PAGE 8
RUNOHIO
MID-DECEMBER 2018/MID-MARCH 2019
2018 RUNOHIO Grand Prix Winners and Interviews
JOSH ORDWAY Josh Ordway, 38, lives in Springboro where is he is a MD family physician at Franklin Family Practice
The 2018 RUNOHIO Grand Prix was a series of races chosen by runners and the staff of RUNOHIO to be part of a statewide grand prix. Criteria used in determining the RUNOHIO Grand Prix races were: 1) Runners ranking from RUNOHIO, 2) Race Organization, 3) Quality of the race field, 4) Size of the race, 5) Geographical location, 6) Date of the race, 7) Distance of the race. RUNOHIO also tired to have only one race on a given weekend and not pick holiday races. Up to seven races for individual scoring. Early races on the 2018 RUNOHIO Grand Prix include: March 3rd – Columbus Arnold 5K/Arnold 5K Pump and Run, March 10th – Cincinnati Heart Mini Marathon 15km and March 16 - Cleveland St. Malachi Church 5 Miler MEN OPEN EVAN SCHWARTZ Evan Schwartz, 24, from Columbus recently moved to Colorado When and how did you first start running? “I started running in elementary school with youth level track. My dad had been a runner and I always enjoyed running around during other sports I played growing up. I started running more seriously in middle school and high school and eventually ran for a year in college before moving to road racing in college. “ How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I tend to favor high mileage training, averaging 120 miles a week in 2018. My favorite workout tends to be more long distance intervals and faster long runs. As I move closer to marathon race day I prefer long tempos close to race pace while still adding in a bit of speed work.” What do you like about running and racing? “I really enjoy the shift in mentality when it comes to race day. Training can sometimes get monotonous but having a race on the calendar stokes the fire and gets you in a competitive mindset. I enjoy race day because it’s a chance to stack up your training and efforts against other runners and the clock.
by Matt McGowan
I always like to run Minster because it’s a great tune up for a fall marathon. I also have a soft spot for the Columbus marathon, and I finally ran well there this year after a string of early exits in the previous years. 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 every day so I wouldn’t be worthless in 7th grade cross country. Consequently, I wasn’t.”
Evan Schwartz What were your favorite races last year and why? “My favorite races were the USATF Championships I participated in. I had the opportunity to travel to multiple states and toe the line with full time professional runners where I was able to put together my best possible races with great competition. If I had to pick one race it would be this year ’s Capital City Half Marathon. I trailed the lead runner until the last 30 seconds of the race then sprinted to win. Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “I usually sound like a broken record, but my top two tips are always stay consistent and have fun with it. Running should be a fun thing and not a stress inducing activity. Consistent training isn’t complicated, but it ends up making you your best self in the long run.” What are your running goals for this year? “My goals are to always stay injury free and enjoy running. Otherwise I’d like to still run well at the marathon, and adapt to altitude since I moved to Colorado in the middle of the year! MATT LEMON Matt Lemon, 29, lives in Dayton and is Controls Engineer at GE Aviation
Matt Lemon When and how did you first start running? “I started running in kindergarten at St. Aloysius in Bowling Green, where my Dad was the coach through the Catholic Youth Organization. My older brother, Paul, twin brother, Chris, and younger sister, Liz, who all also went on the run competitively through high school and college.” “I thank my parents, St John’s Jesuit coaches Todd Black & Keith Madaras, University of Dayton coach Rich Davis, Dave’s Running, and Runners Plus for enabling my running career.” How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I like to run with my wife, Maura, daughters Maggie and Eliza (stroller), twin brother Chris, and other local runners. I run about 70-90 mi/week including workouts provided by Ann and Ed Alyanak, who coached Maura in college, Ann herself a very accomplished runner.” What do you like about running and racing? “The best gift running gave me was it introduced me to my wife Maura, who was a standout at UD as well as post-collegiately. Racing is an important commonality in our marriage that
Josh Ordway provides us an outlet to support each other as we take our running careers to the next level.” What was your favorite RUNOHIO Grand Prix race this year and why? “I always have enjoyed running the Glass City Marathon in Toledo, near my hometown of Bowling Green, OH. I was able to run my fastest marathon since 2014 there this year.” Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “The best way to improve my running I’ve found is to get into races. There’s no substitute for a solid base of mileage and workouts, but races always brings me back to the competitive part of the sport. Sometimes it’s good to jump in a local race or two to be a part of something and to go see what you can do, even it’s not going to be a PR.” What are your running goals for this year? “My first goal this year was to get back into marathon shape. I haven’t set a PR in that event since 2014. My ultimate goal is to hit a qualifying time for the Olympic Trials. The next chance is California International Marathon, which I’ll be running with my wife Maura December 2018.”
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.” 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.” What was your favorite RUNOHIO Grand Prix race this 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 hammer every day.” What are your running goals for this year? “I’d like to try to get in a faster marathon this spring if I can get in some good training through the winter. Maybe I’ll try to score a few more points in the RUNOHIO Grand Prix.”
MID-DECEMBER 2018/MID-MARCH 2019
RUNOHIO
PAGE 9
2018 RUNOHIO Grand Prix Winners and Interviews, cont. What are your running goals for this year? “I’m going to turn 60 in a few days so I have an eye toward some bigger races as I’m entering into a new age group.”
MEN SENIOR
CHRIS THIEKE Chris Thieke, 73, lives in Washington Township and is retired from Wright Patterson AFB. When and how did you first start running?“ I started running when my son started cross country in junior high school (almost 30 years ago).
T. J. Lentz MEN MASTER THOMAS (T.J.) LENTZ T.J. Lentz, 51, lives in Cincinnati and is a Environmental Health Scientist 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 track team. Our first run was around the block at my school in Lima. 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.” 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.”
Joe Patrick What was your favorite RUNOHIO Grand Prix race this year and why? “The Minster Oktoberfest 10km remains my favorite RUNOHIO Grand Prix race. 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.” 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 improve upon my previous race. I’m still learning how to master that distance.” MEN GRAND MASTERS JOE PATRICK Joe Patrick, 59, lives in Dublin and is an Accountant When and how did you first start running? “I started running for fitness in 1997 and
Chris Thieke really enjoyed the competition of racing.” How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I don’t run a lot of miles anymore but my weekly regimen consists of speed work on the track and typically a long run that mixes in some aspect of tempo. I do a lot of cross training as well which helps my body recover.” What do you like about running and racing? “I believe that I like to train more than I like to race but the racing gives me the feedback that I need to tailor my training with an eye toward improvement.” What was your favorite RUNOHIO Grand Prix race this year and why? “I always enjoy the Jeff McGowan Memorial 5K for the cause but I also enjoyed the Oktoberfest 10k. This was the first time I had participated in this race and the environment was terrific for a race!” Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “Be consistent and don’t push yourself too hard as it will often result in sickness or injury. The key to improvement is consistent training.”
How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “Today most of my running is easy 10 minute pace miles with 30 second walk breaks between the miles. I only average 22 miles a week over the year, doing more miles and races in the summer. In bad weather I run on an indoor track. The only “speedwork” I do is the Jeff Galloway “Miracle Mile” workout. How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “Running is a peaceful workout that you can do most anytime and anywhere. I like the races for the chance to compete against the other guys, particularly the team races we have in Dayton. What was your favorite RUNOHIO Grand Prix race this year and why? “I enjoy the 10Ks the most, and I guess I would have to pick the Minster Oktoberfest 10K as my favorite”. Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “For runners wanting to improve I recommend running as part of a team or group for the support, and setting reasonable (small) goals that you can meet or exceed.” What are your running goals for this year? “In 2019, I’d like to run the same 7 Grand Prix races faster than this year; but, score fewer grand prix points because more of the good senior runners (the ones who beat me by a minute a mile or more) are running them too! Come on guys, a 73 year old, unless he’s Ron Legg or Terry McCluskey, shouldn’t score this high in this competition.
Laura Kaulen WOMEN OPEN & MASTER LAURA KAULEN Laura Laulen, 42, lives in Hilliard and is a Special Education teacher at Central Crossing High School. When and how did you first start running? “In the 4th grade we moved to a dead end street in Garfield Heights. 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.” 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
PAGE 10
RUNOHIO
2018 RUNOHIO Grand Prix Winners and Interviews, cont. 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.”
What are your running goals for this year? “My ultimate goal is to run an Olympic marathon qualifying standard. Shaving off 8 minutes sounds like a lot but with another year of hard training, I think I can drop that time or come close! MAURA LEMON Maura Lemon, 29, lives in Dayton and teaches Chemistry Teacher at Chaminade Julienne High School. When and how did you first start running? “I started running for fun with my dad, then joined the cross country team in high school. I was blessed to have a series of excellent coaches throughout high school and college, but I especially owe a huge portion of my postcollegiate career to my college coach, Ann Alyanak, who was the first person I ever met that ran competitively as an elite. I didn’t even know that was an
MID-DECEMBER 2018/MID-MARCH 2019
first marathon victory.” Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “Pick a race and work toward it. Having a goal keeps you from losing the habit. It gets you out the door when its miserable outside and it will give you a rallying point behind which you can set new, better goals.”
What was your favorite RUNOHIO Grand Prix race this year and why? My favorite RUNOHIO Grand Prix race this year was the Columbus Marathon. I ran 3 half marathons this year in 1:25. I attempted a marathon 3 weeks earlier but dropped at the half because I was off my goal time so I wasn’t sure how I would perform at Columbus. The energy from the crowd and the cold weather propelled me. I ran 1:23 at the half and finished with a 2:52 (6:36 pace), finishing 8th overall and first master. I went in with low expectations but finished with a renewed confidence in my abilities.” Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? If you want to improve your running then consistency is key. Training around a growing family and a full time job is a lot to handle. I suggest sitting down every Sunday and arrange your runs for the week around your busy family and work schedules. Running speed workouts and weight training will also help with your running as it adds variety to your week.”
What are your running goals for this year? “I’ll be competing at the California International Marathon this December with Matt and I have my sights set on running a qualifying time for the Olympic Trials in 2020. It would be a great way to close out 2018 is all I’m sayin’...”
Maura Lemon option! Even after I graduated, I look to her as a source of inspiration.” How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I have a solid group of runners in the Dayton area that I am blessed to be able to train with. My life-time running partner is my husband, Matt Lemon. We met through UD cross country and have been pushing each other towards our goals ever since. My favorite workout is the long progression run. I love the feeling of slowly increasing the pace and eating up pavement at the end. What do you like about running and racing? “Running is something that I share with some of the people I am closest with. It has led me to my husband, a close-knit group of friends, a community in Dayton that is supportive and full of energy. Racing gives me purpose. It gives me the opportunity to set goals and work towards them, but has also taught me to calibrate, to be patient, and to love my body for what it can do rather than how it looks.” What was your favorite RUNOHIO Grand Prix race this year and why? Glass City Marathon was one of my favorites this year. It was my first marathon after having my second baby and I was so pleased to walk away with my
EMMA McCARRON Emma McCarron, 28, lives in Mansfield an is an assistant manager at the Ontario Panera Bread When and how did you first start running? “ I’ve been running for as long as I can remember. I blame my mother she was a marathoner before me. I just decided one summer after a rough running year that how I was doing wasn’t good enough. And I’ve never stopped striving for more from myself.” How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I run most days. Higher mileage. Normally one long day a week. And 2 harder workouts a week. Other days are recovery and easier. My favorite workout that’s a hard one because they are all horrible “just kidding”. I can name my least favorite progressions!! But I love tempos and probably interval wise I like 1000’s. Both workouts make me feel faster stronger and overall more confident.” What do you like about running and racing? “I love seeing my progress in racing. I’m never satisfied and always think there is more for me. So racing builds confidence and keeps my motivated to always be better. Even when I have a bad and I think I’m horrible I try to look at the bright side of the day.” What was your favorite RUNOHIO Grand Prix race this year and why? “The Akron Half Marathon has to be my
Kelly Cropp Emma McCarron top race. I love Bryan! He is the best and is always watching out for you. Even though that was a tough race it did me good! Columbus 10k mostly because the 2 times I’ve ran that race have been horrible and I’ve felt so out of shape. But they have always been great in result and a really well ran 10k. It’s humbling when you can fight through pain.” Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “My advice is keep working. Keeping thinking you can do things keep day dreaming things and then watch them form in real life. When I run I always picture myself doing things i want to accomplish. Don’t get down on yourself everyone has a bad day. Bad race. It happens. So just take the good and move on and let it make you stronger.” What are your running goals for this year? “My goals for this next year are to train fast for awhile and get my half time down and then run sub 2:40 in the marathon. 2:36 to be exact!” WOMEN GRAND MASTERS KELLY CROPP Kelly Cropp, 55, lives in Lexington and is a stay at home mom. 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.” 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
MID-DECEMBER 2018/MID-MARCH 2019
RUNOHIO
PAGE 11
2018 RUNOHIO Grand Prix Winners and Interviews, cont. my shorter distance races are going well. Even though I’m getting older my times aren’t slowing down too much.”
What was your favorite RUNOHIO Grand Prix race this year and why? “Picking a favorite from the RUNOHIO Grand Prix is difficult. All the races have something different to offer. The RUNOHIO Grand Prix Series encouraged me to try my first one mile race at the CRC Mile Dash, even though it was very hot that day it was great to test my one mile abilities. The Columbus 10K is a beautiful course and a great location and the Minster Octoberfest 10K has been a favorite too. Currently, I like running 10K’s, it’s a great distance. 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.” 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.”
What do you like about running and racing? “Running is the way my mind relaxes and how you can get in the zone by focusing on your breathing and how your body is feeling”
My favorite part of racing is the finish. I love to have a kick at the end where you can usually pass somebody.” What was your favorite RUNOHIO Grand Prix race this year and why? “My favorite RUNOHIO Grand Prix race this year was the Dayton River Corridor Classic Half Marathon. I ran a 3 minute PR and had 7 family members cheering my on at various spots on the course.” Any advice for runners who want to improve their running? “My advice to anyone who wants to improve their running is to work on endurance first and then try to get faster. Someone once asked me how to run fast and I said you have to practice running fast . Entering lots of races helps. Being able to embrace the pain of racing and learning how to breathe hard and to focus. What are your running goals for this year? “My goal for 2019 is to do the Triathlon Nationals and run the Columbus Marathon. I have done the half but last marathon was the Boston Marathon in 1989! So we shall see!”
Check out more running clubs on www.runohio.com
WOMEN SENIOR
**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
MARY JABLONSKI Mary Jablonski, 65, lives in Columbus and is a retired teacher. When and how did you first start running? “I started running in 1978 after the birth of my first child. I read the book by Jim Fix, “ The Complete Book of Running “ and with my first race placed.” How do you train and what is your favorite workout? “I run about 3 days a week and cross train with biking and swimming, yoga and some weights. My favorite workout is running for about an hour in all kinds of weather, well maybe not rain.”
The Youngstown Road Runners Club was founded in the spring of 1975 and held weekly races at a cost of 50 cents per runner. The club soon joined up with Road Runners Clubs of America. Membership was $5 per individual and approximately 1100 joined. The last several years YRRC has averaged about 140 family memberships ($25) and a few single student members ($15). Membership is open to runners of all abilities, age, experience, fitness levels and running goals. Current members are from the Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties of Northeastern Ohio, as well as, Mercer and Lawrence counties of Western Pennsylvania. YRRC schedules group runs on Sunday mornings at 8:30 am in our “Green Cathedral”, Mill Creek MetroPark, with a variety of distances. Group runs are also available on Saturday’s at 8:30 am May through September. Members who complete at least 100 miles at club runs qualify for the 100 mile club and receive a small gift. These runs are attended by runners of various abilities. Visitors are always welcome! The autumn and winter runs involve park cabins being rented with the club providing coffee and cookies. A warm cabin with hot coffee and cookies can’t be beat after those cold winter runs. Just about every month the club has a food run i.e. pancake run, chili run, Christmas party, maple syrup festival (more pancakes) and Summer picnic all at no charge. Most group runs are attended by 15-30 runners but when food is involved we often have 30-40 runners. YRRC has hosted the Mill Creek Distance Classic, a challenging half marathon, for 29 years. Unpredictable weather often adds an extra challenge. The 2019 race is being moved to a new location in the park and 3 weeks later on the calendar with the date being March 24th. The races profit goes into our Youngstown State University Scholarship Endowment which is managed through the YSU Foundation and is annually presented to YSU Cross Country runner. YRRC also has certified coaches available to club members for individual training plans free of charge. A coach can help get you started running or get you to your potential and help prevent injury. Group runs are a wonderful way to get started or to keep you running. There’s no better way to get through long runs than talking away the miles and also a great way to make new running and lifelong friends. More information can be found on our website ytownrunners.org or our Facebook page YRRC.
Mary Jablonski