Dec 2008 newsletter. - Arlington Striders Running Club

A Bi-Monthly Publication for The Arlington Striders Running Club Members
In Stride
Volume 1, Issue 1
In this issue
>> Don Zetnick Winter Run….1
Arlington’s No. 1 Running Club Newsletter
December 2008
Don Zetnick Arlington Winter Run 10K / 2M / 1K
Run with The Arlington Striders Club to see Christmas
Lights! December 6th, 2008
>> President’s Note…………. 1
>> Why I Run……………….... 2
>> Looking For A Place To .
Race ………………...3
>> Member Spotlight………....4
>> Sponsor Spotlight… …..… 5
>> Club News….………….......6
>> Pantego 5K Run/Walk….7-9
>> Troy’s Corner…………..…10
>> Advertisements…………...11
>> The Arlington Striders
Scheduled Runs………...12
________________________
The Arlington Striders
Running Club is a non-profit
organization whose purpose is to
promote the benefits of running
and walking by providing social
and moral support to Arlington
and the surrounding communities and to establish camaraderie among runners and walkers
of all ages and abilities.
__________________________
The Arlington Striders
Contact Information
Hotline:
817-860-3710
E-mail:
[email protected]
Internet:
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/
group/arlington_striders/
Just who is Don Zetnick?
The late Don Zetnick’s story serves as an inspiration to virtually very type
of runner or aspiring athlete with dreams of improving themselves. In
1967, Zetnick found himself in his mid-30s, out of shape, overweight and
unable to walk his dog up a hill. He decided enough was enough and he
made changes to improve his health. One very important change: He began running. What began as a healthy pastime soon became a passion.
After running (and winning) almost 1400 races, triathlons and marathons, Zetnick turned his hobby into a
business and began catering to the unique needs of runners. The Runner Shop in Arlington was born.
Race begins at 8:00 am at the Maverick Athletic Center (MAC) at the University of Texas at Arlington,
Arlington, Texas. This run is timed by RunTime Racing Services. For more detailed information go to
www.DonZetnichWinterRun.com This event benefits the YMCA of Arlington and Arlington Charities.
President’s Notes
What a Fantastic
Year! What a Fantastic Club!
I can’t think of a better way
to end a fantastic year than
with a newsletter. It gives
me another opportunity to
say how much you all have
meant to me during the
year. And what a year it
has been. Many of you
have had PR’s and hopefully, all have come to experience and love the joy of
running as I do.
David Smith is helping us
with the newsletter for your
club and he can use your help with stories about what running has done for you. Or perhaps, about a race
you loved the most or something that you did, etc. Give us your input on the newsletter.
1
Why Do I Run?
“How does a kid from Coos Bay, with one leg longer than the other
win races? All my life people have been telling me, „You‟re too small
Pre‟, „You‟re not fast enough Pre‟, „Give up your foolish dream
Steve‟. But they forgot something, I HAVE TO WIN.”
Steve Prefontaine, a long-distance runner record holder
“I run because I sit in front of a computer for ten or twelve hours a
day. I needed to do something physical, and lifting weights was
really boring. I quite often don't enjoy running, but the sense of
accomplishment when I'm done with a run is worth it. Plus, I like
being able to eat whatever I want, whenever I want, even though it
drives my family crazy.”
Jeremy Day, an Arlington Strider
“The runner need not break four minutes in the mile or four hours in
the marathon. It is only necessary that he runs and runs and sometime suffers. Then one day he will wake up and discover that somewhere along the way he has begun to see order and law and love and
Truth that makes men free.”
“I have met my hero, and he is me.”
George Sheehan, runner, author, and philosopher
“I run because I need to....I find God there, my body becomes
strong, my mind becomes calm. I find a peace there. I run because
I am thankful for my health and want to continue to be healthy.
Sometimes I run to win. Sometimes I am running away and it's ok.
Yes, there are many aches and pains in this older body, but for me,
so worth it.”
Cathy Krueger, an Arlington Strider
“I have always loved running...it was something you could do by
yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction,
fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking
out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of
your lungs.”
Jesse Owens, won four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics
“I run to maintain sanity. When I run alone I can clear my head.
Somehow, problems seem to be more manageable after a good run.
When I run with friends I can enjoy the company and be inspired
by those who share the same passion. When things seem out of
control, I feel in control when running. Each mile builds on the
previous one(s), and I can feel myself getting stronger. I thank God
for my health and my ability to run - what a great gift!”
- Carole Holschuh, an Arlington Strider
“I run because I like to be thin, I like to eat, I like to run pass trees
and lakes, because I‟ve found truly good friends. It helps me to cope,
it‟s where God finds me most open. Because on a good day I fly unstopped and unharmed from a world I don‟t always understand. Because on a cool day when the sun is shining and the wind is just
right—time stops, pain stops, hope is at it‟s most.”
Troy Surritt, an Arlington Strider
“I run because I am good at it, and it raises self esteem knowing
that I can do things that 99.9% of Americans can not. I enjoy
pushing myself to the best of my ability, striving for that next goal.
It feels great accomplishing a goal knowing that there is another
looming in the future. I really enjoy it. I enjoy being in shape. I
like medals! There is nothing like covering the earth on my own 2
feet. I am not too nostalgic about my running, maybe a little. At
times I feel some peace, and NEED to run, to burn off steam. I
guess that I just like it.”
Phillip D, an Arlington Strider
“I enjoy miles of smiles. Plus it makes my feet happy.”
John Thornton, an Arlington Strider
“I run because it is something I can get better at. Running gives me a
challenge, an obstacle to overcome, that is why I run.”
David Smith II, an Arlington Strider
“You mean we have a choice?!!!! ;) I run because I'm addicted to
it. I feel so good running and have terrible withdrawal if I stop. :)
Laura, an Arlington Strider
“I run because I simply enjoy it. Every mile I run, I feel I can accomplish something. To me, I don‟t care how fast I run… how far I go…
every step is an accomplishment to me.”
Sachi Ando, an Arlington, Strider
“I run because of how it makes me feel. It is my clarity! I see
things clearly when I run...I feel a temporary escape, and afterward
I'm in a better state of mind to deal with life's problems. It gives
me a sense of accomplishment, and I know I can handle anything
that comes my way!
Tiffany Lamb, an Arlington Strider
“Hmmm...feet happy? Smiles? I don't think I smile when I run nor
do my feet get happy. I am still a beginner and if anything, my feet get
ticked off!!! I just get happy when I finish. I get happy when I realize
that I have set a daily goal and I have achieved it. I get happy when I
see my long term goal becoming more of a reality than a dream. Running is something I don't take advantage of because it was once taken
away from me. I gained too much weight and had too many injuries.
Seriously, I couldn't run at all..not even a few steps. I didn't know if I
could ever run again. That is why I chose running to be my dream. I
am now up to 1.5 miles, which you may laugh at, but I adore. I have
been reading your emails and someday I will run with you guys. I am
still just 'learning to run' again…”
Katherine, an Arlington Strider
“I run because it means I'm still ALIVE.”.. :)
David Smith Sr., an Arlington Strider
“Can't afford no country club dues. Don‟t need no health club
lanes. Just me and my sneakers. Running‟ across God‟s open
country. Runnin‟ across highways and byways.”
Jeph Abara, an Arlington, Strider
“I run to de-stress and to meet new people.”
Carol Moulton, an Arlington Strider
“I smile at the end of a 5k when the camera man is looking! I run
because it empowers me. I run because it gets me fit. I run because
if I don't, I make myself feel like crap!”
Shelly Ring, an Arlington Strider
Happy Running
2
Looking For A Place To Race…. ?
David Smith
A Time To Share
The Burleson Runners Club
Over the Hills 5K & Through the Woods 1K
Whether you want to run, have fun, or share a toy, the Annual
Toys for TOTS run in Arlington has it all. The event includes
a band, train ride for the kids, face painting, great shirts,
awards and wonderful food and beverage, so come out and
join us.
The Back to Basics
5K/Kids 1K Fun Run
Saturday, December 13th, 2008 8:30 am
Location: Randal Mill Park North Arlington
Entry Fees:
Before December 8th……….. $15.00
Student/seniors 65 and older….$10.00
Teams of 5 or more………….. $12.00
After December 8th………….. $18.00
Day of race, everyone………... $20.00
Benefits the Marine Corps Toys for TOTS
http://toysfortots-arl.com/index.html
Please bring an unwrapped gift
Sunday, December 7th, 2008 4:00 pm
Location: Burleson Community Center
Entry Fee: $7.00
817-496-3734
This club promotes running in the Burleson, Texas area. Burleson is a southern suburb of Fort Worth.
There will be age group awards and refreshments. The course is
mostly flat and an out-and-back course.
Walk in registration and packet pickup
The Runner
3535 Pioneer Parkway W.
Arlington, Tx 76031
817-461-2281
Just for the Heck of It
5K/2K -- A Post-Christmas Frolic
A fun & competitive race in beautiful River Legacy Parks in
north Arlington. The course—relatively flat & fast, mostly treeshaded. Participants can have fun running, walking, strolling…
Parking is available in the park. Donated unwrapped new toys
& other gifts are encouraged for the kids at Safe Haven of Tarrant County. The net race proceeds will go to Elite Track Club,
developing young Olympians, and Safe Haven of Tarrant
County. For more info, call 817-265-4578 or email
[email protected].
Saturday, December 27th, 2008 9:00 am
Location: Elm Grove Pavilion, River Legacy Park
Entry Fees:
If mailed by Dec 23th…..$8.00
Forms at www.runningintheusa.com;jeph
Walk in registration and packet pickup
The Runner
3535 Pioneer Parkway W.
Arlington, Tx 76031
817-461-2281
December 6th — See front page
http://www.runtherock.com
3
Member
Spotlight
A Broken Back
Does
Not Stop
Jon From
Running After His
Dreams
Freshman year he ran varsity Cross
Country in the fall and was usually
4th best on the team with times in
the low 17 minutes for 5k races. He
ran his best race of the year in under
17 minutes and helped the Arlington
CC team qualify for the regional
meet in Lubbock. At the regional
meet Jon was knocked off of a hill,
got up and finished the race but ran
a low 18 minute race to finish well back of the leaders. His place was roughly 120th out of over 190 runners.
In the spring of his Freshman year Jon ran in the mile and two mile for the track team, usually finishing as Arlington’s second best runner in each. At the district meet in Duncanville the coach decided to let a couple upper classmen run in the varsity race instead of Jon, letting Jon compete at the Junior Varsity level. They ran the two mile early, and Jon took the lead
during the second of 8 laps, and ran away from the competition, finishing in just over 11 minutes and over 20 seconds ahead
of the second place runner. After about 3 hours they ran the one mile race. Again Jon took the lead in the second lap and
ran away from his competition finishing with his official PR to date of 4:56 and winning by over 10 seconds. The same
time would have given him third in the varsity race, sending him to regional competition.
Over that summer Jon had decided that he wanted to become an elite runner, and he started training to attain his dream of an
Olympic medal. On Friday August 11, 2006, while running with the cross country team he fell 40 feet off a bridge into 2
feet of water. It took 19 firemen 45 minutes to achieve a high wire rescue. When Jon was in the trauma unit at JPS the doctors told us that one slight move could cause him to be paralyzed from the waist down. Jon had crushed L3 and there was a
bone shard centimeters away from his spinal cord. He returned home on Monday August 19th with a walker and an upper
body brace. In late November he returned to school with wearing a soft back brace. As a fifteen year old with his dreams
and goals crumbling before him he decided that he still wanted to try to get to the Olympics.
He attempted to come back in the spring with the track team but in practice he found that he was experiencing pain. A back
specialist determined that his muscles were not even in his back, causing his spine to bend in an "S" curve at the bottom. So
he went back into rehab with a different team, and after 3 more months of rehab was declared healed. Not knowing how to
train himself he ran sporadically over the summer. When school started again he tried once again to run with the Cross
Country team. He found that the rough terrain was hard for him, but he ran in several meets, bettering his time in each from
over 20 minutes for a 5k to 18:35. But the pain was more than he bargained for, so he had to leave the team again. Over
the winter he worked on strengthening his back muscles using the techniques given by the therapists at rehab.
In the Spring of 2008 he decided he could not get back to where he wanted to be on his own, so he approached Troy Surritt,
the President of The Arlington Striders and asked to be trained to run a 4 minute mile. They discussed the importance of
Cross Country and came to a mutual decision that Cross Country success was not a priority, and Jon would run on the team
but train through the season towards his Track season goal. Over the summer Jon could always be found running, training
harder than he ever had before, and repeatedly turning down fun time with his friends to work on the things Troy had assigned to him. When school started again Jon ran with the Cross Country team and again improved from race to race, until
the district meet where Jon was able to help the team earn their first regional berth since his freshman year. His times in the
races were a little disappointing, mid 17's with a PR of about 17:22 but his focus never waivered from his goal of being an
elite Miler. At present he is back to his training, running from 60 to 70 very fast miles a week, and doing as Troy tells him.
His goal, although more difficult to attain, is still an Olympic medal.
4
3535 W. Pioneer Pkwy
Arlington, TX 76013
817.461.2281
All Arlington Striders members receive
All Triathlon Junkie members receive
10 %
%OFF
OFF
Allregular
regular price
price merchandise.
All
merchandise
www.TheRunnerShop.com
Business Hours
Our History
Founded in 1978 by Don Zetnick, the legendary running
guru of North Texas, and his wife, Sally, The Runner has
well served the needs of a wide variety of running and
aerobic enthusiasts in Arlington and the Dallas-Fort Worth
Metroplex. Zetnick’s story serves as a solid foundation
not only for the business but also as an inspiration to
Monday - Friday
10 am to 7 pm
Saturday
10 am to 6:30 pm
Sunday
1 pm to 4 pm
virtually every type of runner or aspiring athlete that comes through the doors.
In 1967, Zetnick found himself in his mid-30s, out of shape, overweight and unable to walk
his dog up a
.
hill. He decided enough was enough and he made changes to improve his health. One very important
change: He began running. What began as a healthy pastime soon became a passion. After running (and
winning) almost 1400 races, triathlons and marathons, Zetnick turned his hobby into a business and
began catering to the unique needs of runners. The Runner was born.
Now 30 years later, Don and Sally’s son Phil Zetnick, and his wife Jessica, run the store located at 3535
West Pioneer Parkway in Arlington. Like Don, Phil is a long time running enthusiast and grew up learning
the business from his Dad since 1982.
The Store
Offering an extensive selection of footwear, workout apparel, accessories and more, The Runner offers
personalized services that few stores offer these days. Based on a customer’s needs, the well-trained
staff can make recommendations based on each individual customer’s running or workout style,
frequency and special needs. In the style of its founder, Don Zetnick, The Runner and its staff take pride
in providing personal service and winning “the race” for loyal customers’ business. Like Don always said,
“It’s funner at The Runner.”
5
It’s time for
Club News
David Smith
Our
Website
Club Uniforms
In the next week we will be voting on which of our two club
logos will be the one we will use for our club’s new running
and racing outfits.
The logos will be placed in the Message Board’s Photo
Gallery on our website; so you call take a look at them.
Plus, a voting poll will be placed on the Message Board.
After we find out what most want as the Arlington Striders
logo of choice, we will see how many of you would like to
purchase a club outfit to wear and show your support for
both your club “The Arlington Striders” and our sponsor
“The Runner Shop”.
Once we know who wants an outfit and which items, like
shorts or shirts (or both), and a jacket, too; then we will
place the order
In the planning stage is a more user-friendly website where club members can utilize an online
logbook to log their running activities. This will
be another tool for an individual to keep track of
their running.
Online training plans will be available for runners
to work on their running goals: whether a 5k or a
marathon.
Also, plans are to have an online system
whereas each runner can input their complete
race results to share with other club members.
http://arlingtonstriders.org
Monthly Reminder
Our group doesn't have dues, we have sponsors like "The Runner Shop" which takes care of key club group runs and other
costs, and "FastPaws" which picks up other costs, so participation in the club events is essential.
To maintain an active membership in the Club a member must participate by coming out to Club group runs, going to race
events as a Club and wearing our sponsor's t-shirt/singlet or Arlington Striders t-shirt/singlet, and by attending Club events
like Club races, parties, meetings, and/or host Club events, or by doing volunteer opportunities for the Club and/or
FastPaws.
No one is asking any member to do all of the above and to attend every group event but you must attend at least 2 scheduled
Club group runs each month, or one Club group run and one of the above event and/or volunteer opportunities.
This core rule has been on file since Nov 20, 2005 in the File section of the message board in our website and is also given to
new runners who join from on-line.
6
Pantego
Candy Train & Christmas Tree Lighting
5k Run/Walk
November 29th was a fantastic day filled with fun at the Bicentennial Park in Pantego.
Unlike last year when the race was much colder, this time around the weather was perfect
for running. The race benefits the Pantego Veterans Memorial.
Judging from the looks of those participating only one word can be used to describe
the 2nd Annual Pantego Run/Walk… FUN!
Below 6 pictures are of some of the Arlington Striders who were at the race.
7
Pantego
Candy Train & Christmas Tree Lighting
5k Run/Walk
These are just some of the many participates in the 5k Run/Walk. To view more pictures go to [email protected]
8
Pantego
Candy Train & Christmas Tree Lighting
5k Run/Walk
These are just some of the many participates in the 5k Run/Walk. To view more pictures go to [email protected]
9
Troy’s Corner
Tips
Did you know that running is one of the most efficient aerobic exercises in terms
of calories burnt per hour? For example, the typical person can burn 750 calories
per hour while running compared to 250 while walking. So, it’s great for weight
loss. If you do want to start running as a way to reduce or control your weight
here are a few pointers to follow.
See a doctor!
Start By Running and Walking
Run With a Buddy
Track Your Progress
Take Things Easy
By taking the above precautions even individuals out-of-shape can safety begin a
running program. However running assumes a certain level of physical ability
and is not for everyone. Walking, swimming, or cycling are excellent alternatives. So, running can be a great way to get in shape. Running will strengthen
your heart and cardiovascular system. It won't be long before you'll start to feel
better.
Links
A Little About Me
Personal Records
Mile: 4:57
5K: 16:54
10K: 36:03
Half: 1:19:40
Marathon: 2:54:24
5 time Boston Marathon Finisher

My latest race was the New York
Marathon on November 2nd in 3:05
I started running in 1992. In 1993 I became an Assistant Coach with AIA under
Head Coach Paul Yost. In 1996 I became
a Coach with A1A until my move to the
Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Here I led and coached a sub 3-hour
marathon group for Luke’s Locker for
two years. I moved on to personal coaching from 1999 thru the present. Now I
coach for our club the Arlington Striders
where I have helped runners to qualify for
Boston. My goal is to help others run and
race well for whatever their running goals
may be. I am also the Running Coordinator for the Triathlon Junkie Tri Club.
The Runner www.therunnershop.com
The best runner’s store around. They have just expanded their footprint; thus
more goodies to get, and a great new look.
Triathlon Junkie Tri Club www.triathlonjunkie.com
Really the only triathlon club devoted to people in the southern Metroplex. Great
place for runners who like to get wet and spin wheels, too!!!
Athletes In Action www.aia.com
Athletes in Action exists to reach out to people and teach them the influence of
sports
The Dallas Running Club www.dallasrunningclub.com
Dallas’s largest Running Club! Their site has news, White Rock Lake maps,
calendars, results, etc.
Fort Worth Runners Club www.fwrunners.org
A great club with warm (sweaty) people! Their site has news, articles by Jack
Gray, maps, pace calculator, calendars, etc.
Run-Down www.run-down.com
Everything but the kitchen sink! Your one-stop source for everything running
related.
Marathon Guide www.marathonguide.com
Lots of good information (Who/What/Where) about marathons.
Running In The USA www.runningintheusa.com
Large online directory of races, results and clubs
MapMyRun www.mapmyrun.com
You can trace your courses on this map. From what I can tell it’s pretty accurate.
10
Advertise in the Arlington Striders Running Club newsletter
This is the opportunity for businesses to support those who share their sense of commitment to running and a
healthy lifestyle. Copies are distributed every two months to Arlington Striders club members, various businesses and, of course, available on our website.
Business card size ad……………………………….$25.00/bimonthly
1/4 page ad………………………………………….$45.00/bimonthly
1/2 page ad………………………………………….$80.00/bimonthly
full page ad…… ..…………………………………...$150.00/bimonthly
The following businesses offer discounts to The Arlington Striders Running Club members. If you are a
business and would like to give our club members a discount or purchase an ad please contact Troy Surritt
at 817-860-3710 or e-mail [email protected]
“THE FITNESS STORE FOR THE ACTIVE FAMILY”
3535 West Pioneer Parkway * Arlington, Texas 76013
METRO (817) 461-2281
www.therunnershop.com
Phil Zenick—Store Owner
Place A Business Ad In Our Newsletter
All income received through ads go back into the club operating expenses and benefits
for Club Members. None of the Club Officers, or members, are reimbursed for their
services. To place an ad, contact the Club President.
We Welcome Your Support
The Arlington Striders Running Club is looking for sponsors, donations, discounts, and support from
both businesses and individuals who support the running lifestyle. We welcome you whether as a club
member or supporter.
YOUR AD COULD BE HERE
YOUR AD COULD BE HERE
11
Scheduled Club Runs
Sunday, 5:30 pm Easy Run
These runs are good if you want to add more runs/
miles to your week, or just can’t make it to any of
the evening group runs. We meet at the front parking lot in the park near both the bathrooms and the
kids playground. Kenny Hallman does a great job
hosting this run for our club. He has a basic looped
course outside of the park of 2 to 6 miles and there
is also a 1 mile loop in the park for shorter distances. Location: Veterans Park, Arkansas and
Indian Springs Road, Arlington, Texas.
Monday, 6:00 pm Track Workout
We do a warm-up at 6:30 pm then at 7 pm we do
core, drills, strides, and repeats or fartleks. Some
may just run easy laps. Afterwards we all do an
easy cool down. Location: Martin High School
Track, Pleasant Ridge and Woodside Drive, Arlington, Texas.
DEADLINE FOR NEWSLETTER ARTICLES IS
THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH!!
Tuesday, 6:30 pm Easy Run
We do easy runs on the roads and around the
nearby parks with people running distances from 2
to 10 miles. Location: The Runner Shop, 3535
West Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas.
Like to write?
Well if so, then we have the space for you. Only rules are that the
article must be original and pertain to our lifestyle… you know,
running, running, diets, recipes, and more running.
Thursday, 6:30 pm Various Type Runs
(two week cycle with two choices for that day)
Week 1: Lake run / Foster Park run
Week 2: Hill repeats / Foster Park run
Location: The Runner Shop, 3535 West Pioneer
Parkway, Arlington, Texas.
Don’t have anything to write about?
Hey, we all have something to share with others. So, open up…
other club members are waiting to hear from you. Share your
dreams and aspirations, your pain and struggles, what keeps you
going; why you like to run.
Saturday, 8:00 am We run on the roads and in the
nearby parks 2 to 18 miles. The Runner Shop,
3535 West Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas.
If you wish to put an article in the newsletter, contact
David Smith, Newsletter Editor
[email protected]
Special Run: Interlocken Christmas Runs
December 10th and 17th
Location: Pope Elementary, Arlington, Tx
Easy Run at 6:30 pm
Road Safety
Anytime you are running on the roads and
You approach a traffic light you should always
Wait for your light to turn green before
Crossing or you could be hit by an auto.
This is a great run we do every year that is fun and
festive! We run in the Interlocken area to enjoy
the multitudes of Christmas Lights they put up
each year in their neighborhood.
You must always pay attention to all that is
Going on around you when you are on a run.
Don’t let other people coax you into crossing
When you’re not ready!
Afterwards we have hot chocolate and eggnog;
plus potluck with whatever each member might
bring. Don’t forget to bring your blinky lights for
the run and extra clothes for afterward.
Always, always whenever possible,
Run facing traffic.
Two sets of eyes are better than one.
12