July 2016

July 2016

St. Louis Track Club Marathon Training It’s not too late to join and make this summer your best training season yet!

The St. Louis Track Club announces the return of its popular marathon training program. Whether you are training for your first marathon or you are a repeat customer, we want you! You will improve your running, make friends and discover new places to run, both on the road and on the trails. The program is free, but you must be a member of the St. Louis Track Club. Ron Eisenberg and Ron Golan will be your training coordinators. Contact them with any questions, other than the perennial “Am I too slow?” (No, and we don’t care, so long as you commit.) To receive details regarding all group runs, directions, training tips and other important information, please join the St. Louis Track Club Marathon Training Group on Facebook.

Vol. 46, Issue 7

Marathon Training Schedule June 25 - Queeny Park – 8 mi July 2 – Trail Head Brewery – 10 mi July 9 – Babler State Park – 13.5 mi July 16 – Creve Coeur Lake Park – 11 mi July 23 – Center of Clayton – 13.1 mi July 30 – Lone Elk Park – 15.5 mi Aug. 6 - Weldon Springs – 18 miles Aug. 13 – Forest Park to Arch – 14 mi Aug. 20 – Babler State Park – 18 mi Aug. 27 – Alton Great River Road - 16 mi Sep. 3 – Castlewood State Park – 14 mi Sep. 10 – Forest Park – 20 mi Sep. 17 – Chesterfield Levee Trail – 16 mi Sep. 24 – Creve Coeur Lake Park – 13 mi Oct. 1 – Cliff Cave Park – 10 mi Entry Guidelines: Minimum of 20 miles per week; long run of at least 8 miles without walking; at least 3 runs per week. Runs start at 7:00 a.m. sharp, but arrive early because parking can get crowded. Visit the St. Louis Track Club website marathon training page for more information, including exact locations, course routes, and parking details for all runs. Contacts: Ron Eisenberg: reisenberg@sl-lawyers.com Ron Golan: rgolan11@gmail.com

6136 Southwest Ave. St. Louis, Missouri 63139-2719 www.stlouistrackclub.com

Office hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Mon., Wed., Fri. Office phone/fax: 314-781-3926 Email: office@stlouistrackclub.com

Mission statement: The Saint Louis Track Club encourages running, walking and fitness for persons for all ages and abilities. The club organizes events, disseminates information related to the benefits of running and physical fitness, and encourages membership. Founded in 1970, the Saint Louis Track Club is a not-for-profit organization under the Internal Revenue Code 501-C3.

Affiliated with the Road Runners Club of America and the USA Track and Field Association. SLTC Officers President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Board of Directors Board of Directors Board of Directors Board of Directors Board of Directors SLTC Race Directors Frostbite Series Half Marathon Spring Event Pace Series Track Series Cross Country Kick-Off Corps of Discovery Trail Race Marathon Relay

Mike Orrico Mark Russell Wendie Cummings Maggie Siemer Brian Kratz Justin Frederick Kathy Pearman Jon Yoch Rae Mohrmann Bob Chitwood & Mike Bahr Kevin Jokisch Ryan Yoch Don Denham TBA Mark Russell Mike Orrico

SLTC Lifetime Achievement Award Winners 2015 Richard Anderson 2014 David White 2013 Gwen Eckelman 2012 Mike Toolen 2011 Dave McNaughton 2010 Jerry Kokesh 2009 Chris & John Brenner 2008 Don Hong 2007 Gary Krosch 2005 Les Paton 2004 Ed Wolfgram 2003 Jack Frohlichstein 2002 Dan Sebben 2001 Camille Carney, 2000 Tom Eckelman Leonard Sova SLTC Volunteer of the Year Award Winners 2015 Bob Chitwood & Mike Bahr 2014 Ron Eisenberg & Steve Brady 2013 Rae Mohrmann 2012 2011 Paul McGee 2010 2009 Pat Britt, John Dickey 2008 2007 Dave McNaughton 2006 2005 Jill Akins 2004 2003 Ralph Brindley 2002 2001 Vicky McAmis 2000

Christy Polk Jackie Corn Donna Springer Tom Wiltsch Don Hong Chris & John Brenner Dorris McManis

Paul McGee & Rae Mohrmann

Media Manager Matt Higel, matthew.higel@stlouistrackclub.com SLTC TTN Editor Sallie Story, editor@stlouistrackclub.com SLTC Executive Director Jen Mommens, jen.mommens@stlouistrackclub.com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED The Track Times News is printed monthly. Reproduction of all or part of this newsletter in any form is strictly prohibited without the permission of the St. Louis Track Club.

Presidents Oct. 1970-Feb. 1974 Jerry Adams Mar. 1974-Mar. 1980 Jerry Kokesh Apr. 1980-Jun. 1980 Gene Gianladis Jul. 1980-Jul. 1984 Tom Eckelman Aug. 1984-Jul. 1987 Dan Sebben Aug. 1987-Jul. 1988 Gary Krosch Aug. 1988-Jul. 1989 Tony Sebben Aug. 1989-Dec. 1989 Mimi Zielinski Jan. 1990-Jul. 1990 Rich Blumm Aug. 1990-Jul. 1993 Camille Carney

Aug. 1993-Jul. 1997 Tom Eckelman Aug. 1997-Mar. 1998 John Welge Apr. 1998-Jul. 1998 Carol Keller Aug. 1998-Jul. 1999 David Spetnagel Aug. 1999-Jul. 2001 John Brenner Aug. 2001-Sept. 2004 Don Hong Oct. 2004-Jun. 2010 Dave McNaughton July 2010-Dec. 2011 Rich Anderson Jan. 2012-Dec. 2013 Pam Mosca Jan. 2014-Dec. 2015 Mike Huelsmann Jan. 2016-Pres. Mike Orrico

1 2

From the President: Father’s Day (And Every Day) By now, most of you know I am a daddy to two little boys, and on June 19, I—along with all the other daddies—were celebrated for what we do every day. I spent my morning being served by two little waiters who brought me a coffee, orange juice, chocolate chip pancakes and a banana. They both wore aprons and came to me with a pad and paper to take my order, just as I do every Sunday for them. The menu is always limited at Café Orrico, but the end result is the same: making each other smile. As dads, moms, guardians, coaches, teachers, volunteers—whatever the role might be—I would venture a guess that most of us enjoy seeing a child smile. While doing things to make a child happy is great, we also need to do our part to help motivate them to be the best versions of themselves that they can be. That is why teachers teach. That is why those who volunteer with children volunteer. That is why coaches coach. And that is why daddies daddy. My boys are the reason I run. I don’t do it because I want them to grow up to run every day or finish marathons. I run because I know it will help teach them about hard work, dedication, success and, sometimes, setbacks. It will teach them that, in life, you get out what you put it in. I have fond memories from when I was a kid and my father Mario would take me to his baseball games. He played in a men’s league, and I remember like it was yesterday sitting in the stands cheering him. I was also fortunate enough to have him as my coach in little league baseball. He was always there to teach, encourage and motivate me. He never pushed, but he was there if I wanted extra swings, more fly balls or just to play catch. The lessons I learned from watching and being around him I carry with me today. These are the same lessons I hope to pass on to my sons—lessons they see when I run, when I coach or when I’m just

being dad. To all the dads out there: I hope you had a terrific Father’s Day. Keep teaching your kids lessons through your actions. If you aren’t called dad, I hope you continue to find time to make a difference in a child’s life. Take them for a run, play or read them a book. Chocolate chip pancakes are great, but nothing compares to when one of my sons asks me to go run, play catch or read a book. The next time you find yourself struggling to head out for a run or workout, remember the little eyes watching you. That alone should be motivation enough to finish those miles, even when you don't feel like it. See you on the trails,

Mike Orrico, President St. Louis Track Club

1 2

The 2016 Festival of Miles was a spectacle of speed, providing the city with access to some of the best runners in the world and once again proving why it is the premier track event in St. Louis. Ben Rosario founded the Festival of Miles in 2008 as a way to raise money for Brigette Schutzman, a standout distance runner from St. Louis University, after she was critically injured in a car crash. The event has since raised tens of thousands of dollars for athletes in need. Last year, Rosario handed over the title of race director to native St. Louisan Carter Snow. “Helping organize this meet for the last nine years has been an absolute pleasure,” said Rosario. “Festival of Miles has given me nine of the best nights of my life and a lifetime of

memories. I hope it continues to grow, and with Carter at the helm I am sure it will.” Snow, who ran for Lafayette High School, has been involved with Festival of Miles since its beginning. Under the guidance of Rosario, Snow competed in and later served as a rabbit for the elite mile before assuming the role of race director. “You’re not just sitting in the sun for two hours,” Snow said of the event. “It’s fun, exciting track. It’s not your typical 30 heats of the 200-meters, like most people are used to. We have a niche, and we’re getting people excited about our sport. “You know a few guys are going to break four minutes, and that’s the mystique: that it’s going to happen. But watching the high school kids’ and even the adults’ faces when they see those guys go by on the last lap, moving as fast as they are—that’s a special feeling. Snow added that watching this year’s athletein-need, Triston Walls, take part in the GO! St.

3

Louis Healthy Kids Mile was a highlight. Walls was born with four holes in his heart. He experienced heart failure when he was just one month old. He had open-heart surgery when he was seven months old and a month and a half later was diagnosed with Pulmonary Vein Stenosis and Pulmonary Hypertension. On race day, Walls wore an official bib number and rode in a stroller while his family pushed him around the track. “The St. Louis Track Club has been with us since the beginning, supporting our race,” Snow said. “We do this on a tight budget. We all work for free. We donate proceeds to athletes in need. None of this would happen without the St. Louis Track Club’s support. We are so grateful for them and everything they have done over the years, and hopefully we can support them in their mission and events as well.”

Triston, 2016 Festival of Miles Athlete-inNeed, in the Healthy Kids Mile

SLTC Group Run @ The Tap Room Check out the St. Louis Track Club website for more info on future group runs around the St. Louis area!

Mariana, Mike, Chris and Wendie

Jon and Justin

1 2

Don Denham and the Summer Pace Series: A St. Louis Tradition Since the 1970s The Saint Louis Track Club is much appreciative of Don Denham, Director of the Summer Pace Series. I joined the St. Louis Track Club in 1978 and have enjoyed the friendship of the other runners in the club for almost four decades. It has been a blessing in my life. I started running as a freshman in high school when I went out for the track team. It was a long time ago—1962. In the autumn of my freshman year, I ran cross country for Cleveland High School. The captain of the team was a senior by the name of Oscar “Oz” Harper. He was very helpful to the new runners, providing leadership and encouragement. Of course, we didn’t know what the future held in store. Fifty-four years later, I’m still running. I’m the Race Director of the Summer Pace Series and Oz Harper is still helping me. This is my fifth year as Race Director. During the past five years, Oz has a 100 percent attendance rate. Every Wednesday for 16 weeks each summer, he is the first one to arrive in Forest Park. He goes out and marks the course with cones and chalk. While the Pace Run is in progress, Oz is out on the course handing out water to the runners and walkers as they come by.

Summer Pace Series The Summer Pace Series is a tradition of the Track Club and goes back into the early years– the 1970s. Personally, I ran the Pace Series for 30 years, from 1982 to 2011. I was never able to win the series even though I came close. I finished second twice. I decided to become the Race Director in 2012 because I felt that I had taken a lot out of the organization over the years

and wanted to put something back into it. During the last five years, participation in the Pace Series has been fairly consistent. Each year, we have about 800 entries, an average of 50 per week for the 16 weeks.

Alton River Road Run Over the years, I have seen many changes in the sport of distance running. I ran my first road race in November 1965, the 10-mile Alton Great River Road Run on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. At the time, it was the only road race in the St. Louis Area. A few years later, a group of runners at the downtown YMCA organized the St. Louis Track Club. A running organization was definitely needed in St. Louis.

Heart of America Marathon I ran my first marathon in Columbia, Missouri, on Labor Day of the following year. The archives for the 1966 Heart of America Marathon indicate that I finished in 48th place with a time of 5:03:54. There were a total of 48 finishers– I was dead last. Perhaps I should point out that I was 18 years old, there were only about three marathons in the entire country in 1966, and I was competing against a talented field from all over the Midwest. The defending champion was a man from Minneapolis by the name of Ron Daws. A couple of years later, he Continued

3

would represent the United States in the marathon at 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.

Boston Marathon Over a 42-year period, I would finish eleven marathons. My PR of 3:28:39 came in November of 1980 when I was 32-years old. One of the highlights of my running career was my last marathon. At the age of 60, I ran the 2008 Boston Marathon as a charity runner in a time of 5:22:30. My son, Keith Denham, is a cancer survivor and lives in Boston. He has been cancerfree for the last 6 years. However, Keith was first diagnosed with cancer in 2007. After his initial treatment was completed, he encouraged me to run the 2008 Boston Marathon with him to raise money for charity. It was Keith’s first marathon and my last marathon. Keith did most of the fundraising. Together, we raised $18,000 for a Boston hospital. The money was used for the treatment of cancer patients. As charity runners, we started the marathon behind 25,000 runners with qualifying times. Over the last half of the course, I passed approximately 4,000 runners. I wore bib number 26,227, and my overall finish was 21,370.

Volunteer Work In addition to being a volunteer for the Track Club, I also donate many hours of volunteer time to my church. For the last 18 years, I have been a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church and am assigned to St. Gerard Majella Parish in Kirkwood. I am active in parish ministry, hospital ministry, and prison ministry. –Don Denham

Past directors of the Summer Pace Series include Jack Frolichstein, George Perry, Dennis and Cheryl Simmons, and Don Hong. The informal gatherings on Wednesday evenings in Forest Park, which award points for pace estimating rather than speed, have spawned many friendships, and encouraged runners and walkers from elite to recreational status. Whether you are elite, recreational or something in between, the St. Louis Track Club wishes you the best. Keep cool and healthy in July! Share your news and accomplishments with DSprin5574@aol.com or The Saint Louis Track Club office.

Saint Louis Track Club

2016 Summer Pace Series Where the power of the pace exceeds the need for speed When:

Wednesday nights, June 1 through Sept. 21

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 1 2M June 8 3K June 15 5K June 22 2.5M

July series June 29 2M July 6 3K July 13 5K July 20 2.5M

August series July 27 3K Aug. 3 5K Aug. 10 2.5M Aug. 17 4.2M

September series Aug. 24 2.5M Aug. 31 5K Sept. 7 4.2M Sept. 14 3K

Wednesday, Sept. 21, 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.

YOUR CLASSIC HOMETOWN ROADRACE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2016

to benefit

saintlouistrackclub.com sponsored by

1 2

The Grapevine: News and Notes from the St. Louis Running Scene By Donna Springer 18th Annual Race for the Cure

About 15,000 people, many of them dressed head to toe in pink, enjoyed sunny, although warm, weather downtown Saturday morning, June 11, for the 18th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The 5K event honors breast cancer survivors and the memories of lives lost. Two-time survivor and SLTC member Ana Schnizer placed first in her 70-90 age group for the second consecutive year. Funds raised support breast cancer research and local organizations which provide services for those with breast cancer. Fundraising will continue until July 31. Last year’s race raised $1.4 million.

earning the title of top dog with his owner, Brandon Janosky, in tow. The Macklind Mile dates from 2008 and is billed as the fastest mile in St. Louis. In addition to speedy times, the Macklind Mile features free Smoothie King, Urban Chestnut beer, a band, and a bounce house for the kids. St. Louisans Represent at Mini Indy and Chicago Spring Half Marathons

St. Louis Track Club members travel and race well. John Coulter, Sandy Dailey, Ken Darbabcek, Brookelyn Eazelle, Christy Fanscher, Rae Mohrmann, Mary Naeger, Larry Porter, Fred Rice, Bernie Violand and Jill Witte all competed in the Mini Indy Half Marathon and 5K Festival on May 7.

Donna Springer and Ana Schnizer Macklind Mile

The Macklind Mile, a mostly downhill course in South City, attracted hundreds of runners from across the city who wanted to challenge their speed on a fast course. The race features elite, competitive, and recreational heats. New this year was the Dog Mile. Forty-three teams of dogs and their owners competed. Dash, a Vizsla, clocked the fastest time,

(Continued)

3

(Continued)

Mohrmann placed third in the W65-69 age group with her time of 2:02:38. In Chicago, Debby Kerber, Tony Lucido, Chris Williams Mrotek, Rae Mohrmann and Fred Rice ran the Michelob Chicago Spring Half Marathon on May 22. About 5,000 runners ran the half-marathon and 1,000 ran the 10K. Debbie Kerber placed first in W50-54 in 1:43.47; Chris Williams placed fifth in W50-54 in 1:56.44. Mohrmann placed first in W65-69 in 1:58.17. Morhmann finally took a hiatus from racing by working the GO! St. Louis tent near the finish line of the University City Memorial Day Run. New Missouri 10K Age Group Record

Longtime SLTC member and current board member Rae Mohrmann received word that she set the Missouri age group record at the 10K distance on May 16th at the Ferguson Twilight Run. Rae also holds the 10K age group record for age 67, which she set last year at the University City Memorial Day Run. Missouri state records are kept for each year of age at distances ranging from 2 miles to 50 miles and are posted online at www.StateRunningRecords.com.

Rae Mohrmann

KT82 Trail Relay

Congratulations to Donna Manley, John Deluca, John Brenner, Steve Egley, Beth McCarter and Jill Finklang, who completed the GO! Missouri KT82 Trail Relay on June 4. “We were third in the Mixed Masters, with a time of 11:59:55, which was great,” said Donna Manley of her team Happy Running Family. “It was a great day, and we saw it all: pouring rain, mud, hills, more mud, followed by a gorgeous day!” Have a story for The Grapevine? Share your news and accomplishments through The Grapevine by contacting DSprin5574@aol.com or the Saint Louis Track Club office at office@stlouistrackclub.com.

Team Happy Running Family at the KT82 Trail Relay

SLTC Board members Wendie Cummings and Justin Frederick, along with SLTC member Aaron Cadman, worked the water station for the STL Pride 5K Run and Walk in Tower Grove Park on Sunday, June 26, 2016. The STL Pride 5K Run and Walk is the annual fundraising effort that sustains St. Louis Frontrunners’ year-round nonprofit endeavors. This year's Race Director was Myrinda Grantham.

For nearly 20 years, St. Louis Frontrunners, as the local chapter of International Frontrunners, has sought to provide an outlet where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) individuals and allies can come together under the common goal of a healthy lifestyle through running and walking. Congratulations to Over Male Winner Aiden Pratt (19:24) and Over Female Winner Lenny Ramsey (19:48). It was an excellent and joyful collaboration between the STL Frontrunners and the St. Louis Track Club!

43rd Annual Cross Country Kickoff Saturday, July 16th, Forest Park Central Fields 8am – Ladies, 8:45am – Gentlemen 5k (3.1 miles) cross country loop course Great atmosphere for spectators! This event is run on grass and spikes may be worn. Cool sunglasses to all registered by June 11th Register as a team or run individually 3 runners minimum, 5 max per team $10 through Sunday May 15; SLTC members save $2 Youth Boys & Girls Divisions for ages 13 and under! Junior Men & Junior Women: Each member must be 19 years and under Open Men & Open Women: Team members may be any age

Details and Registration at: www.stlouistrackclub.com

1 2 3

You’ve got questions.

Ask Styles

Hey Styles, I haven’t raced in a number of years and I’m eager to get back into it. However, whenever I click on a registration link, my anxiety goes through the roof, and I walk away from the computer without signing up. Should I talk to a professional about this? – Nick F.

Well, for all intents and purposes, I’m not a professional sports psychologist, but I do try to play one in this column. Racing anxiety affects everyone at different times. Most people suffer on race morning: Where’s my bib? Did I drink enough water? Did I drink

“Unless you’re a professional runner, racing is supposed to be a small part of a fun hobby.” too much water? However, there are plenty of runners who get nervous just thinking about toeing the line. Upon some self-reflection, try to figure out what’s setting you back from pulling the trigger. Chances are, it’s fear of the unknown since you’ve taken quite a bit of time off from racing. Even if you’re not in “race shape,” I’d suggest signing up for a small 5K, just to get the lead out—both mentally and physically. And

She’s got answers.

remember, unless you’re a professional runner, racing is meant to be a small part of the fun hobby we call running. Head to the start line with a smile on your face, try to enjoy those prerace nerves and make sure to savor the feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish line. All my friends are training for marathons, and I’m over here running 5Ks like a madman. If I have absolutely no interest in running 26.2, does that make me less of a runner? – Carolyn D

I totally get you, Carolyn. I totally get you. Contrary to my recent race history, I am a 5K/10K gal. There’s something about pushing your body toward the fine line of red lining and not blowing up that makes “short” distance racing so exciting and challenging. However, with the current state of running in pop culture, you’d think the marathon, or even the half marathon, are the two races that separate the proverbial men from the boys. It’s just not so. Putting in the time, sweat, and tears towards training for a race deserves equal amount of respect, no matter the distance. And to that point,

there is no shame in not wanting to run a marathon. Marathons can get

“If I have absolutely no interest in running 26.2, does that make me less of a runner?” expensive, and they require an incredible amount of training time and energy. I’m not saying the marathon bug won’t eventually bite you, but in the chance it never does, there’s no shame in firing off a bunch of speedy short races a year. The medals are earned just the same.