January 2002

From The Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers Club

The Footprint January 2002 www.runnersandwalkers.com In This Issue • • • • •

RAW Ushers in the New Year

“Dad’s Hill” In Step With...Tia Metzger Florida Ironman White Rock Marathon Aid Station Marathon Madness (Greece, Tucson, New York, Dallas) • Sunmart Texas Trail Run • Karate Kid Kat • The Anti-Turkey Trot

Forty-two stalwart souls came out to the clubhouse on New Year’s Eve to see in year 2K2. They walked, ran, rollerbladed, biked, and rode in strollers (that would be the toddlers and babies, despite your first impression). Some came just for the yummy treats and usual good camaraderie.

___________________________

It was a cold and sunny day, but Terry Marcott promises to order up snow for next year. Despite being prodded by our president, no one, including Polar Bear (Jon Korte), went for a dip in the lake. Polar

Upcoming Events • • •

Bold In the Cold 5k and 15k, January 19, 8:00 am Wine Chaser Fun Run, March 9 Hound Dog Hustle 5k, 1-mile, and Dog Expo, April 27

Bear insists that his friend the Penguin (Curtis Woodard) would have taken the plunge had he been there.

Hot chocolate was consumed by the gallon, as this was quite the family affair. Homemade favorites included Nancy Marcott’s oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, Tina Covington’s fudge, and Alan Walker’s cute Christmas cookies.

The tradition is now entrenched.

Plan now for 2003, and don’t forget to bring your bathing suit!

Mix Master “Saturday Night Live” 5:00 pm •

February 2nd, Carrabbas (highway 121 in Grapevine) • March 2nd, Champs (highway 114 in Irving) • April 6th, Thai Chili (Southlake Town Center) ___________________________

Renewals Your membership expiration date is shown on your Footprint mailing label. When it’s time to renew, just fill out the membership application in the newsletter, and mail it back to RAW along with your check.

Club members enjoy the beverage of their choice: hot chocolate, cold beer, or infant formula (that’s Derick Miller)

1

Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers Club P.O. Box 2982 Grapevine, Texas 76099

RAW Board and Committees President Ray Harris President@RunnersAndWalkers.com First Vice President John Bush VP1@RunnersAndWalkers.com Second Vice President Tony Dominiec VP2@RunnersAndWalkers.com Secretary Gloria Bush Secretary@RunnersAndWalkers.com Treasurer Craig Minyard Treasurer@RunnersAndWalkers.com Officers At Large David Ball MAL1@RunnersAndWalkers.com Mike Eccleston MAL2@RunnersAndWalkers.com Jack Hase MAL3@RunnersAndWalkers.com Terry Marcott MAL4@RunnersAndWalkers.com Kelly Richards MAL5@RunnersAndWalkers.com Rick Sanford MAL6@RunnersAndWalkers.com WebMaster Jack Hase

lgraw@flash.net Footprint Editor Susan Barnett SCMBarnett@aol.com

In Step With… Tia Metzger This issue highlights one of RAW’s faithful fitness walkers, Tia Metzger.

K2 (Kelly Richards): How long have you been walking for fitness?

TM Since about '88.

K2: Why did you choose walking as a means of fitness?

TM: It's one of the least expensive sports, and can be done on just about any schedule. I do a lot of aerobics at the Grapevine Community Center, so walking provides a nice change and a chance to enjoy the outdoors.

K2: How long have you been a RAW member?

TM: Since September '99, a couple of months after Marty [Tia’s husband] joined, and I saw how excited he was about it. We chose our current neighborhood because of its proximity to the lakeside parks and trails, so once we found RAW, it was a perfect fit.

K2: What is your fondest memory of a walking event?

TM: The Dec 31st, 2000 fun run/ walk we had at the clubhouse.

There was 2 - 3 inches of snow on the ground and huge snowflakes filling the air. A big group of us had a great time throwing snowballs and enjoying the park's beauty.

K2: What do you consider to be your biggest walking/fitness achievement?

TM: My occasional 10 mile walks from the clubhouse. I'm also happy that I stay in good enough shape to finish a 5K just a minute or two behind my husband.

K2: Where is the most unique or unusual place you've ever gone for a fitness walk?

TM: It's a toss-up between Manoa Falls Park in Oahu, and Niagara Falls, Canada. We enjoy walking wherever we go on vacation. When

Tia at last year’s Wine Chaser we went to Key West last Easter, we took a cab back and forth to the airport, but otherwise refused to rent even bicycles or mopeds - we enjoyed walking everywhere went. You see so much more that way!

K2: What do you do when you're not out walking?

TM: Cooking (as you can tell by looking at my husband), aerobics, sailing, camping, snow skiing and trying out new places for dinner.

K2: What about your non-RAW life would surprise the club members?

TM: I once won a regional High School contest for my trumpet solo and went to State competition in Austin.

K2: Tell the truth...do you ever think about running?

TM: I run a 5K once in a while, and like to run/walk, but I most enjoy a good, fast walk.

K2: What else would you like to add?

TM: Everyone needs to come out and enjoy more of our club activities.

We're so lucky to have this terrific location, a wonderful mix of personalities, and terrific weather.

Highlights from RAW’s Welcome Weekend (Nov 10-11):

∗ Kent Doucet drove up from Houston to join us ∗ Joel Garza appeared after a 2-year absence, and has been back regularly since ∗ Some lady named Susan Barnett even came out — twice! ∗ Shelby Bufuin enjoyed the hot dogs after his first ever 20-mile run ∗ Gustavo and Marty’s “Grill Skills” were admired and appreciated by all ∗ We now have a lifetime supply of ketchup, mustard and relish

2

Dad’s Hill

By Jeff Brown

It’s 7:30 in the morning, running along Lake Grapevine, just north of Dallas. Rubbery legs and stinging eyes attest to the fact that I am 5 ½ miles into a 6-mile run. While the sun is just thinking about cresting the trees it is already pushing 80 degrees. Because of the humidity, the patina of sweat covering me does absolutely nothing to cool me down.

For not the first time on this morning I question both the sanity of living in Texas and running during its sweltering summers. Glancing up from my normal point of focus 10 feet in front of me, I see it looming:

gym in our home town in New Jersey is named after him for all his contributions. Deacon of the church.

Drop- everything-to-help-a-neighbor kind of guy. Amazingly talented with his hands – skilled plumber and carpenter on top of a world-class electronics background. Took car engines apart as a hobby. Funny thing about genetics – I was bestowed with none of his mechanical aptitudes.

He wasn’t what you would call an athlete, but he took pretty good care of himself. About 5’ 9”, maybe 150 after Thanksgiving dinner. Had his Dad’s Hill. one martini every night when he got home but was very active and walked Runners in Colorado or New Mexico most evenings. But for some would probably laugh at what passes reason— maybe because he smoked for a hill in the Dallas area. But the when he was young, or maybe it was darned thing looks like a mountain the diet, or the stress of his job, or at this point in the run. There is a maybe those funny genetics— he had Dad’s Hill on every one of my regular his first problems with his heart running routes. Always near the end when he was in his late forties. of the route. Always the toughest hill.

And man, did he fight. The first My Dad was a pretty amazing guy, bypass was a triple, the second, a few though you would never know it to years later, was a quadruple, I think. talk with him. Any of you old timers And he even got through the third, remember Eisenhower’s Christmas another triple about a decade later. message from space – the first radio But the cancer came and took his transmittal from orbit – back in the stomach, and then his spirit and, late 50’s? Well, that was my Dad’s eventually, his life. He never issued satellite, and until about 4 hours a word of complaint through the before launch it was supposed to be whole ordeal.

Dad’s message from space, but Ike decided it would be politically astute Somewhere along the road the stress to substitute his voice. of watching this vital man turn into a 90 pound shell drove me to running.

Dad always gave back to his In many ways this was one of Dad’s community. The local high school final gifts to me. I was 37 when I

Congratulations to the many LGRAW members who ran the Dallas and Fort Worth Turkey Trot races. Several placed in their age groups. Among the notable achievements were: Polar Bear Jon Korte’s 10k. Jon has been heard to say that he wouldn’t consider himself a “real” runner until he broke 40 minutes in the 10k. Well, Jon, welcome to “Runnerhood”.

Rick Fogle set PR’s at both the 5k and 10k distances. This was a special thrill on Fort Worth’s hilly course.

3

discovered the release that running gave me for the first time, and though I could never quite break 20 minutes for a 5K it became, and remains, a major focus in my life.

Jeff’s Dad, Samuel Potter Brown III Dad passed away on Christmas Eve about a decade ago. When the call came, I put on my shoes and ran myself into exhaustion, bawling as I set out, but later falling into a strange sense of connection and peace. Endorphins? Perhaps. But although it may sound melodramatic, I honestly felt like he was with me at the end of that run.

And so, to honor his memory, and in some way thank him for the gift of running, on every course I pick a Dad’s Hill. Always near the end of the route. Always the toughest hill.

I run this hill as hard as I can, no matter how tired I am.

At the bottom of the hill my thoughts go to him, and we have a little chat.

I wonder once again as I struggle up that hill how good a runner Dad would have been if he’d ever tried.

My guess is better than me – but you never know. Genetics are a funny thing.

The Prez Says….

It’s the time of year for resolutions, and I know I’ve made mine. Your list is probably already made too, but how about adding one more?

Resolve that you’ll make an effort to get more involved with LGRAW. If you haven’t been a regular, how about more frequent weekend workouts with the club?

If one of your resolutions has something to do with weight (I know mine does), walking or running would help you achieve that goal. Even if we see your face pretty regularly on weekends, see if you can find a way to contribute to the operation of the club. There are always things that need to be done.

The Board Members of this club certainly don’t have a corner on the market of good ideas. If you heard some of the discussions at board meetings, you’d know that for a fact! You don’t have to be a board member to attend the meetings, which are held the first Thursday of each month. (There is an open meeting law in Texas, so we couldn’t legally keep you away anyway! Just kidding...) If you’re not keen on sharing ideas in a public forum, send them to a board member via e-mail or telephone one of us.

Let’s all aim for more general member participation. It doesn’t have to be a great deal; just a little extra from everyone and we can make great strides. Let’s start with better attendance at weekend runs, and more volunteers and walkers/runners at our fund raising events (next chance is Bold in the Cold January 19).

It’s a new year. Let’s make it our best so far.

R ay

Sunmart Texas Trail Ultra Run

By Jack Hase

The Sunmart Texas Trail Endurance Run is the nation’s largest ultramarathon. Held on Saturday, December 8th (the day before the White Rock Marathon), the event features both a 50k (31 miles) and 50-mile run.

Around 1000 runners (250 50-milers and 750 50k’ers) run the trails in Huntsville State Park, about an hour north of Houston. Sunmart employees do a lot of the work, and each runner gets at least his entrance fee’s worth of “stuff” (polo shirt, pocket knife, fanny pack, day planner, etc.), and a free dinner. And when you finish, you get your choice of an afghan or a Tyvek jacket.

Six club members made the trek, including Tim Brenner, Gabe Pugliese, and myself, who ran the 50K. Kelly Sizelove (K1) ran the 50miler for the 2nd year in a row. In addition, newlyweds Scott Eppelman (50-miler) and Kelly Foley (50K) ran again this year.

K1 (right) and friend Mariela looking good from the waist up...

Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate this year. I got up race morning, opened the door and it was pouring rain. At least the temperature was nice, and I thought surely the front would push through. Instead it stalled right on top of us. It was raining when the 50-milers started (the race director said it was going to stop in an hour). It was raining when the 50k’ers started 45 minutes later.

And it was still raining two hours later. The trail was pretty sandy so the mud didn't stick to your shoes, but some spots were pretty slick and my socks were soaked in the first 20 minutes.

My goal was 4 hours or 5th in my age group, as I wanted one of the real nice horses they give for awards. I was on pace till about halfway and then I fell off to finish at 4:25, 13th in my age group (4 hours would have been 5th). Gabe and Tim, whose goal was “just have a good run”, finished together at 5:52. Kelly Foley finished well at 6:37.

Scott finished the 50-miler in 6:50 for 7th place overall and 3rd in his age group.

Afterwards he said he thought his time was slow but the conditions were tough.

...And a little grubby from the waist down.

(Continued on page 5)

K1 put together a really good race. She was looking for 10 hours which

4

You’ve Got Mail...NOT!!!

When sending club e-mail recently, some notes have come back as undeliverable. Would the people listed below please send a note to rayharris00@yahoo.com so he can correct the problem? THANKS. ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗

Betty Brown Melissa Shaw Greg Guilfoil Chris Ward

Also, if you did not have e-mail when you became a member, but do now, please send a note to rayharris00@yahoo.com and we’ll update our database.

By the way, one of the best ways to stay current on LGRAW happenings is to read the bulletin board on our web site: www.runnersandwalker.com

Sunmart (Continued from page 4)

K1 put together a really good race.

She was looking for 10 hours which would qualify her for the Western States 100. The course for the 50milers is four loops of 12.5 miles. I saw K1 as she finished the 3rd loop at 7 1/2 hours. It was just starting to rain again, the course was really getting beat up, and she was dragging. She needed her last lap to be about 20 minutes faster than the one she had just run. I didn't think she had a chance, but she told me later that she “just decided to give it the old college try and started to haul butt.” She rounded the corner to the finish and saw the clock at 10:00:10. She needed to run a 9:59:59 to qualify for WS100. But, for the first time, this year Sunmart had chip timing, so she officially had a time of 9:59:48.

Twelve seconds to spare! (Or as she said, “WHOOOOOO WHOOOOOO!”) Sunmart is one of the best races around. It’s definitely a MUST DO.

Stacie Johnson and Kelly Richards, looking quite unfamiliar in their party duds, joined a festive group at RAW’s Holiday Party. A big thank you to Mary Simon for opening up her home to us. In light of the tragic events of late 2001, we are thankful for each other. For many of us, running and walking gives us time to ourselves for reflection, and a sense of peace. Having other people to share it with just makes it that much better. Here’s to wishing each and every one of you a happy 2002!

New Members Brian Besserer Dave Dudziak Wade Hampton Reed Killets Lisa O’Brien Reginald Staples Hélène and Alan Walker

Dave & Becky Aungst

5

Renewals Suzi and Michael Cope Tina Covington Walter and Janice Delashmit Mike Doud Eileen and Richard Fontaine Paige Fontaine Junker Dave Ford Jack Hase Dirk Hayes Debbie Hellman Rich Hendler Gary Howsam Kandy Kobar Ken Macinnes

Guy McCracken Craig Minyard Michael Murphy Don Nelson Betty Paul The Pugliese Family Laura Russo Bob Schultz Duncan Stewart James Uhelski Charles Wakefield Tom Zack

November - December Marathon Madness Αθενσ Μαραθον (Athens Marathon) November 4, 2001

By Duncan Stewart I recently returned from a trip to Greece with my family, and we had a great time, despite numerous travelrelated curve balls. First, the plane was 3 ½ hours late leaving Dallas, which caused us to miss our connecting flight in Zurich. Luckily, we were able to get to Athens on Olympic Airlines (Greece’s national airline. Our first exposure to Greece!

I don’t think the flight attendant was too impressed with my Greek, but was polite nonetheless. Our bags didn’t make it with us, but

arrived safely at the hotel, made our way to the room, and crashed for 12 hours straight. We got up, had breakfast, and slept some more. We awoke to rain, which was to continue for the next three days.

On Saturday, we did a little recon.

That is, we figured out how to get to the Olympic Stadium, which is where the marathon finishes. We finally found it, snapped a few photos, then headed over to the Plaka for some sight-seeing and shopping. At the packet pick-up/pasta dinner, the speaker said that the course was the hardest he’s ever done and that we should expect to run 30 minutes slower than normal. Gulp! At 10 pm that night, our luggage arrived.

Sunday morning, marathon day, brought more rain, cold and wind. Yuck! On the bus ride to the start, we plowed through several flooded sections, which were on the route that we would run. There were a few Americans on the bus, and I talked to four girls who were running their first No doubt you can spot Duncan and daughter Darcy marathon. One of in this photo of the Temple of Zeus them told me she (they’re the little black dot) did one “long” run of 9 miles, but fortunately, I had anticipated this didn’t think the distance would be a possibility and had my race gear in problem because she “spends a lot of my carry-on. After a ludicrous time on her feet”! exchange with the Missing Baggage department, we hailed a cab for the Finally, it was time to go. Everyone hotel. was huddling in the street when the

Somebody “in charge” evidently also realized this, and we were told to go back out into the street. Did I mention that it was cold, raining, and windy?

OK: Ready, set, go! We had chips on, but there was no mat at the start. I guess everyone gets the “gun” time.

We headed out and soon took a short out-and-back detour off the main road. I saw the Kenyans go by, and they did not look happy! I tucked my wet gloves away, and discarded the trash bag too, since I was already soaked. We plowed through a 100meter section of flooded street where the water was over our ankles. We then passed the 3 kilometer mark – only 39 more to go. Yippee! So much for racing flats and a fast time!

This would be the first, but by far the last time we would be splashing through the streets. As a matter of fact, it rained the entire race. The wind was everywhere: tailwind, crosswind, headwind, and back again. The course topography is simple – there’s one hill. It starts at 20K and ends at 32K, and is about 200 meters (650 feet) tall. I could definitely feel it in my calves! It was a lonely marathon as there were very few Americans. Mostly Greeks (duh!), Italians, Germans, and Frenchmen.

As we passed the crest of the hill and FINALLY started going down, I was able to pick it up, and passed quite a few people in the last 10K. Spectators were pretty minimal, and the course is less picturesque than I had imagined, but that impression may have been due to the weather.

It was 1:35:22 at the half and 3:12:24 at the finish, and 103rd out of 2000.

(Yes, I deducted the time it took me to reach the start line.) In the rain, I collected my finisher’s medal, blank organizers asked us to go into the The traffic in Athens is incredible— stadium. We shuffled down the certificate, Powerade, and my it makes NYC look tame in stairs, through the mud, and onto the clothing bag. Then I hobbled back to comparison! In addition to the cars the hotel for a hot bath and nap. track. While on the track, I looked zipping all over, there were zillions of around for the large entrance that we (Blank certificate — hmmm, does motorcycles of all shapes and sizes, would be running through to exit the that mean I can put the time I lane-splitting with abandon. We wanted to run?!) stadium, but I didn’t see one.

6

November - December Marathon Madness New York City Marathon November 4, 2001

By Liz Shanks The New York Marathon, held November 4th, was a special event for the people of the city, as well as for those who ran it. Of all marathons, this one may be the most well supported by residents, and this year was no exception.

The day of the race the weather was sunny and warm. Red, White and Blue was flown and worn, and I’m sure its symbolic meaning was in the hearts and minds of everyone running and watching. I felt extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to participate.

support and beautiful scenery. The backdrop of desert and mountains made for a delightful run. The wind let up and the lack of any significant incline canceled the possible side effects that running at altitude could have. We finished at the Sheraton El Conquistador hotel at the base of Pusch ridge.

Tucson Marathon December 9, 2001

Steph had a great run. She planned her run and ran her plan, finishing with a 4:16 personal best! My race didn’t go as planned.

The downhill really caught up with me and hit hard at mile 23.

In spite of walking the last 3 miles, I still managed a personal best of 3:48. We eventually recovered, but for three days after the race we walked around like we were 110 years old! If you’ve done "The Rock" and feel like something different, you might want to try the Tucson marathon. For more information, ask me or go to: tucsonmarathon.com.

By Tom Ruyle Tucson on December 9, 2001.

What a great day for a marathon!

Although it was the same day as "The Rock," Steph and I decided to head out west for our next marathon. We knew the weather would probably be perfect and besides, the Tucson marathon is all downhill!

Happy finisher Liz (3:58:56) with her friend Paula However, this year there was a possibility that the race would be cancelled after the events of September 11th. A fear of flying, fear of another attack, and fear of anthrax might have prevented people from coming to New York.

But the organizers decided it was important not to cancel the event, and it went ahead with 23,664 runners finishing.

When Rudy Guiliani spoke at the start of the race, he said, “Thank you for coming to New York. Thank you for not being afraid. Because by being here we show the terrorists that we are a strong people, and our country is free.”

The weather didn’t disappoint. It was sunny, dry and 60 degrees at the finish. The race was point to point so we were bused to the start with 2000 other runners. The start was a little chilly (windy and 35 degrees, but the buses (complete with video and the all-important bathrooms) remained and everyone got to stay on them until the start of the race. We slept, stretched and ate our bagels until 5 minutes before the gun went off.

The sun came up at the start of the race for a wonderful Arizona sunrise. The course was very scenic, all downhill, and a Boston qualifier. Starting in the historic town of Oracle (altitude 4700 ft.), the first half of the race ran along the west side of the beautiful Santa Catalina mountains. With the wind at our backs, we wound down shallow valleys on country roads to 2500 ft.

The second half of the marathon took place on a wide asphalt shoulder along Highway 77. There was plenty of running room,

7

White Rock Marathon December 9, 2001 LGRAW Individuals Finishers: Shelby Bufuin 3:49:55 (1st marathon!)

Marybeth Crane 3:40:12 (First time Boston qualifier) Rob Crane 3:08:30 Scott Decker 3:43:27 Rick Fogle 4:40:53 (1st marathon!)

Yolanda Hopping 3:22:26 Ann Jansen 4:43:17 Jim Kufner 5:27:47 Bob Smeby 2:56:51 Stan Ujka 2:47:06 Jenny Williams 5:45:28 LGRAW Teams: RAW 1 (AKA Curtis Woodard & Jon Korte) 2:56:36 RAwW2 (AKA Noreen Henry & Marnie Boyer) 3:35:01 (this was Noreen's first race...ever!)

RAW at the White Rock Marathon: New Site, Same Fun

Barb Martin, Kandy Kobar, and Gloria Bush in those warm rubber gloves

No worries for Tosca Engisch, being carefully guarded by her trusty companion

You Bet!

by Chris Reyher

Jack Hase, looking fresh after his Sunmart run

The White Rock Marathon volunteers didn’t miss a thing. We had about 50 of the most professional, enthusiastic aid station staffers anywhere. Ebie D. had us all looking good in the freshly laundered and folded RAW volunteer shirts. The Dave and Ray show kept the firsttimers personally identified (including their home town) and everyone entertained. The coffee was hot and the breakfast treats were soooo good. Our straw boss, K-2, kept everything running smoothly. Rick provided a very muscular sound system and kept the music lively. Being at mile 10 this year gave us a look at much fresher faces than in the past and also allowed us an earlier dismissal time. The site is very, very nice and the weather was perfect. We are ready for next year, right?

The world’s best announcer, Dave Aungst, being (inadequately) supervised by Ray Harris and “Major” Mike Eccleston

Kent Doucet, awaiting the first runners

8

John Bush doing the “dirty work”

Iron Man Florida What an honor for RAW to be represented at the Iron Man Florida competition by three club members!

Long time member Lee Miller, and new members Hélène and Alan Walker competed in this special event on November 10th. By the way, all three have already signed up for next year’s Iron Man Florida.

WHY DO AN IRON MAN TRIATHLON?

By Lee Miller I’ve been asked this question many times. It all started with Jill Billman, who I met at the Solana club back in January, 1999. Jill was training for her first Iron Man triathlon. At that point of my running career, 8 miles was a long run, and the thought of someone swimming 2.4 miles, then doing a 112-mile bike ride, and finally running 26.2 miles, blew me away.

I secretly thought to myself “someday….” Several marathons and triathlons later, I got a one line email from Kelly Sizelove which read, "Have you ever thought of doing an Iron Man?" Why yes I have! And the adventure begins!

What a relief. I had survived the swim. Next was the longest portion of the race, the 112-mile bike. The volunteers helped me get my wet suit off and find my "swim to bike" gear bag. The changing tent was complete chaos, but the volunteers again came to the rescue. Eight minutes later I was on my bike and starting the ride.

I kept saying to myself, "Forward progress; keep making forward progress". By the last 7 miles of the marathon, I could not stomach another Gatorade, gu, power bar, or cookie (but the chicken broth hit the spot). Finally I reached the 25-mile mark, and decided I was going to run the rest of the way in. As I turned the last corner and saw the The bike course was one giant loop, finish line, I heard over the loud basically flat with some hills; a speaker, "Lee Miller — Arlington couple of overpasses to deal with, and Texas — Software Engineer — First a 5-10 knot wind. Aid stations were Time Iron Man". This was the best spaced every 10 miles. The water, thing I heard all day! I finished in Gatorade, power bars, and fruit were 12h 24m, the longest day of my life. handed up to you, so you only needed to slow down. When I got to the 100mile mark, I began to prepare myself for the marathon. I began to eat and drink more, and stretch out as best as possible on the bike. I wondered what my legs would feel like after 5hr 48m of bike riding.

It was around 7 hours into the race, and although my toes, forearms, legs and lower back were a little stiff, I was basically still okay. I handed the bike off to one of the volunteers, found my "bike to run" gear bag and prepared for the run. Seven minutes later I was running the marathon.

Usually before a marathon, I taper 23 weeks. But here I was about to run a marathon after 7 hours of swimming and biking. What was I thinking? The course was a two-loop out and back course, basically flat. Good thing, because my legs were having trouble going up even the small hills. The aid stations were one mile apart and stocked with everything imaginable. My plan was to run to each aid station, walk as I grabbed what I needed, and continue running. This worked great for the first 13 miles, but on the second loop, all of the days events started to catch There was lots of kicking and hitting up to me. My calf and quad muscles were cramping and I didn’t have in the early stages, and it got worse much energy left. At one point, whenever we made a right turn— when I was "jogging", there was a major traffic jams. But things got a guy next to me who was walking …at little bit better on the second 1.2the same pace as me! mile loop.

After the National Anthem, the cannon sounded and 1,800 swimmers hit the water. Usually in triathlons swimmers are sent off in age group waves (around 200 - 300 at a time), but this race had a mass start. The swim makes up only 10% of your total time, but most of my fears were about the swim. I had to deal with several firsts: first ocean swim, first time I swam 2.4 miles, and first time I swam with 1,800 other swimmers.

I did not want my day to end by getting kicked in the face and breaking my nose.

Lee Miller raises his arms in triumph!

All in all, this was a great experience for me and I’m happy with my time and performance. On the drive home from Florida, I began to go through the race in my head, wondering what I could have done differently. How could I improve my performance? I began to play the "what if" game. Does this mean I’ll do another Iron Man? Yeah, I think I got the bug.

"Only those who risk going too far can find out how far one can go." –T.S. Eliot 9

Iron Man Florida MY IRON MAN

By Hélène Walker It was during the pre-race swim on Thursday that I first realized what we were going to do, and started feeling all the excitement and fear that surrounds any race, especially when it's a first: my first Iron Man, first swim in the ocean, and first long bike ride.

At the Iron Man Florida, you are allowed 17 hours to finish. The race started at 7:00 am and finished at midnight. Each segment has a cutoff time; if you don’t make these times you’re not allowed to continue.

I was recuperating from a broken toe, so I was worried about the marathon.

My goal was to finish the swim and bike in 10 hours, so that I could walk the marathon (usually my best event) if I had to.

people trying to swim over you, or kicking your hands with their heels.

Safety-wise, there were kayaks, two boats, and scuba divers. It was eerie to see bubbles coming from underneath me!

The volunteers were incredible.

There were volunteers to write your bib number on your arms and legs, others to help you find the racks to hang your bags, still others to show you where the swim start is. Not difficult— just follow the wetsuit crowd. After the swim, there are "peelers" to help you take the wetsuit off (believe me, this is a tough one).

Once in the changing tent, volunteers help you dress (girls, you all know how tough it is to put on a sports bra when you’re wet). Despite all the help, it took me 12 minutes to transit. You can see that I had no clue how to do this, since the pros change in 2 minutes or less!

hours and I did. I was 9h 40m into the race. My main problem was my injured toe. I didn’t want to damage it more than necessary, but I didn’t want to come crawling in at 16h 59m either! My strategy was to run 10 miles at a 10 minute pace, and walk the rest. The first half took me 2h 45m, and the second 3h 45m. Still, I cruised at a 14 minute pace—not bad after 112 miles of biking.

Finally, we came around a slight curve, and guess what? There was the finish line! Those last 50 yards

THE BIKE (112 miles - 180 km) Cutoff time: 10h 15m from the start The bike course was gently rolling, nothing really tough. I was at the 25 mile marker when I got my very own, very first, flat. I was fine until I had to put the tire back on. Impossible!

Alan Walker finishes in an incredible Every time I had part of it back around the wheel, another part first Iron Man time! would pop out. A young man stopped to help; it took him two strong were my 50 yards of fame. Two thumbs and 30 seconds to pop the volunteers were holding the ribbon tire back into place. above the finish line, so I felt like I was the first one to cross it. People You know, the most amazing thing were cheering, singing, applauding. was that when I got off the bike, I It's all kind of a blur right now. I had no cramps at all. My only remember smiling, throwing my physical problems were that my left arms towards the sky, and running Hélène still looking good in the run eye was dried out by all the wind, through the finish line at 16h 6m. despite the glasses, and the tip of my The Medical personnel asked me how THE SWIM (2.4 miles - 4000 meters) toes were hurting from the friction I felt, and I was feeling great. I just Cutoff time: 2h 20m against the shoes. wanted my shirt and medal!

At first, I was nervous about swimming with zillions of people THE RUN (26.2 miles - 42 km) around me. In some areas it was like Cutoff time: 17h from the start being in a washing machine, with I wanted to start the run under 10 When asked what he thought about his Iron Man experience, Alan (who is Australian) responded, “It’s a bloody long way! A number of very good athletes never see the finish line. Your heart goes out to the people you see limping into a rest stop to drop from the race, whether it's someone you've known for years or someone you've never met. There's a common bond; everybody knows that even professionals can have a bad day and not make the distance. All in all, I had a good day. Despite minor challenges, I crossed the line feeling good.

It's a welcome sight. The emotional rush. The crowds. The massage tent. The pizza. The beer.”

P.S. Alan described the Iron Man to a colleague at work, who listened patiently. The light bulb went on and the co-worker exclaimed, “That’s 140 miles! I’d have to stop to rest if I drove that far!”

10

Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers Club Membership Application Name: ______________________________________ _ Address: ____________________________________

____ Male ____ Female

DOB:____/____/____

____ New Membership

____ Renewal

City: _______________________________________

Is it okay to publish this information in the club directory?____

State: ___________________

Participating Family Members: Name:_______________________ Name:_______________________ Name:_______________________ Name:_______________________

Zip Code: _______

Home Phone: (____)__________________________ E-Mail Address: _____________________________

___M ___F ___M ___F ___M ___F ___M ___F

DOB:___/___/___ DOB:___/___/___ DOB:___/___/___ DOB:___/___/___

I know that participating and volunteering to work in club events can be potentially hazardous. I assume all risks associated with running, walking, and volunteering to work in club events. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts, and in consideration of your acceptance of my application for membership, I, for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers, Inc., the Road Runners Club of America, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims of liabilities of any kind arising out of my participation in club activities. I grant permission to all of the foregoing to use any photographs, motion pictures, recordings or any other records for any legitimate purpose.

Membership Dues: _____ $20 Single _____ $30 Family ($1.25 of this amount is for an annual subscription to RRCA’s quarterly magazine, Footnotes)

Mail to: LGRAW P.O. Box 2982 Grapevine, TX 76099

Check here if you need two membership cards: _____ Signature_______________________________________ Date:_____/_____/_____

“The Karate Kid” starring Kat Loewen On Saturday, December 15th, Katherine Loewen (Kat) began a test that would prove to be as tough as her quest to qualify for the Boston Marathon—testing for her black belt in karate. As a spectator that knows nothing about karate, I was totally unprepared for the strength, flexibility and stamina needed to become a black belt.

Her test began at 1 pm. After 1 1/2 hours of choreographed kicks and punches, demonstrations of the defenses used when attacked (by 8 separate attackers), and board-breaking (yes, they do break the boards with bare hands and feet), the sparring started.

Kat fought fifteen 3-minute bouts, mainly against 2nd degree black belts and higher. Her runner’s ability to recover quickly was needed since she had only one minute between bouts. After surviving the individual bouts, Kat had one round against two attackers simultaneously. Karate’s version of Heartbreak Hill!

Three and a half hours after the test began, there was no doubt in my mind that Kat had earned her promotion to black belt… and she did.

CONGRATULATIONS, KAT—what an achievement.

—Eileen Fontaine

11

EEYYAAA…! Glad it’s a board and not me!

Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers P.O. Box 2982 Grapevine, TX 76099

Bold in the Cold 5k and 15k

2002 RAW Events Bold in the Cold 15K & 5K January 19 Hound Dog Hustle 5K & 1 Mile April 27 Double Trouble 10K & 5K October 12

Club Fun Runs: Wine Chaser, March 9 Fourth of July BBQ & Annual Meeting, July 4 Duct Tape Duet, September 21

Weekend Workouts: Saturday and Sunday 7am during daylight savings 8am during standard time

PRSRT STD A U.S. Postage Paid Grapevine, TX Permit No. 243

January 19th

8 am

RAW Clubhouse

Anti-Turkey Trot Results

By Fireman Ken

Fifteen members of LGRAW braved horrible conditions to participate in the Third Annual Anti-Turkey Trot Run held at Rockledge Park. The weather was cool and sunny, with a light breeze blowing off the lake— almost unbearable. Adding to the poor conditions were the lack of an entry fee and no other runners. It is amazing, given these almost insurmountable conditions, that any runner was able to complete the run.

morning. In the Real Man Division, Duncan "I don't know what recovery means" Stewart finished the fifteen miles in a time of Thursday morning.

Second in this group was Lee "I don't need no stinkin' recovery" Miller, who finished in a good time of Thursday morning.

The Awards Ceremony followed the race, and the checks are in the mail.

Tom Byno and Dave Aungst won the "Hamms Beer Award" for having completed a beer each before 9:00 am.

LGRAW competed in two runs, the (A cheap beer at that.) Lee Miller Wimpy Division and the Real Man won the "Sweet Talking Award" for Division. Due to a decrease in being able to convince his wife Eva sponsorship money, the organizers that The Anti-Turkey Trot Run was were forced to abandon the chip timing system and resort to an older somehow on the way to a family gettogether in Norman, Oklahoma. Eva but almost as accurate timing won the "He Conned Me Again system: the calendar. Leading the pack in the Wimpy Division was Jack Award" for sitting at the start/finish line waiting for Lee. Other members "Rabbit" Hase who completed the won door prizes, but everyone already grueling course on Thursday morning. Close behind him was Tom had doors on their houses, so they declined the awards. Overall, it was a "Miller Time" Byno who finished in good day for LGRAW. an incredible time of Thursday

12