JUMP IN, THE WATER'S FINE!

With New Year's resolutions firmly in hand and triathlon season right around the proverbial corner, Coach Mike Rochelle's Quest Aquatics could be just what we all need. Coach Mike offers swim training specifically for triathletes and open water swimmers four mornings a week at the (heated) Rockledge high school pool located off of Seminole Dr. behind RHS. A group of us went to the Sat. session and had a blast. He had two workouts going that morning - one was for those folks who are already hard-core swimmers, i.e. former collegiates; and the other for typical triathletes trying to learn and/or improve the basics. All skill levels were present from beginner to serious swim stud.

In his brochure, Coach Mike promises his program will help you:
*Learn fundamental skills that will become a permanent part of your training.

*Master effective drills to help improve your stroke efficiency and power.

*Build your strength, endurance and confidence with our proven workouts and coaching

*Learn to swim competitively while conserving energy.

Sessions are offered from 5:30 a.m. until 7 a.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday and then from 8 am until 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays. With Rockledge Drive only a block or two away, bring your bike or running shoes for a before or after swim workout.

Cost is $4 per session or $30 per month. The monthly rate is really a good deal even if you only show up twice a week! Although you'll have to join US Masters Swimming ( $33/year http://www.usms.org/reg/  ); Coach Mike lets you do the first workout without belonging to the organization to make sure it is right for you.

If you have any questions, give Coach Mike a call at 482-8898 or e him at questaquatics@bellsouth.net

A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!

Or, as Seinfeld's Frank Costanza would say - "it's a Festivus miracle!" Cocoa's Kim Badgett, who broke her hip at mile 24 of the Jacksonville Marathon on Sunday, is already home, safe and sound, for the holidays. Family, friends, prayers and positive thoughts -- not to mention the skill of her surgeon -- allowed her to return home today. Although she can bear no weight on her leg for six to eight weeks, both Kim and her doc are looking for full recovery and another shot at Boston.  Since there is still a 25 percent chance that she could lose the blood supply in the next eight months, positive thoughts and prayers are still appreciated.

One of the many things our county has for which to be thankful, is a strong network of caring runners and triathletes who are always manage to come out and support one another in good times and in bad.  Merry Christmas to all!

PRAYERS AND POSITIVE THOUGHTS NEEDED

In spite of warmer than normal temperatures for this morning’s Jacksonville Marathon and Half Marathon (start photo courtesy Rik Ojeda), local finishers Janet Ritchie and Theresa Miller (right in photo below) both returned home with Boston Marathon berths.

In addition to giving her a fourth trip to Beantown, Ritchie’s 3:21:14 also copped her the second place award in the women’s 25-29 age group. Miller, 49, who qualified for Boston 2009 during February’s Bank of America Gasparilla Marathon in Tampa, now has the option to also compete in 2010 with today's 3:59:21 finish.

Also on her way to her first BQ finish was Cocoa’s Kim Badgett (left in photo). Although she had felt some hip discomfort earlier in the week, the 47-year-old Challenger elementary school teacher felt good as she and pacer, Danny Barrett, cruised along the out-and-back course.

As they passed mile 24, however, Badgett fell. When Barrett offered to help her up, she declined noting that "something had popped". Both Barrett and Badgett’s sister – who had joined the duo for the last few miles – noticed that Badgett’s leg and foot were sprawled unnaturally along the asphalt.

Barrett waited with his friend until the ambulance came and carried the sisters to the hospital. He then finished the race in order to get the medal for her.

Sadly, an orthopaedic surgeon at Jacksonville’s Baptist hospital – where Badgett was taken – diagnosed her with a broken hip and will be performing surgery in the morning to pin things back together. Thankfully, the doctor, who is also a runner, said that Badgett should be able to run again.

Please keep Kim and her family in your thoughts and prayers this week.

Other Jacksonville marathon finishers from Brevard included Danny Barrett, 4:16:45; Cathy Callender, 4:29:53; Nick Cullison, 3:50:34; Debbie Molina, 4:42:10; Mike Mos, 3:58:13; and Wayne Wright, 4:30:31.

Local Half Marathon finishers include William Clamons, 2:09:16; Chandra Claycomb, 2:14:48; Tammy Flowers, 2:58:29; Marissa Flint, 2:19:26; Courtney Holst, 1:52:02; Kurt Holst, 2:01:14; Barbara Krause, 1:54:07; Angelique Molina, 2:04:45; Kathy Mos, 2:31:44; Kathy Ojeda, 1:59:12; Jackie Schmoll, 1:51:34.

JINGLE THOSE BELLS

Santa must believe that Palm Bay’s Tracy Smith, at left with Zippy the Gecko and Santa, himself - photo courtesy Robin Hernandez)  has been very, very good this year.  After all, how do you explain her .2 second victory at the Dec. 20 Jingle Bell 2-miler? As the 35-year-old mother of two crossed the finish line in 12:20.2, her thoughts were on getting back out on the course to cheer in her 9-year-old son, Riley, and his 10-year-old sister, Sabrina. It wasn’t until the results were announced that Smith realized both Karen Minor and Cathy Friedel were, almost literally, breathing down her neck.

Minor, 49, from Rockledge, had to settle for second with her 12:20.4 and both her and Smith’s average pace per mile clocked out at 6:11. Only one second per mile slower, Cathy Friedel, a 45-year-old Satellite Beach mother of five, took third in 12:22. Palm Bay’s Jackie Clifton, 47, scored the Master’s win in 12:32.

The men’s race had a bit more breathing room as Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy teammates David Kilgore and Bret Butler pulled somewhat of a role reversal. Last month, senior Butler won the Class 1A, District 4 cross country title with a hometown personal best of 16:02 and 22 seconds ahead of Kilgore.

Last night it was Butler who led not only Kilgore, but the rest of the pack as well, along the festively lit streets of the out-and-back Satellite Beach course. After finishing in 10:02, 17-year-old Kilgore had to wait 11 seconds to congratulate Butler on his second place 10:13 finish.

Melbourne’s Chris Rego, home on break from FSU, grabbed third in 10:15 and Holy Trinity coach, Doug Butler, 45, took the Masters in 10:36. (That is Butler at left in Robin Hernandez photo. No, he did not race in those boots.)

While no course speed records were broken, this year’s race registered more than 1,200 runners, up more than 200 from last year’s event. Maybe it has something to do with the home-backed Christmas cookies, jingle bells on everyone’s toes, Santa hats (and visit by the big man himself), festive stuffed stocking awards and family and corporate-festive atmosphere.

The race was number three in the five-race Running Zone Race Series and complete results are available at: http://www.runningzone.com/results.html?id=529

Congrats to all who volunteered and participated. Rudolf also gives a red-nose nod to Running Zone, for making fitness fun and getting more of the community off of the couch!

ROGUE ELVES?

Christian Minor was so far ahead of the rest of the pack at yesterday’s Reindeer Run 5K in Cape Canaveral that spectators might have assumed he was a rogue elf. After all, how often do you see a man wearing red spandex shorts and a Santa’s hat cross the finish line? (Minor, left, in Ken Horton photo)

The 21-year-old Rockledge resident and Florida State pre-law senior covered the cold, windy 3.1-mile course in 15:55, tying the course record set by his former coach, Doug Butler, back in 2000.

Astronaut high school junior, Seth Rosonina, 17, placed second in 17:20, well off the personal best of 16:01 he set on Nov. 15 in Dade City at the FHSAA cross country state championships. Merritt Islands, Jonathon Brasch, 18, was third in 17:31.

Melbourne’s Pat McCormick, 48,  took Masters (40+) in 17:58.

Although defending women’s champ, Jessica Crate, again took this year’s victory and seventh overall, her 18:00 fell nine seconds short of the 17:51 course record she set last year. (Crate, left, chases Merritt Island's Ed Springer. Photo courtesy Ken Horton)

Merritt Island’s Brittany Owens, 29 and a kinesiology major at Charleston University, took second in 19:22. Palm Bay’s Tracy Smith, 35, grabbed third with her 19:26.

The race was number four in the nine-race Space Coast Runners Runner of the Year Series and all proceeds to benefit the United Way of Brevard.

Complete results are available at http://www.runningzone.com/  Check out Ken Horton’s race photos at http://www.icunphotos.com/pics/run081213/

And… we’re back!

LIGHTRIDE
Space Coast Freewheelers invites everyone out to their Christmas Light Ride on Saturday, December 13 at 6 p.m. This is a festive event and they are asking that participants deck themselves and their rides in holiday finery. This will be a easy, fun ride - all abilities and types of bikes are welcome to meet at Taylor Park in Cocoa Village (corner of Harrison and Delannoy). The 14-mile ride is an out-and-back route along Rockledge Drive. Helmets required. Check out www.spacecoastfreewheelers.com

PINEAPPLE (SNOW)MAN?

If you love the Pineapple Man Triathlon, mark May 31, 2009 on your calendar for the 24^th annual event at Rykman Park in Melbourne Beach. Race Director, Don Riordan, has announced that the 2009 race date had to be changed due to scheduling conflicts with the chip timing company.

This race closed out at 500 last year so keep checking http://rotarypineappleman.org/ for registration to open.

IRON SPIRITS

Whether you tri or not, watching the Hawaiian Ironman World Championships on television makes you realize how the courage of the human spirit combined with perseverance and determination, will allow your dreams to be realized. Check out this year’s presentation on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 2:30 – 4 p.m. EST on your local NBC affiliate. Thanks to Pete Carabetta for letting us know this is coming up!

CHOICES

Ladies will have two all-women’s triathlon series to choose from in 2009. TREK WSD (Women’s Specific Design), a division of TREK Bicycle Corporation has announced a new women’s series that appears to be an almost exact replica of the Danskin Series – the largest and longest running multisport series in the world.  Not only are the distances and venues about the same, but the new series has also glommed on to the idea of helping women change their lives through the sport.

Sound familiar?

Turns out Maggie Sullivan – the former director of the Danskin Series – jumped ship and sought sponsorship from Trek. Sullivan is also joined by the now former Danskin Series spokeswoman and legendary triathlete, Sally Edwards in this new venture.

Current websites for both series are showing sprint-distance races in Orlando in May and Danskin has confirmed that their race will again be at Walt Disney World on Mother’s Day weekend.

For more info on Danskin, visit www.danskin.com/triathlon.html  Trek info at http://www.trektriathlon.com/

LIVEN UP YOUR LIVING ROOM

 
Although Inside Triathlon will now only be published six months a year – another victim in the demise of print media – the new format almost makes up for it. Printed on thick, glassy paper, with clean prose and lots of captivating photos, this mag now looks more like a coffee table book than something you’ll trash in a week or two. Hats off to John Duke for hanging in there and giving the reader a much higher quality read.

PALM, BABY, PALM

Huge congrats to Palm Bay’s Tracy Smith for her personal best half marathon at the December 7 Half Marathon of the Palm Beaches. Her 1:28:18 – which was fourth out of 1,300 women – gave her both the 35-39 age group win and the award for Top Female Florida Resident. Other locals included in the 2,268 finishers are Melissa Bush, 4:04:07; Katie Halley, 2:21:49; Joan Meadows, who is doing another 50-miler next weekend, 2:03:44; Susie O’Connell, 2:15:00; Johnny “O” Ouweleen, 2^nd 65-69, 1:37:47; Amanda Sandberg, 3:45:02; Brittany Streufert, 2:22:36; Gina-Marie Zingarelli, 2:21:08.

Locals who competed in the full marathon included Janice Hawkins, 5:24:02; Sam Hawkins, 5:24:02 and Shane Streufert, 4:19:00

Complete results for both races are available at

http://www.championchiptiming.com/Home/tabid/65/Default.aspx?EventID=311

CEO OF OUC?

We bet the view was different for Buddy Dyer on Saturday, Dec. 6. Instead of cruising ‘his city’ in the cushy comfort of chauffeured splendor, Orlando’s mayor joined more than 2,200 others for the OUC Half Marathon – the annual 13.1-mile jaunt through the streets surrounding Lake Eola. His Honor posted a 2:30:14 finish and 122^nd in the 50-54 age group. We give him credit for getting out there and, hopefully, inspiring more Orange County residents to get off the couch!

Finishing more than an hour ahead of the major was Fern Park’s Kevin Cook, also making his debut at the distance. In spite of a pesky side stitch that plagued him through the last half of the course, the 24-year-old former Florida State runner took the victory by more than three minutes with his 1:08:26. Clermont’s Sara Raschiatore, 28, won the women’s race in 1:22:34.

Melbourne’s Pam Maxwell, upper left in cycling photo, led close to four dozen Brevard County residents across the line. The 43-year-old sales rep and 2006 Hawaiian Ironman triathlete won the 40-44 age group in 1:32:49.
Others from Brevard – many who volunteered at last week’s Space Coast Marathon and Half – included: Mims: Philip Lintereur, 2:21:10. Titusville: Dwight Brubaker, 1:56:05; Michael Haddock, 1:50:20; Luke Hoffman, 1:57:18; Christina Slayman, 1:38:41; Michael Tuttle, 2:00:16. Rockledge: Cris Burchfield, 2:16:49; Kati Craig, 1:42:41; Dave Herst, 1:48:02; John Mellick, 1:54:21. Viera: David Rodriguez, 2:09:07. Melbourne: Ashlyn Butts, 2:06:35; Cedric Ching, 1:55:52 left; Meisje Connor, 2:03:47; Angela Feldbush, 2:07:34; Hatice Foell, 2:05:25; Linda Marzano, 2:12:04; Pam Maxwell, 1^st 40-44, 1:32:49; Jorge Ortiz, 1:40:28; Alicia Saunders, 1:56:50. West Melbourne: Brian Russell, 2:11:16. Palm Bay: Natalie Bobleter, 2:00:23 Malabar: Jason Metz, 2:08:02. Merritt Island: Christy Anderson, 2:05:18; Cyndi Bergs, 2:07:26; Jodi Bishop, 2:11:11; Stephen Clark, 1:49:16; Colleen Garces, 2:09:06; Laruen Price, 2:14:15; Kim Tillet, 2:05:18; Jennifer Toole, 2:03:36. Cape Canaveral: Kristen Kelley, 2:16:54. Satellite Beach: Lee Chapon, 1:45:48; Alan LaMotte, 1:46:40; Katie Parry, 1:58:47; Kelly Parry, 2:22:32; Lindsey Parry, 2:29:13. Indialantic: Stephanie Carraway, 2:05:19; Margaret Kendrick, 2:05:20; Jeff Reed, 1:39:48; Susan Reed, 2:06:59; Lona Servin, 1:44:40; Danielle Stern, 2:00:25. Melbourne Beach: Kristen Neilson, 1:53:20; Kelsey Post, 1:55:54.

Complete OUC results are available at http://trackshack.com/events/race_results/view_results.php?Link=198

AGE IS RELATIVE

Closer to home on December 6, about 130 ran the Chain of Lakes 5K in Titusville. It was the second race in the five race Titusville Racing Series that is unique because even though individual races offer awards in standard age groups, the end-of-season Series cash purse of $1,600 is awarded on an age-graded basis.

With that in mind, it seemed fitting that there were several 40-somethings in the top three male and female categories. Sue O’Malley, 48, from Port Orange took the ladies win in 20:16. Merritt Island’s Angela Wells, who, at 43, took last Sunday’s Master’s win in the Space Coast Marathon, was second in 20:33 and fifteen-year-old Teresa Huff was third in 20:49.

On the men’s side, Palm Bay high school whippersnapper, Charles Baliou whupped up on the ‘old dudes’ to take the win by a full minute in 17:02. Titusville’s Frank Kapr, who recently moved into the Masters’ division, was second in 18:02, followed for third by 49-year-old Art Anderson in 18:31. Photo at left is Kapr and his dad at the 2008 Space Coast Runners Runner of the Year award ceremony.

Complete race results are available at http://mahoney4.home.netcom.com/scr/races/08col.txt

WHO NEEDS GERITOL?

For those fearing their 50s, Wes Ott proves that you’re not doomed to dufferhood. (At left, Ott finishing the May 08 Family Fitness Weekend sprit tri in St. Augustine where he won his age group by four minutes)

At yesterday’s Miami Man Half Ironman, the 53-year-old Health First vice president of operations set a personal best, finishing in 4:59:43 and scorching the 50-54 age group by a whopping 13 minutes.

What did the man who has been racing triathlon since 1985 – including several Ironmans – attribute to continued personal bests?

Turns out the things mom taught us –like eating right and getting plenty of rest - may be even more important now if we want to slow down the aging process on our fitness.

“I am really in tune to what I am eating and put in my body these days,” said, who has been a vegetarian since 1975. “I have been making sure I get more quality protein and am careful about the type of carbs I eat.”

The Cocoa Beach father of two also incorporated more quality and discipline into his very limited training time.

“For long rides, I’d ride by myself to the Bagel Shop ride (17 – 20 miles); hammer with the group and then ride home alone at tempo pace,” Ott said of training weeks that consisted of 12,000 yards of swimming; 110 to 120 miles of riding and 35 miles of running. “I climbed the distance ladder slowly on the run and instead of peaking at 35 miles, I ran it consistently. This is the first year I didn’t get injured.”

And he balanced it all with rest.

“Before I’d run myself into the ground,” said Ott. “Now I make sure that I am recovering right.”

Ott’s doing something right. While most competitors climbed into bed early, Ott and his lovely wife, Linda, enjoyed the evening of dining and dancing that is unique to Miami’s South Beach.

Now that takes stamina!

Other locals who competed in the Miami Man Half Iron distance include Gina Caccamo, 52, Cocoa Beach, 6:54:07; James Croft, 31, Indian Harbour Beach, 5:20:51; Erika Feltz, 27, Viera, 5:34:37; Katie Fleming, 35, West Melbourne, 5:54:52, at left ripping her way through IMFL a couple of years ago; Joey Gilio, 17, Melbourne, 3^rd, 19 and under, 5:41:12; Craig Hagan, 44, Melbourne Beach, 6:34:03; Doug McMahon, 41, Melbourne, 7:28:03; Joan McMahon, 47, Melbourne, 7:18:02; Mike Melton, 33, Melbourne, 6:32:41; Jeff Perry, 53, Melbourne Beach, 5:56:56; Debbie Rescott, 50, Merritt Island, 6:42:12; Tricia Rydson, 35, Melbourne Beach, 3^rd 35-39, 5:19:02; Tommy Turek, 32, Melbourne, 5:42:22; Trevor Widick, 31, Malabar, 6:16:31; Mark Wolfgang, 35, Melbourne, 5:15:43. Indialantic’s John Goodman, 45, placed second in the 45-49 age group in the half iron distance duathlon. Those competing in the international-distance race included Katie Halley, 26, Melbourne, 3:11:28 and Debra Johansen, 47, Indian Harbour Beach, 2:50:12.

ALOHA

Maybe John Davis could learn how to hula. After all, how else would you commemorate your first overall victory at a race that boasted a Hawaiian theme? The 30-year-old new father ran alone and unchallenged at Saturday’s Space Coast Classic 15K taking the top spot in 55:26 and proving to himself that the high mileage training weeks were starting to pay off. Left, John holds daughter, Kyra, as he picks up his awards for third overall at Pumpkins in the Park last month.

“Doug (Butler) has ramped my mileage up, slowly increasing it each year,” said Davis who has trained under Butler for three seasons. “I ran 70 miles every week this summer.”

While Davis was excited about his first win, he also learned that running solo presents its own type of challenge.

“It was a little different being out there by myself,” he said. “I ran a faster pace at the Tower of Terror 13K a couple of weeks ago because there were people around to push me.”

No doubt he’ll have plenty more opportunities to increase his mental toughness as this was race number two of the nine-race Space Coast Runners Runner of the Year series.

Port St. Lucie’s Mike Kodya was second in 56:54 and Merritt Island’s Ed Springer was third in 57:17.

Last year’s female Runner of the Year series winner, Jessica Crate proved that missing the first season race doesn’t mean she’s not still plenty fast. The 23-year-old pharmaceutical sales rep had more than three minutes to spare as she took the ladies win and fifth overall in 57:23. Melbourne’s Anne Houghton, 20, was second in 1:00:37 followed for third by Palm Bay’s Tracy Smith in 1:00:49.

Complete race results are available at http://www.spacecoastrunners.org/ and check out Cedric Ching’s photo gallery of the festivities at http://public.fotki.com/CedricCSCFL/  Congrats, also, to Cedric, left, who captured the second best-dressed Hawaiian with his 15K PR of 1:17:46

I’LL SEE YOUR 15K AND DOUBLE IT!

Congrats also to those who competed in Sunday’s Paul DeBruyn 30K up in Ormond Beach. Local finishers included Greg Aker, Titusville, 2:37:32; Nancy Rowan, Titusville, 3^rd 45-49, 3:07:38 and Marty Winkel, Titusville, 1^st 60-64, 2:37:14.

YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!

Yesterday’s tenth anniversary of Ironman Florida ushered in near perfect conditions for the 2,500 athletes – including 1,045 first-timers – who lined up for the start of the 2.4-mile swim on Panama City Beach. From the air, the black wetsuit-clad crowd resembled sleek seals on the dazzling white sand and those wetsuits must have felt great in the pre-dawn temperatures hovering in the 40s.

With only a few ripples on the water and little to no wind on the bike and a high of only 70 degrees predicted, race pundits began early speculation that perhaps someone could go sub-eight. While that didn’t happen, Canadian Tom Evans, at – get this – 40 years young, blew 13 minutes and 30 seconds off the course record as he sailed to the finish chute at 8:07:59 flying an enormous Canadian flag from his arms.

Although he had qualified earlier in the year to race at Kona last month, Evans passed up the slot, choosing instead to earn a 2009 berth in Florida and then stick to the races on his home turf. It makes more sense when you realize that the affable dentist lives in Penticton, home to Ironman Canada.

On the ladies side, another record of sorts was also set. Women’s winner Bella Comerford not only celebrated her 31^st birthday as she crossed the line but she also celebrated her fifth win on the Florida course. Even more remarkable is that the Swiss miss added Florida to a 2008 victory list that already includes IM South Africa, IM Lanzarote, IM UK and the IM-distance Embrunman.

Also in the astounding category is the fact that Ed Donner’s finish yesterday was his fourth Ironman this year including IM Arizona, IM CDA and IM Louisville. Donner crossed yesterday’s line with plenty of daylight in 10:32:31.

Other locals included in the the enormous field that had closed out registration in four minutes after opening last year were Rick Buck, 38, Melbourne Beach, 11:56:57; Sara Cleveland, 35, Melbourne, 13:22:55; John Jordan, 44, Cape Canaveral, 11:33:05; Walter Mahany, 43, Merritt Island, 11:45:53; Eric Martin, 35, Indialantic, 14:02:56; Susie O’Connell, left at Pineapple Man, 56, Melbourne, 16:11:49 and Linda Smith, 48, Indian Harbour Beach, 12:05:22.

Complete results, splits, photos and race coverage are available at www.ironmanlive.com 

IRONMAN: GET YOUR FILL!

                                             Thanks to IM Louisville podium finisher Pete Carabetta let us know that the following Ironman events are scheduled to be televised in the coming weeks on Versus and NBC. Please check your local listings to confirm dates and times. All times listed below are EST (don’t forget to set your clocks back Nov. 2 at 2 am.)

Versus

Sunday, Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. Ford Ironman Arizona
Sunday Nov. 9 at 3 p.m.  Ford Ironman Coeur D'Alene
Sunday, Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. Ford Ironman Lake Placid
Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m.  Ford Ironman Louisville
Sunday, Nov. 30 at 3 p.m.  Ford Ironman Wisconsin

All shows re-air the following day at 5 p.m.

NBC

Saturday, Dec. 13 2:30-4 p.m. Ford Ironman World Championship
Sunday, April 12 4:30-6 p.m.  Ironman 70.3 World Championship

OOH RAH!

Brevard added four more Boston Marathon qualifiers to their rolls this morning at the 33^rd annual Marine Corp Marathon in Washington D.C. This year’s closed-out field of 30,000 registrants was treated to almost textbook perfect conditions for their 26.2-mile jaunt through Arlington, VA and our nation’s capital. Locals reported 48 degrees at the start and on-line tracking showed temps up to 57 by noon.

Those getting their tickets punched to Beantowne include Sarah Guttery, 3:33:10; Don Piercy, 3:17:53; first-time qualifier Veronica Sim, 3:49:47(left, on her birthday last month) and Tracie Luman, 3:44:54. Other local finishers include Mike Baker, 3:16:13; Bruce Barnett, 4:19:18; Rosette Behymer, 4:27:32; Sydney Brooks-Mason, 4:24:06; Linda Cowart, 4:39:48; Tracie Donnelly, 4:39:26; Randy Farner, 3:58:36; Rick Foresteire’s son, Rick Foreseteire, not a junior, 4:59:47; Charis Gaines, 4:52:57; Jorden Halstead, 4:24:59; Alexis Haber, 4:18:50; Terri Jones, 5:21:18; Audrey Joiner, 4:47:04; Michael Knauf, 5:01:07; Tom Mulle, 4:52:57; Charlotte McClure, 4:25:54; Jeffrey Norman, 4:55:50; Jeff Peacock, 5:42:06; Cathie Poor, 4:01:47; Denise Pierce, 4:47:10; Mark Reagan, 4:39:53; Gary Stutte, 4:25:45; Jim Schaeffer, 4:27:36; Sandra Stevens, 6:10:00; Leslie Talbert, 5:18:35; Pedro Toledo, 3:48:09 and Chuck Urrutia, 5:39:17.

Complete results are available at http://www.marinemarathon.com/

HUMAN MOTORS ON THE TRACK

Organizers of today’s inaugural Daytona Beach Half Marathon received a gift from the weather gods as the season’s first real cold front pushed through last night ushering in cooler, drier air. Among the 500+ athletes enjoying the out-and-back course that began with a lap around the Daytona International Speedway, continued out to A1A beachside and then hit 13.1 at the finish line on the track were locals Greg Aker, 1:41:35; Wade Alliance, 1:53:59; Kerstin Dea, 1:37:42; Elizabeth Gmerek, 2:33:18; Joyce Herget, 2:13:53; Kate Howick, 1:57:29; Tony Kelly, 1:33:51; Thomas Mayer, 1:47:23, 1:47:23; Mike Melton, 1:51:11, left at the NYC Nautica triathlon earlier this year; Juan Perez, 1^st 50-54, 1:38:45; John Rice, 2:19:01; Nancy Rowan, 2:03:18; Sean Sboto, 2:14:58; Mark Stephens, 1:5:34; Ed Taylor, 1:56:08; Shaye Williams, 2:01:41 and  Marty Winkel, 2^nd 60-64, 1:48:43.

Complete results are available at http://altavistasports.com/results/2008results/daytonabeachhalfmarathon102608.html

WERE YA SCARED?

What we find most impressive about last night’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is that close to 3,000 runners and walkers were able to stay awake long enough for 10 p.m. start and enjoy a post-race party in the Studios until 2 a.m.

Locals receiving midnight awards for their spooky 8.1-mile jaunt included Danny Barrett, 1^st 40-44, 52:23, left after Boston 08; John Davis, 1st 30-34 and 7th OA, 48:19; Pat McCormick, 3^rd 45-49, 52:56 and Todd Wirsch, 1^st 14-18, 51:39. Also finishing were other locals from Titusville: Sean Otwell, 1:13:26. Cocoa: Holly Carreras, 1:31:19; Greg Cross, 1:31:22; Nancy Cross, 1:33:55; John Fastiggi, 1:35:08; Kristy Fastiggi, 1:45:06; Kelly Hunter, 1:23:52; Caitlin Jones, 1:18:05; Cheryl Long, 2:11:13; Ashley Roush, 2:11:14; Samantha Roush, 1:44:09; Maria Trenn, 2:10:22; Robert Trenn, 1:21:02; Dorothy Wells, 1:22:51. Rockledge: Margaret Harrison, 1:25:07; Serena Ledig, 1:41:29; Amy Roush, 1:34:40; Christy Zieres, 1:19:25, at left with Loran Serwin in Robin Hernandez photo. Both Zieres and Serwin did Pumpkins in the Park on Friday  night and then the 13K on Sat. night. Viera: Pam Brockmeyer, 2:04:17, Kim Robertson, 1:34:31. Melbourne: Stacey Biddix, 1:42:44, Carole Chamberlain, 1:57:09; Aaron Chapman, 1:22:01, Cedric Ching, 1:15:35; Kristina Ferenczi, 1:17:48; Terry Ferrisi, 1:14:22; Pat Kiesselbach, 1:18:50; Christina Krause-Nichols, 2:06:14; Nicole Kurschat, 1:15:46; Sara Mayer, 1:36:22; Donna McWilliams, 1:32:43; Andrew Nichols, 2:06:14; Nigel Paine, 1:15:21; Ali Peters, 1:23:03; John Peters, 1:16:46; David Pope, 1:50:06; Laura Riojas, 1:49:5; Alicia Saunders, 1:11:51; Tina Gross, 1:42:55; Donna Soyk, 1:49:51; Candy Thomas, 1:50:38; Teresa Van Valkenburg, 1:57:08. Palm Bay: Eileen Goode, 1:36:50; Calla Hess, 1:26:53; Leah Lockhart, 2:03:43; Abe Oros, 1:15:41; Diane Ortt, 1:51:42; Kevin Terry, 1:22:05. Merritt Island, Cyndi Bergs, 1:23:09; Donovan Cirino, 1:23:03; Jim Gerald, 1:58:18; Jolea Hearn, 1:34:06; Rachel Ryder, 1:10:23; Loran Serwin, 58:05; Karen Shamlin, 1:37:29 and Teresa Williams, 1:27:34. Cocoa Beach: John Boehmer, 1:42:16;  Ryan Boehmer, 1:42:10; Amy Gillian, 1:50:18. Satellite Beach: Ian Bohnen, 1:05:19; Zahra McTammary, 1:37:05. Indialantic: Sharon Bresser, 1:40:42; Michael Draper, 58:45; Brant Jeppson, 1:17:56; Harris Krause, 58:45, Lee Krause, 1:41:11.

Check out complete results at http://results.active.com/pages/page.jsp?eventLinkageID=84995

FLORIDA IS A CHALLENGE!

Any half ironman (swim 1.2, bike 56, run 13.1) is a challenge but without a doubt the Florida Challenge Half Ironman in Clermont is the toughest in our state. This course will just flat kick your butt and that is one of the reasons many pass it up in favor of Gulf Coast (May in Panama City Beach) or Miami Man (next month in, uh, Miami). Those who want to boast the official 70.3 moniker go to Florida Ironman 70.3 at Disney.

Yesterday’s athletes faced choppy conditions in Lake Minneola; windy and seemingly sadistic placement of hills on the bike and then temperatures that peaked just below 90 during yesterday’s race. Special hats off to local finishers Grover Brower, 6:56:40; Nancy Buonanni, 6:26:12, left as she set a PR last month at the Get Up & Go 10K in Titusville; Bill Buonanni, 6:59:08; Lee Fairchild, 1^st 15-19, 8:07:53; Dennis Fertig, 6:57:00; Robert French, 7:59:45; Travis Hiers, 6:07:01; Nicholas Smith, 6:06:18 and Mary Wills, 7:21:52.  Extra big props to Nancy Buonanni for running a half marathon PR of 1:41 to finish strong in her first half ironman!

Complete results with splits at: http://www.championchiptiming.com/images/files/static/193AgeGroup.htm

A DIFFERENT KIND OF GIRLS’ DAY OUT

Women of all ages and sizes lined up at Lake Mary Jane yesterday to compete in the third annual Orlando Women’s Triathlon in Moss Park. The ladies-only event offered a .47-mile swim; 12.4-mile bike and a 2.5 mile run and participants had their choice of categories including age group, ‘mom’, cancer survivor, first-timer and ‘friends and noodles’.  

Brevard County was well represented with Merritt Island’s Sue Matschner, left at the FFW race at St. Augustine in May 08, taking the overall win in 1:06:53 and Melbourne Beaches Tasha Camps following not too far behind for third overall in 1:07:34. Other local finishers include Rachelle Butler, 1:28:14; Alisha Causey, 1:32:40; Ellen Dash, 1:40:44; Karen Drack, 2^nd Mom, 1:19:27; Jessi Johnston, 2:02:38; Lisa Mangino-Friedland, 1:31:29; Kara Marcinek, 1:28:13; Ana McQueary, 1^st Survivor, 1:28:16; Maggie Picerne, 1:27:04; Margarita Ruiz, 1:23:17; Erin Slavik, 1:29:56 and Christina Slayman, 1^st 20-24, 1:28:28. Lindsay Davis also won the Aquabike (swim and bike) in 54:04.

Complete (sometimes changing, however) results with splits available at http://buttar.com/events/2008/10.25.08.Womens/results.htm#Sprint_Triathlon_

EASY AS PUMPKIN PIE

When Don and Denise Piercy laid out their vision for the Running Zone Race Series, their goal was to provide high-quality events that would appeal not only to the fastest local runners but ones which were inclusive of athletes at all levels and would provide incentive for the non-athletic to come out and see that fitness can be fun. At left Nancy Rowan and Marty Winkel get in the spirit of the Big Pumpkin. Robin Hernandez photo.

Their success has been phenomenal and Friday evening’s Pumpkins in the Park 5K – the second in this season’s five-race Series – drew a record 1,050 participants of all ages, shapes and sizes.

It was an amazing site to see the throng lined up on Derby Avenue in Cocoa Village for the 6:30 p.m. start and even more incredible to watch the post-race festivities play out. Instead of people jumping in their cars to race home; families and friends mingled over post-race treats and occasional adult beverages while kids wired on Halloween candy chased each other around Taylor Park.

The race was truly an event that was inclusive to all and we commend Running Zone for another well-done event.

In that spirit, it seemed fitting to observe a contented Doug Butler ambling post-race through the park holding the hand of two-year-old grandson, Alex. Doug holding Alex, left, after receiving his overall goodies. Photo Robin Hernandez. It was almost hard to believe that earlier in the evening the 45-year-old Holy Trinity cross country coach had ripped off a 5:27 per mile pace to take the win in 16:52. It was his fourth victory on the course that has seen no other repeat names in the top spot in its nine-year history.

Butler held off sixteen-year-old Jon Brown who faded to second in 17:05 and new father John Davis was third in 17:25. After winning last weekend’s Witch Way 5K, Steve Chin took Master’s in 18:05.

In the ladies’ race, last year’s perpetual winner, Jessica Crate – coming back from a foot injury – had to settle for second to newcomer Angela Cobb.  Cobb who recently moved here from GA, took the lead at the first mile marker and then ran scared for the last two miles, holding off Crate by three seconds for the win – and seventh overall- in 18:25.

Palm Bay’s Tracy Smith took third in 19:37 and then went back to greet her 10-year-old daughter, Sabrina, at the finish. Sabrina and Tracy at left in Robin Hernandez photo. Cathy Friedel  showed her speed is rapidly returning as soundly sunk the Master’s win in 19:41 – more than 30 seconds faster than the first Series race, I Run for Pizza 5K, in August.

In the team challenge events, Harris Corporation again blew out the rest of the field in their quest for the Corporate Cup and the kids from Manatee Elementary took this round in which 177 kids ages 14 and under competed for the School Team award.

Check out complete results at: http://www.runningzone.com/results.html?id=513

RUN IN PEACE, DON DORE

The local running community lost a dear friend, devoted supporter and fierce competitor on Oct. 14 when Don Dore, Sr. - surrounded by his loving family - slipped earth’s bonds to meet his Lord. That was the way to go for a man who put his family and his God before and above all else.

Don left behind his wife of 59 years, Betty; four children - and runners - who live locally, sons, Gary (Shirley), Don, Jr. (Liz); and daughters, Susan (Cary) Kuschel, and Debra (Per) Johansen; sister, Eleanor Taylor of Williamsburg, VA, brother, Kenneth Dore of Portsmouth, RI; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Born in Rhode Island on Nov. 25, 1929, Don and his family moved to Satellite Beach in 1976, where he took up running two years later. The real estate brokerage owner also enjoyed sailing, golf and basketball and also lent his incredibly gifted singing talent to the choir at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Satellite Beach, where he also served as an elder for many years.

One of the multiple honors the humble and humorous man received during his lifetime was his induction into the Space Coast Runners Hall of Fame. Below, in its entirety, is the nomination letter submitted by Dave Farrell and unanimously approved by the Space Coast Runners Board of Directors in 2001:

71-year-old Don Dore has been running since 1978. In February 1978, he took a run on Satellite Beach with thoughts of his two grown sons in Ft. Lauderdale at the very same time running their first 10K race--the Heart Run. Both men were on the track team several years before, in high school. It eventually became a tradition for the entire family to get together and run this race annually. One year they had nearly a dozen Dore family members running!

Don became a member of Space Coast Runners in January 1982. Don and Gary Castner took on the task of keeping the statistics for Runner of the Year in 1989. In addition, Don has been a longstanding board member and has led the Melbourne Beach Fun Run since 1993.

As a runner, Don won the 55-59 age group in the Runner of the Year series three years in a row. Of note was the 1985 R.O.Y. series that consisted of ten races. Don scored 10 points in each race for a total of 100 points. He won every race against all comers in his age group including the Space Coast Marathon--a perfect score! He has run 15 marathons, two of which have been at Boston. Some health problems have tried to sideline Don, but he does not give up. He is still winning awards in his age group in local races.

Don has been a great inspiration to other runners. He has coached several and has encouraged many. There is a story about a new runner at his first 5K race who completed the run because Don Dore and Henry Campbell held his hands during the race and across the finish line--the runner--Matt Mahoney (they created a monster). Don is not only a runner, but is known to be perseverant, responsible and is not easily rattled. He is also a great family man, a good friend and a person with a strong faith in God. Don Dore is an asset to the running community.

WHO LOVES YA, SCM?

After voting it as the race with the “best schwag” last year, the editors of Runners World, circulation 630,000, are now featuring the Nov. 30 Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon as their choice for “Race of the Month”. Touted as “a favorite race of RW Chief Running Officer, Bart Yasso,” the article gives high marks for such amenities as the opportunity to mingle with astronauts, the simulated space shuttle liftoff at the 6 a.m. start; the scenic, rolling course along the Indian River; and the space-themed aid stations.

In addition to the tech shirt, keynote speaker Dick Beardsley and pre-race pasta dinner; this year’s entry fee also includes a post-race pancake, egg and sausage breakfast. Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex has also added four entries to ‘Dine with an Astronaut’ and a “NASA Up Close” tour to this year’s raffle prizes.

Check out the RW article by clicking on “Runners World Loves SCM” link at upper right!

Complete race information and registration at http://www.spacecoastmarathon.com/

SORT OF LIKE RECENT GAS PRICES

With registration exceeding 20,000; the Gate River Run’s opportunity to start in the front corral has always been most appreciated. New for 2009, race organizers have upped the number allowed to race up front to 2,000 and has lowered the seed standards.

For complete information and registration for the 32^nd annual USA National Championship on Mar. 14, log on to http://www.gate-riverrun.com/

RUN FOR THE MONEY

Mitch Varnes, promoter of what is now called the State Farm Melbourne & the Beaches Music Marathon and Half Marathon announced last week that the insurance company had secured title sponsorship of the event. In line with State Farm’s identity, the company is also offering the “Good Neighbor” award of $125.00 each to Brevard’s fastest male and female residents in both the marathon and half marathon.

The race also offers a total purse of $12,000 and with $8,000 being earmarked for Masters (ages 40+), the half marathon has been designated by USA Track and Field (USATF) as the USA Masters Half Marathon Championship for 2009. Runners do not need to meet qualifying standards to participate in this event but those wishing to be eligible for the overall or age graded cash awards, must be USATF members. Individual licenses are available for $29.95 on-line at http://www.usatf.org/membership/?sc=TM

NO PRESSURE THERE

After last year’s high heat and humidity left one athlete dead, sent 49 others to hospitals and forced race organizers to pull the plug on the race at about 3 ½ hours, organizers of this year’s Chicago Marathon added five extra fluid stops and a color-coded alert system corresponding to potential heat risk. 

Although the 8 a.m. start registered 64 degrees, flags went from yellow to red as temps hit 84 degrees close to the four-hour mark. With the 20 aid stations plus multiple misting areas, a black or ‘stop the race’ alert was not needed. Good thing, too, as not only was athlete safety at risk, but the event was also being scrutinized by the International Olympic Committee as a host candidate for the 2016 Olympics.

The heat did little to slow Kenya’s Evans Cheruiyot from making it two for two by taking his second marathon win and pocketing $100,000 in two hours, six minutes and 25 seconds. Cheruiyot, 26, made his marathon debut – which he also won- last year in Milan.

On the women’s side, 2007 Boston winner, Lidiya Grigoryeva, also received a $100,000 purse with her 2:27:17 victory.

Locals who finished today’s race included Kristian Damkjer, 4:08:40; Kim Frey, 4:57:24; Donald McCammon, 4:05:36; Lea Anne Richard, 4:06:20 and James Shaffer who qualified for Boston with his 3:17:10. (above left)

HATE TO RUN AND EAT BUT…

More than 100 locals joined a throng of 2,600+ this morning for the 7 a.m. fireworks start of the Race for the Taste 10K at Disney World. Athletes ran a point-to-point course that took them through Hollywood Studios and Epcot before crossing the finish line and being treated to a small taste of the delights being offered at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.