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May 21, 2007
TNT Aloha
 Cancer effects all of us. Maybe we're not in a personal
fight, but we all know someone who is.
Yesterday, several locals completed the Honolulu
triathlon to honor those folks you see in the photo on the left-all cancer warriors. FLORIDA TODAY's story
on why and how the athletes did this can be read at: http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007705200333Locals crossing the Olympic-distance (.93/24.8/10K) finish line in Ala Moana Park included John
Blackstone, 2:41:49; Kirk Burns, 2:41:42; Coach Suzanne Coullias, 2nd 45-49 AG, 2:40:56; Nathan Falk, 2:32:14; Ana McQueary,
3:26:24; Cathy Rodgers, 3:21:22; Jennifer Stiner, 2:58:34. Congratulations to all of you, not only for the
race, but for your dedication to helping the fight against cancer.
May 20, 2007
World du
 A HUGE congrats to Michelle Smurl on her 21st place in the 35-39 age group at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Duathlon
World Championships that took place in Gyor, Hungary today.
Michelle was selected by USA Triathlon (USAT)
as one of the representatives for the United States but only given four months to train. With grace and guts, Michelle took
the challenge and worked hard with Doug Butler to shore up her running. She also took her bike to NY and north Florida to
get some hillwork in on both the bike and her run.
Michelle's race splits are as follows:
10K run: 42:39
or 6:52/mile
TI (first run to bike transition): 1:54
36K bike: 1:11:10 or 18.8 miles per hour
T2 (bike to second
run transition) 2:06
5K run: 26:47 or 8:37/mile
Total Time: 2:24:35
CONGRATS, MICHELLE!!!
We are proud of you!!!
Official results (much in Hungarian) are posted at:
http://cch.m42.hu/eredmenyek/detailed.php?EventId=Gyor07DAd&Action=List
Dears in Deerfield
 Not sure how they did it, but the folks at ESM were able to get A1A shut down for the bike leg of yesterday's Family Fitness
sprint series tri race #2 in Deerfield Beach. Athletes were treated to a quarter-mile swim in ocean water so clear that
you could see tiny fish dart along the buoy tethers. The 10-mile bike took participants past lush, tropical foliage and gorgeous
south Florida-style homes. The 2.6-mile run was on a two-loop course that allowed for lots of positive vibes and cheers to
flow.
Locals crossing the finish line and heading to a lavish post-race buffet (and we mean lavish) included
Eddie Blair, 3rd 15-19 AG; Kathy Blair, 2nd Athena, 40+, 1:11:55; Max Bosso, 3rd Clydesdale ,39 & Under; 56:23; Liz Cerow,
1st 55-59 AG, 1:03:59; Rob Downey, 2nd 55-59 AG, 54:44; Debra Johansen, 1:04:44; Phllip Mazzella, 1:04:08; Bernie Sher, 3rd
65-69 AG, 1:08:54; Patti Sponsler, 2nd 45-49 AG, 1:02:40; Teresa Williams, 1:05:03; Fiona Wright, 1:36:32. Complete results
at:
http://www.familyfitnessweekend.com/results/2007/Deerfield/Triathlon_Results.pdf
Above photo: Front: Debra Johansen; Back L to R: Bernie Sher, Kathy Blair, Eddie Blair,
Patti Sponsler, Rob Downey. Photo: Erica Johansen.
Hottie-too-tottie (in 'Crankers'
own words)
A well-known local swim coach has a heated fascination with firemen
and after watching them compete in the fireman games taking place near the Deerfield triathlon venue, we can see why.
After telling one or two of them about 'Crankers' fire-desire. They gathered up their friends for
this photo to let our pal know they wished she had darted to Deerfield with the rest of us. :)
Let mad dogs howl & bfast!
Several locals booked it over to Madiera Beach for today's 22nd annual Mad Dog Madiera Beach
sprint triathlon. Locals completing the half-mile swim, 15-mile bike and 5K run include Marcos Alegre, 1st 70-74 AG,
1:29:19; Linda Cowart, 3rd 45-49 AG, 1:32:13; Suzie Enlow, 1:28:34; Wolfgang Jensen (photo left),
3rd 55-59, 1:28:25; Robert Lattig, 1:43:04; Scott Meder, 3rd 40-44 AG.
Farther north, the Beaches
Fine Arts Sprint Triathlon (BFAST) race #1 turned into a duathlon due to high seas and gusty winds at Ponte Vedra Beach.
Locals completing the 1-mile run; 10.5-mile bike and 5K include Randy Hierbaum, 2nd 50-54 AG, 59:20 and Joseph Joseph, 1:15:29.
FORD 70.3, not the car
Australia's Craig Alexander, 33, must like Florida. He won the Ford Ironman 70.3 world
championship in Clearwater last Nov. Today he won the Florida 70.3 at Disney in 3:50:27. Pretty speedy for a 1.2-mile
swim; 56-mile windy bike and 13.1-mile run.
Second went to Simon Lessing, 37, from Colorado in 3:53:47 and
third to Cali's 28-year-old Luke Bell in 3:54:18.
On the ladies' side, Katja Schumacher, 39, of NY, took
the top in 4:28:28. Cancer survivor and 1995 Hawaiian Ironman winner, Karen Smyers, 45, of Mass (photo
on left) went 4:34:06 for second and Belgium's Tine Deckers, 29, took third in 4:36:31.
Locals
who also hit the line include Dana Artz, 6:04:34; Ed Donner, 5:04:54; Erik Ekholm, 6:27:35; John Jordan, 4:57; Elly Kabboord,
4th 18-24 AG, 5:21:09; Michelle Lyle, 6:10:40; Brian Murtha, 6:29:01; Kevin Murtha, 5:04:04; James Roeder, 6:23:01; Soren
Sorensen, 6:00:26.
Congratulations to all!
May 18, 2007
Du tri, tri, tri
 Multi-sport season is now hitting its seasonal stride and there will be lots
o' locals racing this weekend - some in far away and exotic locales.
On Sunday, Cocoa's Michelle
Smurl will be racing in Gyor, Hungary, as part of the U.S. national duathlon team. Smurl (left at last
year's SCC 15K, Cedric Ching photo) will be joining about 1,000 competitors from around the globe in the event
that includes a 10K run; 40K bike and 5K run.
Smurl, who was asked to join the team in January, has been training
hard and is looking forward to some fun. Get em, Michelle!
For more information on the Gyor race and to track
results, log on to:
http://www.duathlon-wch-2007gyor.hu/index.php?displang=eng
 Seven local Team in Training members are traveling to Hawaii today to race in the Honolulu International-distance triathlon
on Sunday.
Their reasons for the journey, which they began training for on Feb.
3, are varied but the common focus is on eradicating cancer's scourge.
Those competing
include (left to right in photo) Nathan Falk, Satellite Beach; Ana McQueary, Indialantic; Cathi
Rodgers, Indian Harbour Beach; Volunteer Coach Suzanne Coullias, Indialantic; Kirk Burns, Satellite Beach; Jennifer
Stiner, Titusville; and John Blackstone, Indialantic.
(Mascots Jensen and Pierce stand in front of
'mom', Suzanne in their back yard.
Honolulu race info available at http://www.duathlon-wch-2007gyor.hu/index.php?displang=eng and look for complete story in this Sunday's FLORIDA TODAY sports section.
 Also racing Sunday are those folks ready to rock the Ford 70.3 Florida (Don't you miss the old "half ironman"
phrase?) at Walt Disney World. Those registered for the mousecapades include Dana Artz, Cocoa Beach; Matthew Bigos,
Merritt Island; Stuart Dawley, Indialantic; Ed Donner, Melbourne; William Edwards, Merritt Island; Erik Elkholm, Indialantic;
Gary Ganiban, Indialantic; Ryan Jensen, Pallm Bay; Elvira Johnson, Palm Bay; John Jordan, Cape Canaveral; Elly
Kabboord (photo at left racing the Florida Challege Half Ironman last year),
Cocoa Beach; Michelle Lyle, Merritt Island; Brian Murtha, Melbourne; Kevin Murtha, Melbourne; James Roeder, Titusville;
Soren Sorensen, Melbourne Christine Tripodi, Melbourne Beach; Christina Vinson, Indialantic.
For more information
on the Half Ironman, oops, 70.3, log on to:
http://www.ironmanlive.com/events/ironman70.3
Last, but not least, assorted locals will be racing the Family Fitness Sprint Triathlon in Deerfield Beach and
the Beaches Fine Arts Series sprint triathlon in Jacksonville Beach tomorrow. as well as the Mad Dog sprint triathlon
in Madeira Beach on Sunday.
Good luck to all and have fun!!
May 16, 2007
 HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
ROZ
CHAPMAN
Our world is a better place with you in it!
What if there was no more shade?
 With continued over-development and global warming, our leafy friends need our help. Several locals lent their support last
Saturday at the Run for the Trees 5K in Winter Park.
Special props to Rebecca Sparks who, after giving birth to
Kira Michelle a year ago, is back to her way on top. At 40-something, Rebecca ran a 19:59, taking second overall.
The photo of her on the left was taken as she won the 2004 Eye of the Dragon 10K. Photo by Barry Jones
at www.trihokie.com
Palm Bay's Keith Potter also brought home hardware, finishing first in the 15-19 age group and sixth overall
with his 17:35.
Other locals crossing the finish line included Mike Carbone, 30:16; Karen Furton, 32:20; Kristin
Kelley, 27:19; Claudia Haines, 29:26; Blanche Morrison, 33:51; Lauren Price, 27:43; and Jade Rymkos, 27:36.
The trees say 'thanks'.
May 15, 2007
Check out the mailbag
*Don McKinnon would like to see some local multi-sport events cater to kids and cleaner
roads for all who run and cycle.
*Susan Russell is looking for an adult crew group.
Can you help?
Danskin triathlon builds dreams
 The smiles of the 1,072 women who crossed the finish line of the Danskin sprint triathlon on Sunday at Walt Disney World were
empowering, inspiring and contagious. For many, the finish meant the beginning of new possibility and potential.
Now
in its 18th season, the seven-race Danskin series has encouraged more than 165,000 women to stretch their self-perceived
limits. And once they accomplished physical feats they once thought impossible, the confidence to move forward in life's
other areas was born.
The photo on the left is Jackie Clifton (in Running Zone shirt), who took second in the
45--49 age group. She and her son, Billy, also won the mixed doubles division at Muddy Buddy the day before.
The
photo was taken at the Downtown Melbourne 5K this year by Barry Jones (www.trihokie.com) where Jackie took Master's in 20:11.
Fifty-eight ladies from Brevard joined those who completed
the quarter-mile swim, 9-mile bike and 2-mile run include Lauren Ablondi, 1:14:08; Stephanie Allain, 56:16; Kristina Anderson,
1:50:37; Linda Baker, 1:58:03; Kristine Barrelle, 1:14:17; Baerbel Bartyczak, 1:23:23; Kathy Bartyczak, 1:30:26; Tammy Blout,
1:27:55; Kim Budnick, 1:05:42; Kristin Ciuro, 1:03:44; Jackie Clifton, 2nd 45-49 AG, 11th overall, 52:36;
Laura Cole, 1:03:11; Christine Cullen, 1:26:32;Shannon Daly, 1:08:34; Sally Davis, 1:14:20; Elizabeth Donaldson, 1st
55-59 AG, 56:53; Karen Drack, 1:07:21; Melanie Ekholm, 58:47; Cindy Frith, 1:30:48; Shavaun Fronk, 1:09:47; Lisa
Gonzales, 1:25:50; Leslie Hoadley, 1:25:23; Rhonda Huntington, 1:22:03; Linda Keller, 1:21:46; Amy Lacy 2nd 50-54
AG, 59:26; Kathy Larkin, 1:14:29; Drin Lauscher, 1:09:39; Julie Lax, 1:05:36; Sherry Love, 1:48:14; Bethany Lussier,
1:25:59; Erika Maier, 1:07:16; Sue Matschner, 1st 40-44 AG, 7th OA 51:49; Terry Matson, 1:18:03;
Willy Moolenaar, 1st 65-69 AG (first triathlon), 1:09:56; Becky Mullin, 1:16:09; Ana Nesbitt, 1:11:20; Wendi
Nolder, 1:31:03; Maureen Olsen, 1:38:27; Aniela Orr, 1:23:33; Valerie Piszczek, 1:31:45; Joann Purkerson, 1:02:21; Marla Rhodes,
1:31:24; Erin Ricci, 1:29:37; Amarelis Rivera, 1:33:09; Nilda Rivera, 1:34:17; Jean Romanelli, 1:22:20; Amy Roush, 1:16:18;
Kelly Sanders, 1:22:46; Patricia Shankle, 1:12:30; Tammy Sigurdsen, 1:32:23; Christie Sinclair, 1:25:49; Pam Stanford, 1:17:50;
Shannon Tomarchio, 1:08:02; Ami Thibault, 1:35:59; Jayne Waters, 1:20:46; Sarah Webb, 1:06:10; Joanne Woodson, 1:22:21, Fiona
Wright, 1:14:46.
For complete information about the Danskin race series, log on to http://www.danskin.com/
For FLORIDA TODAY coverage of the race log on to: http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007705130343 (Local 71-year-old grandmother of six, Baerbel Bartyczk leads her two daughters through their first triathlons)
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070515/SPORTS/705150329/1002/SPORTS (Top Brevard county age group winners)
May 14, 2007
They got muddy, buddy!
 Egads-that is some mud that Titusville's Jeff and Andrew Kramer had to claw through during Saturday's Muddy
Buddy race at Disney. The race requires that participants wear a helmet during the entire event and that is Jeff on the left
in silver and Andrew on the right in yellow.
From all accounts, the Muddy Buddy was a blast.
(I wonder if there were free samples of Tide and chain lube in the race packets? What a sponsorship op!)
Teams
of two has to run and ride their way through a course that challenges them with military-style obstacles such as the above
spa experience. One person would run while the other rode to the next obstacle, completed the torture and left the
bike for the runner. When the runner caught up, he or she would also do the (sometimes dirty) deed and then ride
the bike to the next one, hopefully passing the teammate along the way. The lovely Georgia clay was the final highlight of
the race.
Melbourne's Veronica Sim and her friend, Lisa, marked the bike they shared with a rubber chicken
to help each other find it at the obstacles. Vernonica's husband, Tom, was happy to report that their decoration
was unique amongst the 900 teams competing.
Congrats to Jackie Clifton and her son, Billy. The team, aptly
named the Clifthangers, took the top spot in the mixed relay 56-65 category. No, Jackie hasn't aged. The categories
are based on the combined ages of the two team members.
There is a rumor going around that race organizers added
vitamins and minerals to the clay to enhance the experience. With fees already pegged at $130+ per team, I'd
be worried that Disney would try to call it a 'spa mud experience' and charge even more. :)
Complete info
about the race, as well as results, can be found at http://www.muddybuddy.com/
May 12, 2007
Hale owns Gecko 5K
First, Congratulations to Running Zone! The store is celebrating its fourth year in business and today everything
in the store is 15% off. They also have tons of stuff marked down 50% and lots of deals on shoes. With their friendly,
positive and knowledgeable staff, it is no wonder they were ranked 'one of the 50 best running stores in America'!
Where else could you wear Gecko bling around your neck as Barry Birdwell does at the left, as Michelle stands by her
man!
Also celebrating its fourth year, is Running Zone's Run for the Gecko 5K, the fourth in their four-race
running series.
 And, as she has in the past three years, Kayla Hale (right, at Downtown Melbourne 5K-photo Barry Jones) ran away from
the competition, taking the ladies race in 17:46, 12 seconds faster than her record time last year of 17:58.
Winning
the past three series races, Caitlin Reese had to settle for second today with her 18:29, but went home knowing she sewed
up the overall series win.
Jessican Stern was third in 19:15 and Robin Hernandez took Masters' in 21:10.
A new record was set in the men's race as well. University of Florida cross country rising sophomore, Sean
Blaney, averaged 4:59 per mile to run 15:29, breaking Austin Joiner's '06 record of 15:33. Maybe coincidence
but Blaney and Joiner are fellow team members and roommates in Gator country.
Following Blaney for second, was
Palm Bay's Eric Walker in 17:15, followed for third in 17:19 by Jim Van Veen in 17:19. Proving that age can still
be fast, Doug Butler ruled Masters' in 17:25.
For complete race results http://www.runningzone.com/results.html?id=340
FLORIDA TODAY race coverage: http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070516/NEWS030401/70515026/1009/news03
Congrats to all who raced and volunteered!!
May 8, 2007
Isn't that swell?
 If you surf, you're going to need this pass this week.
At 7 a.m., the wind was nw and starting to clean up the big lines that were marching in. Still lots of drift-watched a couple
of guys get denied time after time. Also looks like there is a lot of power. May want to head toward the pier
at higher tide-it will be smaller and easier to get out. Keep an eye on the wind and the cams. This will be as good
as we've seen for a long time.
May 7, 2007
Improving safety on Country Club Road
Dear
Ladies and Gentleman,
First I would like to apologize for the short notice. I got call today from a woman
named Nancy that is working on getting sidewalks and bicycle facilities on Country Club Road. The first public meeting
to discuss this issue is being held at the Melbourne City Hall at 6:30 on 5/8/07 (tomorrow!). So needless to say she
needs warm cycling and running bodies at this meeting. The
questions I have does anyone know the President of F.I.T? I think they should be involved with this whole heartedly
since this directly affects the students of F.I.T. as well as the surrounding neighborhood. As a footnote the founder
of F.I.T., Jerry Keuper, was a cyclist (he biked the Great Wall of China!) Attached
is a very primitive map of the road in questions highlighted in red – it is a beautiful road, narrow and low visibility
and will meet with quite a bit of resistance on being improved for cycling and pedestrian traffic. The improvements
would provide a safer connector from Dairy Road to Melbourne Ave and also clear up some blind spots for car drivers. I know this may or may not affect your ride, run or commute but if you can email a city
official of your thoughts or attend the meeting it would be a great benefit. Thanks Ginger Twigg
Revolutions Cyclery
984-4193
8:04 am est
May 6, 2007
When pigs fly: medical marvels
 I guess Wayne Wright is one of them. Marvels, I mean, not pigs. On March 21, Wayne had quadruple bypass surgery. This
morning he walked and ran 26.2 miles to finish the Flying Pig Marathon in 4:37:22. I wonder if his doctor knows?
Other locals who finished the full marathon include Dave Farrall, 5:33:47; Michelle Loufk, 4:44:11; Tammy Viox, 6:26:16;
Marty Winkel, 4:09:24 and Wayne's wife, Fiona Wright, 4:26:36. Nancy Rowan completed the Half Marathon in 2:04:35.
I wonder what Wayne's time does for the marathon rivalry that continues between he and Dave Farrall? :)
Congrats to all!
Be safe out there
 Thoughts and prayers go to the family of Juli Wilson Marshall, who was pulled unconscious from the St. Anthony's swim
course last Sunday. Hospitalized in a coma-like state for several days, the 48-year-old Chicago attorney and mother
of four passed away. Family members who visited her reported that her nose had been broken so there is some speculation that
a kick in the face might have knocked her out in the water, leading to a drowning. An autopsy is being performed to determine
the exact cause.
May 3, 2007
When pigs fly
 Who wouldn't want a shirt with a logo like this?
Good luck to the
following locals who will make the trek to Ohio this weekend to run the Flying Pig Marathon or Half Marathon: Dave Farrall,
Michelle Loufek, Nancy Rowan (1/2), Drew Spray, Tammy Viox, Marty Winkel, Fiona Wright and Wayne Wright (1/2).
Also on tap is the Mel Beach Founder's Day 2-Miler on Sat. at 7:30 a.m. at Ryckman Park. Complete info:
http://mahoney4.home.netcom.com/scr/07founders.pdf
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!