|
|
|
August 29, 2007
A BAD EQUATION
 Large pack riding 30 mph + driver with possible obstructed view entering roadway = a crash waiting to happen. Thanks
to Tom Hoffman for sending the Miami Herald link http://www.miamiherald.com/519/story/218587.html providing more details about the smack-down on Miami
pavement.
It is a relief that it was probably an accident. The scary thing is that there are still those folks
with bad attitudes lurking behind the wheel and hiding behind false names as they spray their hatred on Brevard's cyclists.
Be careful out there!
WHICH TEN WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
 Erin Schuck e-mailed us a very disturbing link: http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070828/BREAKINGNEWS/70828057/1086 The story in and of itself is horrendous as it describes one motorist mowing down 10 cyclists
in the Miami area. What is equally, if not more disturbing, are some of the comments the story generated by people in
our area. Some of the hate generated toward cyclists is almost palpable. Of course, we bring some
of that vitriol on ourselves by riding 2-3 across on two-laned roads such as Rockledge Drive, jumping lights and wearing loud,
ugly spandex. Ok, that third is sort of a joke. The following are just two of the little gems
posted by local ignoramuses: "Awesome! I'd
love to run me over a few bike riders! Use the side walks, or stop crying when someone gets whacked riding on the road! "Share
the road" my A%&!"
"so
while we are at it lets throw the power walkers in there too...darn fat people walkin around like they run the joint...stupid
bikers probably flipped the guy the bird so he fooled them dummies good and put a few under his bumper...good for them.. bout
time some one had the guts to do what we all want too"
Seriously,
though, if we want to make this area safer for cycling then we have to stop yapping about it and start writing state law makers,
going to county commission meetings and speaking up. There are enough of us out there, most of us are registered to
vote and I would guess most make a significant dollar impact on the community as well. We've got the
power-we just have to use it to fight for our rights. Like some famous shoe company said "JUST DO IT"
August 28, 2007
NORTH OF SOBE
 Last week, sports psychologist Virgina Savage spoke to those attending both the triathlon camp and marathon camps. Deb Johansen
took the lessons to heart. Like most of us who come to triathlon from a running or cycling background, the swim can
be intimidating as was the case for Deb. (left before the Tri America swim in Clermont last April)
After hearing Dr. Savage speak on Wed. evening, she worked on changing her perception during the swim
from negative to positive and had her chance to test the difference at the Key Biscayne triathlon trilogy on Sunday.
Instead of focusing on all the people around her - an often fearful and/or frustrating view in the water- Deb focused on
all of the spaces between the individuals and wove her way through the holes, coming out of the water in a much better position
both physically and mentally.
She then went on to place second in the 45-49 age group with a time of 1:10:19. Joining
Deb and almost 800 other finishers was Melbourne's Randy Hierbaum who won the 50-54 age group in 59:24.
Roger Travis took second in the duathlon Master's.
Farther north at Camp Blanding in Jacksonville,
H.O.T. or Hammerhead Olympic Triathlon, offered athletes a .93-mile swim, 24.9-mile bike and 10K run. Locals completing the
race include Christine Crotty, 1st Athena, 3;36:11; Stephane Naoumuff, 2:40:29 and Shawn Schaffner, 2:24:21.
CONGRATS
to all!
If you'd like to talk with Dr. Savage, she can be reached at 779-5083 and her office is in Indian Harbour
Beach. You can also visit her website at
www.savageperformance.net
August 26, 2007
OUT-FRIGGING-STANDING!!
 Many and well-deserved CONGRATS to Brevard's newest Ironmen who competed today at Ford Ironman Louisville.
Only in the sport now for two years, Ed Donner spit out a 10:35 and some equally impressive splits along the way. (left: Donner powering through Buffalo Lake Springs 70.3 this past spring).
Averaging 1:47
per 100 on the swim, Ed exited the 2.4-mile current-aided river in 1:07:56 353rd in the field. He made
up quite a deficit on the bike, averaging 20.91 miles per hour and landing in T2 in 5:21:21 and then in 97th place
overall. He then continued to make time on the field, averaging a 9:01 pace to hit the line in 10:35:11; good enough
for 88th overall and 14th in the men's 30-34 category. We hope he sticks around for roll-down. Ya never know
in some of the men's divisions how far the Kona spot will go.
Vero's Eddie
Branigan,this year's Pineapple Man winner, finished more than an hour behind Ed Donner in 11:33:48 and 33rd in the same
age group.
Cape Canaveral's John Jordan went 11:41:38, good enough
for 275th overall and 51st in the 40-44 division.
Nick Smith, of Indian Harbour Beach, brought it home with
his 12:38:19; beating the glow stick line, finishing 52nd in the 45-49 age group and 525th in a field of more than 2,000.
As Mike Riley would say to each "you ARE an Ironman!"
August 25, 2007
Yeah, Mon!
 What a great day for Divine Mercy school! A record number (240+ finishers) of athletes showed up to participate in the
second annual Running on Island Time 5K. Good thing, as 100% of the funds from this race help the school
meet the budget which includes the salaries for their hard-working teachers! Kudos to race directors Debbie Wells and Kara
Niedermeier, left and the 2006-07 female runner-up in the Space Coast Runners Runner of the Year series, for
their repeat performance on putting together a great race.
Also coming back this year was Jonathan Brasch, a 17-year-old
Rockledge high school senior. Although he started running cross country in his junior year, Brasch admitted that he
didn't get serious until this year - and today's race showed his new dedication. Storming the finish in 16:59,
his overall victory was more than two minutes faster than his time at last year's race and nine seconds faster than
his previous PR of 17:08 that he ran at the Tiger by the Tail 5K in February 2007.
"My goal was to break
17 and I did that," he said. "I went out about 20 seconds faster than planned on that first mile and when no one
was around at the turn-around, I relaxed."
In spite of throttling back, Brasch had time to spare before Melbourne's
Art Anderson hit the line in 19:02 for second, followed for third by James Croft, of Indian Harbour Beach, in 19:38.
With Anderson taking second, the male Master's (40+) award went to Cary Allen, 43, who finished in 19:43.
 While Brasch is just starting to realize what focus can do on the roads, women's winner, Rebecca Sparks,
left, has an almost two decade legacy behind her that includes six years as the Space Coast Runners female
Runner of the Year and five years in the top spot of Track Shack's Grand Prix series.
As the owner/broker of
Apollo Realty, head coach of the Peak When it Counts running camp and mother of 15-month-old Kira, Rebecca's training
is self-admittedly 'sporadic'.
In spite of enjoying the Princesses and Pirates party at Disney with
her daughter and parter until the wee hours of the morning, Rebecca managed to pull off a 20:38, good enough for the top spot.
"It was totally unexpected," she said. "I went to have fun and support Kara and the others. I knew
some of the (Up and Running) team members were going to be putting it out there today."
Although she raced
on less than three hours of sleep, Rebecca's time was more than a minute faster than that of 16-year-old Christina Edwards,
whose 21:21 gave her second. Merritt Island's Nancy Buonanni took third in 21:28.
 Female Master's winner, Kim Badgett, left, went 22:46, knocking 15 seconds off of last week's
I Run for Pizza time and smashing the 23 mark!
Congrats to all who raced and volunteered today!
For
complete results, log on to http://mahoney4.home.netcom.com/scr/races/07island.txt
A DIFFERENT TYPE OF DERBY IN KENTUCKY TOMORROW
 Ye gads, after temps topping out this week above 100 degrees, tomorrow’s forecast high of 87 will seem like a cold front
to those competing in the inaugural Ford Ironman Louisville. Good thing our locals who are competing, Eddie
Branigan, #244, Vero; Ed Donner, #528, Melbourne; (Left, in photo taken at Buffalo Springs
Lake 70.3 in Texas) John Jordan, #105, Cape Canaveral and Nick Smith, #1815, Indian Harbour Beach; are
used to the heat and humidity. You can follow their progress, as well as the rest of the race, live on-line tomorrow at www.ironmanlive.com Tune in at 6:50 as the pros
go off with a 10-minute head start on the rest of the field.
Here are a couple
of interesting things about tomorrow’s course.
A Time Trial Swim
Start for Amateurs: A couple
of days ago the Ohio river, where the athletes will be swimming, was also 87 and, while the flood waters are helping cool
things down, it is doubtful the water will reach the requisite 78 to allow wetsuits.
The other thing the
floodwaters have done is create an unseasonable increase in the river’s current so Ironman has implemented an alternative
swim course.
Not only will the athletes start the swim in a protected area before entering the river’s main channel
to swim with the current, but amateurs will self-seed at the start based on projected swim times and enter
the water every few seconds (ala Memphis in May, perhaps?) crossing the timing mat before entering the water.
The time-trial start
is an interesting concept for IM but maybe a relief to those who hate mass starts. On the plus side the website also reports
that “as a result of the increased river flow downstream, slightly faster swim times can be expected – yeehaw!
 A Hilly 112-mile Bike Course:
See photo at left-enough said if you’re from the Florida flatlands.
A flat
26.2-mile run tour of the city’s sights.
Best of luck to all
who are racing!!
August 21, 2007
FROM THE 'MY FACE IS RED' FILE
 Ugh-I hate it when I make a stupid mistake and hate it even more so when the mistake involves others. In the blog
about Saturday's I Run for Pizza 5K, I had listed Bret Butler as Doug Butler's son. While Bret does run for
Doug at Holy Trinity, there is no familial connection. My apologies to both and their families. (Maybe cause Doug is such
a caring coach, it is easy to confuse him as everyone's 'dad'?)
ON THE FORUM
 Spacecoast Runners new running and multi-sport forum is beginning to warm up. Two of the subjects being chatted
up today include local running trails and bringing duathlon to Brevard County. The forum is free to all and you don't
have to be a member of Space Coast Runners.
Join the jabber at http://www.spacecoastrunners.org/forum/
August 20, 2007
IT'S GOOD TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY
 The post "Buttar defines 'Olympic' Tri Differently " brought the following and much-appreciated education
from Cathi Rodgers, (left in photo with Suzanne Coullias at the Tri America race in Clermont this
past April)the mentor for Brevard's Team In Training triathlon team:
As the team is training for the Disney Triathlon in September, we have questioned
USAT about Disney's decision to increase the bike segment to 36 miles. We were told by Kathy Matejka, Director, Event
Services at USAT, that race directors establish distances based on several different reasons, largely dependent upon local
geography, permits, staffing needs, etc. For a race to be considered "sanctioned" by USAT, two of the three legs
must fall into a distance category. In the case of Disney, the swim and run fall into the intermediate category, so even though
the bike is long, the event is classified as intermediate. It appears that USAT is trying to get away from the "Olympic"
distance and is now calling it “intermediate”.
Thanks, Cathi!
Check out Cathi's blog on what drives her passion for TNT at http://www.active.com/donate/tntcfl/HOPEFORACURE
August 19, 2007
BUTTAR DEFINES 'OLYMPIC' TRI DIFFERENTLY
 Last year, the multi-sport and road races sponsored by Buttar.com at Moss Park were horribly inaccurate. We guess it
is progress that this year they are posting more accurate distances in their race literature and, although still billed as
an "Olympic-distance" triathlon, they did disclose that the run was 5.5 miles.
Regardless, Brevard locals
competing over there today did the county proud. Sage Lajoie took the overall top female spot, clocking a 2:11:29, while husband,
Brian won the 30-34 ag and pulled out the fastest local time with his 2:07:14.
Others who finished the .93-mile
swim, 24.9-mile bike and 5.5-mile run, not to mention a quarter-mile sprint from the lake to T1, included Jonathan Dea, 2:34:03;
Kerstin Dean, 2nd 30-34, 2:25:22; Paul Fleming, 2:20:17; Tom Hoffman, 1st 55-59, 2:20:38;(photo left above-Cedric Ching photo) Lori Kruger, 1st 45-49, 2:31:18 and Phil Mazzella, 2:35;18.
Susie O'Connell took the 50-54 age group in the duathlon with her 3:14:24 finish. Susie, along with Kerstin and
Jonathan Dea also races yesterday's I Run for Pizza 5K (scroll down for story), making the weekend a double-hardware hiatus
for the trio.
Congrats to all!
RESULTS A DAY LATE BUT NO DOLLARS SHORT FOR ZIERES
 Five-time USA Triathlon All American Rob Downey provides an interesting look at the 55-59 age group top performers at yesterday's
Family Fitness Weekend sprint tri #6 at Ft. DeSoto Park in St. Pete. Click here to read:
Other locals who finished the sprint tri included Jeff Cook, 1:09:05; Tom Downey, 1:01:49;
Loran Serwin, 1:08:30; Teresa Williams, 1:18:32 and Christy Zieres, 1st Athena 40+, 1:11:22. (Cedric
Ching photo at left shows Christy Zieres and Loran Serwin flashing their hardware at the 2007 Space Coast Runners
Runner of the Year awards picnic.)
Cocoa's Dorothy Williams also took 3rd
in the 45-49 division in the FFW sprint duathlon. Congrats to all!
REMEMBER WHEN 30 SEEMED OLD?
 1977: What a Year! Jimmy Carter was President; Jim Fixx released The Complete Book of Running; Paul Allen and Bill
Gates (photo left) found Microsoft; ATMs were first introduced in Denver; Rocky (Yo, Adrian!) won
Best Picture at the Academy Awards and disco's ugly head was gaining steam thanks, in part, to the Bee Gee's
release of Saturday Night Fever. It was also the year that Track Shack in Orlando began their Grand Prix Series.
Thirty years later, the Series is still going strong and today's Celebration 3.0 kicked off a year-long anniversary
celebration. The three-miler is the first of this seasons seven-race Grand Prix series.
 It seems fitting, somehow, that Rebecca Sparks, left, was one of more than 20 locals who
trucked to O-towne today to race. After all, Rebecca was the Grand Prix series overall female champ for five years and, in
spite of multiple birthdays and the birth of her daughter, she is still bringing home the hardware. Her 20:26 today
was good enough for first in the 40-44 age group.
Other Brevardians competing included Lois Boisseu, 26:39; Christina
Cerrato, 50:46; Elly Chamberlain, 27:07, Mark Chamberlain, 27:07; James Faircloth, 26:46; Althea Hewitt, 22:42; Moey Hewitt,
1st 8-10, 22:19;; Jeffrey Homan, 23:00; Morris Johnson, 31:29; Shelby McFall, 32:30; Jennifer Meacham, 21:01; Ralph Miller,
2nd 50-54, 19:14; Theresa Miller, 23:15; Blanche Morrison, 31:29; Brenda Redick, 50:47; Kara Niedermeier, 20:29; Ed Springer,
2nd 30-34, 17:49; Sue Strout, 1st 50-54, 22:35; Sandra Walker, 26:21Alicia Weaver, 44:47.
Congrats to all who raced
today and especially to Track Shack on 30 years worth of fun!
August 18, 2007
BLAH, BLAH, YADDA, YADDA
 Barry Jones, former mad scientist and evil genius turned creative sports photographer and web master, got his tighty-whitey
butt kicked today by his 15-year-old daughter, Melissa. Oops, that wasn't what we intended for this blog.
Let's start again...
Barry Jones, at left during one of his Ironman
adventures, has set up a chat forum for runners and runners dabbling in multi-sport on the Space Coast Runners
web site. You don't have to be a member to chat and SCR is hoping you'll share your thoughts on racing,
training, fun and everything else there.
Check out the chat forum link at http://www.spacecoastrunners.org/forum/
Oh, and a huge congrats to Melissa on her 19:06 and second overall finish at today's Pizza Run. As proud dad, Barry,
said after his own 19:24 finish, "today was the changing of the guard." GO MELISSA! (Melissa at left with best bud, Toby)
HATE TO EAT AND RUN BUT........
 Chris Rego, left in photo taken earlier this month, ran and won today's I Run for Pizza
5K, the first of Running Zone's third annual race series. After snarfing down his pizza and collecting his awards, which
included a huge cookie bouquet, Rego had to zip to begin the long drive to Tallahassee where he is entering his
freshman year at FSU studying - what else?- exercise science.
The 18-year-old Satellite High graduate
had more than one person asking 'who's that' at the finish today as his first foray into cross country and longer
distances did not occur until a year ago.
Rego took the pace out hard, self-clocking a 5:22 first mile and trading
out the lead in a dance with 16-year-old Bret Butler. With 400 yards left, Rego started a long kick, beating Butler
to the line by nine seconds and setting a male course record of 16:32. Butler ran a 16:41, followed by his coach, Doug
Butler, (no relation) 44, for third in 16:48.
 On the ladies side, another course record was set as Kayla Hale, (left, Barry Jones photo from 2007
Downtown Melbourne 5K) clobbered the field with her 17:59, 44 seconds faster than the record set last year by
Caitlin Reese. Hale, who runs for Holy Trinity under coach Doug Butler, led the women's Trinity train pulling in
Melissa Jones for a second place finish of 19:06 and Teresa Ristow, whose 19:47 gave her third.
Also setting course
records on the certified course were Master's winners Jackie Clifton (20:24) and Tim Bishop (18:08).
Today
was the first race in the five-race Running Zone race series and with more than 400 participants, record-setting times and
a festive atmosphere, things look promising for a competitive and highly enjoyable season.
Congrats to all who
raced and thanks to Running Zone and their excellent volunteers!
Complete race results are on-line at http://www.runningzone.com/results.html?id=362
YOU CAN'T KEEP A GOOD WOMAN DOWN!
 And Melbourne's Pam Maxwell (center in photo at left, winning a race last year) proved
the blog title's adage true today with her overall win at the Moss Park Triathlon Festival sprint race (.75k/20K/2.75K).
In spite of weeks and weeks of forced 'rest' due to a bicycle crash (not her fault), Pam managed to smoke the competition
by more than five-and-a-half minutes as she crossed the line in 1:04:10, taking the women's top spot. Pam was also the
fastest Brevard finisher by more than eight minutes. WAY TO COME BACK, PAM!!
Other locals finishing the sprint
tri included Micahel Casey, 1:13:41; John Cavanaugh, 1:12:39; Ian Dawley, 1:21:57; Stuart Dawley, 1:22:30; Katie Fleming,
2nd 30-34, 1:20:00 (This was Katie's first race after a more than two-year hiatus to bear her two children. Welcome back,
Katie!); Betsy French, 1st Military, 1:43:52; Robert French, 1st Military, 1:19:29; Daryl Gilbert, Sr., 1:33:22; Derek Heinlen,
1:14:46; Doug McMahon, 1:49:14; Joan McMahon, 1:34:24; Amy Parker, 1:52:02; Thomas Parker, 1:27:28; Juan Posada, 1:19:02;
Christopher Ritchie, 1:33:53.
 Local duathletes also got their chance to shine today during the sprint du (2.75/20K/2.75) held as part of the Moss Park Festival
and another local athlete also took the top female spot as Kelly Aleman crossed the finish in 1:16:00. Others competing included
Greg Cross, 3rd 50-54, 1:34:51; John Digiorgio, 2nd 35-39, 1:18:00; Eric Rothery, 1st 30-34, 1:20:00; Jim Schaeffer, 1st 35-39
and Brevard's fastest duathlon finisher, 1:14:53; Dick White, 1st 50-54, 1:24:11; Marlene White, 1st 45-49, 1:24:38 (Good
to see the Whites back in the game after a multi-year break to raise daughter, Rachel, about to turn nine).
CONGRATS TO ALL AT MOSS PARK! Complete results can be found at
http://buttar.com/
August 17, 2007
GIT R DONE!
The
upcoming weekend provides a mad race rush for runners and multi-sport athletes hoping to jam in one more PR before the kids
go back to (public) school. Good luck to everyone and 'thanks' to all the volunteers!
Saturday, 7 a.m.: The sixth race of the Family Fitness weekend sprint triathlon series kicks off at 7 a.m.
at Fort DeSoto Park in St. Petersburg with a quarter-mile swim, 11-mile bike and 5K run. Several locals are sitting in top
age group spots going into this race including Eddie Blair, 2nd 15-19; Kathy Blair, 2nd Athena, 40+;
(left) Max Bosso, 1st Clydesdale, 39 and Under; Ed Donner, 1st 30-34; Rob
Downey, 2nd 55-59; Willy Moolenaar, 1st 65-69 and Christy Zieres, 3rd Athena, 40+.
 Saturday, 7:30 a.m.: Running Zone kicks off their third annual race series at 7:30 a.m. with the I Run for Pizza
5K at Windover Farms in Melbourne. More than 400 runners are expected for the first of this five-race series.
Racy entry includes a technical tee, lots o’ pizza and tons of fun. Oh yeah, the course should be a fast one as well.
This year’s series also offers $3,150 in gift certificates and prizes to series winners. For complete info and
registration, log on to www.runningzone.com (At left, 2006 and 2007 Running Zone Race Series champ,
Jim Van Veen, heads for home at the 2007 Buzzard's Bait 3K)
Saturday, 7:30 a.m.: The Moss Park Triathlon festival offers the first of their two days of multi-sport fun.
Those racing Sat. have a choice of the sprint tri (.75K/20K/2.75-mile run) or sprint du (2.75/20K/2.75).
 Locals registered for the Sprint Tri include Michael Casey, John Cavanaugh, Ian Dawley, Stuart Dawley, Katie Fleming,(left) Betsy French, Robert French, Daryl Gilbert, Jr., Stan Hart, Derek Heinlen, Pam Maxwell, Doug
McMahon, Joan McMahon, Becky Moody, Stacey Myers, Amy Parker, Thomas Parker, Juan Posada, Chris Ritchie and Stacy Ritchie.
Driving from Brevard to do the du are Kelly Aleman, Greg Cross, John Digiorgio, Eric Rothery,
Jim Schaeffer, Dick White and Marlene White. For complete info and registration, please visit www.buttar.com
Sunday, 7:30 a.m.: For those wishing to race a longer multi-sport
distance, the second day of the Moss Park Triathlon festival offers competitors an almost-Olympic distance triathlon of a
.93-mile swim, 24.9-mile bike and 5.5-mile run. Those locals signed on for the race include Jonathan Dea, Kerstin Dea, Paul
Fleming, Lora Higgins, Tom Hoffman, Lori Kruger, Brian Lajoie, Sage Lajoie and Susie O’Connell. For complete info and
registration, please visit www.buttar.com
 Sunday, 7:30 a.m.: Congratulations to Jon and Betsy Hughes of Track Shack, Orlando’s specialty
running store and race-management company, who are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their Grand Prix Series.
We are not sure if it is the oldest series race in Florida, but it is one of the best known and well attended.
For a number of years, their road races, as well as the triathlons in their ‘digital’ series, were the
destination for many of Florida’s top runners and triathletes.
To kick off this year’s series, Track Shack is offering the Celebration of Running 3.0 to the first 1,977 who sign
up for the Loch Haven Park race. How often do you get to run three miles instead of 5K?
Those who register will receive a special Asics drawstring bag packed with goodies; live music on the course and a groovy
70s costume contest. Former Olympians Jeff Galloway and Keith Brantlly will also be milling about and Orlando Mayor Buddy
Dyer has proclaimed August to be the Track Shack Celebration of Running month. Break out the tube socks and sweat bands! Registration
is about to hit the 90 percent mark, so register today at http://trackshack.com/events/events/celebration/celebration.php
August 16, 2007
Just like summer, the cyclists at Buttar's monthly 7.3-mile time trial flew by quickly and when
it was over, Melbourne Beach's Gary Stern dropped from the top series spot to second. The short descent had
less to do with Gary's incredible talent and more to do with the consistency of Oviedo's Tom Bargnesi, who has finished
all seven of the now eight-race series. Stern missed both the April and August races and now with a 30-point spread,
it appears he can't make that back on the final race on Sept. 11.
 Although Bargnesi has the series lead, it was Stern's Space Coast Velo Sport pal, Phil Hopkins who pulled the fastest
time in the Tuesday night race, clocking a 16:44 on the course. Other locals who also competed included Tim Berger, 18:41;
Paul Chrostowski, 18:32; Mart Cook, 18:30; Kyle Griffith, 20:42; Jamie Jacobson, 20:50; Linda Jones, 19:59; William Shoaff,
21:45; Michelle Smurl, 20:13; (left) Anselm Teather, 25:58 and Christian Teather, 24:51.
Complete results plus info on the last race can be found at www.buttar.com
August 12, 2007
TURTLES RULE!
 They must be doing something right! For the second year, the Loggerhead sprint tri in Jupiter sold out well in advance
of race day. The 3/8 mile swim, 13-mile bike and 5K run has built a solid reputation for quality over the years.
Locals competing in yesterday's race included Liz Cerrow, left, 1st
55-59, 1:26:00; Ed Donner, 2nd 30-34, 1:04:36; Nathan Falk, 1:12:36; Randy Hierbaum, 1:11:57; Cathi Rodgers, 1:32:49
and Greg Savage, 1:18:02.
 Further north, a few more locals strutted their stuff at the Deland Duathlon (5K, 12.4-miles, 5K) and in his first attempt
at multi-sport, Danny Barrett, left, took third overall in 1:40:54. He was followed
to the line by Jo Connell, 1st 40-44, 1:57:44 and Jim Schaeffer, 1st 35-39, 1:59:35.
The Deland race also offered
a triathlon (.47-mile swim, 12.4-mile bike, 5K run) and Daryl Gilbert, Sr. finished in 2:00:24 while Kyle Griffith took
second in the 25-29 division in 1:27:28.
PARTY ON?
 Most 20-year-olds would not find running a marathon the most memorable way to celebrate two decades of life - especially
a 26.2-mile run sans crowds, aid stations, medals or official scoring.
At 6 a.m. on Aug. 5, Titusville's Josh
Stutte stood behind a small line marked "start" (left) on the sidewalk near his
home. With only his father, Gary, trailing in the car to provide fluids and ice, Josh began his inaugural attempt at
the distance first made famous by the Greeks.
The 'Josh-A'Thon' was certainly not the easiest way to
run a marathon and the chosen course through Titusville and Port St. John was one of hard sidewalks, shimmering asphalt and
shadeless sticks trying to pose as trees.
 Four hours, 25 minutes and 26 seconds later, Josh topped a small hill and turned into a friend's driveway where the
finish line awaited. Much to his surprise, he was also greeting by family members and friends who were cheering; waving
signs and balloons and then covered him with medals (left).
We can't wait to see
what the now not-so-young Master Stutte will do on an 'official' course and hope that someday soon he will join his
father at one of Beantown's starting lines.
Happy Birthday and CONGRATS, Josh!
HELP KEEP TRAINING SAFE
 Mike Thomas, over at the Orlando Sentinel, is one of my all-time favorite newsprint columnists. I don't always agree
with him but he manages to back up his opinions with facts and points that at least make me think and,
on occasion, do more research-either making my convictions stronger or changing my mind. Furthermore, Mike expresses himself
simply, shunning the overly-hyped sensationalism that lesser writers employ.
Today, his column provides a
vehicle that gives us each a chance to help halt the seemingly mindless development that is putting an
end to the quality multisport lifestyle many of us remember. And, for what it's worth, Mike was a really
great runner and triathlete back in the day when Clermont races were large and competitive and you could spend the day riding
through Lake County without seeing too many cars - lots of dogs, perhaps - but few cars.
Give his column a
read at http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/columnists/orl-miket1207aug12,0,2992960.column?coll=orl-news-col and if you're so inclined, sign the petition.
Keep rocking, Mike!
August 10, 2007
GREAT NEW TRI BLOG AND CHAT AT FLORIDA TODAY
Lee Nessel, FLORIDA TODAY'S sports editor, has started a pretty cool triathlon blog at http://forums.floridatoday.com/viewforum.php?f=902 The thing we really like about her blog is that she is documenting her own journey into the sport. She writes with
refreshing honesty and much of it is stuff we can relate to and learn from. The blog also provides a chat vehicle and
Lee is hoping it will become the place multi-sport athletes turn to for sharing advice and support. Give it a whirl.
August 9, 2007
ONLY THE BOTTOM LINE WILL TELL
 Local runner and triathlete, Susie O'Connell, sent us a copy of an open letter she sent to Pearl Izumi regarding
the ad at left. You can read her letter and a larger version of the ad under the 'mailbag' tab.
Good
marketing? Bad marketing? Either way the ad generated a ton of discussion and a lot of attention for Pearl Izumi. Magazines
who ran the ad were inudated and running chat forums lit up - and not in a flattering light. While almost any exposure
can be good, at first glance it seemed PI had a disaster on their hands with this one.
Ah, but do they? The
ad that generated so much controversy was only the first in a multi-faceted campaign and subsequent ads may explain more.
PI has devoted an entire website www.wearenotjoggers.com to try to explain their vision and visitors have to read quite far into their on-line 'book'
to find this: "the truth is, the line between running and jogging is different for each person."
True
enough and while they seem to soften their stance on who is a real runner, they then take a swipe at those who wear earphones
while running. Only time will tell how this campaign fared but we bet it will be some time before we see allot
of Pearl Izumi's lined up at a local road race.
August 5, 2007
REGO ROCKS JACKSONVILLE'S PAIN TRAIN
Ouch! Running three races in less than 24 hours in the scorching Florida August heat takes some guts and that is exactly what
several locals showed they had this weekend at Jacksonville's Tour de Pain. 'De Pain' treats athletes to
a four-mile beach run on Friday evening, followed by an early morning 5K on Sat. and then delivers the final blow with a 4:30
p.m. (translated: HOT, HUMID) mile.
Chris Rego (left) led the Brevard
crew with his total time of 45:32, good enough for third in the 14-19 age group and 15th out of 722 total finishers.
Other locals who held tough through three included Jessie Coleman, (34:56, 24:47, 6:28) 1:06:11; Judy Coleman,
(42:00, 31:13, 8:43) 1:21:55; Katie Coleman, (37:42, 30:23, 7:28), 1:15:33; Jeremy Conner, (41:14, 31:16, 8:01), 1:20:31;
Kevin Hall, (25:32, 18:21, 4:56), 48:49; Chris Rego, (23:48, 16:48, 4:56), 3rd 14-19, 45:32; Nancy Rowan, (37:30, 27:49, 7:49),
1:13:08; Roger Rowan, (47:25, 37:20, 9:30), 1:34:15; Rory Rowan, (26:39, 20:10, 5:52), 52:41; Stephen Schiff, (24:57, 17:51,
4:57), 47:45; James Stern, (24:34, 17:44, 4:57), 47:15.
August 4, 2007
ROLLING STONES GATHER NO MOSS
 Instead, they bring home a t-shirt and maybe an award. At least that's what happened today for the more than
two dozen locals who competed in the Forest Run 5K or 10K at Moss Park.
Proving she'll be a force
to be reckoned with this season, Kerstin Dea, a Rockledge transplant from Monterey, CA, grabbed another overall win with
her 10K finish of 42:45, which was 51 seconds faster that those behind her and the second fastest of
Brevard's finishers. Only her husband, Jonathan, was speedier, clocking a 42:34, which was good enough for the top
military spot. (Photo at left of Kerstin Dea at last week's Astronaut Challenge Triathlon courtesy
of Kerstin Dea.)
Other locals who competed in the 10K included Micahel Baker, 2nd Military, 46:02; Kathy
Camick, 3rd 30-34, 52:01; Robert Devries, 56:41; Daryl Gilbert, 59:52; Jacqueline Mancini, 2nd 35-39, 53:56; Juan Martinez
Alvez, 1:05:41; Joan Meadows, 1:03:51; Susie O'Connell, 1st 55-59, 1:04:51; Jeff Peacock, 1:03:06; Roger Rouiller, 1st
65-69, 42:50; Eric Smith, 52:19; Amy Sullivan, 58:27; and Pedro Todedo, 48:43.
Local 5K finishers included Sarah
Campbell, 2nd 25-29, 24:58; Melissa Critchfield, 3rd 20-24, 27:33; Don Dore, Jr., 2nd 50-54, 20:49; Karen Furton, 31:00; Jason
Gash, 3rd 30-34, 23:37; Sharon Gillette, 30:24; Ralph Miller, 1st 50-54, 19:52; Steven Morris, 3rd 20-24, 21:33; Blanche
Morrison, 2nd 55-59, 32:15; Jennifer Pelhan, 30:03; Karen Sanchez, 30:26; Amanda Slayman, 3rd OA, 22:07; Christina Slayman,
2nd OA, 20:42; Susan Slayman, 30:44.
Congrats to all!
MIKE SMITH'S 14+ HOUR VACATION
For most of us, Ironman would be an exhausting day. Let's face it. 10+ hours doing anything in the sun can get wearing.
Malabar's Mike Smith, already a vet of multiple long-distance adventures, shares how he actually relaxed and
enjoyed this year's IM USA in Lake Placid, NY.
Click on the 'triathlon' tab above and enjoy
his race report.
|
|
|
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!