year-round group runs thank you!

Essex Running Club Newsletter
May 2012
YEAR-ROUND GROUP RUNS
ERC’S NEXT GENERAL MEETING
7:30 pm, Tuesday, May 1
Fleet Feet Sports, Montclair THURSDAY @ 6:00pm
Meet at Fleet Feet (603 Bloomfield Ave) This friendly, social group
welcomes all paces and smiling faces - run, jog or walk 3 to 6 miles.
West Essex Trail Run, Verona
Vol. 29, No. 5
SATURDAY @ 8:00am
Meet in Verona High School lot at corner of Fairview Avenue and
Sampson Drive (Sampson is one-way, so approach from Grove Ave).
Trail’s round trip from Verona to Little Falls is 6 miles. Unpaved,
blazed trail with mile markers on trees.
Fleet Feet Sports, Montclair (FF Long Run)
SUNDAY @ 7:00am
Meet at Fleet Feet (603 Bloomfield Ave) for runs on 1 or more of 3
loops (each 6–8 miles) at paces ranging from 7:30 to 9:00 per mile.
Grove Pharmacy, Montclair (Grove Street Long Run)
SUNDAY @ 7:00am
Fitzgerald's 1928 – “Sidecar"
17 Herman Street, Glen Ridge
(private meeting room with outside entrance
set back to the left of the front entrance)
OUR SPEAKER
Jason Santarcangelo from Team NRGY (Montclair).
Team NRGY is a worldwide Triathlon Team with passionate multisport athletes. Jason will talk about his
experiences in the sport and how he made the transition from 5K to Triathlons.
We will also share our Boston Marathon stories as well
as updates to our running season.
$5.00 cover charge includes buffet + non alc drinks.
Doors open 7:30pm & Meeting starts 8:00pm.
Meet at Grove Pharmacy (123 Grove St) for runs of 4 to 20+ miles.
General Meetings 2012
October 1 & November 6
THANK YOU!
Board Meetings 2012
West Essex Trail Clean Up
Thanks to everyone who came to assist with the West
Essex Trail Clean Up! We had great weather for it, in
fact, the weather prediction was for a cold, gloomy day
with possible rainfall. We lucked out with sunshine in
the 60s.
ERC Awards Banquet
Thank you to all those who helped make the Awards
Night at GRCC a huge success! Special thanks to: Mark
Frankel, Tom and Martta Kelly. Desmond Duncker, Paul
Maloney, Tracy Keller and Shannon Ryan. A great time
was had by all! If you picked up an award for a friend,
please let them know-we have a few members looking
to retrieve them.
Keeping Track
May 2012
May 8, Jun 12, Jul 10, Sep 11, Oct 9, Nov 13
SAVE THE DATE!
The Annual Wine & Cheese Party
will be Friday, June 15 @ 7:30pm
Details forthcoming in an EVITE you will receive
soon. Hope you can make it!"
Welcome New Members!
Susan Fasciano – Montclair
Michelle Henry - East Orange
Hagit Oren – Montclair
Paige Sato - Glen Ridge
Page 1
2012
ESSEX RUNNING CLUB
OFFICERS
Mark Frankel - President
Paul Maloney - Vice President
H. Carl Sturcke - Treasurer
Tom Kelly - Secretary
BOARD MEMBERS
Anne Chesny - Speakers
Mick Close - At Large
Desmond Duncker - At Large
Faye Harvey - At Large
John Harvey - Speakers
Gina Imperato - Membership
Paul Kartanowicz - USATF Teams
Tracy Keller - Entertainment
Ed Kelly - USATF Teams
Martta Kelly - Public Relations
Lynne Mortimer - Entertainment
Shannon Ryan - Clothing
STAFF
Ted Bongiovanni - Web Maven
Shannon Calamito - Newsletter Editor
Desmond Duncker - Insert Designer
Lynne Mortimer - Insert Coordinator
HALL OF FAME
Vincent Carnevale - 1995
Larry Hollander - 2002
George Studzinski - 2002
Lenore Piccoli - 2004
Andrew Kotulski - 2008
Bill & Karen Mishler - 2010
ONLINE
www.essexrunning.com
POSTAL ADDRESS
Essex Running Club
P.O. Box 183, Verona, NJ 07044
YAHOO GROUP
Join the ERC yahoo group at
groups.yahoo.com/group/
essexrunning club
General Info: [email protected]
President: [email protected]
Membership: [email protected]
Newsletter Editor:
[email protected]
Insert Designer: [email protected]
Ad Coordinator: [email protected]
Website: [email protected]
Clothing: [email protected]
President’s Corner
Spring is finally here, and that means I can start running with my
Fuelbelt, which means I can start running my favorite route again instead
of having to run by the police station so I can hydrate at their water fountain.
During the warm months I find that I can run just about anywhere I
want because I don’t need to worry where I’m going to get my hydration
from. During the cold months, the water in my tiny bottles tends to freeze
easily, so I have to alter my route to pass by some other source of water.
This past winter, for example, I developed a 10.5 mile route that passed by
the police station where I live in Wayne at miles four and five. I used to
also run a 16 mile route that passed by both the police station (miles two
and four) and Willowbrook Mall (mile eight).
Of course, when I used to run at Grove St. we would take turns stashing
water. Sometimes we even had to do that in the summer too. Occasionally, though, the water fountains actually worked.
Injuries and a lack of time for all of that extra driving have forced me to
train closer to home. Since the FuelBelt has given me the flexibility to run
almost any route I want, I’ve tried a few up by my house. My current fave
is an 11.5 mile route by Pines Lake, some of it overlapping the Brian’s Run
route.
I drink much more than I use to, especially on hot days. At Grove St. we
went about three or four miles between water stops. Nowadays that
seems like a long, although I can’t remember it ever being a problem. I do
remember, though, some pretty big problems when I tried to stretch that
distance a bit.
Every August I used to go up to my Alma Mater in Rhode Island for
training, and would do a long run after the training was over. This was
before I had my Fuelbelt. I suppose I could’ve carried water by hand, but
since there was water along the way I never felt compelled to bring anything with me.
Training would end Saturday night, so on Sunday morning I’d head out
from the dorm I was staying at to the West Kingstown Trail (a rail-trail actually) one mile away. I’d stop for water at the adjacent train station, and
then run and out and back on the trail. The trail was four miles long, so I
would go eight miles between water stops. That was too long. Somehow
I slogged through those runs, though, for as much as three out and backs.
I always had great difficulty running the last mile, from the station back
to the dorm. Usually extreme dehydration would set in and I’d stagger
back. Once a cop saw me. She took me in her car and offered to drive me
to a hospital. It was a temporary issue, I responded, and I’d be better after a cold shower and a long nap.
It took me a few years of repeating this cycle before I finally broke
down and bought a Fuelbelt. It’s been a great investment. I can’t say it’s
completely alleviated the problem, but at least now I can manage to get
through most long runs without having to worry about hydration. If it gets
too hot and humid outside all bets are off. That’s happened too.
Mark Frankel
Keeping Track
May 2012
Page 2
USATF-NJ
AT THE RACES
The 2012 USATF–NJ Grand Prix championship series
started in April with the two 15K championships at the
Indian Trails and Clinton Country Runs. The series will
continue in May with the Open 10K Championship at
the Newport 10,000 in Jersey City on May 6 and the
Open 5K Women’s Championship at the Run for Rachel
in Livingston on May 20.
Sunday, May 6 - Long Branch Half Marathon (6:50am)
& New Jersey Marathon (8:00am)
All ERC members are invited and encouraged to participate on the Fleet Feet Essex teams. There is no limit to
the number of teams we can field so everyone is guaranteed a spot on the team. Please contact Ed Kelly for
more information about USATF-NJ and the Fleet Feet
Essex team ([email protected]).
Championship Schedule:
May 6 — Our House 5M — Open M/W
May 12 — Newport 10,000 — Open Men/Women
May 20 — Run for Rachel 5K — Open Women
June 24 — Lager Run 5K — Masters Men
September 2 — Jimmy D 5K — Masters Women
September 8 — USATF-NJ XC 5K — All Divisions
September 23 — Liberty Waterfront Half Marathon
— All Divisions
October 28 — USATF-NJ XC 8K
— All Divisions
November 11 — Giralda Farms 10K
— Masters Men
November 22 — Ashenfelter 8K
— Masters M/W
December 9 — USATF-NJ 10 Mile
— All Divisions
To run on the Fleet Feet Essex team you just need to
sign up with USATF and obtain your USATF number.
This also allows you to participate in the individual
grand prix competition. You can join online, by mail,
or at a championship race.
USATF-NJ Info: www.usatfnj.org
973–334–8900
More changes this year with the start of both races being
moved to Monmouth Park Racetrack. The new point to point
courses are still mostly flat and will finish on the oceanfront
in Long Branch. Look for a large contingent of Fleet Feet runners completing their half marathon training program.
(Info: 732-578-1771, www.njmarathon.or-g)
Sunday, May 6 - Our House 5-Miler (1:00pm)
This early afternoon race starts at the Village Green in Summit and follows a somewhat hilly course through the scenic
residential streets of this upscale community. The race returns this year as the USATF–NJ Open 5-mile championship
and is a team race for our men and women. The first 500 entrants receive a long sleeved T-shirt and runner’s bag. After
the race, there are great refreshments and fabulous random
prizes. (Info: 908–902–8587 www.oymp.net)
Saturday, May 12 - Newport 10,000 (8:30 am)
This premier event attracts many elite runners competing for
over $14,000 in prize money. It is also the USATF-NJ open 10K
championship race and a team race for our men and women.
The course is said to be the fast-est in the tristate area, with
the first 4 miles on local streets and the last 2 on the waterfront, with spectacular views of the Manhattan sky-line. Runner amenities include special Newport 10,000 tech tee, post
race refreshments, DJ and random prizes.
(Info: 908-902-8587 www.newport10k.com)
Sunday, May 20 - Run for Rachel 5K (9:30am)
This race usually produces some of the year=s fastest 5K
times on the mostly flat, out-and-back course from Livingston’s Memorial Oval. This is a USATF team race for our women and always features a strong women’s field for the USATFNJ women’s open 5K championship. Preregister to receive the
race goodie bag and tech shirt (new for 2012). Stay after the
race for random prize drawings with some valuable prizes.
(Info: 908-902-8587 www.oymp.net)
Monday, May 28 - Ridgewood Run
(10K at 8:45am, 5K at 10:15)
The 37th annual Ridgewood Run organized by North Jersey
Masters will be held as usual on Memorial Day on a mostly
flat course through the beautiful tree lined streets of Ridgewood. The race has a very festive atmosphere and there are
many amenities including Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Be sure
to pre-register as there is no race day registration.
(Info: 973-333-4837 www.ridgewoodrun.com)
Keeping Track
May 2012
Page 3
ESSEX RUNNING CLUB AWARDS BANQUET
The Glen Ridge Country Club was the setting for the Essex Running Club’s annual Awards Banquet on
April 3. The ERC Entertainment Committee put together a wonderful evening in which the attendees
honored notable achievements by fellow members at races and elsewhere during 2011. The Banquet
once again proved to be a fantastic tradition.
Hall of Fame: Randy Miller
Runners of the Year: Catherine Smith & Harold Porcher
Less Than 5K: Ashby Sundown, Fred King
Rookie of the Year: Dorothy Auth, Daniel Smith
5K: Amanda King, Paul Giuliano
Most Improved: Justine Krell, Dave Gurniak &
Don Manfria
8K/5M: Amanda King, Paul Giuliano
10K: Amanda King, Paul Giuliano
Dave Williams Most Consistent Award:
Robbin Jordan, Jerry Velli
15K/10M: Amanda King, Larry Czaplewski & Harold
Porcher
Spirit of ERC: Joan Szabo
Track & Field: Bev Salerno, Fred King
20K/Half: Amanda King, Harold Porcher & Larry
Czaplewski
Multisport: Rose Hall, Dan Murphy
18M: Mona Jha, Daniel Smith
Off-road: Jane Ziegler (Whipple), Glenn Trimboli
Marathon: Amanda King, Paul Giuliano
Supporting Business:
Fleet Feet Sports, Grove Pharmacy
Ultra: Sharon Morrissey, Rob Guerin, Chris Jaworski
Youth: Ashby Sundown, Mary Smith, Brian Smith
USATF Overall: Catherine Smith
USATF Overall AG: Amanda King, George
Studzinski, Charlie Slaughter, Tom Kelly
Sally Sammon: Chip Bearden
Larry Hollander: Ted Bongiovanni
Purple Heart: Gary Peters
Rachel Ray: Barbara Zirl
USATF Mini 1 AG: Mike Sneden, Paul Kartanowicz
Cheerleader: Laura Messina, Randy Miller
USATF Mini 2 AG: Mark Frankel, Jerry Velli
Couples in Competition: Amy & Sal Ulto
USATF Cross-Country AG: Charlie Slaughter
Comeback: Craig Van Doren
USATFNJ Team Grand Prix: M40-49 (3rd)
DON’T THROW THOSE “USED” RUNNING SHOES AWAY!
Just a reminder not to throw out those used running shoes, instead donate them to Perpetual Prosperity
Pumps Foundation (PPPF). PPPF will ship your old shoes to Ghana, West Africa to help farmers.
NO shipping necessary - just drop off your used running shoes at Fleet Feet Montclair.
Keeping Track
May 2012
Page 4
FINISH LINES
Watchung Winter Trail Races, Watchung Reservation January 21, 2012
16M: Ellen Kim ... 3:28:33
50K: Chris Jaworski ... 6:33:39
This was my first Watchung 50K finish. I had called my first two tries (2009, 2011) on account of snow and ice, after
putting in 24 and 22 miles, respectively. As luck would have it, January 7 of this year was freakishly springlike. The
course was an 11-mile loop. I ran its three laps in 1:55:58, 2:17:37, and 2:20:04. - Chris Jaworski
Hilton Head Half Marathon Hilton Head, SC February 11, 2012
Elizabeth Candela 1:38:46
The Caumsett Park 25K/50K Caumsett Park, NY March 4, 2012
Mike Skara 4:03:21 29th Place
I wasn't even aware of this race until the Sunday before when a friend from some ultras emailed me about it. Everything about it was perfect: a Sunday morn, not far away in Long Island, not expensive, and sponsored by USATF. I figured it would give me a good indicator how my training had progressed in 2012, I could get in a good long run, and I
could prepare for my real 50K race in May at which I hoped to PR.
Well, the best laid schemes... I ran my fastest 50K race ever by a ton. Not only is 4:03 more than 30 minutes faster
than my previous best 50K, I almost set a marathon PR with 6+ miles left in this event. I'm insanely happy with that
performance!
The various circumstances went right for me. Traffic was almost nil and I got there in plenty of time. The weather
was cool and overcast with little breeze. The 10-lap course had two hills, but they weren't insanely steep or overly
long. The rest was rolling, constantly up and down, and full of tangents to keep my mind occupied. The organization
was very good, as one would expect from a USATF event. There was plenty of the usual ultra fare at the main aid station and the far aid station at the top of the largest hill had fluids. The crowd was sparse, but one volunteer had a
huge voice and stayed enthused the whole time.
Here's the really crazy part: I didn't go out too fast. I ran with the friend from that email for the first two laps and
then let her go. After a short while I met up with someone running the same pace I was and we chatted for the next
several laps. With three laps left, I felt good so I picked it up. After a short while, I saw my friend again, so I decided to
try to catch her. She had topped me by one mile at the NC 24-hour run one year so I knew she was a good indicator of
strength. With exactly two laps to go I had caught her, so I dug for more. My last lap was easily my fastest and I had
nothing left after the sprint at the end, so I know I paced it right.
As I often say after my ultras, I encourage others to come out for these events. They're really fun and much lowerkey than high-tension marathons. For this one, you wouldn't have to go all the way to North Carolina on New Year's
Eve either. - Mike Skara
Sneaker Factory 10K, Millburn, NJ March 18, 2012
Elizabeth Candela 45:54
Apple Chase 5K/10K Pompton Plains, NJ March 25, 2012
5K
Randy Miller 19:37 (1st AG)
George Studzinski 29:08 (1st AG)
10K
Charlie Slaughter 40:41 (1st AG)
Daniel Smith 41:42
Frank Russo 43:18
Mark Frankel 45:20
Keeping Track
May 2012
Page 5
Apple Chase 5K/10K continued
My fitness has taken a bit of a hit due to health issues in the past four months, but I was very happy with the results. I
started out slowly and was able to push hard at the end. I lost a sprint duel with Pat Butcher by half a second, who I tried
to chase down at the end. I should've paid more attention to Dr Speed at the March meeting. - Mark Frankel
Ocean Drive Marathon Cape May, NJ March 25, 2012
Mick Close 3:49:07 (2nd AG)
I was very happy to make it down to Cape May on Sunday for the 14th annual Ocean Drive Marathon that follows a
one way course up the coast through Wildwood, Angelsea, Stone Harbor and Avalon to the finish in Sea Isle City.
There's also a 10 miler that starts together with the marathon and follows the same course but finishes on the boardwalk in North Wildwood.
It was fun seeing Sue Palermo and some of the other Fleet Feet winter warriors in the Congress Hall hotel before the
race and to run the first 4 miles with Don Manfria. It was also nice meeting Maggie Morin, sister in law of Chris Jaworski, who lives in Cape May and showed up with a large "Go Mick" sign.
The field was larger than I expected with more than 1,200 runners split between the two races and slightly more
finishers in the marathon (676) than the 10 miler (541). As advertised, the course was mostly flat except for the bridges
which pop up every few miles and are not too steep but do provide a bit of a challenge as the race progresses.
The weather is probably the biggest factor in this race, especially the wind, but after a forecast of rain for most of
the week, the conditions on race day turned out to be dry and overcast with temperatures in the low 50's. There was a
head wind most of the way, especially in the second half, but it didn't seem too strong and it could have been much
worse.
This was my 40th marathon and one of my most consistent as I managed to hang onto an 8:45 pace for the entire
race to finish in 3:49:07 (2nd AG) after passing the half in about 1:54:30.
Many thanks to the Fleet Feet group and all the winter warriors who helped keep me motivated through the winter
on those cold Sunday mornings and dark Thursday evening runs!
There are some photos on my Facebook page if you can get to them. Many thanks to Catherine for taking these and
for all her support! She had planned to run the 10 miler but was sick the last two weeks before the race.
The race is scheduled for Sunday, March 24 in 2013 if you're interested in running it. www.odmarathon.org
Urban Environmental Challenge Van Cortlandt Park, NY April 1, 2012
Tracy Keller, 67.06 minutes
Elsa Slater, 70:13 minutes
Scotland Run 10K Central Park, NY April 7, 2012
John Harvey 49:13
Perfect day for a loop around Central Park. This was a new PR for me and my most enjoyable run in NYC ever. Great
Scottish festivities and atmosphere.
Traprock 50K, Penwood State Park, Bloomfield, CT April 14, 2012
Chris Jaworski (3rd AG) … 6:49:07
A trail race right here in Bloomfield, the heart of ERC country? Sign me up! Oh? What? Bloomfield, Connecticut? Just
north of Hartford? Alrighty then. My day would involve about five hours of driving … and almost seven hours of running!
I had read favorable reviews of this race in its first two years and decided to give it a shot this time. Running its hilly
and technical single-track and double-track would be good training for a May race on similar terrain, and finishing it
would mean I’d be checking off the last of the three “ultra” trail races that take place in Connecticut. The other two are
the 26.4-mile NipMuck Marathon and the Bimbler’s Bluff 50K. One thing these races and my head have in common is
rocks.
According to Wikipedia, “traprock is a form of igneous rock that … tends to appear in orderly structures resembling
piles of blocks, … inspiring the term ‘trap,’ which comes from a Scandinavian word meaning ‘steps’ or ‘stairs.’ … Traprock is the primary constituent of many ridges and other rock outcrops in the Hudson River Valley, such as the Palisades, and *in+ southern New England.”
Keeping Track
May 2012
Page 6
The Traprock course, which used the Metacomet Trail, had a multitude of rocks. They came in all shapes and sizes
and degrees of jaggedness and “rollability.” They were packed together in some sections, and jutted up randomly elsewhere. In spots, the trail took an abrupt step down or up, over rock formations that looked how gibberish sounds.
Among the other notable sections were a tall, steep hillside of rocks called the Stairway to Heaven; a 1.5-mile stretch of
warped and broken asphalt; and areas carpeted with coarse, sharp-edged gravel.
Added to these rocky challenges were gnarly roots, don’t-dare-fall descents, and almost 7000 feet of up.
In the 50K race, which was scheduled to start at 8:30, runners went three times around a loop of “approximately
10.5-11 miles.” Runners in the accompanying 17K race were to head out an hour later and circle the course once.
Before the race, it was great catching up with ultrarunner friends Chip, Scott, and Cherie, and meeting Wayne
(Cherie’s beau) and Bastiaan (another New Jersey runner). A Brit told us he’d be running Boston two days later. Everyone was in good spirits!
At the relaxed prerace briefing, which stretched to 8:45, race directors Steve Nelson and Kevin Hutt welcomed us,
and told us that attendance had increased to 200 runners, from 50 in the first Traprock. They described the entire
course and added that it was so well marked that, if we got lost, we should just take up road running!
Finally, a moment of silence, and a tribute of music, for ultrarunner Micah True, a.k.a. Caballo Blanco, the White
Horse. True, race director for Mexico’s Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon, became an inspirational figure after being featured in the book Born to Run in 2009. He died in late March of this year, while running solo in Gila National Forest in
New Mexico. As I listened to strains of Vivaldi from a cello, I thought about True and his place in the ultra community …
and then of our friend Doug Williams, another runner who left us too soon, and his place in the Essex community. Each
of us runners, supported by a community, can find his or her place and can excel, and the community in turn is richer
for its members’ participation and accomplishments. How fortunate it is that running brings us together, and that our
lives become intertwined so.
I’ll try to run a good race for Doug.
Conditions were perfect. A chill on arrival but, within minutes, comfort in short sleeves. An occasional cool breeze
that would be welcome as the temperatures rose, from around 50 at the start to the upper 60s in the afternoon. Low
humidity, dropping from 50% to 20% during the race. No mud, a plus on a course like this. Clear skies, bright sunshine,
shade under the trees.
Aid stations were set up no more than 4 miles apart, so I decided to run with a 20-ounce bottle and refill along the
way. As each station was stocked with standard ultra fare, but no gels, I’d carry a few of those too, plus electrolyte capsules, and then replenish from my drop bag at the start/finish.
Lap 1. We were off! Some small number of yards on pavement—then up! Steeply up the trail! This hill was runnable,
but the crowding on its technical single-track meant most of us had to hike it. After reaching the top, the runner next to
me said hello. It was Jim. Hey! I’d met Jim at the prerace dinner for the Vermont 50 Mile in September. Now here we
were, comparing notes about that race, and talking about other things, while running the Metacomet. Soon, though, I
realized the pace was too fast and, letting Jim go, took it down a notch.
50K to go!
A bit later—I don’t recall if it was before or after scaling the Stairway to Heaven—I began feeling I was laboring too
much for so early on, and I questioned whether two more laps were doable. I let that thought go, and let the imperative
to scan the ground take over. I’d bashed my knee and scraped my arm in a hard fall at South Mountain Reservation a
week earlier and was wondering how the knee would hold up here. I did not want to fall and hit it again, either. Best be
ultra careful. I watched my step, and the next, and the next and, while doing that, forgot about being tired, about the
miles and hours ahead. There were other diversions, too … the scenic valley views from the top of the ridge … the smiles
and assistance from the volunteers at the mile 3 aid station … greeting other runners on the out-and-back lollipop loop at
the northernmost end of the course … more aid … precarious cliffside running … the mile 7 aid station … the long, gradual
uphill run on the paved road and then, after reaching its apex, the long run on the gradual downhill that followed … the
sharp right back onto the trail … the final 1.5 miles, retracing the first 1.5 miles … and then the careful, meticulous run
down the steep, technical single-track that started it all. After crossing the finish line to get my chip read and split recorded (2:00:15), I made a U-turn, hit the aid station for a refill and a slice of fruit, and headed back out to do it all over again.
Keeping Track
May 2012
Page 7
Up and at 'em!
Lap 2. During the middle lap, I went through some motivational swings. On the down side, I was starting to feel the
first 10-11 miles. My hike up the Stairway to Heaven was just a bit less jaunty this time! On the up side, I now had my
own mental map of the course—knew where to go, how long each section was, what to expect when, and, most important, which areas to look forward to for relief. Familiarity began pulling me along. That there was so much variety
packed into the course—something different was never too far ahead—was another motivator. I also perked up when I
saw Bastiaan … Wayne … Cherie … Scott … Chip … coming from the opposite direction on the lollipop loop. As this lap
went on, though … ow, ow, ow! Despite my efforts to pick my foot plants and to “glide” over rocks and gravel, I began
to feel every little point and edge through the bottoms of my shoes. After a while, the soles of my feet became swollen
and tender, and every now and again they’d start burning—a trail-running sensation I hadn’t experienced before.
Doubts about being able to do the third lap were bubbling up. I’d forgotten to leave a thicker soled pair of shoes in my
drop bag. Would another pair of socks help? This is what I was wondering while coming down off the trail and into the
finish line for the second time. This lap (2:21:22) had taken me 21 minutes longer than the first. No surprise there.
Lap 3. After making the U-turn, I grabbed my drop bag and sat down. I wasn’t sure about continuing, but I was taking
my shoes off, pulling a pair of socks on over the ones I was wearing, and lacing up again. I changed to a dry shirt, too. A
volunteer asked if I were going out for a third lap. A yes came out of someone’s mouth (mine, I think). I pinned my bib
on the new shirt, got up, and stopped at the aid station for a bottle refill and a slice of watermelon. As I turned to
leave, RD Steve encouraged me to “go tear up the trail.” I said I would, and with that began picking my way back up
that hill … running. However, I had one more good slowdown in me, and it would not be denied. I began tiring … may
as well have been going up the Down Escalator to Heaven this time around … and may have begun competing with another runner to see who could walk slower. Then something neat happened. A third runner came up from behind. She
was, um, running. I decided to hitch my wagon to hers, and pretty soon was reinvigorated. Farther on, children approached in twos and threes. Each said, “Great job,” and a couple of the boys gave us high-fives. These little cheerleaders had hiked the short distance from the “mile 3″ aid station. We were mighty impressed with them, and what a nice
pick-me-up they provided.
At the lollipop turnaround, with about 6 miles left and with my feet still suffering—the extra socks were not helping—I really began to find my legs. Energy had come out of nowhere, and I wanted to run with it. When I asked to pass,
the lead wagon said go for it, and I did. I was then running all the sections I had walked during lap 2, and was catching
sight of and passing one runner after another, probably a dozen all told. No one passed me, not even whoever was hot
on my heels coming down that last hill the final time. I kept my eyes glued to the trail until I bounced out onto the
pavement, and then sprinted alone to the finish. My lap 3 time was 2:27:30, which includes the minutes I’d spent adding socks and changing shirts. It strikes me as funny that, though my splits for the last two laps were nearly equal, I felt
so much better and faster on lap 3. Feelings can be deceiving, but oh what a great feeling that had been!
After crossing the line the final time, I kept going. I walked a few steps to a table to claim my finisher’s pint glass,
printed with Traprock’s logo, and slogan, Ridges, Rocks, Roots, and Running. Then I stepped over to the grill and the
tables laden with food and drink. I had a burger, drank a Pepsi for the caffeine for the drive home, chatted with fellow
finishers, and welcomed others in.
Sixty-nine runners started and finished the 17K race. Of the 115 runners who started the 50K, 27 (23%) did not finish.
Of the 88 who finished, I placed 48th. Too bad I didn’t win an award—some runners received a plaque with a chunk of
traprock on it.
Aside from having those foot issues, I thoroughly enjoyed the day and this well-organized, well-run event. Carpoolers
got the choice parking spots, close to the start/finish. (I was not one of those people, but I think the arrangement was a
good one.) The prerace briefing felt like a family gathering. The course was challenging, scenic, interesting, and very
well marked. The volunteers were helpful and cheerful and supportive. The aid stations kept me well fueled. RD Kevin’s
emceeing—his quips and fictional biographical factoids for incoming finishers—had me in stitches. And, finally, for a
$50 entry fee I received a small goody bag and a nice tech shirt. The race directors said that the money left after expenses will be donated to the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, which maintains the trails there.
Keeping Track
May 2012
Page 8
Cherry Blossom Run 10K Branch Brook Park, Newark, NJ April 15, 2012
Larry Czaplewski (3rd AG) ... 37:57
Catherine Smith (1st woman overall) ... 38:55
Michael Gorman ... 39:49
Mike Skara ... 41:04
Glenn Trimboli ... 41:04
Charlie Slaughter (2nd AG) ... 41:20
Amanda King (8th woman overall, 1st AG) ... 42:37
Dan Murphy ... 42:38
Mark Frankel ... 45:22
Gary Peters ... 46:04
Mick Close ... 46:35
Phil Coffin ... 47:19
Gerald Velli ... 49:15
Wayne Carlson ... 49:51
John Harvey ... 49:53
Hilary Fandel ... 49:54
Don Manfria ... 50:16
Bill Wilde ... 50:41
Tom Kelly (3rd AG) ... 51:08
Oriana Tejeda ... 52:24
Andi Robik ... 52:29
Susan Fasciano ... 53:14
Amber Andrews ... 53:14
Karen Patton ... 53:28
George Swiatek ... 54:43
Maria Imas ... 55:20
Martta Kelly ... 56:07
Joe Cozzi ... 58:37
Donna Catiolitti ... 1:00:19
George Studzinski (2nd AG) ... 1:00:54
Gina Imperatore ... 1:01:24
Robbin Jordan ... 1:03:23
Val Kenny ... 1:08:05
Dawn Cascio ... 1:11:11
Carol Ann Manfria ... 1:16:13
Joanne Barone ... 1:22:41
Essex was well represented at the Cherry Blossom Run in Branch Brook Park today with over 35 runners in a field of
almost 900. It was a spectacular day if rather warm with the sun shining and the blossoms in full bloom. Catherine
Smith led the way with her outstanding 1st place finish in the women's race followed by Amanda King in 8th (1st in her
age). Larry Czaplewski was our top finisher in 37:57 (3rd in his age) with Michael Gorman next in 39:49 after he finished
top master at the Building Tomorrow's 5K race in Brookdale Park yesterday. Others winning age group awards were
Charlie Slaughter (2nd), Tom Kelly (3rd) and George Studzinski (2nd). We also had Fleet Feet Essex teams in the USATFNJ Women's Masters Championship with our 40's team finishing 7th and our 50's team 9th. Congratulations to everyone who ran today and sorry to anyone I missed. Complete results are on CompuScore at http://
www.compuscore.com/cs2012/april cherry.htm. - Mick Close
Keeping Track
May 2012
Page 9
More Half Marathon Central Park, NY April 15, 2012
Aubrey D. Birzon Blanda 1:53:06
I ran the More Half Marathon while most of the Essex Warriors were at the Cherry Blossom. I ran about 30 seconds
better than I did the last time I ran it, about 4 years ago. The course was tougher than I'd remembered, especially that
second time up Harlem Hill! But overall, a great day for a race! - Aubrey Birzon Blanda
Boston Marathon, Boston, MA April 16, 2012
ERC was well represented today at Boston. Congrats to all our teams (unofficial results for Boston Teams):
Mens Master: 3rd Place
Mens Open: 13th Place
Fleet Feet Essex Racing (New Jersey) 8:42:24
Fleet Feet Essex Racing (New Jersey) 8:42:05
Elliott Frieder 2:43:56
Justin Scheid 2:39:36
Jonathan Frieder 2:50:05
William Washer 2:55:30
Harold E. Porcher 3:08:23
Paul Kartanowicz 3:06:59
Tom Eaton 3:18:55
Womans Master: 4th Place
Fleet Feet Essex Racing (New Jersey) 11:11:48
Karen Merz 3:32:38
Dorothy Auth 3:41:53
Jennifer Odell 3:57:17
Leatherman’s Loop Cross River, NY April 22, 2012
Randy Miller ... 50:16
Chris Jaworski ... 1:01:49
Desmond Duncker ... 1:11:19
Sharon Morrissey ... 1:14:18
Elsa Slater ... 1:14:19
Tracy Keller ... 1:14:25
Justine Krell ... 1:17:08
Recap by Elsa Slater
On Sunday, April 22, a group of ERCers headed up to Cross River for the Leatherman's Loop. The weather was a little
chilly as we waited for the race to start, but once we took off it was probably close to perfect conditions - around 50 or
slightly higher with cloud cover. Because of the recent drought, water crossings were fairly low and there was plenty of
mud, but apparently nowhere near the epic conditions that have graced the course in the past. Fellow Loop newbies
Tracy, Justine and I got some great tips from Rich Unis on the car ride up, and from Chris, Sharon and Randy as we waited for the race to begin, which really helped us to navigate some of the trickier aspects of the course.
Once we got through the meadow and into the woods the course narrows considerably. It can be hard trying to stay
together if you are running with someone else, and it took almost running into a small tree right smack in the middle of
the trail to remember to keep my eyes front! While I thought this course was challenging enough as it was, I can see
how some extra moisture, which thankfully came later in the day, could turn it into a completely different animal!
Speaking of animals, there were dogs galore, and we were able to say hi to Desmond as he ran by with one of his dogs!
After some ups and downs in the woods, we got to the first water crossing: about knee deep so not too bad. I quickly
learned newbie lesson number 2: to keep my hands to myself in the water crossings (sorry, Tracy!) so I wouldn't take
anyone with me if I fell! Afterwards, things flattened out a bit and we ran through some campgrounds where spectators had gathered to take pictures and cheer the runners on. Afterwards we came to water crossing #2, where after
seeing a couple of people stumble and almost submerge to the right, I remembered that Rich recommended we stay to
the left, which ended up just being about hip deep. Somewhere in there was the water stop, which marked the halfway
point. After running through the mud flats we hit "The Wall" which is described by race organizers as a 45 degree quarry hill that keeps going up and up. Kudos to the bagpiper -- the music definitely helps to get you up that hill!
Keeping Track
May 2012
Page 10
Some more ups and downs in a particularly beautiful section of this scenic course - tons of really tall pines - to me
seemed almost like being in California among the giant trees. And - a sighting of the Leatherman himself - a life size
picture of him right on the edge of the trail. Shortly after this section I ran into Sharon, and then saw Randy who had
already finished the race and had come back to cheer us on, and then Rich who took some great shots of us at the last
knee deep water crossing towards the end of the course.
I can see why this race has such a devoted following. The course is beautiful and a warm relaxed vibe permeated the
opening remarks and blessing before the race began. I will definitely be putting my name in again for next year's lottery. Special thanks to Rich for all the great advice and the great pictures, and especially his help in getting me to the
race ("Happy Birthday!",) and thanks to fellow runners Tracy, Justine, Chris, Sharon, Randy and Desmond for
their camaraderie and support that day!
Recap by Tracy Keller
I couldn't have said it better myself. Great recap! It's amazing how much tougher I feel now than I did on Sunday
morning. --I'm hoping for more mud and higher water next year, even though IÂ *may have been* secretly praying for
the heavy rains to start earlier on Sunday, so I could have used that as an excuse to get out of this crazy race that is
rather intimidating on the front end.
Best advice I got from Rich: Don't run too close to the person in front of you.--The first few miles we were deep in a
solid, single track stream of runners, and when your pushing the person in front of you there isn't much time to react
once you see them hurdle a log or dash over a pile of rocks. Stay on your toes, folks!
Recap by Justine Krell
The weather ended up being perfect for it - a little chilly in the beginning, but once moving, I warmed up. Running in
the woods was a lot of fun - especially since I enjoy the challenge of dodging the rocks and menacing tree roots, twisting through narrow paths, vying for room amongst runners and dogs. Much of the time, the path was only wide enough
for two or three runners wide, so unless you were one of the fastest runners, your speed was held in check by the single-file bottlenecks. The up hills were challenging, but not as difficult as I had expected from the tales told by previous
Loop runners. I think the dry weather was a double-edged sword - the water crossings were not as challenging as
hyped to be, but yet, a lot of the challenge potential (mud and high waters) was missing. Nonetheless, I kept a decent
pace (not my best, my hamstring is still tight) and I look forward to running this again ! the advice to look in front of
you, not at your feet was definitely the best advice, as well as WALK up the hills ! I saved my energy and made up time
on the downhills!
Keeping Track
May 2012
Page 11
Race Calendar for May – July 2012
(ERC club/team races are in bold print. Some dates/times are tentative, always confirm. NBGP = USATF-NJ New Balance Grand Prix.)
May
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/6
5/6
5/6
5/6
5/6
5/6
5/6
5/6
5/6
5/6
5/12
5/12
5/12
5/12
5/13
5/13
5/13
5/13
5/19
5/19
5/19
5/19
5/20
5/20
5/20
5/20
5/23
5/24
5/26
5/28
5/31
Sat
Sat
Sat
Sat
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sat
Sat
Sat
Sat
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sat
Sat
Sat
Sat
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sun
Wed
Thu
Sat
Mon
Thu
5:00am
9:00am
9:00am
10:00am
6:50am
8:00am
8:00am
8:00am
9:00am
9:00am
9:00am
9:00am
10:00am
1:00pm
8:00am
8:30am
9:30am
9:30am
8:00am
8:45am
9:00am
10:00am
7:00am
8:00am
9:00am
9:30am
8:30am
9:30am
9:30am
10:00am
6:30pm
7:00pm
8:30am
8:45am
6:45pm
North Face Endurance Challenge (Bear Mountain)
Cinco De Mayo 5K (Olde Lafayette Village)
Revlon Run/Walk for Women (New York)
Easter Seals 5K Run (Met Life Stadium)
Long Branch Half Marathon (Oceanport/Long Branch)
New Jersey Marathon (Oceanport / Long Branch)
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure (West Orange)
North Face Endurance Challenge (Bear Mountain)
Nutley Chamber of Commerce 5K
Waldwick 5K
Strive for Five (Bridgewater Commons)
Escape to the Palisades (Fort Lee)
Madison High Five
Our House 5-Miler (Summit)
Healthy Kidney 10K (Central Park)
Newport 10,000 (Jersey City)
Shepherds Lake 5K (Ringwood)
Spring Stampede 5K (Chester)
Japan Run (Central Park)
Rubin Mother’s Day Run (Tenafly)
Mother’s Day 5K (Berkeley Heights)
HOHA Classic (Hoboken)
Brooklyn Half Marathon
Girls on the Run 5K & Lake Mohawk Run (Sparta)
West Essex Foundation for Education 5K (N. Caldwell)
PAN Classic (Giralda Farms, Madison)
Superhero Half Marathon (Morristown)
Westfield Recreation 5K Run
Run for Rachel (Livingston)
Run the Palisades (Cliffside Park / Fort Lee)
Pfizer Run for Pride 5K (Giralda Farms, Madison)
Legal Runaround 5K (Somerville)
Spring Lake Five
Ridgewood Run
Wall Street Run (New York)
26.2M, 50K, 50M
5K
5K
5K
13.1M
26.2M
5K
5K, 10K, 13.1M
5K
5K
5K
5K, 13.1M
5K
5M
10K
10K
5K
5K
4M
5K, 10K
5K
5M
13.1M
5K, 8.2M
5K
5K, 10K
13.1M
5K
5K
5K
5K
5K
5M
5K, 10K
5K
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 700pts (5M)
NBGP: 700pts (10K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K, 10K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K, 10K)
NBGP: 500pts (13.1M)
NBGP: 700pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K, 10K)
June
6/2
6/2
6/2
6/2
6/2
6/2
6/3
6/3
6/3
6/3
6/3
6/9
6/9
6/9
6/9
6/10
6/10
6/10
6/10
6/11
Sat 9:00am Hillsborough Hop
Sat 9:00am Run for Life (Parsippany)
Sat 9:30am Run for the Roses (Roseland)
Sat 9:30am Wayne AM Rotary 5K Run
Sat 10:00am Lyndhurst Merchants 5K Run
Sat 9:30am Lakeview 5K (Edison)
Sun 8:30am Montclair Run
Sun 9:00am Tenafly 5K
Sun 9:00am Matt Fenton Memorial 5K Run (Little Ferry)
Sun 8:00am Celebrate Israel Run (Central Park, NYC)
Sun 5:00pm Pleasant Valley Twilight Challenge (Basking Ridge)
Sat 8:00am New York Women’s Mini 10K (Central Park, NYC)
Sat 8:30am Florham Park Jaycees 5K
Sat 8:30am Valerie Fund 5K (Verona Park)
Sat 9:00am Chatham Fishawack Run
Sun 8:00am Run for Marge (Pequannock)
Sun 8:30am Woodcliff Lake Run for Education
Sun 9:00am Portugal Day Run (Ironbound, Newark)
Sun 10:00am Share NJ 5K (New Providence)
Mon 7:00pm Roxbury Community 5K
5K
5K
5K
5K
5K
5K
2M, 10K
5K
5K
4M
5K
10K
5K
5K
4M
5K
5K, 10K
5K
5K
5K
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K, 10K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
Race Calendar for May – July 2012
(ERC club/team races are in bold print. Some dates/times are tentative, always confirm. NBGP = USATF-NJ New Balance Grand Prix.)
6/16
6/16
6/17
6/17
6/17
6/17
6/18
6/22
6/23
6/23
6/23
6/24
6/24
6/25
6/28
6/30
Sat
Sat
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sun
Mon
Fri
Sat
Sat
Sat
Sun
Sun
Mon
Thu
Sat
8:30am
8:30am
8:00am
8:30am
9:00am
10:00am
8:00pm
6:30pm
8:30am
9:00am
9:00am
9:00am
6:15pm
7:30pm
7:30pm
8:00am
Summer Sunrise 5K (Colonial Park, Somerset)
George Sheehan Classic (Red Bank)
Portugal Day (Central Park, NYC)
Rebuilding Together 5K (Saddle River Park, Paramus)
Run for Dad (West Windsor)
5K Mud Run (Watchung Reservation)
President’s Cup Night Race (Millburn)
Summer Solstice Trail Run (Kittatinny Valley State Park)
Race for Freedom (Somerville)
Patriot’s Race (Mendham)
Lesbian & Gay Pride Run (Central Park)
Hope & Possibility Run (Central Park)
Fitzgeralds 1928 Lager Run (Glen Ridge)
Battle of the Business Run (Florham Park)
Sunset Classic (Bloomfield)
Montville Include Me 5K
5K
5K
5M
5K
5K
5K
5K
5M
5K
5K, 8K
5M
5M
5K
5K
5M
5K
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
Tue
Wed
Wed
Sat
Tue
Wed
Thu
Thu
Sat
Sat
Sun
Tue
Thu
Sat
Sat
Sat
Sun
Wed
Sat
Sun
Tue
7:00pm
9:00am
9:30am
10:00am
7:00pm
7:00pm
7:15pm
7:30pm
8:00am
8:30am
9:30am
7:00pm
7:30pm
8:30am
8:30am
9:00am
9:00am
7:00pm
7:00am
9:00am
7:00pm
Morris County Striders Summer XC Series #1 (Boonton)
Maplewood 4th of July 5K
Firecracker 4 Miler (Cranford)
Rockaway Rotary 5K
Party with Purpose 5K (Hoboken)
Woodridge Run for Pizza
Lawyers for Kids 5K (Morris Township)
Smoke Rise Challenge (Kinnelon)
Run for Central Park
Belmar 5 Miler
Amber Pizzo Memorial Run (Berkeley Heights)
Morris County Striders Summer XC Series #2 (Boonton)
Verizon Wireless Corporate Classic 5K (Morristown)
Teterboro Airport 5K
Packanack Day 5K (Wayne)
Boomer’s Cystic Fibrosis Run to Breathe (Central Park)
Inter Club Challenge (Brookdale Park)
Downtown Westfield 5K
NYC Marathon Long Training Run #1 (Central Park)
JFK Miles for Minds 5K (Edison)
Morris County Striders Summer XC Series #2 (Boonton)
5K
5K
4M
5K
5K
4M
5K
4M
4M
5M
5K
5K
5K
5K
5K
10K
3.3M
5K
20M
5K
5K
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K, 8K)
NBGP: 700pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5M)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
July
7/3
7/4
7/4
7/7
7/10
7/11
7/12
7/12
7/14
7/14
7/15
7/17
7/19
7/21
7/21
7/21
7/22
7/25
7/28
7/29
7/31
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (4M)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
NBGP: 500pts (5K)
Check the following web sites for more information, race applications and online registration: Active.com (www.active.com/running),
Best Racing Systems (www.bestrace.com), CompuScore (www.compuscore.com), Elite Racing Systems (www.eliteracingsystems.com),
New Jersey Trail Series (www.njtrailseries.com), New York Road Runners (www.nyrr.org), On Your Mark Productions (www.oymp.net),
PracticeHard.com (www.practicehard.com), Race Forum (www.raceforum.com), USATF-NJ (www.usatfnj.org)
Chris Jaworski has compiled a comprehensive list of trail races and ultra marathons in and around New Jersey.
Please check out www.essexrunning.com/trails.
Mick completing the
Ocean Drive Marathon 3/25
* * * * * * * Cherry Blossom 10K April 15th * * * * * * *
Awards Ceremony April 3rd winners:
Runner of the Year: Harold Poucher - T&F & Youth awardees Fred King & Ashby Sundown
The ERC team after completing the
Boston Marathon April 19th
Annual Trail Cleanup April 21st
Leatherman’s Loop April 22nd – West Pond Ridge Reservation, NY
To submit photos Please e-mail high-resolution photographs (jpg) including captions
identifying names, date, and location to Desmond at [email protected].