MID-MARCH/MID-MAY 2019
RUNOHIO
2018 RUNOHIO Runners of the Year
by Matt McGowan
The following runners were chosen by the staff of RUNOHIO and its’ readers as the top runners in or from Ohio for 2018. RUNOHIO along with the runners of Ohio and the Midwest congratulate the following individuals for earning this honor.
Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. My friend Jason Kessler asked me in the middle of summer if I wanted to do it with him and help get him under 2:30 for the first time. I agreed and we had a really good training cycle of long runs. Race day conditions were near ideal and everything was clicking for us and we ran together was almost 25 miles. He broke 2:30 for the first time and ran 2:29 and I ran 2:30:00, ouch. I guess I did good as a pacer, haha. It was a well run event with easy logistics and my best marathon in a few years.”
TOP MALE Josh Ordway TOP FEMALE Sakiko Minagawa TOP MALE MASTER Matthew Folk TOP FEMALE MASTER Laura Kaulen
Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “Be consistent, set up a good routine, have fun, and find others with similar goals to run with now and again to keep you motivated.”
TOP MALE GRAND MASTER T.J. Lentz TOP FEMALE GRAND MASTER Kelly Croop
Matthew Folk
TOP MALE SENIOR Doad Edwards TOP FEMALE SENIOR Jeannie Rice TOP MALE Josh Ordway
Josh Ordway year. Later that year in track, I won the 1600m at my league meet in 4:48.”
Other top male runners: Colby Alexander, Michael Iacofano, Evan Gaynor, Eli Gerlach, Evan Schwartz, Justin Taylor, Cory Irwin, Matt Lemon, Chris Lemon, and Aiman Scullion. Josh Ordway, 38, lives in Springboro and is a family physician at Franklin Family Practice.
How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “When I’m at my best, I run very high mileage and do most of it slowly. That’s just what I’ve found works for me. My favorite workout is any kind of fartlek because it tricks you into thinking workouts aren’t as intimidating as they really are.”
TOP 2018 PERFORMANCES
What do you like about running and racing? “My favorite thing about running and racing is that, for the most part, you’re in control of what you do and how well you perform.”
St. Brigid 5K.........................16:32 Cancer Crush 5K..................15:43 Run to the Moon 10K............32:16 Little Miami Half Marathon......................... 1:10:26 Boy Scout Half Marathon.... 1:11:43 Minster Oktoberfest 10K..... 32:40 Columbus Marathon..........2:23:32 When and how did you first start running? “I started running regularly/competitively in 1993, the summer before my 7th grade year. My mom forced my dad to start making me run with him every day so I wouldn’t be worthless in 7th grade cross country. That first run was 2 miles and almost killed me. I ran with him every day that summer and only was beaten by two 8th graders that
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What were your favorite races last year and why? “My favorite race was the Columbus Marathon because I placed 2nd overall despite having a horrible training cycle that included a week and a half I had to take off from running the last week of September due to injury. I thought I wouldn’t be able to race Minster or Columbus, yet I ran and placed well in both.” Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “My advice for runners would
be to find time for the training you need and don’t run hard every day.” What are your running goals for this year? “I’d like to try to run a fast marathon this spring because I won’t be able to run a fall marathon due to the arrival of my second child this summer.” TOP MALE MASTER Matthew Folk Other male masters: Gary Fetherolf, Thomas Goldsby, Fred Kieser, Harvey Lewis, John McDonald, Jason Newport, Ken Richendollar, Michael Seymour and Dustin Sprague. Matthew Folk, 43, lives in Perrysburg and owner and manager of the Perrysburg’s Second Sole store.
TOP 2018 PERFORMANCES
Indianapolis Monumental Marathon........................2:30:00 Glass City Half Marathon - 1:13:23 USATF Master’s Half Marathon . Championships............... 1:13:58 Tigertown 5000 .................. 15:51 Runner’s on Parade 5K........15:36 Minster Oktoberfest 10K..... 33:34 Oak Openings Stampede 25K Trail Run..................1:38:33 Gibsonburg Golden Bear 10K...........................34:01
T. J. Lentz
When and how did you first start running? “I started running my sophomore year of high school. I liked sports and wasn’t as good as I had hoped in some of the other sports and ran into a friend on the cross country team over the summer. He said where they were practicing and told me to show up the next day. So I rode my bike to the park met them and it has just snowballed since.” How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “Last summer and fall I was running around 8 times a week. I would do a weekly long run and if things went ideal, a speed workout and a tempo run weekly as well (if not one or the other). The rest of the week was mostly easier runs with one run a week pushing my daughters in the babyjogger. My favorite workout lately has probably been a good long run with a faster finish toward the end.” What do you like about running and racing? “I like the challenges and the feeling of accomplishment you get from both.” What were your favorite races last year and why? My favorite race last year was the
What are your running goals for this year? “I want to hit a solid half marathon or 25K this spring and on the fence about a fall marathon or not. This summer I want to keep the sub 16 minute 5km streak going. I realized a couple years ago I have run at least one sub 16 5km every year since 1992. It is getting tougher the last few years.”
TOP MALE GRAND MASTER T. J. Lentz Other top male grand masters: Curt Bachus, John Agnew, John Kellogg, Paul Krupa, Robert Moore, Joe Patrick, Steven Stahl, Paul Stoodley and Eric Weis. T.J. Lentz, 51, lives in Cincinnati and is an Environmental Health Scientist.
TOP 2018 PERFORMANCES
Bockfest 5K...........................17:18 Cincinnati Heart Mini Marathon 15K.................... 53:29 Carmel Marathon...............2:41:36 Hyde Park Blast 4 Mile.........22:43 B.O.S.S. Summer 5K.............17:15 Oldest Street Race 7 mile . . 39:24 Minster Oktoberfest 10K..... 36:44 Columbus Marathon......... 2:49:42 When and how did you first start running? “It seems odd to think that I’ve been running for almost four decades. I started when I was in 7th grade and tried out for my junior high
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RUNOHIO
MID-MARCH/MID-MAY 2019
2018 RUNOHIO Runners of the Year, cont. track team. Our first run was around the block at my school in Lima, Ohio. I remember that I had on basketball shoes but I was determined to make the team. That day and ever since I was hooked on running.”
to feel what is needed. I never wear a watch, but can tell you how fast I am running, a gift I guess. Speed work is necessary, I do mine on hills, do not like the track. Find the best time for you to train. I often start as early as 3am, but rarely after 3pm.
How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I run every day now and have a streak of almost 9 years straight. My favorite workout is now a tempo run of about 4 miles on the roads at race pace. I love the way it simulates racing, especially when I can run it with training partners, as we all seem to benefit from running together and pushing each other.” What do you like about running and racing? “I really do enjoy competition, the nervousness of waking up and preparing on race day, and then settling in to a rhythm and pushing myself in a race. That feeling never gets old.” What were your favorite races last year and why? “The Minster Octoberfest 10K is one of my favorite races. I first ran it when I was 13 years old and I continue to return because it has a fast field, and great course, and a great community feel. I’ve also enjoyed trying some new races (for me) in Indiana, and in particular the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon and the Carmel (IN) Marathon. For the past several years though, I’ve definitely found the Columbus Marathon experience to be exhilarating, with a dramatic start (think of AC/DC music pumping and fireworks as the starting gun sounds) and an equally thrilling finish lined with cheering crowds lining both sides of the street for the entire final half mile.” Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “I have always felt that it is so beneficial to have a training partner or group. This will keep you motivated and accountable. I derive so much from the social as well as the physical aspects of running.” What are your running goals for this year? “As with every year, I strive to remain healthy and avoid injury. Beyond that I hope to run another marathon in which I can finish strong and
Doad Edwards improve upon my previous race. I’m still learning how to master that distance.”
MEN SENIOR Doad Edwards
Other top men senior: Daniel Conner, Warren Elzy, Mark Feighery, Kerry Green, Ron Legg, Bill Long, Terry McCluskey, George Sellers and Chris Thieke. Doad Edwards, 68, lives in Columbus.
TOP 2018 PERFORMANCES
First on the First 5K...............21:14 Key West Half Marathon....1:34:52 Blue Jacket’s 5th Line 5K.. 20:32. Arnold 5K............................ 20:20 Don Scott Trot 5K............... 20:50 Grandview Pumpkin 5K........ 21:10 Ohio State 4 miler................ 27:16 Oktoberfest 4 miler ............ 25:32 When and how did you first start running? “This all started by running from one spot to the next watching Patrick qualify for Boston. I told my wife Nancy I thought I could run a little. The idea has just grown and I started running races in 2011 with a minimum 60 races a year. How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “Training is so individualistic and I have never truly followed a plan. I feel diet is more important. If you wish to do a race, run that distance, all at once or break it up on consecutive days. You will start
What were your favorite races last year and why? “Every race is a favorite. To be with my extended family that have taken me under their collective wings, and raising money for very special causes. At the First on the First, two of my sons usually run this race, Jay and Patrick, still working on Matthew to join us. A terrific way to start the New Year. The Columbus 10K, seems to have a great race every time, lowered my PR each year. This one is a big Charity event, sorry more people do not run the race. The Columbus Half Marathon is another favorite. What do you like about running and racing? “Easy question, raising money for so many terrific causes. This allows our family to assist many others. We love the opportunity to meet wonderful people. I am not sure they realize how special all of them are to me. When racing, I am not competitive, I just dislike losing, HA! I enjoy the odd race that I can still win over all, not sure how many of those are ahead, usually 1 or 2 a year.” Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “Set the bar high enough to push yourself. Most of all smile when you do anything, it always makes life easier. It takes fewer muscles to smile than frown. This will help you relax and run better. I enjoy talking to people while I run.” What are your running goals for this year? “Help raise more money than last year for so many needy causes. Keep the peak just out of reach, the next age group is not that far away. Need to thank my family and Nancy, for allowing me to enjoy myself and pushing me with little notes of love. Lastly, I thank all of the wonderful running stores and groups who really do the tough job of putting on these races. Most people do not realize how much of their time they give up to allow us to have FUN.”
workout per week. My favorite workouts are long tempo or marathon paced long runs.” What do you like about running and racing? “What I like about running is getting to meet new people who also love to run! I enjoy learning about other ’s journey in running and their goals. I love meeting up with friends and share fun stories, but I also enjoy my solo runs where I can listen to my music and relax.”
Sakiko Minagawa TOP FEMALE Sakiko Minagawa
Other top open women: Ann Alyanak, Sarah Biehl, Elizabeth Herndon, Sarah Horbol, Maura Lemon, Emma McCarron, Grace McCarron, Christina Murphy, Jessica Odorcic, Emily Richards, Becki Spellman, Tara Storage and Sammie Zishka. Sakiko Minagawa, 24, lives in Dublin and is a graduate student at Ohio State University working towards a Master’s of Science in Allied Medicine and works a few days a week at the Columbus Running Company.
TOP 2018 PERFORMANCES
OSU tune up 3K................ 9:47.54 USATF Club Championships 8K............27:45 Lou Cox Memorial 5K...........16:42 USATF Half Marathon Championships................. 1:19:12 Columbus 10K......................35:19 USATF 10K............................36:19 California International Marathon ..................... 2:44:49 When and how did you first start running? “I first started running in 7th grade track. I ran the 1600m, 800m, 4x400m, and the 100m hurdle. I joined my middle school track team at Dublin John Sells Middle School because all my friends were doing it!” How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “My coach Jim Jurcevich and I work together to build my training plan. My typical training is between 60-80 miles, including 1 or 2 workouts and a long run/
“What I love about racing is the challenge. I love the long slow grind of long distance races as well as the rush of adrenaline during the final sprint to the finish line. It makes me so excited to line up with runners of all speed and to know that we are all there to enjoy what we all love to do. RUN!” What were your favorite races last year and why? “My favorite race last year was running the California International Marathon in Sacramento, CA. I ran just under 2:45 to qualifying for my first Olympic Trials. I also enjoyed the Columbus 10K” Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “My biggest advice is nutrition. As a graduate student in the medical dietetics program and working with sports nutrition research at the Ohio State University, I’ve learned how much nutrition makes a difference in sports performance and health. Don’t let an arbitrary weight or an unrealistic body image bring you down and stop you from working towards your dream. What you see externally doesn’t define health, who you are, or your running potential. When you put good fuel into your body, you will get good performance out.” What are your running goals for this year? ”My goal for this year is to rest, recover, and slowly get back running consistently to prepare for the 2020 Olympic Trials in the marathon. I have been dealing with some aches and pains since I last raced the marathon in December and struggling to run much at all without pain. Although it’s tough to take a break when I have all these races and goals in mind, I realized that it’s far more important to take care
MID-MARCH/MID-MAY 2019
RUNOHIO
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2018 RUNOHIO Runners of the Year, cont. of injuries and not rush the process for long-term success.”
WOMEN MASTERS Laura Kaulen Other top women masters: Michelle Farr, Kim Johnston, Karen Klapper, Carol Knez, Kerry Lee, Wendy Marshall, Molly Watcke , Laura Wetz and Beth Woodward. Laura Kaulen, 42, lives in Hilliard where she is a Special Education teacher.
TOP 2018 PERFORMANCES
USATF Masters Indoor Track Championships 1500m...... 4:54 Arnold 5K............................ 18:06 Lou Cox Memorial 5K........... 17:42 CRC Mile Dash........................5:11 Night Glow 5K......................18:35 Sweet Corn Festival 10K.......37:53 Columbus Marathon ........ 2:52:44 When and how did you first start running? “In the 4th grade we moved to a dead end street in Garfield Heights, Ohio. The neighboring kids would come over and we would race each other. My mom saw my potential and signed me up for the summer track program through the rec center. I continued to run in middle school, high school and college.” How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I run about 70 miles a week. I run one speed workout or one pacing workout and a pacing/ strength workout in my long run. After I turned 40, I’ve had to scale back on the intensity. My energy levels just aren’t where they were when I was in my 20’s or 30’s. My favorite workout is my strength workouts in my long runs. During my marathon training, I would warm up 6-10 miles and then run mile repeats at marathon pace. My husband Matt would ride his bike next to me playing music and providing me with fluids and support.” What do you like about running and racing? “Running gives me time to be alone. It gives me time to think and clear my mind. It makes me a better mom, teacher and person. I’ve come up with some great lesson plans while running! But I also love to race. I love pushing my limits and watching my hard work pay off with a fast time.”
Laura Kaulen What were your favorite races last year and why? “My two favorite races were the indoor 1500m and the Columbus Marathon. My 4:54 in the 1500m ranked me 8th in the world for women aged 40-44. At the Columbus Marathon, I ran a half marathon PR in the full marathon for a masters first place finish!” Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “Training for speed via intervals, tempo, and other workouts is a great way to improve your overall fitness and performance. I also recommend adding weight training.” What are your running goals for this year? “My running goals include running under 17:50 consistently, run under 1:22 for the half marathon and to run an Olympic Marathon standard.”
WOMEN GRAND MASTERS Kelly Cropp Other top women grand masters: Rosalie Franek, Connie Gardner, Mary Jablonski, Mary Jenkins, Carol Knez, Dianne Laheta, Joan Matthews, Jill Peters, and Michelle Rupe. Kelly Cropp, 55, lives in Lexington and is a stay at home mom.
TOP 2018 PERFORMANCES
Arnold 5K............................ 22:20 Cap City Half Marathon..... 1:41:13
Columbus 10K......................45:27 CRC Mile Dash...................... 6:25 Kingwood center 5K............ 22:55 Akron Half Marathon.........1:40:42 Spherion Mid Ohio 13er.....1:35:38 Dayton Corridor Half Marathon....................... 1:39:12 Minister Oktoberfest 10K.... 45:44
Probably due to all the other racing I did through the year with the Grand Prix. I hope to run many of these races again this year, maybe some new ones. I loved the challenge of the Grand Prix, and had a great time running the races.”
When and how did you first start running? “I’ve been running for fitness since 1983. In 1999 a friend suggested we run the Chicago Marathon. I thought it would be a fun challenge. After my first 15 miler I knew I loved it and wanted to keep running and farther, and have since run 24 marathons.”
Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “Speedwork, hills, and tempos are all important in training and getting faster. Personally, I think running with other runners who are faster than you on some of your runs is helpful to getting faster and a more fun way to fit it in then just hitting the track. You maybe want to do this once or twice a week. Besides the motivation and push, it’s a great distraction from the hard work. I also like to journal my runs. Looking back at past training before my races shows me where I was and what I can do, and maybe what worked for me.”
How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I usually train alone except for Sunday long group runs and occasional meet ups with friends. I run 4 days a week with one day off and a couple of cross training days. I try to get to the track for 800’s once a week if I have a half or marathon scheduled, but the last couple of years I’ve been running weekly Saturday timed (free) 5K’s organized by Park Run (Mansfield), (An international running community.) My favorite workout is my long run with my running friends!” What do you like about running and racing? “Running is so available. You just throw on some running shoes and you can run anywhere. I love to run on vacation or when I’m traveling, where you can really see the sights better than in a car. Racing is the reward you get from training. I like to see how far I can push myself in a race, it’s the personal challenge. I’ve noticed since I’m not running as many marathons, that my shorter distance races are going well. Even though I’m getting older my times aren’t slowing down too much.” What were your favorite races last year and why? “ My favorite races were the RUNOHIO Grand Prix races were the Columbus 10K, Minster 10K and the Dayton Corridor Half. I like the 10K distance, but they are harder to find. Both the Columbus 10K and Minster 10K are organized really well and draw a nice crowd of runners and spectators. At the Dayton Corridor Half Marathon I managed to drop my time closer to some of my fastest times from years ago. So that felt great.
What are your running goals for this year? “I’m running Boston in April for the 9th time, and would like to run it better than my last visit in 2014. I also plan to run as many of the RUNOHIO Grand Prix’s I’m able to fit into my schedule.” WOMEN SENIOR Jeannie Rice Other top women masters: Rita Barnes, Deb Bird, Barbara Broad, Marie Burleson, Karen Fitzgerald, Glenda Hawley, Laurie Herman, Vicki Hughes and Mary Jablonski. Jeannie Rice, 70, lives in Concord.
Top 2018 Performances
USATF Masters 1 mile............. 638 American Record Labor Day 5K........................21:38 American Record Crim 10 mile.......................1:14:47 American Record USATF Maters Championship Half Marathon................. 1:42:37 Johnnycake Jog 5 miles .....37:47 Rock Hall 10K...................... 44:39 Marco Hill 5 mile................ 35:56 Mayor’s Marathon.............. 3:41:42 Chicago Marathon............ 3:27:50 World Record New York Marathon.......... 3:40:33 When and how did you first start running? “I started to run in 1983 to lose a few pounds and just wanted to lose few pounds.
Kelly Cropp
How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I run 6-7 days a week 50-70 miles per week. My favor workout is long runs with friends/group on weekends and to coffee shop to chat afterwards.” What do you like about running and racing? “Running clear my mind and releases all the stress I may have, many times I enjoy running by myself (peace of mind) and think about so many things in the past and plans for today and future. I love competition and like the feel of all that energy runners bring it together to the race.” What were your favorite races last year and why? “I have to say Chicago Marathon. I was going after 5 years old World Record which was set by Helga Miketta (German) in 2013 time 3:35:29... I had a great day and broke that record by more than 7 minutes. My new record time is 3:27:50.” Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “Stay injury free is number one key, always listen to your body, but at the same time it takes hard work and discipline to stay fit and healthy and reach your goal. Of course a healthy diet is also very important.”
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RUNOHIO
MID-MARCH/MID-MAY 2019
2018 RUNOHIO Runners of the Year, cont.
What are your running goals for this year? “I have several distance American Records and Marathon World Record and my next goal is break the World Half Marathon record. I was so ready for the Naples Half Marathon on January 20th but missed the World record by 1 minute and 3 seconds and had to settled with American Record. 1:38:41.”
JULY 16, 20, 2019 July 2016 11th 8thANNUAL Annual
STORY THE FORT 5K Saturday
MAY 4 Contact: 90.5 WCBE 540 Jack Gibbs Blvd. Columbus, OH 43215
Jeannie Rice
http://roundtownclassic.com http://roundtownclassic.com Fee:$25/Race $25/Race Day: $30 Fee: Day $30 Contact: Ditty Contact: Ace Elsea, Carrie 23212Patrick Bolender Pontius Rd. P.O. Box 580, Circleville, Ohio 43113 Circleville, Ohio 43113 • (740) 412-3096
Run The Land Running Club by Jay Toole
Run The Land, a running club in Cleveland, has the unofficial motto of Run Local. Drink Local. It derives from two greatest loves of many of the members have: craft beer and running. On the 4th Wednesday of the month, we all gather together and do just that. We do not play favorites though as we have a rotating schedule and will visit twelve unique breweries over the course of the year. These runs are completely free to join and we provide a marked 3 and 6 mile route for runners to choose. At the start of each run, we have a brief introduction period and discuss the routes. From there we kick everyone out the door for a few miles before we all reconvene for a beer or two. To make things a little more interesting, we will often have games and giveaways. One of our favorites is called Biggest Fan. Participants will play Rock, Paper, Scissors against each other. The loser of the duel must then follow around the winner and be their Biggest Fan. This leads to the final showdown being two large groups cheering on their victor as they face off in this schoolyard classic. The club has been around for a little over two years and will continue as long as beer lovers have a need to burn a few extra calories. For more information about the club and a schedule for the club’s Cleveland Brewery Runs can be found at: https://theruniversity.com/group-runs Check out the other Running Clubs on www.runohio.com **Send RUNOHIO your Running Club info to be spotlighted in an upcoming issue of RUNOHIO to: email: runohio@ee.net or mail to: RUNOHIO, P.O. Box 238, Granville, OH 43023