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.)

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 25^th 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

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

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

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 2/10^th 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!

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'.

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 25^th 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.