistasports.com/results/2008results/melbourne5k042608.html
Check
out more Robin Hernandez photos from the race at http://www.flickr.com/photos/26063852@N05/
SPRINGER, STROUT STEAL GRAND PRIX AGE GROUP AWARDS
 30 years ago, Orlando’s Track Shack began their Grand Prix Racing Series which quickly became one
of the largest and most competitive in the state. This season’s seven-race series was no exception and when the dust
had settled two local runners had taken first in the age divisions. While the Series awards go five deep overall, only one
award is given in each age group, making the honor even more impressive. Congrats to Merritt Island’s Ed Springer
for his win in the 30-34 category and Sue Strout, also of Merritt Island, for her 50-54 victory! Strout in photo at left
REGISTER SOON

The June 1 Pineapple Man triathlon in Melbourne is filling up fast and less than 150 spots are left. Register
at http://rotarypineappleman.com/ Marine Corp Marathon registration opens at noon on Wed. and is expected to fill up fast.
For info and application log on to http://marinemarathon.com/page11.aspx
7:12 am est
April 21, 2008
BEANTOWN
AT ITS BEST
Boston does not get much better than it did today. With minimal winds and temps
ranging between the mid 40s and 50s, few could log any complains against the weather.
And where else but Boston could you find a former homeless smoker, Kenya’s Robert Cheruiyot, winning the coveted title
for the fourth time, left, allowing him to enjoy the rarified air of Bill Rodgers and Gerard
Cote, who also hold four titles? All three, however, may never catch Clarence DeMar who holds the record of seven wins.
Cheruiyot, who set the course record of 2:07:16 last
year, broke away from a four-man pack as they entered the Newton Hills, knocking down the fastest mile of the race –
a 4:37 – and running unchallenged to a 2:07:46 win and $150,000.
While the Keyan finished solo, spectators on Boylston Street watched the closest women’s finish in Boston history unfold
as Russia’s Alevtina Biktimirova and Ethiopian’s Dire Tune tried to break one another during the final 600 meters
of the race.
At the line, Tune, left,
after crossing the line, who had allowed the Russian to pull her along for several miles, had the strength to finally
out-kick her, taking the 2:25:25 win – as well as $150K – by two seconds.
Also among the 25,000 participants were 23 locals, 12 of whom (* next to name) re-qualified for next year’s race. Melbourne’s
Pat McCormick threw down Brevard’s fastest time of 3:14:59, followed by Kerstin Dea, left, who
grabbed both the second fastest local time as well as the top local ladies time of 3:20:08 – 15 minutes faster than
her qualifying time of 3:35:08 at the Space Coast Marathon in November. Others receiving the coveted medal include Todd Angell, 34, Cocoa, 3:27:17; Danny Barrett, 43, Cocoa, 3:48:36; Rudy Behrend, 44, Cocoa Beach, 4:15:14; Daniel
Cochran*, 46, Titusville, 3:22:15; Suzie Enlow*, 45, Merritt Island, 3:55:42; Rick
Foresteire, 61, Merritt Island, 5:27:26; Robin Hernandez*, 42, Palm Bay, 3:49:41; Eleanor
Hunt*, 66, Indialantic, 4:45:38; Wolfgang Jensen, 56, Indialantic, 3:59:03; Alan LaMotte, 55, Satellite
Beach, 3:57:59; Michael Lanam, 46, Sebastian, 4:22:27; Anne Marie Logan*, 46, Indialantic,
3:54:12; Meredith Neff, 28, Melbourne, 4:26:19; Annis Outlaw*, 49, Titusville, 3:44:19;
John Ouweleen*, 67, Sebastian, 3:27:53; Mercedes Pliego*, 41, Melbourne Beach, 3:37:29; Cathie Poor, 46, Rockledge, 4:09:38; Jeff Reed*, 44, Indialantic, 3:25:02; Linda Smith*, 48, Indian
Harbour Beach, 3:55:47; Gary Stutte, 51, Titusville, 3:52:18; Angela Wells*, 42, Merritt Island, 3:44:41.
For complete race results, log on to http://www.baa.org/
FLORIDA TODAY story on local finishers at http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080422/SPORTS/804220336/1002/SPORTS
7:34 pm est
April 20, 2008
PASS THE KLEENEX, PLEASE
Why is it we can become so emotional when we watch others race? Maybe it is because, as humans who engage in running
and multi-sport, we see our own fears, joy, determination and strategy reflected back to us by those who are competing. We
become them or they become us – either way, it gets personal.
Watching today’s women’s Olympic marathon trials, start at left, on the NBC webcast was really about watching racing at some of its finest.
Going
into today’s Boston event, all eyes were on Deena Kastor, as the 35-year-old Mammoth Lakes 2004 Olympic marathon bronze
medalist had qualified for the trials with a 2:19:36 American record at the 2006 London Marathon, some 12+ minutes ahead of
the rest of the qualifying field.
Within the first mile, however, relative dark-horse Magdalena Lewy-Boutet, (left) a polish
immigrant who became a United States citizen on 9-11 - yes, that 9-11- pulled ahead of the rest of the pack. With a qualifying
time of 2:42:38, however, many wrote her off as someone who would soon fade.
They forgot that Lewy-Boulet,
the mother of a three-year-old son, had a personal best of 2:30:50.
With seven miles to go, Kastor trailed by 1:30 and Lewy-Boulet
was still running strong. Commentators were then wondering if Kastor was sitting back, content to *just* finish in the top
three to earn her spot to Bejeng. After all, she still has to compete in the women’s Olympic 10K trials coming up on
June 27 in Eugene, OR.
With questions flying, Kastor began to show the strength that has given her several
American records at multiple distances as her speed visibly picked up on camera.
By mile 23, she was 11 seconds down, a gap she narrowed within the next half mile. As she got ready to pass Lewy-Boulet,
Kastor moved to the opposite side of the road, hoping to make her work for a draft. Lewy-Boulet did, indeed, cross the
road to latch on, but stayed only long enough for the two women to get through the final aid station.
From
then on, the race was Kastors but she may not have known it until she got onto Boylston Street and gave a backward glance.
From then on, Kastor was all smiles and waves as she continued to hammer toward the finish – the last 2/10th
waving an American flag given to her by one of the thousands of spectators, many who will be running the prestigious Boston
Marathon in the morning. At 2:29:35, Kastor gained the first Olympic birth (left) and became
one of only six women to break 2:30 in the marathon trials. Forty-four seconds later, a seemingly disappointed Lewy-Boulet
hit the line in 2:30:19, gaining the second spot on her new country’s team.
It what she later described
as “redemption”, Blake Russell, took the third spot in 2:32:40. The 32-year-old 32:31 10K qualifier with
a marathon PR of 2:29:10, had finished fourth in the 2004 Olympic trials.
All three members of the 2008 Beijing team embraced Joan Benoit Samuelson (left) –
the winner of the first women’s Olympic marathon - as she crossed the line of what she has stated will be her final
competitive marathon, in 2:49:08, an American record for the women’s 50-54 age group. At the finish, the bright yellow
cap which had sat atop her head at the start of the race had been replaced by a Boston Red Sox hat - identical to the one
she wore as she won her first Boston Marathon.
WOW!
5:35 pm est
April 19, 2008
BEANTOWN
BUZZ
“…I really am driven by my goals, and it's the only thing that gets me out there. If I don't really believe
in something or want something bad enough, I can't get out there on a daily basis to put in the work necessary.”
– Deena Kastor, Women’s marathon Olympic trials pre-race press conference, Boston, April 19, 2008. Kastor, 35,
of Mammoth Lakes, CA, will be wearing bib number 1 at tomorrow’s women’s US Olympic marathon trials as her qualifying
time of 2:19:36 was more than 12 minutes faster than her fastest competitor.
Yup, like New York last
November, Boston has taken on the challenge of hosting the Olympic Marathon trials the day before their most famous and historic
race – the Boston Marathon. And like the multi-loop course of the men’s trials in New York, Boston will contain
five loops and utilize the traditional Boston Marathon finish line for the start and finish. Click here to view course http://bostontrials2008.com/index.cfm?pid=10252
 At left some of the ladies who ran the fastest qualifying times: Samia Akbar, 2:34:14; Elva Dryer, 2:31:48; Kate O'Neill, 2:36:15; Deena Kastor, 2:19:36; Blake Russell,
32:31 (only 10K qualifier) Mary Akor, 2:33:50 and Zoila Gomez 2:35:26. (Photo by Victah Sailer, PhotoRun)
To view a complete roster
and read more about the race and its competitors, log on to http://bostontrials2008.com/
Watching the trials has got to add an extra stoke to those running the 112th Boston Marathon on Monday. Among the
25,000 registered for Monday’s event are locals Todd Angell, 34, Cocoa, Bib 4955; Danny Barrett, 43, Cocoa, Bib 8699, photo left, munching on pizza is Boston today with daughter, Casey, and son, Wade; Rudy Behrend,
44, Cocoa Beach, Bib 3626; Thalena Boyd, 48, West Melbourne, Bib 19832; Diana Burton, 45, Indian Harbour Beach, Bib 20362;
Daniel Cochran, 46, Titusville, Bib 4442; Charles Croft, 57, Melbourne, Bib 16509; Kerstin Dea, 30, Rockledge, Bib 14076;
Julia Dodson, 28, Palm Bay, Bib 15,090; Suzie Enlow, 45, Merritt Island, Bib 19050; Rick Foresteire, 61, Merritt Island, Bib
25451; Eleanor Hunt, 66, Indialantic, Bib 21089; Wolfgang Jensen, 56, Indialantic, Bib 21210; Alan LaMotte, 55, Satellite
Beach, Bib 10123; Michael Lanam, 46, Sebastian, Bib 22982; Anne Marie Logan, 46, Indialantic, Bib 19422; Patrick McCormick,
48, Melbourne, Bib 8922; Meredith Neff, 28, Melbourne, Bib14334; Annis Outlaw, 49, Titusville, Bib 18557; John Ouweleen, 67,
Sebastian, Bib 15399; Mercedes Pliego, 41, Melbourne Beach, Bib 12672; Cathie Poor, 46, Rockledge, Bib 19589; Jeff Reed, 44,
Indialantic, Bib 8144; Robin Hernandez, 42, Palm Bay, Bib 17749; Linda Smith, 48, Indian Harbour Beach, Bib 19659;; Gary Stutte,
51, Titusville, Bib 12221; Angela Wells, 42, Merritt Island, Bib 18509.
Monday’s
race kicks off at 9:35 a.m. with the elite women, followed by the elite men and bibs numbered 1001-13,999 at 10:00. Waves
for the higher bibs start at 10:30.
Log on for the live webcast beginning at 9:25
at http://www.wcsn.com/ or track an athlete by name or bib number at http://www.baa.org/ Versus networks will also televise the race live starting
at 9:30.
FLORIDA TODAY advance coverage on locals at http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080419/SPORTS/804190322/1002/SPORTS
We congratulate the Brevard athletes on making it to the qualifying start line and
wish them the best of race experiences!
LINKY DINKS
Pete Carabetta sent
us a couple of links that are worth checking out. For those triathletes training for Olympic and half IM distances,
log on to http://www.opentri.com/ Great info plus free training schedules. Pete is using the site as he prepares for Florida 70.3
next month and to help him build his base for IM Louisville on August 31.
Also,
take a minute to peruse http://www.bicyclelaw.com/ Good stuff to know if you or a pal is injured while peddling down the road! Thanks, Pete!!!
OLD
GUYS DO RULE! Mike Wasson’s performance at today’s Scorpion Stampede in Satellite Beach put him in an entirely different zip
code. The 42-year-old West Melbourne Lt. Colonel, left, seized the victory in 15:54, well
ahead of former Florida State cross country runner, Jim Van Veen, who took second in 16:58. Jonathan Rohr was third in 17:46.
In
the women’s race, Merritt Island’s Nancy Buonanni’s victory of 20:23 was more than two minutes ahead of
Theresa Miller’s second place finish of 22:50 and more than four minutes ahead of Kristin Ouellete, who placed third
in 24:27.
Congrats to all who volunteered and raced today to help the runners
at Satellite High!
Complete Stampede results available at http://mahoney4.home.netcom.com/scr/races/08scorpion.txt
Inland a bit, Melbourne’s Art Anderson, 48, left, whupped up on a couple of youngsters
as he crossed the line if the Suntree YMCA 5k in 18:21. Dylan Clark, 16, followed for second and John Hustoles, 23, was third
in 19:17.
While an old guy ruled the men’s, a pair of 14-year-olds took
the first two spots in the ladies’ race. Hannah Kaufmann was first in 20:06, followed by Leslie Bollhoefer for second
in 21:18. Danielle Collyer, 29, was third in 21:45.
Complete results for
this race are available at http://runningzone.com/results.html?id=462
IRONED
 Ed Donner jumped into multisport just a couple of years ago and showed last weekend what concrete focus and discipline
can produce as he crossed the Ironman Arizona finish line is 10:26:05. With a swim split of 1:04:28 (1:42/100); bike
split of 5:23:26 (20.8 mph) and a 3:51:29 (8:51/mile) marathon, Donner finished 110th overall and 17th
in the 30-34 age group that rolled down Kona spots to 12th place. We have no doubt that there is a bona fide
Kona qualifier in his near future! CONGRATS ED!
UNITED SUN ALLIANCE?
 Congrats to the folks at United Space Alliance, who won the ultra open team division of the Sunrise to Sunset relay
race on March 28 & 29. The six-member team, pictured at left, ran a total of 170 miles starting in Jensen Beach and ending
in Ft. Myers.Those competing, left to right, included Kurt Holst, Rory Rowan, Nancy Rown, Howard Kanner, Frank Norris and
Joe Jacoby. Complete race information and results at http://www.sunrise2sunsetrelay.com/
6:41 pm est
April 13, 2008
ONLY THE TOP  Alas, 36 hours post-race, results from the Space Walk of Fame 8K and 2-miler are still not available. But, a photo or
two is worth a thousand words, so we've posted Cedric Ching's shots of the overall and Master's (40+) male and
female winners. Mike Wasson, who already nailed the Space Coast Runners Runner of the Year series win at last week's
Downtown Melbourne 5K, finished the season with another victory yesterday in 27:35. Steve Hedgespeth, a former three-time
series champ, nailed second for the 2007-08 season with his 28:38 second place finish. Although Ron Abel finished third overall
male in yesterday's race with his 29:02, he was really fourth overall behind Series winner, Jessica Crate, who blew through
the course in 29-flat. Art Anderson took another Master's win in 30:52.
In the women's race, Teresa Calo took second in 32:46 followed for third by Denise Logue in 33:23.
Robin Hernandez, who has chased Nancy Buonanni for Master's during the last few races, finally pulled it off in 34:18.
Congrats to all! Check
out all of Cedric's Space Walk of fame photos at http://public.fotki.com/CedricCSCFL/space-walk-of-fame-/ Keep checking www.spacecoastrunners.org for complete results. KEEP TO THE RIGHT West Melbourne's Rob Downey, sent us his race report from yesterday's Escape from Ft. DeSoto sprint triathlon in
St. Petersburg which included a half-mile swim, 10-mile bike and four mile run. We share it in its unedited version:
I almost bailed on the Ft. DeSoto 'Escape' race believing I was not in condition. But
sometimes you can surprise yourself when the endorphins kick in and the body goes to auto-pilot, doing what it's done
so many times before. I'm glad I raced, finishing third in M55-59. The swim may have been my worst ever at 15th out
of the water and I won't make the excuse of not wearing a 'float suit' like everyone else in my wave.
I'm just slow. But when it was time to use the legs I took off for the usual 'road hunt'. Using
Pyro platforms on the pedals helped me with the two fastest transitions in my group. The bike ride
warmed my knees for the run where my split was just :10 behind winner Dr. Arthur Halttunen, age group ranked 19th, USAT
2007. His specialty is the swim and he did the accurate half mile in 12:36. On the bike leg I was passed by only one
rider. On the run, only two went by me, all much the result of being a slower swimmer. The race
closed out with 1,000 entries and we started in the fourth wave meaning a whole lot of people were in front of me when
I hit the road. I was on the ride for 25:29 passing slower riders continuously. In fact, I did some calculations based on
split times, factoring wave separation and determined I passed conservatively 150 riders. This means I passed a rider every
10 seconds. Truly, it was the nightmare I suffer in almost every race, shouting ahead, 'Move right' or 'On
your left'. Many riders causally drift out from the edge. I often come to clots of riders when they are trying
to pass each other but moving too slow to be successful and thus blocking my rapid speed.
Shouting continuously makes breathing difficult and my throat suffers from the effort. I conserve
my voice for those who I believe are a real danger. Yesterday, my speed reached 26.8 mph while approaching
riders going below 19mph. My vocal timing needs to be correct to be effective and concentration on the real job at hand
is impaired. I came up to one group that seemed to resist my warning requiring an extra loud warning. As I managed to fly
past, a guy in the group said, 'why don't you just slow down?' I was incredulous but reminded him, 'this is
a race!' Keep in mind, the one-hundred First Timers started after my wave so they were not the
problem. I felt it necessary to shout a warning about 40 times yesterday.
I think it's great to have so many people experiencing this sport but everyone should realize there
are good reasons for the rules USAT hopes will lead to self compliance. I well remember my first race when I could only
get my bike up to 19 mph, thinking I was going as fast as I could ever imagine. And 19 mph is fast! It's just that
my peak of 26.8 yesterday is a bit faster and means I have new issues to deal with on the race course. Please,
please, please, everybody stay to the right and we'll all be a little safer.
Congrats to Rob, who finished in 1:16:02, posting the fastest time fro Brevard. His 18:38 swim was 15th in his 55-59 age
group, which went 26 deep. His bike split of 25:29 was third in the division as was his 27:06 run split.
Other locals who finished included Sean Cannie, 1:29:20; John Fitzgerald, 1:50:15; Jamie Kennedy, 1:30:23; Tommy Turek,
1:18:15; David Turner, 1:32:51. Congrats to all!
6:00 pm est
April 9, 2008
DRESS TO COMPRESS?
 During the last couple of years, some of the top and amateur runners and triathletes around the world have been
photographed training and/or racing in compression socks. (photo at left of 2007 Kona age-groupers
get ready to start the pre-IM 'underpants run') Yeah-they look sort of goofy-like knee highs or your grandfather’s
best- but the claim is that they help reduce fatigue, keep blood flowing and quicken recovery.
FLORIDA TODAY sports editor, Lee Nessel, a kick-butt swimmer and
budding triathlete, is writing a story on compression clothing and wants to hear from locals who may have tried it or are
currently wearing it. If this describes you, please contact Lee at either 242-3640 or LNessel@floridatoday.com Thanks in advance!
GOING, GOING,.....
Speaking of triathlon...Registration for the June 1 Pineapple Man will close at 500 and according to the latest numbers, the
race is half-way full. If you're 'iffy' about doing this race, you might want to keep an eye of the number
of registrants at www.multirace.com Click on 'participants' next to the Pineapple entry.
If you're training for the Pineapple, or any other race, a group is getting together at 9 a.m. on Sunday,
Apr. 13 at Ryckman Park to swim, bike and run the course. All are welcome.
IT'S
BAAA-AAACK!
 Also, Jeff Kramer is bringing back for the fourth year, the Astronaut Family Challenge Triathlon in Titusville on July
26. This year Kramer adds a special race on Friday evening - one in which only cancer survivors, those fighting cancer and
their caregivers can participate. A note from the soon-to-be released brochure reads “No one who raced in 2007
can forget Team “Stage 4”, all survivors of stage four Cancer. This year’s race will run over two
days. Friday evening’s race will be dedicated to and consist of Cancer survivors and their caregivers. Saturday morning
will be the race you have come to love, with the same family flavor, awards, give-a-ways and ice cream for all. Come on out
for both races. Cheer and be inspired by the survivors on Friday, then race in their honor on Saturday…”
GREAT FRED, GREAT CLERMONT!
Finally, kudos to Fred Sommers at CFT Sommer Sports. Fred is the guy who brought triathlon
to central Florida and on Sunday, the Great Clermont Triathlon celebrated its 25th anniversary. Browsing
old t-shirts and awards brought back memories of the event, which, over the years has changed distances multiple times with
the oddest being a full mile swim; 30-mile bike and 7.3-mile run around Lake Minneola.
Sunday’s race was the standard Olympic-distance of .93-mile swim; 24.8-mile bike and 10K run and was also a USAT regional
qualifier. Locals who completed the early season race include Grover Brower, 3:00:04; Joshua Emison, 3rd 15-19, 3:15:19;
Robert French, 3:04:47; Travis Hiers, 2:37:12; Tom Hoffman, 3rd 55-59, 2:32:30; Dean Holhaus, 2:42:42; Elly kabboord, 1sr
20-24, 2:29:23; Lori Kruger, 2nd 45-49, 2:48:44; Loran Serwin, 2:48:41;(photo, left, with Christy Zieres
at the 2007 Space Coast Runners pre-race dinner. Linda Smith, 2:54:54; Nick Smith, 2nd Clydesdale 40+, 2:38:31;
Sue Stidham, 3rd Athena 40+, 3:23:15, Curtis Williams, 3:15:34; Mark Wolfgang, 2:23:01; Christy Zieres, 1st Athena 40+, 2:50:00;(photo, left, with Loran Serwin at the 2007 Space Coast Marathon pre-race dinner) Jeff Zipperer,
2:39:27.
5:44 am est
April 5, 2008
EVERYTHING'S BETTER WHEN YOU'RE DOWNTOWN
Although there is one race left in the 10-race Space
Coast Runners Runner of the year series, the names of the top male and female champs have already been inked.
On March 15, Viera's Jessica Crate nailed the Eye of the Dragon 10K giving her enough points to force the rest of the
women to race for second. Crate, a pharmaceutical sales rep and former Florida State runner, has won every race she has entered
this season, save the Space Coast Half Marathon - her longest race to date - where she placed fifth to a foursome including
the likes of Joan Benoit Samuelson.
 On Saturday, West Melbourne's Mike Wasson, left, effectively shut out former three-time
champ, 29-year-old Steve Hedgespeth, right, from making it a fourth as he took the win at the
Downtown Melbourne 5K in, well, downtown Melbourne.
Wasson, a 42-year-old Lt. Colonel left no doubt as to who was
stronger that day as he crossed the finish line in 16:20, a full 40 seconds of Hedgespeth. Even if the young engineer were
to beat his elder opponent in the final event, the best he can do for the Series this year is second.
Although
not racing for ROY points, Morgan Davis, a 19-year-old Florida Tech cross country runner, pulled in third at 17:03 and, no
surprise here, Art Anderson took yet another Master's win in 18:18.
One of the most unique things about the
Downtown Melbourne event is the fact that the men and women race separately. Every year race director, Frank Webbe, rotates
which sex gets the 7:30 a.m. start time and which one has to sweat a bit more with the 8:15 gun.
 Saturday was ladies first and 19:30 later, the first lady arrived at the finish. Palm Bay's Tracy Smith, a 35-year-old
mother of two clobbered her own time on this course last year by 25 seconds. That's Tracy left with
husband, niece in stroller; daughter Sabrina, 9, and son Riley, 8. Although she took the win, her second in as
many Saturday's (a 19:25 at last weekend's Set the Pace 5K), an all-time 5K PR was elusive.
"After
all my hard work this year, I was hoping to PR," said Smith, who has been "coached and motivated" by Wasson.
"I decided to race and not end up losing at the end because I pushed too hard."
Smith slightly trailed Carolyn Horst, nee Salois, (Carolyn with Tracy giving chase-left. All photos
for Downtown Melbourne courtesy Robin Hernandez.) until about the two mile mark, where she finally pulled away and
then put 12 seconds on the Florida Tech runner. Salois Horst pulled in at 19:48 followed for third by Satellite Beach's
Cathy Friedel, 45, in 20:08. Nancy Buonanni, 46, of Merritt Island grabbed Masters in 20:41.
For those wondering
why Crate wasn't in the mix - she was - except she mixed it up with the guys, pulling out an 18:07, after sleeping
through her alarm.
Congrats to all who raced and volunteered as all proceeds will benefit The Haven, a shelter
for abused and abandoned children.
For complete race results, log on to http://mahoney4.home.netcom.com/scr/races/08downtown.txt
7:37 pm est
March 31, 2008
THE SYSTEM WORKS!
Ah...we asked that someone let us know if a faster female time had been run at Set the Pace 5K since Delight Chambers set
the record in 1986 in 18:01. And now, the rest of the story...
Ten years after setting the course record,
Delight watched from the sidelines as Cocoa Beach's Rebecca Sparks annihilated the record with a 17:30. (That's Rebecca on the left as she won the Eye of the Dragon 10K in January of 2003. Barry Jones photo)Rebecca's
time was good enough for ninth overall and more than two minutes ahead of second place finisher Celia Buchanan who ran 19:42.
Interestingly enough, Celia, now known as Celia Walker, also finished second on Saturday but did so five seconds faster than
a decade ago.
Congrats
to both!
3:35 pm est
March 29, 2008
IT'S ALWAYS ABOUT PACE
Runners and walkers sometimes gripe about the little hill they have to climb on Orange Avenue during the last 2/10 of a mile
at the Set the Pace 5K in Rockledge. The race, which began in 1979, originally forced the runners up the unexpected (in FL)
and surprisingly steep rise of Burlington Ave. which, in addition to the climb, also added several more turns to what was
then a three-mile race - the .1 came later. With the course change and concurrent running boom, Set the Pace became
the area's preeminent race in the 80s with both the male and female course records being set in 1986. Craig Virgin, a
seven-time American record holder, took the men's record in a smoking 14:13 which, at age 30, was almost a minute off
the 13:19 PR of younger days. On the same day, local resident Delight Chambers ran an 18:01 and if a faster female time has
been run since, please let us know. (Virgin, left & #25, on a 1981 cover of Track & Field
News)

While both Virgin and Chambers had more than a minute on those chasing them, today's race wasn't as spread
out. Merritt Island's Jonathon Brown, 16, clinched the top in 17:52 followed by 48-year-old Master's stud Art Anderson
(left, in Robin Hernandez photo) in 18:07. Tim Marquardt, 15, took third in 18:42 and
Jerry (open wide, this won't hurt a bit) Bird, 53, grabbed the 40+ award in 19:15.
While Palm Bay's Tracy Smith, left in photo taken by Robin Hernandez at the 08 Dino Dash), took
the ladies by 12 seconds, today's 19:25 victory was a whopping 39 seconds faster than her winning time of last year's
race. Cocoa Beach art teacher and cross country coach, Ceal Walker, 45, took second in 19:37 with Nancy Buonanni pulling in
third at 20:08. Coming back nicely after injury was Sue Holstein, 48, who took Master's in 21:55.
Complete results are available at http://www.runningzone.com/results.html?id=451
Congrats to all who raced and volunteered today to support lymphodema patients!
6:54 pm est
March 25, 2008
OH, BABY!
Jackie and Steve Schmoll, of Melbourne, welcomed Delaney Cathryn Schmoll, left in photo submitted by
Theresa Williams, into the world on Thursday, March 20 at 6:25 a.m. Young Delaney, who weighed in at six pounds,
two ounces and was 20.25 inches long, was probably ready to do some running for herself. After all, her 28-year-old mom had
run throughout the entire pregnancy, including a healthy trot the morning she went into labor. Jackie's continued pursuit
of fitness helped provide a healthy baby; a healthy delivery and and possibly an age group award in this season's Runner
of the Year series, where the Up & Running racing team member is currently in third place in the 25-29 age group. Congratulations,
Jackie and Steve!!
7:29 am est
March 17, 2008
WHAT DID YOU DO THIS WEEKEND?
TOO
MUCH MATH
Saturday, March 15 - As Andrew Bautel crossed the Eye of the Dragon finish line in 34:59, spectators - as well as the guys
more than a minute behind him - were asking "who is that guy?". Bautel is a 25-year-old former FSU track and cross
country team member who is now employed as a personal trainer at Club Performax. Bautel mentioned that he began
training again about four weeks ago after a several year hiatus from the sport and isn't sure he'll get to race much
due to limited time. With guys like Jim Van Veen and Mike Wasson leaving the area this summer, Bautel may be the guy
to keep everyone on their toes - literally. The real race took place between Wasson and Steve Hedgespeth, a former three-time Space Coast Runners Runner
of the Year series champ. The two men have traded one-spot series point differences all season and Wasson knows the final
outcome will be close. Andrew Bautel, left, captured by Cedric Ching.
Although Hedgespeth had edged out Wasson during the last three series races, the 42-year-old Lt. Colonel turned the tables,
this time letting Hedgespeth run out front. Not a bad idea on a day that included blustery gusts and a nasty headwind on the
return trip over the Eau Gallie Causeway. Hedgespeth was unable to respond when Wasson made his move at the base of the bridge
with about 3/10 of a mile remaining, putting nine seconds between the two of them at the finish. Wasson grabbed second and
an extra ten points in 36:23 with Hedgespeth taking third with his 36:32.
On the ladies' side, Jessica Crate once again annihilated the field with her more than three
minute lead, hitting the line in 37:38 and setting a course record by 87 seconds. With perfect point scores across the
board for all eight of her series races, she has locked up the top spot for the season and the rest of the women will be racing
for second during the last two races. Crate and Wasson, left, courtesy of Robin Hernandez One of those will be Palm Bay's Tracy
Smith, who finished second at the Eye in 41:02. Orlando's Teresa Calio was third in 41:28. And don't count out Kara
Neidermeier. The 30-year-old Divine Mercy athletic director showed why she is truly a class act as she crossed the finish
line in the unusual position of last place in her age group due to a medical mishap resulting from recent illness. While many
others would have called it a day or not wanted a much slower than normal time recorded, Neidermeier proved she is real champ
by finishing what she started. With two drops allowed in the series, this one won | | |