SPACE COAST MARATHON: A SPECTACULAR LAUNCH!

Perfect weather - the best since 2003 - combined with an excellent race-management team and enthusiastic volunteers passionate about athlete satisfaction turned the 38^th running of the Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon into a morning of personal bests, multiple course records and an even larger sense of pride in belonging to our local running community. (Left, volunteers Blanche Morrison and Sharon Gilette sandwich in between Half Marathon athletes Jack Lightle, Marisa Flint and Nancy Buonanni. All three runners set personal bests and Lightle set a course record for the men's 75-79 age group. Photo courtesy Keith Flint)

Check out FLORIDA TODAY’s (Carl Kotala) post-race recap of the winners at http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20091129/BREAKINGNEWS/91129011/Marathon-races-draw-2-484-runners  Look for Carl’s complete coverage tomorrow at www.floridatoday.com  The Dec. Space Coast Runners newsletter -- out this week -- will focus on the race and contain plenty of member photos.

Also check out Ron Hoar’s interviews with the male and female marathon winners at the Space Coast Running Report airing on 94.1FM tomorrow (Nov. 30) at 4:45 and 5:45 p.m. and on Tues., Dec. 1 at 6:45 and 7:45 a.m. and again at 4:45 and 5:45 p.m.

In the meantime, here’s a look at some of the amazing stats that were inked today. (Left, Melbourne's Beth Whalen, Space Coast Half Marathon women's winner in 1:26:05, interviews with Space Coast Sports. Photo by Jerry Bird who placed third in the men's 55-59 in 1:36:40.
2009 Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon Records

*Largest field - 2,484 registrants

*Largest number of starters - 2,163 with a 98 percent finish rate

*18.5 percent, or 122 athletes, qualified for Boston

*Women’s marathon course record (current course):

Both the first and second place women’s marathon finishers broke the previous course record of 3:06:59 set last year by Mary Middlebrooks. Renae Cicchinelli, 29, of Haines City won the race in 2:59:01, the first time a woman has gone sub-three hours on the current course; and Longwood’s Maite Moscoso, 37, took second overall in 3:06:39.

*15 Marathon age group course records (current course):

Men:
19 and under: Mackenson Timothee, 18, Naples, 3:20:41
25-29: Benjamin Waite, 29, Gainesville, 2:49:37
50-54: Matt Mahoney, 54, Melbourne, 3:21:34, left
55-59: James Wilson, 57, Brookline, MA, 3:04:04
60-64: Richard Nagel, 63, Beavercreek, OH, 3:33:51
70-74: Albert Miclette, 73, Quebec, 3:56:11
Women:
Masters (40+): Linda Hawke, 42, Malvern, PA, 3:08:56
20-24: Heather Schroeder, 24, Tampa, 3:36:01
25-29: Katie Hoover, 28, Ormond Beach, 3:10:37
35-39: Michelle Nunez, 35, Winter Springs, 3:16:40
40-44: Stacy Ferner, 41, New Smyrna Beach, 3:28:14
45-49: Leslie Stallings, 47, Oldsmar, 3:27:59
50-54: Kitty Sokoll, 53, Edgewater, 3:46:50
          Theresa Miller, 50, Merritt Island, 3:49:02, left
55-59: Diane Miller, 58, Alachua, 3:54:08
60-64: Bonnie Stenson, 60, Atlanta, 4:21:13

*10 Half Marathon age group course records (current course)
Men:
20-24: Kyle Hunter, 23, Palm Bay, 1:21:16
45-49: Liam Keenan, 46, GBR, 1:22:36
55-59: John Van De Moortel, 55, San Antonio, TX, 1:31:18
70-74: Tom Ward, 72, Melbourne Beach, 1:48:10
75-79: Jack Lightle, 78, Cocoa, 2:14:23, left in photo courtesy of Keith Flint.

Women:
50-54: Linda Peterson, 51, Middleton, WI, 1:38:47
55-59: Josie Costero, 56, Miami, 1:45:26
60-64: Anne Dockery, 61, Melbourne Beach, 1:45:08, left
65-69: Mary Bonetz, 66, Port Charlotte, 2:02:17
75-79: Mary Rooks, 76, Salt Lake City, UT, 3:29:06

LOCAL AWARD WINNERS

Marathon
Thaddeus Austin, 2^nd 30-34, 2:58:41; Bret Halliday, 3^rd 45-49, 3:03:45; Matt Mahoney, 1^st 50-54, 3:21:34; Colin McCleary, 2^nd 19 and under, 3:41:45; Theresa Miller, 2^nd 50-54, 3:49:02; Janet Ritchie, 2^nd 25-29, 3:21:40; Cheng Ten, 2^nd 35-39, 3:20:56; Jim Weir, 2^nd 70-74, 4:44:41.

Half Marathon
Art Anderson, 2^nd 50-54, 1:28:18; Greg Apotsos, 3^rd 30-34, 1:29:24; Jerry Bird, 3^rd 55-59, 1:36:40; Stephanie Bird, 1^st 19 and under, 1:42:52, left in Jerry Bird photo - this was Stephanie's first shot at the half distance; Sean Black, 3^rd 40-44, 1:28:12; Ray Brown, 1^st 60-64, 1:52:11; Nancy Buonanni, 1^st 45-49, 6^th female OA,  1:36:49; Kathy Camick, 3^rd 35-39, 1:41:33; Gary Castner, 2^nd 60-64, 1:52:31; Steve Chin, Masters (40+), 7^th OA, 1:21:31; Brad Cody, 2^nd 45-49, 9^th OA, 1:23:18;  John Davis, 1^st 30-34, 4^th OA, 1:20:17; Jesse Delia, 1^st 35-39, 10^th OA, 1:23:41; Anne Dockery, 1^st 60-64, 1:45:08; Don Dore, Jr., 2^nd 55-59, 1:36:14; Paul Fleming, 3^rd 35-39, 1:30:07; Kyle Giorgio, 3^rd 19 and under, 1:34:10; Robin Hernandez, 3^rd 40-44, 1:42:01, left on the come-back trail after injury, Jerry Bird photo; Kyle Hunter, 1^st 20-24, 6^th OA, 1:21:16; Megan Jaunich, 1^st 25-29, 1:40:33; Howard Kanner, 2^nd 40-44, 1:28:06; Kelsey Kramer, 1^st 20-24, 1:40:33; Jack Lightle, 1^st 75+, 2:14:23; Meredith Luther, 1^st 30-34, 5^th female OA, 1:36:40; Joan Mahoney, 3^rd 70-74, 4:33:39; Debbie Molina, 2^nd 55-59, 1:55:11; Willy Moolenaar, 2^nd 65-69, 2:06:25; Robin Moran, 3^rd 50-54, 1:46:45; Patti Olszewski, 3^rd 25-29, 1:44:33; Bob Pecor, 2^nd 75+, 2:19:58; Megan Pendergast, 3^rd 20-24, 1:45:41; Marines Rivera, 3^rd 30-34, 1:43:56; Jackie Schmoll, 3rd 25-29, 1:44:44; Jo Shim, 3^rd 55-59, 1:59:16; Chuck Urrutila, 3^rd 65-69, 1:50:06; Paul Van Hemel, 3^rd 60-64, 2:07:29; Meredith Van Veen, 2^nd OA, 1:28:47; Nick Vannorsdall, 3^rd 20-24, 1:38:14; Tom Ward, 1^st 70-74, 1:48:10; Beth Whalen, 1^st OA, 1:26:05, interviewed by Space Coast Sports in Jerry Bird photo; Nancy Wilson, 2^nd 70-74, 4:10:00; Michael Zeitfuss, 1^st 65-69, 1:46:01.

Local Boston Marathon Qualifiers
Thaddeus Austin, 33, 2:58:41; Jeff Gleacher, 45, 3:29:08; Brett Halliday, 48, 3:03:45; Travis Hiers, 27, 3:10:18; Dude Kerley, 57, 3:28:55; Alan LaMotte, 56, 3:41:15; Matt Mahoney, 54, 3:21:34; Theresa Miller, 50,  3:49:02; Jeff Reed, 46, 3:27:51; Janet Ritchie, 29, 3:21:40; Ed Springer, 32, 3:03:00; Cheng Ten, 38, 3:20:56; Amy Tompkins, 27, 3:20:56.

COMPLETE RESULTS

Space Coast Marathon results: http://www.runningzone.com/results/2209?type=a
Space Coast Half Marathon results:
http://www.runningzone.com/results/2208?type=a

FLORIDA TODAY (Patti Sponsler) PRE-RACE COVERAGE

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009911250332
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009911250333
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009911250330

Huge congrats to all of the athletes and a special thanks to Don and Denise Piercy and their amazing Running Zone team, Space Coast Runners and the hundreds of incredible volunteers.  The Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon is truly Brevard’s premiere running community race event!

COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER

We report the following with both sadness and hope.

Merritt Island high school cross-country runner, swimmer and all-round-good-kid, Johnathan Brown, left, lost his family home on Sunday. While the Brown family was attending services at Georgianna Church on Merritt Island Sunday, 80 percent of their home -- along with their golden retriever, Cassie -- was destroyed by fire. There was no insurance.

It is amazing to see how their church, the running community and the students and teachers at Merritt Island high school are stepping up to help out.  Furniture and clothing donations are coming in along with the labor and resources needed to clean up and clear out what was lost.  Several fund-raisers are being planned to raise funds to help with the rebuilding of the home.

Cash donations are greatly needed to help this family rebuild their home and lives and there are several ways to do so: Any inquiries and offers to help can be filtered through Mona at the Georgianna  church office (452-7523)  so that efforts will not be duplicated; Donations are being accepted through the account set up at Regions Bank, 324 Merritt Island Causeway, Merritt Island, FL  32952 -- make checks payable to Bob or Jill Brown;  Or, if you will be attending the pre-race Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon fun run and pot-luck breakfast on Nov. 22 and want to contribute, cash and checks (preferably) made out to Bob or Jill Brown will be collected.

EAT AND RUN

Itching with energy during your taper for the Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon? Come release some tension on Sunday, Nov. 22 as the SCR Sunday Fun Run Group invites EVERYONE (you don’t have to be an SCR member)

to RUN/WALK at 6:30 a.m.

and then a POTLUCK BREAKFAST at 8 am!

Sunday, Nov 22, 2009

Bring a dish to share – we’ll provide the drinks

RIVERFRONT PARK, COCOA VILLAGE

Donations of a non-perishable food item for the Central Brevard Sharing Center are appreciated by not necessary.

CHIN WANTS YOU TO GET DIRTY

Steve Chin loves Dances with Dirt. So much so that he is encouraging everyone he knows to sign up individually or join a team and participate with him in the DWD Green Swamp 50-miler, 50K, 50-mile relay, marathon or half marathon on Feb 13, 2010 in Dade City, FL.

You know Chin wouldn’t push something that isn’t fun. So check out the website at

http://www.dwdgreenswamp.com/ and then contact Chin stz180@msn.com with questions or if you are interested in joining a team. He’ll help you put one together.

THONG BOY GOES VIRAL

Kevin Grogan, aka ‘Thong Boy’ offered unusual cheering attire to those who participated in the Nov. 15 Horrible Hundred century in Clermont. Grogan, co-owner of Gear for Multisport and a professional wrestling announcer, attacked/encouraged/startled the riders dressed  in the infamous thong, wrestling referee shirt, bike helmet and what looks to be one leg sleeve and one leg warmer.  The close-up-and-personal shots come at about 59 seconds into this video.  Kids should be sent to another room.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hlUONkXo-g

Before you write him off as a total flake, though, at least understand that he is a fast one. During the 09 tri season, the Minneola father-of-two racked up a number of wins including the Carrollton Tri (GA), Heartland Tri (Sebring), Lake Logan Tri (NC), all three of the Clermont Sprint Series tris, the OUC tri and the Great American Cooter Tri (Inverness).

Grogan earned the Thong Boy moniker after competing in the 2009 Pineapple Man Triathlon in an eye-bleaching thong-decorated speedo (above left).  Not looking at Thong Boy butt might have been the inspiration to keep John Reback one step ahead during the race, leaving Grogan to settle for second.  Grogan also took the bridesmaid spot at the 25^th annual Florida Challenge Half Ironman distance in Clermont in 4:46:06.

In a ‘kids, don’t try this at home move’, the feisty fashionista went 10:50:53 at Ironman Florida on Nov. 7 and then spit out a 4:14:19 at the Ironman World Champioships 70.3 in Clearwater on Nov. 14.  Hmmmm… that might explain his actions in the video.

CONGRATS Thong Boy…

MARK YOUR CALENDAR WITH PINEAPPLES

Pineapple Man will celebrate its silver (25^th) anniversary on June 6 with a race that you won’t forget. Keep your eye on www.rotarypineappleman.org for registration to open. This race sells out FAST!

RECORD NUMBERS EXPECTED AT SPACE COAST

Before the Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon blast off at 6 a.m. from Cocoa Village on Nov. 29, Master of Ceremonies and Congressman Bill Posey will be greeting a record number of participants.

“I am honored to participate in the 38th running of the Space Coast Half and Full Marathon,” the Congressman wrote in an email. “Our community is uniquely and intrinsically linked to Space Exploration and this race is a wonderful opportunity to showcase how exciting, inspiring and motivating our effort to explore this universe can be.”

Race organizers expect registration to grow to “2,500 to 2,600” by race day. Already, a record number of athletes from 37 states and 11 countries have pre-registered with 70 percent visiting from outside Brevard County.

“I believe that we have one of the most unique marathons in the nation,” said Don Piercy, co-owner of Running Zone, the event’s race management company. “As the race is held within the shadow of the Kennedy Space Center, our entire event revolves around a space theme. What other race offers a race start with a Space Shuttle countdown and liftoff on a Jumbotron or a chance to take a picture with the astronauts?”

“There are Space props along the course and at the finish; volunteers in NASA-like uniforms and space- themed aid stations. In addition, all finishers receive the most awesome astronaut medal and a ‘space certificate’ to recognize their accomplishment.”

And it is not just the space theme that has caused event participation to quadruple since 2005. Independent athlete surveys conducted post-race for the past two years have shown that participants believe both races provide the biggest bang for the buck in terms of value, experience and individual support.

The excitement and quality of the event -- which chooses not to offer prize money -- has not gone unnoticed. Runners World magazine dubbed the event “Race of the Month” in 2008 as well as the race with the “Best Schwag” in 2007.

RUNNING TALL FOR WORLD RECORDS

Rory Helzer will be racing head and shoulders above the expected field of 2,500 athletes at the Space Coast Marathon in Cocoa, FL on November 29. The Orlando resident will attempt to break six world records as he contests the 26.2-mile riverfront course on a pair of 44-inch aluminum stilts.

Helzer is hoping to earn the nod from Guinness World Records as the fastest person to cover one mile, 5K, 8K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon on a pair of conventional (non spring-loaded) stilts.

“This year is a milestone birthday for me,” said the 50-year-old father of two, who has collected devotees worldwide from his gigs as a dancing security guard and stilt-walking entertainer for Universal Studios Orlando. “I want to prove to myself that I am as good as my fans say I am.”

Helzer, who took up stilt-walking as a Halloween bar gag some thirty years ago, has filed the necessary paperwork with Guinness and will be accompanied along the route by a videographer to document his stilted feat.

This will be the first attempt at the marathon distance as well as the first road race on stilts for the former 5K and 10K runner. Helzer believes his eight hour days of dancing, san stilts, and even longer evenings of entertaining on stilts have provided him with the conditioning he needs to trounce the current world records that range from 12 minutes and 23 seconds for the mile to almost 20 minutes per mile for the marathon.

And while conquering 13.1 or 26.2 miles will be enough for most of the Space Coast field, Helzer will continue his trek a bit further -- 89 miles, in fact -- to Universal Studios Orlando for a potential seventh world record.

“I’d like to set a new record for the longest distance on stilts in 24 hours,” said Helzer, who will be accompanied by a small support crew to provide nutrition, lighting and traffic support on his journey to Orlando.  “Being on stilts for 24 hours is not a big deal; walking on stilts for 24 hours is.”

GALLOWAY RETURNS FOR SPACE COAST MARATHON

Jeff Galloway, the author and former U.S. Olympian known as “America’s Coach”, is returning to the Space Coast Marathon weekend Nov. 28 - 29.

“This is a well-run event and I want our Galloway members around the U.S. to know about it,” said Galloway, who, in addition to running the marathon, is this year’s keynote speaker at the pre-race pasta dinner on Nov 28. “I enjoy the flat course, which is one of the more scenic in my 147 marathon finishes, now.”

The Space Coast Marathon will be the third that Galloway and wife, Barbara, will have completed in as many months using, of course, the walk-run training plan for which he is famous.

“I’m convinced that this method can keep almost anyone injury-free, almost all of the time,” said Galloway, who has coached more than a quarter of a million runners since he first developed the methodology in 1974. “It gives one control over fatigue, injury prevention and recovery.”

Not just for beginning runners, Galloway’s walk/run method has been used successfully by many to qualify for and run the prestigious Boston Marathon.

“Time-goal runners are surprised to find out that when non-stop runners shift to my method, the average marathon time improves by more than 13 minutes and more than six minutes in the half,” he said.

Galloway will be sharing his philosophy with athletes of all abilities -- beginner to veteran -- at the Jeff Galloway Running School on Nov. 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Maxwell C. King Center in Melbourne.

“This will help anyone who wants to improve their fitness through running,” he said. “I will cover the key points on extending endurance; better nutrition; fat-burning; getting faster; mental toughness; motivation and staying injury-free.”

For more information on the Running School or the Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon pre-race pasta dinner, log on to http://www.spacecoastmarathon.com/  or contact Running Zone at 321-751-8890 for more information.

CHRISTMAS LIST?

Nope. The cappuccino express, Olive Garden gift card and Cuisinart Citrus Juicer were the first, second and third place awards (respectively) given out to each of the age groups at the Runners’ Classic on Nov. 15 at the Omni Orlando Resort. The overall top three and Masters were each rewarded with a Phillips Docking Entertainment System.  Everyone was treated to a chance to chat with Bill Rodgers. Could Santa have been a sponsor? (at left, former Olympian and four-time Boston and New York Marathon winner Bill Rodgers, Tracy Smith and Joan Meadows say ‘cheese’ while Russian elites autograph race numbers)

Congrats to local 10K finishers (some reported that the 10K course was actually 6.4 miles) Jerry Bird, 1^st 55-59, 44:43; Stephanie Bird, 2^nd 19-24, 46:02; Kathy Camick, 47:47; Zach Chandler, 1:01:25; David Dunkle, 51:12; Joy Hunkins, 1:06:47; Tara Lakin, 1:04:55; Joan Meadows, 54:53; Rose Myers, 1:07:01; John Noll, 1:06:23; Shari Parris, 53:06; Tracy ‘T-Sizzle’ Smith, 4^th OA Female, 1^st 35-39, 41:38. Congrats, also, to local 5K finishers Bob Pecor, 1^st 75-79, 27:45; Victoria Santamara, 41:53.

MORE SUNDAY ROAD TRIPS

The 36^th annual Paul DeBruyn Memorial 30K and 15K kicked off at 6 a.m. Sunday from Norwood’s Seafood Restaurant in New Smyrna Beach. Congrats to local 30K finishers Chandra Claycomb, 3:16:59; Tyler Durden, 1^st 30-34, 2:07:57, Nicholas Hermann, 1^st 25-29, 2:33:07 as well as 15K finishers Juan Perez, 1^st 50-54, 1:04:46; Marla Singer, 3^rd OA, 1:11:46, Nancy Rowan, 3^rd 50-54, 1:26:00, left.

In Celebration (FL), more than 1,650 athletes finished the Florida Hospital Health Founder’s Day 10K and 5K on Nov. 15. Congrats to local 10K finishers Kara Cortez, 1:02:18; Travis Hiers, 40:38; Patti Spoerle, 49:16, Jennifer Van Den Driessc, 1:30:25.

JUST WAIT!

It doesn’t have the prestige of Kona - yet. But it should. More than 1,400 of the world’s top 70.3-distance athletes converged in Clearwater Beach for the Nov. 14 and fourth running of the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3.  Like its Hawaiian big brother, the race only accepted to the starting line those who had previously qualified at a prior 70.3 event.

This year, instead of swimming in the usually placid waters of the Gulf, Hurricane Ida forced race organizers to change the venue to the protected harbor basin as well as send the age groupers off with a time trial start. 

The flat, fast waters combined with cool temps, light winds and a $90K prize purse  helped promote some smoking fast times including German Michael Raelert’s winning time and course record of 3:34:04. After swimming the 1.2-mile course in 21:58, Raelert averaged 28.1 mph to snag a sub-two hour 56-mile bike and then followed it up with a 1:09.05 half marathon. His half time earned him the run preem while Andrew Starykowicz’s 28.3 mph ride earned him the bike preem.

Great Britan’s Julie Dibens -- who has earned three 70.3 wins to date - claimed the win with a 3:59:33 -- the first-ever women’s sub-four hour finish. Her splits of 23:48, 2:07:15 and 1:24:37 earned her both the women’s bike and run preems.

Special congrats to local qualifiers and finishers Ed Donner, 4:40:05 (Ed was still recovering from the flu and the swim, bike and partial run of IM Florida the week prior and his time included about eight minutes trying to recover his transition bag); Sage LaJoie, 4:46:16 and Pam Maxwell, 5^th 40-44, 4:34:07, left.

Ironman.com is reporting that NBC Sports will broadcast the 2009 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 on June 6, 2010.

IT’S FUN TO RUN AT THE YMCA

It takes a village, people. J There could be some irony in the fact that three 50+-year-olds made the top three overall in the Suntree YMCA 5K on Nov. 14 since all proceeds were to benefit the YMCA youth scholarship fund. 

Perennial speedster, Art Anderson, 50, left, took top honors when he crossed the line in 18:21, exactly 60 seconds ahead of 24-year-old Colby Mack, who finished in 19:21. Jerry Hung, 36, was third in 20-flat.

Viera’s Nicole Williams, 25, managed to hold off her elders as she grabbed the women’s win in 20:47. Kay Rowley and Marlene White, both 51, were second and third respectively in 23:20 and 24:25.

Congrats to all who volunteered and participated. Complete results are available at http://runningzone.com/results/2205?type=a and check out Ken Horton’s photo gallery at http://icunphotos.smugmug.com/Running/SuntreeYMCA5k2009/10317074_TsQ25#713046461_P8MKP

SO, HOW FAR DID EVERYONE REALLY RUN?

Below is Matt Mahoney’s description of the 2009 Baldwin Park Half Marathon that took place on Nov. 14. Being forewarned is to be forearmed.

In Matt’s own words... (Matt at left)

“The Baldwin Park (Orlando) half marathon results are posted to http://www.buttar.com/events/running/baldwinparkhalf/results_2009.htm such as they are. The top three are probably accurate because there was a police motorcycle escort at a critical U-turn at around 7.5 miles. The next several runners missed the turn, with 4th through 6th going over 14 miles. I probably ran 13.6 or 13.7 but it's hard to tell because the mile splits didn't seem to be evenly spaced. It's too bad because it was perfect weather (57 to 62 F, light winds) along a beautiful shaded paved bike path with lakes, parks, and lots of trees in an upscale, residential area. It was hard to tell you were in a big city. There was plenty of aid and police traffic control at every intersection.

But please remind me why I do the Buttar events. In their 10K in August, they had no finish clock or anyone calling times. After waiting about two hours for results, they finally just sent everyone home and said they would mail awards. The problem: they didn't enter the names of the runners in their computers until race day, even though I had registered weeks in advance. A few years ago at the Orlando Xtreme marathon about half of the field cut the course because of a mismarked turn, and then they put some ladies that ran a 2:40 or so half marathon in the marathon results ahead of a lot of fast runners, without bothering to check that they ran two laps instead of four laps (which were chip timed). This morning when I picked up my race packet, instead of giving me the same chip number as my race number, they gave out chips randomly and we had to stand in line for 20-30 minutes so that someone with a laptop could enter the numbers. There were runners still in line up to one minute before the start.

There were 182 runners in the half marathon. For the first mile I found myself in 5th place behind Rick Copley, Jeff Tecau, Michael Jungen, and Brian Kessler (in my 50-54 age group). At mile one (6:50), Kelly Arribas came up alongside and she politely asked if the music in her headphones was too loud. No, I couldn't hear it at all. By mile two (13:50) she had pulled ahead, and I was also passed by Erik Schneider and Nikki Bell, who was in second place for the women. Mile three was 21:00 and started to worry me. Mile four was missing. Mile five was sooner than expected at 34:20. I passed Nikki at an aid station. Miles six and seven were 41:25 and 49:25, but I know it did not take me eight minutes to run that last mile.

Just past mile seven we climbed a pedestrian bridge over Semoran Blvd., the only hill on the course. A cop on a motorcycle with lights flashing came the other way followed by Rick Copley at just over 53 minutes. This was mile eight for him. The next two runners were spread out about a minute back each.

A couple of minutes later I saw a big U-turn arrow painted on the bike path. Was this the turn? Every other turn had clearly marked signs and often volunteers directing us, but there was nothing else, and besides, there were still three other runners ahead of me that had not come back yet. Also, there were many painted arrows and mile splits from other races that were not accompanied by signs. So I kept going.

About 200 yards later was a second U-turn arrow. Again, no signs, no volunteers, and no sign of the three runners still ahead of me, so I kept going.

Another 200 yards and I saw a table on its side, a cooler and cups on the ground, but no volunteers. So there was supposed to be an aid station set up, but nobody here. This confirmed that the two U-turn arrows were not where we were supposed to turn.

Another 50 yards was a third painted U-turn arrow that also said "1/2 marathon". But still there was no sign of the three runners ahead of me. I couldn't turn now. The gap was over five minutes, way too long...

Another couple hundred yards we crossed Forsythe Blvd., a busy four-lane road. There were no police directing traffic, unlike every other intersection at even the quietest streets. Surely the last U-turn was for us. I ran back and met Nikki, who didn't know either. I turned around again, crossed the road, and ran into Brian Kessler, Kelly Arribas, and Erik Schneider in 4th through 6th place. They had gone another 600 yards and asked a jogger if there was a race (no) and decided they had gone way too far and turned around. I turned with them and they pulled ahead.

Mile eight was 1:00:20. This was four minutes slow based on my seven mile split, or five minutes slow based on my five and six mile splits. As I met dozens of other runners still heading out I yelled that there were three turn around arrows and to just choose one because there was nobody telling you where to turn. I also informed some aid station workers of the problem in what must have been a less than pleasant tone of voice.

I was getting tired and my pace slowed to about 7:10/mile for the rest of the race as I dropped from 7th to 9th place. Michael Scures, who is in my age group, passed me around mile 11. I no longer cared because I had been on pace to run 1:31-1:32 but my time would be meaningless now. Marcus Sobering passed me with about 1/4 mile to go. Both had said they turned around at the road. When Marcus passed me, he complained that he would normally be done by now. Me too. At the finish line there was no clock or anyone calling times.

After the race I learned that only the first 100 finishers got finisher medals because they ran out. They also ran out of chips and shirts, I was told. At least the results were prompt, such as they are. They also had enough bagels. Runners who finished later said there was a cone at the turn, so maybe they are accurate.”

Congrats to all locals finishers Kevin Cezat, 3^rd 20-24, 2:06:59; James Daffer, 1^st Military, 1:43:57; Daryl Gilbert, 2:22:54; Brian Kessler, 1^st 50-54, 1:33:55 and Matt Mahoney, 1:36:43.

2009 TRI SEASON: THE END

Good luck to all -- but particularly to locals Ed Donner, #564; Sage LaJoie, #766 and Pam Maxwell, #712 -- who are registered for the fourth running of Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater on Nov. 14. Just like its long-distance counterpart, the IM World Championships in Kona, this race, which includes a 1.2-mile swim; 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run, is only available to those who have qualified at a previous 70.3 event. Track the race and your friends live at the website www.ironman.com

AT LEAST IT WON'T BE HOT

On Sunday, Nov. 15, the Florida Freewheelers kick off the 30^th annual Horrible Hundred 25, 70 and 100-mile bike rides through some of Florida’s hilliest routes in and around Clermont. Those doing the century get to tour seven state ‘mountains’. This year also offers a two-day expo at Waterfont Park as well as Saturday pre-rides led by local club cyclists. This is a great event and word has it that more than 1,500 have already signed up. Registration is still open on-site. Check out all the details at http://www.horrible-hundred.com/ 

Local riders pre-registered include from Cape Canaveral: Dave Severn; Cocoa: Juliet Fletcher, Joe Luthman; Cocoa Beach: Mayor Skip Beeler, Sally Bouquot, Stephen Rooks; Don Unsworth; Indialantic: Brian Leander, Albert Steiginga; Gary $tern, left; Indian Harbour Beach: Stuart Chalmers; Jesse Delia; Melbourne: Nicole Aia; Sean Black; Gary Cunningham; Bill Czagas; Steve Czagas, Christine Davis, John Fahnestock, Sam Gill, Samuel Golden, Don Hemmenway, Dale Martin, Anthony Parsells, Bill Patterson, Randy Raczek, Gary Silcox, Jeff Zack; Melbourne Beach: Keith Cook; Merritt Island: Tim Arnold; Robert Beil; Ryan Caudill; Shelley Christian; Dale Dettmer; Laszlo Kosa; William Muddle; Jenell Noland; Michael Taylor; Palm Bay: Gerald Craven, Robert Good, Wayne Jentis, Dinsomore Roach; Lisa Saturday; Rockledge: Edward Cloak; Christine Cruz; Terry Kepner, Scott Richter; Titusville:  Barry Clinger; Terry Hayden; Viera: Scott Ippolito; Nicholas Johansson; West Melbourne: John Smith, Sarah Stillman.

IS THIS KANSAS?

Re: 2009 Miami Man: “One thing nobody could ignore was the gusty, relentless wind, which provided a turbo-charged boost on the outward leg of the bike course and threw up a wall on the way back. The added burden on the legs made the transition to the run more difficult than usual.” - Craig Davis

With sustained winds of 20-22mph by 10 a.m. and pummeling gusts exceeding 30 mph, one participant described the run as “a casualty zone of the walking wounded”. No wonder 92 percent of the DNFs bailed on the run or in T2.

Above left to right: Barbara Nawrocki, Lee Ann Nawrocki, who finished 9th OA and 2nd in the 20-24 AG; Elly Kabboord and Kelly Hunter.

Congrats to all who stuck it out for the finish including locals Gina Caccamo, 7:08:34; Linda Cowart, 6:04:39; Suzie Enlow, 4^th 45-49, 5:58:24; Jeff Grunow, 5:30:30; Elly Kabboord, 5:43:39; Scott Krasny, 6:07:40; Lee Ann Nawrocki, 2^nd 20-24, 9^th female OA, 5:12:16; Debbie Rescott, 6:59:53; Jim Schaeffer, 6:52:17; Justin Shein, 7:19:35; Scott Sherin, 7:19:35; Kendra Wood, 5:52:36. International distance (.6/22/6.6) finishers Katie Halley, 3:24:01; William Heinlen, 2:40:17; Kelly Hunter, 2:46:53; Cheryl McPhillips, 3:29:58; Carol Scott, 3:42:07. Above seated left to right: Deb Rescott, Gina Caccamo, Suzie Enlow, Kendall Enlow, Linda Cowart. Standing left to right: Kelly Hunter, Kathy Bryant, Cheryl McPhillips, Carol Scott, Juan Posada.

CATCHING UP AND CONGRATS TO:

LONGER DISTANCE - NEAR & FAR
The cooler temperatures and lower humidity will be a boon to all those racing this weekend.  Closest to home, the 24^th Space Coast Classic 15K and 2-miler kicks off in Melbourne’s Windover Farms on Saturday, Nov. 7. The race is the second in the eight-race Space Coast Runners Runner of the Year Series and this year’s events will also be giving awards to the new walking division. Registration is still open at the site on race morning and volunteers and spectators are always welcome.  Good luck to all! Upper left in Gene Ramba photo is John Davis receiving the 2008 SCR Runner of the Year award. Davis was also the overall winner of the 2008 SCC 15K in 55:26 and Jessica Crate took the women's victory in 57:23. Info and application at http://mattmahoney.net/tmp/09scc15k.pdf

Saturday is also a day of hope for those looking to qualify for the 2010 Ironman World Championship in Kona. More than 2,200 athletes from 44 countries will line up on Panama City Beaches beautiful white sands for the start of the 11^th Annual Ford Ironman Florida. This is considered one of the fastest IM courses due to the often calm and wetsuit legal two-loop 2.4-mile swim in the Gulf (may not be so flat tomorrow);  as well as the flat one-loop 112-mile bike and two-loop 26.2-mile run.  The current weather forecast for tomorrow is showing mid-fifties for the start, warming to about 76 degrees by 3 p.m. and dropping back to the sixties by 6 p.m.; maximum humidity of 58 percent and winds from the east at 12 mph.

We wish the best to locals looking for their first (a total of 1,239 first-timers are registered) or PR IM (72 spots available) include Graham Dodson, #515; Ed Donner, #511, left on his way to the win at the 2009 Health First Olympic-distance race in Melbourne; Jennifer Lepper, #2263; Phil Mazzella, #495; Mike Melton, #550; Linda Smith, #2780; Nick Smith, #1907; Christine Tripodi, #2549 and Mary Wills, #2283.

You can follow the race live on-line tomorrow and track your favorite athletes at www.ironmanlive.com  Approximately 50 pros will be sent on their way at 6:50 a.m. followed by humanities masses at 7 a.m.  Don’t forget that PCB is one hour behind us.

Farther south, much windier conditions are forecast for the Miami Man Half Iron distance (1.2/56/13.1) and semi-International distance (.6/22/6.6) races on Sunday at Thompson Park and the Miami Metro Zoo. Current predictions are touting ENE winds at 19 mph; 68 percent humidity and a high by noon of 83 degrees.

The two-loop lake swim kicks off at 7 a.m. for the Half Iron distance athletes, followed by a flat two-loop ride and flat two-loop run through the Metro Zoo. The International athletes follow at 8 a.m. with a single-loop swim; modified bike and run loop.

Good luck to Half Iron distance local registrants Gina Caccamo, John Cavanaugh,  Linda Cowart, above left; James Elmer, Elly Kabboord, Suzie Enlow, Jeff Grunow, Gina Caccamo, Scott Krasny, LeeAnn Nawrocki, Debbie Rescott, Jim Schafeffer, Justin Shein, Scott Shrien and Kendra Wood as well as International distance locals Katie Halley, Kelly Hunter, Cheryl McPhillips, Carol Scott and Ashley Temple.

Good luck, as well, to the Titusville Run and Triathlon Club members racing the OBX Marathon, Half Marathon or 8K on North Carolina’s beautiful Outer Banks on Sunday including Rosette Behymer, Todd Bogue, Dwight Brubaker, David Cook, Annie Dixon, Mark Dixon, Jorden Halstead, Chris Han, Melissa Kastamias, Richard Klementowski and Tammy Klementowski.

Check out this cool new club that was born in August on Facebook. These guys are active and inclusive. You don’t have to live in The Ville to belong!