April 2018 issue of Track Time News

APR 2018

VOLUME 48, ISSUEÂ 4

TRACK TIME NEWS ST. LOUIS TRACK CLUB

MONTHLY SOCIAL RUN/WALK

April 16 Schlafly Bottleworks May 21 Schlafly Tap Room

Come out and run or walk 3 or 6 miles with other club members and stay for a free pour of Schlafly beer or cider afterwards!

We are planning some new social runs in 2018 so keep an eye out!

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6136 Southwest Ave St. Louis, MO 63139 314-781-3926 office@stlouistrackclub.com The Saint Louis Track Club encourages running and walking for people of all ages and abilities.

Board of Directors

Race Directors

Rae Mohrmann - President John Harwell - Vice Pesident Renee Parks - Secretary Luke Padesky - Treasurer Amy Cadman Matt Coriell Craig Lindgren Bob Maher Jeff McPherson Jack Riegel Kate Stewart Steve Wasserman

Pace Series Don Denham and Oz Harper Corps of Discovery Mike Orrico St. Louis Half Marathon Kevin Jokisch Marathon Relay Rae Mohrmann and Paul McGee Frostbite Series Mike Bahr and Bob Chitwood

Staff Maggie Siemer - Executive Director Anna Jones - Webmaster ALL RIGHTS RESERVED The Track Time News is produced monthly. Reproduction of this newsletter in any form is strictly prohibited without the permission of the St. Louis Track Club.

WWW.STLOUISTRACKCLUB.COM

FROM THE PRESIDENT:RAE MOHRMANN This year, we have seven new members on the SLTC Board of Directors. The one thing they ALL mentioned in the interview process is that they want to give back to the sport they love. There are a variety of ways to do that beyond serving on the board: volunteer at events, write articles for the TTN or even be a race director. In other words, we have a place where you can utilize your talents and strengths.

"The most satisfying thing in life is to have been able to give a large part of one's self to others." _Pierre Teilhard de Chardin By doing any or all of the above, you can certainly give a large part of yourself AND be extremely satisfied. Personally, I think everyone who runs more than one race should then volunteer to get a taste of what it takes to make sure all the bases are covered for an event. Viewing an event from a different perspective makes us more appreciative of what IS done and more tolerant of the things that don't go according to plan.

For some reason we all hold onto running because it has given us something. Whether that is a sense of belonging, a fun way to lose weight, to gain self confidence, or just to prove that we can, we won't let go. Running has enriched our lives or in some cases, saved our lives. I know that running has given me a much fuller and fulfilling life than I ever could have had without it. Look inward and discover that you have been given much and reach outward and give back to the sport you love so much.

Rae

WWW.STLOUISTRACKCLUB.COM

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT To be featured in a future Spotlight, fill out this form: http://www.stlouistrackclub.com/member-area/member-profile/

Member and Volunteer Picnic June 10, 2018 4pm - 8pm Join us for a fun picnic with other members!

We have some special activities planned and will also honor our volunteers and award the Volunteer of the Year award.

Bring a side dish or dessert to share with the group!

We will provide meat and veggie main dish options.

RSVP here: http://evite.me/TWaRBgkmvC

WWW.STLOUISTRACKCLUB.COM

Ask Styles You've got questions, he's got answers.

Dear Styles, Is it ok for runners to pull out a phone and take selfies or pics of friends or scenery and expect other runners to go around?

Can you tell this has irritated me more than once during a race???

Signed, Frustrated Runner Dear Frustrated Runner, Proper etiquette is to avoid interfering with other participants in a race. If one must stop during a race, always move to the side and off the course. Once off the course, take your photos, tie a shoe, or whatever.

However, there is one exception. If there is a runner you are attracted to, pulling in front of the runner and causing a collision is one way to start a conversation.

Yours truly, Styles

Email your burning questions to askstyles@stlouistrackclub.com WWW.STLOUISTRACKCLUB.COM

News and notes from the St. Louis running scene.

by Donna Springer

40th Michelob ULTRA Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Run The 40th running of the Michelob ULTRA Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Run saw crisp and cloudy, but not rainy or snowy, weather. Race weather has varied from excellent to cancellation level during the run’s 40-year history. This year, 4,536 earned finisher medals in the 5-mile race and 768 in the 3k.

“New this year was a 3k (1.86 Miles) and commemorative finisher medals for all finishers in both the 5M & 3K,” said Tom Eckelman of Big River Running Company.

Keith Meyer, former SIUE cross country and track star, placed first in the male 5-mile division, time 25:10. Julia Kohnen, Big River Racing Team, placed first this year, time 28:32, after placing second in her division in 2017. Julia edged out teammate Trish Frisella by just six seconds.

Donovan McBride took the 5-mile Wheelchair title. Santo Belle and Kelsey Battee were the 3K division winners, times 10:05 and 16:34, respectively.

SLTC President Rae Mohrmann set another state 5-mile age record. She has held the Missouri State 5-mile age records for ages 62, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 and now holds the record for age 70 (44:16) . Six others also set Missouri State 5-mile age records at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Run: Lauren Van Rhein, age 9 (32:35) ; Julia Kohnen, age 25 (28:32) ; Arlene Allmeyer, age 57 (38:08); Beth Cummins, age 60 (40:30); Jason Holroyd, age 41 (26:30); and Wm Bart Sparks, age 73 (39:31).

Among the 3k finishers was Dottie Gray, age 92, who crossed the finish line at 38:36. Fellow Track Club Member Fran Armstrong accompanied her in a “guardian angel” role. Dottie’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Run history dates from the early 1980s.

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Edwardsville honored as Runner Friendly Community The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) honored Edwardsville, IL, as a “Runner Friendly Community” in its January 12, 2018, posting at rrca.org/news-articles/newsarchives/2018/01/12/rrca-welcomes-winter-2017-runner-friendly-communties Selection criteria include community infrastructure, community support and local government support for running.

“Each community has shown they have an infrastructure that can foster physical activity in a safe environment,” notes the RRCA. “They have a proven track record that organizations and businesses work together to promote running as a healthy exercise and sport. The goal of the RRCA’s Runner Friendly Community program is to shine a national spotlight on communities that stand out and provide incentives and ideas for communities. Runner Friendly Communities can increase the quality of life, improve physical activity for residents, and provide increased economic impact for the community.”

A major aspect of “infrastructure” was Edwardsville’s location at the hub of the Madison County Transit Trails (MCT). The trails total 130 miles of dedicated running/biking trails, including 19.5 miles of dedicated paved trails within the city limits. In addition, Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville has a network of paved trails and 10-plus miles of off-road trails. Additionally, the Edwardsville school district has three publicly available tracks, including a dedicated track and field complex.

Another facet of Edwardsville’s “Runner Friendly” honor was the strength of The Metro Milers, an RRCA member organization. The group promotes the “Route 66” 10K event each year, and several other local races, such as the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5k. Club members volunteer at local races and encourage community participation. The Metro Milers developed the Extra Mile Challenge, which challenges club members to complete a minimum of five of ten identified races and to volunteer at two races.

“This successful program has resulted in a very robust presence of Metro Milers members at races throughout the community,” reads the website.

The availability of retail outlets within its city limits was the third strength. Although Edwardsville has a population of about 24,000, three specialty running stores operate.

Continued on next page WWW.STLOUISTRACKCLUB.COM

RunWell, a community-based running store, is run by a focused owner who coaches new runners, offers weekly group runs and coordinates special runs (e.g., New Year’s Day Resolution Run), as well as selling running gear.

First to the Finish, which recently moved its headquarters to Edwardsville, serves the track and field runners and has a robust on-line operation.

Finally, Cyclery, the oldest operation in town, actively serves both the biking and running communities.

All three of these business are active sponsors of the Metro Milers and the running community.

Dave McNaughton, Saint Louis Track Club’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner in 2011 and Club President from 2004-2010, is a 15-year resident and homeowner in Edwardsville and concurs that Edwardsville is runner friendly. “In addition to the great running stores and extensive network of bike paths, the Southern Illinois University (SIUE) campus is also home of several mountain bike trails that are some of the best trails for running as well,” he commented.

Originally incorporated in 1818, Edwardsville is the third oldest city in Illinois. Edwardsville has a rich history and is the birthplace of five Illinois governors. The two other communities designated runner friendly were Columbia and Howard County in Maryland, and Danville, Virginia.

Controlled burns at Forest Park Users of Forest Park early this year may have noticed some areas looking more bare than usual.

“Thanks to safe and cost-effective controlled burns, these areas will grow back even healthier than they were before,” assures Forest Park Forever News (Thursday, February 22, 2018).

“The use of controlled burning is much more effective, less time consuming and more environmentally conscious than other forms of vegetation management activities such as herbicide applications or mowing. Controlled fire also benefits the natural system by converting dead and dying vegetation into usable energy and nutrients for the soil and living organisms.

May Forest Park thrive with growth this year after winter burnings and be a healthy venue for all during the rejuvenation of Spring.

WWW.STLOUISTRACKCLUB.COM

Run and Run S’more 5K raises funds for the Jackson Hill Foundation St. Louis Track Club member Mark Spewak directed The Run and Run S'more 5k and one-mile fun run February 24. The Run and Run S'more events benefit co-race director Melissa Hill's foundation, the Jackson Hill Foundation. The Foundation honors Jackson Hill, Melissa Jackson’s son, who lost his battle to cancer at age ten. The family builds wellness centers in hospitals where families may work out. A newly-built a center at St. Louis Children's Hospital opened recently.

“We had 700 runners, which was a great success on a rainy morning,” Mark said.

The out and back course, which began at Truffles’ in Ladue, featured challenges of uphills and downhills. Permitting strollers and leashed pets added to a family-friendly atmosphere.

“We had a special hill on the course dedicated to Melissa's son, Jackson,” Mark said. The hill was called Jackson's Hill. There was a timing mat at the bottom and the top of the hill -- runners were timed up the hill and we had prizes for the ‘king and queen of the hill'.

“This was our third event and we’ve raised over $50,000. We pride ourselves in being very family friendly. Lots of families showed up and there were several things for kids to participate in at the post-race party. Afterwards, runners enjoyed making their own gourmet s'mores and hanging out.”

Pioneering long distance runner Mary Specking passes away in February Longtime St. Louis Track Club member Mary Specking passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2018, at the age of 87. Throughout many years, Mary showed quiet stamina as a long-distance runner. She completed seventeen marathons between the age of 50 through her early 70s and was a pioneering spirit to female masters’ running on the developing Saint Louis running scene.

Family members and friends accompanied her on countless long-distance races and training runs.

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Mary was a member of the St. Louis Track Club, The Galloping Gourmets, Girl Scouts of America (she was a Scout Leader), Senior Olympics (she was a Board Member), and the St. Louis Parkinson Disease Association. She was an avid volunteer at Saint Louis Track Club events as well as a runner. Her husband, Carl, served on the Board of Directors of the Saint Louis Track Club during the late 1980s. Mary will be remembered by family and friends for her kindness, spunk and love of activity.

Mary is survived by Carl, Sr., her husband of 63 years; her children, Nancy Specking, Karen (Roger) Dye, Carol (Matt) Hemker, Carl (Jeanne Haley) Specking, Jr., and Patty (Dan) Hastings; grandchildren, Randy Dye, Carl Specking, III, Sarah Hastings, Nicole Hastings, Cody Dye and Conor Fellin; great-grandson Anakin Dye; her sister, Charlotte (John) Roche and a host of other family members and friends. Her brother, Harry O’Toole, a stalwart member of Hosteling International, and several other outdoor-related organizations, preceded her in death in 2017.

Visitation was held at Newcomer Cremations Funerals and Receptions St. Peters, Missouri, on February 21, 2018. Interment was Thursday, February 22 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. The family has requested that memorial donations be made to the St. Louis-American Parkinson Disease Association, 1415 Elbridge Payne Rd., Suite 150, Chesterfield, MO 63017 or online at apdaparkinson.org. Mary participated in the American Parkinson’s Disease Association one-mile walk at Maryville University last June, accompanied by, and assisted by, family and friends.

The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Run has marked the beginning of the running season for many Saint Louisans. May this running season be a safe, healthy one. Share your news and accomplishments with DSprin5574@aol.com, or the Saint Louis Track Club office.

As you build up your mileage, you may start to feel a lot of hip flexor pain and tightness. There are a lot of body weight and resistance band exercises and stretches that you can do at home that will help you resolve this problem. Here they are!

Athletico would like to offer COMPLIMENTARY INJURY SCREENS for any aches and pains you may experience. Complimentary Injury Screenings are available at all 400+ locations in eleven states.

WWW.STLOUISTRACKCLUB.COM

Saint Louis Track Club

2018 Summer Pace Series Where the power of the pace exceeds the need for speed When:

Wednesday nights, June 6 through Sept. 26

Time:

Walkers start at 6 pm, everyone else at 6:15 pm

Place:

The Visitor’s Center in Forest Park

Entry Fee:

$1 per run plus optional donations for snacks

Races are scored based on actual time versus predicted time - of course, you run without a watch!

Each month the best 3 of 4 races will be used to determine ribbon winners for the top 10 closest estimators.

For the entire series, the best 12 of 16 races will determine trophy winners for the top 15 closest estimators.

June series June 6 2M June 13 3K June 20 5K June 27 2.5M

July series 2M July 11 July 18 3K July 25 5K Aug. 1 2.5M

August series 3K Aug. 8 Aug. 15 5K Aug. 22 2.5M Aug. 29 4.2M

September series Sept. 5 2.5M Sept. 12 5K Sept. 19 4.2M Sept. 26 3K

Wednesday, Oct. 3, is the fun run, grab bag, and final series awards.

If you are looking for an easy way to meet new friends or are new to running, the Pace Series is for you!

The Forest Park Visitor’s Center is located near the History Museum and Tennis Complex at: 5595 Grand Dr. St. Louis, 63112 No need to pre-register.

Just come on out before 6pm to check-in.

59 th Annual Heart of America Marathon Labor Day Monday, September 3 , 2018 - 6 a.m.

Columbia, Missouri Continuously running since 1960 - Be a part of history Home of the world famous Easley Hill Run the race with HEART!

Register at: heartofamericamarathon.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/heartofamericamarathon Questions to: comoheart1960@gmail.com Entry fee: $65 until July 4th, $75 until Aug 1st, $85 after Aug 1st No race day registrations Run with Heart! (HeatJ Hills and Humidity included at no extra *Please note: 6 hour time limit

Columbia Track Club: columbiatrackclub.com

charge.)

Member Discounts Check the Member Discount page in the Member Area of our website to find special discounts just for you! $5 off Annie Malone's Kids on the Run Against Child Abuse & Neglect (open to adults as well) April 29 $5 off Heart to Heart 5k/10/Dog Run June 2 10% off Heart of America Marathon September 3 15% off Kansas City Marathon October 20 10% off written training plans from Spewak Training.

Log in to the Member Area to find the discount codes.

CALENDAR SOCIAL RUN/WALK APRIL 16, 6PM SCHLAFLY BOTTLEWORKS

SOCIAL RUN/WALK

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED PACE SERIES WEDNESDAYS BEGINNING 6/6 FOREST PARK

MAY 21, 6PM SCHLAFLY TAP ROOM

PACE SERIES WEDNESDAYS BEGINNING 6/6 FOREST PARK

MEMBER AND VOLUNTEER PICNIC JUNE 10, 4PM STACY PARK, OLIVETTE, MO

SOCIAL RUN/WALK JUNE 18, 6PM SCHLAFLY BOTTLEWORKS

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