June 2016
Missouri’s Oldest Track and Field Record Falls Lafayette Boys Take Down 3,200-meter Record Set in 1981
Lafayette’s Fearsome Foursome continued their dominance in Jefferson City at last weekend’s Missouri Track and Field State Championships, breaking University City’s 35-year-old record in the 3,200-meter relay. Alec Haines (S), Austin Hindman (J), Devin Meyrer (S), and Dylan Quisenberry (S) ran 1:55, 1:53, 1:57, 1:53, respectively, to clock 7:40.29. Jefferson City came in second, in 7:56. Lafayette followed up their impressive performance in the relay by taking the top three spots in the 3,200-meter the next day. Hindman claimed first in 9:11. Meyrer took second in 9:15. Haines ran 9:19 for third. “It was absolutely amazing,” said Hindman. “It was, I mean, you can’t put it into words. We’ve had a lot of success, and finishing our running careers together with a state record—it’s unbelievable.”
Vol. 46, Issue 6
SLTC Summer Scavenger Hunt and Volunteer Picnic is Sunday, June 12! Are you ready to get your adventure on? The St. Louis Track Club’s Summer Scavenger Hunt is Sunday, June 12, at 3 p.m. at picnic site 5 (on Wells, west of Tamm). The hunt will be followed immediately by our annual Volunteer Picnic at 4 p.m. The SLTC will provide the burgers. Sides are potluck! Complete the hunt and stay for a bite to eat! Visit www.stlouistrackclub.com for more details!
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
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From the President: School’s Out for the Summer!
For me, nothing beats summer running. The burning sensation of sweat running into your eyes beneath a sweet pair of shades on a warm sunny day can’t be topped. Yeah, it may sting a little bit, but it gives me a sense of accomplishment: I am out there working. Not only does summertime represent sweat and stinging eyes, it also marks the start of BBQ cookouts, pool parties, and most importantly, a plethora of shorter distance races in the area. Some runners use the summer season to recover after big efforts during the spring, while others are now coming out of a winter slumber ready to hammer their training plan for a big fall race. Or, you may fall in the middle like me: you don’t have an “A” race or big racing plans, but you’re excited to choose which race to run or volunteer at each weekend. Summer is the best time to run local. There are so many area races and events supporting great causes this time of year. Just take a quick look at our race calendar and you will see numerous races each weekend. It’s also a great time to introduce a friend, family member, co-worker, or whateveryou-call-em to running and racing. Run a race with your kids, your parents, your dog, your cat. Just get them out
there, and they will most likely be hooked forever. St. Louis is such an awesome running community, and there is always room for more members. The asylum is never full. A friend got me out to a race years ago and it changed my life. You never know: you may change someone else’s just by getting them to lace up their shoes and go for a run. Sometimes one of the best ways to give back to the sport is to introduce someone else to it. So get out and enjoy the miles and get a little sweat in your eyes. And when you do, be sure to invite a friend. See you on the trails,
Mike Orrico, President St. Louis Track Club
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.
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
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The Grapevine: News and Notes from the St. Louis Running Scene
By Donna Springer St. Louis runner Jorge Garcia gets the star treatment from Runner’s World
At least one St. Louisan has been gaining national recognition. Last May, Jorge Garcia entered the Runner’s World Cover Search contest. In August, he found out that he had made it to the top ten semi-finalists. The next month, Runner’s World flew him to New York City for a photo shoot and to meet the other semifinalists, contests judges, and Runner’s World editors. Garcia said he and the other runners were treated like celebrities—limo rides, fancy dinners, group runs and all. While he was not selected as the cover winner, all semi-finalists were featured in the December 2015 issue of Runner’s World, and their group photo is the banner for the magazine’s national marketing campaign. “It was an experience of a lifetime for him,” said Paula Birke, a friend. “Not only to meet so many amazing people that he now calls friends, but also because it gave him the opportunity to share his story of a tragic childhood and how he overcame many obstacles to be the successful man he is today.” Shortly after Garcia turned 7 years old, his father murdered his mother. He and his brother became
wards of the state of New Jersey. This tragic event led to a series of challenges, including prison visits, custody court battles and shelter homes. Garcia and his brother sometimes lived on the streets and had to scrounge for food. He attended four different high
schools in four years, surrounded by the gangs and drugs of inner city Newark, New Jersey. “He joined the Marines and found an escape from desperation, which eventually let to an opportunity to study International Business and earn an MBA at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville,” continued Birke. “After graduation, he stayed in the St. Louis area, joined The Boeing Company, and discovered his passion for running.” (Continued)
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(Continued)
Birke is an accomplished runner in her own right She has completed a half or full marathon in each of the 50 states, including 21 half marathons in 2014 and 22 half marathons the following year. “I run not just for the personal challenge and sense of accomplishment when crossing the finish line, but also for the camaraderie with other runners. Everyone out there, no matter how fast or how slow, has the same goal of crossing the finish line. We have met some pretty amazing people while traveling to races, many of which we are proud to call friends,” Birke said. “We really enjoy traveling, and this gives us the perfect excuse to get out and go visit new places.” Birke’s next goal is to run on each of the seven continents. When she’s not running, Birke is a financial analyst at SIUE. She also teaches group fitness classes for Campus Recreation. SLTC welcomes new Track Time News editor
After serving as the Track Time News editor for the past 5 years, Sallie Story is handing off the baton. Thank you, Sallie, for your work and dedication! Stepping in to fill Story’s shoes as the new Track Times News editor is Amy Marxkors. Marxkors is known in St. Louis for her long-standing column for Fleet Feet Sports. She has also written two books. Her first book, The Lola Papers: Marathons, Misadventures, and How I Became a Serious Runner (2012), documents her introduction into the world of distance running with humor and insight that appeals to both runners and non-runners, alike. Her second book, Powered by Hope: The Teri Griege Story (2014), chronicles a woman’s triumph in training for and completing the Ironman World Championship despite a diagnosis of stage IV colon cancer. Marxkors’s work has appeared in both regional and national publications, including The Washington Post, Terrain, St. Louis Magazine and CBS Radio. Marxkors is also a dedicated distance runner, with a history of outstanding local and national marathon performances. (Continued)
The Duchek Family at the Roller Coaster 5K Six Flags, St. Louis
Have a great shot of you, your friends, your family (or all of the above) at the races? Send your photo to editor@stlouistrackclub.com. You just might score a cameo in the Track Time News!
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(Continued) Jon Yoch, SLTC member extraordinaire, has run 87 races since 2014
May Jon continue his pace, and his pacing, near and far, at large races and at small races.
Jon Yoch, son of SLTC Board Member Ryan Yoch, has been very active in the running community.
Two track athletes named St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Athletes of the Week
In 2014, he ran 34 races, winning 10 of them. In 2015, he ran 39 and won 12.
Congratulations to two high school track competitors who were named Athletes of the Week by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
“I have been able to set a few half marathon course records—[they were] real small races—and [I] did win the Columbia Heart of America Marathon this past Labor Day. I've run all of these races proudly in a St. Louis Track Club singlet,” Yoch said. “I really love to race every weekend and enjoy seeing small towns put all they have into some really cool events. I'm really gearing up for a 5K PR, hopefully at the All-American 5K in June, and to be in the top three, again, at the Route 66 10K.
On Thursday, May 19, Keri Burmester, of Red Bud, Illinois, won the 1,600 and the 3,200 at the Sparta Class 1A sectional, qualifying her in both events for the state meet in Charleston. Her wins marked the third consecutive year she has claimed the title in both events. She also took second place in the 3,200 at the Illinois Top Times Indoor Championship in March and was a regional champion in cross country running last fall. Cara Johnson, a sophomore at MICDS, won the 100meter and 200-meter at the Class 4 District 3 meet in Ladue. She also ran on the winning 400-meter and 800-meter relay teams at the Lutheran South Invitational. SLTC’s Summer Pace Series is in full swing
The St. Louis Track Club began its Summer Pace Series June 1! The Pace Series dates back to the 1970s, when the St. Louis Track Club was born. Runners first predict their estimated finish times for the given distance. Then they race without watches or other timing devices. The winners are determined by the accuracy of their predicted times compared to their actual times. Both weekly and monthly scores are tallied for awards. Scores from June through September are totaled to determine the Pacer(s) of the Year at a final Wednesday night picnic. Visit the St. Louis Track Club website for more info! “Several of my races the past few years have been done while serving as an official pacer for marathon pacing. I've paced the 3:05 group at the Illinois Marathon the past two years and love to help in that capacity. I will say that I enjoy running a lot of the same races each year. I think there are a lot of them that always put on a great event. I must also plug the St. Louis Track Club's Frostbite Series as being one of my all-time favorites.”
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.
YOUR CLASSIC HOMETOWN ROADRACE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2016
to benefit
saintlouistrackclub.com sponsored by
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You’ve got questions.
Ask Styles
This month we’re publishing a very special version of Ask Styles. Over the last few weeks, she’s gotten a variety of questions about a very popular kind of race: the relay. As a veteran of over 10 one-day and overnight relays from Cowbell Uncorked to Hood to Coast to the Bourbon Chase (and lots in between), Ask Styles has accumulated some handy tips and tricks to help you get through yours. Transportation Always reserve your vehicle as soon as your know your registration has been accepted. Additionally, it may be easier (and sometimes less
“Make sure to have at least two people willing to drive (per van) and always err on the side of MORE room.“ expensive) to reserve your vehicle at home and drive it to the race if it’s within a few hours away. (Bourbon Chase and River to River are good examples.) Two more important tips: make sure to have at least two people willing to drive per van and always err on the side of more room. Don’t skimp on a minivan if an 8-10 person van
She’s got answers.
is available for around the same cost. Food During most relay races, you won’t have time to eat a proper meal, so make sure to plan snacks in advance. If your race is local, it will probably be easiest for the team to agree on a few staples that someone can purchase ahead of time and bring to the van(s) on race day. If you’re traveling, try to find a nearby grocery store and stock up on supplies before the race starts. Bagels, peanut butter, Rice Krispie treats, salty potato chips and trail mix are always popular and inexpensive snacks most people can eat. If you have diet restrictions, make sure to bring your own food. Do not rely on the group to provide you with glutenfree/vegan/nut-free energy bars if that’s the only thing you can eat. Creature Comforts Always bring an extra running outfit, just in case. If you are assigned three legs, bring a fourth change of clothing in case you have to run an extra leg or you misplace a pair of shorts or a tank top. The same goes with shoes: bring two pairs. Comfy clothes to wear between legs are a must as well. No one wants to be the stinky,
unchanged kid in the van. Speaking of stink, I’d recommend investing in baby wipes, dry shampoo, and Febreeze to keep the smell factor down. If you’re overnighting, bring a pillow and sleeping bag if space allows. Getting as much sleep as possible is key. Have fun While Ask Styles tends to run and race pretty competitively, she tends to ease up during relays. Make sure to smile and have fun with 5-11 of your new, closest friends. Talk to each other, tell stories, go and meet other teams. Sometimes the best stories and funniest moments happen off the course, not on.
Upcoming Races Visit www.stlouistrackclub.com for a comprehensive list of upcoming races and events! 6/11/2016,
Route 66 10K
Website
10k
Edwardsville, IL
Route 66 10K
Website
10k
Edwardsville, IL
Ed's Race for Life
Website
5k, Fun
Overland MO
Saturday 6/11/2016, Saturday 6/18/2016, Saturday 6/18/2016,
Run Hope Glows 5k
Website
Saturday 6/18/2016,
5k, Kids
Troy Il
Dash Covered Bridge Run
Website
Saturday
5k, 1 Mile,
Glen Carbon
5 mile
Covered Bridge
6/18/2016,
Monroe County FOP 5K and
5k, Fun
Borsch Park,
Saturday
Fun Run
Run
Valmeyer, Illinois
6/18/2016,
4th Annual Bethesda
Website
5k
Ballwin, MO
Saturday
Hospice Memorial 5k
Valmeyer, IL
Run/Walk 6/18/2016,
3rd Annual Monroe County
Registration
5k, 1/2
Saturday
Fraternal Order of Police 5K
Flyer
Mile Fun Run
6/18/2016,
RBHS Neon 5k
Saturday
Registration
5k
Red Bud, IL
Website
5k, 5 mile
Edwardsville, IL
Flyer
6/25/2016,
Solstice Sundowner Trail
Saturday
Run/Walk for Alzheimer's
7/2/2016,
Cheering up a Sweat 5K
Website
5k
Maryville, IL
Serra International Run
Website
5k, 1 Mile
St Louis, MO
5k, 1 Mile
St Louis, MO
Saturday 7/2/2016, Saturday 7/2/2016,
Serra International 5KRUN
Saturday
and 1 Mile FUN WALK
!